Material Selection Process Research Articles

Pushing Radiative Cooling Technology to Real Applications.

Radiative cooling is achieved by controlling surface optical behavior toward solar and thermal radiation, offering promising solutions for mitigating global warming, promoting energy saving, and enhancing environmental protection. Despite significant efforts to develop optical surfaces in various forms, five primary challenges remain for practical applications: enhancing optical efficiency, maintaining appearance, managing overcooling, improving durability, and enabling scalable manufacturing. However, a comprehensive review bridging these gaps is currently lacking. This work begins by introducing the optical fundamentals of radiative cooling and its potential applications. It then explores the challenges and discusses advanced solutions through structural design, material selection, and fabrication processes. It aims to provide guidance for future research and industrial development of radiative cooling technology.

Machine Learning-Enabled Nanoscale Phase Prediction in Engineered Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride).

Engineered poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with its diverse crystalline phases plays a crucial role in determining the performance of devices in piezo-, pyro-, ferro- and tribo-electric applications, indicating the importance of distinct phase-detection in defining the structure-property relation. However, traditional characterization techniques struggle to effectively distinguish these phases, thereby failing to offer complete information. In this study, multimodal data-driven techniques have been employed for distinguishing different phases with a machine learning (ML) approach. This developed multimode model has been trained from empirical to theoretical data and demonstrates a classification accuracy of >94%, 15% more noise resilience, and 11% more accuracy from unimodality. Thus, from conception to validation, an alternative approach is provided to autonomously distinguish the different PVDF phases and eschew repetitive experiments that saved resources, thus accelerating the process of materials selection in various applications.

Material Selection for Metal Additive Manufacturing Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods

Additive manufacturing has attracted attention as a new generation manufacturing method that has found widespread use in many industries in recent years due to its many advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. The materials used in metal additive manufacturing technology have a wide range. Therefore, making the ideal choice among these preferable materials is very important. Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques are reliable and effective methods in material selection processes and are effectively used in material selection processes. In this study, TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) methods were applied to the selection process among different criteria and materials for metal additive manufacturing. It was observed that AlSi12Cu2Fe material ranked first in the TOPSIS method, while H13 material ranked first in the ARAS method. The second place was taken by H13 material in the TOPSIS method and AlSi12Cu2Fe material in the ARAS method. A strong relationship exists between TOPSIS and ARAS methods with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.977. It has been concluded that it will be more effective to decide according to the nature of the technological application in the use of the materials that rank first two in TOPSIS and ARAS methods in additive manufacturing.

Research on Optimized Design of Fiber Reinforced All-purpose Snowboard Production

The successful holding of the Beijing Winter Olympics has urged the ice-snow sports greatly in China. As an important snow sports, snowboarding is becoming more and more popular with sports enthusiasts, and the demand for skiing equipment is increasing greatly. But the finished products cannot meet the growing consumer market, and how to choose and manufacture more in line with demanding snowboards has become a major concern. With good performance on specific strength, fatigue resistance, thermal stability, fiber reinforced composite material has become the mainstream equipment, covering more market proportion. This paper starts with the material selection and production process of snowboard, and discusses a production design scheme which is more suitable for the individual needs of consumers.

Wire-arc-additively manufactured Bi metallic structure: Mechanical properties and microstructural characterization

In this investigation, the fabrication and mechanical properties of Bi metallic structure walls produced using wire-arc-additive manufacturing (WAAM) technique, employing stainless steel (SS) 316L and 304 filler wires, are examined. The findings reveal that SS 304 exhibits superior mechanical attributes compared to SS 316L, notably showcasing impressive tensile strength and exceptional ductility. Bi metallic structure, meticulously constructed using both SS 316L and SS 304 filler wires, effectively replicates these distinctive mechanical properties, rendering it highly desirable for application prioritizing mechanical performance. The observed enhancement in strength is attributed to variations in microstructure resulting from a complex thermal history. Microstructural and crystallographic analyses of Bi metallic structure are conducted using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscattered diffraction spectroscopy (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Additionally, tensile strength (TS) of Bi metallic structure surpasses that of WAAM SS 316L by 3.95%. This comprehensive research not only elucidates the intricate process of material selection in additive manufacturing but also underscores the significant potential of Bi metallic structure in meeting the stringent demands of engineering applications requiring exceptional mechanical properties.

Design of Mold Flipper in an Effort to Improve The Efficiency of Mold Maintenance Process

Molding is a production process by forming raw materials using a rigid frame or model used in the manufacturing industry to mold materials called a mold. Injection molding is a technique in the manufacturing industry for molding thermoplastic materials. Thermoplasctic materials commonly molded with Injection Molding techniques are Polystyrene, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylatic) and others. The purpose of this research is to design and build a flipper molding tool for an easier and more efficient mold maintenance process. This research uses descriptive methods. Data is taken through direct observation and through reference books both from companies and websites and journals related to the report material. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive analysis. it is found that the material used in the work is Carbon Steel (S45C). The process of making Flipper Clamps Mold has several stages, namely the Design Making Process, Material Selection Process, Cutting Process, Milling Process, Grinding Process, Drilling Process, Welding Process, and Assembly Process. With this Flipper Clamping tool, it is hoped that it can make it easier for operators to maintain and repair molds, because the previous mechanism requires two operators to flip molds that weigh more than 200 kg, now they only need to flip by turning the lever of this tool.

Smart Materials for Modern Facades: An AI-Powered Selection Process

Abstract According to the mid-21st century’s technological advancements, artificial intelligence has gained popularity as a transformative tool due to its immense integration in the evolving field of architecture. Evidently, it is being used in the building skin design to enhance the energy efficiency and to reduce the continuously rising energy waste and consumption problem in office buildings. Despite AI’s immense advancements, it lacks sufficient data with regards to the turf of smart skin design in office building for energy optimisation. Hence, this research aims to develop a framework for the optimal integration of artificial intelligence in the selection process of smart materials for energy efficient design for office buildings’ skin. To reach this aim, a mixed-method approach using quantitative and qualitative analysis will be implemented. First, theoretical research utilising archives and case study analysis is conducted to determine the various applications of AI in architecture, the components of a smart office building skin focusing on smart materials, the definition of energy efficiency and its measurement tools and the miscellaneous AI tools that are inaugurated to design an office building skin. As a result, a framework will be created by integrating the optimal AI tools in the selection process of smart materials for energy efficient smart skin design. Second, the applied studies are performed using empirical and experimental analysis to test and support the framework through case study analysis and comparison to test the framework obtained from the literature review aiming to cover the gap identified in the selection process of the materials.

Materials characterization for Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) production as renewable energy resources

This study offers a comprehensive analysis of key parameters—volatile matter, carbon content, ash content, and gross energy—across various material samples intended for Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) briquette production. Through meticulous examination, promising trends emerge, highlighting optimal material combinations for efficient combustion and heat generation. Samples rich in volatile matter and carbon content, notably those incorporating wood powder, demonstrate elevated calorific values, indicating their potential for effective energy production. Conversely, material combinations with low ash content suggest cleaner combustion and reduced environmental impact. The gross energy analysis further validates the substantial heat generation potential of specific sample combinations, rendering them suitable for diverse heating applications. These findings emphasize the critical role of precise raw material selection and meticulous manufacturing process optimization in producing RDF briquettes with desirable properties. Such briquettes not only offer economic viability but also contribute to environmental sustainability by providing an alternative fuel source with reduced emissions. This research underscores the importance of continued exploration and refinement in the development of RDF briquettes, aiming to meet growing energy demands while mitigating environmental concerns.

Creep assessment of thermoplastic materials for non-structural components in marine engines

The substitution of metals with fiber-reinforced polymers represents a well-established practice in the automotive and aerospace industries, driven by advantages such as cost reduction, weight savings, and environmental benefits. In the marine engineering sector, there is a growing interest in this metal replacement trend, particularly for non-structural components of marine engines that can be produced by adopting proper fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers. However, evaluating the suitability of such materials for marine applications necessitates a thorough understanding of their creep behavior, given the demanding operational environments and strict safety standards. The material selection process must intricately consider the material's susceptibility to creep through tailored material design methodologies. Moreover, redesign activities should aim to leverage the material's creep-resistant properties while ensuring adequate strength and simplifying installation procedures. Unfortunately, unlike the automotive industry, testing innovative plastic components in real environments on working engines is quite impossible. Neither engine manufacturers nor owners would allow jeopardizing their machinery by installing technologies not yet certified in a delicate environment such as a ship's engine room. In this context, finite element simulations offer a valuable tool to assess the material's creep performance and validate the proposed design when experimental measurements cannot be performed, hence predicting the component behavior over its intended lifetime. This study aims to exploit finite element analysis to evaluate the creep behavior and suitability for marine engine applications of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, focusing on a camshaft cover of a four-stroke marine engine currently manufactured from aluminum alloy. Through numerical simulations, a commercial 30 % wt GFs/PA6,6 thermoplastic composite emerges as a promising candidate, demonstrating adequate creep resistance while significantly reducing weight, processing costs, and energy consumption. The results obtained from the present study lay the foundations for the adoption of such material-based technology also in the marine engine sector despite the difficulties coming from the peculiarities of this industry.

Soft Gripping Fingers Made of Multi-Stacked Dielectric Elastomer Actuators with Backbone Strategy.

Soft grippers, a rapidly growing subfield of soft robotics, utilize compliant and flexible materials capable of conforming to various shapes. This feature enables them to exert gentle yet, if required, strong gripping forces. In this study, we elaborate on the material selection and fabrication process of gripping fingers based on the dielectric elastomer actuation technique. We study the effects of mixing the silicone elastomer with a silicone thinner on the performance of the actuators. Inspired by nature, where the motion of end-effectors such as soft limbs or fingers is, in many cases, directed by a stiff skeleton, we utilize backbones for translating the planar actuation into a bending motion. Thus, the finger does not need any rigid frame or pre-stretch, as in many other DEA approaches. The idea and function of the backbone strategy are demonstrated by finite element method simulations with COMSOL Multiphysics® 6.5. The paper describes the full methodology from material choice and characterization, design, and simulation to characterization to enable future developments based on our approach. Finally, we present the performance of these actuators in a gripper demonstrator setup. The developed actuators bend up to 68.3° against gravity, and the gripper fingers hold up to 10.3 g against gravity under an actuation voltage of 8 kV.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Material Selection Using MCDM Methods: Trends and Insights

The selection of appropriate materials is a critical decision-making process in engineering, impacting both performance and sustainability. Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods have become increasingly popular for navigating the complex trade-offs involved in material selection. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on material selection using MCDM methods, covering publications from 2010 to 2024. Using tools like VOSviewer 1.6.20, this analysis identifies key trends, influential authors, prominent institutions, and geographic distribution of research contributions. The findings reveal a significant growth in publications, particularly after 2010, reflecting the expanding recognition of MCDM’s importance in material selection processes. Notable contributors, including key researchers and leading institutions, have shaped the field through high-impact studies. The geographic analysis highlights a strong concentration of research in regions such as Asia and Europe, underscoring their leadership in advancing MCDM methodologies. This paper provides valuable insights into the evolution of material selection research using MCDM, offering a foundation for future studies and applications in engineering and beyond.

IN MEMORY OF DOCTOR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, PROFESSOR SVITLANA IGNATOVA

Problem. Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Svitlana Oleksandrivna Ignatova dedicated her entire life to several scientific institutions in Odesa: V. Ye. Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking (1964–1970), All-Union Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute (1970–1991), the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation (1991–1999 and 2012–2018), and the South Plant Biotechnological Center of the Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences (2000–2012). Her life and work were inextricably linked to the development of agricultural biotechnology in Ukraine. Aim. The purpose of our research was to honor the memory of Professor S. O. Ignatova, to highlight the main biographical data and the results of her scientific and pedagogical activities. Results. S. O. Ignatova fruitfully worked on theoretical and applied problems of agricultural crops biotechnology and was a pioneer in the use of achievements in Ukraine regarding the successful application in the selection process of the source material obtained by in vitro methods of tissue, organ and cell culture. Under the leadership of Svitlana Oleksandrivna, the principles and complete technology of accelerated production of linear varieties of barley and wheat with the use of haploproducers were developed. The barley varieties – Odessky 115th and Prairie, which were sown on a large area in Ukraine, were created using this technology. The great attention of S. O. Ignatova was devoted to the training of scientific personnel (graduate students, interns and students). Conclusions. S. O. Ignatova’s scientific legacy was a long-term fundamental research in the biotechnology of major agricultural crops, which was a significant contribution to the development of advanced areas of Ukrainian and world science. Svitlana Oleksandrivna was the author of more than 300 scientific works, including monographs, patents, scientific and methodological manuals, methodological recommendations, author’s certificates and publications in leading scientific journals. The life story of S. O. Ignatova is continued by her students, remembering the bright image of their professor – an energetic, determined and inspired woman.

A Study on the Optimal Powder Metallurgy Process to Obtain Suitable Material Properties of Soft Magnetic Composite Materials for Electric Vehicles

This study systematically investigates the impact of the material properties of soft magnetic composites (SMCs) on the powder metallurgy forming process. It proposes a suitable material selection process for various motor types and shapes and determines the optimal forming conditions for each SMC material. This study employed the Taguchi design method to identify key control factors such as powder type, forming temperature, and forming speed, and analyzed their effects on relative density. Simulation results indicated that AncorLam HR exhibited superior properties compared with AncorLam and Fe-6.5wt.%Si. The optimal conditions determined through signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculations were AncorLam HR at 60 °C and five cycles per minute (CPMs). Validation through simulation and SEM analysis confirmed improved density uniformity and reduced defects in products formed under optimal conditions. Final prototype testing demonstrated that the selected conditions achieved the target density with minimal variance, enhancing the mechanical properties and performance of the motors. These results suggest that the appropriate application of SMC materials can significantly enhance motor efficiency and reliability.

Genetic Analysis of Soybean Flower Size Phenotypes Based on Computer Vision and Genome-Wide Association Studies.

The dimensions of organs such as flowers, leaves, and seeds are governed by processes of cellular proliferation and expansion. In soybeans, the dimensions of these organs exhibit a strong correlation with crop yield, quality, and other phenotypic traits. Nevertheless, there exists a scarcity of research concerning the regulatory genes influencing flower size, particularly within the soybean species. In this study, 309 samples of 3 soybean types (123 cultivar, 90 landrace, and 96 wild) were re-sequenced. The microscopic phenotype of soybean flower organs was photographed using a three-eye microscope, and the phenotypic data were extracted by means of computer vision. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the relationship between petal and seed phenotypes, revealing a strong correlation between the sizes of these two organs. Through GWASs, SNP loci significantly associated with flower organ size were identified. Subsequently, haplotype analysis was conducted to screen for upstream and downstream genes of these loci, thereby identifying potential candidate genes. In total, 77 significant SNPs associated with vexil petals, 562 significant SNPs associated with wing petals, and 34 significant SNPs associated with keel petals were found. Candidate genes were screened by candidate sites, and haplotype analysis was performed on the candidate genes. Finally, the present investigation yielded 25 and 10 genes of notable significance through haplotype analysis in the vexil and wing regions, respectively. Notably, Glyma.07G234200, previously documented for its high expression across various plant organs, including flowers, pods, leaves, roots, and seeds, was among these identified genes. The research contributes novel insights to soybean breeding endeavors, particularly in the exploration of genes governing organ development, the selection of field materials, and the enhancement of crop yield. It played a role in the process of material selection during the growth period and further accelerated the process of soybean breeding material selection.

Soil Steel Composite Bridge (SSCB)

This project focuses on the design, construction, and implementation of a soil-steel composite bridge, aiming to provide a durable and cost-effective solution for spanning. The study involves a comprehensive site assessment to understand soil conditions, hydrological aspects, and environmental considerations. Engineering design principles are employed to create a structure that optimizes load-bearing capacity while ensuring adaptability to varying terrains and traffic demands. The material selection process involves the careful choice of steel components, considering their resistance to corrosion and compatibility with the surrounding soil. Construction planning includes detailed strategies for assembly, installation, quality control measures, and adherence to safety standards throughout the project lifecycle. This abstract highlights the necessity of collaboration between engineers, designers, construction teams, and stakeholders to ensure successful execution. The expected outcomes include a durable, sustainable, and efficiently constructed soil-steel composite bridge, catering to the specific needs and challenges of the designated site. The FEM analysis results in showing rational outcome to the field measurement for structural response. The known design method of SSCB are Pettersson-Sundquist design method and Kloppel and Glock design method.

An investigation into the vapour permeability and durability of natural renders on an earthen wall system

This paper describes a novel methodology for establishing the relative moisture performance of renders used to protect a novel walling system combining traditional dense cob with a low-density thermal cob. A new method of enhancing the thermal insulation of cob walls has been developed by an European Union (EU)-funded joint UK and French project called CobBauge. The external surface of traditional cob walls (comprising subsoil, fibre and water) is normally protected from driving rain by placing the walls on a short wall called a plinth, a pronounced eaves overhang and a breathable exterior render. As the low-density fibre and clay insulating layer in the CobBauge system differs from traditional cob, a method of establishing the moisture-related performance of a range of renders needed to be instituted to aid the materials selection process. A series of test panels were constructed with the thermal cob infill, faced by a number of render types. The panels were hung in an open position in a high exposure zone and the moisture content monitored using wood-block sensors, electrical resistivity and gravimetric measurements over a period of six months. The wood-block and electrical resistivity moisture measurements showed a good level of agreement with gravimetric measurements and showed a clear differentiation between the various render choices.

MAT-SUS - MATERIAL LIBRARY FOR TEACHING, RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

This article shows teaching, research and extension actions focusing on the use ofmaterioteca. The main objective is to promote the dissemination of sustainability knowledge in projects,taking as a starting point the material selection process. This article presents a materioteca with a newconcept, where in addition to samples of materials and technical information, it presents a completereport on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of each material (ESA). Complementaryextension actions include the development of comics, videos, models and prototypes. The initial resultsof the present research demonstrated that it is possible to provide designers with an analysis of the relativesustainability of each material compared to similar ones, providing a very relevant set of designinformation.

FEA-Based Camshaft Design and Analysis on a Range of Heat-Treated Materials

Camshafts play a critical role in internal combustion engines, dictating the timing and duration of valve opening and closing events. To ensure optimal engine performance and longevity, camshaft design must balance factors such as strength, durability, and weight. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) offers a powerful tool for evaluating camshaft designs under varying operating conditions. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the design and analysis of camshafts using FEA, focusing on the influence of different heat-treated materials. The study begins with an overview of material selection criteria for camshaft applications, considering factors such as strength, fatigue resistance, and wear characteristics. Various materials high-performance alloys are investigated for their suitability and performance enhancements through heat treatment processes such as carburizing, quenching, and tempering. A detailed 3D CAD model of the camshaft geometry is developed, capturing key features such as lobes, journals, and bearings. Finite element meshing techniques are employed to ensure accurate representation of the geometry and precise stress analysis. Boundary conditions are defined to simulate realistic operating conditions, including forces exerted by cam followers and valve springs. Material properties are assigned to finite elements based on the selected materials and heat treatment parameters. Static and dynamic FEA analyses are conducted to evaluate stress distribution, deformation, fatigue life, and natural frequencies of the camshaft under varying load scenarios. The results of the FEA analyses are used to optimize the camshaft design iteratively, considering factors such as weight reduction, performance enhancement, and durability improvement. Validation of FEA results is performed through physical testing and comparison with empirical data. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into the design and analysis of camshafts using FEA, highlighting the importance of material selection and heat treatment processes in optimizing camshaft performance and reliability in automotive engine applications. Key Words: Design, Analysis, geartrain, idler gear, FEA, reciprocating motion, Solid works, CAD, ANSYS, efficiency, IC engines, camshaft.

SM-BIM: A NEW CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING PROCESS BASED ON SMART MATERIALS AND BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

ABSTRACT Because the construction sector exerts a considerable environmental effect, especially on building materials, a growing interest in environmental design and construction has emerged. The United Nations has set sustainable development goals (SDGs) for 2030 to protect the environment, including energy conservation and doubling the global rate of improving energy efficiency, because building materials significantly affect energy consumption. Thus, building-material selection at the initial design phase is critical, and random selection of building materials often involves subjectivity, uncertainty, and ambiguity. This process costs time and resources while resulting in the inefficient environmental performance of buildings. Therefore, this study proposes the use of building-information modeling (BIM) as a tool because of its importance in attaining sustainability to aid in the selection process of smart materials (SMs) based on specified criteria and make the selection process faster and more accurate. This method is accomplished through a theoretical study of SMs and using a conceptual framework through four phases for multicriteria decision-making to improve energy efficiency and reduce the energy consumption of buildings. To pursue SDG 7, a theoretical and deductive approach is used.

Comparative Life-Cycle Assessment of Steel and GFRP Rebars for Procurement Sustainability in the Construction Industry

This research examines the potential impact on the procurement sustainability of replacing steel rebars with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars in the construction industry, focusing on screed pre-cast hollow core topping in a project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted using One Click LCA (Version 0.26.0) software for cradle-to-grave analysis. The assessment covers various stages, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, usage, and recycling. The comprehensive LCA highlights GFRP rebars as a more sustainable alternative to steel, emitting 17% less CO2 equivalent (2e) per kilogram throughout its life cycle. Additionally, GFRP requires substantially less mass compared to steel, resulting in a dramatic reduction in CO2e emissions ranging from 77.89% to 85.26% across different spacing configurations in real-world construction scenarios, as presented in this research case study. These findings suggest that GFRP rebars offer a promising solution for reducing the environmental impact of construction activities while potentially yielding significant cost savings over the project’s life cycle. Integrating environmental considerations into material selection processes can prioritize sustainability without compromising performance or safety, contributing to a more sustainable future for the construction industry globally.