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Prediction and optimization of quality characteristics is an important means to improve the quality of laser cutting. Kerf width (KW) and material removal rate(MRR) are selected as the quality characteristics in this paper. The fitting response surface models (RSM) of KW and MRR are considered as the optimization objective function in pulsed Nd: YAG laser cutting of alloy steel for multi-objective optimization. An improved Pareto genetic algorithm is used in the optimization, and the significant factors have been found. The predicted results are basically consistent with the experimental. Therefore, the method used in this paper can be used for optimization of KW and MRR in pulse Nd: YAG laser cutting. The study can provide theoretical basis for the prediction and optimization of quality in laser cutting. Keywords-laser cutting; multi-objective optimization; RSM; improved Pareto genetic algorithm

Magnetoacoustic Tomography (MAT) is a new imaging method. MAT combines the good contrast of electrical impedance tomography with the good spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging. Magnetoacoustic Tomography includes Magnetoacoustic Tomography with magnetic induction and Magnetoacoustic Tomography with injecting current. In this paper we researched the later imaging method mainly; in paper we studied the parameters of AC power supply, which was injected to the imaging sample. At the same time, the waveforms of experiment were given and analyzed, which provides theoretical basis for the selection of power supply used in the subsequent experiments.

This paper presents a brief review, followed by some new results from recent diffusion simulations in Ni-base superalloy systems, performed by means of a thermodynamic and kinetic modeling approach as taken in the commercial finite-difference code DICTRA. The DICTRA code solves the multi-component diffusion equations, combining assessed thermodynamic and kinetic data in order to determine the full composition dependent interdiffusion matrix. The link between fundamental physics based models and critically assessed data allows simulations to be performed with realistic conditions on alloys of practical importance. Emphasis in this paper is on modeling and simulation of interdiffusion occurring between NiAl coatings and Ni-base superalloy substrates. For this purpose we have used the so-called homogenization approach to diffusion in multi-phase systems, recently implemented into the DICTRA software. The simulation results have been validated against experimental data and the agreement is very satisfactory given the complexity of the problem.

The objective of this paper is measurement of the surface roughness of tensile specimens under different tensile speed. In the test, the tensile specimens were loaded by tensile testing machine. The roughness of the surfaces was measured by digital holographic interferometric system (DHI). From the results, it was confirmed that DHI could measure the roughness of the various types of the specimen surface. In this paper, as the tensile speed was faster, the roughness of specimen surface was smaller.

This paper presents the results of investigations on topology optimizations in extrusion dies. The change of material viscosity of finite elements in the numerical model is utilized to allow or to block the material flow through the finite elements in simplified two-dimensional extrusion models. Two different optimization procedures are presented. In the first part of the paper dead zones in a flat and in a porthole die were improved by enhance the streamlining of the extrusion die. In the second part an evolutionary optimization algorithm has been used to optimize the extrusion die topology in order to reduce the difference between the strand exit velocities in a multi extrusion process. Finally, both methods were sequentially combined.

Buildings are responsible for more than 40% of the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, increasing building energy efficiency is one the most cost-effective ways to reduce emissions. The use of thermal insulation materials could constitute the most effective way of reducing heat losses in buildings by minimising heat energy needs. These materials have a thermal conductivity factor lower than 0.065 (W/m.K) while other insulation materials such as aerated concrete can go up to 0.11. Current insulation materials are associated with negative impacts in terms of toxicity. Polystyrene, for example contains anti-oxidant additives and ignition retardants. In addition, its production involves the generation of benzene and chlorofluorocarbons. Polyurethane is obtained from isocyanates, which are widely known for their tragic association with the Bhopal disaster. Besides current insulation materials releases toxic fumes when subjected to fire. This paper presents experimental results on one-part geopolymers. It also includes global warming potential assessment and cost analysis. The results show that only the use of aluminium powder allows the production mixtures with a high compressive strength however its high cost means they are commercially useless when facing the competition of commercial cellular concrete. The results also show that one-part geopolymer mixtures based on 26% Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)+58.3% Fly Ash (FA)+8% Calcined Stuff (CS) +7.7% Calcium Hydroxide (CH) and 3.5% hydrogen peroxide constitute a promising cost efficient (67 euro/m3), thermal insulation solution for floor heating systems with low global warming potential of 443 KgCO2eq/m3.

This paper describes the numerical investigation on the adsorption () of nanoparticles (NPs) scale inhibitor (SI) using Eulerian Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver ANSYS/FLUENT® based on a scaled down flow model. The simulation were done to investigate theof normal and nanoscaled Calcium-phosphonate. The phosphonate used was 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-disphosphonic acid (HEDP) SI in order to determine the enhancement in adsorption achieved by the nanoscaled SI. This was done by looking at the change in concentration of the SI particles throughout the simulation time. It was found that the two sizes (normal and nanostructured) of the SI particles result in different change in concentration, hence indicates that the two yields different adsorption to the active sites. For the normal SI, the concentration distribution throughout the column remains almost the same as its initial concentration () of 2000 ppm except for very narrow regions in the vicinity of the wall boundaries. This suggests that the rate of process (of the SI onto the wall) is very slow. Consequently, it will take longer time for the SI to be adsorbed to the column wall, hence indicates that it is less efficient. Meanwhile, the nanoscaled Calcium-HEDP SI rapidly shows a significant change in concentration. At 200 s its concentration has distributed evenly in the range of 1960 ppm to 2000 ppm. This shows a really high rate. The results from this study indicates that the nanoscaled Calcium-HEDP SI has better which shows that it is more efficient than normal-scaled Calcium-HEDP SI.

Since squeeze casting process is considered as a new technology for light alloys like aluminum and magnesium, more basic research is required for a scientific understanding of the practice. In distinct, as a cost-effective and resource-efficient tool, advanced numerical modelling in conjunction with dynamic boundary conditions and capabilities of predicting the formation of casting defects have to be fully developed for the optimization of squeeze casting processes. In squeeze casting, an external pressure is applied to molten metal before, during and after its solidification, which makes the condition at the casting die interface different from other typical casting techniques. In this paper, Finite Difference Method (FDM) is used to investigate the effect of heat transfer during squeeze casting process and the relationship between casting temperature and solidification on Al-Si alloys.

Lasers have the potential for the micromachining of germanium (Ge). However, the thermal damages associated with the laser machining process need to be properly controlled. To minimize the thermal damages, a hybrid laser-waterjet ablation technology has recently been developed for micromachining. This paper presents an experimental study to assess the machining performances in microgrooving of Ge by using a nanosecond laser and the hybrid laser-waterjet technology. The effects of laser pulse energy, pulse overlap and focal plane position on the groove geometry and heat affected zone (HAZ) size are analyzed and discussed. It is shown that the hybrid laser-waterjet technology can give rise to narrow and deep microgrooves with minimum HAZ.

Selectively induced compressive residual stress depth profiles are gaining increasing importance as design tool for internally pressurized components. Hydraulic Autofrettage (AF) is a well-known manufacturing process to induce pronounced compressive residual stresses. However, AF does not stand alone in the technical process chain. In this paper, results from neutron diffraction experiments performed on thick-walled cylinders are presented and compared to finite-element simulations with Abaqus/CAE. The impact on the final residual stress depth profile after pre-machining, Autofrettage and post-machining is discussed.

Strain is routinely used in state-of-the-art semiconductor devices in order to improve their electrical performance. Here we present experimental strain measurements obtained by different transmission electron microscopy (TEM) based techniques. Dark field electron holography, nanobeam electron diffraction (NBED) and high angle annular dark field scanning electron microscopy (HAADF STEM) are demonstrated. In this paper we demonstrate the spatial resolution and sensitivity of these different techniques on a simple calibration specimen where the accuracry of the measurement can easily be assessed. Introduction. Although the effects of introducing strain in semiconductor devices is well known from an electrical point of view, little is known about the distribution of strain. Indeed, it is only in the last few years that methods that can measure the strain with the required level of spatial resolution have been developed. Dark field electron holography (1), NBED (2) and HAADF STEM (3) are different TEM based techniques that have been developed in order to solve this problem. A calibration specimen was designed so that the different strain mapping techniques could be tested and compared to accurate simulations that would account for the relaxation of the thin TEM specimen. The calibration specimen that was examined was grown by reduced pressure chemical vapour deposition and comprised from top to bottom, a 150-nm-thick capping layer, then four 10- nm-thick SiGe layers with Ge concentrations of 45%, 38%, 31% and 20%, each separated by 30nm of silicon on a silicon substrate. As the growth is epitaxial, the lattice spacing in the in-plane (x- direction) does not change. However, in the growth (z-direction) the lattice parameter is expanded relative to the unstrained substrate due to the presence of Ge and it is this relative expansion which is measured. The dark holography experiments were performed using a probe corrected FEI Titan operated at 200 kV, the precession NBED (PED) and the HAADF STEM experiments were performed using a double corrected FEI Titan operated at 200 kV. All of the data was processed using software written at CEA.

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is part of the thin film family that consists of a TiO2 electrode coating which acts as a photo electrode, sensitizer from dye molecules soaked in the TiO2 film, electrolyte layer and a counter electrode. This paper focuses on the usage of a sensitizer from the rose flower and will review some of the research conducted on dye sensitizers from other researcher. Rose flower also known as woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae is extracted and were used as sensitizer to fabricate dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The photoelectrochemical performance of Rose sensitized solar cell shows parameter of open circuit voltage, VOC,short circuit current, (ISC), fill factor (FF), solar cell efficiency (η), and peak absorbance rate as much as 0.13 V, 57.58 µA, 0.58, 0.85% and 3.5 at 550nm respectively. The photoelectrochemical performance of DSSC and the usage of natural sensitizer from Rose flower dye demonstrate good potential to be applied as a sensitizer yet detail investigations are essential in terms of its applicability for long term application.

This paper investigates experimentally and numerically the degree to which the stress relaxation in shot-peened simple geometric features of steel turbine materials can be modelled by using an understanding of simple eigenstrain distributions. The residual stress is determined as the elastic response of whole component when the plastic strains caused by shot peening is incorporated as an eigenstrain in an appropriate finite element (FE) model. The application of a subsequent live load is then modelled as an additional load step in the FE model which will superpose the effect of this loading on the residual stress field. The results show that the eigenstrain approach is particularly useful in predicting residual stress relaxation in shot-peened components.

Layer removal method is an experiment method which is used to calculate the average stress indirectly by deformation of the specimen. However, in the experiment, some certain predeformation can be caused after each clamping, which can affect the accuracy of the test data, and make the deformation data larger. Based on the comparison of the simulation calculation, this paper builds an amended function by fitting the deformation error, which solves the deviation caused by larger deformation on stress calculation while the specimen is milled by layer, that is to say, the stress calculation model can be compensated by this function. This method can make the experimental calculation model more accurate.

This paper presents static fatigue laboratory experiments conducted in three different configurations. The experiments are designed so as to cause delayed tensile failure in dry Gabbro specimens after the sustained application of a static subcritical load. Results from the static fatigue experiments give a time to failure of the specimen related to the applied static load. In the presented experiments, results spanning up to six orders of magnitude of time to failure were collected for three-point bending, four-point bending, and indirect tensile (Brazilian) specimens. The data supports an exponential relationship between tensile stress and time to failure, noting that a power law relationship is also supported by the data. The salient difference among the configurations is hypothesized to be the size of the region of the specimen that is subjected to a close approximation of the maximum tensile stress. The time to failure at a given nominal tensile stress, the decrease in time to failure associated with a given increase in stress (i.e. the slope in a semi logarithmic plot), and the magnitude of the scatter of the data about the best-fit curve are all observed to correlate inversely with the nominal size of the region subjected to the maximum tensile stress.

To know the physical and mechanical properties of wood to be employed as structural elements in is an important factor for its use in a rational way. The connections between members of timber structures are also relevant topic once local stress concentrations can occur and safety must be seriously taken in account. Brazilian Code ABNT NBR 7190: 1997 "Design of Timber Structures" provides guidelines for connections calculation based on two alternative limit states: wood strength to embedment or bending of the bolt. The purpose of this paper is estimate the strength to embedment of Pinus sp. to bolts in three directions with respect to the grain: parallel, perpendicular and inclined at 45o. Specimens obeying requirements of Brazilian Code related to bolts diameter (10mm) were prepared and tested. The embedment strength in parallel direction to the fiber was the highest and the failure modes were more frequent crushing and cleavage.

Shear failure is often found for masonry structure when subjected to complex loading. This paper presents the numerical analysis of shear strength test on triplet masonry specimens under different normal compressive stresses. Two different models were produced using a commercially available finite element analysis package ANSYS. The first model is a continuum model with the brick unit modeled as linear elastic material, while the mortar joints are modeled using a Drucker-Prager (DP) material or a concrete material. In the second model, the mortar joints as well as the brick/mortar interfaces were represented by a series of contact elements, and the Mohr-Coulomb failure surface was employed by these contact elements. Comparisons with the experimental results show that both models give satisfactory predictions for the maximum failure load, while the finite element model with interfaces has a better performance in terms of the load displacement response.

Coatings play an important role in a variety of engineering applications protecting metallic or ceramic substrates against oxidation, heat penetration, wear and corrosion. One of the contributing factors to structural or functional failure of coatings is a mismatch of material properties between the coating and substrate at the coating/substrate interface. The concept of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) is actively explored in coating design for the purpose of eliminating this mismatch and improving coating performance and integrity. This paper presents analysis of the mechanical behavior of functionally graded coatings using commercial finite elements software ABAQUS in which user implemented graded finite elements have been employed. The model is used to carry out a comparative study of three-dimensional stress and displacement fields in the coated plates with homogeneous and functionally graded coatings.

Retracted paper: The conventional material for the optical fiber communication laser diode is based on InGaAsP, which might be substituted by a potential candidate, InGaAlN. The new active region material, InN, is introduced regarding to its crystal growth and characterization, including the structural, optical and electrical properties. This material is promising for providing good performance of temperature stability of the wavelength. In addition, it is environmentally friendly.

In ceramic tiles industry, the process of ceramics classification plays an important part. At present, the process of classification is carried out manually by using the human eyes observation. However, the capability of the human eyes is very limited. This condition leads to the low accuracy of the ceramic tile selection. This paper proposes a mechanism which could classify the ceramic tiles automatically using local texture feature. The result of our experiment shows a recognition rate of 76%, which means that this method can be used to classify the ceramic tiles.

On the basis of the theoretical study and application of ordinary steel-encased concrete composite beam, this paper will focus on a new high-strength steel-encased concrete composite beam, and mainly studies high-performance steel Q420 and Q460, as well as high-strength concrete C60 and C80. Besides, an experimental study of 5 simply-supported beams is made, and the load-deflection curves of new SCCB are analyzed. The calculation formula of load which changes with depth of section and bending strength of the cross section is also analyzed. It is suggested that the calculated results announced should be identical with the experimental results.

Timber poles are commonly used for telecommunication and power distribution networks, wharves or jetties, piling or as a substructure of short span bridges. Most of the available techniques currently used for non-destructive testing (NDT) of timber structures are based on one-dimensional wave theory. If it is essential to detect small sized damage, it becomes necessary to consider guided wave (GW) propagation as the behaviour of different propagating modes cannot be represented by one-dimensional approximations. However, due to the orthotropic material properties of timber, the modelling of guided waves can be complex. No analytical solution can be found for plotting dispersion curves for orthotropic thick cylindrical waveguides even though very few literatures can be found on the theory of GW for anisotropic cylindrical waveguide. In addition, purely numerical approaches are available for solving these curves. In this paper, dispersion curves for orthotropic cylinders are computed using the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) and compared with an isotropic material model to indicate the importance of considering timber as an anisotropic material. Moreover, some simplification is made on orthotropic behaviour of timber to make it transversely isotropic due to the fact that, analytical approaches for transversely isotropic cylinder are widely available in the literature. Also, the applicability of considering timber as a transversely isotropic material is discussed. As an orthotropic material, most material testing results of timber found in the literature include 9 elastic constants (three elastic moduli and six Poisson's ratios), hence it is essential to select the appropriate material properties for transversely isotropic material which includes only 5 elastic constants. Therefore, comparison between orthotropic and transversely isotropic material model is also presented in this article to reveal the effect of elastic moduli and Poisson's ratios on dispersion curves. Based on this study, some suggestions are proposed on selecting the parameters from an orthotropic model to transversely isotropic condition. © (2013) Trans Tech Publicutions, Switzerland.

Creep damage is one of the serious problems for the high temperature industries and computational approach (such as continuum damage mechanics) has been developed and used, complementary to the experimental approach, to assist safe operation. However, there are no ready creep damage constitutive equations to be used for predicting the lifetime for this type of alloy, particularly for low stress. This paper presents an analysis of the cavity nucleation, growth and coalescence mechanism of 9Cr-1Mo-VNb steel (P91 type) under high and low stress levels and multi-axial stress state.

The field of polymers in concrete is consolidated in the construction industry. The future of polymers in concrete is governed by the synergic interaction between these materials, in order to contribute significantly towards a more sustainable construction. Concrete-polymer composites (C-PC) have excellent mechanical and durability properties. Appropriate combination of polymers and classical construction materials provides opportunities for innovative applications and systems. This paper highlights the innovations and new approaches presented at the 13th International Congress on Polymers in Concrete in Madeira, Portugal, 2010 and at the 7th Asian Symposium on Polymers in Concrete in Istanbul, Turkey, 2012. The new trends presented are related with the micro and nanostructure, properties, test methods and applications of concrete-polymer composites.

This paper presents manufacturing and testing of a 1/3-scaled demonstrator of a full-scale thin-shell reflector. The demonstrator reflector is an offset reflector with a diameter of 2 m, and a focal length of 1.6 m, and an offset distance of 0.1 m. The reflector structure is a simple monolithic structure, and consists of a reflector surface and a skirt. The skirt is an integral part of the reflector and used to stiffen the reflector. The demonstrator is made of plain-woven carbon/epoxy by vacuum assisted resin infusion process. It is aimed that the manufactured reflector has a low manufacturing cost, a high precision surface, and demonstrates capability of folding and deploying. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications.

[EN] This part analyzed GFRP rebar's research situation, summarized its behaviuor as internal reinforcement for concrete structures. The research has been developed over recent years, however the rules and standard codes for design RC concrete structures with these rebars not consider that the internal reinforcement can work in compression. This paper presents the development of the research to get a new kind GFRP rebar for work as internal reinforcement of concrete structures, with an innovative design for work both in tension and compression, and their mechanical properties: strength, bond,.... © (2012) Trans Tech Publications.

This paper utilizes the micro computerized tomography (micro-CT) as the NDI technique to characterize the initial matrix delaminations locations and sizes in an aramid/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composite test specimen after a low velocity impact tests. Further, to visualize the localized low velocity impact damage volumes; based on the specimens micro-CT results; image analysis, geometric modeling and meshing softwares CtAn and CtVox were used. Finally, interpretation of damage mechanisms occurred in aramid/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composite after low velocity impact loading presented with accurate 3-D rendered models obtained from a series of micro-CT slices. 3-D rendered models gained from impacted specimens help to quantify the internal microscopic damage modes of complex material system such as aramid/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composite. It is very important to predict or determine composite materials response to an impact loading since impacts occur during manufacture, normal operations, maintenance, etc. After low velocity impact loading tests, investigation of damage zone will provide a better composite manufacturing process. For example, it is acknowledged that up to 80% of the cost of manufacture of a composite is xed once the preliminary conguration had been nalised. Further detail changes afterwards can only make a small impact on the nal cost of the manufacturing process.

This paper reports a method for scale-up fabrication of hydrophobic and flexible aerogels derived from a combined precursor methyltrimethoxysilane and vinyltrimethoxysilane. The method developed enables the preparation of large pieces of monolithic aerogels at ambient pressure drying conditions. The thermal and acoustic insulation properties of the flexible aerogels were investigated and compared with the commercially available insulation materials.

International audience; To better understand the complex phenomena involved in the cutting process is to better qualify the behaviour law used in the simulatiotrn of machining processes (analytical and finite element modeling). The aim of this paper is to present the choices made regarding the behaviour law in this context, indeed, commonly used behaviour laws such as Jonhson-Cook can bring unsatisfactory results especially for high strain and large deformation processes. This study develops a large deformation strain-gradient theoretical framework with hypothesis linked with to metal cutting processes. The emphasis of the theory is placed on the existence of high shear phenomena creating a texture in the primary shear band. To account for the texture, the plastic spin is supposed to be relevant in this theory. It is shown that the theory as the capability of interpreting the complex phenomena found in machining and more particularly in high speed machining.

This paper reports the structural behavior of precast lightweight foamed concrete sandwich panel, PLFP, subjected to eccentric loading. An experiment was conducted to investigate the structural performance of PLFP under this load. Two PLFP panels, PE-1 and PE-2 were cast with 2000 mm in heights, 750 mm in width and 100 mm in thickness. The thickness of the wall is actually a combination of three layers. Skin layers were cast from lightweight foamed concrete while the core layer is made of polystyrene. The skin layers were connected to each other by 9 mm steel shear truss connector which were embedded through the layers. Panel PE-1 was strengthened with single diagonal shear truss connectors made of 6 mm steel rebar while panel PE-2 was strengthened with symmetrical diagonal shear truss connectors of similar steel diameter. Both panels were tested under eccentric load till failure. The results showed that panel with symmetrical double truss connectors, PE-2, is able to sustain higher load compared to panel with single shear truss connector. The load-deflection profiles indicate that both panels achieved certain degree of composite action especially during the later stage of loading where the wythes tend to move in the same direction until they reached failure. The load-strain curves for both panels highlight the inconsistent distribution of surface strain along the height of panels. The overall trend of the strain curves show that they are under compression.

Shape memory alloy was firstly used commercially as a hydraulic coupling in the Grumman F14A in 1971. It is today used among others to improve structural behaviours such as buckling of composite plates in the aerospace vehicles. In this paper, finite element model and its source code for thermal post-buckling of shape memory alloy laminated composite plates is presented. The shape memory alloy wires induced stress that improved the strain energy, stiffness and thus the buckling behaviour of the composite plates. The finite element formulation catered the combined properties of the composite and shape memory alloys, the addition of the recovery stress and the temperature dependent properties of the shape memory alloys and the composite matrix. This study showed that by embedding shape memory alloy within layers of composite plates, post-buckling behaviours of composite plates can be improved substantially.

A multiscale constitutive framework for Ni-base superalloys has been developed, in which an efficient unit cell is adopted to describe the γ/γ’ microstructure morphology. The framework enables the prediction of the deformation and the creep and fatigue damage accumulation in CMSX-4 for a range of temperatures and stress levels. Moreover, the material microstructural degradation due to rafting and isotropic coarsening can be simulated, and the effects of this degradation on the alloy mechanical response can be quantified. The present paper focuses on the application of the model to real gas turbine components. A high pressure turbine blade finite element model is used to demonstrate the computational efficiency of the multiscale framework. Moreover, the location of critical regions and the life time are shown to differ from the results obtained from classical models that neglect the microstructure evolution.

This paper aims to present an alternative design method for remote wireless shape control of laminated composite structures using topology optimization. The photostrictive material is introduced to implement the active control of the structure by making use of its photostriction mechanism, which is actually the superposition of photovoltaic effect and converse piezoelectric effect when exposed to the illumination of near ultraviolet light. The finite element formulation including multiphysics effects of photovoltaic, pyroelectric and thermal expansion is developed to model composite structures of ferroelectric materials, based on the Mindlin plate theory of first-order shear deformation. The topology optimization method is used to seek the optimal topologies for material layouts of both the smart actuation and elastic host layers. A typical numerical example is used to demonstrate the feasibility of this method in shape control of composite structures.© (2011) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.

Aerospace gas turbine disks operate in an environment of relatively high stresses caused by centrifugal forces and elevated temperatures. Because of the strong mechanical requirements and narrow specifications of such parts not only a correct, defect free final geometry is necessary, but also a defined microstructure. Even though the microstructure evolution during thermo-mechanical processing is well studied and understood for superalloys like IN718, the influences cannot easily be described analytically. Thus simulation tools are used to assure process stability and to optimize design parameters to meet the tough requirements in aerospace industries. Microstructure simulation of IN718 (and other materials) is well established at Bohler Schmiedetechnik GmbH & Co KG and appreciated by its customers. The advent of the newly developed nickel-base superalloy ATI Allvac® 718PlusTM led to extensive investigations and the development of an adapted microstructure model by Bohler Schmiedetechnik GmbH & Co KG and its research partners. Aim of this paper is a comparison of the microstructure evolution in IN718 and ATI Allvac® 718PlusTM during the thermo-mechanical treatment of turbine disks. Influences of process temperature, strain and strain rate on the final grain size are discussed by finite element simulations with a coupled grain structure model. Experimental results from trial forgings are compared with the outcome of the microstructure simulations.

Safe extrapolation of short-term creep data requires development of creep models where (a) the constitutive laws are physics based, and (b) majority of model parameters are calculated rather than empirically fitted. This paper details the structure of such a physics-based creep model and its application to DS GTD-111TM superalloy. The constitutive creep law is derived from the kinetics of dislocation-particle interactions in the presence of thermal activation. This constitutive creep law is further coupled with the evolution kinetics of controlling microstructural parameters and associated damages. The model is expected to provide vital inputs for component design as well as remaining life assessment. (GTD-111TM is a trademark of the General Electric Company).

Semi-solid forming processes belong to the progressive technologies which can be exploited for the manufacturing products with complicated shapes and special material and utility properties. Semi-solid metal forming takes place at temperatures between solidus and liquidus combining the advantages of metal forging and metal casting processes. The paper is focused on the analysis of microstructures and phase composition of the X210Cr12 steel identified in the thin-walled products after forming in semi-solid state. Microstructure of the X210Cr12 steel after rapid cooling and solidification from semi-solid state is formed by quasi-globular grains of metastable austenite surrounded by carbides and fine eutectics. The fraction of metastable austenite in structure was found to be 96 % exhibiting the thermal stability up to the temperature of 500 °C. Along with experimental study, the numerical analysis of the material flow during a die cavity filling was carried out using developed 2D simulation model taking into account one-phase non-newtonian flow.

Phase change materials (PCM) are described along with some of their advantages in air conditioning installations, particularly with regard to taking advantage of the free cooling that can be obtained from the ambient air, by using either sensible heat or evaporation. Certain installations are described and the paper concludes by stating that PCMs in microcapsules will facilitate the use of free cooling.

The large deformation analysis is one of major challenges in numerical modelling and simulation of metal forming. Because no mesh is used, the meshfree methods show good potential for the large deformation analysis. In this paper, a local meshfree formulation, based on the local weak-forms and the updated Lagrangian (UL) approach, is developed for the large deformation analysis. To fully employ the advantages of meshfree methods, a simple and effective adaptive technique is proposed, and this procedure is much easier than the re-meshing in FEM. Numerical examples of large deformation analysis are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly developed nonlinear meshfree approach. It has been found that the developed meshfree technique provides a superior performance to the conventional FEM in dealing with large deformation problems for metal forming.

This paper presents material properties of a micromachined mesoscopic acoustic speaker for hearing aid applications. The microspeaker has a single turn copper coil on a polyimide membrane, and an NdFeB permanent magnet beneath the membrane. The fields due to the permanent magnet were computed using FEMM. Then, forces based on the fields and on the coil driving current were computed. Finally, IntelliSuite was employed to simulate membrane displacements and stresses. The device, with a polyimide membrane diameter of 2.5 mm and thickness of 2 µm, consumes 3.4 mW to generate a sound pressure level of 108 dB in the human ear.

This paper uses a hybrid simulation approach in CoventorWare design environment which combines finite element analysis and circuit simulation modeling to obtain the optimal performance of piezoresistive microcantilever sensor. A 250 μm x 100 μm x 1 μm SiO2 cantilever integrated with 0.2 μm thick Si piezoresistor were used in this study. A finite element analysis on piezoresistive microcantilever sensor was conducted in CoventorWare Analyzer environment which incorporates MemMech and MemPZR modules. The sensor sensitivity was obtained by measuring resistivity changes in piezoresistive material in response to surface stress changes of microcantilever. The simulation results were later integrated with system-level simulation solver called Architect to enable the optimization of the sensor circuit output. It involves a hybrid approach which uniquely combined FEM analysis and piezoresistive modeling using circuit simulation environment which results in optimal performance of MEMS piezoresistive microcantilever sensor.

Different possible reasons for defects have to be considered in machining light-weight aluminum structures. In the machining process, the cutting power affecting the workpiece leads to a thermo-mechanical load that can cause undesirable workpiece deformations and thus shape deviations. Moreover, the microstructure and the machined surface can be influenced, which is detrimental to the later application of the structures. Previously conducted experimental and simulative investigations, estimated the circular milling process to be the most suitable machining operation that provides the best compromise between mechanical and thermal loads compared to drilling operations [1,2]. In this paper the results of machining end-cross-sections of an aluminum profile are presented. The machining was obtained by a milling process, which is demanding, because of the low profile stiffness. For this process it is important to know the effects of machining in view of the shape deviations. By means of a Finite-Element-Analysis the deformations of the profile web can be calculated as well as validated by experiments. Based on these results, the appropriate process parameter values for end machining can be defined.

The microstructural heterogeneity and stress fluctuation play important roles in the failure process of brittle materials. In this paper, a generalized driven nonlinear threshold model with stress fluctuation is presented to study the effects of microstructural heterogeneity on continuum damage evolution. As an illustration, the failure process of cement material under explosive loading is analyzed using the model. The result agrees well with the experimental one, which proves the efficiency of the model.

For an increase in safety against crack initiation and growth in metallic structures of airplanes different concepts were developed in the past. In the focus of this work are profiles made of continuously reinforced extruded aluminum. The production and the used die set of these profiles is presented as well as problems occurring in terms of geometrical inaccuracies of the embedded high strength wires. In addition, this paper attends to the problem of lateral seam weld formation. The interface between the AA-2099 as well as AA-6056 aluminum alloy and the high strength wires Nivaflex and Nanoflex were characterized by metallurgic investigations and push-out tests. As a result it can be stated that a sufficient geometrical accuracy could be achieved and a high interface strength can be accomplished even if a slight gap is still present in the interface layer between matrix and reinforcing element.

With the increasing demands of energy efficiency and environment protection, composite materials have become an important alternative for traditional materials. Composite materials offer many advantages over traditional materials including: low density, high strength, high stiffness to weight ratio, excellent durability, and design flexibility. Despite all these advantages, composite materials have not been as widely used as expected because of the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process. One of the main causes is associated with poor dimensional control. General curved composite parts are often used as the structural components in the composite industry. Due to the anisotropic material nature, process-induced dimensional variations make it difficult for tighttolerance control and limit the use of composites. This research aims to develop a practical approach for the design of general curved composite parts and assembly. First, the closed-form solution for the process-induced dimensional variations, which is commonly called spring-in, was derived. For a general curved composite part, a Structural Tree Method (STM) was developed to divide the curve into a number of pieces and calculate the dimensional variations sequentially. This method can be also applied to an assembly of composite parts. The approach was validated through a case study. The method presented in this paper provides a convenient and practical tool for the dimensional and tolerance analysis in the early design stage of general curved composite parts and assembly, which is extremely useful for the realization of affordable tight tolerance composites. It also provides the foundation of Integrated Product/Process Development (IPPD) and Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA) for composites.