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Abstract The use of nanomaterials and nanostructures have been revolutionizing the advancements of science and technology in various engineering and medical fields. As an example, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been extensively used for the improvement of mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and deteriorative properties of traditional composite materials for applications in high-performance structures. The exceptional materials properties of CNTs (i.e., mechanical, magnetic, thermal, and electrical) have introduced them as promising candidates for reinforcement of traditional composites. Most structural configurations of CNTs provide superior material properties; however, their geometrical shapes can deliver different features and characteristics. As one of the unique geometrical configurations, helical CNTs have a great potential for improvement of mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of polymeric resin composites.

Abstract Soft actuators with pneumatic network have innovative potential applications in medical and rehabilitation areas. The performance of this kind of actuators is determined by the design of chambers and the properties of the active extensible layer and the passive inextensible layer. In this article, actuator with isosceles trapezoidal chambers is proposed. Orthogonal experiment design and finite element method are used to optimize the structure of actuators. Results indicate that adding constrain-limiting paper in the passive layer can significantly reduce the bending radius. Position of the paper in the passive layer also affects the bending radius. Actuators with trapezoidal chambers can have a smaller bending radius compared with that with rectangle chambers. The bending radius decreases as the ratio of short base to long base of trapezoid decreases. Increasing the number density of chambers can further reduce the bending radius.

Significant growth of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has unlocked many services and applications opportunities in the healthcare sector. Aerial transportation of medical cargo delivery can be an effective and alternative way to ground-based transport systems in times of emergency. To improve the security and the trust of such aerial transportation systems, Blockchain can be used as a potential technology to manage, operate and monitor the entire process. In this paper, we present a blockchain network solution based on Ethereum for the transportation of medical cargo such as blood, medicines, vaccines, etc. The smart contract solution developed in solidity language was tested using the Truffle program. Ganache blockchain test network was employed to host the blockchain network and test the operation of the proposed blockchain model. The suitability of the model is validated in real-time using a UAV and all the flight data are captured and uploaded into the blockchain.

To improve the biofidelity of the currently available Hybrid III 10-year-old (HIII-10C) Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed the Large Omnidirectional Child (LODC) ATD. The LODC head is a redesigned HIII-10C head with mass properties and modified skin material required to match pediatric biomechanical impact response targets from the literature. A dynamic, nonlinear finite element (FE) model of the LODC head has been developed using the mesh generating tool Hypermesh based on the three-dimensional CAD model. The material data, contact definitions, and initial conditions are defined in LS-PrePost and converted to LS-Dyna solver input format. The aluminum head skull is stiff relative to head flesh material and was thus modeled as a rigid material. For the actual LODC, the head flesh is form fit onto the skull and held in place through contact friction.

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology, also known as 3D printing, has transitioned from concepts and prototypes to part-for-part substitution and the creation of unique AM-specific part geometries. These applications are increasingly present in demanding, mission-critical fields such as medicine and aerospace, which require materials with certain thermal, stiffness, corrosion, and static loading properties. To advance in these arenas, metallic, ceramic, and polymer composite AM parts need to be free from discontinuities. The manufacturing processes have to be stable, robust, and repeatable. And the nondestructive testing (NDT) technology and inspection methods will need to be sufficiently capable and reliable to ensure that discontinuities will be detected to prevent the components from being accepted for use. As the second installment of a six-part series of SAE EDGE™ Research Reports on AM, this one discusses the need, challenges, technologies, and opportunities for NDT in AM.

In the early days, there were significant limitations to the build size of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) machines. However, machine builders have addressed that drawback by introducing larger L-PBF machines with expansive build volumes. As these machines grow, their size capability approaches that of directed energy deposition (DED) machines. Concurrently, DED machines have gained additional axes of motion which enable increasingly complex part geometries—resulting in near-overlap in capabilities at the large end of the L-PBF build size. Additionally, competing technologies, such as binder jet AM and metal material extrusion, have also increased in capability, albeit with different starting points. As a result, the lines of demarcation between different processes are becoming blurred.

Additive manufacturing (AM), is a manufacturing process of choice for functional part production, adding to the suite of choices a designer has available when designing a part for manufacturing. Like other traditional processes like casting and machining, AM has its set of constraints. An added layer of complexity comes from the fact that there are several different AM processes, and some of the design constraints are process-specific. On the other hand, AM offers a range of opportunities in design freedom and mass customization as well as in cost and lead time reduction in some cases.

Abstract The demand for contactless, rapid manufacturing has increased over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additive manufacturing (AM), a type of rapid manufacturing, is a computer-based system that precisely manufactures products. It proves to be a faster, cheaper, and more efficient production system when integrated with cloud-based manufacturing (CBM). Similarly, the need for semiconductors has grown exponentially over the last five years. Several companies could not keep up with the increasing demand for many reasons. One of the main reasons is the lack of a workforce due to the COVID-19 protocols. This article proposes a novel technique to manufacture semiconductor chips in a fast-paced manner. An algorithm is integrated with cloud, machine vision, sensors, and email access to monitor with live feedback and correct the manufacturing in case of an anomaly.

Abstract The hot corrosion studies for the die-casted magnesium (Mg) silver (Ag) alloys are carried out through the steam heating route. The Magnesium Silver (QE22A) alloy is fixed under the top lid of the pressure cooker (2 liters) and filled with water and 5% salt (NaCl) solution. The specimens are treated with different time intervals (10, 20, and 30 minutes), with the steam temperature maintained at 100°C around the specimen. The results showed an increase in the corrosion rate with the increase in the steaming time. Further, after the specimens have cooled down to room temperature, similar experiments are repeated for the second and third cycles. Here the formation of the oxide layers over the specimen has reduced the corrosion rate. The structural, surface study was carried out through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to know the corrosion behavior on the specimen.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been an indispensable tool for design simulation for several decades but this wide spread use has been limited to simple types of analyses. Relatively recently, more advanced analyses have given easy-to-use interfaces enabling design engineers to simulate problems formerly reserved for analysts. FEA Beyond Basics targets the FEA users who wish to explore those advanced analysis capabilities. It will demonstrate how to move past the ubiquitous linear structural analysis and solve structural nonlinear problems characterized by nonlinear material, large displacements, buckling or nonlinear connectors.

Leadership is about more than making effective strategic decisions for business outcomes. It is also about creating a positive workplace in which leaders can adapt to change and manage conflicts effectively. Leaders can build skills that can develop their presence by adopting the mindset of an improv actor. This means learning and practicing how to show up and be ready – ready to lead, to influence, and to contribute whether things go the way they are expected or not. And to have leadership presence: something that builds the trust we need to work together through good times and bad.

Aluminum alloys are employed in agricultural equipment, aerospace sectors, medical instruments, machinery, automobiles, etc. due to their physical and mechanical characteristics. The geometrical shape and size of the parts are modified in turning operation by using a single-point cutting tool. A356 aluminum alloy is widely used in various engineering sectors, hence there is a necessity to produce A-356 components with quality. The inappropriate cutting parameters used in turning operation entail high production costs and reduce tool life. Box–Behnken design (BBD) based on response surface methodology (RSM) was used to design the experiments such that the experiment trials were conducted by varying cutting parameters like N-spindle speed (rpm), f-feed rate (mm/rev), and d-depth of cut (mm). The multi-objective responses, such as surface roughness (SR) and metal removal rate (MRR) were analyzed with the desirability method.

Magnesium and its alloys are promising engineering materials with broad potential applications in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical fields. These materials are prized for their lightweight properties, impressive specific strength, and biocompatibility. However, their practical use is often hindered by their low wear and corrosion resistance. Despite their excellent mechanical properties, the high strength-to-weight ratio of magnesium alloys necessitates surface protection for many applications. In this particular study, we employed the plasma spraying technique to enhance the low corrosion resistance of the AZ91D magnesium alloy. We conducted a wear analysis on nine coated samples, each with a thickness of 6mm, to assess their tribological performance. To evaluate the surface morphology and microstructure of the dual-phase treated samples, we employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

The experimental investigation aims to improve natural composite materials aligned with feasible development principles. These composites can be exploited across several industries, including the automobile and biomedical sectors. This research employs date seed powder and neem gum powder as reinforcing agents, along with polyester resin as the base material. The fabrication route comprises compression moulding, causing the production of the natural composite material. This study focuses extensively on mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness, and impact resistance to undergo comprehensive testing. Furthermore, the chemical properties of the composites are examined using the FTIR test to gain understanding by integrating different proportions of date seed powder (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and neem gum powder (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%) in the matrix phase.

ISO 14001:2015 is an environmental management standard (EMS) developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It’s a generic standard that can be used for any organization that provides physical products or services. ISO 14001 is the most widely used EMS because it’s both business and management oriented. However, the requirements must be carefully interpreted to make sense within a particular organization. For example, the environmental impact of developing automotive products is not the same as producing food products or offering consulting services, yet this standard can be applied to any of these activities.

ISO 14001:2015 is an environmental management standard (EMS) developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO 14001 standard is generic and can be used for any organization, whether it provides physical products or services. The requirements must be carefully interpreted to make sense within a particular organization. Developing automotive products and the environmental impact of this activity is not like producing food products or offering consulting services; yet the ISO 14001 standard, because it is business and management oriented can be applied to any activity.

Created to elevate expertise in testing, verification, and validation with industry-specific terminology, readers are empowered to navigate the complex world of quality assurance. From foundational concepts to advanced principles, each entry provides clarity and depth, ensuring the reader becomes well-versed in the language of precision. This dictionary is an indispensable companion for both professionals and students seeking to unravel the nuances of testing methodologies, verification techniques, and validation processes. Readers will be equipped with the tools to communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and excel in projects. In addition, references to SAE Standards are included to direct the reader to additional information beyond a practical definition.

This monograph covers the fundamentals, fabrication, testing, and modeling of ambient energy harvesters based on three main streams of energy-harvesting mechanisms: piezoelectrics, ferroelectrics, and pyroelectrics. It addresses their commercial and biomedical applications, as well as the latest research results. Graduate students, scientists, engineers, researchers, and those new to the field will find this book a handy and crucial reference because it provides a comprehensive perspective on the basic concepts and recent developments in this rapidly expanding field.

This interactive eLearning GD&T training course now utilizes HTML5 for better browser and device compatibility. It contains 29 robust, self-paced learning modules that explain the terms, symbols, modifiers, rules, and basic concepts of geometric tolerancing as prescribed in the ASME Y14.5-2009 Standard. Progress is easily measured with instant feedback throughout each lesson that reinforces and aids in concept retention, allowing the learner to determine where further review may be needed. Full color detailed animations that help particpants clearly visualize concepts, along with audio narration and 3D solid part examples.