Mechanical Components Research Articles

Camera Interfacing with FPGA for IC Segregation

This research introduces a ground breaking approach for the segregation of Integrated Circuits (ICs) using FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) -based automation. The proposed system integrates mechanical and digital components to efficiently orient, sequence, identify, and classify ICs, thereby streamlining the segregation process. Key features include orientation rectification using a vibrator-like model to ensure proper IC alignment, and sequencing through a servo motor-controlled conveyor belt that organizes the ICs systematically. Identification of ICs is achieved through image capture coupled with Sobel edge detection, allowing precise recognition of different IC types. Classification is then performed using a servo motor-controlled funnel to accurately sort the ICs into designated categories. The FPGA orchestrates the control of these components, ensuring seamless coordination and enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the IC segregation process. This innovative system promises significant improvements in the automation and speed of IC segregation, reducing manual intervention and error rates.

Framework for Design Validation of Control Algorithms used on Mechanical Hardware-in-the-Loop Nacelle Test Rigs

Full scale multi-MW Wind Energy Converter (WEC) nacelles including the mechanical and electrical components as well as the main and converter control systems, are tested at the Dynamic Nacelle Testing Laboratory (DyNaLab) at Fraunhofer IWES. A Hardware-in-the-Loop environment emulates the missing rotor and accurately applies torque to the nacelle via a motor and the test rig drivetrain. In a current nacelle test campaign, several structural changes have been made to reduce the necessary adaptor tolerances of the test rig interface and to include the nacelle hub. These changes can potentially impact the system’s dynamic response and controller performance. This paper presents the current research with a focus on improving the control algorithms for accurate application of the rotor torque by implementing a simulative validation framework. The objectives of this framework include addressing the impact of modifications to the test rig drivetrain, variations in the nacelle adaptor, and communication delays between real-time simulation models, the test rig, and the WEC controller prior to performing tests on the real system. The methodology shown therefore involves three steps: controller design using a simplified multi-mass torsional model of all components necessary for testing, validation with a high-fidelity virtual test bench model and testing the resulting controller performance during the commissioning phase for the actual test. Overall, this approach is expected to reduce the commissioning duration, enhance the performance of the test rig, and identify the limitations in achieving stable torque control before the application to the real wind turbine nacelle on the test rig.

Antifungal bioactivity of Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Franch. against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Franch. has been widely utilized in folk medicine by the Miao people in the southwestern region of China for treating skin sores which may be associated with microbial infection. Aim of the studyTo investigate the antifungal bioactivity of S. hookeriana var. digyna against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo, as well as its underlying mechanism and the key bioactive component. Materials and methodsThe antifungal bioactivity of 80% ethanol extract of S. hookeriana var. digyna (SHE80) was investigated in vitro using the broth microdilution method, time-growth curve, and time-kill assay. Its key functional component and antifungal mechanism were explored with combined approaches including UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, network pharmacology and metabolomics. The antifungal pathway was further supported via microscopic observation of fungal cell morphology and examination of its effects on fungal biofilm and cell membranes using fluorescent staining reagents. In vivo assessment of antifungal bioactivity was conducted using a mouse model infected with C. albicans on the skin. ResultsS. hookeriana var. digyna suppressed fluconazole-resistant C. albicans efficiently (MIC = 16 μg/mL, MFC = 64 μg/mL). It removed fungal biofilm, increased cell membrane permeability, induced protein leakage, reduced membrane fluidity, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, induced the release of reactive oxygen species, promoted cell apoptosis, and inhibited the transformation of fungi from the yeast state to the hyphal state significantly. In terms of mechanism, it affected sphingolipid metabolism and signaling pathway. Moreover, the predicted bioactive component, sarcovagine D, was supported by antifungal bioactivity evaluation in vitro (MIC = 4 μg/mL, MFC = 16 μg/mL). Furthermore, S. hookeriana var. digyna promoted wound healing, reduced the number of colony-forming units, and reduced inflammation effectively in vivo. ConclusionsThe traditional use of S. hookeriana var. digyna for fungal skin infections was supported by antifungal bioactivity investigated in vitro and in vivo. Its mechanism and bioactive component were predicted and confirmed by experiments, which also provided a new antifungal agent for future research.

Designing Actuated Medical Robots for Safe Human Interaction – A Real Challenge

Abstract The paper studies the influence of human factor and clinical constraints specific to mechanical devices for medical purpose. environment (with a limited workspace, inside or outside the patient body). A medical robot is usually a complex system including mechanical structure, human-machine interface (HMI), electronic components, and software controller. All these components are integrated to perform various tasks for daily medical applications. Because any failure may become very critical, medical robots must function safely and with high reliability, so that designing medical robots for safe human interaction can be considered a real challenge. In order to respect the clinical constrains, a safety real-time controller has been designed.

Stability Analysis of “321” Prefabricated Highway Steel Truss Bridge

The “321” prefabricated highway steel truss bridge is widely used for highway rescue, disaster relief, and emergency traffic. This paper uses a 33 m double-row monolayer “321” prefabricated highway steel truss bridge to analyze its mechanical properties and component stability. The actual traffic flow capacity of a total weight of 53.32 tons is used in this study. The results show that the maximum internal force in the truss chord (including the stiffening chord) occurs in the middle span section when a centrally distributed load is applied. Meanwhile, the maximum internal force of truss diagonal members and truss vertical bars appears at the fulcrum section. Under the eccentrically distributed load, the maximum internal forces of truss chords (including stiffening chords) appear in the middle span section, which is closest to the vehicle load, while the maximum internal forces of truss diagonal members and truss vertical bars appear in the fulcrum section, which is closest to the vehicle load. While the maximum internal forces under the eccentrically distributed load are greater than the maximum internal forces under the centered-layout load, under the vehicle load, truss chords (including stiffening chords) are prone to buckling instability, and the buckling mode is mainly reverse out-of-plane buckling. The inclined members of the truss are prone to buckling instability, and the buckling mode is mainly the combination of out-of-plane bending and two-way out-of-plane bending. Truss vertical bars have good stability and are not easy to buckle. The main conclusions of this paper can provide references for the optimal design and operation safety of prefabricated highway steel truss bridges.

Data-Driven Infrastructure Planning for Offshore Wind Farms

Offshore wind farms are one of the major renewable energy resources that can help the UK to reach its net zero target. Under the 10 point plan of the green revolution, the UK is set to quadruple its wind energy production by increasing its offshore wind capacity to 40GW by 2030 [1]. Research needs to be conducted to study the failure and repair processes of wind turbines under various conditions as the current models make a simplifying assumption that the failure/repair rate remains constant over time. This research aims to create a more accurate model using SCADA data. In this research, different mathematical models are fitted to the time to failure and time to repair data of wind turbine components using frequentist methods (such as Maximum Likelihood Estimation) and Bayesian methods. Further analysis will be conducted using complex system analysis considering the failures of each electrical and mechanical component of the wind turbine. The aim of this project is to perform a more accurate reliability analysis that can help to further drive down costs of wind energy by potentially reducing the downtimes of the wind turbines.

Optimization of dynamic parameter design of Stewart platform with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm

Today motion simulators are being produced rely on electric actuators. The conventional way of dealing with high velocity, accelerations, and bulky payload is using a bigger actuator, but this leads to increased power usage and costs. To overcome these limitations, an optimized design of the Stewart platform design parameter improves simulators’ ability to support the weight of the equipment and satisfy the desired velocity and acceleration. However, it is challenging to set platform design parameters to maintain efficiency across the entire workspace. In this article, the kinematics and dynamics of the six-axis general Stewart robot are explored. A high-rated desired velocity and acceleration for the Stewart platform are defined and simulated. Then, the electric actuator force during some motion trajectory based on the defined workspace, velocity, and acceleration are calculated. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is employed to optimize platform design parameters. The algorithm defines a cost function to minimize the maximum speed and maximum Force of the actuator by examining the structural kinematics arrangement of design parameters. Findings demonstrate that optimized design parameters have been successful in reducing the maximum actuator power 88.3%. Additionally, improves Stewart platform mechanical components’ life. These procedures can be employed for any Stewart platform.

A Hybrid Testing Framework for Wind Turbine Mechanical Components

As wind turbines continue to increase in size, hybrid testing is emerging as a key-enabling solution for experimental assessment of their large mechanical components. Hybrid testing is conducted using a hybrid model which combines physically tested and numerically simulated components. In this work, the Kane method is proposed to formulate the equation of motion for the hybrid model of a wind turbine rotor system where one single blade is physically tested. The Kane method allows for formulating the equation of motion of multi-body-dynamic models efficiently and, therefore, it is widely used in state-of-art simulation software. The hybrid model of the rotor is successfully implemented on a single-degree-of-freedom test bench with a cantilever steel beam serving as the physical substructure. The performance of the implemented hybrid model is assessed through a comparison with a pure numerical simulation of the same system. The main finding of the study emphasizes the efficiency of incorporating physically measured restoring force as model parameters while formulating the equation of motion of a hybrid model.

Study on Microstructure and Wear Resistance of WC-based Cermet Coatings Prepared by HVAF

Abstract To mitigate the risk of vapor corrosion damage to the overflow mechanical parts, WC-based metal-ceramic coatings were applied to the surface of a 45-gauge steel substrate by supersonic air-assisted flame spraying (HVAF). The mechanical and wear-resistant qualities of the coating were identified by Vickers micro-hardness, ball-disc friction, and wear test, as well as optics, scanning electron, X-ray diffractometer, and white light interferometer systems. The findings demonstrate the layered structure of the WC-based coating, which is made up of the bonded phase and its distribution of hard phase particles that are diffusely dispersed. The coating is free of cracks, inclusions, and other defects, and its structure and organization are dense with a porosity of 0.86 ± 0.05%. The phenomenon of oxidative decarburization did not occur in the process of preparing the WC hard phase for WC-based metal-ceramic coatings. As a result, the coating’s micro-hardness of 11.83 ± 0.55 GPa is eight times that of the substrate. The results of comparing the three-dimensional abrasion patterns of the coating and the substrate reveal that the coating has superior abrasion resistance because its width and depth of abrasion are smaller than that of the substrate and a lot of furrows have formed on the substrate material’s surface. In contrast, the sprayed layer only had faint traces of abrasion. After three years of actual service, the impeller surface coating is essentially unaltered, which effectively addresses the issue of vapor corrosion damage to the slurry pump’s impeller and extends the pump’s service life to guarantee the overflow mechanical components operate safely and steadily.

Mediation in the Criminal Procedure of Western States: Comparative Legal Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to cover the theoretical component of the mediation mechanism, to determine its place in the criminal procedure, as well as to conduct a comparative analysis based on the practices of its functioning in various countries, namely the United States of America, Great Britain, Germany, France. The theoretical methodological approach, the formal legal methodological approach, the dogmatic methodological approach, the method of legal hermeneutics and others were used to conduct this study. The results of the study showed that at this stage the institution of mediation is quite young, but it is a fairly effective way of alternative dispute resolution; the study analysed the world practices of advanced states in the functioning of mediation, as well as their legislative norms that regulate this institution, considering the specific features of each of the legal systems

Failure Mechanism of Rear Drive Shaft in a Modified Pickup Truck

This paper investigates the failure mechanism of the rear drive shaft in a modified pickup truck which had operated for about 3000 km. The investigation included macroscopic and microscopic evaluation to document the morphologies of the fracture surface, measurement of the material composition, metallographic preparation and examination, mechanical testing, and finite element modelling and calculations. The results obtained suggest that rotation-bending fatigue was the primary cause of the drive shaft failure. The crack initiation is located in the root of the machined threads on the drive shaft surface and expanded along the side of the machining line surface. The main cause of fatigue cracks is attributable to a high stress concentration owing to a large unilateral bending impact under overload. Meanwhile, the bidirectional torsional force also produces a higher stress concentration and thus accelerates the fatigue crack to expand radially along the surface. Furthermore, the hardness of the central section of the drive shaft was marginally below standard. This deficiency results in harm to the bearings and other mechanical components, as well as expediting the enlargement of cracks. Finite element analysis revealed significant contact stress between the bearing and drive shaft, with stress levels exceeding the fatigue limit stress of the parent material. This highlights the need for reevaluation of the heat treatment process and vehicle loading quality to enhance the drive shaft’s longevity.

Stimulator of Interferon Gene Agonists Induce an Innate Antiviral Response against Influenza Viruses.

The devastating effects of COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to combat respiratory diseases. Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) is an essential component of the host defense mechanisms against respiratory viral infections. Although the role of the cGAS/STING signaling axis in the innate immune response to DNA viruses has been thoroughly characterized, mounting evidence shows that it also plays a key role in the prevention of RNA virus infections. In this study, we investigated the role of STING activation during Influenza virus (IFV) infection. In both mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and monocytic cell line THP-1 differentiated with PMA, we found that dimeric amidobenzimidazole (diABZI), a STING agonist, had substantial anti-IFV activity against multiple strains of IFV, including A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Yamagata, and B/Victoria. On the other hand, a pharmacological antagonist of STING (H-151) or the loss of STING in human macrophages leads to enhanced viral replication but suppressed IFN expression. Furthermore, diABZI was antiviral against IFV in primary air-liquid interface cultures of nasal epithelial cells. Our data suggest that STING agonists may serve as promising therapeutic antiviral agents to combat IFV.

Laser micro-cladding in situ forming textured surface to improve the tribological performance

As a branch of laser cladding technology, laser micro-cladding shows unique local selective processing characteristics. Based on laser micro-cladding technology, this article proposes a new method for the in-situ formation of textured surfaces using laser micro-cladding technology. A Ni60/WC/WS2 composite coating was prepared on the cemented carbide substrate using laser micro-cladding technology, and a micro-groove structure was formed in situ. The microstructure, mechanical properties and tribological performance of laser micro-cladding Ni60/WC/WS2 composite coating were studied. The results show that laser micro-cladding technology can effectively prepare periodic controllable micro-textures with micron-sized dimensions, and the thickness of the laser micro-cladding composite coating can reach ∼300 μm. The hardness of composite coating can reach ∼28.48 GPa. The composite coating and micro-texture have a synergistic effect and can effectively improve the tribological properties of the substrate. The LCT sample has the lowest friction coefficient, with an average friction coefficient of ∼0.38. Due to the high hardness of the composite coating, it shows better wear resistance, but the micro-textured edge will cut the steel ball during the friction process, causing the steel ball wear rate of the LCT sample to reach ∼45.86 × 10−5 mm3/Nm. The exploration of laser micro-cladding in-situ forming textured surfaces provides experimental support for the application of cutting tools, brake discs and other mechanical components.

Analysis and evaluation of the synergistic effect of ceramic materials and surface texture on anti-abrasive particle wear under rolling conditions

Damage to mechanical components caused by contaminant ingress is a common failure. In response to this issue, this study introduces a synergistic abrasion reduction method based on the combined application of ceramic materials and surface texturing. Using cylindrical thrust roller bearings as an illustration, circular textures were applied to the raceways, and a small number of steel rollers were substituted with ceramic ones. Moreover, alumina was introduced into the lubricant as a contaminant. The frictional and dynamic performance of the "ceramic-textured surface" combination under lubricant contamination conditions was explored and compared with corresponding single abrasion reduction techniques. The synergistic abrasion reduction mechanism of the "ceramic-textured surface" combination was also examined. The findings reveal that under lubricant contamination conditions, the synergistic abrasion reduction method surpasses individual abrasion reduction methods and demonstrates a certain degree of complementarity. Compared with traditional all-steel bearings, textured bearings with four ceramic rollers have reduced the average frictional force by approximately 56.82 %, and the mass loss of the shaft washer and seat washer has been reduced by approximately 81.01 % and 80.86 %, respectively. Rolling elements treated with the synergistic abrasion reduction method exhibit enhanced resistance to abrasive particle wear. This improvement is attributed to the collaborative effects of various mechanisms, including crushing and refinement, capture and storage, grinding and finishing, as well as self-healing and smoothing.

GpEF1A: a novel lysine methyltransferase gene from Gypsophila perfoliata L. involved in boron homeostasis.

Rapid accumulation of boron (B) leads to toxicity in plant tissues, and the narrow gap between deficiency and toxicity makes it difficult to adjust essential B levels in soil for plant productivity. Therefore, understanding different aspects of B tolerance is necessary to provide new and valid solutions to B toxicity. Gypsophila perfoliata stands out as a remarkable example of a B-tolerant plant, with a natural propensity to thrive in environments such as B mines and soils enriched with high levels of B. In this study, a yeast functional screening experiment was conducted using cDNA libraries from G. perfoliata leaf and root cells for B tolerance. Ten colonies from the leaf library grew in 80 mm boric acid, while none emerged from the root library. Analysis of isolated cDNAs showed identical sequences and a unique motif related to B tolerance. The gene GpEF1A was identified in the tolerant yeast colonies, with predicted structural features suggesting its role, and RT-qPCR indicating increased expression under B stress. A regulatory role for EF1A lysine methylation was proposed in mammalian cells and fungi because of its dynamic and inducible nature under environmental constraints. This could also be relevant for plant cells, as the high similarity of the GpEF1A gene in some salt-tolerant plants might indicate the upregulation of EF1A as a conserved way to cope with abiotic stress conditions. This report represents the first instance of involvement of GpEF1A in B tolerance, and further detailed studies are necessary to understand other components of this tolerance mechanism.

Integrating robotic systems in underground roof support machine

Traditionally, the roof bolting process is performed manually by skilled workers, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. This often exposes human operators to several risks. Bolt installation in underground coal mining operations involves moving and manipulating heavy tools quickly while ensuring the safety of the area. Hence, humans must relocate from an active mining site to a more secure place where the operator can control and monitor the roof bolting process. This study explores the integration of a six-axis robotic arm and other specialized novel technologies into an existing roof bolter machine to automate the roof bolting module, therefore replacing human duties. Owing to the harsh mining conditions in underground coal mines, the integration of robotic systems requires proper planning to ensure reliable and safe operations. The methodology adopted for integrating the robotic system in this study may be regarded as a conceptual framework for the automation of underground mining roof bolting operations. This study highlights certain specifications that should be considered when automating underground mining machines. The results showed that a robotic arm that performs human tasks during roof bolting operations can be successfully integrated into a roof bolting module by establishing a robust communication network to facilitate seamless interaction between different hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic components.

Engineering the cyanobacterial ATP-driven BCT1 bicarbonate transporter for functional targeting to C3 plant chloroplasts.

The ATP-driven bicarbonate transporter 1 (BCT1) from Synechococcus is a four-component complex in the cyanobacterial CO2-concentrating mechanism. BCT1 could enhance photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in plant chloroplasts. However, directing its subunits (CmpA, CmpB, CmpC, and CmpD) to three chloroplast sub-compartments is highly complex. Investigating BCT1 integration into Nicotiana benthamiana chloroplasts revealed promising targeting strategies using transit peptides from the intermembrane space protein Tic22 for correct CmpA targeting, while the transit peptide of the chloroplastic ABCD2 transporter effectively targeted CmpB to the inner envelope membrane. CmpC and CmpD were targeted to the stroma by RecA and recruited to the inner envelope membrane by CmpB. Despite successful targeting, expression of this complex in CO2-dependent Escherichia coli failed to demonstrate bicarbonate uptake. We then used rational design and directed evolution to generate new BCT1 forms that were constitutively active. Several mutants were recovered, including a CmpCD fusion. Selected mutants were further characterized and stably expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, but the transformed plants did not have higher carbon assimilation rates or decreased CO2 compensation points in mature leaves. While further analysis is required, this directed evolution and heterologous testing approach presents potential for iterative modification and assessment of CO2-concentrating mechanism components to improve plant photosynthesis.

Mitoribosome structure with cofactors and modifications reveals mechanism of ligand binding and interactions with L1 stalk

The mitoribosome translates mitochondrial mRNAs and regulates energy conversion that is a signature of aerobic life forms. We present a 2.2 Å resolution structure of human mitoribosome together with validated mitoribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications, including aminoacylated CP-tRNAVal. The structure shows how mitoribosomal proteins stabilise binding of mRNA and tRNA helping to align it in the decoding center, whereas the GDP-bound mS29 stabilizes intersubunit communication. Comparison between different states, with respect to tRNA position, allowed us to characterize a non-canonical L1 stalk, and molecular dynamics simulations revealed how it facilitates tRNA transitions in a way that does not require interactions with rRNA. We also report functionally important polyamines that are depleted when cells are subjected to an antibiotic treatment. The structural, biochemical, and computational data illuminate the principal functional components of the translation mechanism in mitochondria and provide a description of the structure and function of the human mitoribosome.

Anticancer Potential of Indole Phytoalexins and Their Analogues

Indole phytoalexins, found in economically significant Cruciferae family plants, are synthesized in response to pathogen attacks or stress, serving as crucial components of plant defense mechanisms against bacterial and fungal infections. Furthermore, recent research indicates that these compounds hold promise for improving human health, particularly in terms of potential anticancer effects that have been observed in various studies. Since our last comprehensive overview in 2016 focusing on the antiproliferative effects of these substances, brassinin and camalexin have been the most extensively studied. This review analyses the multifaceted pharmacological effects of brassinin and camalexin, highlighting their anticancer potential. In this article, we also provide an overview of the antiproliferative activity of new synthetic analogs of indole phytoalexins, which were synthesized and tested at our university with the aim of enhancing efficacy compared to the parent compound.

Design and optimisation of a tipping silo semi-trailer by using innovative materials

This research reports the results of implementation of composite materials and the complete redesign of a tipping silo semi-trailer. The conventional semi-trailer, used for comparison, was designed based on a Feldbinder commercial model, while the innovative one has the same overall dimensions but a new geometry, while maintaining the same performance in terms of deflection and safety factor. The research involves sizing and verification of the results obtained using finite element software (Solidworks Simulation®) with different loading conditions. The main result is that the optimised solution has the lowest weight, with a reduction of about 28 % considering the same equipment and accessories mounted on the two solutions. The last part of the research concerns an estimate of economic investment containing the return on the initial investment and the reduction in fuel consumption by comparing the two solutions. Considering that the vehicle always carries the maximum (payload = 27,500 kg) and the overall weight reduction of about 1800 kg, there is a reduction in fuel consumption for the proposed solution. The return on investment for the new solution occurs between three/four years depending on the number of kilometres driven annually. Finally, the purpose of this paper is to create an example of a procedure for reducing the carbon footprint and the fuel consumption of vehicles by replace and redesign entire mechanical components, in this case industrial vehicles, that would be useful to follow and replicate for any specific case study and increase the eco-sustainability of industrial manufacturers.