Search

An engine bracket is one of the most critical components of the engine used for mounting and supporting the engine in the vehicles. Today, the automobile industry requires lightweight components, which will reduce the car's overall weight when fitted into the vehicle. Topology optimization is a technique with the help of which the surface of a component is optimized to get the required shape for having reduced weight. The weight is reduced by optimizing the material on the surface of the details. In this paper, the work done is the application of topology optimization on the surface of the engine bracket arm. Then the optimized model is tested computationally using realistic conditions. Bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization is used as a technique for topology optimization. With the help of the BESO method, the material optimization is done, and then the weights are compared with the original component. A new algorithm is developed using MATLAB codes. The sensitivity ratio is considered using the von Mises strength as a critical parameter for the BESO method for optimization. The optimized bracket model is then assembled with the hub of the component, and then the assembly is simulated for verification using standard conditions. A comparison of weight reduction is there using topology optimization.

The abrasive characteristics of LM6 alloys are difficult to machine, so designing a technology that allows for effective machining is essential. This paper aims to evaluate the effect of process variables, namely feed rate, spindle speed and drill material, towards the responses like Thrust force, Surface roughness and burr height when drilling of LM6 alloy. LM6 aluminium alloy was fabricated by the stir casting process. Experiments were conducted using L9 orthogonal array in a Vertical Machining Centre coupled with a dynamometer for measuring thrust force. Surface roughness was found by Surface roughness tester and burr height was measured using Vision Measuring System. The findings show that the created model can accurately estimate the thrust force (TF), surface roughness (SR) and burr height (BH) in LM6 alloy drilling within the parameters examined.

This study performed a steady-state numerical analysis to understand the temperature in different heat sink configurations for LED applications. Seven heat sink configurations named R, H-6, H-8, H-10, C, C3, and C3E3 were considered. Parameters like input power, number of fins, heat sink configuration were varied, and their influence on LED temperature distribution, heat sink thermal resistance and thermal interface material temperature were studied. The results showed that the temperature distribution of the H-6 heat sink decreased by 46.30% compared with the Cheat sink for an input power of 16 W. The result of the H-6 heat sink shows that the heat sink thermal resistance was decreased by 73.91% compared with the Cheat sink at 16 W. The lowest interface material temperature of 54.11 °C was achieved by the H-6 heat sink when the input power was used 16 W. The H-6 heat sink exhibited better performance due to more surface area with several fins than other heat sinks.

The oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic steels are one of the most important in fuel cladding materials for 4th Generation nuclear reactors because of their excellent mechanical properties such as irradiation resistance, swelling resistance, and elevated temperature tensile/compressive strength. Mechanical alloying (MA) is one of the most promising routes for developing nanocrystalline ferritic ODS steel materials. For the production of nanocrystalline ferritic ODS steel powders, the most influencing factor is the milling speed and milling time during the mechanical alloying process. With the improper selection of milling time and speed, the final milled powders become an amorphous structure consisting of high impurity inclusions in the microstructure, and strength was also affected. In order to overcome these drawbacks, the present investigation was taken into account for the selection of appropriate mechanical milling speed and time, which was optimized through Taguchi analysis followed by the MA process. The optimized mechanical milling speed and time of milled powders were characterized through X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

The endodontic file is a tapered, needle shape body used for the preparation of curved human root canals. During the preparation, process files get failed due to the locking action offered by the canal wall. The present study aimed to find the fatigue life of endodontic files at 23°, 33° and 43° root canal curvature angles. Four brands of files were selected for the present study viz. Hyplex CM, Pro-Taper Next, Hero Shaper, Pro-File Vortex. The strain life analysis done using ANSYS showed that the Hyplex CM file gives the highest fatigue life at 23°, 33° and 43° root canal curvature angles. Therefore, Hyplex CM file was selected for DoE Taguchi Optimization study. Each experimental reading was conducted on X Smart Plus experimental setup under purely rotary and combined reciprocating-rotary motion, at 500 rpm, 600 rpm and 700 rpm and 23°, 33° and 43° root canal curvature angles. Hyplex CM file given maximum fatigue life at 23° root canal curvature angle and 500 rpm speed of rotation. But if file motion is combined rotary-reciprocating, life reduces. The ANNOVA study showed that P-value and significance F are very small, which represented that the regression model is effective.

Steering knuckle connects steering system, suspension system and braking system to the chassis. The steering knuckle contributes a significant weight to the total weight of a vehicle. Increasing the efficiency of an automobile without compromising the performances is the major challenge faced by the manufacturers. This paper presents an effective topology optimization of steering knuckle used in a vehicle with the primary objective of minimizing weight. The study on optimization of knuckle is divided into two phases, the first phase involves making of a computer-aided design model of the original steering knuckle and carry out finite element analysis on the knuckle by estimating the loads, which are acting on the component. In the second phase, design optimization of the model of steering knuckle is carried out, and excess material is removed at the region where induced stress is negligible as obtained in finite element analysis assuming standard boundary and loading conditions. The paper describes a research work carried out to optimize structural topology giving the essential details. The methodology may be applied to optimize structural components used in applications where the ratio of desired properties to the cost, generally in terms of weight, is to be optimized. In the case of automobiles, strength to weight ratio has to be maximized. New researchers working in the area will have an understanding of the procedures, and further, the techniques may be applied to design in general.