Industrial Components Research Articles

Airline business models as complex systems: assessing component interdependencies through interpretive structural modelling

PurposeThis paper explores the intricate interdependencies among core components of airline business models (BMs). In the airline industry, where BMs are complex systems, a successful BM requires an orchestrated configuration of various components. However, there is a paucity of research in BM literature pertaining to the interrelationships among key components of airline BMs.Design/methodology/approachEmploying interpretive structural modelling, we gathered input from experts in Iran to assess the driving power and dependency of elements within airline BMs.FindingsOur findings highlight the significance of operating environment conditions and competitive market dynamics as pivotal external components shaping the foundational structure. Value proposition, customer relationship management, and process monitoring are crucial linkage components that drive power and dependency. Notably, capturing value is positioned with the highest dependency.Practical implicationsWe utilised the ISM technique to visualize interdependencies within airline business models, aiding strategic decision-making. Our findings suggest aligning business and operational strategies with market needs ensures effective value creation and capture, maintaining competitive advantage in the airline industry. In addition, our research reveals critical factors affecting value creation and capture, emphasising monitoring the operating environment and competitive market, and strategically managing value propositions and customer relationship initiatives in the airline industry. We advise adapting business models to external changes for sustained growth and recommend regular monitoring of industry trends and customer expectations.Originality/valueFramed within complexity theory, these insights offer valuable perspectives on identifying and situating critical BM components in the airline industry. The practical implications derived from this study serve as strategic tools for airline managers and potential investors to optimise the design of their airline BMs.

Structure and properties study of in-situ TiC reinforced 316L materials prepared by laser melting deposition based on Ti3SiC2 decomposition

As the service performance requirements for metal components in diverse high-tech industries continue to escalate, a myriad of specialized operational environments pose increasingly formidable challenges to the comprehensive performance of various components. To address these challenges and further enhance the mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel, expand its application range, we have developed in-situ TiC reforced 316L composites. In this paper, we propose a novel method for the fabrication of grain boundary-dispersed, in-situ generated TiC-reinforced 316L metal matrix composites (MMC) through laser melting deposition (LMD), leveraging the decomposition reaction of Ti3SiC2. Samples with different TiC contents were prepared, and their microstructures post-LMD were closely analyzed. Furthermore, the underlying enhancement mechanism of in-situ TiC on the mechanical properties of these samples was thoroughly investigated. The results demonstrate that the in-situ TiC particles are uniformly dispersed along grain boundaries, functioning as additional nucleation sites. This enhances the nucleation rate significantly and contributes to grain refinement. Compared with pure 316L material, the hardness and wear resistance of the composite material are greatly improved, and the hardness increased by up to 35.66 %. In-situ TiC can effectively improve the overall performance of 316L.

Microstructure evolution and mechanical property of B4C/Ti65 composites via laser directed energy deposition

Application of laser additive manufacture technique to fabricate the discontinuous reinforced high-temperature titanium matrix composites found its great potential in the complex components of aerospace industry. This work prepared the B4C/Ti65 composites by laser directed energy deposition (LDED) with special attention paid to the relationship between microstructure and mechanical property of composites. The microstructure of B4C/Ti65 composites under different laser power and B4C content were investigated, based on which the tensile strength and ductility evolution and the underlying strengthening mechanism of the B4C/Ti65 composites were discussed. The submicron TiBw were randomly distributed in the composites with additions of 0.1 wt% and 0.2 wt% B4C. The TiBw and TiCp in the composites with addition of 0.3 wt% B4C exhibited a uniform distribution rather than distributed along the prior β grain boundaries at high laser power. There existed the network structure of TiBw and TiCp in the 0.5 wt% B4C/Ti65 composites. TiCp always adhered to TiBw, and both TiBw and TiCp acted as the nucleation sites for equiaxed α grain, which is responsible for the finer α colonies that benefit to strength with higher B4C content. The tensile tests showed that the 0.3 wt% B4C/Ti65 composite shows a good combination of ultimate tensile strength (1201 MPa) and elongation (5.54 %). The grain refinement strengthening played the dominant role in the strength increment of the B4C/Ti65 composites. In addition, the formation of clustered submicron-TiBw and network structure of TiBw and TiCp in the 0.5 wt% B4C/Ti65 composites greatly upgraded the yield strength.

Orthogonal cutting of 3D printed multi-material workpiece: numerical investigation of machining forces, stress, and temperature distribution

AbstractWith the development of 3D metal printers for rapid prototyping and industrial component production, heightened attention was directed towards post-processing operations for achieving precise surface quality and geometrical tolerances for these components. This paper investigated the orthogonal cutting of multi-material 3D printed workpieces using a coated cutting tool through finite element simulation. The workpieces featured different horizontal and vertical arrangements of layers composed of aluminum 7075-T6 alloy (Al), stainless steel 316 low alloy (SS), and Ti6Al4V alloy (Ti). The study explored the impacts of multi-material composition, coating thickness, and the rake angle of the cutting tool on machining forces, stress distribution, temperature distribution, and chip formation geometry. The results revealed a bimodal chip morphology in the machining process of horizontally arranged SS layers combined with other alloys. The SS layer resulted in a relatively uniform chip formation, while layers with two other materials exhibited a serrated chip formation. In contrast, a discontinuous chip formed when combining Al and Ti materials, as well as in the horizontally arranged layers made of Al, SS, and Ti alloys. The cutting force increased by 2.26 times when cutting workpieces with the horizontal arrangement of SS and Al layers compared to those with a single Al material. For the horizontal and vertical arrangement of layers made of Al and SS, von Mises stress values over the edge of the coated cutting tool significantly increased where the tool contacted the SS layer. Additionally, the horizontal arrangement of layers made of Al and SS materials caused the coated cutting tool to exhibit an extensive temperature distribution, with the maximum recorded temperature reaching 1448 °K. Increasing coating thickness led to a decrease in maximum principal stress at the surface of the tool and a rise in temperature at the cutting edge of the insert.

Prediction of the keyhole TIG welding-induced distortions on Inconel 718 industrial gas turbine component by numerical-experimental approach

Welding technologies represent a paramount joining process for ensuring the quality and reliability of critical industrial components; therefore, their innovation constitutes a driving force in realizing increasingly competitive products. A recently developed technology is the keyhole TIG welding, a new high energy–density alternative to the conventional TIG process. A key role in improving innovative manufacturing processes such as the keyhole TIG is covered by numerical simulation; indeed, it allows the development of a process digital twin able to support decisions and work as a predictive tool. Within this framework, the paper deals with the numerical-experimental investigation of the keyhole TIG technology, successfully employed on a simplified mock-up of an industrial gas turbine component consisting of two 6.5-mm-thick Inconel 718 rings. Numerical analysis aimed at predicting welding-induced distortions was performed employing two different computational approaches, namely the moving heat source and the simplified imposed thermal cycle methods. The numerical-experimental comparison of the results demonstrates an innovative approach in the field of the current keyhole TIG numerical simulation since, besides verification of numerical thermal analysis, further substantial validation of the post-weld distortion predictions is provided through comprehensive three-dimensional experimental data. Moreover, the comparative assessment of the two computational approaches and experimental evidence revealed that the imposed thermal cycle method implementation does not compromise the accuracy of welding distortion forecasting in industrial applications such as that investigated. Therefore, it can be regarded as a valuable tool for supporting the process engineer in designing the ideal set-up to comply with a variety of industrial requirements, among them strict design tolerances.

Thermal Spray Nanostructured Coatings Integrated with Artificial Intelligence: A Sustainable Approach in Industry for Corrosion Applications

Coatings are the most common method for protecting metals from corrosion. The use of nano-sized coating materials can enhance the strength and decrease the porosity level of the developed coatings. The nano-coatings have shown improved mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance in recent studies. As a result, the use of nano-sized coatings can provide the benefit to the Industrial machinery components for longer operational periods. This review article covers the corrosion behavior of nano-structured coatings in the initial section followed by the role of artificial intelligence in predicting the corrosion rate of nanostructured coatings.

Optimizing microstructure and strength of CMT-wire arc additive manufactured WE43 Mg alloy through a novel active cooling technique

Cold metal transfer (CMT)-Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) has been widely utilized in the production of large Magnesium (Mg) alloy components. However, the thermal cycling and heat input inherent in the CMT-WAAM process can adversely affect the microstructure and properties of Mg-Rare earth (RE) alloys. Currently, there is a lack of effective, low-cost, and easy-to-implement methods to mitigate these issues. In this study, an active cooling technique (ACT) comprising base cooling and bypass cooling was proposed. The ACT facilitates in-situ cooling of CMT-WAAMed WE43 components through uninterrupted water flow in the substrate and bypass plate, offering advantages in cost-effectiveness, safety, and ease of implementation. It was found that the CMT-WAAMed WE43 alloy thin wall component manufactured with the ACT assistance had fewer hard-brittle eutectic phases and finer grains due to the accelerated cooling rate. ACT effectively reduced the heat accumulation and peak temperatures in the component. Furthermore, it inhibited the transformation of the β1 phase to the β phase and suppressed the coarsening of the β1 phase. ACT also improved the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and elongation (EL) of the CMT-WAAMed WE43 component by 11.7 %, 5.8 %, and 72.3 %, respectively. This study provides a novel approach for the microstructure optimization of CMT-WAAMed Mg-RE alloy, which is crucial for the production of high-performance and large-size components in the aerospace industry.

Dupont System Analysis For Measure Financial Performance At Automotive Component Industry In Indonesia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the financial performance of several automotive component industry companies in Indonesia. The research used of descriptive-quantitative research method, the research of attempted to collect and present data from companies for analysis so as to provide a fairly clear picture of the object under study. The type of data used in this research is quantitative data, namely data in the form of explanations or statements in the form of numbers, namely financial reports from several companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange which are used as the population in the research, including; AUTO, ASII, DRMA, BOLT, SMSM, GJTL and INDS for the 2019-2023 period. By using the Dupont system method as an analysis method. Analysis of the Dupont system method also shows that factors such as net profit margin, asset efficiency and financial leverage influence the financial performance of companies in the automotive components industry. The results of this research explain how the dupon system determines between six similar companies providing company performance data in terms of Net Profit Margin (NPM), Total Asset Turn Over (TATO), Equity Multiplier (EM) and Return on Equity which can be used by potential investors in investing in automotive component industry companies in Indonesia.

An Innovative Vision-Guided Feeding System for Robotic Picking of Different-Shaped Industrial Components Randomly Arranged

Within an industrial plant, the handling of randomly arranged objects is becoming increasingly popular. The technology industry has introduced ever more powerful devices to the market, but they are often unable to meet the demands of the industry in terms of processing times. Using a multi-component feeder, which facilitates the automatic picking of objects arranged in bulk, is the ideal element to speed up the identification of objects by the vision system. The innovative designed feeder eliminates the dead time of the vision system since the feeder has two working surfaces, thus making the viewing time hidden in relation to the total handling cycle time. In addition, the step feeder integrated into the feeder structure allows for control over the number of objects that fall onto the work surface, optimizing the material flow. The feeder was designed to palletize aluminum hinge fins but can also handle other products with different shapes and sizes. A two-dimensional (2D) vision system is integrated into the robotic cell to identify the components to be palletized, obtaining a reduced cycle time. The innovative feeder is fully adaptable to industrial applications and allows for easy integration into the robotic cell in which it is installed; by testing its operation with different aluminum fins, male and female, significant results were obtained in terms of cycle times ranging from 1.44 s to 1.68 s per piece, with an average productivity level (PL) of 1175 pcs every 30 min.

Use of New and Light Materials in Automotive Engineering for Towing System

Towing systems are an important component in the automobile industry, having to meet specific quality and resistance conditions. In most cases, the towbar is made of steel. Decreases in vehicle weight and manufacturing price mean that, in this field, research is also being conducted in order to replace the materials that make up the towbar and replace the steel with composite materials or aluminum alloys. In this paper, research was performed on towing systems built from other materials, and the obtained results were compared with those of steel systems. Theoretical calculations and experimental results made it possible to obtain a database and recommendations for the use of new and composite materials. The experimental tests validated the theoretical results obtained. Five towing systems made of different materials were studied. The results of the research are emphasized through recommendations regarding the manufacturing of towing systems.

In-depth Investigation into Supervised and Unsupervised Models within Artificial Neural Networks

An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is an information-handling worldview that is jazzed up by exactly how natural nerves, like the mind, procedure details. The essential element of this particular worldview is the initial Building of the information dealing with the unit. A neural network is a difficult development that comprises a gathering of interconnected nerve cells, which offers a remarkably electrifying possibility unlike complicated essential reasoning and also various other treatments which may think a notable component in today's software engineering industry, thus professionals from different fields are organizing the synthetic neural networks to tackle the concerns of trend awareness, prophecy, optimization, associative moment and command. It is constructed of an enormous lot of specially connected taking care of elements (neurons) functioning as one to address explicit issues. ANNs, identical to individuals, innovation as an aesthetic presentation. An ANN is developed for a specific app, for example, pattern recognition or records classification, using developing knowledge. Discovering in biological units features modifications following the synaptic associations between neurons.

A New Paradigm for Semiconductor Manufacturing: Integrated Synthesis, Delivery, and Consumption of Source Chemicals for IC Fabrication

The semiconductor industry is being radically impacted by the placing of greater emphasis on the development of hetero-devices and systems that will act as essential drivers for a wide spectrum of technological applications. The introduction of new materials and their integration with currently used materials are projected to replace integrated circuitry (IC) design and device scaling as the key enablers to the realization of improved device performance and larger density gains. Yet material selection has been constrained by existing fabrication process technology. To date, fabrication processes have dictated material selection by limiting chemical sources or precursors to those that match existing process tools associated with chemically based vapor phase processes and their variants, which in turn limits material compositions in ICs. The processing and integration of new materials compositions and structures will require the introduction of new deposition and etching processes, and manufacturing worthy tool designs and associated protocols that provide new methods for atomic-level control. To this end, a novel manufacturing paradigm is presented comprising a method and system for real-time, closed-loop monitoring and control of synthesis, supply, and consumption of precursors in process intensification techniques including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), atomic layer etching (ALE), and other IC manufacturing processes. This intelligent automated manufacturing approach is consistent with a central component of the semiconductor industry’s recent adoption of Industry 4.0., including vertical integration of IC manufacturing through robotization, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. Furthermore, the approach eliminates several redundant steps in the synthesis, handling, and disposal of source precursors and their byproducts for CVD, ALD, ALE and other chemically based manufacturing processes, and thus ultimately lowers the manufacturing cost for both conventional and new IC materials. Further, by eliminating the issues associated with precursor thermal, chemical, and pyrophoric instabilities, this new paradigm enables the deposition of a myriad of new thin-film materials and compositions for IC applications that are practically unattainable with existing precursors. Preliminary and planned demonstration examples for the generation and deposition of highly toxic and unstable source precursors are provided.

Analyzing the Trade Pattern of the Korea’s Semiconductor Equipment, its Parts and Components Industry

Analyzing the Trade Pattern of the Korea’s Semiconductor Equipment, its Parts and Components Industry

Unveiling the emerging trends of egg components-based biodegradable food packaging development: A comprehensive review.

Food packaging plays a crucial role in the food supply chain by aiding in food preservation and reducing food losses throughout the distribution process. The extensive, unregulated utilization, and waste mismanagement of food packaging materials made up of conventional petroleum-based plastics has led to a significant environmental crisis. Egg components-based food packaging has attracted considerable attention from the global packaging industry as a viable alternative to synthetic polymers due to its biodegradability, sustainability, and health-related benefits. This comprehensive review explores the composition and properties of egg components (eggshell, eggshell membrane, egg white, and egg yolk), and recent advancements in biodegradable packaging films derived from them. Additionally, it introduces the characteristics of these films and their applications in food, highlighting their biodegradability, sustainability, and suitable mechanical, barrier, thermal, optical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties as substitutes for traditional synthetic polymers. The utilization of various egg components in the packaging industry is a safe, non-toxic, cost-effective, and economical approach. However, it was found that incorporating active compounds from natural sources into packaging films, as well as composite films composed of egg components combined with other biopolymers, resulted in superior properties, compared to single component films. Moreover, the application of novel technologies in film development has proven to be more effective than conventional methods. These innovative egg components-based packaging films can be optimized and commercialized for use as packaging materials for food products.

Enhancing mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Fe–Cr–B–Mo alloy via the 'Divide and Conquer' strategy for Ti regulation

The corrosion of molten aluminium on components in the aluminium industry poses a significant bottleneck, hindering the development of aluminium products and equipment. This study focused on the Fe–Cr–B–Mo alloy, addressing challenges related to the susceptibility of the matrix to corrosion, the excessive brittleness of M2B borides (M = Fe, Cr, etc.), and the detachment of corrosion products. A comprehensive study was performed to study the microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of Fe–Cr–B–Mo alloy, considering the 'Divide and Conquer' strategy for Ti regulation. The findings indicate that the heterogeneous nucleation, induced by in situ TiB2 particles, significantly impacts the refinement of M2B borides size and enhances the matrix strength. Notably, the addition of 4.5 wt. % Ti to the T3 alloy significantly enhances its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The T3 alloy exhibits an impact toughness of 32.4 kJ/m2 and a compressive fracture strain of 19.5 %, representing a considerable increase of 58 % and 167 % over the Ti-free alloy, respectively. Furthermore, the alloy has a volume loss rate of 11.0 mm3 cm−2 h−1, which is substantially lower, by 73.5 % compared to H13 steel and by 21.4 % compared to the Ti-free alloy. The synergistic presence of TiB2 and M2B borides, along with their corrosion products, functions as an effective diffusion barrier against molten aluminium corrosion.

Natural deep eutectic solvents: A paradigm of stability and permeability in the design of new ingredients

Ascorbic Acid (AA) is a crucial component in the food industry, serving as both a quality and safety criterion. It is used to fortify foods due to its significant role in human health, acting as an antioxidant. Its benefits extend to both product quality and consumer health in the food and cosmetic industry. Due to their physicochemical properties, Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) have the potential to be used for the extraction and stabilization of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study is to characterize various NADES, simulate the solubility of AA, evaluate the antioxidant and protective capacity of NADES, and investigate the permeability of this vitamin through the skin and gastrointestinal membrane. Antioxidant capacity was measured using three methods: TEAC, DPPH, and ORAC. The solubility of AA in NADES systems was simulated using the COSMOTherm software. The degradation of AA was monitored by HPLC/UV–Vis for 30 days at two different storage temperatures. Additionally, the membrane solubility was measured using the PAMPA method in both skin and gastrointestinal. The results indicate that organic acid-based NADES are more polar than sugar and polyalcohol-based NADES. The solubility prediction shows that reduced ln(γ) in Choline chloride-based NADES results in low AA solubility, which positively correlates with higher pH values. AA degradation increased at lower pH, and its half-life time was longer at 4 °C, being the best choline chloride (ChChl):xylose. Moreover, betaine:malic acid, ChChl:tartaric acid, and ChChl:lactic acid gave worse stabilizing results than control. According to the PAMPA study, AA in lactic acid:glucose had the highest Pe (permeability coefficient) for both gastrointestinal (Log Pe: −4.99) and skin (Log Pe: −4.78). Malic acid:glucose, on the other hand, had the lowest LogPe value (−6.9). In this study, some NADES can play a protective role in the preservation of ascorbic acid. This statement could be extended to other bioactive compounds found in NADES extracts that may be impacted by oxidative processes. Moreover, not all NADES stabilized equally AA. These findings could be applied to the formulation of ascorbic acid-containing drugs, cosmetics, and food products.

Exploring Industrial Engineering Knowledge and Environmental Sustainability

This research identifies the relationship between industrial engineering and environmental sustainability knowledge components. A combination of a systematic literature review (SLR) and applied thematic analysis (ATA) is employed to uncover the pertinent literature associated with the purpose of this research. Whilst various forms of strategies, theories, methods, and practices were uncovered in each of the knowledge components, only a few were overlapping. These overlapping components include green supply chain operations, circular economy, and technology management. This study is the first in a series of studies contextualising industrial engineering knowledge in terms of its applicability to environmental sustainability. These results reveal concepts from industrial engineering and environmental sustainability knowledge components that can be used to systematically design methodologies or practically implement them in an industry or organisation. Methods and practices were a dedicated theme in the analysis, and these can be used by practitioners. A circle packing diagram is crafted using the IISE Body of Knowledge as a means of categorisation. This study considered industrial engineering as a catalyst in creating new forms of transdisciplinary knowledge areas. It also considers how industrial engineering knowledge can contribute to meeting environmental challenges.

Properties and Applications of Supersaturated Metastable Alloys Obtained via Electrodeposition

Supersaturated alloys can exhibit superior properties and electrodeposition is a cost-effective and versatile technique to produce them. In this review, the chemical, mechanical and structural properties of supersaturated alloys are discussed, and connections with metallic glasses and high entropy alloys are also exposed. After discussing mechanisms causing supersaturation in electrodeposited alloys, an overview of the most important electrodeposited metastable alloys is provided, showing that they are mainly used as protective coatings able to improve corrosion resistance and tribological performance of a large variety of industrial components. Composition of the electrolytic baths and deposition parameters are also considered and discussed.

Orthogonal experimental method to investigate the effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties of thin-walled parts by PBF-LB/M

Lightweight thin-walled parts are widely used in the aviation and aerospace industries, and with the further increase in the complexity of their features, the traditional manufacturing process can no longer fully meet the high requirements of industrial component manufacturing. In this work, thin-walled parts are processed by Laser based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M), and the effects of process parameters on residual stress, hardness, mechanical properties and microstructure of thin-walled parts are systematically investigated. The simulation results show that the maximum equivalent residual stresses are distributed in the combination of the solid and the substrate, and the minimum equivalent residual stresses are mainly distributed in the top two ends and the middle part of the solid, and the stress distribution is symmetrical. In addition, the maximum equivalent residual stress increases with the increase of laser power, and decreases with the increase of scanning spacing or scanning speed. The experimental results show that with the increase of laser energy density, the tensile strength and yield strength of thin-walled parts show a tendency of increasing first and then decreasing. Finally, high-quality thin-walled parts were successfully fabricated by the optimized process parameters, and their tensile and yield strengths were increased by 6.1% and 15.9%, respectively.

Determination of antibacterial performance of boric acid ester in the paint industry

ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the antibacterial activity of boric acid ester derived from boron mines, which is utilised as an active component in the paint industry. Multiple product variations were obtained by adding boric acid ester to the base, referred to as the reference sample, known as silk matte paint, and used as an interior paint with active substance concentrations ranging from 0.005% to 0.6%. Escherichia coli (ATCC10536) bacteria were inoculated at 78000 cfu cm−2 into samples with 0.005- 0.075% active substance, and at 24000 cfu cm−2 into samples containing 0.15- 0.6% of the active substance, and the reduction rates were determined by a mathematical equation via multivariate linear regression analysis, relating Escherichia coli reduction percentages, surface energy values, and pH measurements, including the power percentages and gloss values for the reference sample. The highest level of antibacterial effect was observed in the sample containing 0.075% active substance.