Material Selection Optimization Research Articles

A review of static/quasi-static calculations of Electromagnetic-thermal coupling sliding electrical contact characteristics of armature and rails

The analysis of the sliding electrical contact characteristics between the armature and rails is an important research area for electromagnetic railguns. In this paper, a sliding electrical contact model considering non-ideal factors is introduced, the magneto-thermal coupling characteristics of the contact interface are summarized, and the current and temperature distribution characteristics are outlined. In the end, measures that can be taken to improve the contact performance are presented in terms of armature rail material selection and structural optimization.

Abrasive wear protection in material handling: Mechanism-based combination of lab-experiments for optimal material selection

Material processing of loose goods can be found ubiquitously in heavy industries such as steel production. In transportation, relocation or other processing routines of raw materials severe and manifold abrasive loads attack wear protection materials. As often plant engineers are not aware of the prevailing loads and wear mechanisms, the material choice might be suboptimal. Therefore, the objectives of this work were to identify wear mechanisms for several distinct applications and evaluate the suitability of applied wear solutions. Various forms of abrasive and impact-abrasive wear were simulated in lab experiments. A variation of ten common wear protection materials consisting of martensitic steels and hardfacings was applied in standard abrasion testing, in adapted high stress situations as well as in impact-abrasion testing. For the latter six original abrasives from field applications were utilized and their severity classified. Based on the wear results an application-oriented combination of the quantitative results was used for a qualified selection map of most favorable wear protection solutions for specific load conditions representative of certain wear components. By these selection maps a knowledge-based choice for wear protection solutions is provided, enabling wear resistance optimization and thereby increasing sustainability in material handling.

Concurrent topology optimization design for CNT orientation and CNTRC layout

In this study, the topology optimization (TO) design of carbon nanotube (CNT) orientation and material layout for carbon nanotube-reinforced composites (CNTRCs) is performed for the first time. The equivalent performance of CNTRCs is calculated by the extended easy-to-implement rule of mixtures. Then, by considering two independent angle variables, a 3-dimensional (3D) concurrent optimization model for CNT orientation and material layout is constructed. To decrease the possibility of falling into local optimal solutions, a discrete interval method is proposed to divide the search space into specific subintervals, and thus the original optimization problem is changed into material selection and subinterval angle optimization problems. In addition, different from conventional fiber-reinforced composites, CNTRCs employ nanoscale filler as reinforcement, which makes it more beneficial to achieve local material strengthening. Therefore, to decrease the possibility of local optimal solutions and achieve local structural strengthening, a concurrent TO model involving CNTRCs and isotropic materials under the volume constraint is proposed to achieve the optimal balance between structural stiffness and economy. Subsequently, the sensitivities of structural compliance with respect to design, selection, and angle variables are derived. Also, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by 2D and 3D examples.

Optimum alternate material selection methodology for an aircraft skin

Weight penalty has been a challenge for design engineers of aerospace vehicles. Today’s high-efficiency combat aircraft undergoes intense stress and strain during flying missions, which require stronger and stiffer materials to retain structural integrity. Though metallic materials have been successfully used for the construction of aircraft structures and components, metals still have a low strength-to-weight ratio. This paper aims to develop an alternate optimised material selection methodology to replace the metallic skin of a medium-sized military aircraft. The search for the optimum material will result in reduced aircraft weight which will be benefitted by extra payload on the aircraft. The selection methodology is comprised of finding design pressure limits on the aircraft skin, and comparison of properties (strength, elastic modulus, shear modulus, etc.) and performance (safety factor, deflection, and stress) of the existing metallic skin with alternate optimised material. The comparison was made under aerodynamic pressure, bending force, and twisting moment. Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer/Epoxy (CFRP) Uni-Directional (UD) prepreg (elastic modolus is 209 GPa) was selected as an alternate optimum material to replace the aluminium alloy skin of the aircraft studied. The selected alternate optimum material resulted in the reduction of aircraft skin weight by 30%.

Dual Photonic Structures Enable High‐Performance Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics with Enhanced Light Utilization

Semitransparent organic photovoltaics (ST‐OPVs) offer promising prospects for self‐powered greenhouses and building‐integrated photovoltaic systems. However, a remaining critical challenge is to balance the two competing indexes of power conversion efficiency (PCE) and average visible transmittance (AVT). Herein, a synergetic strategy of light manipulation is developed to achieve high‐performance ST‐OPVs by employing dual photonic structures with a rear single‐layer optical coupling layer (OCL) and a front single‐layer antireflection coating (ARC). The material selection and thickness optimization of both OCL and ARC are systematically guided by combining theoretical simulations and experimental devices, leading to significantly enhanced light utilization in ST‐OPVs. As a result, the use of dual photonic structures enables ST‐OPVs based on the active layer of PM6:Y6 to demonstrate simultaneously a high AVT of 35.7% and a good PCE of 10.29%, yielding an excellent light utilization efficiency of 3.67% with a remarkable improvement of 43% comparing with that of the control device. This work provides a simple yet effective strategy of light manipulation for the development of high‐performance ST‐OPVs.

Mechanical response of the sealing packer based on two rubber materials at high temperatures

The compression packer is an important downhole oil production tool, and its failure is mainly attributed to the degradation of its embedded rubber cylinders under the action of high temperatures. In the present study we have made a comprehensive investigation on the mechanical response of the sealing packer based on two rubber materials at high temperatures. Firstly, by measuring the material parameters under different temperatures, we established the constitutive relationships of the two rubber materials (Aflas and Kalrez) in consideration of the temperature effect, in the light of the Mooney-Rivlin model. Next, the sealing performances of two optimized packers were analyzed including Aflas and Kalrez rubber cylinders. The effects of high temperature and the initial setting pressure on the sealing effects of these two optimized packers were probed based on the finite element analysis (FEA), and the ranges of temperature and initial setting pressure for best sealing were determined. This study can provide some ideas for the material selection and structural optimization for sealing packers, aiming to ensure the safe operation of the packers in severe environments.

Tentative application of expansive cementitious materials in grouting – A systematic review

Traditional grouting reinforcement has been well reported only to provide a bonding effect to a jointed rock mass. Nowadays, the expansive grout technology has been touted as an alternative to provide squeezing reinforcement effects to a jointed rock mass. Still in infancy, there is a lack of state-of-knowledge on its fundamentals and applications to enhance stability in the surrounding rock. This review article aims to define, characterize, and summarize the mechanism and behavior of cement/concrete expansion additives, cement foaming additives, and high soundless cracking agents (HSCA). Further, this review discussed the characterization of the expansion behavior of cementitious materials, and highlighted the potential applications of expansive grout in grouting reinforcements. This review is focused on determining the optimum selection of suitable expansive materials needed for expansive grout to improve its reinforcement efficiency, in addition to examining technical studies on the expansion mechanism and behavior of distinct expansive cementitious materials. The expansive cementitious materials were analyzed based on four mechanical criteria in grouting and concrete structures: volume expansion ratio, expansion development time, uniaxial compressive strength, and expansion stress. This overview is expected to enrich the current knowledge of expansive cementitious materials and aid researchers in advancing its applications in future global grouting reinforcement projects in jointed rock mass and steeply inclined layered rock mass support systems.

Klasyfikatsiia ta ranzhuvannia chynnykiv, shcho vplyvaiut na yakist taktylnoho spryiniattia shryftu L. Brailia nezriachymy liudmy

Introduction. In the process of educational and work activities, blind people mostly use tactile sensitivity to perceive information, the presentation of which is mainly realized in a six-dot format according to the well-known Braille system. The problems related to the study of the processes of perception and reproduction of relief-dot font attracted the attention of many domestic and foreign scientists. The effectiveness of perception and the durability of the use of L. Braille images depends on the nature of the cognitive interaction of human senses and the tactile surface. In this regard, the determining condition of quality assurance is the maximum consideration of the needs of blind people at the stage of designing and manufacturing a tactile product. The overall result of qualitative perception of information by blind people will ultimately depend on the accuracy of determining the geometric and tactile characteristics of printed products. The aim of the study. To classify and rank the factors affecting the process of designing and reproducing the L. Braille font to ensure the quality of tactile perception of information by blind people. Materials and methods. Samples of pharmaceutical cardboard packages, which are marked with the L. Braille font by embossing, screen printing and Ink jet printing. For research, methods of electron microscopy, modelling and mathematical statistics were used. Results. The analysis of the level of selected factors influence of tactile products design indicates a significant interaction between them. So, for example, the printing method affects the density of signs and their geometric parameters, in particular the diameter and height of the L. Braille dot, and the type of tactile products and the reading experience depend on the protective coating and the base material. This is confirmed by the results of expert evaluations of the quality of Braille inscriptions, reproduced using various printing methods of reproduction (embossing, screen printing, and ink-jet printing), on samples of pharmaceutical product packages, which showed a significant influence of the chosen method of manufacturing printed products for the blind on the quality of its tactile perception. It has been established that the best readability of relief text is achieved when using digital Ink jet printing technology. Conclusions. The process of assessing the quality of perception of relief inscriptions by the blind is a complex technological task. For the optimal selection of materials and technology for reproduction of L. Braille inscriptions, a large number of factors of perception process of tactile information must be taken into account. The constructed cognitive model of the perception of a tactile product by people with visual impairments allows determining the set of factors of the design process based on the analysis of the multi-level system “tactile product – blind person”, which ensures the performance of all basic cognitive functions for the systematization of the process of ensuring the quality of the L. Braille font.

Selection Route of Precursor Materials in 3D Printing Composite Filament Development for Biomedical Applications.

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies might advance the fabrication sector of personalised biomaterials with high-tech precision. The selection of optimal precursor materials is considered the first key-step for the development of new printable filaments destined for the fabrication of products with diverse orthopaedic/dental applications. The selection route of precursor materials proposed in this study targeted two categories of materials: prime materials, for the polymeric matrix (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA)); and reinforcement materials (natural hydroxyapatite (HA) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) of different dimensions). HA was isolated from bovine bones (HA particles size < 40 μm, <100 μm, and >125 μm) through a reproducible synthesis technology. The structural (FTIR-ATR, Raman spectroscopy), morphological (SEM), and, most importantly, in vitro (indirect and direct contact studies) features of all precursor materials were comparatively evaluated. The polymeric materials were also prepared in the form of thin plates, for an advanced cell viability assessment (direct contact studies). The overall results confirmed once again the reproducibility of the HA synthesis method. Moreover, the biological cytotoxicity assays established the safe selection of PLA as a future polymeric matrix, with GNP of grade M as a reinforcement and HA as a bioceramic. Therefore, the obtained results pinpointed these materials as optimal for future composite filament synthesis and the 3D printing of implantable structures.

Informatic Analysis and Review of Literature on the Optimum Selection of Sustainable Materials Used in Construction Projects

The dramatic increase in urban population has led to rapid infrastructure development worldwide and the construction industry has become one of the most progressive sectors in the world today. As a result, the construction process and its related stages play a significant role in the environment's impact, both directly (via resource and energy consumption as well as the production of contamination and waste) and indirectly (through intense pressure on inadequate infrastructures). Consequently, there is a global drive to develop “environmental-friendly and sustainable, “green” and carbon reducing buildings”. Implementing sustainability can improve the quality of our life, granting us a healthy life and promoting economic, social, and environmental circumstances. The optimal selection of sustainable building materials is acknowledged as the most fundamental way for designers to apply sustainability principles to construction projects. This Paper provides a comprehensive literature review for sustainability maximization through the material selection process. The paper performs an analysis of the previous studies related to sustainable material selectionto identify the critical factors and knowledge gaps that should be considered in the material selection process. Finally, the paper concludes that the current literature in the building domain lacks a standard method that could help decision-makers selectthe appropriate materials by considering all factors that arise in the decision-making process to maximize sustainability in buildings. Furthermore, a need exists to fill the gap between designers and decision-makers in the sustainable construction industry for improving the selection process of sustainable building materials while at the same time looking at the accomplishment of environmental goals and meeting design and budget requirements

Effects of thermophysical properties on optimal selection of phase change material for a triple tube heat exchanger unit at different time scales

The multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method has been widely applied to select phase change material (PCM) for various applications. However, the relationship between the thermophysical properties of a PCM and the optimization objective, as well as the effect on different time scales for specific applications, has not been addressed in the selection process of the optimum PCM. In this study, to solve the above two issues, first, an orthogonal experiment with five factors and four levels is designed to explore the effect of the thermophysical properties of PCMs on the heat storage ratio of a triple tube heat exchanger (TTHX) unit based on a numerical simulation. Then, the criteria weights are determined based on the range analysis at different time scales, and finally, the technique for order performance by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is employed to perform the ranking and selection. The results indicated that the thermophysical properties have a significant influence on the heat storage rate. When the melting time was 20 min, the PCM density and thermal conductivity had higher weights and PlusICE-S117 was selected as the optimal PCM. However, when the melting time was 150 or 250 min, the PCM density and melting enthalpy were the primary criteria to consider, and the best choice was Urea-NaCl. Furthermore, the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed PCM selection method were verified through a comparison with the TOPSIS-entropy method.

An Overview of Computer‐aided Molecular and Process Design

AbstractIdentifying sustainable chemical processes often depends on the choice of enabling materials that directly influence the overall performance. Matching property targets while incorporating adequate process knowledge is essential for optimal material selection. Multi‐scale decisions need to be taken simultaneously to determine the optimal process configurations, operating conditions, and material structures. Integrating molecular to process scale decisions within an equation‐oriented optimization framework leads to large‐scale mixed‐integer nonlinear programs (MINLP). Over the years, several solution approaches have been suggested to tackle this issue. Here, the current state‐of‐the‐art in the field of computer‐aided molecular and process design (CAMPD) is discussed and key challenges and open questions are highlighted that may stimulate future research.

A comprehensive material study of CdSeTe films deposited with differing selenium compositions

The addition of selenium into CdTe to create the ternary alloy CdSeTe has been one of the most impactful advancements to CdTe-based photovoltaics in the last decade. CdSeTe/CdTe bilayer device structures have enabled a gain in short-circuit current due to the narrower bandgap of the alloy, with minimal to no loss in voltage. Intensity of photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements suggest this is due to an increase in carrier lifetime and concomitant greater fraction of radiative vs non-radiative recombination events which allows for a reduction in the voltage deficit. Here, we study the properties of as-deposited and CdCl2-treated CdSeTe films deposited by close-space sublimation under varying conditions from CdSeTe source charges with both 20 and 40 mol% CdSe. We find that the selenium content in the deposited films are substantially reduced from that of the source material. Additionally, deposition temperature, particularly that of the substrate, considerably affects the grain size, crystallinity, and photoluminescence of the material, illustrating the importance of source material selection and process optimization. Finally, we present evidence that the source material, and therefore the properties of the deposited films, change over time as the source material is used.

Deterioration characterization during thermal shock testing

Thermal shock stability plays a great role in the selection of optimal refractory material. Different methods of characterization were developed for this purpose, including the implementation of nondestructive testing. Image analysis is a very well method for characterization of different materials structures, as well as changes and occurred defects in structure caused by different influences. In this paper, possible application of image analysis will be presented related to the monitoring thermal shock behavior of selected refractory materials. Different parameters such are R parameter, level of destruction, as well as determination of morphological descriptors (area, perimeter, diameter, roundness) using Image analysis, will be presented.

A critical review of photovoltaic panels thermal management: criteria and methods

In the last few years, several studies have analyzed and discussed previous researchers' efforts. The researcher's activities were performed to classify PV panel cooling systems. The review illustrated the effect of the cooling system on the PV panel's thermal management, PV panel efficiency, and PV panel output power. The study focuses on the review of active, passive, and hybrid cooling system applications. The effects of different PCM materials and PCM containers on the PV panel passive cooling system are investigated experimentally and numerically. PCM material simulation is difficult, so the study analyses the available simulation methods and their advantages and disadvantages. The PV panels' active cooling system is very sufficient in both thermal management and energy efficiency. The review also summarizes each cooling technique's advantages and disadvantages for optimum model design and material selection. The study discovered that combining two or more cooling systems increases system efficiency by transferring energy from one to the other.

Material selection and performance optimization strategies for a wearable friction nanogenerator (W-TENG)

This review summarizes the research progress of wearable friction nanogenerators (W-TENG). Its perspective comprehensively covers the friction layer, the electrodes, and strategies for improving the triboelectric output of the W-TENG.

Investigating the causes and remedies for porosity defects in the casting process: A review

The casting process is a crucial manufacturing method utilized in numerous sectors to create intricate components and forms. However, there are a number of underlying causes of casting flaws that can result in subpar quality, higher costs, and decreased productivity. This review seeks to give a general overview of casting process flaws, their causes, and possible fixes. The evaluation will go over the various possible flaws, including porosity, shrinkage, and surface abnormalities, as well as their underlying causes, which include design, material, and process characteristics. Furthermore, the review will focus on various remedial measures that can be taken toover come these defects and improve casting quality, such as changes in design, material selection, and process optimization. This review will be useful for researchers and practitioners in the casting industry who are interested in improving their understanding of casting defects and developing effective remedial measures to enhance product quality and efficiency.

The current state and prospects of using composite materials in different sectors of industry

This research covers the most recent innovations and trends in sustainable composite materials, with an emphasis on design, manufacturing, and performance. The paper highlights the importance of renewable resources in accomplishing environmental sustainability goals and addressing highperformance material demand. It also points out the use of new techniques in material selection, manufacturing procedures, and performance optimization to meet sustainability issues. Finally, it discusses the prospective applications and benefits of sustainable composite materials in many industries.

Prediction of organic contaminant rejection by nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes using interpretable machine learning models.

Efficiency improvement in contaminant removal by nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is a multidimensional process involving membrane material selection and experimental condition optimization. It is unrealistic to explore the contributions of diverse influencing factors to the removal rate by trial-and-error experimentation. However, the advanced machine learning (ML) method is a powerful tool to simulate this complex decision-making process. Here, 4 traditional learning algorithms (MLR, SVM, ANN, kNN) and 4 ensemble learning algorithms (RF, GBDT, XGBoost, LightGBM) were applied to predict the removal efficiency of contaminants. Results reported here demonstrate that ensemble models showed significantly better predictive performance than traditional models. More importantly, this study achieved a compelling tradeoff between accuracy and interpretability for ensemble models with an effective model interpretation approach, which revealed the mutual interaction mechanism between the membrane material, contaminants and experimental conditions in membrane separation. Additionally, feature selection was for the first time achieved based on the aforementioned model interpretation method to determine the most important variable influencing the contaminant removal rate. Ultimately, the four ensemble models retrained by the selected variables achieved distinguished prediction performance (R2adj = 92.4 %-99.5 %). MWCO (membrane molecular weight cut-off), McGowan volume of solute (V) and molecular weight (MW) of the compound were demonstrated to be the most important influencing factors in contaminant removal by the NF and RO processes. Overall, the proposed methods in this study can facilitate versatile complex decision-making processes in the environmental field, particularly in contaminant removal by advanced physicochemical separation processes.

FEA-Based Investigation of Fatigue Life and Durability of Materials and Structures in Automotive Applications

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, the longevity and reliability of materials and structures are paramount. This research paper presents a comprehensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA)-based investigation into the fatigue life and durability of materials and structures commonly employed in automotive applications. Utilizing state-of-the-art FEA tools, the study evaluates the stress distributions, strain concentrations, and fatigue-induced deformations under cyclic loading conditions representative of real-world automotive scenarios. A comparative analysis of various automotive materials, including advanced high-strength steels, aluminium alloys, and novel composite materials, is conducted to discern their fatigue performance. The results elucidate the critical regions susceptible to fatigue failure and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms governing material degradation. Furthermore, the study introduces a novel fatigue life prediction model, calibrated against experimental data, offering enhanced accuracy in predicting the lifespan of automotive components. The findings of this research not only contribute to the fundamental understanding of fatigue phenomena in automotive materials but also pave the way for the development of more durable and sustainable vehicles in the future. This work serves as a cornerstone for engineers and researchers aiming to optimize material selection and design strategies, ensuring safer and longer-lasting automotive structures.