PRACTICAL INCONSISTENCY MANAGEMENT FOR CRITICAL-TASKS DECISION-SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Abstract

In this paper, the problem of logical consistency in critical-tasks decision systems is addressed. It is shown how local search techniques can be used to check the (in)consistency of very large propositional knowledge bases (KBs). Using new heuristic findings. we can now implement efficient forms of diagnostic reasoning in the context of very large ICBs modeling deep models of complex devices and including patterns of default reasoning.     

Machining strategy development and parameter selection in 5-axis milling based on process simulations

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most popular additive manufacturing technologies for fabricating prototypes with complex geometry and different materials. However, current commercial FDM machines have the limitations in process reliability and product quality. In order to overcome these limitations and increase the levels of machine intelligence and automation, machine conditions need to be monitored more closely as in closed-loop control systems. In this study, a new method for in situ monitoring of FDM machine conditions is proposed, where acoustic emission (AE) technique is applied. The proposed method allows for the identification of both normal and abnormal states of the machine conditions. The time-domain features of AE hits are used as the indicators. Support vector machines with the radial basis function kernel are applied for state identification. Experimental results show that this new method can potentially serve as a non-intrusive diagnostic and prognostic tool for FDM machine maintenance and process control.     

High energy Si ions bombardment effects on the properties of nano-layers of SiO2/SiO2 + Ag

We grew 50 periodic SiO₂/SiO₂ + Ag multi-layers by electron beam deposition technique. The co-deposited SiO₂ + Ag layers are 7.26 nm, SiO₂ buffer layers are 4 nm, and total thickness of film was determined as 563 nm. We measured the thickness of the layers using in situ thickness monitoring during deposition, and optical interferometry afterwards. The concentration and distribution of Ag in SiO₂ were determined using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). In order to calculate the dimensionless figure of merit, ZT, the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient of the layered structure were measured at room temperature before and after bombardment with 5 MeV Si ions. The energy of the Si ions was chosen such that the ions are stopped deep inside the silicon substrate and only electronic energy due to ionization is deposited in the layered structure. Optical absorption (OA) spectra were taken in the range 200–900 nm to monitor the Ag nanocluster formation in the thin layers.     

Determination of radiation attenuation coefficients of heavyweight- and normal-weight concretes containing colemanite and barite for 0.663 MeV γ-rays

Accurate measurements have been made to determine radiation transmission of concretes produced with barite, colemanite and normal aggregate by using beam transmission method for 0.663 MeV γ-rays energy of ¹³⁷Cs radioactive isotopes by using NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. Linear and mass attenuation coefficients of thirteen heavy- and four normal-weight concretes were calculated. It was determined that the linear attenuation coefficient (μ, cm⁻¹) decreased with colemanite concentration and increased with barite concentration in both type of the concretes. Mass attenuation coefficient values of our concretes were compared with the values proposed by the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).     

Analysis and compensation of mass loading effect of accelerometers on tool point FRF measurements for chatter stability predictions

Chatter is one of the major problems in machining resulting in poor surface quality and reduced productivity. Stability diagrams can be used to determine chatter-free process conditions yielding high productivity. For generation of stability diagrams, frequency response functions (FRF) at the tool tip are needed to be used in stability models. Impact tests involving accelerometers are commonly used in FRF measurements. Although mass of a typical accelerometer used in these measurements is extremely small compared with the cutting tool, it can have a significant effect on the FRF measurement. In this paper, the effect of accelerometer’s mass on tool point FRFs and stability diagrams is demonstrated for several cases with different tool-to-accelerometer mass ratios by using laser velocity sensor measurements. In addition, a structural modification method which can be used to compensate this effect is also presented on several cases. The structural modification method can be used to correct the FRFs measured with accelerometers, and thus the resulting stability diagrams.     

Modeling and simulation of 5-axis milling processes

5-axis milling is widely used in machining of complex surfaces. Part quality and productivity are extremely important due to the high cost of machine tools and parts involved. Process models can be used for the selection of proper process parameters. Although extensive research has been conducted on milling process modeling, very few are on 5-axis milling. This paper presents models for 5-axis milling process geometry, cutting force and stability. The application of the models in selection of important parameters is also demonstrated. A practical method, developed for the extraction of cutting geometry, is used in simulation of a complete 5-axis cycle.     

A closed-form approach for identification of dynamical contact parameters in spindle–holder–tool assemblies

Accurate identification of contact dynamics is very crucial in predicting the dynamic behavior and chatter stability of spindle–tool assemblies in machining centers. It is well known that the stability lobe diagrams used for predicting regenerative chatter vibrations can be obtained from the tool point frequency response function (FRF) of the system. As previously shown by the authors, contact dynamics at the spindle–holder and holder–tool interfaces as well as the dynamics of bearings affect the tool point FRF considerably. Contact stiffness and damping values alter the frequencies and peak values of dominant vibration modes, respectively. Fast and accurate identification of contact dynamics in spindle–tool assemblies has become an important issue in the recent years. In this paper, a new method for identifying contact dynamics in spindle–holder–tool assemblies from experimental measurements is presented. The elastic receptance coupling equations are employed in a simple manner and closed-form expressions are obtained for the stiffness and damping parameters of the joint of interest. Although this study focuses on the contact dynamics at the spindle–holder and holder–tool interfaces of the assembly, the identification approach proposed in this paper might as well be used for identifying the dynamical parameters of bearings, spindle–holder interface and as well as other critical joints. After presenting the mathematical theory, an analytical case study is given for demonstration of the identification approach. Experimental verification is provided for identification of the dynamical contact parameters at the holder–tool interface of a spindle–holder–tool assembly.     

A study on soil-structure interaction analysis in canyon-shaped topographies

In this paper, a coupled finite and infinite element system is used to study the effects of canyon-shaped topography and geotechnical characteristics of the soil on the dynamic response of free surface and of 2-D soil-structure systems under ground motion. A parametric study is carried out for canyon-shaped topographies. It is concluded that topographic conditions may have important effects on the ground motion along the canyon. Geotechnical properties of the soil also have significant amplification effects on the whole system motion, which cannot be neglected for design purposes. Thus, the dynamic response of both free surface and a soil-structure system are primarily affected by surface shapes and geotechnical properties of the soil. Location of the structure is another parameter affecting the whole system response.     

Comparison of one-dimensional and multi-dimensional models in stability analysis of turning operations

Chatter is one of the main problems in machining resulting in poor surface quality and low productivity. Chatter can be avoided by applying stability diagrams which are generated using stability models. The stability analysis of turning has mostly been performed using single dimensional, so-called oriented transfer function approach whereas the actual turning processes usually involve multi-dimensional dynamics. In this paper, a comparative analysis between one dimensional (1D) and multi-dimensional stability models is given for turning operations. The multi dimensional model includes the inclination and side edge cutting angles and insert nose radius in order to demonstrate their effect on absolute stable depth of cut predictions. Chatter experiments are conducted in order to compare with both model predictions. It is demonstrated that for higher inclination angles and insert nose radii 1D models result in significant errors, and multi-dimensional solutions are required.     

Efficacy of lodoxamide 0.1% versus N-acetyl aspartyl glutamic acid 6% ophthalmic solutions in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis

The purpose of this study was to investigate environmental lead exposure in the general Taiwanese population. A total of 8828 Taiwanese adults selected by a multistage sampling method were investigated. Characteristics of the participants were ascertained by questionnaire and 10 ml venous blood was drawn by public health nurses. The blood specimens were distributed to six laboratories for blood lead level (BLL) measurement. A quality control program was applied during the analysis of the BLLs in order to improve precision and accuracy. The arithmetic mean BLL of the 8828 Taiwanese adults was 7.70 +/- 5.23 micrograms/dl, with a maximal level of 69.1 micrograms/dl. The median was 6.5 micrograms/dl and the 90th percentile was 14.0 micrograms/dl. After logarithmic transformation, the geometric mean was 1.84 +/- 0.67 microgram/dl. This study also found that elevated BLLs were associated with certain personal characteristics, i.e., gender, ethnic group, and education level; life-style factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, Chinese herbal drug consumption, milk consumption, and sources of drinking water; residential location, i.e., level of urbanization; and occupational history of lead exposure. However, age, floor level of residence, distance from house to road, and betel nut consumption were not associated with elevated BLLs. These results showed that BLLs in the Taiwanese population were not higher than those in developed and developing countries. Most of the influencing factors were also found in other studies; however, local factors such as ethnic group, Chinese herbal drug consumption, and sources of drinking water are important considerations in Taiwan when examining ways to prevent overexposure to lead in the general population.