Design Solutions Research Articles

The effect of interfacial alloy formation on the mechanical properties of the additively manufactured Ti6Al4V/Ti1Al8V5Fe microstructurally graded material

Multi-material (MM) structures have been shown in the past to be potential candidates for future high performance high strain rate applications. With the advancement of MM additive manufacturing (AM), there is a renewed push to explore the vast array of materials combinations to deliver advanced protective capabilities. At the same time, many fundamental issues are still plaguing MM assemblies, primarily linked to the often-poor quality of the MM interface. Here, we present a novel approach to obtain microstructural and mechanical properties gradient without interface defects by leveraging the link between the chemical composition and complex grain/phase morphology in titanium alloys. We used additive manufacturing (AM) to combine α+β-titanium alloy Ti6Al4V with metastable β-titanium alloy Ti1Al8V5Fe (which belong to different alloy classes but share common alloying elements), into a microstructurally graded material (MGM). Uniquely, the classic MM interface was replaced by the two additional intermixed alloy layers with unique chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties, with both ultimately making a significant contribution to the overall performance. The properties of these interface alloys are affected by many factors, such as thermal properties of the substrate, process parameters, alloying element distribution and post-manufacturing heat treatment. As a result, we showed that a superior combination of the strength and ductility could be achieved in the hybrid material after heat treatment compared to the original materials or the as-built hybrid material, which was ultimately attributed to the formation of the interface alloys. The presented approach is not limited to titanium alloys and could be extended to other materials systems and is expected to contribute to the development of a deeper understanding of the intermixing phenomena and its effects on microstructure and mechanical performance of MGMs, opening the door to a range of unique solutions in alloy and MM structural design for high performance applications.

Data-driven inverse design of a multiband second-order phononic topological insulator

Second-order phononic topological insulators (SPTIs) have sparked vast interest in manipulating elastic waves, owing to their unique topological corner states with robustness against geometric perturbations. However, it remains a challenge to develop multiband SPTIs that yield multi-frequency corner states using prevailing forward design approaches via trial and error, and most inverse design approaches substantially rely on time-consuming numerical solvers to evaluate band structures of phononic crystals (PnCs), showing low efficiency particularly when applied to different optimization tasks. In this study, we develop and validate a new inverse design framework, to enable the multiband SPTI by integrating data-driven machine learning (ML) with genetic algorithm (GA). The relationship between shapes of scatterers and frequency bounds of multi-order bandgaps of PnCs is mapped via developing artificial neural networks (ANNs), and a multiband SPTI with multi-frequency topological corner states is cost-effectively designed using the proposed inverse optimization framework. Our results indicate that the data-driven approach can provide a high-efficiency solution for on-demand inverse designs of multiband second-order topological mechanical devices, enabling diverse application prospects including multi-frequency robust amplification and confinement of elastic waves.

Synthesis of Research on Science Learning Management Affecting Problem Solving Skills: Meta-Analysis

The rapidly changing world of the 21st century is complex and unpredictable. The researcher aimed to study the findings from a meta-analysis of 42 research studies related to the learning management of science that affects problem-solving skills during 2012–2022 from a database in Thailand called ThaiLIS. The findings revealed the variables that cause different mean effect sizes and the influence of research quality on the effect size. The instruments of this research were the research quality assessment form and the research characteristics assessment form. Statistics for data analysis were mean, standard deviation, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. The directional research hypothesis, multi-stage sampling, randomized control group post-test only design, PBL, and Weir's solution theory were discovered in the study to be the variables that caused the mean effect sizes to differ at the statistical significance level of .05. In addition, research quality had a positive influence on the effect size. The findings of this study will be useful to teachers who want to provide learning management of science that helps students develop problem-solving skills. This will develop skills more effective than traditional teaching.

Aerodynamic design and optimization analysis of a 200 kW radial-inflow turbine

Abstract In low-temperature waste heat recovery for organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power generation, the radial-inflow turbine (RIT) plays a crucial role. This study focuses on the preliminary design, three-dimensional simulations, and optimization of a 200 kW RIT for R245fa working fluid. The turbine’s preliminary design relies on selected empirical coefficients, leading to performance uncertainty. The performance of the turbine obtained from the initial design was evaluated using computer simulations, indicating that achieving outstanding isentropic efficiency and power targets solely relying on the design of empirical coefficients can sometimes be challenging. Design of Experiments (DOE) on five variables was performed using the Isight platform, highlighting rotor inlet blade height as crucial for turbine performance. The optimized RIT showed a 10.5% efficiency increase and 45.6 kW power gain. Entropy production analysis confirmed substantial improvement. Systematic theoretical calculations followed by DOE optimization effectively enhance turbine efficiency, providing valuable and innovative insights for satisfactory design solutions.

Enhancing Novice Developer Efficacy through UX Journey: Integrating User Experience and User Requirement to Develop Developer Skills

User experience and user requirements are two different approaches to software development. User requirements focus on meeting customer expectations and demands for software solutions, while user experience covers all aspects of software interaction with users. To increase the value of the software, the software must have usable and easy-to-use features with an attractive design or work environment that fits the user's behavior. Integrating software requirements and user experience can increase developer productivity by focusing on features that meet user requirements and expectations. This integration can also increase software development efficiency by addressing issues arising during development. This article addresses developers' challenges when addressing user needs and provides practical solutions widely accepted in industry and academia. Combining user experience and user needs into the UX Journey approach can increase developer productivity and confidence in software development. The design of the UX Journey is carried out by evaluating several existing design solution methods such as Design Thinking, IDEO, HPI, and Double Diamond to determine the existing conditions and needs for the problems faced. Then, by mapping the user, context, and domain, the model is obtained. appropriate. The proposed model comprises Discover, Explore, Test, and Listen activities. A trial was carried out on the respondents to test the method, and a feasibility test and an implementation schedule were obtained based on the statistical analysis of the initial user. It took 980-1500 minutes to complete the design solution. Focusing on features that align with user needs and improve problem-solving efficiency throughout development gives developers greater confidence in producing high-quality software.

Current Feedback Operation Amplifier Based on Floating Passive and Active Inductors in Filter Applications

This paper proposes using current feedback operation amplifiers (CFOAs) as an active filter in creating floating passive and active inductance simulators is a versatile and efficient solution for circuit design. CFOAs are popular for their high slew rate and wide bandwidth which makes them ideal candidates for applications demanding rapid response time alongside high frequencies. It is possible to customize these simulated inductances for different design specifics by changing certain external resistor values. The circuit comprises a trio of CFOAs, an earthed capacitor and three resistors, thus making it quite simple to put into practice at a cheap price. Experiments and LTSPICE simulations have been conducted to examine the performance of the circuit, and closely confirmed theoretical expectations. In other words, this confirms the trustworthiness and preciseness of the introduced floating active inductance simulator. Voltage-mode band-stop filtering is one real-world scenario where this circuit is used. This indicates that our proposed technique can have more applications than one in circuit design. This is further proof that our idea can be used in other circuits as well. In conclusion, using CFOAs in active filters for building a grounded passive active inductance simulator is a solid and effective answer to circuit designers. This makes it an appealing choice for numerous applications because of its simplicity in designing the network as well as its high performance and customizability. Circuit design and application can be greatly improved if more study is done in this field.

STRENGTH ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED AND UNREINFORCED BARRELS USED IN SMALL ARMS OF SELECTED CALIBERS. PART II - STRENGTH CALCULATIONS OF UNREINFORCED BARRELS

The aim of this work was to design a sports submachine gun based on a review of current design solutions used in this type of weapon and to create preliminary technical assumptions. The scope of work included the selection of a cartridge for the submachine gun, the selection of the barrel length, the calculation of the outer diameter of the barrel, the selection of the mass of the bolt and the return spring as well as the calculation of the bolt kinematics, the creation of a functional model using the additive technique, checking the correct operation of the weapon's mechanisms and indicating possible design improvements. Part II includes Strength calculations of unreinforced barrels for all tested barrels.Keywords: Heydenreich method, internal ballistics, reinforced barrel, durability, simulationAbstract: The aim of this work was to design a sports submachine gun based on a review of current design solutions used in this type of weapon and to create preliminary technical assumptions. The scope of work included the selection of a cartridge for the submachine gun, the selection of the barrel length, the calculation of the outer diameter of the barrel, the selection of the mass of the bolt and the return spring as well as the calculation of the bolt kinematics, the creation of a functional model using the additive technique, checking the correct operation of the weapon's mechanisms and indicating possible design improvements. Part II includes Strength calculations of unreinforced barrels for all tested barrels.Keywords: Heydenreich method, internal ballistics, reinforced barrel, durability, simulationThe aim of this work was to design a sports submachine gun based on a review of current design solutions used in this type of weapon and to create preliminary technical assump-tions. The scope of work included the selec-tion of a cartridge for the submachine gun, the selection of the barrel length, the calcula-tion of the outer diameter of the barrel, the selection of the mass of the bolt and the re-turn spring as well as the calculation of the bolt kinematics, the creation of a functional model using the additive technique, checking the correct operation of the weapon's mecha-nisms and indicating possible design im-provements. Part II includes Strength calcula-tions of unreinforced barrels for all tested barrels.

SYSTEM OF MONITORING THE DEGREE OF DESTRUCTION FROM ELECTROCHEMICAL CORROSION OF UNDERGROUND METAL ELEMENTS OF OVERHEAD POWER LINE SUPPORTS

In this article, the studies were carried out and the block diagram was developed for a system of monitoring the degree of destruction from electrochemical corrosion of underground metal fastening elements for overhead power line supports. The analysis of the causes of emergency shutdowns of overhead power lines in the CIS and the methods of assessing the consequences used in foreign countries are carried out. The studies were aimed at modernizing the unified power system of Kazakhstan, reducing emergency situations and increasing reliability of power supply to consumers. The article presents a diagram of the design solutions of the proposed monitoring system for the portal-type support mounting unit. One of the aspects was direct controlling the degree of destruction of the support fastening points located underground. The proposed system allows collecting and transmitting to the control center the information of the degree of destruction from electrochemical corrosion of metal fastening elements of portal-type supports. Key words: portal type supports, overhead power lines, power system safety, power system reliability, galvanic corrosion, U-bolt, monitoring system.

DESIGN OF A SPORTS SUBMACHINE GUN MPM 9 „BOHR”. PART II – BASIC CONSTRUCTION CALCULATIONS

The aim of this work was to design a sports submachine gun based on a review of current design solutions used in this type of weapon and to create preliminary technical assumptions. The scope of work included the selection of a cartridge for the submachine gun, the selection of the barrel length, the calculation of the outer diameter of the barrel, the selection of the mass of the bolt and the return spring as well as the calculation of the bolt kinematics, and the preparation of a functional model using the additive technique, checking the correct operation of the weapon's mechanisms and indicating possible design improvements. Part II presented the basic design calculations of the MPM 9 "Bohr" submachine gun.

Numerical study of influencing geometry of separator elements for cleaning dust of food production on its efficiency

At modern food enterprises, the task of providing high-quality air cleaning from dust is relevant. The paper proposes an original dust separator, the peculiarity of which is the presence of structural elements of different shapes, arranged in a chess order. This design solution ensures the formation of a wave-like structure of the gas-dust flow within the device. The separation of solids from air is due to inertial and centrifugal forces. The aim of the work is to evaluate the fractional efficiency of this separator with structural elements of different geometric shape during the dust capture process. The paper considers I-shaped, P-shaped, arc-shaped and V-shaped structural elements. The study is carried out by numerical simulation at a gas dust flow rate of 0.5 to 3 m/s and a particle size of 10 to 200 ?m. During the work it has been found that the shape of the structural elements largely determines the efficiency of separation of dust material from the gas stream. The V-shaped design elements have shown the highest average separation efficiency compared to other shapes under other equal conditions. This is due to the fact that in such a separator the particles are directed to their apex, where the velocity of the particles decreases contributing to their subsequent settling into the bunker. The maximum efficiency for V-shaped elements is on average 80.1 % at a gas dust inlet velocity of 0.5 m/s. The lowest efficiency is observed for I-shaped elements, as particles return to the air stream after rebounding from the walls.

Induction heating system of massive rings before rolling

The work examines an induction heating system for a large ring in a rectangular coil. The end surface of the workpiece is located horizontally. To form a uniform temperature distribution in the workpiece pushed into the inductor, a rotation mechanism is used. Conducted studies of the distribution of heat generation power and temperature in the workpiece showed the need to reduce the field strength in the hole area. A solution to the problem was found through the use of magnetic cores in the inductor design, displacing currents in the workpiece beyond areas prone to overheating. The obtained results of modeling electromagnetic and thermal fields in the workpiece confirm the correctness of the design solution.

METHODOLOGY OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING OF URBAN STREETS AND ROADS

Problem statement. New challenges in road construction require the application of modern and globally recognized best practices in the design and management of road infrastructure construction processes, involving the use of the latest Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies. The implementation of BIM technologies necessitates conducting research to systematize information, forecast and evaluate outcomes, and develop a modeling methodology. The purpose of the article is to develop a methodology for Building Information Modeling of urban streets and roads. Research Results. The proposed methodology for Building Information Modeling is demonstrated using sections of the street and road network in the city of Dnipro. Digital terrain and site models were created in the InfraWorks software based on geospatial data from remote sensing. Conceptual models of urban streets and roads were developed. The conceptual models were exported to Civil 3D, where the terrain model was refined using ground survey data, analyzed, and used to develop route plans, longitudinal and cross profiles of streets and roads. The detailed and coordinated road design solutions in Civil 3D were exported to InfraWorks to build an integrated road infrastructure. An analysis of the spatial smoothness of routes and sight distances on roads was conducted using the building information model. Models of an overpass and bridge developed in Revit were exported to the road infrastructure model. Traffic management measures were modeled. Using the “Traffic Simulation” tools in InfraWorks, vehicle traffic flows on roads and interchanges of the studied street and road network were simulated, taking into account the actual traffic intensity. The building information models were checked for structural deficiencies using Navisworks software. Conclusion. The proposed methodology for designing urban streets and roads using BIM technology involves the step-by-step development of a digital model utilizing software for the automated design of road infrastructure with the required level of detail at each stage of the design process.

Analysis of Heat Exchanger for Single-Phase Cooling Applications using Micro-channels of Copper Material

The design of a microchannel heat exchanger can be achieved using various approaches. The design includes various materials, such as ceramics, silicon, metals, and polymers, that are used to make microchannels, depending on their specific requirements. Polymers such as silicon, glass, and other polymeric materials are utilized on metallic substrates. The current study includes microchannels fabricated from metallic copper. Further, the design solutions do not consider the implications of the second law of thermodynamics. Hence, performing an energetic analysis of microchannels is imperative to design and assess thermodynamic systems that use them efficiently. One technique to improve a thermodynamic system's efficiency is using a well-designed microchannel heat exchanger with excellent energetic performance. This can be achieved by creating a thermodynamic system that eliminates energetic losses and limits only unavoidable losses. The use of high-conductivity material like copper also achieves this. To identify possible reasons for exergy loss and perhaps address them, a thorough energetic analysis of an existing heat exchanger is necessary. A microchannel heat exchanger with 19 microchannels in a flat tube is considered for this study. The study finds the energetic losses, which are useful for the thermal design of the heat exchanger.

Closed‐form optimal solution of two‐degree‐of‐freedom system with Inerter based on equal modal damping with potential application in non‐structural elevator for seismic control

AbstractTargeting the great demand for adding non‐structural elevators to old residential buildings, this article proposes an updated configuration of tuned mass damper inerter (U‐TMDI) applied in external non‐structural elevators. An analog 2‐DOF system is established to describe the residential building controlled by an inerter elevator. Then, three closed‐form optimal solutions for designing the U‐TMDI are derived via the fixed‐point method, equal modal damping criterion, and the infinity damping assumption. Subsequently, these optimal solutions are compared and discussed involving the expressions of tuning frequency ratio and the optimal damping parameters, root locus diagram and supplemental damping ratios, transfer function, and robustness to frequency variation, respectively. Finally, a residential building example is adopted to validate the feasibility of the proposed retrofitting strategy and the closed‐form optimal design solutions. It is demonstrated that the optimal tuning frequency ratios derived by the fixed‐point method and equal modal damping criterion are different for U‐TMDI due to the influence of elevator stiffness ratio , while its degradation forms for tuned mass damper (TMD) are identical, recognizing the importance of the elevator stiffness. Moreover, the proposed retrofitting strategy of using an inerter elevator can significantly mitigate the main structure displacement by about 18%∼23% for both far‐field and near‐fault earthquakes.

Design of a sweeping robot based on fuzzy QFD and ARIZ algorithms

The design of a multifunctional intelligent robotic vacuum cleaner is essential for meeting user needs and replacing human cleaning tasks, thereby improving the effectiveness and convenience of human-robot interaction. Existing robotic vacuum cleaners can address the issues of small dust and hair accumulation; however, a comprehensive and integrated solution for sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, and general waste cleaning remains necessary. This paper employs the Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment (FQFD) tool and the Algorithm for Inventive Problem Solving (ARIZ) algorithm to address these challenges. The research framework integrates FQFD with the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) methodology to evaluate the weights of user requirements for a robotic vacuum cleaner. Subsequently, these requirements were translated into technical specifications, thus establishing a link between user needs and technical requirements. The ARIZ algorithm is subsequently employed to resolve conflicts and inconsistencies within the FQFD model. Finally, an innovative design for a robotic vacuum cleaner was proposed by utilizing the ARIZ algorithm's problem-solving principles and qualitative and quantitative insights derived from the FQFD. The design is evaluated using the Fuzzy Order Preference Technique (FTOPSIS) method, which resembles the ideal solution. Furthermore, the operational dynamics of the critical components of the design solution that navigate obstacles are analyzed to ensure their effectiveness. The final product can effectively replace humans in complex cleaning tasks while navigating obstacles during sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing for comprehensive space cleaning. The results of this study provide valuable insights for designers to enhance user experience, improve customer emotional satisfaction, and guide future product designs in related product development initiatives.

Representation Learning for Sequential Volumetric Design Tasks

Abstract Volumetric design, also called massing design, is the first and critical step in professional building design which is sequential in nature. As the volumetric design process is complex, the underlying sequential design process en- codes valuable information for designers. Many efforts have been made to automatically generate reasonable volumetric designs, but the quality of the generated design solutions varies, and evaluating a design solution requires either a prohibitively comprehensive set of metrics or expensive human expertise. While previous approaches focused on learning only the final design instead of sequential design tasks, we propose to encode the design knowledge from a collection of expert or high-performing design sequences and extract useful representations using transformer-based models. Later we propose to utilize the learned representations for crucial downstream applications such as design preference evaluation and procedural design generation. We develop the preference model by estimating the density of the learned representations whereas we train an autoregressive transformer model for sequential design generation. We demonstrate our ideas by leveraging a novel dataset of thousands of sequential volumetric designs. Our preference model can compare two arbitrarily given design sequences and is almost 90% accurate in evaluation against random design sequences. Our autoregressive model is also capable of autocompleting a volumetric design sequence from a partial design sequence.

A Survey on the Design of Virtual Reality Interaction Interfaces

Virtual reality (VR) technology has made remarkable progress in recent years and will be widely used in the future. As a bridge for information exchanges between users and VR systems, the interaction interface is pivotal for providing users with a good experience and has emerged as a key research focus. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search of the Web of Science and CNKI databases from 2011 to 2023 to identify articles dedicated to VR interaction interface design. Through a meticulous analysis of 438 articles, this paper offers a substantial contribution to the emerging field of VR interactive interface research, providing an in-depth review of the principal research advancements. This review revealed that the majority of studies are centered on practical case analyses within specific application scenarios, employing empirical evaluation methods to assess objective or subjective metrics. We then concentrated on elucidating the foundational principles of interface design and their evaluation methodologies, providing a reference for future research endeavors. Additionally, the limitations, challenges, and future directions in VR interaction interface design research were discussed, highlighting the need for further research in design evaluation to continuously refine the development of standards and guidelines for VR interactive interface design. According to the findings of this review, there is a necessity to enhance research on information design for multi-channel interactive interfaces. Furthermore, it is essential to focus on the diverse characteristics of users to propose more inclusive design solutions. Adopting interdisciplinary approaches could lead to breakthroughs in the creation of personalized and adaptive VR interaction interfaces.

The causes of air movement in hidden indoor micro-environments: measurements in historic bookshelves.

The use of ventilation holes in small micro-environments has been proposed by the National Trust as a mechanism to improve the environmental conditions of moisture and temperature within bookshelves. At one National Trust historic property, this mechanism has been used to encourage air movement behind books as a possible strategy to reduce the risk of mould growth. It is believed that including ventilation holes as a passive design solution to promote airflow within micro-environments could prevent decay from occurring in the archives of historic buildings. This paper investigates the mechanisms that cause airflow behind bookshelves using field measurements in three National Trust historic libraries. The measurements indicate that small but measurable velocities, up to 4 cm/s, can be passively generated behind bookshelves. Air movement in such confined micro-environments is probably caused by a combination of natural convection, caused by temperature differences between the walls and the interior and the exterior of the bookshelf, and forced convection due to drafts in the surrounding environment. While in some cases one mechanism prevailed, both mechanisms may be present simultaneously in most cases. Further research is needed to clarify how surface temperature drives air motion behind shelves.

The Industrial Design Model in Italy at the Stage of Formation. The Aemilia Ars Group

The article considers the formation of the industrial design model in Italy in the peculiarity of socio-political conditions at the turn of the 20th century. Orientated towards the prospects of the design industrial culture, the progress of new art tended towards two vectors of development: a strong influence of traditional heritage of the great classical past and passion for modern examples of European design schools. The design, formed within the boundaries of the Italian regional version of the Art Nouveau style, stile Liberty, became a product of a specifically Italian design and artistic culture with a strong designer’s original creative beginning. It allowed freedom of experimentation in the search for its own unique means of expression. The industrial model of design was determined by the experience of the great craft heritage in addition to the influence of the artistic traditions of the new style. The new “revival” of the artistic industry of Italy took place in symbiosis of the activities of an artist-designer and artistic craft and industrial production. The Aemilia Ars group, as a regional design and production association, became an exemplary model of industrial design in Italy. The multidisciplinary structure of the association, which included a collaboration of architects, designers, and artisans specialising in various areas of the art industry, allowed the implementation of interdisciplinary tasks: from architectural restoration to interior design solutions. The group was an example of a unique design culture focused on a scientifically based approach, regional craft artistic traditions and an original style of a creative experiment. The great design-artistic and technological heritage as well as design potential of the Aemilia Ars craft traditions can still be found in the practice of a number of local associations of embroiderers of modern Bologna.

Dynamic Clock Switching Scheme for Enhanced Power Efficiency in System-on-Chip Architectures

High power consumption and thermal management are critical challenges in traditional System- on-Chip (SoC) architectures due to multiple active clock sources feeding individual IP blocks, even during idle states. This paper introduces a dynamic clock switching power-saving scheme that consolidates clock sources by dynamically switching to a single lower-frequency clock during low-power modes. A Clock Control Agent (CCA) monitors real-time operational status, power consumption, and performance needs, leveraging AI for predictive adjustments. Experimental results demonstrate a significant reduction in idle power consumption and improved thermal management, without compromising performance or data integrity. This scheme addresses inefficiencies in existing methods such as Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) and clock gating, offering a robust and efficient solution for next-generation SoC designs.