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Supercapacitors (SCs) are one of the most promising electrical energy storage technologies systems due to their fast storage capability, long cycle stability, high power density, and environmental friendliness. Enormous research has focused on the design of nanomaterials to achieve low cost, highly efficient, and stable electrodes. Ceramic materials provide promising candidates for SCs electrodes. However, the low specific surface area and relatively low surface activity severely hinder the SCs performance of ceramic materials. Therefore, the basic understanding of ceramic materials, the optimization strategy, and the research progress of ceramic electrodes are the key steps to enable good electrical conductivity and excellent electron transport capabilities, and realize economically feasible ceramic electrodes in industry. Herein, we review recent achievements in manufacturing the ceramic electrodes for SCs, including metal oxide ceramics, multi-elemental oxide ceramics, metal hydroxide ceramics, metal sulfide ceramics, carbon-based ceramics, carbide and nitride ceramics, and other special ceramics (MXene). We focus on the unique and key factors in the component and structural design of ceramic electrodes, which correlate them with SCs performance. In addition, the current technical challenges and perspectives of ceramic electrodes for SCs are also discussed.

The increasing number of deaths due to COVID-19 followed by an excessive number of burials had risen the emergence of a safety plan, supporting the burial process to minimize the dangerous impact on the human. The conventional way of burying the corpse with infectious disease in Indonesia utilizes ropes to lower the coffin and involves four to eight people. However, this is not practical because it is energy-wasting and crowding. This paper aims to propose a design of a safe, practical, and robust coffin lowering machine. The proposed design is available for all ages with a weight of up to 200 kg. The design has a 2000 x 600 x 750 mm dimension, in which the width can be extended from 600 to 1000 mm. The straps for lowering the coffin are mounted on the left and right-side shafts. Each of the components is connected with a pin joint. Then, the components are analyzed by calculating the static and fatigue strength to obtain the safety factor and to determine the service life. As a result, the proposed design demonstrates the safety factors for static and fatigue condition that are higher than one, indicating it can be considered for fabrication. In addition, the presented work can be referred as a problem-based learning case study in Machine Element Course.

[ES] En la actualidad, España cuenta con un parque móvil de alrededor de 24 millones de vehículos ligeros de los cuales unos 5 millones se corresponde con las motocicletas, es decir, más de un 20%. Este parque supone casi un tercio del consumo total de la energía de España, lo que se traduce en alrededor de una cuarta parte de las emisiones totales de gases que contribuyen al efecto invernadero. Aunque en apariencia las motocicletas pueden parecer una pequeña fracción con respecto a la totalidad del parque, lo cierto es que, dadas sus características mecánicas y sus modos de operación, proporcionalmente suponen una mayor fuente de contaminación que los turismos. En concreto, su motor emite hasta 16 veces más de hidrocarburos y tres veces más monóxido de carbono, además de otros gases nocivos para la salud y el medio ambiente. Como solución tecnológica a este problema, las motocicletas incorporan un catalizador que permite la reducción de las especies contaminantes antes de la emisión a la atmósfera. Estos sistemas presentan altas eficiencias de conversión cuando han alcanzado la temperatura de operación adecuada pero su funcionamiento se ve comprometido durante las fases de arranque y de baja carga, en la que la temperatura de catalizador y de los gases de escape es baja. En este contexto, el presente proyecto tiene como objetivo el diseño de un sistema de aislamiento térmico para el colector de escape de una motocicleta que contribuya a la mejora de la eficiencia de conversión de las especies contaminantes en el catalizador logrando que cumpla la norma de emisiones Euro 5. Este trabajo se basa en datos obtenidos de la propia motocicleta y provenientes de la literatura, además de en el empleo de diversos modelos computacionales. En primer lugar, se establece el marco normativo vigente nacional sobre las medidas para la reducción de las emisiones sobre cualquier vehículo dedicado al transporte y, de esta forma, asentar las condiciones las cuáles debe cumplir la motocicleta y se introduce de forma teórica el funcionamiento del sistema propulsivo y la caracterización de los distintos elementos que componen el sistema de escape, con especial énfasis en los mecanismos de formación y eliminación de las especies contaminantes. Una vez establecido el contexto en el que se enmarca el trabajo, se realiza un análisis del funcionamiento del colector de escape actual de la motocicleta, a fin de detectar las zonas críticas en cuanto a pérdida de calor de los gases de escape. Una vez evaluado el sistema, se diseña un escudo térmico capaz de cubrir los puntos débiles del colector y mejorar el sistema en su conjunto. El colector de escape junto con el escudo se modela en 3D (tres dimensiones) haciendo uso del sistema CAD, es decir, diseño asistido por ordenador a modo de ajuste de las dimensiones y tolerancias entre ambos. Finalmente se emplean modelos computacionales para evaluar la ganancia de temperatura que supone el uso del escudo térmico, considerando diferentes alternativas en cuanto a espesor de aislante, y cuanto afecta esto a la eficiencia de conversión en el catalizador. Se cuantifica la mejora en cuanto a emisiones contaminantes y determinando las condiciones mínimas que permiten el cumplimiento de la norma Euro 5. Por último, se fijan unas conclusiones a modo de comparación entre las emisiones de la motocicleta sin empleo de sistema aislante y con él, además de observar el cumplimiento de la legislación consolidada en lo referente a las emisiones. Con este TFG se trabajan las siguientes competencias de la titulación: 03 (E) Conocimientos básicos sobre el uso y programación de los ordenadores, sistemas operativos, bases de datos y programas informáticos con aplicación en ingeniería. 04 (E) Capacidad para comprender y aplicar los principios de conocimientos básicos de la química general, química orgánica e inorgánica y sus aplicaciones en la ingeniería. 05 (E) Capacidad de visión espacial y conocimiento d, [EN] Currently, Spain has a mobile fleet of around 24 million light vehicles, of which about 5 million correspond to motorcycles, that is, more than 20%. This fleet accounts for almost a third of the total energy consumption in Spain, which translates into around a quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Although motorcycles may appear to be a small fraction of the entire fleet, the truth is that, given their mechanical characteristics and modes of operation, they are proportionally a greater source of pollution than passenger cars. Specifically, its engine emits up to 16 times more hydrocarbons and three times more carbon monoxide, in addition to other gases that are harmful to health and the environment. As a technological solution to this problem, motorcycles incorporate a catalyst that allows the reduction of polluting species before emission into the atmosphere. These systems have high conversion efficiencies when they have reached the proper operating temperature, but their performance is compromised during start-up and low-load phases, when the catalyst and exhaust gas temperatures are low. In this context, this project aims to design a thermal insulation system for the exhaust manifold of a motorcycle that contributes to improving the conversion efficiency of polluting species in the catalyst, achieving compliance with the emission standard. Euro 5. This work is based on data obtained from the motorcycle itself and from the literature, in addition to the use of various computational models. In the first place, the current national regulatory framework is established on the measures to reduce emissions on any vehicle dedicated to transport and, in this way, establish the conditions which the motorcycle must comply with and the operation of the vehicle is theoretically introduced. propulsive system and the characterization of the different elements that make up the exhaust system, with special emphasis on the mechanisms of formation and elimination of polluting species. Once the context in which the work is framed has been established, an analysis of the operation of the current exhaust manifold of the motorcycle is carried out, in order to detect the critical areas in terms of heat loss from the exhaust gases. Once the system has been evaluated, a thermal shield capable of covering the weak points of the collector and improving the system as a whole is designed. The exhaust manifold together with the shield is modeled in 3D (three dimensions) using the CAD system, that is, computer-aided design by way of adjusting the dimensions and tolerances between them. Finally, computational models are used to evaluate the temperature gain that the use of the thermal shield supposes, considering different alternatives in terms of insulation thickness, and how much this affects the conversion efficiency in the catalyst. The improvement in terms of polluting emissions is quantified and the minimum conditions that allow compliance with the Euro 5 standard are determined. Finally, some conclusions are set by way of comparison between the emissions of the motorcycle without the use of an insulating system and with it, in addition to observing compliance with the consolidated legislation regarding emissions. With this work the following competences of the degree are worked on: 03 (E) Basic knowledge of the use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases and computer programs with application in engineering. 04 (E) Ability to understand and apply the principles of basic knowledge of general chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry and their applications in engineering. 05 (E) Capacity for spatial vision and knowledge of graphic representation techniques, both through traditional methods of metric geometry and descriptive geometry, and through computer-aided design applications. 43 (E) Applied knowledge of thermal engineering. 64 (G) Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision making

Metals : open access journal 11(12), 2028 (2021). doi:10.3390/met11122028, Published by MDPI, Basel

High-entropy alloy(HEA) coatings with high thermal stability and high temperature resistance of HEA coatings show a new attraction in the field of high temperature coating. The method of preparing HEA coating(HEAc) by laser cladding technology is one of the best preparation methods which can achieve superior performance. The latest research results of HEAc prepared by laser cladding technology were summarized from the view of component design, microstructure, annealing process and properties, high temperature oxidation resistance and other properties. The problems existing in the preparation of HEAc by laser cladding technology were analyzed. It was put forward that the scientific research system should be perfected from the aspects of component design, basic theory, performance law and processing technology in the future. The high-entropy alloy coatings with excellent performance are expected to be prepared.

High-entropy alloy is a new type of alloy, its excellent physical and chemical properties have attracted extensive attention of the researchers. However, the density of traditional HEAs is high, which greatly limits their engineering applications. In order to reduce the density of HEAs, the low-density elements such as Al, Ti, Mg, Li, and C are used to prepare HEAs, then, a series of LHEAs at equal molar or non-equalmolar concentrations is successfully prepared, showing great application potential in the fields of aerospace, energy and transportation. This paper reviews the research progress of LHEAs. The design guidelines and processing techniques of HEAs are analyzed. The phase structures and properties of LHEAs are introduced according to their system characteristics. The future research direction of LHEAs is prospected.

The number of COVID-19 corpses is highly increased since 2020. This situation tends to risk the health workers directly interacting with COVID-19 victims during the burial process. In Indonesia, the conventional method of burial process requires four to eight health workers. Thus, minimizing the number of involved health workers is needed. This paper aims to propose a bed-stretcher that assists the burial process of the COVID-19 corpses efficiently. Hence, the number of people involved can be minimized. The design considers a maximum weight of 2000 N of the coffin, which includes the corpse inside. The device is equipped with a shaft-pulley system, gear, and ratchet mechanism to lower the coffin inside the grave. The strength analysis of the shaft-pulley system by theoretical approach is conducted under static and fatigue loading conditions to estimate the service life. As a result, the calculated safety factor demonstrates a value of more than one, indicating the structure is safe under both static and fatigue loading conditions. Moreover, the device can be operated only by two health workers. In addition, this work is expected to contribute to the innovative idea of engineering products to overcome the Pandemic of COVID-19.

In modern vehicle development, suspension components have to meet many boundary conditions. In noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) development these are for example eigenfrequencies and frequency response function (FRF) amplitudes. Component geometry parameters, for example kinematic hard points, often affect multiple of these targets in a non intuitive way. In this article, we present a practical approach to find optimized parameters for a component design, which fulfills an FRF target curve. By morphing an initial component finite element model we create training data for an artificial neural network (ANN) which predicts FRFs from geometry parameter input. Then the ANN serves as a metamodel for an evolutionary algorithm optimizer which identifies fitting geometry parameter sets, meeting an FRF target curve. The methodology enables a component design which considers an FRF as a component target. In multiple simulation examples we demonstrate the capability of identifying component designs modifying specific eigenfrequency or amplitude features of the FRFs.

The purpose of this chapter is to develop a virtual simulation environment useful for electric vehicle performance analysis. For user convenience, it is possible to change the electric vehicle's key components or modify their parameters using MATLAB/Simulink. In addition, the developed simulation model can be simulated in real-time, and it is mounted on the driving simulator so that the designer can observe the change in performance due to modification in components or specifications. Using a driving simulator, the actual driver drives in different traffic conditions, resulting in various simulation results. Therefore, designers can change the specifications of the components used or the components themselves to find the impact on the electric vehicle's performance. This process will shorten the development time of electric vehicles by selecting components suitable for electric vehicles' required performance.

Materials 14(9), 2411 (2021). doi:10.3390/ma14092411 special issue: "Materials Simulation and Design / Section Topics Board: Dr. Andrij Milenin [und 10 weitere]", Published by MDPI, Basel

Material-specific modelling is typically employed to analyse components subject to multi-axial loading that are used in engineered systems and structures. To identify the parameters of the model, different tests are used, but these can be both time consuming and costly. Researchers Dr.-Ing. Vladimir Kolupaev, M.Sc. Alok R. Mehta and Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Axel Nierbauer at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF have developed an efficient method for determining when - in addition to the use of tensile tests - compression tests are necessary, as this article briefly explains.

In modern vehicle development, suspension components have to meet many boundary conditions. In noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) development these are for example eigenfrequencies and frequency response function (FRF) amplitudes. Component geometry parameters, for example kinematic hard points, often affect multiple of these targets in a non intuitive way. In this article, we present a practical approach to find optimized parameters for a component design, which fulfills an FRF target curve. By morphing an initial component finite element model we create training data for an artificial neural network (ANN) which predicts FRFs from geometry parameter input. Then the ANN serves as a metamodel for an evolutionary algorithm optimizer which identifies fitting geometry parameter sets, meeting an FRF target curve. The methodology enables a component design which considers an FRF as a component target. In multiple simulation examples we demonstrate the capability of identifying component designs modifying specific eigenfrequency or amplitude features of the FRFs.

El presente trabajo final de grado estudia el diseño y cálculo de un reductor de velocidad utilizando tecnología de fabricación aditiva, concretamente de impresión 3D, con el objetivo de implementarlo en una máquina. A través de todo el proyecto se verá, primeramente, lo que hace referencia a la evolución a lo largo del tiempo de las tecnologías de fabricación aditiva, sus principales aplicaciones, funcionamiento e hitos importantes que nos hará entender la magnitud o el potencial que tiene y está teniendo este tipo de tecnología, centrándonos en la impresión 3D. De igual manera se realizará un estudio de los diferentes tipos de reductores de velocidad, definiendo sus componentes, así como sus principales usos en la industria. Teniendo información de ambas tecnologías se procederá a la elección de estas, obteniendo como resultado un tipo de reductor de velocidad y de impresión 3D que, junto a los datos de partida, nos brindarán las herramientas para el diseño del reductor de velocidad. Previo al diseño del reductor, se realizarán los cálculos pertinentes correspondientes al tipo de reductor de velocidad elegido definiendo así sus componentes y configuración, culminados estos se seguirá finalmente con la etapa del diseño donde se definirá como objetivo conseguir un sistema que cumpla con el problema planteado de una manera eficiente en un diseño funcional y compacto. Por último, cabe señalar que el proyecto en su nacimiento tuvo como finalidad la impresión y construcción del reductor de velocidad, sin embargo, debido a los hechos acaecidos a causa de la pandemia el desarrollo del mismo ha tenido que ser reorientado, poniendo énfasis u otorgando un mayor peso a otros aspectos también determinantes que forman parte y se muestran en el desarrollo del proyecto. El present treball final de grau estudia el disseny i càlcul d'un reductor de velocitat utilitzant tecnologia de fabricació additiva, concretament d'impressió 3D, amb l'objectiu d'implementarlo en una màquina. A través de tot el projecte es veurà, primerament, el que fa referència a l'evolució al llarg del temps de les tecnologies de fabricació additiva, les seves principals aplicacions, funcionament i fites importants que ens farà entendre la magnitud o el potencial que té i està tenint aquest tipus de tecnologia, centrant-nos en la impressió 3D. De la mateixa manera es realitzarà un estudi dels diferents tipus de reductors de velocitat, definint els seus components, així com els seus principals usos en la indústria. Tenint informació d'ambdues tecnologies es procedirà a l'elecció d'aquestes, obtenint com a resultat un tipus de reductor de velocitat i d'impressió 3D que, juntament amb les dades de partida, ens brindaran les eines per al disseny del reductor de velocitat. Previ a el disseny del reductor, es realitzaran els càlculs pertinents corresponents a l'tipus de reductor de velocitat triat definint així els seus components i configuració, culminats aquests es seguirà finalment amb l'etapa de disseny on es definirà com a objectiu aconseguir un sistema que compleixi amb el problema plantejat d'una manera eficient en un disseny funcional i compacte. Finalment, cal assenyalar que el projecte en el seu naixement va tenir com a finalitat la impressió i construcció del reductor de velocitat, però, a causa dels fets esdevinguts a causa de la pandèmia el desenvolupament de la mateixa ha hagut de ser reorientat, posant èmfasi o atorgant un major pes a altres aspectes també determinants que formen part i es mostren en el desenvolupament del projecte. In this bachelor thesis we have studied the design and calculation of a speed reducer using additive manufacturing technology, particularly 3D printing, with the aim of implementing it on a machine. Throughout the project, we will see, first of all, what the evolution over time of additive manufacturing technologies involves, their main applications, operation and important milestones that will make us understand the magnitude or potential that it has and is having this kind of technology, focusing on 3D printing. In the same way, a study will be made of the different types of speed reducers, defining their components, as well as their main uses in the industry. Having information about both technologies, we will proceed to the choice of these, obtaining as a result a type of speed reducer and 3D printing that, together with the starting data, will provide us the tools for the design of the speed reducer. Prior to the design of the reducer, the calculations corresponding to the chosen type of speed reducer will be carried out, thus defining its components and set up, once these are finished, the design stage will continue with the aim of achieving a system that meets the problem on view in an efficient way in a functional and compact design. Finally, it should be pointed out the project at its inception had the purpose of printing and building the speed reducer, however, owing to the events that occurred due to the pandemic, its development has had to be reoriented, emphasising or giving greater importance to other determining aspects that are part of it and are shown in the development of the project.

Narrowband Internet of Things(NB-IoT) is a new communication technology in the field of Internet of Things. It has the characteristics of low power consumption, large capacity, wide coverage and so on. It will be the trend of the development of the Internet of Things. In order to speed up the application of NB-IoT technology, this paper studies the design of temperature and humidity control system based on the application architecture of NB-IoT, gives the communication principle of NB-IoT application architecture, and then uses the component design method to carry out terminal hardware and software design and practices to test the control of temperature and humidity data acquisition system. The test results show that the design of NB-IoT application architecture has good stability and reliability, providing theoretical basis and technical support for the application and development of NB-IoT.

The optimisation of complex engineering design problems is highly challenging due to the consideration of various design variables. To obtain acceptable near-optimal solutions within reasonable computation time, metaheuristics can be employed for such problems. However, a plethora of novel metaheuristic algorithms are developed and constantly improved and hence it is important to evaluate the applicability of the novel optimisation strategies and compare their performance using real-world engineering design problems. Therefore, in this paper, eight recent population-based metaheuristic optimisation algorithms—African Vultures Optimisation Algorithm (AVOA), Crystal Structure Algorithm (CryStAl), Human-Behaviour Based Optimisation (HBBO), Gradient-Based Optimiser (GBO), Gorilla Troops Optimiser (GTO), Runge–Kutta optimiser (RUN), Social Network Search (SNS) and Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA)—are applied to five different mechanical component design problems and their performance on such problems are compared. The results show that the SNS algorithm is consistent, robust and provides better quality solutions at a relatively fast computation time for the considered design problems. GTO and GBO also show comparable performance across the considered problems and AVOA is the most efficient in terms of computation time.

Solutions for a family of the novel three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inductor-capacitor-capacitor-transformer (LCCT)-derived three-phase inverters are described and compared. Component design guidelines and steady state analysis, current and voltage waveforms are given. The authors’ simulation results confirm the theoretical predictions. It was found that an asymmetrical three-level NPC LCCT-derived inverter with a single diode in the impedance source network is the most promising solution. Experimental results for an asymmetrical three-level NPC LCCT-derived inverter with a single input voltage source and continuous input current are presented. The main advantages and design requirements are discussed.

The oxygen compressor is one of the key components in the onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS), with a high-pressure canister for backup. In this paper, a multistage compressor unit with a non-crank mechanism is proposed for the compression of the generated oxygen for storage in the high-pressure canister in the oxygen backup line of the OBOGS. The working principle, control strategy, and the design method of the key components of the non-crank compressor are provided to realize the preliminary design. The experimental study was carried out to investigate the control accuracy and the technical feasibility, including the compression capacity and the cooling performance. Results show that the motion control program could realize the motion scheme of the compressor with an error of less than 2%. The discharge pressure reached a relative stability after around 40 cycles of compression, while the discharge temperature achieved relative stability after approximately 100 cycles. The average discharge pressure at the last stage could meet the pressure requirement under standard working conditions. The average inlet temperature of the oxygen to the gasholder was 25 &deg, C under standard working conditions.

This research aims to explore and reflect the links between form, function, material and fabrication to develop and assemble more adjustable and flexible building walls. The interconnection of these main aspects of creation is particularly driven by the raising prominence of digital and computational tools in the context of design and fabrication. The new trends in digital fabrication and construction industry have fundamentally impacted building envelope components design with a shift in emphasis from flexible structures to envelope and from form to performance. The objective of this research is to develop new prototypes for more lightweight, dynamic, possibly interactive body envelope with the contribution of digital crafting. The first wall prototype was designed and assembled in the laboratories of University of Minho using CAD and subtractive machining to produce the parts and apply physical tests to the wall. Based to that experiment the second prototype is digitally developed and generated with additive manufacturing; presenting the development process; as an attempt to build an entire envelope from printed components., FEDER -European Regional Development Fund(POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007528)

Total knee arthroplasty gives excellent objective results. Nevertheless, the subjective findings do not match the normal knee perception: Often, it depends on patellar pain onset. In this study, we analyzed clinical and radiological items that can affect resurfaced patellar tracking, and role of a patella-friendly femoral component and patellar size on patellar pain onset. Thirty consecutive patients were implanted using the same-cemented posterior-stabilized TKA associated with patella resurfacing. Fifteen patients were implanted using a classical femoral component, while another 15 patients were implanted using a patella-friendly femoral component. The statistical analysis was set to detect a significant difference (p

In this study, component design of x-EVs was performed using virtual integrated development environment (VIDE). First, component library was developed for various components such as the engine, motor, battery and transmission. Vehicle performance simulator of x-EVs was developed using MATALB SimDriveline, which consists of the powertrain system and control system. Experiment and commercial software were used for the validation. A virtual environment was developed using the 3D rendering tool to simulate the road, buildings, traffic, signal system and weather. Using the VIDE, EV range and acceleration performance for various x-EVs were evaluated to design the battery and motor specifications. In addition, an electric heater was selected as an example and its performance at the vehicle level was investigated using the VIDE. It is expected that the VIDE can be used in component design for x-EVs.

Common post-operative problems in shoulder arthroplasty such as glenoid loosening and joint instability may be reduced by improvements in glenoid design, shape, material choice and fixation method. A framework for parametric analysis of different implant fixation configurations was developed in order to efficiently sift through potential glenoid component designs and investigate the influence of design factors such as fixation type, component thickness and peg position, number, diameter and length in a multi-factorial design investigation. The proposed method allowed for simultaneous comparison of the performance of 344 different parametric variations of 10 different reference geometries with large central fixation features or small peripheral pegs, undergoing four different worst-case scenario loading conditions, averaging 64.7 seconds per model. The impact of design parameters were assessed for different factors responsible for post-operative problems in shoulder arthroplasty, such as bone volume preservation, stresses in the implant, central displacement or fixation stability, and the worst performing geometries all relied on conventional central fixation. Of the remaining geometries, four peripheral fixation configurations produced von Mises stresses comfortably below the material's yield strength. We show that the developed method allows for simple, direct, rapid and repeatable comparison of different design features, material choices or fixation methods by analyzing how they influence the bone-implant mechanical environment. The proposed method can provide valuable insight in implant design optimization by screening through multiple potential design modifications at an early design evaluation stage and highlighting the best performing combinations according to the failure mechanism to mitigate. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Recently, the global automobile market is rapidly changing in the paradigm to next-generation automobiles with high-efficiency and eco-friendliness due to rising oil prices and strengthened environment regulations. Accordingly, the automobile vendors around the world are competing in development of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles and such various vehicles. Before developing the components that such vehicles are comprised of, however, it is very important to predict/assess the performance of the components when used to construct such vehicles using the components to be developed. Yet, it is very difficult to design considering the operational characteristics at the vehicle level during the design stage of the components, or conduct testing/evaluation considering vehicle characteristics. To resolve such issues, this study involved using MATLAB/Simulink, one of the simulation programs widely used by system engineers to construct performance evaluation environment for eco-friendly vehicles, and using 3D rendering tool of Multigen Creator to construct virtual driving environment so as to construct the performance evaluation environment for components of the vehicles. The constructed virtual driving simulator could be utilized for designing core components for Eco-friendly Vehicles, and verifying the performance per vehicle unit.

Free-form transparent wide-span spatial structures which have being constructed so far, are based on the concept of three sets of components, the structural components, usually steel elements to ensure both compressive and tensional capacity; the glass cladding elements for expressing transparency; and thirdly an in between set for connecting the cladding with the primary skeleton. Even though glass technology is becoming more and more promising, glass is still considered doubtful in a load-bearing capacity, which implies to a repetitive architectural and engineering repertoire. Nevertheless, in the last two decades there has been a tendency to explore the design and realization of pure structural glass domes [1, 2, 3,4]. The outcome of these experiments, resulted in glass domes of the same conservative geometry of a sphere of small spans between 5-12.5m. Therefore, the glass still has not reached its limits in terms of architectural forms and span size. Apparently, the combination of synclastic and anticlastic geometries applied for glass structures is still an unknown field and remains as a theoretical question whether or not there are possibilities to implement glass plates in the construction of free-form spatial structures, as a main load-bearing component. In respect to the emerging technologies of glass technology and computation, design strategies revolving around the assumption of using glass to realize a transparent form-active system, are presented through a new concept for an innovative connection method. In particular, the concept of connection relies on the composition of a transparent hybrid composite composed by thermally strengthened glass, sentry glass plus and woven fabric composite. Particularly, the composite has an extended part outwards of a reinforced glass plate, used for easy assembly and disassembly as well as the transfer of tensile forces and improving so the post breakage behavior. The complete system out of glass plates and joints is controlled by determining the appropriate stiffness during design. The ultimate target, is to apply the concept of this joining method to any free-form shell geometry constructed out of planar glass plates.

Aquest treball de tesi proposa aportar una infraestructura de programari per donar suport a nous tipus de metodologies i recursos d'aprenentatge col·laboratiu augmentats pedagògicament i a través d'una plataforma d'aplicació innovadora anomenada Plataforma de Virtualització de Sessions Col·laboratives (VCSF de l'angles Virtualized Collaborative Sessions Framework). El VCSF ajuda a satisfer els requisits pedagògics exigents de l'aprenentatge col·laboratiu en línia d’avui en dia, com ara augmentar la participació de l'estudiant i millorar el rendiment de l'aprenentatge durant la col·laboració. Al seu torn, l'aplicació sistemàtica de la plataforma VCSF, enriquida amb tecnologies semàntiques, permet als desenvolupadors d'e-learning aprofitar experiències d'aprenentatge col·laboratiu prèvies a través de la reutilització de programari, estalviant temps de desenvolupament i esforç. La plataforma ha sigut prototipada i provada amb èxit en entorns reals, el que demostra la capacitat de reutilització del programari i els beneficis pedagògics de l'enfocament VCSF., Este trabajo de tesis propone aportar una infraestructura de software para apoyar a nuevos tipos de metodologías y recursos de aprendizaje colaborativo aumentados pedagógicamente ya través de una plataforma de aplicación innovadora llamada Plataforma de Virtualización de Sesiones Colaborativa (VCSF del inglés Virtualized Collaborative Sessions Framework). El VCSF ayuda a satisfacer los requisitos pedagógicos exigentes del aprendizaje colaborativo en línea de hoy en día, tales como aumentar la participación del estudiante y mejorar el rendimiento del aprendizaje durante la colaboración. A su vez, la aplicación sistemática de la plataforma VCSF, enriquecida con tecnologías semánticas, permite a los desarrolladores de e-learning aprovechar experiencias de aprendizaje colaborativo previas a través de la reutilización de software, ahorrando tiempo de desarrollo y esfuerzo. La plataforma ha sido prototipada y probada con éxito en entornos reales, lo que demuestra la capacidad de reutilización del software y los beneficios pedagógicos del enfoque VCSF., This thesis project aims to provide a software infrastructure to support new types of pedagogically augmented collaborative learning methodologies and resources by means of an innovative application framework called Virtualized Collaborative Sessions Framework (VCSF). The VCSF helps meet challenging pedagogical requirements in online collaborative learning, such as increasing students' engagement and learning performance during the collaboration. In turn, the systematic application of the VCSF platform, enriched with semantic technologies, enables e-learning developers to leverage successful collaborative learning experiences through software reuse, saving in both development time and effort. The framework has been prototyped and successfully tested in real environments, thus showing the software reuse capability and the pedagogical benefits of the VCSF approach.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the position of the patella at 90° of flexion before and after implantation of two TKA models with identical tibiofemoral geometry but different trochlear and patellar designs. The hypothesis was that the design with the deeper 'anatomic' trochlea could produce more natural patellar positions. METHODS: Intra-operative navigation data were collected from 22 consecutive cases that received two TKA designs (9 HLS Noetos(®) and 13 HLS KneeTec(®)). Both implants were cemented postero-stabilised TKAs with mobile tibial inserts and patellar resurfacing. Operations were guided by a non-image-based system that recorded relative femoral, tibial and patellar positions pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: The two groups exhibited little difference in femoral internal-external rotation and anterior-posterior translation during knee flexion. The two groups exhibited significant differences in patellar position at 90° of flexion. Post-operatively, the patella was similarly shifted medially relative to the femur (Noetos 6.9 mm, KneeTec 6.0 mm, n.s.). Patellar flexion was equivalent in native knees (Noetos 18.3°, KneeTec 20.5°, n.s.), but in implanted knees, it was considerably different (Noetos 6.3°, KneeTec 23.5°, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The present study compared intra-operative navigation data from two patient series that received TKA implants with identical tibiofemoral articular geometry but different patellofemoral designs. The results confirm that tibiofemoral kinematics are unchanged, but that patellar positions at 90° of flexion offer greater mechanical advantage to the quadriceps using the KneeTec than using the Noetos. The findings raise awareness of influence of patellofemoral geometry on mid-flexion kinematics and help surgeons select the most suitable implant for patients with weak quadriceps muscles or with history of patellar instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Comparative study, Level III.

In March 2010, the ITER operator delivered the facility safety file to the French "Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire" (ASN) as part of its request for the creation decree, legally necessary before building works can begin on the site. The French "Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire" (IRSN), in support to the ASN, recently completed its expertise of the safety measures proposed for ITER, on the basis of this file and of additional technical documents from the operator. This paper presents the IRSN's main conclusions. In particular, they focus on the radioactive materials involved, the safety and radiation protection demonstration (suitability of risk management measures.), foreseeable accidents, building and safety important component design and, finally, wastes and effluents to be produced. This assessment was just the first legally-required step in on-going safety monitoring of the ITER project, which will include other complete regulatory re-evaluations. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Deployable scissor structures allow a transformation from a compact state to an expanded configuration enabling them to adapt to changing needs. Many studies have been conducted on this field. However, it is known that more structural insights are gained and the complexity rises when physical models with cross-sections and joints are built. This paper reviews the construction of a full-scale prototype of a deployable scissor dome. The prototype was built, as low-tech and as low-budget as possible, as a test to go through the whole process: from a line model, to manufacturing the components, to assemble the structure manually and to test the deployment.