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Article
Publication date: 3 February 2023

Arad Azizi, Fatemeh Hejripour, Jacob A. Goodman, Piyush A. Kulkarni, Xiaobo Chen, Guangwen Zhou and Scott N. Schiffres

AlSi10Mg alloy is commonly used in laser powder bed fusion due to its printability, relatively high thermal conductivity, low density and good mechanical properties. However, the…

Abstract

Purpose

AlSi10Mg alloy is commonly used in laser powder bed fusion due to its printability, relatively high thermal conductivity, low density and good mechanical properties. However, the thermal conductivity of as-built materials as a function of processing (energy density, laser power, laser scanning speed, support structure) and build orientation, are not well explored in the literature. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between processing, microstructure, and thermal conductivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal conductivity of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) AlSi10Mg samples are investigated by the flash diffusivity and frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) techniques. Thermal conductivities are linked to the microstructure of L-PBF AlSi10Mg, which changes with processing conditions. The through-plane exceeded the in-plane thermal conductivity for all energy densities. A co-located thermal conductivity map by frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) and crystallographic grain orientation map by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) was used to investigate the effect of microstructure on thermal conductivity.

Findings

The highest through-plane thermal conductivity (136 ± 2 W/m-K) was achieved at 59 J/mm3 and exceeded the values reported previously. The in-plane thermal conductivity peaked at 117 ± 2 W/m-K at 50 J/mm3. The trend of thermal conductivity reducing with energy density at similar porosity was primarily due to the reduced grain size producing more Al-Si interfaces that pose thermal resistance. At these interfaces, thermal energy must convert from electrons in the aluminum to phonons in the silicon. The co-located thermal conductivity and crystallographic grain orientation maps confirmed that larger colonies of columnar grains have higher thermal conductivity compared to smaller columnar grains.

Practical implications

The thermal properties of AlSi10Mg are crucial to heat transfer applications including additively manufactured heatsinks, cold plates, vapor chambers, heat pipes, enclosures and heat exchangers. Additionally, thermal-based nondestructive testing methods require these properties for applications such as defect detection and simulation of L-PBF processes. Industrial standards for L-PBF processes and components can use the data for thermal applications.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to make coupled thermal conductivity maps that were matched to microstructure for L-PBF AlSi10Mg aluminum alloy. This was achieved by a unique in-house thermal conductivity mapping setup and relating the data to local SEM EBSD maps. This provides the first conclusive proof that larger grain sizes can achieve higher thermal conductivity for this processing method and material system. This study also shows that control of the solidification can result in higher thermal conductivity. It was also the first to find that the build substrate (with or without support) has a large effect on thermal conductivity.

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2021

Ming-Lang Tseng, Thi Phuong Thuy Tran, Kuo-Jui Wu, Bing Xue and Xiaobo Chen

This study establishes a set of seafood processing circular supply chain capabilities (CSCCs) in Vietnam using qualitative data analytics. This study specifies the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study establishes a set of seafood processing circular supply chain capabilities (CSCCs) in Vietnam using qualitative data analytics. This study specifies the interrelationships and hierarchical structure comprising six aspects and 24 criteria for the seafood processing circular supply chain in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Fuzzy Delphi method is used to confirm the validity. Fuzzy set theory is used to deal with the complexity and uncertainties from the qualitative information. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method is used to examine the interrelationships among attributes. The analytical network process segregates (or displays) the capabilities in a hierarchical structure.

Findings

The results show that management control and technological capability dominate in circular design, circular sourcing, circular production and resource recovery. In practices, the strategic planning, action planning, information technology and technological facilities are important to seafood processing industry.

Originality/value

The CSCCs are pivotal in establishing a concrete foundation for the execution of circular supply chain management, with the aim of optimizing resource utilization and eliminating waste; however, prior studies have lacked a focus on the capability associated interrelationships and hierarchical structure in qualitative data analytics.

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2020

Xiaobo Chen, Yanfeng Ding, Clark A. Cory, Yingwen Hu, Kuo-Jui Wu and Xiaoyi Feng

The purpose of this paper is to propose a subcontractor selection model to fully consider the impact of construction enterprise demands on subcontractor selection. The objectives…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a subcontractor selection model to fully consider the impact of construction enterprise demands on subcontractor selection. The objectives are to understand the translating process of specific enterprise demands to the evaluating criteria and the weight calculation process.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage model of subcontractor selection was designed based on quality function deployment (QFD), analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and improved grey correlation analysis (IGCA). In the proposed model, specific enterprise demands are translated by the QFD method, and the weights of the criteria are determined by the IGCA. The AHP is used to quantify the exporters' experience and construct the judgment matrix, which is used as inputting of the grey correlation analysis.

Findings

The proposed model provides a feasible process for subcontractor selection by fully considering the actual requirements of the project. By combining the company requirements and project requirement to put forward the requirements of the target subcontractor, the selection process ensures that the selected subcontractor and the project have a higher “fit”

Originality/value

Few researches on construction subcontractor selection have taken into account the “voice” of the company's stakeholders. Therefore, this paper designs a three-stage construction subcontractor selection model by introducing QFD to achieve the transmission of “voice” in the subcontractor selection process, so as to take full consideration of the project objectives and the needs of the company's stakeholders. Meanwhile, in order to decrease the subjective of weight calculation, this paper designs an AHP-IGCA allocation method to determine the weight of relevant indicators. By integrating the proposed weight calculation method and QFD method, the subcontractor selection results become more reasonable and objective.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 4 September 2009

Liqiang Zhang, Xiaobo Zhou, Guihai Chen and Christian Poellabauer

442

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2011

Jin Sun, Juntong Xi, Xiaobo Chen and Yaoyang Xiong

The purpose of this paper is to describe a computer‐aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system for fabricating facial prostheses.

1121

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a computer‐aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system for fabricating facial prostheses.

Design/methodology/approach

The CAD/CAM system can be used for fabricating custom‐made facial prostheses with symmetrical or asymmetrical features. This system integrates non‐contact structured light scanning, reverse engineering and rapid prototyping manufacturing technology. Fringe projection based on the combination of the phase‐shift and grey‐code methods is used for data collection. A robust approach is proposed to calculate the mid‐plane of the human face without any knowledge of the centroid position or the principal axis in data processing.

Findings

Results show that the proposed method increases the fabrication accuracy and reduces the operating time. Patients were satisfied with the rehabilitation results as the custom‐made facial prostheses fitted them well.

Practical implications

This study improves the fabrication accuracy of facial prostheses. Three‐dimensional data of the facial surface of a patient needing a facial prosthesis were obtained with almost no harm to his body; after a series of robust processes, a precise and suitable aesthetic facial prosthesis was fabricated.

Originality/value

This system has bright prospects for clinical application because of its advantages over other methods in terms of speed, accuracy, safety, cost, etc.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2013

Jin Sun, Yaoyang Xiong, Xiaobo Chen and Juntong Xi

The purpose of this paper is to propose an imperfect symmetry transform framework for orbital prosthesis modelling.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an imperfect symmetry transform framework for orbital prosthesis modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

Current models of patients with orbital defects have imperfect symmetries. Commonly used methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA) or iterative closest points algorithm (ICP), do not detect perfect symmetries and therefore produce poor results. The authors propose an improved ICP algorithm based on the M‐estimator, which can remove outliers from the optimization and detect incorrect symmetry. Using this algorithm, the mid‐facial plane of a patient's facial model can be precisely obtained despite perturbation of the facial shape due to the defect.

Findings

The results showed that the orbital prosthesis fitted well to the patient's appearance. Clinical applications confirmed that this framework is attractive and has the potential for use in creating desired orbital prostheses or other bilateral maxillofacial prostheses in daily clinical practice.

Practical implications

The method described in this report will improve the fabrication accuracy of orbital prostheses or other bilateral maxillofacial prostheses.

Originality/value

This imperfect symmetry transform framework has great potential for use in clinical applications because of its advantages over other existing methods in terms of accuracy.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2012

Jin Sun, Xiaobo Chen, Xiaoyong Lu and Juntong Xi

The purpose of this paper is to describe a processing system for 3D dress geometry modelling and texture mapping.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a processing system for 3D dress geometry modelling and texture mapping.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the range image and its corresponding texture from one direction could be acquired by areal 3D scanner simultaneously, the texture can be integrated into the range image exactly. In the geometry modelling stage, the graph‐based algorithm is used for multi‐view registration. In order to enhance its robustness, a method for judging bad pairwise registration is proposed based on the computation of two views' overlapping percentage. In order to enrich its completeness, combined the graph analysis with the metaview method is used to deal with the measurement data for local details. In the texture mapping stage, based on grid search structure, the method of solving the Poisson equation for the colour field that best fits the colour gradients can produce a seamlessly textured surface quickly.

Findings

Results show that the processing system can provide a 3D textured dress geometry model with no seams and low distortion successfully.

Practical implications

The processing system can provide an accurate 3D dress geometry model, which can be used to modify the further design or virtual try.

Originality/value

A 3D dress geometry model with no seams and low distortion provides the fashion designer with not only the visual effects, but also accurate data used for design modification.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 24 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2013

Jin Sun, Xiaobo Chen, Haihong Liao and Juntong Xi

The purpose of this paper is to propose a template‐based framework for nasal prosthesis fabrication using a 3D areal scanner and a CT scanner.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a template‐based framework for nasal prosthesis fabrication using a 3D areal scanner and a CT scanner.

Design/methodology/approach

Use of a self‐designed 3D areal scanner enables acquisition of accurate data describing the patient's face. Patients with nasal defects have no organization for reference, but the template‐based model construction method can ensure successful building of the outer surface of the nasal prosthesis. Since the areal scanner has some difficulties acquiring data for concave areas, preoperative CT data are used to provide concave information, enabling construction of the inner surface for the nasal prosthesis. The combined inner and outer surfaces are used to generate the completed nasal prosthesis.

Findings

The results showed that the nasal prosthesis fits the patient's appearance well. Clinical applications confirmed that this framework is attractive and has the potential desired nasal prosthesis in daily clinical practice.

Practical implications

The results of this study improve the fabrication accuracy of nasal prostheses. The construction and development technique employs a nasal digital library, 3D areal scanning data and CT scanning data. This technique facilitates fabrication of precise nasal prostheses while helping the patients predict the effect before the prosthesis is manufactured.

Originality/value

This template‐based framework has strong potential for clinical applications because of its advantages over other methods in terms of accuracy, speed, safety, and cost.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2018

Xiwei Wang, Jiaxing Li, Mengqing Yang, Yong Chen and Xiaobo Xu

The purpose of this paper is to construct an information ecology factor-TAM model to explore how information, people, and information environment impact mobile library users’…

3192

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct an information ecology factor-TAM model to explore how information, people, and information environment impact mobile library users’ behavioral intention.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study based on an information ecology factor-TAM model.

Findings

The results of model test indicate that information, people, and information environment affect users’ behavioral intention to use mobile library in the information ecology environment. This paper provides a new theoretical perspective to understand users’ behavior of mobile library. It also provides practical guidelines to promote the usage of mobile library.

Originality/value

Internet of Things makes digital library one important channel for people to obtain information. Mobile internet makes it possible to access a variety of information anytime and anywhere. With the rapid grow of the number of mobile internet users, the usage of mobile library does not grow correspondingly. This paper explores the reasons.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2022

Yiping Jiang, Yanhua Chen and Xiaobo Chi

The practice of renovation and construction of university libraries is flourishing, but how to attract readers to use the library is an issue that urgently needs to be explored…

Abstract

Purpose

The practice of renovation and construction of university libraries is flourishing, but how to attract readers to use the library is an issue that urgently needs to be explored. Spatial cognition is a subjective judgment of a person's tendency to take action in the future and implies behavioral intention. Based on the sensory–image–cognition relationship, a theoretical model of university library readers' spatial cognition is conducted, and the influencing factors and mechanisms of spatial cognition are explored based on empirical data to provide theoretical references for spatial practices in university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A visual and art-based mental map approach is introduced based on a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire is mainly used for the specific evaluation of spatial use and the breakdown of the detailed elements, while the mental map method is mainly used for the evaluation of readers' spatial cognition. Relevant empirical data are collected from the library of the Zhejiang University of Technology.

Findings

The results indicate that readers' spatial sensory experience and mental imagery have positive effects on readers' behavior via the mediator spatial cognition, readers' spatial sensory experience and mental imagery have a positive effect on readers' spatial cognition and spatial cognition has a significant effect on readers' behavior.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to construct a theoretical model of readers' spatial cognition and to explore the factors that have an impact on spatial cognition and the influence of cognition on behavior. This provides a more rational and in-depth thinking paradigm for the study of university library space and provides theoretical references for library practice.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

1 – 10 of 79