Improving the Dynamic Performance of Five-Axis CNC Machine Tool by using the Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Platform

The paper presents the development and implementation of a Software-in-the-loop (SIL) platform allowing the real-time simulation of the hybrid model of five-axis CNC machine tool which is implemented in SIMULINK. The interfacing between dSPACE software and the feed drives models in SIMULINK is explined. The values for the simulated positioning errors between the position demand and simulated position of orthogonal trimming head for the gantry axis are in the order of microns so proposed SIL model is validated. The accurate SIL platform could be used to build and optimise the machining process models including CNC machine tools under cutting conditions and improve machines’ dynamic performance

Fast Simulation of Vehicles with Non-deformable Tracks

This paper presents a novel technique that allows for both computationally fast and sufficiently plausible simulation of vehicles with non-deformable tracks. The method is based on an effect we have called Contact Surface Motion. A comparison with several other methods for simulation of tracked vehicle dynamics is presented with the aim to evaluate methods that are available off-the-shelf or with minimum effort in general-purpose robotics simulators. The proposed method is implemented as a plugin for the open-source physics-based simulator Gazebo using the Open Dynamics Engine.Comment: Submitted to IROS 201

Validation of movement over a belt conveyor drum

This paper presents the use of new modern methods for the research of movement of material on a belt conveyor. One of the innovative methods is Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), which was used to scan and assess the two-dimensional vector field of speed of particles on the belt conveyor. Outputs from PIV were compared to simulations of the same transport process. These simulations were performed using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Four transport speeds of material were assessed for a real and simulative belt conveyor model. Software tracking of particle movement was used to determine and compare the trajectories of paths of particles leaving the belt conveyor drum. Validation of the DEM simulation of material movement over a belt conveyor drum using PIV provided acceptable results in the area of particle speed fields. Comparison of the particle path trajectory corresponds to the preliminary hypothesis which leads to calibration of the DEM simulation. The results and assessment of this paper were created based on validation.Web of Science11212411

A Generic Synthesis Algorithm for Well-Defined Parametric Design

This paper aims to improve the way synthesis tools can be built by formalizing: 1) the design artefact, 2) related knowledge and 3) an algorithm to generate solutions. This paper focuses on well-defined parametric engineering design, ranging from machine elements to industrial products. A design artefact is formalized in terms of parameters and topology elements. The knowledge is classified in three types: resolving rules to determine parameter values, constraining rules to restrict parameter values and expansion rules to add elements to the topology. A synthesis algorithm, based on an opportunistic design strategy, is described and tested for three design cases

A new internal combustion engine configuration: opposed pistons with crank offset

[Abstract]: Theoretical and experimental performance results for a new internal combustion engine configuration are presented in this paper. The engine is a piston ported, spark ignition petrol engine which consists of two opposed pistons in a single cylinder controlled by two synchronously timed crankshafts at opposite ends of the cylinder. It makes use of crank offset to create the required piston motion aimed at engine efficiency improvements through thermodynamic performance gains. In particular, the engine employs full expansion in which the power stroke displaces a larger volume than the compression stroke, thereby allowing the expanding gas to reach near atmospheric pressure before the exhaust port opens. This allows more work to be done by each thermodynamic cycle. It also features a greater rate of volume change after combustion than a convention 4-stroke engine for the same crank speed. This reduces the time that the temperature difference between the gas and the cylinder is high relative to a conventional engine which in turn, should reduce the heat lost from the combustion products. Thermodynamic and friction modelling of the engine indicated that efficiencies around 38% might be achieved. However, experiments with a prototype engine demonstrated that friction losses in the engine exceeded that predicted in the original modelling

A dynamics-driven approach to precision machines design for micro-manufacturing and its implementation perspectives

Precision machines are essential elements in fabricating high quality micro products or micro features and directly affect the machining accuracy, repeatability and efficiency. There are a number of literatures on the design of industrial machine elements and a couple of precision machines commercially available. However, few researchers have systematically addressed the design of precision machines from the dynamics point of view. In this paper, the design issues of precision machines are presented with particular emphasis on the dynamics aspects as the major factors affecting the performance of the precision machines and machining processes. This paper begins with a brief review of the design principles of precision machines with emphasis on machining dynamics. Then design processes of precision machines are discussed, and followed by a practical modelling and simulation approaches. Two case studies are provided including the design and analysis of a fast tool servo system and a 5-axis bench-top micro-milling machine respectively. The design and analysis used in the two case studies are formulated based on the design methodology and guidelines

An analysis of the modified Dahl and Masing models: application to a belt tensioner

The objective of this paper is to describe the modified Dahl and Masing models used for predicting hysteretic behavior, and tested on a belt tensioner for automotive engines. An experimental study with deflection imposed on the tensioner is first carried out to identify hysteresis loop parameters for the two models. The models are implemented in the general motion equations which govern the behavior of a belt–tensioner–mass system. Particular attention is paid to the use of numerical schemes. The numerical and experimental investigations show the reliability of the modified Dahl model

Investigation of a novel elastic-mechanical wheel transmission under light duty conditions

A novel 'Elastic Engagement and Friction Coupled' (EEFC) mechanical transmission has been proposed recently in which the power is transmitted through elastic tines on the surfaces of the driving and driven wheels. This study introduces new variations of EEFC mechanical wheel transmission ( broadly emulating a gear-pair) with small contact areas for use under light duty conditions. Because a drive of this type inevitably has a strong statistical component, theoretical analysis of the geometrical and mechanical relationships has been attempted by using linear modeling and empirical weightings. Several simple forms of the EEFC wheel transmission are tested under limiting ( slip) conditions for transmission force and transmission coefficients against normal load. Normalized standard deviation of these parameters is used to summarize noise performance. Models and experiments are in reasonable agreement, suggesting that the model parameters reflect important design considerations. EEFC transmissions appear well suited to force regimes of a few tenths of a newton and to have potential for use in, for example, millimetre-scale robots