Feature-based generation of machining process plans for optimised parts manufacture

Efficacious integration of such CAx technologies as CAD, CAM and CAPP still remains a problem in engineering practice which constantly attracts research attention. Design by feature model is assumed as a main factor in the integration effort in various engineering and manufacturing domains. It refers principally to feature clustering and consequently operation sequencing in elaborated process plan designs. The focus of this paper is on CAPP for parts manufacture in systems of definite processing capabilities, involving multi-axis machining centres. A methodical approach is proposed to optimally solve for process planning problems, which consists in the identification of process alternatives and sequencing adequate working steps. The approach involves the use of the branch and bound concept from the field of artificial intelligence. A conceptual scheme for generation of alternative process plans in the form of a network is developed. It is based on part design data modelling in terms of machining features. A relevant algorithm is proposed for creating such a network and searching for the optimal process plan solution from the viewpoint of its operational performance, under formulated process constraints. The feasibility of the approach and the algorithm are illustrated by a numerical case with regard to a real application and diverse machine tools with relevant tooling. Generated process alternatives for complex machining with given systems, are studied using models programmed in the environment of Matlab^® software.     

Hydrogen storage by Mg-based nanocomposites

Hydrogen storage materials research is entered to a new and exciting period with the advance of the nanocrystalline alloys, which show substantially enhanced absorption/desorption kinetics, even at room temperatures. In this work, hydrogen storage capacities and the electrochemical discharge capacities of the Mg₂(Ni, Cu)-, LaNi₅-, ZrV₂-type nanocrystalline alloys and Mg₂Ni/LaNi₅-, Mg₂Ni/ZrV₂-type nanocomposites have been measured. The electronic properties of the Mg₂Ni_1-xCu_x, LaNi₅ and ZrV₂ alloys were calculated. The nanocomposite structure reduced hydriding temperature and enhanced hydrogen storage capacity of Mg-based materials. The nanocomposites (Mg,Mn)₂Ni (50 wt%)-La(Ni,Mn,Al,Co)₅ (50 wt%) and (Mg,Mn)₂Ni (75 wt%)-(Zr,Ti)(V,Cr,Ni)_2.4 (25 wt%) materials releases 1.65 wt% and 1.38 wt% hydrogen at 25 °C, respectively. The strong modifications of the electronic structure of the nanocrystalline alloys could significantly influence hydrogenation properties of Mg-based nanocomposities.     

Volatile Profile of Non-Fermented Milk and Milk Fermented by BifidoBacterium animalis subsp. lactis

The aim of this work was to determine low-molecular volatile compounds in milk supplemented with the strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 with or without fermentation process, stored at 6°C for 4 weeks. The chromatographic analysis of probiotic-supplemented non-fermented milk and milk fermented by strain Bb-12 revealed the presence of volatile compounds, such as ketones, organic acid, and alcohols. The changes in the volatile profile were influenced by fermentation process and/or prolonged cold storage. The fermentative activity of strain Bb-12 and its intensification between the 2nd and 4th weeks were observed in the cold storage condition of milk.     

XPS valence band studies of hydrogen storage nanocomposites

In this work, the electronic properties of hydrogen storage LaNi₅/A (A = 10 wt.% C, Cu, Pd, Ni) materials and LaNi₅+Mg_1.5Mn_0.5Ni, LaNi_3.75Mn_0.75Al_0.25Co_0.25 + Mg_1.5Mn_0.5Ni nanocomposites were studied. Results showed that the XPS valence bands measured for mechanically alloyed nanocrystalline alloys and nanocomposites showed a significant broadening compared to those obtained for microcrystalline materials with the same chemical compositions. Furthermore, the surface segregation process of La atoms in LaNi₅/Pd nanocomposites is stronger compared to that observed for the nanocrystalline LaNi₅ alloy thin films.     

Synthesis of polystyrene modified with fluorine atoms: Monomer reactivity ratios and thermal behavior

Homo‐ and copolymers of 4‐fluorostyrene (FSt) and styrene (St) were synthesized with different feed ratios using free radical bulk polymerization with azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. It yielded series of (co)polymers with various amounts of included FSt, P(St‐co‐FSt) (5–50 mol%) and PFSt. The effect of the initiator concentration on the molecular weights of the homopolymers, that is, PSt and PFSt was investigated. Copolymer compositions were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The relative reactivity ratios of both comonomers were determined by applying the conventional linearization methods of Jaacks (J), Finemann–Ross (F–R), inverted Finemann–Ross (IF–R), and Kelen‐Tüdos (K–T). The reactivity ratios values of St and FSt obtained from J plot are 1.06 and 0.84, F–R plot are 1.18 and 1.06, IF–R 1.01 and 0.86, and K–T plot 1.04 and 0.88, respectively. Thermal properties of prepared (co)polymers, that is, glass transition temperature (T_g) and thermal stability, were determined from differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetrical measurements. The lack of significant influence of FSt comonomer content on T_g of (co)polymers was observed. Additionally, the thermal degradation kinetics of obtained PSt and PFSt was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Kinetic parameters such as the thermal decomposition activation energy (E) and frequency factor (A) were estimated by Ozawa model [E(O) and A(O), respectively] and Kissinger model [E(K) and A(K), respectively]. The activation energy and the frequency factor of PFSt (253 kJ/mol) were higher than PSt (236 kJ/mol). The resulting activation energies estimated using the two methods were quite close. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1170–1181, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Surface layer characteristics due to slide diamond burnishing with a cylindrical-ended tool

The article presents an unconventional method of finishing shafts - slide burnishing with a cylindrical-ended tool whose axis is perpendicular to that of the worked shaft. The contact area of the tool with the workpiece and the tool force necessary for burnishing 42CrMo4 alloy steel shafts were calculated. The effect of burnishing parameters on the surface stereometric structure, the surface layer hardening and the distribution of final stresses was examined. Compared with grinding, a considerable improvement in surface condition indicators was found and it was possible to achieve a surface roughness, Sa of 0.05-0.18 μm. Surface microhardness increased by up to 29% and compressive stresses of up to a 400 MPa of the absolute value occurred in the surface layer. The effect of burnishing parameters on surface roughness, Sa and oscillatory bending strength were examined and the relevant mathematical models - multinominals of the second order that also allow for the interaction of input factors were obtained. Fatigue strength improved (compared to that of the ground workpieces) by 18%. It was found that those effects can be achieved without a lot of technological effort.     

Nanostructured titanium-45S5 Bioglass scaffold composites for medical applications

Titanium–10 wt.% 45S5 Bioglass scaffold nanocomposites were synthesized by the combination of mechanical alloying and by a “space-holder” sintering process. The porous structure and corrosion properties were investigated. In vitro biocompatibility of these materials was evaluated and compared with a conventional microcrystalline titanium, where normal human osteoblast (NHOst) cells from Cambrex (CC-2538) were cultured on the disks of the materials and cell growth was examined. The morphology of the cell cultures obtained on Ti–10 wt.% 45S5 Bioglass nanocomposite was similar to those obtained on the microcrystalline titanium. On the other hand, on porous scaffold, the cells adhered with their whole surface to the insert penetrating the porous structure, while on the polished surface, more spherical cells were observed with a smaller surface of adhesion. The present study has demonstrated that titanium–10 wt.% 45S5 Bioglass scaffold nanocomposite is a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.     

Improved corrosion resistance of stainless steel X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 by slide diamond burnishing

The article presents an nonconventional finishing method – diamond slide burnishing. The effect of drawing, polishing and burnishing on corrosion resistance was examined by quickened electrochemical investigations using the potentiodynamic method. The investigation showed a correlation of the indicators ΔE_p (passive area width) and ΔE_h (hysteresis loop width at repassivation) with residual stresses in the surface layer and with some surface geometric structure parameters, too. Microscopic observations made it possible to determine the nature of surface corrosion changes. Generally, the best corrosion resistance was found after burnishing.     

Frequency-dependent electrical properties in the system SnO2-TiO2

The a.c. impedance response of polycrystalline ceramics Sn_xTi_-x1O₂ was studied in the air in the temperature range 298–1073 K. The impedance spectra were analyzed in terms of two proposed equivalent circuits involving both resistor and non-Debye constant phase element (CPE). The presence of CPE elements may be interpreted by diffusion phenomena. The results indicate a negligible contribution of grain boundary resistance to the total resistivity of the studied materials. The determined activation energy of the bulk conductivity of TiO₂ was compared with literature data. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Experimental test chamber design for optics exposure testing and debris characterization of a xenon discharge produced plasma source for extreme ultraviolet lithography

A commercial EUV light source is currently used in the MS-13 EUV Micro Exposure Tool (MET) produced by Exitech Ltd. The source uses a xenon z-pinch discharge to produce 13.5 nm light intended for use in extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL). During operation, an erosive flux of particles is ejected from the pinch plasma, contributing to limitations in the lifetime of nearby collector optics. A diagnostic chamber is presented that permits characterization of the debris fields present, exposure of optical samples, and evaluation of debris mitigation techniques. Available diagnostics include a Faraday cup, a spherical sector energy analyzer (ESA), and a EUV photodiode. This paper details the chamber design and initial results of source characterization. Faraday cup analysis shows that the maximum theoretical ion energy is 53 keV, ESA measurements show the presence of Xe⁺, Xe²⁺, Ar⁺, W⁺, and Mo⁺ ions, and microanalysis of exposed mirror samples is used to show the erosive effects of plasma exposure.