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Abstract AISI H13 hot work tool steel is commonly used for applications such as hot forging and hot extrusion in mechanical working operations that face thermal and mechanical stress fluctuations, leading to premature failures. Cryogenic treatment was applied for AISI H13 steel to improve the surface hardness and thereby fatigue resistance. This work involves failure analysis of H13 steel specimens subjected to cryogenic treatment and gas nitriding. The specimens were heated to 1020°C, oil quenched followed by double tempering at 550°C for 2 h, and subsequently, deep cryogenically treated at −185°C in the cryochamber. Gas nitriding was carried out for 24 h at 500°C for 200 μm case depth in NH3 surroundings. The specimens were subjected to rotating bending fatigue at constant amplitude loading at room temperature.

Abstract Super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) is a type of stainless steel made of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe). In the present work, a 1.6 mm wide thin sheet of SDSS is joined using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The ideal parameter for a bead-on-plate trial is found, and 0.216 kJ/mm of heat input is used for welding. As an outcome of the welding heating cycle and subsequent cooling, a microstructural study revealed coarse microstructure in the heat-affected zone and weld zone. The corrosion rate for welded joints is 9.3% higher than the base metal rate. Following the corrosion test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that the welded joint’s oxide development generated a larger corrosive attack on the weld surface than the base metal surface. The percentages of chromium (12.5%) and molybdenum (24%) in the welded joints are less than those in the base metal of SDSS, as per energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.

Abstract The two-branch exhaust of an asymmetric twin-scroll turbocharged engine are asymmetrically and periodically complicated, which has great impact on turbine matching. In this article, a matching effect of turbine speed parameter on asymmetric twin-scroll turbines based on the exhaust pulse energy weight distribution of a heavy-duty diesel engine was introduced. First, it was built as an asymmetric twin-scroll turbine matching based on exhaust pulse energy distribution. Then, by comparing the average matching point and energy matching points on the corresponding turbine performance map, it is revealed that the turbine speed parameter of energy matching points was a significant deviation from the turbine speed parameter under peak efficiency, which leads to the actual turbine operating efficiency lower than the optimal state.

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Abstract This study underscores the benefits of refining the intralogistics process for small- to medium-sized manufacturing businesses (SMEs) in the engineer-to-order (ETO) sector, which relies heavily on manual tasks. Based on industrial visits and primary data from six SMEs, a new intralogistics concept and process was formulated. This approach enhances the value-added time of manufacturing workers while also facilitating complete digital integration as well as improving transparency and traceability. A practical application of this method in a company lead to cutting its lead time by roughly 11.3%. Additionally, improved oversight pinpointed excess inventory, resulting in advantages such as reduced capital needs and storage requirements. Anticipated future enhancements include better efficiency from more experienced warehouse staff and streamlined picking methods. Further, digital advancements hold promise for cost reductions in administrative and supportive roles.

Abstract Being an engineer-to-order (ETO) operating industry, the control cabinet industry faces difficulties in process and workplace optimizations due to changing requirements and lot size one combined with volatile orders. To optimize workplaces for employees, current literature is focusing on ergonomic designs, providing frameworks to analyze workplaces, leaving out the optimal design for productivity. This work thus utilizes a Kano analysis, collecting empirical data to identify essential design requirements for assembly workplaces, incorporating input from switchgear manufacturing employees. The results emphasize the need for a balance between ergonomics and efficiency in workplace design. Surprisingly, few participants agree on the correlation between improved processes and workspaces having a positive impact on their well-being and product quality.

Abstract The adoption of battery electric trucks (BETs) as a replacement for diesel trucks has potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the freight transportation sector. However, BETs have shorter driving range and lower payload capacity, which need to be taken into account when dispatching them. This article addresses the energy-efficient dispatching of BET fleets, considering backhauls and time windows. To optimize vehicle utilization, customers are categorized into two groups: linehaul customers requiring deliveries, where the deliveries need to be made following the last-in-first-out principle, and backhaul customers requiring pickups. The objective is to determine a set of energy-efficient routes that integrate both linehaul and backhaul customers while considering factors such as limited driving range, payload capacity of BETs, and the possibility of en route recharging.

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Abstract This study investigated the influence of high-strength low-alloy steel on the fatigue life of a load-bearing member with a non-load-bearing transverse welded attachment (T-joint). It compared high cycle fatigue data to two fatigue design codes, namely BS 7608 and Eurocode EN 1993-1-9. Different base and filler material combinations of varying material strengths were investigated, resulting in a total of three different specimen configurations. Two material combinations had a high-strength steel (Strenx® 700 MC D) for the base material, with one combination having a matched filler material and the other having an undermatched filler material. The third material combination had a lower-strength steel (S 355 JR AR) for the base material, with a matched filler material. Tensile tests were performed to confirm the base material mechanical properties and weld quality of the manufactured specimens.

Abstract The drone logistics distribution method, with its small size, quick delivery, and zero-touch, has progressively entered the mainstream of development due to the global epidemic and the rapidly developing global emerging logistics business. In our investigation, a drone and a delivery man worked together to complete the delivery order to a customer’s home as quickly as possible. We realize the combined delivery network between drones and delivery men and focus on the connection and scheduling between drones and delivery men using existing facilities such as ground airports, unmanned stations, delivery men, and drones. Based on the dynamic-vehicle routing problem model, the establishment of a delivery man and drone with a hybrid model, in order to solve the tarmac unmanned aerial vehicle for take-out delivery scheduling difficulties, linking to the delivery man and an adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm solves the model.

Abstract Policy makers generally favor all-electric vehicles over hybrid-electric vehicles because of greater unit effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions. Since both systems use lithium-ion batteries, global demand for batteries is projected to grow 10-fold by 2030. If any step in the global battery supply-chain experiences bottlenecks, shortages can occur. We use a novel cost-effectiveness metric, carbon reduction per unit of battery capacity consumed, to rank emissions reductions accomplished by, alternatively, eight plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, 75 hybrid-electric vehicles, and 230 mild hybrid-electric vehicles, which have the same total battery capacity as one all-electric vehicle. Our main finding, although counterintuitive, is that, with limited battery supplies, larger reductions in carbon emissions can be accomplished by hybrids than by all-electric vehicles.

Abstract Since the complexity of modern vehicles is increasing continuously, car manufacturers are forced to improve the efficiency of their development process to remain profitable. A frequently mentioned measure is the consequent integration of virtual methods. In this regard, objective evaluation criteria are essential for the virtual design of driving dynamics. Therefore, this article aims to identify robust objective evaluation criteria for the nonlinear combined longitudinal and lateral dynamics of a vehicle. The article focuses on the acceleration in a turn maneuver since available objective criteria do not consider all relevant characteristics of vehicle dynamics. For the identification of the objective criteria, a generic method is developed and applied. First, an open-loop test procedure and a set of potential robust objective criteria are defined.

Abstract In this article, the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of medium-carbon steel wire intended for the spring mattress is investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction, Vickers hardness (Hv), and tensile strength. The results indicate that the microstructure elongation along the wire axis is observed with the bending and kinking lamellae at the deformation level of 57.81%, this change appears as a fracture in the microstructure and leads to an increase in hardness, tensile strength, and intensities of diffraction patterns. After heat treatment, we observed a redistribution in the grain, which is almost the same in the wire rod and drawn wires; indeed, this led to a decrease in hardness, tensile strength, and augmentation in intensities of peaks. The EBSD pole figures reveal the development of texture in the cementite slip plane (001).

Abstract Letter from the Special Issue Editors

Abstract In the last decades we have witnessed an increasing number of military operations in urban environments. Complex urban operations require high standards of training, equipment, and personnel. Emergency forces on the ground will need specialized vehicles to support them in all parts and levels of this extremely demanding environment including the subterranean and interior of infrastructure. The development of vehicles for this environment has lagged but offers a high payoff. This article describes the method for developing a concept for an urban operations vehicle by characterization of the urban environment, deduction of key issues, evaluation of related prototyping, science fiction story-typing of the requirements for such a vehicle, and comparison with field-proven and scalable solutions. Embedding these thoughts into a comprehensive research and development program provides lines of development, setting the stage for further research.

Abstract Lubricant additives are the main means to improve the performance of lubricants. In this article, green and inexpensive layered kaolin were selected as lubricant additives, and the effects of the type of modifier, concentration, particle size of kaolin additives, and working temperatures on the tribological performance of lubricants were investigated. The results showed that the Span80 modifier can effectively improve the dispersibility and friction reduction effects of kaolin oil samples. Compared with kaolin oil samples without the modifier, the modified kaolin oil can reduce the friction coefficient by 40.9% and the wear spot diameter of the steel balls by 43.8%. The layered kaolin additive can significantly reduce the friction coefficient and wear of steel balls in lubrication, and the friction coefficient showed a trend of decreasing and then increasing with increasing kaolin additive concentration and particle size.

Abstract Prediction of the surface finish of hardened bearing steels was estimated in machining with ceramic uncoated cutting tools under various process parameters using two statistical approaches. A second-order (quadratic) regression model (MQR, multiple quantile regression) for the surface finish was developed and then compared with the artificial neural network (ANN) method based on the coefficient determination (R 2), root mean square error (RMSE), and percentage error (PE). The experimental results exhibited that cutting speed was the dominant parameter, but feed rate and depth of cut were insignificant in terms of the Pareto chart and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum surface finish in machining bearing steel was achieved at 100 m/min speed, 0.1 mm/revolution (rev) feed rate, and 0.6 mm depth of cut.

Abstract The present investigation has been conducted to study the tribological and adhesion properties of X10CrNi18-8 austenitic stainless steel (ASTM 301) coatings deposited on aluminum alloys such as AU4G by using the arc-spraying process. These coatings were made with and without a bond-coat layer, which is constituted by NiAl. The structure of the phases that are present in coatings was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The measurements of microhardness and tribological behavior at different loads were also performed on the surface of the coatings. Adherence test was also carried out using four-point bending tests. The SEM showed that the dense microstructures of coatings have a homogeneous lamellar morphology with the presence of porosities and unmelted particles. The main phase of coating corresponds to a solid solution as a face-centered cubic (fcc).

Abstract With the introduction of advanced lightweight materials with complex microstructures and behaviors, more focus is put on the accurate determination of their forming limits, and that can only be possible through experiments as the conventional theoretical models for the forming limit curve (FLC) prediction fail to perform. Despite that, CAE engineers, designers, and toolmakers still rely heavily on theoretical models due to the steep costs associated with formability testing, including mechanical setup, a large number of tests, and the cost of a stereo digital image correlation (DIC) system. The international standard ISO 12004-2:2021 recommends using a stereo DIC system for formability testing since two-dimensional (2D) DIC systems are considered incapable of producing reliable strains due to errors associated with out-of-plane motion and deformation.

Abstract Wheel loaders are widely used in construction projects. In order to reduce pollution and energy consumption, major wheel loader manufacturers are developing electric powertrain technology. Our main research goal is to reduce the energy consumption of a pure electric loader. This study is intended to build a vehicle simulation model of a multiple drive motor electric loader. According to the common working conditions and empirical formulas of the loader, the simulation data of the electric loader are calculated. The torque distribution control strategy based on the optimal efficiency of the motor is designed for the multiple drive motor electric loader and is compared with the equal proportion distribution control and the axle load ratio distribution control through simulation analysis. The simulation results show that the proposed torque distribution control strategy based on motor optimal efficiency can reduce energy consumption by 7–12%.