Exploring semi-solid alloy deformation with discrete element method simulations and synchrotron radiography

Semi-solid alloys are deformed in a wide range of pressurised casting processes; an improved understanding and modelling capability are required to minimise defect formation and optimise productivity. This thesis combines thin-sample in-situ X-ray radiography of semisolid Al-Cu alloy deformation with 2D coupled lattice Boltzmann method – discrete element method (LBM-DEM) simulations. Mechanisms of strain heterogeneity and localisation are identified during semi-solid deformation in globular Al-Cu alloys with various combinations of initial solid fraction and strain rates. The calibrated set of LBM-DEM simulations is then used to obtain information that is not available in X-ray imaging to extract deeper insights into the semi-solid deformation behaviours observed in the experiments. It is found that the local contraction and dilation of the percolating grain assembly are highly influenced by the initial solid fraction. When deforming a low solid fraction alloy, macroscopic contraction due to grains being pushed together increases the local liquid pressure and expels liquid from the sample surface. In contrast, deforming high solid fraction alloys leads to macroscopic shear-induced dilation by grains pushing each other apart and surface menisci are sucked-in due to the decrease in interstitial liquid pressure. It is also shown that the macroscopic behaviour of semi-solid alloy deformation undergoes a range of rheological transitions with increasing solid fraction. First from a suspension to a percolating solid network and, later, from net dilation to shear cracking. These transitions are investigated with LBM-DEM simulations, and the transition to shear cracking is shown to be related to the local decrease in interstitial liquid pressure caused by shear-induced dilation. The verified coupled LBM-DEM simulation is shown to exhibit a load:deformation response consistent with the critical state framework of soil mechanics, indicating that this approach can be useful for modelling thermomechanics in casting processes.Open Acces

Selected Papers from the 2018 IEEE International Workshop on Metrology for the Sea

This Special Issue is devoted to recent developments in instrumentation and measurement techniques applied to the marine field. ¶The sea is the medium that has allowed people to travel from one continent to another using vessels, even today despite the use of aircraft. It has also been acting as a great reservoir and source of food for all living beings. However, for many generations, it served as a landfill for depositing conventional and nuclear wastes, especially in its deep seabeds, and we are assisting in a race to exploit minerals and resources, different from foods, encompassed in it. Its health is a great challenge for the survival of all humanity since it is one of the most important environmental components targeted by global warming. ¶ As everyone may know, measuring is a step that generates substantial knowledge about a phenomenon or an asset, which is the basis for proposing correct solutions and making proper decisions. However, measurements in the sea environment pose unique difficulties and opportunities, which is made clear from the research results presented in this Special Issue

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 289)

This bibliography lists 792 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in Mar. 1993. Subject coverage includes: design, construction and testing of aircraft and aircraft engines; aircraft components, equipment, and systems; ground support systems; and theoretical and applied aspects of aerodynamics and general fluid dynamics

Engineering planetary lasers for interstellar communication

Transmitting large amounts of data efficiently among neighboring stars will vitally support any eventual contact with extrasolar intelligence, whether alien or human. Laser carriers are particularly suitable for high-quality, targeted links. Space laser transmitter systems designed by this work, based on both demonstrated and imminent advanced space technology, could achieve reliable data transfer rates as high as 1 kb/s to matched receivers as far away as 25 pc, a distance including over 700 approximately solar-type stars. The centerpiece of this demonstration study is a fleet of automated spacecraft incorporating adaptive neural-net optical processing active structures, nuclear electric power plants, annular momentum control devices, and ion propulsion. Together the craft sustain, condition, modulate, and direct to stellar targets an infrared laser beam extracted from the natural mesospheric, solar-pumped, stimulated CO2 emission recently discovered at Venus. For a culture already supported by mature interplanetary industry, the cost of building planetary or high-power space laser systems for interstellar communication would be marginal, making such projects relevant for the next human century. Links using high-power lasers might support data transfer rates as high as optical frequencies could ever allow. A nanotechnological society such as we might become would inevitably use 10 to the 20th power b/yr transmission to promote its own evolutionary expansion out of the galaxy

Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction towards E-shopping in Malaysia

Online shopping or e-shopping has changed the world of business and quite a few people have decided to work with these features. What their primary concerns precisely and the responses from the globalisation are the competency of incorporation while doing their businesses. E-shopping has also increased substantially in Malaysia in recent years. The rapid increase in the e-commerce industry in Malaysia has created the demand to emphasize on how to increase customer satisfaction while operating in the e-retailing environment. It is very important that customers are satisfied with the website, or else, they would not return. Therefore, a crucial fact to look into is that companies must ensure that their customers are satisfied with their purchases that are really essential from the ecommerce’s point of view. With is in mind, this study aimed at investigating customer satisfaction towards e-shopping in Malaysia. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed among students randomly selected from various public and private universities located within Klang valley area. Total 369 questionnaires were returned, out of which 341 questionnaires were found usable for further analysis. Finally, SEM was employed to test the hypotheses. This study found that customer satisfaction towards e-shopping in Malaysia is to a great extent influenced by ease of use, trust, design of the website, online security and e-service quality. Finally, recommendations and future study direction is provided. Keywords: E-shopping, Customer satisfaction, Trust, Online security, E-service quality, Malaysia