An automated feature extraction method with application to empirical model development from machining power data

Machining shop floor jobs are rarely optimised for minimisation of the energy consumption, as no clear guidelines exist in operating procedures and high production rates and finishing quality are requirements with higher priorities. However, there has been an increased interest recently in more energy-efficient process designs, due to new regulations and increases in energy charges. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is a popular procedure using empirical models for optimising the energy consumption in cutting operations, but successful deployment requires good understanding of the methods employed and certain steps are time-consuming. In this work, a novel method that automates the feature extraction when applying RSM is presented. Central to the approach is a continuous Hidden Markov model, where the probability distribution of the observations at each state is represented by a mixture of Gaussian distributions. When applied to a case study, the automated extracted material cutting energies lay within 1.12% of measured values and the spindle acceleration energies within 3.33% of their actual values

Thermal modelling of manufacturing processes and HVAC systems

The two main energy consumers within a manufacturing plant are the HVAC systems and manufacturing processes. Studies have predominately looked at energy demand associated with manufacturing a single product or a production line, as well as analysis of energy use within a building, but little work has investigated the interaction between manufacturing processes and the surrounding building. Dynamic time based building energy simulation was used to determine the thermal behaviour of the manufacturing facility. The study establishes the importance of analysing manufacturing energy flows alongside that of the building in order to capture all thermal and energy flows. The relationship between the energy demand of HVAC systems with manufacturing productivity is determined. The use of the current degree-day method of building analysis was proven inappropriate for manufacturing facilities, due to such significant heat gains from manufacturing equipment, and impact of equipment on indoor conditions. The need for a proactive HVAC system based on manufacturing demand is introduced, allowing for control of the environment prior to significant temperature or humidity changes

ReSCon '12, Research Student Conference: Book of Abstracts

The fifth SED Research Student Conference (ReSCon2012) was hosted over three days, 18-20 June 2012, in the Hamilton Centre at Brunel University. The conference consisted of 130 oral and 70 poster presentations, based on the high quality and diverse research being conducted within the School of Engineering and Design by postgraduate research students. The conference is held annually, and ReSCon plays a key role in contributing to research and innovations within the School

Enhancing Future Skills and Entrepreneurship

This open access book presents the proceedings of the 3rd Indo-German Conference on Sustainability in Engineering held at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India, on September 16–17, 2019. Intended to foster the synergies between research and education, the conference is one of the joint activities of the BITS Pilani and TU Braunschweig conducted under the auspices of Indo-German Center for Sustainable Manufacturing, established in 2009. The book is divided into three sections: engineering, education and entrepreneurship, covering a range of topics, such as renewable energy forecasting, design & simulation, Industry 4.0, and soft & intelligent sensors for energy efficiency. It also includes case studies on lean and green manufacturing, and life cycle analysis of ceramic products, as well as papers on teaching/learning methods based on the use of learning factories to improve students’problem-solving and personal skills. Moreover, the book discusses high-tech ideas to help the large number of unemployed engineering graduates looking for jobs become tech entrepreneurs. Given its broad scope, it will appeal to academics and industry professionals alike

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography, supplement 122

This bibliography lists 303 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in April 1980

Novel Applications of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites

Advanced materials have offered the materials designer a wide range of options in the specification and selection of materials for various applications. Material properties are continually being improved to meet safety and operational standards in line with prevailing technological developments. Modern technological requirements, together with the consumers’ demands for systems and machines that are more energy efficient, stronger, light-weight, cost-effective, etc., dictate that the search for new and advanced materials will remain a subject of interest all the time. The difficulty in designing materials for such stringent specifications cannot be overstated, owing to the conflicting nature of these specifications. Aluminium metal matrix composites (AlMMCs) are a class of materials that have proven successful in meeting most of the rigorous specifications in applications where light-weight, high stiffness and moderate strength are the requisite properties. With a variety of reinforcement materials and flexibility in their primary processing, AlMMCs offer great potential for the development of composites with the desired properties for certain applications. In this review, the development, utilisation and future potential of AlMMCs in various industrial and commercial applications is discussed, together with the existing challenges hindering their full market penetration

Space Transportation Materials and Structures Technology Workshop

The Space Transportation Materials and Structures Technology Workshop was held on September 23-26, 1991, in Newport News, Virginia. The workshop, sponsored by the NASA Office of Space Flight and the NASA Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology, was held to provide a forum for communication within the space materials and structures technology developer and user communities. Workshop participants were organized into a Vehicle Technology Requirements session and three working panels: Materials and Structures Technologies for Vehicle Systems, Propulsion Systems, and Entry Systems