scholarly journals Theoretical and Experimental Investigations into a Crawling Robot Propelled by Piezoelectric Material

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1577
Author(s):  
Xiangli Zeng ◽  
Yue Wu ◽  
Shangyan Han ◽  
Yanbo Liu ◽  
Haohua Xiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Piezoelectric Ceramic ◽  
Simple Structure ◽  
Dynamic Models ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Functional Materials ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structural Modelling ◽  
Pipe Inspection

Conventional motors with complicated electromagnetic structures are difficult to miniaturise for millimetre- and centimetre-sized robots. Instead, small-scale robots are actuated using a variety of functional materials. We proposed a novel robot propelled by a piezoelectric ceramic in this work. The robot advances due to the asymmetric friction created by the spikes on the surface. The structural modelling was completed, static and dynamic models were established to predict the moving characteristics, the prototype was built using three dimensional (3D) printing technology, and the models were evaluated via experiments. Compared with conventional inchworm-type robots, the proposed robot is superior in simple structure because the clamping components are replaced by spikes with asymmetric friction. Compared with SMA (shape memory alloy) actuating inchworm-type robots, it has a faster velocity with higher resolution. Meanwhile, the components are printed through an additive manufacturing process that is convenient and avoids assembly errors. This design could make contributions to many areas, such as pipe inspection, earthquake rescue, and medicine delivery.

Modelling and measuring the thermal behaviour of the molten pool in closed-loop controlled laser-based additive manufacturing

2003 ◽  
Vol 217 (4) ◽  
pp. 441-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Hu ◽  
R Kovacevic
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Thermal Behaviour ◽  
Molten Pool ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Infrared Camera ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Process Conditions

Laser-based additive manufacturing (LBAM) is a promising manufacturing technology that can be widely applied in solid freeform fabrication (SFF), component recovery and regeneration, and surface modification. The thermal behaviour of the molten pool is one of the critical factors that influences laser deposition indices such as geometrical accuracy, material properties and residual stresses. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed using ANSYS to simulate the thermal behaviour of the molten pool in building a single-bead wall via a closed-loop controlled LBAM process in which the laser power is controlled to keep the width of the molten pool constant. The temperature distribution, the geometrical feature of the molten pool and the cooling rate under different process conditions are investigated. To verify the simulation results, the thermal behaviour of the molten pool is measured by a coaxially installed infrared camera in experimental investigations of a closed-loop controlled LBAM process. Results from finite element thermal analysis provide guidance for the process parameter selection in LBAM, and develop a base for further residual stress analysis.

scholarly journals Building Block Synthesis of Self-Supported Three-Dimensional Compliant Elements for Metallic Additive Manufacturing

2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aschraf N. Danun ◽  
Philip D. Palma ◽  
Christoph Klahn ◽  
Mirko Meboldt
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Bistable Switch ◽  
Powder Bed ◽  
Switch Mechanism ◽  
Metallic Additive

Abstract Compliant mechanisms gain motion through the elastic deformation of the monolithic flexible elements. The geometric design freedom of metallic additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of complex and three-dimensional (3D) compliant elements within mechanisms previously too complicated to produce. However, the design of metallic additive manufactured mechanisms faces various challenges of manufacturing restrictions, such as avoiding critical overhanging geometries and minimizing the amount of support structure, which has been reported in a few cases. This paper presents a synthesis approach for translational compliant elements, involving building blocks based on leaf-type springs and covering building orientations between 0 deg and 90 deg. In particular, this range is approached by the synthesis of self-supported 3D building blocks with orientations of 0 deg, 45 deg and 90 deg. The compliant elements are built based on linear and circular plane curves and compared numerically according to their mechanical performance to create preferable building blocks. The applicability of the presented procedure and the manufacturability of the compliant mechanisms are proven by printing individual 3D building blocks and their serial aggregation with laser-based powder bed fusion. Consequently, several prototypes are demonstrated, including a bistable switch mechanism and a large displaceable rotational spring joint. In addition, a small-scale highly maneuverable segment of a surgical instrument with a grasping mechanism at the distal end is proposed.

Extrusion-Based 3D Printing for Pharmaceuticals: Contemporary Research and Applications

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (42) ◽  
pp. 4991-5008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed S. Algahtani ◽  
Abdul Aleem Mohammed ◽  
Javed Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Cosmetic Surgery ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Personalised Medicine ◽  
Organ Transplant ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Dosage Forms ◽  
Release Profile ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Drug Release Profile ◽  
Fused Deposition

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has a significant impact on organ transplant, cosmetic surgery, surgical planning, prosthetics and other medical fields. Recently, 3 DP attracted the attention as a promising method for the production of small-scale drug production. The knowledge expansion about the population differences in metabolism and genetics grows the need for personalised medicine substantially. In personalised medicine, the patient receives a tailored dose and the release profile is based on his pharmacokinetics data. 3 DP is expected to be one of the leading solutions for the personalisation of the drug dispensing. This technology can fabricate a drug-device with complicated geometries and fillings to obtain the needed drug release profile. The extrusionbased 3 DP is the most explored method for investigating the feasibility of the technology to produce a novel dosage form with properties that are difficult to achieve using the conventional industrial methods. Extrusionbased 3 DP is divided into two techniques, the semi-solid extrusion (SSE) and the fused deposition modeling (FDM). This review aims to explain the extrusion principles behind the two techniques and discuss their capabilities to fabricate novel dosage forms. The advantages and limitations observed through the application of SSE and FDM for fabrication of drug dosage forms were discussed in this review. Further exploration and development are required to implement this technology in the healthcare frontline for more effective and personalised treatment.

scholarly journals Phase-field modeling of grain evolutions in additive manufacturing from nucleation, growth, to coarsening

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Yang ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Wentao Yan
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Phase Field ◽  
Field Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Phase Field Model ◽  
Nucleation Theory ◽  
Experimental Result ◽  
Classical Nucleation Theory ◽  
Validation Experiment ◽  
Powder Particles

AbstractA three-dimensional phase-field model is developed to simulate grain evolutions during powder-bed-fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing, while the physically-informed temperature profile is implemented from a thermal-fluid flow model. The phase-field model incorporates a nucleation model based on classical nucleation theory, as well as the initial grain structures of powder particles and substrate. The grain evolutions during the three-layer three-track PBF process are comprehensively reproduced, including grain nucleation and growth in molten pools, epitaxial growth from powder particles, substrate and previous tracks, grain re-melting and re-growth in overlapping zones, and grain coarsening in heat-affected zones. A validation experiment has been carried out, showing that the simulation results are consistent with the experimental results in the molten pool and grain morphologies. Furthermore, the grain refinement by adding nanoparticles is preliminarily reproduced and compared against the experimental result in literature.

scholarly journals Efficient 3D printing via photooxidation of ketocoumarin based photopolymerization

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Zhao ◽  
Ye Zhao ◽  
Ming-De Li ◽  
Zhong’an Li ◽  
Haiyan Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Visible Light ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Light Penetration ◽  
Viable Solution

AbstractPhotopolymerization-based three-dimensional (3D) printing can enable customized manufacturing that is difficult to achieve through other traditional means. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to achieve efficient 3D printing due to the compromise between print speed and resolution. Herein, we report an efficient 3D printing approach based on the photooxidation of ketocoumarin that functions as the photosensitizer during photopolymerization, which can simultaneously deliver high print speed (5.1 cm h−1) and high print resolution (23 μm) on a common 3D printer. Mechanistically, the initiating radical and deethylated ketocoumarin are both generated upon visible light exposure, with the former giving rise to rapid photopolymerization and high print speed while the latter ensuring high print resolution by confining the light penetration. By comparison, the printed feature is hard to identify when the ketocoumarin encounters photoreduction due to the increased lateral photopolymerization. The proposed approach here provides a viable solution towards efficient additive manufacturing by controlling the photoreaction of photosensitizers during photopolymerization.

scholarly journals A Review on Additive Manufacturing Possibilities for Electrical Machines

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1940
Author(s):  
Muhammad Usman Naseer ◽  
Ants Kallaste ◽  
Bilal Asad ◽  
Toomas Vaimann ◽  
Anton Rassõlkin
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Electrical Machines ◽  
Electromagnetic Properties ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Large Scale Production ◽  
One Step ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques

This paper presents current research trends and prospects of utilizing additive manufacturing (AM) techniques to manufacture electrical machines. Modern-day machine applications require extraordinary performance parameters such as high power-density, integrated functionalities, improved thermal, mechanical & electromagnetic properties. AM offers a higher degree of design flexibility to achieve these performance parameters, which is impossible to realize through conventional manufacturing techniques. AM has a lot to offer in every aspect of machine fabrication, such that from size/weight reduction to the realization of complex geometric designs. However, some practical limitations of existing AM techniques restrict their utilization in large scale production industry. The introduction of three-dimensional asymmetry in machine design is an aspect that can be exploited most with the prevalent level of research in AM. In order to take one step further towards the enablement of large-scale production of AM-built electrical machines, this paper also discusses some machine types which can best utilize existing developments in the field of AM.

scholarly journals Additive Manufacturing-Based In Situ Consolidation of Continuous Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polycarbonate

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2450
Author(s):  
Andreas Borowski ◽  
Christian Vogel ◽  
Thomas Behnisch ◽  
Vinzenz Geske ◽  
Maik Gude ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Carbon Fibre ◽  
Bending Test ◽  
Thermoplastic Composites ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Material Structure ◽  
Three Point Bending ◽  
Continuous Fibre ◽  
Local Material

Continuous carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites have convincing anisotropic properties, which can be used to strengthen structural components in a local, variable and efficient way. In this study, an additive manufacturing (AM) process is introduced to fabricate in situ consolidated continuous fibre-reinforced polycarbonate. Specimens with three different nozzle temperatures were in situ consolidated and tested in a three-point bending test. Computed tomography (CT) is used for a detailed analysis of the local material structure and resulting material porosity, thus the results can be put into context with process parameters. In addition, a highly curved test structure was fabricated that demonstrates the limits of the process and dependent fibre strand folding behaviours. These experimental investigations present the potential and the challenges of additive manufacturing-based in situ consolidated continuous fibre-reinforced polycarbonate.

scholarly journals Quantification of Measurement and Model Effects in Monopile Foundation Scour Protection Experiments

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 585
Author(s):  
Minghao Wu ◽  
Leen De Vos ◽  
Carlos Emilio Arboleda Chavez ◽  
Vasiliki Stratigaki ◽  
Maximilian Streicher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Maximum Wave Height ◽  
Chaotic Flow ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Scour Protection ◽  
Damage Number ◽  
Measurement Effects

The present work introduces an analysis of the measurement and model effects that exist in monopile scour protection experiments with repeated small scale tests. The damage erosion is calculated using the three dimensional global damage number S3D and subarea damage number S3D,i. Results show that the standard deviation of the global damage number σ(S3D)=0.257 and is approximately 20% of the mean S3D, and the standard deviation of the subarea damage number σ(S3D,i)=0.42 which can be up to 33% of the mean S3D. The irreproducible maximum wave height, chaotic flow field and non-repeatable armour layer construction are regarded as the main reasons for the occurrence of strong model effects. The measurement effects are limited to σ(S3D)=0.039 and σ(S3D,i)=0.083, which are minor compared to the model effects.

scholarly journals Structural Characterization of Receptor–Receptor Interactions in the Allosteric Modulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Dimers

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 3241
Author(s):  
Raudah Lazim ◽  
Donghyuk Suh ◽  
Jai Woo Lee ◽  
Thi Ngoc Lan Vu ◽  
Sanghee Yoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
G Protein ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Allosteric Modulation ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptor ◽  
Metabotropic Glutamate ◽  
Gpcr Activation ◽  
G Protein Coupled

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomerization, while contentious, continues to attract the attention of researchers. Numerous experimental investigations have validated the presence of GPCR dimers, and the relevance of dimerization in the effectuation of physiological functions intensifies the attractiveness of this concept as a potential therapeutic target. GPCRs, as a single entity, have been the main source of scrutiny for drug design objectives for multiple diseases such as cancer, inflammation, cardiac, and respiratory diseases. The existence of dimers broadens the research scope of GPCR functions, revealing new signaling pathways that can be targeted for disease pathogenesis that have not previously been reported when GPCRs were only viewed in their monomeric form. This review will highlight several aspects of GPCR dimerization, which include a summary of the structural elucidation of the allosteric modulation of class C GPCR activation offered through recent solutions to the three-dimensional, full-length structures of metabotropic glutamate receptor and γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor as well as the role of dimerization in the modification of GPCR function and allostery. With the growing influence of computational methods in the study of GPCRs, we will also be reviewing recent computational tools that have been utilized to map protein–protein interactions (PPI).

scholarly journals Experimental and Numerical Investigation about Small Clearance Journal Bearings under Static Load Conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Carlo Alberto Niccolini Marmont Du Haut Champ ◽  
Fabrizio Stefani ◽  
Paolo Silvestri
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Journal Bearings ◽  
Radial Clearance ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Small Clearance ◽  
Dimensional Simulation ◽  
Dynamic Loading Conditions ◽  
Static And Dynamic Loading ◽  
Good Agreement

The aim of the present research is to characterize both experimentally and numerically journal bearings with low radial clearances for rotors in small-scale applications (e.g., microgas turbines); their diameter is in the order of ten millimetres, leading to very small dimensional clearances when the typical relative ones (order of 1/1000) are employed; investigating this particular class of journal bearings under static and dynamic loading conditions represents something unexplored. To this goal, a suitable test rig was designed and the performance of its bearings was investigated under steady load. For the sake of comparison, numerical simulations of the lubrication were also performed by means of a simplified model. The original test rig adopted is a commercial rotor kit (RK), but substantial modifications were carried out in order to allow significant measurements. Indeed, the relative radial clearance of RK4 RK bearings is about 2/100, while it is around 1/1000 in industrial bearings. Therefore, the same original RK bearings are employed in this new test rig, but a new shaft was designed to reduce their original clearance. The new custom shaft allows to study bearing behaviour for different clearances, since it is equipped with interchangeable journals. Experimental data obtained by this test rig are then compared with further results of more sophisticated simulations. They were carried out by means of an in-house developed finite element (FEM) code, suitable for thermoelasto-hydrodynamic (TEHD) analysis of journal bearings both in static and dynamic conditions. In this paper, bearing static performances are studied to assess the reliability of the experimental journal location predictions by comparing them with the ones coming from already validated numerical codes. Such comparisons are presented both for large and small clearance bearings of original and modified RKs, respectively. Good agreement is found only for the modified RK equipped with small clearance bearings (relative radial clearance 8/1000), as expected. In comparison with two-dimensional lubrication analysis, three-dimensional simulation improves prediction of journal location and correlation with experimental results.

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