Kinetics of a frictional granular motor

Within the framework of a Boltzmann-Lorentz equation, we analyze the dynamics of a granular rotor immersed in a bath of thermalized particles in the presence of a frictional torque on the axis. In numerical simulations of the equation, we observe two scaling regimes at low and high bath temperatures. In the large friction limit, we obtain the exact solution of a model corresponding to asymptotic behavior of the Boltzmann-Lorentz equation. In the limit of large rotor mass and small friction, we derive a Fokker-Planck equation for which the exact solution is also obtained.Comment: 4 pages, 4 Figures, To be published in Phys. Rev. Let

Design optimization for an additively manufactured automotive component

The aim of this paper is to investigate the design optimization and additive manufacture of automotive components. A Titanium brake pedal processed through Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is considered as a test case. Different design optimisation techniques have been employed including topology optimization and lattice structure design. Rather than using a conventional topology optimization method, a recently developed topology optimization method called Iso-XFEM is used in this work. This method is capable of generating high resolution topology optimised solutions using isolines/isosurfaces of a structural performance criterion and eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM). Lattice structure design is the other technique used in this work for the design of the brake pedal. The idea is to increase the stability of the brake pedal to random loads applied to the foot pad area of the pedal. The use of lattice structures can also significantly reduce the high residual stress induced during the SLM process. The results suggest that the integration of the design optimization techniques with a metal additive manufacturing process enables development of a promising tool for producing lightweight energy efficient automotive components

The thermo-mechanical degradation of ethylene vinyl acetate used as a solar panel adhesive and encapsulant

The thermal ageing of an Ethylene-vinyl Acetate (EVA) polymer used as an adhesive and encapsulant in a photovoltaic module has been investigated. The EVA is used to bond the silicon solar cells to the front glass and backing sheet and to protect the photovoltaic materials from the environment and mechanical damage. Using a range of experimental techniques, including Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermo-Gravimetric analysis, it was possible to show a link between changes in mechanical properties with both the transient temperature and the degree of long-time thermal ageing. Importantly, it was possible to show that the ageing related property changes were likely due to long term structural changes rather than any modification of the chemistry of the material

Topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures using an evolutionary optimization method

Iso-XFEM method is an evolutionary optimization method developed in our previous studies to enable the generation of high resolution topology optimised designs suitable for additive manufacture. Conventional approaches for topology optimization require additional post-processing after optimization to generate a manufacturable topology with clearly defined smooth boundaries. Iso-XFEM aims to eliminate this time-consuming post-processing stage by defining the boundaries using isovalues of a structural performance criterion and an extended finite element method (XFEM) scheme. In this paper, the Iso-XFEM method is further developed to enable the topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures undergoing large deformations. This is achieved by implementing a total Lagrangian finite element formulation and defining a structural performance criterion appropriate for the objective function of the optimization problem. The Iso-XFEM solutions for geometrically nonlinear test-cases implementing linear and nonlinear modelling are compared, and the suitability of nonlinear modelling for the topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures is investigated

An inverse method for determining the spatially resolved properties of viscoelastic–viscoplastic three-dimensional printed materials

A method using experimental nanoindentation and inverse finite-element analysis (FEA) has been developed that enables the spatial variation of material constitutive properties to be accurately determined. The method was used to measure property variation in a three-dimensional printed (3DP) polymeric material. The accuracy of the method is dependent on the applicability of the constitutive model used in the inverse FEA, hence four potential material models: viscoelastic, viscoelastic–viscoplastic, nonlinear viscoelastic and nonlinear viscoelastic–viscoplastic were evaluated, with the latter enabling the best fit to experimental data. Significant changes in material properties were seen in the depth direction of the 3DP sample, which could be linked to the degree of cross-linking within the material, a feature inherent in a UV-cured layer-by-layer construction method. It is proposed that the method is a powerful tool in the analysis of manufacturing processes with potential spatial property variation that will also enable the accurate prediction of final manufactured part performance

Design of highly stabilized nanocomposite inks based on biodegradable polymer-matrix and gold nanoparticles for Inkjet Printing

Nowadays there is a worldwide growing interest in the Inkjet Printing technology owing to its potentially high levels of geometrical complexity, personalization and resolution. There is also social concern about usage, disposal and accumulation of plastic materials. In this work, it is shown that sugar-based biodegradable polyurethane polymers exhibit outstanding properties as polymer-matrix for gold nanoparticles composites. These materials could reach exceptional stabilization levels, and demonstrated potential as novel robust inks for Inkjet based Printing. Furthermore, a physical comparison among different polymers is discussed based on stability and printability experiments to search for the best ink candidate. The University of Seville logo was printed by employing those inks, and the presence of gold was confirmed by ToF-SIMS. This approach has the potential to open new routes and applications for fabrication of enhanced biomedical nanometallic-sensors using stabilized AuNP.Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad MINECO, (Grants Nos. CTQ2016- 78703-P and MAT2016-78703-P)Junta de Andalucía (Consolidation Grant for Research Group FQM135 and 2017/FQM-386, P-2018/809)University of Seville (V y VI Plan Propio PP2016-5937

Development of 3D cellular silicone structures using reactive inkjet printing approach for energy absorbing application

Silicone cellular foams are well suited for energy absorbing applications due to their ability to undertake large deformations and absorb significant quantities of energy. However traditional methods for fabrication of cellular silicone are long and difficult and with no possibility of varying the density of pores. Having a fabrication method that allows controlling the structure hence mechanical properties of the silicone features is essential for expanding their application. This work investigates a method based on reactive inkjet printing approach to produce 3D silicone structures of which mechanical properties can be tailored by varying the process parameters and structure’s design. Printing parameters such as pressure, temperature, and pulse shape were investigated to optimize the process for SE1700 silicone material. The vinyl terminated part of SE1700 silicone with the addition of different solvents (vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane, silicone oil 10cP and 100cP) were evaluated for printability using rheology. The mechanical properties of printed films were assessed using dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. The TGA and swelling study were performed to understand the change in sample’s properties in relation to different formulations. Silicone structures with different porosities were printed and the storage modulus, loss modulus and damping properties were investigated. The results showed that despite the high viscosity of silicone fluids, it is possible to employ reactive inkjet printing approach in order to obtain silicone features. It was also demonstrated that the capability to alter mechanical properties of printed silicone structures could be achieved using different process parameters and also

Granular dynamics of a vibrated bed of dumbbells

A two-dimensional vibrated bed of dumbbells was investigated using experiment and numerical simulation. Experimentally, high speed photography in combination with image analysis and tracking software was used to determine the location of the centre of mass and the locations and direction of motion of the component particles of the dumbbells. Numerically, a geometry analogous to that used experimentally was employed and the equations of motion for each of the particles were solved using the distinct element method. It was found that, despite some differences, the numerical simulations agreed reasonably well with the experimental results. Subsequently, the simulation method was used to explore the behaviour of the bed over a range of densities. The moments of the velocity distributions were determined as a function of height for a range of numbers of particles, and it was found that a normal distribution of velocities is a good approximation, except close to the vibrating base where there were suggestions that the distribution of the vertical component of the velocities is a composite of two sets of particles, one pre-collision with the base, and the other post-collision

Design framework for multifunctional additive manufacturing: coupled optimization strategy for structures with embedded functional systems

The driver for this research is the development of multi-material additive manufacturing processes that provide the potential for multi-functional parts to be manufactured in a single operation. In order to exploit the potential benefits of this emergent technology, new design, analysis and optimization methods are needed. This paper presents a method that enables in the optimization of a multifunctional part by coupling both the system and structural design aspects. This is achieved by incorporating the effects of a system, comprised of a number of connected functional components, on the structural response of a part within a structural topology optimization procedure. The potential of the proposed method is demonstrated by performing a coupled optimization on a cantilever plate with integrated components and circuitry. The results demonstrate that the method is capable of designing an optimized multifunctional part in which both the structural and system requirements are considered