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1 – 10 of 87
Article
Publication date: 21 June 2021

Huizhong Zhang, Yu Zuo, Pengfei Ju, Jian Zhang, Xuhui Zhao, Yuming Tang and Xiaofeng Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to study the variations of composition and properties of the passive film on 316 L stainless steel surface in 80°C, 0.5 mol L-1 H2SO4 + 2 mg L-1 NaF…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the variations of composition and properties of the passive film on 316 L stainless steel surface in 80°C, 0.5 mol L-1 H2SO4 + 2 mg L-1 NaF solution, is helpful to understand the mechanisms of corrosion resistancethe of plated Pd on 316 L ss.

Design/methodology/approach

The variations of composition and properties of the passive film on 316 L stainless steel surface in 80°C, 0.5 mol L-1 H2SO4 + 2 mg L-1 NaF solution after connected to Pd electrode were studied with methods of potential monitor, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) measurement.

Findings

By connecting to a Pd electrode, the potential of the SS sample increased from the active region to the passive region. By connecting to the Pd electrode, the contents of Cr, Cr(OH)3 and Fe3O4 in passive film increased obviously. With increased Pd/SS area ratio, the Cr(OH)3 content in passive film increased but the Fe3O4 content changed little. The results show that after connecting to Pd the corrosion resistance of the passive film on 316 L stainless steel increases obviously, which may be attributed to the more compact passive film because of higher Cr, Cr(OH)3 and Fe3O4 contents and less point defects in the film.

Originality/value

The effects and mechanism of Pd on passivation of SS was studied.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 68 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2020

Thandiwe Bongani Radebe, Zhongjie Huan and Jeffrey Baloyi

South Africa is the highest consumer of commercial energy per capita in Africa, ranking 16th in the world for primary energy consumption. It is also ranked among the bottom 50 of…

Abstract

Purpose

South Africa is the highest consumer of commercial energy per capita in Africa, ranking 16th in the world for primary energy consumption. It is also ranked among the bottom 50 of the 150 countries regarding energy efficiency. The cold chain is a large contributor through refrigerated transport vehicles. To comply with the changing climate regulations, cryogenic and eutectic systems are systems with great potential for small distance refrigerated transport. The purpose of this paper is to introduce eutectic system to medium distance refrigerated transport.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents the potential use of Eutectic plates inside a medium refrigerated transport vehicle, by numerically investigating the characteristics of phase change material eutectic plates applied at low-temperature ranges. A physical model and a mathematical model for three-dimensional transient natural flow were developed as proposed by Xiaofeng and Zhang. Using the governing equation of mass, momentum and energy conservation, three Eutectic plate configurations were modeled and simulated in ANSYS Fluent for 5 h.

Findings

A uniform heat transfer and airflow condition inside a refrigerated compartment were predicted using the Reynolds stress model. The configuration with eutectic plates placed at the top and side showed great potential for the system functioning in the South African climate.

Research limitations/implications

Medium refrigerated transport vehicle.

Originality/value

This configuration had a high-temperature distribution across the compartment and promoted high air circulations, showing that it could be ideal for medium refrigerated transport vehicles delivering perishable foodstuffs or non-food goods.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2016

Xianglong Kong, Wenqi Wu, Lilian Zhang, Xiaofeng He and Yujie Wang

This paper aims to present a method for improving the performance of the visual-inertial navigation system (VINS) by using a bio-inspired polarized light compass.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a method for improving the performance of the visual-inertial navigation system (VINS) by using a bio-inspired polarized light compass.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurement model of each sensor module is derived, and a robust stochastic cloning extended Kalman filter (RSC-EKF) is implemented for data fusion. This fusion framework can not only handle multiple relative and absolute measurements, but can also deal with outliers, sensor outages of each measurement module.

Findings

The paper tests the approach on data sets acquired by a land vehicle moving in different environments and compares its performance against other methods. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for reducing the error growth of the VINS in the long run.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper lies in the design/implementation of the RSC-EKF for incorporating the homemade polarized light compass into visual-inertial navigation pipeline. The real-world tests in different environments demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 43 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2010

Yanhui Lai, Xiaofeng Zhang and Lizhong Song

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the shortcoming that discrete variable structure control (VSC) system trajectory oscillates in a neighborhood of the origin.

178

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the shortcoming that discrete variable structure control (VSC) system trajectory oscillates in a neighborhood of the origin.

Design/methodology/approach

Among all the proposed reaching laws, W. Gao's theory is most perfect. It makes great progress in revealing the motion mechanism of discrete‐time VSC systems. However, it has an obvious defect, i.e. the system trajectory oscillates in a neighborhood of the origin rather than converges to the origin. So, a new reaching law named variable rate reaching law to which the stability at the origin can be expected is proposed. The special feature of this new reaching law is that it is directly proportional to the norm of the state vector and can result in a sector‐shaped switching region. On the basis of analyzing the characteristic of the variable rate and the conventional reaching laws, a new combined control algorithm that discards the shortcomings of the two reaching laws and carries on their merits is formed, so satisfactory control performance can be achieved.

Findings

A new combined reaching law control algorithm, which uses the exponential rate reaching law in the reaching mode and in the front phase of the sliding mode, and uses the variable rate reaching law in the back phase of the sliding mode and in the steady‐state mode, is formed.

Practical implications

The paper is a very useful reference for control system designers.

Originality/value

The new control strategy is applied to the controller design for a brushless DC servomotor and good control performance is obtained.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 February 2014

Xiaofeng Zhang, Shuangying Wei and Zhenhua Gao

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of multi-hydroxymethylated phenol (MHMP) on the properties of moisture-curing polyurethane (PU) resin, especially on the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of multi-hydroxymethylated phenol (MHMP) on the properties of moisture-curing polyurethane (PU) resin, especially on the heat resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The MHMPs with various active sites from 2.52 to 3.91 were synthesised and used as a modifier. The bond test (according to the JIS K6806-2003 standard) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used, respectively, to characterise the bond durability and heat resistance of MHMP-modified PU resin.

Findings

The MHMP with various F/P mole ratios had great effects on the properties of resultant PU resins. The increase of active sites of MHMP can improve the water resistance of resin due to the more cross-linking densities, while the decrease of active sites of MHMP can improve heat resistance of resin because more stable benzene ring introduced into the PU backbone.

Research limitations/implications

In cases where heat resistance of the PU resin is of primary concern, the use of MHMP with fewer active sites or a lower F/P ratio is recommended. In other cases where bond durability is focussed, the modifier MHMP shall be synthesised with higher F/P ratio.

Practical implications

MHMP as a modifier can be used to improve the heat resistance of PU resin.

Originality/value

The MHMPs with various hydroxymethyl groups were synthesised and used as modifier of moisture-curing PU resins to improve their heat resistance.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 43 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2013

Meiling Zhuang and Xiaofeng Zhang

In the trend of individuation and customization, more rapid and flexible clothing pattern production systems are required. Many studies about the system have been done into…

Abstract

Purpose

In the trend of individuation and customization, more rapid and flexible clothing pattern production systems are required. Many studies about the system have been done into producing paper pattern automatically for sewing. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel three‐dimensional intelligent pattern‐making algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

Body features are referenced for crack designing, the concept of functional dividing is proposed on the triangled upper body surface based on Gauss Curvature. A new surface flattening algorithm based on body features (SFABF) is put forward. Robert Hooke Law and Young's modulus are referenced for energy model (EMRY) setting up to define and calculate the edge length variation of triangle. Basing on EMRY, another optimizing surface flattening algorithm (OSFA) is designed to optimize SFABF so as to minimize the accumulated energy.

Findings

Shape variation accumulation of flattened pattern can be reduced a lot when the cracks are distributed along functional dividing lines. The points with the largest Gauss Curvature as Bust Point have played a great role in shape variation reduction. Because of textiles' flexibility shape variation need not be reduced to zero. Comparing with the related methods this research is more practical.

Originality/value

To this study, SFABF and OSFA are novel methods to improve practicality. The proposed concept of functional dividing is value to the shape variation reduction from surface flattening.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2021

M. Balasubramanian and S. Madhu

The purpose of this study is to bring out the machining characteristics of abrasive jet machining on carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites utilized in aerospace and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to bring out the machining characteristics of abrasive jet machining on carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites utilized in aerospace and biomedical applications. Biocompatibility materials such as carbon fibres and polyether thermoplastics, like polyether ether ketone (PEEK) are widely used in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Due to the heterogeneity, layered construction of reinforcing phase bonds with a resin matrix and abrasiveness of the reinforcing fibre, traditional drilling of carbon fibre-reinforced composites (CFRPs) are always challenging task.

Design/methodology/approach

An investigation is carried out using abrasive jet machine for drilling PEEK filled with 30 Wt.% carbon fibre (CF 30) using threaded and unthreaded nozzle to study the effect of abrasive jet process variables on surface roughness (Ra) and delamination factor (DF). Pressure (P) and stand-off distance (SOD) as important technological abrasive jet factors were evaluated. It is found that higher abrasive jet pressure and minimum SOD maybe selected to achieve minimum delamination.

Findings

The study further reported that the threaded nozzle minimized the surface roughness by 43% and delamination factor up to 12%.

Originality/value

This study of experimenting and observing the machining characteristics of CF30 by using a threaded nozzle is being tried for the first time and the results are deliberated.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2017

Qiao Sun, Shengxiu Zhang, Lijia Cao, Xiaofeng Li and Naixin Qi

The purpose of this paper is to improve the robustness of the traditional Bhattacharyya metric for the effect of histogram quantization in the histogram-based visual tracking…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the robustness of the traditional Bhattacharyya metric for the effect of histogram quantization in the histogram-based visual tracking. However, the traditional Bhattacharyya metric neglects the correlation of crossing-bin and is not robust for the effect of histogram quantization.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors propose a visual tracking method via crossing-bin histogram Bhattacharyya similarity in the particle filter.

Findings

A crossing-bin matrix is introduced into the traditional Bhattacharyya similarity for measuring the reference histogram and the candidate histogram, and the basic tasks of measure such as maximum similarity of self and the triangle inequality are proven. The authors use the proposed measure in the particle filter visual tracking framework and address a model update strategy based on the crossing-bin histogram Bhattacharyya similarity to improve the robustness of visual tracking.

Originality/value

In the experiments using the famous challenging benchmark sequences, precision of the proposed method increases by 12.8 per cent comparing the traditional Bhattacharyya similarity and the cost time decreases by 38 times comparing the incremental Bhattacharyya similarity. The experimental results show that the proposed method can track the object robustly and rapidly under illumination change and occlusion.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2022

Jiawen Chen and Linlin Liu

Although the facilitating role of green customer integration in business-to-business (B2B) markets has been highlighted in some green product innovation literature, analysis of…

Abstract

Purpose

Although the facilitating role of green customer integration in business-to-business (B2B) markets has been highlighted in some green product innovation literature, analysis of the difficulties it can pose is still an underdeveloped field. This paper extends the conflict-based view and examines the effect of green customer integration on customer–firm conflicts and thereby investigates the influence of conflict on green product innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a questionnaire survey. Ordinary Least Square regression and structural equation model with Maximum Likelihood Estimation are applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that green customer information integration is positively related to cognitive conflict, whereas green customer process integration has an inverted U-shaped relationship with cognitive conflict and a positive relationship with affective conflict. Moreover, green product innovation is promoted by cognitive conflict and is damaged by affective conflict.

Originality/value

This study highlights the conflict-related factors that play a role in firm–customer collaboration for green product innovation in B2B markets. It also reveals the potential dark side of green customer integration by explicitly delineating its effects on conflicts.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 March 2023

Qiang Zhang, Xiaofeng Li, Yundong Ma and Wenquan Li

In this paper, the C80 special coal gondola car was taken as the subject, and the load test data of the car body at the center plate, side bearing and coupler measured on the…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the C80 special coal gondola car was taken as the subject, and the load test data of the car body at the center plate, side bearing and coupler measured on the dedicated line were broken down to generate the random load component spectrums of the car body under five working conditions, namely expansion, bouncing, rolling, torsion and pitching according to the typical motion attitude of the car body.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of processing the measured load data, the random load component spectrums were equivalently converted into sinusoidal load component spectrums for bench test based on the principle of pseudo-damage equivalence of load. Relying on the fatigue and vibration test bench of the whole railway wagon, by taking each sinusoidal load component spectrum as the simulation target, the time waveform replication (TWR) iteration technology was adopted to create the drive signal of each loading actuator required for the fatigue test of car body on the bench, and the drive signal was corrected based on the equivalence principle of measured stress fatigue damage to obtain the fatigue test loads of car body under various typical working conditions.

Findings

The fatigue test results on the test bench were substantially close to the measured test results on the line. According to the results, the relative error between the fatigue damage of the car body on the test bench and the measured damage on the line was within the range of −16.03%–27.14%.

Originality/value

The bench test results basically reproduced the fatigue damage of the key parts of the car body on the line.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

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