Gap Dimensions Research Articles

Thermal Performance Analysis and Design Evolution of Ventilated Stone Facades: A Case Study of the Praski Student House (Akademik Praski) in Warsaw

The rationale for this work arose from the urgency of improving the energy efficiency of buildings at the design stage, given the changing requirements of energy efficiency standards such as the Polish Technical Conditions (WT 2014 and WT 2020). This research is novel as there is currently limited information available on the improvement of the thermal performance of ventilated stone facade systems, although they are now widely used due to their practical and aesthetic advantages. The first objective of this work is to evaluate the thermal performance of the ventilated facades of the Praski Student House (Akademik Praski) and to assess how certain design variations can help achieve a lower level of energy consumption. Using a comprehensive case study approach, this study provides accurate thermal calculations of the facade to assess its global thermal insulation coefficient (Rt) and thermal transmittance (Uc). The improvement in the actual U-value from the original design is as follows: the U-value is reduced from 0.33 originally to 0.228 for WT 2014 and to 0.198 for WT 2020, showing a reduction of about 30.9% and 13.2%, respectively. These results indicate the energy efficiency of increased insulation thickness and optimally oriented air gap dimensions. The practical contributions of this research are valuable for architects, engineers, and contractors involved in the design and construction process of buildings aiming to achieve near-zero energy buildings (nZEBs), including concrete suggestions on how to improve current construction practices as well as material recommendations. There is a need for durability studies, for example to assess the performance of such facades under different climatic conditions, as part of future work to support these findings.

Interpreting Bar Charts: Effects of 3D Depth Cues on Human Gaze and User Understanding

Three-dimensional information visualizations are widely used in various fields for their aesthetic appeal. However, using them can sometimes lead to occlusion and distortion, which raises questions about when and why to use them. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of three-dimensional visualizations on human gaze and user understanding and analyze the perception process in detail. Our empirical research consisted of a two-part experimental study that involved both subjective and objective evaluation. We specifically focused on bar charts as they are among the most frequently used types of information visualizations. The results suggest that, for bar chart visualizations with varying gap dimensions, there is no statistically significant difference in user understanding between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional versions. Our findings indicate that, in general, three-dimensional bar chart visualizations are as comprehensible as their two-dimensional counterparts for the gap dimensions examined in this research. This study provides empirical insights demonstrating that both 3D and 2D bar charts are equally understandable, particularly when a specific gap depth is used in 3D visualizations. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussion about the effective use of three-dimensional visualizations and highlight areas for further research.

The future of medicine or a threat? Artificial intelligence representation in Chicago Med

The eighth season of the American medical drama series Chicago Med (2015–) represented the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in a hospital environment with multiple storylines. Born in the 1950s, medical dramas are among the most popular forms of serial television. Traditionally, the genre aims for a certain amount of accuracy and has educational goals. Former studies investigated the entertainment education and cultivation effects of these series, concluding that these dramas have the potential to contribute information and shape viewers’ opinions on various health-related topics. Chicago Med is a long-running broadcast production with a worldwide audience and considerable viewership. This paper analyzes the series’ representation of medical AI and discusses how this portrayal potentially shapes the audience’s opinion. The research started by identifying artificial intelligence-related storylines in the 22 episodes of the season. The analysis focused on the reasons and outcomes of AI applications, the character’s attitudes, and the ethical issues, including transparency, selective adherence, automation bias, responsibility gap, hallucination, unequal access, and political dimensions. The storyline analysis concluded that Chicago Med provided thought-provoking positive and negative scenarios about applying different types of AI in the surgical and emergency departments. The complex portrayal included groundbreaking opportunities, challenges, dangers, and ethical considerations. The main characters’ attitudes varied, from strong support or opposition to more nuanced, shifting opinions. The educative and engaging content has a potential for knowledge transfer and encourages critical thinking about medical AI.

Effect of tibia-first, restricted functional alignment technique on gap width changes, and component positioning in robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty.

This study aims to quantitatively assess the predictability of post-resection gap dimensions and the attainment of balanced gaps using robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This retrospective cohort study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent robotic arm-assisted TKA for knee osteoarthritis using a restricted functional alignment (FA) technique. Tibial cuts were performed based on preoperative tibial anatomy within predefined boundaries, followed by femoral component adjustments according to tensioned soft tissues to optimise gap balance. The primary outcome was the proportion of balanced gaps, defined as differential laxities of ≤2 mm, across extension, flexion, lateral, and medial gap measurements. Ligament balancing in lateral and medial compartments was assessed using a robotic system at 10° and 90° flexion to evaluate if restricted FA facilitated a balanced knee. Secondary outcomes included implant alignment, resection depth, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Significant increases in both lateral and medial gaps at 10° and 90° flexion were observed following tibial and femoral bone resections (p < 0.001). At extension, average gap changes were 0.9 mm (lateral) and 1.6 mm (medial) after tibial cuts, and 0.5 mm (lateral) and 1.2 mm (medial) after femoral cuts. At 90° flexion, changes were 0.3 mm (lateral) and 1.7 mm (medial) following tibial cuts, and 1.0 mm (lateral) and 1.4 mm (medial) after femoral cuts. Despite these variations, the tibia-first, gap-balancing technique achieved overall balance in 98% of gap measurements. The tibial component was placed at an average of 2.1° varus, while the femoral component was positioned at 0.3° varus and 1.3° external rotation relative to the surgical transepicondylar axis. Significant improvements in PROMs were noted between preoperative and one-year postoperative evaluations (all p < 0.05). The tibia-first, restricted FA technique achieved a well-balanced knee in 98% of cases, despite inconsistent gap increments observed between initial assessments and post-resection. Therapeutic Level IV.

Effect of Ferrite Core Modification on Electromagnetic Force Considering Spatial Harmonics in an Induction Cooktop

This study investigates the influence of ferrite shape modifications on the performance and noise characteristics of an induction cooktop. The goal is to optimize the air gap dimensions between ferrites and cookware, enhancing efficiency while managing noise levels. Using finite element method (FEM) simulations, we analyze the spatial distribution of magnetic forces and their harmonics. Eight ferrite shape models were examined, focusing on both outer and inner air gaps. Model #8 (reduced outer air gap) and Model #9 (reduced inner air gap) were experimentally validated. Noise measurements indicated that Model #8 reduced 120 Hz harmonic noise components, while Model #9 increased them due to enhanced excitation forces. Current measurements confirmed that Model #9 achieved higher efficiency, with RMS current reduced to 94.54% of the base model. The study reveals a trade-off between performance and noise: inner air gap reduction significantly boosts efficiency but raises noise levels, whereas outer air gap reduction offers balanced improvements. These findings provide insights for optimizing induction cooktop designs, aiming for quieter operation without compromising efficiency.

Three-dimensional scanning measurement and characterization of air gap entrapped on air ventilation garments with different fabrics and clothing sizes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of clothing fabrics, sizes and air ventilation rate on the volume and thickness of the air gap under the air ventilation garments (AVGs).Design/methodology/approachThe geometric models of the human body and clothing were obtained by using a 3D body scanner. Then the distribution of the volume and thickness of the air gap for four clothing fabrics and three air ventilation rates (0L/S, 12L/S and 20L/S) were calculated by Geomagic software. Finally, a more suitable fabric was selected from the analysis to compare the distribution of the air gap entrapped for four clothing sizes (S, M, L and XL) and the three air ventilation rates.FindingsThe results show that the influence of air ventilation rate on the air gap volume and thickness is more obvious than that of the clothing fabrics and sizes. The higher is the air ventilation rate, the thicker is the air gap entrapped, and more evenly distributed is the air gap. It can be seen that the thickness of the air gap in the chest does not change significantly with the changes of the air ventilation rates, clothing fabrics and sizes, while the air gap in the waist is affected significantly.Originality/valueThis research provides a better understanding of the distribution of the air gap entrapped in ventilated garments, which can help in designing the optimal air gap dimensions and thus provide a basis and a reference for the design of the AVGs.

A cost-effective tool to standardize the scratch assay for cell migration.

The scratch assay is commonly used in cell biology to evaluate cell migration; however, it is not a standardized method; it produces highly variable gap dimensions. We design a printable device, comprising a single wounding tool and a guide, and compared the gap produced by our device and the traditional method. The deviceis printable in a standard 3D printer. Cells were seeded on a 24-well plate. After reaching full confluency, a gap was created using the traditional method (scratch assay with a pipette tip), a pipette tip and the guide of the device, or the single wounding tool and the guide. The gaps were observed for up to 48 h under a light microscope and analyzed. The results show that the traditional method produces irregular and not straight gaps, and had the worst cell migration rates compared to the other groups. The wounding tool produced scrape signs at the well surface. The guide and pipette tip delivered the best results for the scratch assay. The use of the guide and the pipette tip for the scratch assay allows allows to perform reproducible cell migration experiments.

Thermal and energy performance assessment of naturally ventilated roofs with phase change material

The effect of incorporating phase change material (PCM) into roofing systems combined with natural ventilation is numerically and experimentally investigated. Four roof configurations, including ventilated and unventilated options with and without an air gap between the PCM and the insulation material, are subjected to experimental research during the winter season in a semi-arid climate using two fully instrumented modules. A sensitivity analysisis conductedthrough annual transient simulations fordifferentair gap dimensions and schedule openings. The experimental campaign demonstrates a decrease in the maximum peak indoor air temperature of between 1.9 and 4.4 %when the PCM is employed. Additionally, an increase in the minimum indoor air temperature between 4.4 and 10.4 % is achieved. Similarly, an improvement in the thermal performance of the PCMis observedwhen natural ventilation occurs, and it positively influences the interiorsurface temperature of the roof.Furthermore, the numerical results show almost zero annual thermal balance in the scenario where natural ventilation is allowed in the combination of 12 and 24 h per day through ducts with a diameter of 15 and 20 cm, respectively. Finally, this demonstrates that PCMroofs enhanced with natural ventilation could be an energy-efficientalternative for semi-arid climates under well-configured ventilation schedules and roof layers.

Wavelength calibration using MEMS-enabled double filter configuration for air gap sensing in the tunable Fabry–Pérot filter

We fabricate a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based device configuring the tunable air gap Fabry–Pérot filter (FPF) with a static gradient thickness filter on the same platform. The proposed double filter configuration offers a wavelength calibration approach that accurately estimates the air gap dimension in the tunable air gap FPF. The wavelength calibration is performed by utilizing the spectrally-selective and spatially-resolved transmission characteristics of the tunable air gap FPF and the static gradient thickness filter, respectively. The MEMS-compatible chip-level integration of the static gradient thickness filter facilitates device miniaturization to enable its use in handheld devices.

Identifikasi Unjuk Kerja Mesin 4 Langkah Variasi Busi dan Koil Pengapian

The most critical component of a motorcycle's combustion process is the spark plug, which fires sparks for the ignition system. In this research, the performance of several spark plug electrode gap diameters and materials was varied to detect how much they affected engine performance, fuel consumption, and emissions. Engine testing was conducted on a 110-cc four-stroke engine. Nickel material spark plugs with a gap dimension of 0.9 mm, platinum material spark plugs with a gap dimension of 0.8 mm, iridium material spark plugs with a gap dimension of 0.7 mm, and two types of ignition coils. The test findings indicated that there is a spark plug with an appropriate gap for engine performance in the form of torque and power in the B2 configuration, which has a gap of 0.8 mm. Increasing the spark plug gap produces a loss in engine performance, but it also increases it. There is an optimal point of fuel consumption in configuration B2, where raising the spark plug gap decreases fuel consumption while increasing the spark plug gap increases fuel consumption. Exhaust emissions likewise experience an optimal point in configuration B2, when exhaust emissions rise as long as the spark plug gap is increased once more, HC and CO levels decrease with an increasing spark plug gap. To examine the study on the impact of spark plugs with electrode gaps and ignition coils on engine performance, fuel consumption, and emissions. This can provide insight into a reference technique for using spark plugs and ignition coils.

Experimental study of high-mode buckling behavior of flat steel core in a buckling-restrained brace

Buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) featuring flat steel core plates can be susceptible to local bulging failures when the restrainer lacks the necessary stiffness and strength. These failures arise from outward forces generated by high-mode buckling waves within the steel core. However, the methods for evaluating these high-mode buckling waves and the associated outward forces have remained elusive. This study addresses this gap by conducting cyclic loading tests on five BRB specimens with all-steel restrainers. These tests allow for direct observation of high-mode buckling waves during loading. Among the specimens, three have core segment lengths of 300 mm, each with varying debonding layer thicknesses (0.6 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm). The remaining two specimens have approximately 900 mm core segments with a 2 mm thick debonding layer. All five specimens displayed stable hysteretic responses until the steel core fractured. Load cells were used to directly measure the outward forces induced by the steel core plate during testing. Strain gauges attached to the steel core surface provided insights into the distribution of strain variations at the high-mode buckling waves. The results indicate that adopting the tangent modulus theorem is a suitable method for estimating high-mode buckling wavelengths. Furthermore, this study establishes relationships between the outward forces and gap dimensions, including their growth over time. This research proposes a method to estimate outward forces, accounting for bending moments developed at the crests of high-mode buckling waves and considering restrainer stiffness. This method can serve as a valuable tool for assessing the risk of local bulging failure in BRBs.

Research on impact vibration response of hinged fluid-conveying pipe with bilateral gap constraints

Factors such as loose supports or barriers over the fluid-conveying pipe may cause bilateral gap constraints. Flow-induced vibration will occur during pumping, which leads to collision between the pipe and the constraints. A piecewise linear spring model with large stiffness is employed to simulate the collision process between the pipe and the constraints, and numerical simulation is carried out for the collision of hinged fluid-conveying pipe with the bilateral gap constraints. The dynamic characteristics of hinged fluid-conveying pipe with pulsating internal flow excitation and bilateral gap constraints during impact vibration are studied. Influences of various parameters including frequency, average flow rate of the pulsed internal flow excitation, position of the bilateral constraints, and gap dimensions on the system are investigated. Three paths are found for the pipe system entering chaotic window from stable periodic motion: entering chaotic window after the occurrence of period-double bifurcation, transitioning into chaotic window after developing almost periodic motion, and jumping into chaotic window directly. If the distance between two constraints is closer, the pipe between the constraints will be subject to stronger constraints during the collision process, which can cause the system to enter chaos easily. Many dynamic phenomena have been observed, such as a sliding bifurcation when periodic incomplete chattering-impact developing periodic complete chattering-impact, strong centrosymmetric properties in the bifurcation diagram and the Poincaré map at the mid-point of the pipe, jumping between stable periods, period-double vibration response, inverse period-double vibration response, grazing motion, and viscous motion.

Effect of gap size on flange face corrosion

AbstractBolted flanged joints play a critical role in offshore wind turbine tower structures, serving as integral components that connect various sections of the tower. This research study employs electrochemical techniques to investigate the effect of gap dimensions, which determine the crevice gap thickness and crevice depth, on corrosion behavior of 321 stainless steel flange sample plates in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 50°C. Gaskets are used in this study to create gaps between two flange surfaces. A novel fixture is utilized to simulate the applied stress on the gasket, fluid flow within the fixture, and the geometric aspects of the gasket and flange. The findings reveal that increasing the gap thickness from 1.58 to 6.35 mm results in a rise in the general corrosion rate of the flange surface from 0.09 to 1.03 mm y−1, and crevice corrosion initiation time increases from 0.23 to 3.12 h. Furthermore, reducing the crevice depth (d) from 7.49 to 0 mm leads to a decrease in the general corrosion rate from 0.09 mm y−1 to 0.04 µm y−1, and cases with d = 3.81 and d = 0 mm show no observable crevice corrosion after potentiostatic tests.

In Search of the Proper Dimensions of the Optimum In-Wheel Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Design

In this paper, a new approach to the optimized design of outer rotor Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) for in-wheel light electric vehicle (LEV) applications is presented. The optimized design study is based on various dimensions such as back iron depth, permanent magnet depth and air gap length. The novel method is developed to reveal the quality factor of design (QFD), which implies the maximum possible performance results, and determine the best possible design for in-wheel PMSMs for direct-drive LEV applications. Therefore, the thickness of the back iron, permanent magnet and air gap dimensions are altered accordingly to obtain an optimized design. This design study is conducted for an in-wheel PMSM that has rated values of 2.5 kW, 150 V, 900 min−1, and 24-slot/20-pole configuration intended for LEV propulsion. These designs are simulated in order to obtain the maximized combination of efficiency, shaft power, shaft torque and a minimized combination of total weight, iron losses, copper losses, input current and cogging torque. The measure of the optimized parameters is named QFD, which indicates the goodness of the design through the use of radar charts. The values of the essential coefficients of QFD may vary for different applications, e.g., the design of PMSMs used in traction applications has some certain criteria that imply high-performance operation. Additionally, the QFD can guide motor manufacturers as a starting point for a design study.

Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems.

This research introduces a novel methodology of harnessing liquids to facilitate the realization of parity-time (PT)-symmetric optical waveguides on highly integrated microscale platforms. Additionally, we propose a realistic and detailed fabrication process flow, demonstrating the practical feasibility of fabricating our optofluidic system, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical design and actual implementation. Extensive research has been conducted over the past two decades on PT-symmetric systems across various fields, given their potential to foster a new generation of compact, power-efficient sensors and signal processors with enhanced performance. Passive PT-symmetry in optics can be achieved by evanescently coupling two optical waveguides and incorporating an optically lossy material into one of the waveguides. The essential coupling distance between two optical waveguides in air is usually less than 500 nm for near-infrared wavelengths and under 100 nm for ultraviolet wavelengths. This necessitates the construction of the coupling region via expensive and time-consuming electron beam lithography, posing a significant manufacturing challenge for the mass production of PT-symmetric optical systems. We propose a solution to this fabrication challenge by introducing liquids capable of dynamic flow between optical waveguides. This technique allows the attainment of evanescent wave coupling with coupling gap dimensions compatible with standard photolithography processes. Consequently, this paves the way for the cost-effective, rapid and large-scale production of PT-symmetric optofluidic systems, applicable across a wide range of fields.

Developing Rattan Baby Crib: Focus Group Discussion in Safety, Aesthetics, and Manufacturing Efficiency Consideration

Recently, there has been a growing demand for Rattan baby cribs in the international market, primarily due to aesthetic appeal of handwoven rattan. Given that these cribs are intended for infants, safety is a paramount concern alongside aesthetics. Previous research identified a potential risk of limb injury in infants aged 5-12 months due to inconsistent rattan gap decorations exceeding 60 mm in crib width. However, achieving standard gap dimensions in conventional handcrafted production methods has been challenging. This study aims to investigate safety, aesthetics, and manufacturing efficiency in Rattan baby crib production through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving research designers, the Research and Development (R&amp;D) Department, the production department, the marketing division, and expert guest designers. Rattan with a diameter of 22 mm and a consistent gap width below 60 mm, is utilized. The crib’s structural elements will apply simple, robust, straight rattan weaving. Visual design recommendation encompasses natural luxury, playfulness, and safety. Various rattan types that balance aesthetics and strength, including thinner-diameter rattan with intricate weaving as non-structural aesthetic elements and side-by-side dual system, enhance beauty while meeting strength and material efficiency requirements. The development of Rattan baby cribs, focusing on child safety and aesthetics, is highly demand due to increasing market demand in the United States, Australia, and Europe and potential opportunities in the local market.

Geological and Structural Interpretation of the Beeston Cave, Bradost Anticline, NE Iraq

A geological field survey was conducted in Soran District in the Beeston cave located in the Bradost Anticline, northeastern Iraq. The presence of an upper hole in the ceiling of the cave with a diameter of about 3 meters and a main gap dimension is up to 40 x 22 m was found through that. ‎ In combination with an analysis of the remote sensing data, a detailed geological survey of the caves with the surrounding areas and an engineering survey were carried out. The geological survey included the stratigraphic sequence of the area between the lowest and highest levels in the study area. It also contains setting and geotechnical parameters for bedding planes and discontinuities. The engineering survey included the measurement of cave dimensions, the distribution of stalactites and stalagmites, and the height of weathering terraces. ‎‎An analysis of engineering and geological data estimated the approximate timespan of cave formation, and the scenario for cave formation was prepared by adding remote sensing data that could be used in the future to determine other areas where such a cave could be formed. The study reveals the scenario of the cave formation, estimates the age of the cave, and the formation timespan of the cave creation.

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Research on Heat Transfer Characteristics Based on Internal Meshing Screw

The mixing and processing of high-viscosity materials play a pivotal role in composite material processing. In this context, the internal meshing screw mixer, rooted in volume extensional rheology, offers distinct advantages, including heightened mixing efficiency, exceptional material adaptability, and favorable thermomechanical properties. This research endeavors to advance our understanding of these qualities by presenting an in-depth exploration of internal meshing screw mixing. To facilitate this, an internal meshing screw mixing experimental apparatus was meticulously constructed, accompanied by extensive numerical simulations and experimental investigations into its heat transfer characteristics. Two distinct heat transfer modes are established: Mode 1 entails the transfer of the high temperature from the outer wall of the stator to the interior, while Mode 2 involves the transmission of the high temperature from the inner wall of the rotor to the exterior. The ensuing research yields several notable findings: 1. It is evident that higher rotational speeds lead to enhanced heat transfer efficiency across the board. However, among the three rotational speeds examined, 60 rpm emerges as the optimal parameter for achieving the highest heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, within this parameter, the heat transfer efficiency is superior in Mode 1 compared to Mode 2. 2. As eccentricity increases, a corresponding decline in comprehensive heat transfer efficiency is observed. Moreover, the impact of eccentricity on heat transfer efficiency becomes increasingly pronounced over time. 3. A lower gap dimension contributes to higher heat transfer within the system. Nevertheless, this heightened heat transfer comes at the expense of reduced stability in the heat transfer process. 4. It is demonstrated that heat transfer in Mode 1 primarily follows a convection heat transfer mechanism, while Mode 2 predominantly exhibits diffusion-based heat transfer. The heat transfer efficiency of Mode 1 significantly surpasses that of Mode 2. This research substantiates its findings with the potential to enhance the heat transfer efficiency of internal meshing screw mixers, thereby making a valuable contribution to the field of polymer engineering and science.

The Efficiency of Embedding-Based Attacks on the GGH Lattice-Based Cryptosystem

The Goldreich-Goldwasser-Halevi (GGH) cryptosystem is declared broken due to the modified versions of the embedding attacks, known as Nguyen's σ, Nguyen's 2σ and Lee-Hahn's attacks. Despite using the same approach as the original embedding attack, these attacks deployed different strategies and resulted in different performances for breaking the GGH cryptosystem. In this paper, we described those strategies in detail. Moreover, we investigated the mathematical factors behind these attacks' ability and performance discrepancies. Mathematical proof examines and discusses the factors that triggered those variances. As a result, the expected lattice gap and implemented lattice dimensions are mathematically proven as the factors that significantly influenced these attacks' performance. By demonstrating how the attacks manipulated these factors, any lattice-based cryptosystem that relies on the hardness of the CVP could avoid repeating the same slipup as the GGH. Hence, precautionary action could be proactively taken to prevent it from being threatened by embedding-based attacks.

Hyperbolic Polaritonic Rulers Based on van der Waals α-MoO3 Waveguides and Resonators.

Low-dimensional, strongly anisotropic nanomaterials can support hyperbolic phonon polaritons, which feature strong light-matter interactions that can enhance their capabilities in sensing and metrology tasks. In this work, we report hyperbolic polaritonic rulers, based on microscale α-phase molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) waveguides and resonators suspended over an ultraflat gold substrate, which exhibit near-field polaritonic characteristics that are exceptionally sensitive to device geometry. Using scanning near-field optical microscopy, we show that these systems support strongly confined image polariton modes that exhibit ideal antisymmetric gap polariton dispersion, which is highly sensitive to air gap dimensions and can be described and predicted using a simple analytic model. Dielectric constants used for modeling are accurately extracted using near-field optical measurements of α-MoO3 waveguides in contact with the gold substrate. We also find that for nanoscale resonators supporting in-plane Fabry-Perot modes, the mode order strongly depends on the air gap dimension in a manner that enables a simple readout of the gap dimension with nanometer precision.