With the development of 3D measurement systems, dense colored point clouds are increasingly available. However, up to now, their use in interactive applications has been restricted by the lack of support for point clouds in game engines. In addition, many of the existing applications for point clouds lack the capacity for fluent user interaction and application development. In this paper, we present

Graphite-based porous materials are emerging as attractive alternatives to metals for use as heat dissipation elements in thermal management applications. While having several desirable features such as high thermal conductivity and low density, graphite foam heat sinks also tend to have low permeability that can limit transport of working fluid within the component and result in inefficient heat transfer

This work investigates a small-scale hybrid experimental setup developed combining the two technologies of liquid desiccant dehumidification and vapour compression refrigeration. A hybrid system of 5 kW capacity is designed and developed for energy saving analysis. The experiments are designed with central-composite design scheme using three variables namely air mass flow rate, desiccant inlet temperature

Considering the obvious difference between dry and wet deposition, an original simplified model suitable for the particle removal process in the condensing heat exchanger was developed. With the help of user-defined functions, the proposed model was implemented into ANSYS FLUENT. The laboratory-scale experiments were performed to verify this simplified model. The numerical results were in good agreement

Two sets of regenerators intended for application in magnetic refrigeration have been manufactured using laser beam melting. One set of regenerators was produced in La0.84Ce0.16Fe11.5Mn1.5Si1.3Hx and the other in AlSi7Mg0.6. The former are intended as regenerators for magnetocaloric devices, while the latter are intended for passive characterisation of heat transfer properties. In each set there were

The experiments of pressure drop and flow distribution in subchannels of a 37-pin wire-wrapped rod bundle have been performed to evaluate the reliability of existing friction factor correlations and provide available experimental data to validate the accuracy of the thermal hydraulic codes for the design of the lead-based reactor. The isokinetic sampling technique was applied to measure the flow rate

Indirect evaporative cooler is applied as a device of the combined air conditioning system to precool the fresh air in hot and humid regions, which may cause condensation in the primary air channels. For this case, the trend of the existing evaluation indexes used to express the heat exchange efficiency is inconsistent with that of the total heat transfer. In this paper, a plate cross-flow indirect

This study used latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) within a commercial plate-type heat exchanger (PHE) to numerically investigate the solidification process of phase change material (PCM). PCM fills the space between corrugated steel plates, and water at a certain temperature passes from top to bottom between two neighboring plates as heat transfer fluid (HTF). To determine the optimum geometry

Abstract This paper focusses on topology optimization of support structures for metal-based additive manufacturing. Processes based on powder bed fusion are subjected to deformations during manufacturing due to large thermal stresses. Controlling these deformations by adding temporary support structures is essential in guaranteeing qualitative end products and improving print success rates. This paper

Abstract Structures containing tension-only members, i.e., cables, are widely used in engineered structures (e.g., suspension and cable-stayed bridges, tents, and bicycle wheels) and are also found in nature (e.g., spider webs). We seek to use the ground structure method to obtain optimal cable network configurations. The structures are modeled using principles of nonlinear elasticity that allow for

Abstract Supports are often required to safely complete the building of complicated structures by additive manufacturing technologies. In particular, supports are used as scaffoldings to reinforce overhanging regions of the structure and/or are necessary to mitigate the thermal deformations and residual stresses created by the intense heat flux produced by the source term (typically a laser beam).

Abstract The paper proposes four improved proportional topology optimization (IPTO) algorithms which are called IPTO_A, IPTO_B, IPTO_C, and IPTO_D, respectively. The purposes of this work are to solve the minimum compliance optimization problem, avoid the problems of numerical derivation and sensitivity calculation involved in the process of obtaining sensitivity information, and overcome the deficiencies

Attitude and vibration control of a general form of flexible satellites is addressed in this paper. Partial differential dynamic equations are derived considering new details such as multi sectioned solar panels and elastic connections between main hub and solar panels. Boundary control approach is adopted to eliminate simplification errors of discrete models, using just one actuator in the hub. Asymptotic

In this paper, a novel robust control method is proposed for rigid spacecraft attitude stabilization under inertia matrix uncertainties and external disturbances. The attitude stabilization problem is firstly reformulated into an optimal control problem, then a state-dependent indirect Chebyshev pseudospectral (SDICP) method is designed to solve the resultant the optimal control problem. It is proved

In the present work, a combination of the experimental techniques with first principle density functional theory (DFT) based calculations has been employed to study the performance of the aluminum doped ZnO (AZO) thin films as transparent conducting oxide (TCO) material. The AZO thin films with varying doping concentration (0 wt% to 10 wt%) and having thickness (<100 nm) were deposited on silicon substrate

In this paper, the sheath formation criterion for three different electronegative plasmas, namely CF4, O2 and C60 plasmas, has been numerically investigated under the collisional atmosphere for the planer probe geometry. Here, the behaviour of both the ions: positive and negative, are described with the fluid approach. The dependency of momentum transfer collisional cross section on the ions' velocity

In this work, an attempt has been made to develop thin and flexible transparent conductors based on the interfaces of Ag nanoparticles (AgNP) and Al:ZnO (AZO) deposited by sequential magnetron sputtering. The entire deposition process is completed within 20–28 min without breaking vacuum thereby preventing post-deposition oxidation of Ag NPs. The co-existence of high transmittance and low sheet resistance

In this paper, a series of chromium carbon nitride (CrCN) composite films with various carbon content were deposited by changing the power of carbon target using RF-reactive magnetron sputtering system in the argon and nitrogen mixture gases. The microstructure, mechanical and frictional properties of CrCN films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Occupants of autonomous vehicle have frequently indicated the desire to sleep or rest while driving, yet little has been known regarding the suitable design criteria for a biomechanically reasoned in-vehicle sleeping position. This study was aimed at evaluating the biomechanical quality of different backrest and seat pan angle combinations, and at predicting the most favourable sleeping positions based

Heat generated in electronic devices is generally unevenly distributed across the casing. Contacting the hot areas may cause thermal discomfort and possibly skin burn. This study aims at better understanding the interrelationship between the thermal sensation, material properties and surface temperature for enhancing the user experience of electronic devices. A Thermal Simulation System was developed

Abstract The processes of deformation and failure in rocks are unavoidably accompanied by the absorption, storage, dissipation, and release of energy. To explore energy allocation during rock shear fracturing, two series of single loading and unloading preset angle shear tests at inclined angles of 60° and 50° were performed on red sandstone and granite by varying the experimental unloading level.

Abstract For tunnels excavated in soft layered rock strata, the secondary lining is susceptible to asymmetrical pressure and substantial concrete cracking. To solve this problem, a supporting system that combines a secondary lining with a highly deformable layer is proposed. First, field investigations were conducted to reveal the mechanical behaviors of the secondary lining of two typical tunnels

Abstract Mode I fracture toughness (KIC) quantifies the ability of a material to withstand crack initiation and propagation due to tensile loads. The International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) has proposed four suggested methods for determining KIC. However, these methods present some drawbacks such as insufficient post-peak control, complex sample preparation and considerable material requirements

Abstract The impulsive Goodwin’s oscillator is a mathematical model capturing the dynamics arising in a closed-loop system, where a third-order linear time-invariant plant is subject to an intrinsic pulse-modulated feedback. Originally, the model was motivated by pulsatile regulation in endocrine systems but also has other potential applications. The asymptotic estimation of the hybrid state of the

Abstract The continuation and stability analysis methods for quasi-periodic solutions of nonlinear systems are proposed. The proposed continuation method advances the predictor–corrector continuation framework by coupling the reduced space sequential quadratic programming method with the multi-dimensional harmonic balance method and the gradients required for the continuation problem are derived. In

An online monitoring approach for the uncertain loading-induced deformation of heavy-duty gantry machine tool base has been proposed by the combined use of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors and a curvature-deformation algorithm. A placement strategy has been proposed to the deployment of these FBG sensors, ensuring to effectively sense the curvature. A cubic spline interpolation method has been applied

Luneburg lens is a symmetric gradient-index lens with a refractive index that increases from the outer surface to the center in a radial manner. It has the ability to focus and collimate waves, which makes it useful for energy harvesting, waveguiding and as a component in transducers. An ideal Luneburg lens should be easy to fabricate, has broadband and omnidirectional characteristics, as well as a

Four-dimensional (4D) printing technology of continuous carbon fiber reinforced shape memory polymer composites is a potential manufacturing process for lightweight and high-strength intelligent composite structures. In this study, a 3D printer with dual feed channels based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) was designed to fabricate continuous carbon fiber reinforced shape memory poly(lactic acid)-based

The effect of the blending amount of alginate fibres to cotton fibres on thermal stabilities, surface micromorphologies, flame-retardant and combustion properties of prepared cotton/alginate blended fibres were explored. The alginate fibres improved the thermal degradation properties at a higher temperature zone, showing in the increase of the residual chars. The alginate fibres enhanced flame-retardant

Interest in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is increasing owing to their excellent mechanical properties, low weight, and good corrosion and fatigue resistance. Generally, CFRPs are not reformable after completing the forming process because they are hard materials. Currently, no simple technique is available to reform CFRPs. In this study, a novel stitching technique was developed

For intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) using hydrocarbon gases as fuels, the carbon deposition resistance of the anode is the most critical factor affecting its long-term stability. In this study, Ba(Ce0.9Y0.1)0.8Ni0.2O3-δ (BCYN) decorated Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC) composite is prepared by solution impregnation as anode for SOFC. And metal Ni nanoparticles are in-situ exsolved from

Artepillin C is the main compound present in propolis from Baccharis dracunculifolia, whose antitumor activity has been the focus of many studies. Herein, we shall investigate the Artepillin C mechanisms of action against cells derived from the oropharyngeal carcinoma (HEp-2). Cytotoxicity tests revealed that the concentrations of Artepillin C required to reduce cell viability by 50% (CC50) are dependent

The present study aims to investigate the extent to which the fatigue behaviour of laser beam‐welded AA6056‐T6 butt joints with an already existing crack can be improved through the application of laser shock peening. Ultrasonic testing was utilized for in situ (nondestructive) measurement of fatigue crack growth during the fatigue test. This procedure allowed the preparation of welded specimens with

For periodic monitoring of power utilities, there has been keen interest by utility companies to extract the powerlines from laser scanning data. However, challenges arise when utilizing large point clouds as well as avoiding false positives or other errors in the extraction due to noise from objects in close proximity to the powerlines. In this study, we propose an efficient and robust approach to

The prediction using a universal correlation of the shell side Nusselt number with the Reynolds number for helical baffle heat exchangers (HBHXs) has been in vain, because of the impropriate formula of the cross-section area of helical channel or the flow velocity. The shell side friction factor is of similar situation. A new model of mass center equivalent rectangle (MCER) is proposed to calculate

This work aims to improve the thermal and economic performance of stepped double slope solar still (SDSSS) that integrated with linen wicks (LWs) and carbon black nanoparticles (CBNs). The LWs and CBNs are used to increase the evaporation surface area and enhance heat transfer of basin saline water. The SDSSS with LWs and LWs with CBNs was evaluated, and compared with traditional solar still (TSS)

This paper presents the concept of a hybrid thermal management system (TMS), including air cooling and heat pipe for electric vehicles (EVs). Mathematical and thermal models are described to predict the thermal behavior of a battery module consisting of 24 cylindrical cells. Details of various thermal management techniques, especially natural air cooling and forced-air cooling TMS are discussed and

A steam ejector can effectively utilize waste heat resources, which is widely used in the fields of air conditioning, refrigeration, and seawater desalination. The structure of the steam ejector’s mixing chamber has a critical influence on its performance. In this paper, the effects of the mixing chamber length on the steam ejector performance under different Mach numbers at the nozzle exit, constant

The paper constructs the innovative supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) cycle and boiler coupling thermodynamic model, based on comprehensive system analysis of the S-CO2 cycle, S-CO2 boiler and medium temperature heat recovery. The results reveal that moderate cycle maximum pressure and single reheat cycle configuration show the higher cycle efficiency for S-CO2 cycle with the high boiler pressure

Owing to its ultra-low NO emission, moderate or intense low-oxygen dilution (MILD) combustion is expected to be applied in the boilers or kilns under a strong wall heat extraction condition, especially with non- or lowly-preheated air. In this paper, the combustion stability and heat exchange behaviors for the conventional and MILD combustion modes were numerically investigated with non-preheated air

The increasing interest in micro power generation is pushing the research world to find new solutions for increasing the efficiency of micro Organic Rankine Cycles. One of their main issues is the efficiency and the reliability of the expander. The Tesla turbine is an old/new expander, which has found a renewed interest in the last years because of the increasing appeal towards distributed micro generation

To improve thermophotovoltaic system efficiency, a porous media combustor with a bluff-body as the flame holder was proposed. A two-dimensional numerical simulation of premixed hydrogen/air combustion inside a planar porous media channel with the local thermal non-equilibrium model was conducted. Effects of the bluff-body flame holder on mean wall temperature and system efficiency were examined. By

The use of super-long thermosyphons (TSs) is experimentally proved to allow a higher efficiency in extracting shallow geothermal energy. In this work, transient CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) simulation has been carried out for the super-long ammonia geothermal TSs, total length up to 54m, in order to understand their heat transfer behaviors for thermal performance optimization. The results show

The self-ignition of a stoichiometric acetone−oxygen mixture diluted with argon was studied both experimentally and numerically. The experiments were performed behind reflected shock waves over a temperature range from 1280 to 1810 K at a total gas concentration of [M]50 ≈ 10−5 mol/cm3. The process was monitored by recording the signals of absorption by methyl radicals (λ = 216.5 nm) and emission from

Optical-based navigation for space is a field growing in popularity due to the appeal of efficient techniques such as Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (VSLAM), which rely on automatic feature tracking with low-cost hardware. However, low-level image processing algorithms have traditionally been measured and tested for ground-based exploration scenarios. This paper aims to fill the gap in

The rising production rate of space debris poses an increasingly severe threat of collision to satellites in the crowded Geostationary Orbit (GEO). It also presents a unique opportunity to make use of a growing supply of in-space resources for the benefit of the satellite community. “The Recycler” is a mission proposed to source replacements for failed components in GEO satellites by extracting functioning

Modern hybrid rockets are susceptible to the highly ablative environment in which they operate, as introducing an adequate cooling system has so far been a challenge. Ablative material has been widely adopted for use in hybrid rockets, which can only survive for the limited operation time. The use of ablative materials such as pyrolytic composite or graphite is advantageous for use in a simple system

Using multicomponent and multi-phase fuels is one of the methods for increasing effectiveness of rocket engines. In developing different compositions one should guarantee a stable fuel burning process in weightlessness. The present study is aimed at developing physical and mathematical models, allowing to consider the effect of multiphase fuel (hydrocarbon liquid + solid combustible material) on the