Conventional Design Research Articles

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STRESS-STRAIN STATE OF SINGLE-ROOTED TEETH DURING INDIRECT RESTORATION OF THE CROWN WITH STUMP INLAYS OF DIFFERENT DESIGNS

The aim of our study on the biomechanics of the tooth inlay is to select the most efficient design of stump pin inlay for indirect restoration of single-rooted teeth. Materials and methods. To implement the aim of the study, the biomechanics research was conducted in the following four designs of stump inlays: 1 - traditional, 2 - with a single-stage change in the diameter of the pin along its length, 3 - with a two-stage change in the pin along its length, and 4 - with a single-stage change in the diameter of the pin and a cap in the crown of the tooth, covering the end of the root. The mathematical modeling was performed using the common software MSC NASTRAN for finite element analysis. The package, with the help of which the elastic three-dimensional models of the dentition are built and analyzed based on the finite element procedure, determines the displacement of each node of the finite element along the axis system, with three coordinates, normal and tangential stresses, as well as equivalent Huber-Mises stresses, which are calculated according to the well-known formula of deformable solid mechanics Results. The minimum values of equivalent stresses in both the pin inlay and the dentin of the root of the tooth at the level of the apical end of the pin inlay occur when using a pin inlay with a one-stage change in the diameter of the pin and a cap on the crown of the premolar. At the same time, the values of equivalent stress in dentin at the level of the apical end of the inlay pin are closest to the maximum values of equivalent stresses observed on the surface of the root of the tooth (differences do not exceed 10%). The maximum values of equivalent stresses in both the pin inlay and the dentin of the root of the tooth at the level of the apical end of the pin inlay occur when using a pin inlay of conventional design. In this case, the difference in the values of equivalent stresses in the pin compared to the inlay with a one-stage change in the diameter of the pin and a cap is 9%, and in the dentin at the level of the apical end of the inlay pin, the difference in stresses is 10%. The maximum values of equivalent stresses in both the dentin of the root of the tooth to be restored and the pin of the stump inlay occur when applying a traditionally used pin inlay. Among the various pin inlays considered, a stump inlay featuring a single-stage change in the diameter of the pin and a cap on the crown of the tooth to be restored demonstrates the highest efficiency, yielding the lowest equivalent stresses in the dentin of the tooth's root.

Enhancement of AVR system performance by using hybrid harmony search and dwarf mongoose optimization algorithms

Innovations in control algorithms, integration of smart grid technologies, and advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques all push the boundaries of AVR performance. As the demand for power systems progresses with the complexity and variety of loads, conventional AVR designs may struggle to handle these ever-changing circumstances efficiently. Therefore, the need for new optimization methods is crucial to bolstering the efficiency, reliability, and adaptability of AVRs. Thus, this work aims to improve the performance of the AVR system controller by using a novel hybrid technique between the Harmony Search (HS) and Dwarf Mongoose Optimization (DMO) algorithms to tune the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and proportional-integral-derivative acceleration (PIDA) parameters. The suggested hybrid approach ensures an accurate solution with balanced exploration and exploitation rates. The reliability of the proposed HS-DMOA is verified through comparison with different optimization techniques carried out on time and frequency performance indicators, disturbances in the form of changes to time constants, and dynamic input signals. The proposed hybrid HS-DMOA PID-based has better overshoot than PID-based HS, LUS, TLBO, SMA, RSA, and L-RSAM by 20.37%, 18.5%, 18.5%, 2.77%, 5.55%, and 2.77%, respectively. Regarding the phase margin, the proposed hybrid HS-DMOA PID-based is better than PID-based HS, LUS, and TLBO by 39%, 37%, and 38%, respectively. While the proposed hybrid HS-DMOA PIDA-based has a better overshoot than PIDA-based HS, LUS, and PID HS-DMOA-based by 14%, 17%, and 20%, respectively. Moreover, the robustness under dynamic disturbance proved the reliability of the proposed HS-DMOA PID and PIDA based through enhancement of overshoot around 0.3%~20% for different cases. Finally, the main contribution of the paper is to propose a relatively new hybrid optimization method to enhance the AVR PID and PIDA-based performance with detailed analysis in time and frequency domains under normal and dynamic disturbances.

Design and construction of a custom implant of the temporomandibular joint produced by additive manufacturing in titanium alloy from computed tomography

Biomodels are physical reproductions of anatomical structures of regions or organs of the human body used for diagnosis and surgical planning. The use of tomographic images for generating 3D models and manufacturing of biomodels has been awakening a great interest in the medical area. It is possible, with the use of medical images, to generate representative computer models, thus enabling several simulations and biomechanical analysis of the region or organ of interest, aiming at the manufacture of customized prosthesis or orthesis. In this work we present the project of a customized implant of the TMJ, mechanically ordered and manufactured in titanium alloy by the additive manufacturing process of DMLS. Through the model created for the TMJ region, computer simulations of stresses and deformations were performed on the mandible virtually implanted in the patient, considering severe stresses of human chewing applied to the frontal teeth. With the data from the computer simulations the prosthesis was analyzed through a conventional analytical design process to verify the fatigue failure resistance. The implant was fabricated in titanium alloy by additive manufacturing and was realized physical simulations of the coupling of the prosthesis in the biomodel of the mandible fabricated by three-dimensional printing.

Coil-Only High-Frequency Lamb Wave Generation in Nickel Sheets

This study presents a novel, coil-only magnetostrictive ultrasonic detection method that operates effectively without permanent magnets, introducing a simpler alternative to conventional designs. The system configuration is streamlined, consisting of a single meander coil, an excitation source, and a nickel sheet, with both the bias magnetic field and ultrasonic excitation achieved by a composite excitation containing both DC and AC components. This design offers significant advantages, enabling high-frequency Lamb wave generation in nickel sheets for ultrasonic detection while reducing device complexity. Experimental validation demonstrated that an S0-mode Lamb wave at a frequency of 2.625 MHz could be effectively excited in a 0.2 mm nickel sheet using a double-layer meander coil. The experimentally measured wave velocity was 4.9946 m/s, with a deviation of only 0.4985% from the theoretical value, confirming the accuracy of the method. Additionally, this work provides a theoretical basis for future development of flexible MEMS-based magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducers, expanding the potential for miniaturized magnetostrictive patch transducers.

A Matrix-Based Approach to Unified Synthesis of Planar Four-Bar Mechanisms for Motion Generation With Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Constraints

Abstract This paper introduces a novel matrix-based approach for the simultaneous type and dimensional synthesis of planar four-bar linkage mechanisms, accommodating various practical constraints, including position, velocity, acceleration, and joint placements. Traditional design processes segregate type synthesis, the determination of joint and link configurations, from dimensional synthesis, which involves specifying link sizes and pivot locations. This segregation often leads to complexities in addressing the complete design challenge. The novel methodology proposed in this paper departs from the conventional sequential design approach by concurrently evaluating type and dimensional parameters using a data-driven matrix formulation. The crux of the paper’s methodology involves formulating a singular design equation through a transformation matrix, parameterized by the Cartesian parameters of the mechanism’s dyads. This formulation linearly expresses a broad range of constraints, facilitating the identification of viable solutions through singular value decomposition and null space analysis. This integrated approach not only simplifies the synthesis process but also provides direct insights into the mechanism’s parameters, encompassing both type and dimensions, thereby obviating the need for further interpretative steps common to the use of quaternions and kinematic mapping. In essence, the paper presents two main contributions: the development of a unified design equation capable of encompassing a wide array of constraints within the mechanism synthesis process, and the introduction of an algorithm that effectively identifies all potential planar four-bar linkage mechanisms by accurately satisfying up to five constraints. This approach promises to enhance the design and optimization of mechanical systems by offering a more holistic and efficient pathway to mechanism synthesis.

Bayesian Safety and Futility Monitoring in Phase II Trials Using One Utility-Based Rule.

For phase II clinical trials that determine the acceptability of an experimental treatment based on ordinal toxicity and ordinal response, most monitoring methods require each ordinal outcome to be dichotomized using a selected cut-point. This allows two early stopping rules to be constructed that compare marginal probabilities of toxicity and response to respective upper and lower limits. Important problems with this approach are loss of information due to dichotomization, dependence of treatment acceptability decisions on precisely how each ordinal variable is dichotomized, and ignoring association between the two outcomes. To address these problems, we propose a new Bayesian method, which we call U-Bayes, that exploits elicited numerical utilities of the joint ordinal outcomes to construct one early stopping rule that compares the mean utility to a lower limit. U-Bayes avoids the problems noted above by using the entire joint distribution of the ordinal outcomes, and not dichotomizing the outcomes. A step-by-step algorithm is provided for constructing a U-Bayes rule based on elicited utilities and elicited limits on marginal outcome probabilities. A simulation study shows that U-Bayes greatly improves the probability of determining treatment acceptability compared to conventional designs that use two monitoring rules based on marginal probabilities.

Evolutionary optimisation of pixelated IFA inspired antennas

As wireless communication systems increasingly require compact and efficient antennas, conventional antenna design methods are proving difficult to meet the rigorous demands of modern applications. For this purpose, this study introduces a methodology which uses pixelated Inverted-F Antenna (IFA) inspired designs optimised through genetic algorithms to enhance performance in constrained spatial environments. As pixels the antenna features the exemplary use of Einstein Hat-shaped tiles, enabling the antenna to efficiently utilize space. A with the proposed method optimised antenna is compared to traditional IFA designs and shows improved properties like enhanced antenna gain and efficiency as well as smaller reflection coefficient offering a promising solution for future compact antenna systems in the Internet of Things and beyond. Finally, a prototype was manufactured and the scattering parameters and antenna gain were measured within an anechoic chamber.

Radiolucent lines and revision risk in total knee arthroplasty using the conventional versus the Attune S+ tibial baseplate.

This multicentre retrospective observational study's aims were to investigate whether there are differences in the occurrence of radiolucent lines (RLLs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the conventional Attune baseplate and its successor, the novel Attune S+, independent from other potentially influencing factors; and whether tibial baseplate design and presence of RLLs are associated with differing risk of revision. A total of 780 patients (39% male; median age 70.7 years (IQR 62.0 to 77.2)) underwent cemented TKA using the Attune Knee System) at five centres, and with the latest radiograph available for the evaluation of RLL at between six and 36 months from surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to assess associations between patient and implant-associated factors on the presence of tibial and femoral RLLs. Differences in revision risk depending on RLLs and tibial baseplate design were investigated with the log-rank test. The conventional and novel Attune baseplates were used in 349 (45%) and 431 (55%) patients, respectively. At a median follow-up of 14 months (IQR 11 to 25), RLLs were present in 29% (n = 228/777) and 15% (n = 116/776) of the tibial and femoral components, respectively, and were more common in the conventional compared to the novel baseplate. The novel baseplate was independently associated with a lower incidence of tibial and femoral RLLs (both regardless of age, sex, BMI, and time to radiograph). One- and three-year revision risk was 1% (95% CI 0.4% to 1.9%)and 6% (95% CI 2.6% to 13.2%), respectively. There was no difference between baseplate design and the presence of RLLs on the the risk of revision at short-term follow-up. The overall incidence of RLLs, as well as the incidence of tibial and femoral RLLs, was lower with the novel compared to the conventional tibial Attune baseplate design, but higher than in the predecessor design and other commonly used TKA systems.

An experimental study to evaluate the performance of variable-width channel cold plates for cooling rectangular Li-ion batteries

The limited cooling capacity of cold plates employing conventional channel designs represents a key obstacle in thermal management systems. The persistent growth of the thermal boundary layer and the uneven distribution of flow across the channels are the principal challenges encountered in this context. To overcome these challenges, this study aims to analyse a modified cold plate of obstructed variable-width channels that can improve the hydrothermal performance and temperature uniformity. Different shapes of pin fins and grooves with variable sizes that match the width of the variable-width channels are proposed. Specifically, four types of pin fins–grooves were used: ellipse, drop, rhombus and trapezoid. The traditional cold plate served as a basis for evaluating the performance of new designs of cold plates. In addition to the traditional cold plate, the four proposed designs of cold plates were manufactured from copper. Experiments were conducted with water as a working fluid under a laminar flow for a flow rate range of 0.004–0.04 kg/s and a discharge C-rate range of 1C–2C. Results indicated that the use of variable-width channels with all shapes of fins–grooves effectively contributed to improving the heat dissipation of the cold plate, accompanied with an increase in hydraulic pumping power. At the highest flow rate, the best improvement percentage in the Nusselt number of 82.5% was achieved when trapezoidal pin fins–grooves were used; by contrast, the lowest pumping power increasing percentage of 33.2% was obtained when elliptical pin fins–grooves were adopted. The best hydraulic/thermal performance was achieved when trapezoidal pin fins were utilised, with the highest figure of merit of 1.685.

Two-stage robust multimodal hub network design under budgeted demand uncertainty: A Benders decomposition approach and a case study

The widening use of hub networks in urban agglomeration freight systems requires several actual extensions in conventional hub network design problems. For this purpose, we introduce a two-stage robust multimodal hub network design problem for the urban agglomeration freight system by considering incomplete hub network topology, multiple transportation modes, travel time limit and discuss the uncertainty in the constructed network from the demand point of view. Particularly, we model the demand uncertainty for the considered problem in two different ways. The basic model supposes that interval-budgeted uncertainty set is adopted to characterize uncertain demand, while the expanded model additionally considers possible states of the uncertain demand and weights summation of performances over multiple uncertainty sets, namely state-wise budgeted uncertainty set. By using a min–max criterion, we develop the path-based mixed-integer programming formulations for the proposed problem, which can significantly decrease the number of required integer variables and constraints. To handle large-sized problems, we propose an improved Benders decomposition algorithm, in which the master problem is implemented in a branch-and-bound framework and the subproblem is optimality solved by a customized two-step strategy. In addition to evaluating on the standard CAB, TR and AP datasets, we conduct a real-world case study of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration freight system to explore the effect of incorporating uncertainty and showcase the superior performance of the proposed methods.

Integer multi-wavelength gradient phase metagrating for perfect refraction: Phase choice freedom in supercella).

Phase gradient metagratings (PGMs) reshape the impinging wavefront though the interplay between the linear adjacent phase increment inside supercells and the grating diffraction of supercells. However, the adjacent phase increment is elaborately designed by tuning the resonance of each subcell at a certain target frequency, which inevitably confines PGMs to operate only at the single frequency in turn. We notice that there exists a freedom of phase choice with a multi-2π increment in a supercell of PGMs, whereas conventional designs focus on the 2π increment. This freedom can induce a collaborative mechanism of surface impedance matching and multi-wavelength subcells, enabling the design of PGMs at multi-wavelengths. We further design and fabricate a supercell consisting of eight curved pipes to construct the two-wavelengths PGMs. The linear adjacent phase gradient of 0.25π at the fundamental frequency 3430 Hz is achieved, while the almost perfect transmission effect is observed due to the impedance match at the ends of curved pipes. In addition, the transmission field at the double frequency 6860 Hz is measured, whose refraction direction is consistent with that at 3430 Hz. This design strategy originated from phase choice freedom in the supercell and the experimental fabrication might stimulate applications on other multi-wavelength metasurfaces/metagratings.

Optimization of border irrigation variables based on a correction factor for irrigation quota

The optimization of surface irrigation variables, i.e., the selection of the optimal combination of the inflow rate per unit width (q) and cutoff time (tco), is essential for obtaining high performance. The main objective of this study was to optimize irrigation variables by considering different irrigation requirements and the total loss model, which includes the irrigation water loss and crop yield loss. A correction factor for the irrigation quota (Cf) was introduced to achieve this objective. Cf considers different irrigation requirements, as it represents the ratio of the actual irrigation quota for certain irrigation to the designed irrigation quota (Dreq). Uniform design theory was used to determine random combinations of q and Cf from a selected range. The q value ranged from 3 to 9 L.m-1. s-1. Because the actual irrigation quota does not greatly deviate from the design irrigation quota, Cf should reach approximately 1.00. The selected Cf ranged from 0.80 to 1.38. To obtain higher crop yields, lower economic losses, and more reasonable design variables for surface irrigation, a total loss model for uneven border irrigation was established, which was defined as the objective function to optimize border irrigation design—the total loss model was combined with uniform design theory and the WinSRFR model to analyze different scenarios. The results showed that Cf has a clear meaning and exerts a favorable application effect on the irrigation performance evaluation indicators and can be used to design border irrigation systems. Based on the total loss model for uneven border irrigation, the optimal irrigation variables q and Cf for design irrigation quotas of 60, 80, and 100 mm are q=6.22 L.m-1. s-1 and Cf=1.17; q=4.60 L.m-1. s-1 and Cf=1.14; and q=3.80 L.m-1. s-1 and Cf=1.10, respectively. Compared with the conventional design results, q in the optimal design results based on the loss model decreased, Cf increased, and the total loss significantly decreased. Optimization of irrigation variables based on the border irrigation loss model could ensure favorable irrigation performance evaluation indicators, improve the water use efficiency, provide higher crop yields, and minimize the total economic losses caused by uneven irrigation.

Optimization of Stator Structure for Improved Accuracy in Variable Reluctance Resolvers Using Advanced Machine Learning Techniques

This study presents an optimized design for a Segmented Sinusoidal Parameter Winding with Magnetic Wedge Variable Reluctance Resolver (SSPWMW-VRR), addressing challenges like winding asymmetry and harmonic distortion in conventional designs. By integrating particle swarm optimization (PSO) for winding design, magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) analysis for leakage flux, and machine learning techniques (XGBoost and Multi-Layer Perceptron), the stator slot shape was fine-tuned for improved accuracy. XGBoost outperformed MLP in prediction accuracy with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.1172. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations and experimental validation demonstrated a reduction in position errors from ±30′ in conventional VRRs to ±5′ in the optimized design, along with significant harmonic reduction.

Design and performance investigation of tunnel-FET based energy efficient approximate and accurate adders targeted towards low power IoT nodes

Abstract The proliferation of IoT enabled SoCs in state-of-the-art consumer electronics has necessitated the use of beyond CMOS devices for the energy efficient computations and sensing design space. In the low supply voltage (VDD) regime, Tunnel FETs (TFETs) have shown serious potential at VDD less than 0.5 V. However, the inherent structure, characteristic interband tunneling and enhance Miller capacitance in TFETs do not allow the conventional CMOS logic design styles to be universally used for TFET based logic circuits. In this paper, we propose three energy efficient and novel TFET based accurate adder circuits namely, Static Energy Recovery Full adder (SERF), Complementary and Level Restoring Carry Logic Full adder (CLRCL) and Balanced Restoring Carry Logic full adder (BRCL) based on constituent TFET based functional units which do not use the CMOS design style. Further, novel approximate adders have been developed for energy efficient implementation in IoT nodes. The BRCL adder consumes approximately 60% less area and 85.36% and 89.6% less energy in comparison to SERF and CLRCL respectively. The approximate adders in the best and worst case facilitate approximately 92% and 75% savings in area and consumes 71% less power than the BRCL adder. When compared to the standard UMC 45 nm bulk MOSFET based designs, the TFET based accurate adders operate at 25% less energy while the approximate adders consume 40% less. All the circuit simulations have been performed using Spectre Simulator of Cadence and device characterization using 2D-TCAD tool.

Large-scale high purity and brightness structural color generation in layered thin film structures via coupled cavity resonance

Abstract Structural colors, resulting from the interaction of light with nanostructured materials rather than pigments, present a promising avenue for diverse applications ranging from ink-free printing to optical anti-counterfeiting. Achieving structural colors with high purity and brightness over large areas and at low costs is beneficial for many practical applications, but still remains a challenge for current designs. Here, we introduce a novel approach to realizing large-scale structural colors in layered thin film structures that are characterized by both high brightness and purity. Unlike conventional designs relying on single Fabry–Pérot cavity resonance, our method leverages coupled resonance between adjacent cavities to achieve sharp and intense transmission peaks with significantly suppressed sideband intensity. We demonstrate this approach by designing and experimentally validating transmission-type red, green, and blue colors using an Ag/SiO2/Ag/SiO2/Ag configuration on fused silica substrate. The measured spectra exhibit narrow resonant linewidths (full width at half maximum ∼60 nm), high peak efficiencies (>40 %), and well-suppressed sideband intensities (∼0 %). In addition, the generated color can be easily tuned by adjusting the thickness of SiO2 layer, and the associated color gamut coverage shows a wider range than many existing standards. Moreover, the proposed design method is versatile and compatible with various choices of dielectric and metallic layers. For instance, we demonstrate the production of angle-robust structural colors by utilizing high-index Ta2O5 as the dielectric layer. Finally, we showcase a series of printed color images based on the proposed structures. The coupled-cavity-resonance architecture presented here successfully mitigates the trade-off between color brightness and purity in conventional layered thin film structures and provides a novel and cost-effective route towards the realization of large-scale and high-performance structural colors.

Design and Optimization of the 4-Bit Absolute Value Logic Gate Circuits

Absolute value computation of binary numbers has important applications in digital signal processing and arithmetic operations, but conventional circuit designs usually face high latency and energy consumption problems. In order to improve computational efficiency, this paper proposes an optimization method based on logic gate circuits aimed at reducing the number of physical components and simplifying the circuit structure. By using a truth table for logic simplification, a more efficient 4-bit absolute value calculation circuit is designed in this study. Experimental results show that the optimised circuit performs significantly in reducing latency and power consumption and maintains the accuracy of the operation. The results of the study provide a better implementation of digital circuit design for application scenarios that require efficient computation.

A convection-enhanced flow field with height-changing ribs for redox flow batteries

Serpentine flow fields with flat ribs can effectively improve the performance of redox flow batteries. However, the marginal pressure difference between adjacent channels near the end side of ribs in conventional designs leads to weak convection in the regions, increasing the local concentration overpotential. This problem will be exacerbated in scaled-up redox flow battery stacks due to enlarged under-rib regions near the end side of ribs. In this work, two modified serpentine flow fields with height-changing ribs are proposed to adjust the electrode compression ratio at the under-rib region, thereby enhancing the convection in the electrode near the end side of ribs. Therefore, the active species are distributed more uniformly, resulting in an improved battery performance. Specifically, the uniformity of V2+, the energy efficiency and the system efficiency of the vanadium redox flow batteries with the ramp ribs are improved by 21 %, 2.7 %, and 2.7 % respectively compared with that of the conventional flat ribs, at the current density of 200 mA cm−2, the flow rate of 3.4 mL min−1 cm−2, and the active area of 117 cm2.

A clinical comparison of a digital versus conventional design methodology for transtibial prosthetic interfaces

A transtibial prosthetic interface typically comprises a compliant liner and an outer rigid socket. The preponderance of today’s conventional liners are mass produced in standard sizes, and conventional socket design is labor-intensive and artisanal, lacking clear scientific rationale. This work tests the clinical efficacy of a novel, physics-based digital design framework to create custom prosthetic liner-socket interfaces. In this investigation, we hypothesize that the novel digital approach will improve comfort outcomes compared to a conventional method of liner-socket design. The digital design framework generates custom transtibial prosthetic interfaces starting from MRI or CT image scans of the residual limb. The interface design employs FEA to simulate limb deformation under load. Interfaces are fabricated for 9 limbs from 8 amputees (1 bilateral). Testing compares novel and conventional interfaces across four assessments: 5-min walking trial, thermal imaging, 90-s standing pressure trial, and an evaluation questionnaire. Outcome measures include antalgic gait criterion, skin surface pressures, skin temperature changes, and direct questionnaire feedback. Antalgic gait is compared via a repeated measures linear mixed model while the other assessments are compared via a non-parametric Wilcoxon sign-rank test. A statistically significant (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$P=0.032$$\\end{document}) decrease in pain is demonstrated when walking on the novel interfaces compared to the conventional. Standing pressure data show a significant decrease in pressure on novel interfaces at the anterior distal tibia (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$P = 0.012$$\\end{document}), with no significant difference at other measured locations. Thermal results show no statistically significant difference related to skin temperature. Questionnaire feedback shows improved comfort on novel interfaces on posterior and medial sides while standing and the medial side while walking. Study results support the hypothesis that the novel digital approach improves comfort outcomes compared to the evaluated conventional method. The digital interface design methodology also has the potential to provide benefits in design time, repeatability, and cost.

Quasi-static modeling of a full-channel effective magnetorheological damper with shunt and bending magnetic circuit

Magnetorheological dampers (MRD) are widely used in vibration control due to their rapid response and adjustable damping forces. However, conventional MRD designs with closed rectangular magnetic circuits suffer from limited effective working lengths and inadequate damping force for vehicle suspensions. To address this, a novel full-channel effective MRD with shunt and bending magnetic circuit (FEMRD_SB) is proposed. This design increases the effective working length of the damping channel by incorporating a bending motion in the magnetic circuit. Magnetic circuit shunting is integrated to mitigate magnetic leakage during bending, improving energy utilization efficiency. To better meet the practical needs of vehicle suspension, a quasi-static mathematical model aiming to explain the mechanical properties of the damper is investigated. Traditional models often overlook the uneven distribution of magnetic fields, which leads to poor modeling accuracy. To improve the precision of the quasi-static model, a multiphysical field coupling quasi-static modeling method is proposed. This method, utilizing the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy neural network establishes the relationship between magnetic field and displacement, facilitating the integration of magnetic, flow, and solid fields for more precise modeling outcomes. Simulations and experiments validate the effectiveness of the FEMRD_SB and the quasi-static model. The real-vehicle experiments demonstrate that the FEMRD_SB effectively suppresses the sprung mass acceleration of a vehicle, improving the vehicle’s ride comfort.

Blast-Resistant Design of Reinforced Concrete Slabs with Auxetic-Shaped Reinforcement Layout

This paper presents a numerical study of a blast-resistant design of reinforced concrete panels with a novel auxetic reinforcement layout inspired by auxetic materials, which have a negative Poisson’s ratio, i.e., shrink under compression and expand under tension. A series of two-way supported panels reinforced with re-entrant auxetic-shaped rebars were numerically tested under a TNT explosion. The high-fidelity multi-physics explicit solver of LS-DYNA was utilized to analyze the efficiency of the proposed design. Firstly, the incident pressure of a TNT explosion data and the structural response of a conventional reinforced concrete panel under a TNT explosion were successfully validated by comparing with the experimental and empirical results. Secondly, the blast-resistant capacity of the proposed model was evaluated in comparison to two different conventional designs. Moreover, a parametric study was carried out to reveal the driving parameters of the newly proposed auxetic-shaped reinforcement design. It has been proved that the proposed auxetic reinforcement layout significantly reduces the spalling radius and increases the energy absorption capacity of panels. As a result of the parametric study, the increased reinforcement volume ratio was ineffective on the spalling radius, although the cell size of auxetic reinforcement was found to be quite effective for the blast-resistant design of concrete panels. Overall, the proposed re-entrant auxetic reinforced panel performed far better than conventional designs under blast load. With the recent developments in 3D printing technology, the proposed auxetic reinforcement layout is a strong candidate to deal with blast-resistant designs of concrete panels.