Advanced Design Concepts Research Articles

Two-finger Multi-DOF Folding Robot Grippers*

Two-finger robot grippers are widely used in various applications. Most conventional designs have a single degree of freedom (DOF). Other than open-and-close, they do not offer additional manipulation ability. Meanwhile, multi-finger high-DOF hands face cost and reliability issues. This paper presents three- and four-DOF linkage mechanisms to design robot grippers that can conduct two-finger twisting and rolling. Kinematics of the linkage mechanisms is studied. Tendon drives are designed so that the robot grippers can be used on tubular robots. A folding mechanism is proposed to help the gripper go through small entrances and narrow passages. Measures that help with miniaturization are discussed, providing opportunities in certain applications such as minimally invasive surgeries. Several advanced design concepts are also discussed for increasing the potentials of the robot grippers.

(Invited) P-Type and N-Type Channeling Ion Implantation of SiC and Implications for Device Design and Fabrication

Silicon Carbide is rapidly growing in the power electronics industry. It is fueled by several robust long-term growth markets like renewables, cloud computing and electric vehicles. There is a wide release and proliferation of Diode and MOSFET devices from various companies in the marketplace. There is a continuous push in subsequent generations to improve device performance, reliability and efficiency. Some of the advanced design concepts in Silicon like super-junction technology have significant manufacturing roadblocks like diffusion, epi regrowth and implantation. In this work, we present results of both p-type and n-type channeled implants into 4º offcut N-type SiC substrates and Epitaxial layers using a Nissin Ion Equipment IMPHEAT system. Deep-channeled implants can be considered an enabling technology for the fabrication of advanced device designs including super-junction structures.The use of channeled implants have been reported on on-axis [1] SiC and 4º offcut using primarily low energies [2,3]. One major concern while trying to check the feasibility of channeling and implement it in mass-production is the reliability and variation of the off-cut angle. Fig. 1 shows the off-cut angle reported by the substrate vendor and the actual offcut angle as measured by X-ray diffraction. The actual off-cut variation is comparatively low. However, per wafer inline XRD measurements might be needed for accurate channeling. Fig. 2 shows how a 960kev 1e13cm-2 dose channeled implant changes the wafer shape. This change in shape is consistent with other high temperature treatments like Epi growth. Fig. 3 shows the room temperature channeled and non-channeled implant of triple charged Aluminum at 960 keV with a dose of 1e13cm-2. The offcut angle as measured by XRD of 4.1º gives the maximum range. The implant is also not very sensitive to off-cut disorientation. Fig. 4 shows the channeled implants as a function of implantation temperature. As expected, the range is reduced and thereby restricts very high doses. Fig. 5 shows similar channeled and non-channeled implantation of Boron and Phosphorous. The phosphorous profiles are flat and can be effectively used for n-type doping. A comprehensive review of effects of dose and orientation on the channeled profiles will be presented. Channeled implanted wafers were activated and the activation measured by fabricating Metal Schottky contacts. The effect of high and low warp wafers on channeled implant profiles are also discussed. Further implants at different energies are obtained and combined to get box-like profiles. The error in off-cut degree that can be tolerated for channeled implants in mass-production is estimated for different energies. Implications to super-junction device fabrication is discussed.

Design of software-defined gateway for industrial interconnection

Abstract Industrial site interconnection is regarded as the focus of Industrie 4.0. However, there are various types of equipment and communication interfaces on the industrial site, and it is difficult to unify numerous heterogeneous protocols. Herein, based on the idea of software-defined, a smart gateway is rationally designed for industrial interconnection scenes with hardware platformization and software modularization. The function, interface, and parameters of the gateway can be defined. Moreover, it can conveniently and quickly connect with multiple heterogeneous devices. Therefore, this well-designed gateway offers an opportunity for equipment data collection, normalization processing and transmission protocol conversion to OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) or MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). As demonstrated in test results, this gateway obtains an advanced design concept, scalable architecture and strong applicability in heterogeneous scenes.

Assessment of the high heat flux performance of European DEMO divertor mock-ups

In the framework of the DEMO divertor project an extensive R&D programme has been carried out to develop advanced design concepts for hot water cooled divertor targets. These plasma-facing components are made of W monoblocks as plasma facing material bonded on CuCrZr cooling tubes. They are designed to allow a reliable DEMO operation of 2 h long pulses up to a 20 MW m−2 maximum heat flux. Considering the current experiences of the qualification of ITER divertor components, the operation at significantly higher neutron fluence, the longer required lifetime, and the coolant temperature of 150 °C are challenges for design and manufacturing. The aim of the performed HHF tests is to support the identification of the most promising design concepts for further development. Eight different types of monoblock mock-ups were designed and manufactured by the involved research groups. These mock-ups were assessed by HHF examination in the test facility GLADIS at IPP Garching. The HHF tests were focused on 20 MW m−2 loading with 500–1000 cycles using hot water cooling to simulate slow thermal transients in DEMO. In screening tests heat fluxes up to 32 MW m−2 were applied to study the performance of the components against single thermal events exceeding the expected heat flux limits. This paper gives an overview of the main results obtained from the HHF tests of about 45 components. The microscopic examination after loading analyses recrystallization effects and investigates the W/Cu interfaces in more detail.

Solar-driven efficient methane catalytic oxidation over epitaxial ZnO/La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 heterojunctions

Gas flaring in oil/gas drilling and gas leakage in natural gas power plant lead to significant energy loss and environmental burden. Here, solar-driven efficient methane oxidation was demonstrated under high velocity continuous flow over the ZnO/La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 (ZnO/LSCO) heterojunctions. The ZnO/LSCO heterojunctions enable a unique epitaxial hetero-interface, which effectively regulates the electron transfer between Zn 3d-O 2p hybrid orbital in ZnO and Co eg orbital in LSCO and promotes the rapid generation and refill of oxygen vacancy with unpaired electron (Vo), thus enhancing the activity and mobility of surface lattice oxygen in ZnO/LSCO. Under solar illumination, the synergy of photothermal and photocatalytic effect boosts the reversible electron transfer in the interface, which further activates surface lattice oxygen, resulting in a ∼2 times higher methane oxidation activity. Such a solar-driven system not only enables a promising pathway for emitted methane utilization, but also provides an advanced catalyst design concept of epitaxial interface construction.

Technical specifications for hospital-based intensive monitoring of post-marketing Chinese patent medicine

In 2013,China pharmaceutical regulatory department issued guiduance on postmarketing drug safety monitoring for industry. It aimed to encourage industry to carry out postmarketing drug safety monitoring including hospital-based intensive monitoring of postmarketing Chinese patent medicine. Subsequently,more and more such kind of studies have been performed all over China. However,in view of the current situation in this field,the development of hospital-based intensive monitoring of postmarketing Chinese patent medicine lacks standardization,such as unreasonable design,omission of reports about adverse drug reactions,inadequate process of quality control,non-standardized interpretation of adverse reactions,etc. Therefore,it is necessary to formulate relevant technical specifications to guide this area. The developing of this technical specification refered to the international post-marketing safety monitoring model and advanced design concepts and methods. We developed it under the guidance of relevant laws,regulations and technical documents in China. Meanwhile the characteristics of Chinese patent medicines and the real situation in this area were considered. The aim of this technical specification is to obtain the incidence,type,degree and clinical manifestation of adverse drug reactions of Chinese patent medicines,to find new risk signals of adverse reactions,to identify risk factors,and to provide a basis for the formulation of risk management and control plans. This specification has been approved by China association of Chinese medicine which is numbered T/CACM011-2016.

Progress in high heat flux testing of European DEMO divertor mock-ups

In the framework of the DEMO divertor project of EUROfusion an extensive R&D program has been carried out to develop advanced design concepts for hot water cooled divertor targets. These plasma-facing components made of W blocks as plasma facing material and CuCrZr as cooling tubes should allow a reliable DEMO operation for 2 h long pulses and maximum heat fluxes up to 20 MW/m². Compared to ITER, the operation at the higher coolant temperature of 150 °C, the longer required lifetime, and the significantly higher neutron fluence are the design challenges exceeding the current extent of experience. In this study we present high heat flux test results of a total of 34 tested W monoblock mock-ups. 14 of them where tested with 20 MW/m² heat flux at DEMO hot water cooling conditions up to now. All tests were performed in the HHF test facility GLADIS from 2016 to 2018. Furthermore, we discuss results from the post exposure investigation of selected concepts of the first R&D phase.

Flexible and Implantable Microelectrodes for Chronically Stable Neural Interfaces.

Implantable electrical probes that can record neural activities at single-neuron and sub-millisecond resolution are the most widely applied tools in both neuroscience research and neuroprosthetics. However, the structural and mechanical mismatch between conventional rigid probes and neural tissues results in inflammatory responses and signal degradation over chronic recordings. Reducing the cross-sectional footprints and rigidity of the probes can effectively improve the long-term stability of neural interfaces. Herein, recent progress in the development of implantable microelectrodes for chronically stable neural interfaces is highlighted, with a focus on the utilization of advanced materials and structural design concepts.

Effect of Microstructure on Post-Rolling Induction Treatment in a Low C Ti-Mo Microalloyed Steel

Cost-effective advanced design concepts are becoming more common in the production of thick plates in order to meet demanding market requirements. Accordingly, precipitation strengthening mechanisms are extensively employed in thin strip products, because they enhance the final properties by using a coiling optimization strategy. Nevertheless, and specifically for thick plate production, the formation of effective precipitation during continuous cooling after hot rolling is more challenging. With the aim of gaining further knowledge about this strengthening mechanism, plate hot rolling conditions were reproduced in low carbon Ti-Mo microalloyed steel through laboratory simulation tests to generate different hot-rolled microstructures. Subsequently, a rapid heating process was applied in order to simulate induction heat treatment conditions. The results indicated that the nature of the matrix microstructure (i.e., ferrite, bainite) affects the achieved precipitation hardening, while the balance between strength and toughness depends on the hot-rolled microstructure.

Proliferation Relevance and Safeguards Implications of Partitioning and Transmutation Nuclear Fuel Cycles

Over the last 2 decades there has been renewed interest in developing advanced nuclear reactors and fuel cycles. Many of these advanced design concepts require or can use fuel elements that contain actinides recycled from light water reactor spent fuel. Irradiation of these elements in fast nuclear reactors is supposed to transmute them into less toxic isotopes and reduce their mass. Since transmutation is not efficient, recycling into new advanced reactor fuel must occur repeatedly to achieve a substantial reduction in mass. The introduction of this technology will create long-term proliferation risks and require safeguarding not only of plutonium, but also of the other target actinides: neptunium, americium, and curium. These elements will be present in isotopic mixtures for which information on their critical masses is unavailable. This paper provides data on critical masses and spontaneous fission neutron background for the isotopic compositions of the actinides of interest and their evolution in light water reactor fuel of various burnups and during spent fuel storage. These data are complemented by generic estimates of total inventories of these elements present in full-scale partitioning and transmutation fuel cycles being considered for commercial scale and of the time periods required for significantly reducing their proliferation potential.

Dynamic shear-lag model for understanding the role of matrix in energy dissipation in fiber-reinforced composites

Lightweight and high impact performance composite design is a big challenge for scientists and engineers. Inspired from well-known biological materials, e.g., the bones, spider silk, and claws of mantis shrimp, artificial composites have been synthesized for engineering applications. Presently, the design of ballistic resistant composites mainly emphasizes the utilization of light and high-strength fibers, whereas the contribution from matrix materials receives less attention. However, recent ballistic experiments on fiber-reinforced composites challenge our common sense. The use of matrix with “low-grade” properties enhances effectively the impact performance. In this study, we establish a dynamic shear-lag model to explore the energy dissipation through viscous matrix materials in fiber-reinforced composites and the associations of energy dissipation characteristics with the properties and geometries of constituents. The model suggests that an enhancement in energy dissipation before the material integrity is lost can be achieved by tuning the shear modulus and viscosity of a matrix. Furthermore, our model implies that an appropriately designed staggered microstructure, adopted by many natural composites, can repeatedly activate the energy dissipation process and thus improve dramatically the impact performance. This model demonstrates the role of matrix in energy dissipation, and stimulates new advanced material design concepts for ballistic applications. Statement of SignificanceBiological composites found in nature often possess exceptional mechanical properties that man-made materials haven’t be able to achieve. For example, it is predicted that a pencil thick spider silk thread can stop a flying Boeing airplane. Here, by proposing a dynamic shear-lag model, we investigate the relationships between the impact performance of a composite with the dimensions and properties of its constituents. Our analysis suggests that the impact performance of fiber-reinforced composites could improve surprisingly with “low-grade” matrix materials, and discontinuities (often regarded as “defects”) may play an important role in energy dissipation. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, our work helps understanding the secrets of the outstanding dynamic properties of some biological materials, and inspire novel ideas for man-made composites.

Building Integrated Design Practice under the Concept of Sustainable Development

With the continuous development of social economy, people are more demanding for architecture. Some advanced design concepts are gradually applied to the design of buildings. Under the concept of sustainable development, building integration design has also been widely used to promote the rapid development of architectural design. Integrated design concepts and sustainable development concepts play an important role to meet people’s requirements. This article will explore the concept of sustainable development under the concept of integrated architectural design and practice analysis, propose appropriate measures.

Interpretation of Relationship between Urban Planning and Architectural Design

Nowadays, the architectural design is mainly based on city planning and design, and will directly affect the city planning and design.The relationship between the two is very close. They complement each other.City planning and design should actively learn some advanced design concepts and technology from architectural design, while, architectural design should keep pace with city planning and design, so that we can promote the harmony and unity of the city maximally. Under the situation of our country’s gradually progress and development, city planning design and architecture design can work together to achieve the purpose of progress,scientifically and rationally carry out the related work of city planning and design, to improve the level and quality of life from the national fundamental. In view of this, this paper mainly analyzes the relationship between urban planning design and architectural design.

Neutronics Analysis of SMART Small Modular Reactor using SRAC 2006 Code

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are part of a new generation of nuclear reactor being developed worldwide. One of the advantages of SMR is the flexibility to adopt the advanced design concepts and technology. SMART (System integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor) is a small sized integral type PWR with a thermal power of 330 MW that has been developed by KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute). SMART core consists of 57 fuel assemblies which are based on the well proven 17×17 array that has been used in Korean commercial PWRs. SMART is soluble boron free, and the high initial reactivity is mainly controlled by burnable absorbers. The goal of this study is to perform neutronics evaluation of SMART core with UO2 as main fuel. Neutronics calculation was performed by using PIJ and CITATION modules of SRAC 2006 code with JENDL 3.3 as nuclear data library.

The compressive strength of vertically perforated clay block masonry predicted by means of a unit-cell type numerical simulation tool taking discrete cracking into account

Vertically perforated clay blocks with an excellent ratio of load-bearing capacity to thermal properties are highly sophisticated products, which due to their higher complexity require advanced design concepts for a reliable prediction of performance characteristics. Since the contact between blocks strongly influences the compressive strength, it is insufficient to consider single block strengths. To tackle this challenge, our numerical simulation tool is based on a unit-cell approach with periodic boundary conditions, so interaction between blocks can be considered. An extended finite element approach allows for modelling discrete cracks and, thus, brittle failure modes and compressive strengths can be predicted correctly.

Investigation on the Industrial Design Approach for CNC Machine Tools and Its Implementation and Application Perspectives

This paper presents the development of an industrial design approach for CNC machine tools and its implementation perspectives in the advanced mechatronic and CNC machine application contexts. Firstly, the investigation is focused on the industrial design ideas for CNC machine tools by formulating the advanced design concepts, ergonomics and human-machine interactions, and UED. Then, the industrial design principles are discussed particularly concerned with the geometrical shape, colour and human-machine interaction, etc. Furthermore, the industrial design approach is proposed with application case studies. Finally, the implementation of the approach is demonstrated through the development of virtual machine tools at Brunel University London. The paper is concluded with further discussion on the potential and application of the industrial design approach for CNC machines broadly.

Natural circulation heat transfer model development over vertical tube bundle in the condensate heat exchanger

A 330MWt integral type nuclear power plant, SMART, was developed for electricity generation and seawater desalination. Advanced design concepts were adopted such as an integral arrangement of the major components, and a passive residual heat removal system (PRHRS) to enhance the safety capability. The TASS/SMR code was developed using various thermal-hydraulic models reflecting the design features of SMART, such as the condensate heat exchanger in the passive residual heat removal system. The development and validation of the condensate heat exchanger model were performed using POSTECH and IIT heat transfer test results. The TASS/SMR code predicted well or slightly under-predicted the heat transfer coefficient at the condensate heat exchanger shell side compared with the experimental data. The heat transfer correlation considering the tube bundle effect improved the prediction of the heat transfer for a vertical tube bundle geometry.

European DEMO divertor target: Operational requirements and material-design interface

Recently, an integrated program of conceptual design activities for the European DEMO reactor was launched in the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, where reliable power handling capability was identified as one of the most critical scientific as well as technological challenges for a DEMO reactor. The divertor is the key in-vessel plasma-facing component being in charge of power exhaust and removal of impurity particles. The DEMO divertor target will have to withstand extreme thermal loads where the local peak heat flux is expected to reach up to 20 MW/m2 during slow transient events in DEMO. To assure sufficient heat removal capability of the divertor target against normal and transient operational scenarios under expected cumulative neutron dose of up to 13 dpa is one of the fundamental engineering challenges imposed on target design. To develop the design of the DEMO divertor and related technologies, an R&D work package ‘Divertor’ has been set up in this consortium. The subproject ‘Target Development’ is devoted to the development of the conceptual design and the core technologies of the plasma-facing target. Devising and implementing novel structural heat sink materials (e.g. W/Cu composites) to advanced target design concepts is one of the major objectives of this subproject. In this paper, the underlying design requirements imposed by the envisaged power exhaust goal and the prominent material-design interface issues are discussed. In addition, the candidate design concepts being currently considered are presented together with the related material issues. Finally, the first results achieved so far are presented.

Next-Generation HP/HT Subsea-Wellhead-System-Design Challenges and Opportunities

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 25643, “Next-Generation HP/HT Subsea-Wellhead-System-Design Challenges and Opportunities,” by Jim Kaculi, Dril-Quip, prepared for the 2015 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 4–7 May. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Moving to higher-capacity wellhead systems for high-pressure and high-temperature (HP/HT) environments will require a larger mandrel and conductor-casing size to accommodate the high loads encountered during drilling and production operations for normal-, extreme-, and survival-loading conditions. Numerous analytical studies with 3D finite-element analysis (FEA) and other advanced tools have been performed in an effort to determine the changes needed, and an innovative solution is presented for next-generation subsea-wellhead equipment. Introduction The numerous functions that a wellhead system performs are enabled by a large number of parts and subassemblies with complex geometries and interfaces and complicated load paths. The only way to have a true understanding of the wellhead and have confidence in the design safety margin is by performing verification analysis and validation testing of rated, extreme, and survival capacities at the system level, and not only at the component and subassembly level. Testing only at rated conditions is insufficient to verify design margins and eliminate the possibility of unexpected events that can occur at higher load magnitudes. Current industry standards that guide the design of wellheads require some general testing to be performed at rated capacity for components and subassemblies. However, unlike the standards for casing connectors below the mudline, there are no requirements to test the wellhead at a system level, nor to test the system to the limits (yield capacity) of the equipment, which would confirm the design margins. Casing connectors are tested per requirements that subject the connector to combined load testing of tension, compression, internal pressure, external pressure, and bending at ambient and elevated temperatures. It is logical that testing similar to casing-connector tests be performed on wellhead systems. New Wellhead-System and Connector Design The typical wellhead systems currently used in the industry include mandrels with 27- and 30-in. outer diameter (OD), and conductor casings are as large as 36-in. OD. However, these configurations may not be able to resist the high load magnitudes and load combinations expected in HP/HT applications. Moving to higher-capacity wellhead systems requires larger mandrel and conductor-casing sizes capable of enduring the high loads encountered during various drilling and production operations. A new and advanced design concept of the wellhead connector and mandrel was developed to accommodate the HP/HT loads and industry demands. A survey of operators and contractors combined with forecast load magnitudes obtained from analysis studies on HP/HT applications led to a 35-in. wellhead/mandrel design with sufficient structural capacity to meet the industry needs for future decades of drilling and production (this design is described in detail in the complete paper). This mandrel and connector design concept is shown in Fig. 1.

Conceptual design studies for the European DEMO divertor: Rationale and first results

In the European fusion roadmap, reliable power handling has been defined as one of the most critical challenges for realizing a commercially viable fusion power. In this context, the divertor is the key in-vessel component, as it is responsible for power exhaust and impurity removal for which divertor target is subjected to very high heat flux loads. To this end, an integrated R&D project was launched in the EUROfusion Consortium in order to deliver a holistic conceptual design solution together with the core technologies for the entire divertor system of a DEMO reactor. The work package ‘Divertor’ consists of two project areas: ‘Cassette design and integration’ and ‘Target development’. The essential mission of the project is to develop and verify advanced design concepts and the required technologies for a divertor system being capable of meeting the physical and system requirements defined for the next-generation European DEMO reactor. In this contribution, a brief overview is presented of the works from the first project year (2014). Focus is put on the loads specification, design boundary conditions, materials requirements, design approaches, and R&D strategy. Initial ideas and first estimates are presented.