17 research outputs found
Solvable three-state model of a driven double-well potential and coherent destruction of tunneling
A simple model for a particle in a double well is derived from discretizing its configuration space. The model contains as many free parameters as the original system and it respects all the existing symmetries. In the presence of an external periodic force both the continuous system and the discrete model are shown to possess a generalized time-reversal symmetry in addition to the known generalized parity. The impact of the driving force on the spectrum of the Floquet operator is studied. In particular, the occurrence of degenerate quasienergies causing coherent destruction of tunneling is discussed—to a large extent analytically—for arbitrary driving frequencies and barrier heights
Establishing the health and wellbeing needs of mining host community in Brazil, Chile and Peru: a mixed-method approach to identify priority areas for action to help communities meet their SDG3 targets
Background
The global mining industry is an important partner in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2018, Anglo American plc published their Sustainable Mining Plan, containing a goal for improving health and wellbeing aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) targets. Having formed an independent multidisciplinary research consortium, we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of SDG3 priorities within the local context of communities hosting Anglo American mining operations located in Latin America.
Methods
In 2019, within the host communities of three mining operations in Chile, three in Brazil, and one in Peru, we conducted a qualitative study which included stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews. We also quantitatively appraised existing health data. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative assessments were compared to identify health and wellbeing priority areas for action relevant to each community.
Results
Across the three countries, 120 people took part in workshops and 35 in interviews. In these workshops and interviews, non-communicable diseases (SDG3.4), harmful alcohol consumption (SDG3.5), and pollution, particularly air pollution (SDG3.9), were consistently identified as areas for priority action. There were similarities in the reporting of individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas across the different communities. The availability of quantitative data was generally good at the state level, becoming increasing sparse as we focused on smaller geographies. The priorities identified in the quantitative assessments generally aligned with those highlighted in the qualitative data.
Conclusions
We highlight the importance of engaging with local populations to understand and address health needs. To address the priorities identified, intervention packages tailored to the specific needs of host communities, that tackle associated upstream societal level factors, are required. To facilitate this, appropriate monitoring systems and epidemiological investigations should be implemented to better understand the local context and quantify health issues. In the host communities, it is essential for the mining sector to be a key health partner in promoting integrated programmes that contribute to achieving the priority objectives and targets aligned with the SDG3 agenda
Modeling and experiment of the suspended seismometer concept for attenuating the contribution of tilt motion in horizontal measurements
Contactless linear electromechanical actuator : experimental verification of the improved design
This paper describes ways to overcome the major applicability limitations of a novel linear electromechanical actuator. Guidelines for selecting a proper soft magnetic material for a magnetic system of the actuator are presented. Conventional laminated electric steel and a soft magnetic composite material are compared based on the measured dynamic performance (up to 1000Hz) and manufacturability. A serious cross-coupling between two actuation directions of the actuator is identified and investigated. Improvements to the design are described. Experimental verification of the improved design is carried out by the two scientific groups. First measurement results show a significant (3 to 9 times) reduction of the cross-couplin
Analysis and initial synthesis of a novel linear actuator with active magnetic suspension
In this paper attention is given to the initial design and experimental verification of the novel IU-shaped electromechanical actuator as a part of six degrees of freedom (6-DoF) contactless sliding system. Such a synergetic system is reached by integration of electromagnetic and mechanical structures of magnetic bearing and linear electromechanical actuator. Initially the performance of the electromagnetic module is examined. An analytical investigation of decoupled forces, originated from permanent magnets and suspension coils as functions of rotor position and current values in the control coils, is performed. Numerical results (the FEM models-Maxwell 3D Ansoft Co.) are validated by static measurements. Initial geometry is modified to demonstrate the improvement of the actuator performance
Ultra-precision engineering in lithographic exposure equipment for the semiconductor industry
High-precision motion system design by topology optimization considering additive manufacturing
In the design process of high-precision motion stages, the dynamic behavior is of paramount importance. Manual design of such a stage is a time-consuming process, involving many iterations between engineers responsible for mechanics, dynamics and control. By using topology optimization in combination with additive manufacturing, post-processing using traditional machining and parts assembly, it is possible to arrive at an optimal design in an automated manner. The printing, machining, and assembly steps are incorporated in the optimization in order to directly arrive at a manufacturable design. With a motion stage demonstrator optimized for maximum eigenfrequencies, it is shown that combining additive manufacturing and topology optimization at industry-relevant design precision is within reach and can be applied to high-performance motion systems.</p