A Substructure Condensed Approach for Kinetostatic Modeling of Compliant Mechanisms with Complex Topology

Compliant mechanisms with complex topology have previously been employed in various precision devices due to the superiorities of high precision and compact size. In this paper, a substructure condensed approach for kinetostatic analysis of complex compliant mechanisms is proposed to provide concise solutions. In detail, the explicit relationships between the theoretical stiffness matrix, element stiffness matrix, and element transfer matrix for the common flexible beam element are first derived based on the energy conservation law. The transfer matrices for three types of serial–parallel substructures are then developed by combining the equilibrium equations of nodal forces with the transfer matrix approach, so that each branch chain can be condensed into an equivalent beam element. Based on the derived three types of transfer matrices, a kinetostatic model describing only the force-displacement relationship of the input/output nodes is established. Finally, two typical precision positioning platforms with complex topology are employed to demonstrate the conciseness and efficiency of this modeling approach. The superiority of this modeling approach is that the input/output stiffness, coupling stiffness, and input/output displacement relations of compliant mechanisms with multiple actuation forces and complex substructures can be simultaneously obtained in concise and explicit matrix forms, which is distinct from the traditional compliance matrix approach

Multiscale Collaborative Optimization of Processing Parameters for Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Laminates Fabricated by High-Speed Automated Fiber Placement

Processing optimization is an important means to inhibit manufacturing defects efficiently. However, processing optimization used by experiments or macroscopic theories in high-speed automated fiber placement (AFP) suffers from some restrictions, because multiscale effect of laying tows and their manufacturing defects could not be considered. In this paper, processing parameters, including compaction force, laying speed, and preheating temperature, are optimized by multiscale collaborative optimization in AFP process. Firstly, rational model between cracks and strain energy is revealed in order that the formative possibility of cracks could be assessed by using strain energy or its density. Following that, an antisequential hierarchical multiscale collaborative optimization method is presented to resolve multiscale effect of structure and mechanical properties for laying tows or cracks in high-speed automated fiber placement process. According to the above method and taking carbon fiber/epoxy tow as an example, multiscale mechanical properties of laying tow under different processing parameters are investigated through simulation, which includes recoverable strain energy (ALLSE) of macroscale, strain energy density (SED) of mesoscale, and interface absorbability and matrix fluidity of microscale. Finally, response surface method (RSM) is used to optimize the processing parameters. Two groups of processing parameters, which have higher desirability, are obtained to achieve the purpose of multiscale collaborative optimization

Finite difference method–based calculation of gravity deformation curve for the large-span beam of heavy-duty vertical lathe

To solve the problem that gravity deformation curve of large-span cast-iron beam analyzed by finite element method simulation is inaccurate due to material imperfection, a discretization calculation considering the inhomogeneity of the material based on finite difference method is proposed. Supposing the flexural rigidity of the beam is different along the length, the continuous beam is discretized into segments based on finite difference method, and equivalent flexural rigidity is presented to characterize the inhomogeneity of the material. Correction model of bending deformation is constructed to revise the results of finite element method simulation applying equivalent flexural rigidity that could be obtained by combining the discretization model and deformation data acquired in a simple self-load experiment in which the beam is simply supported without any assembly process. Finally, flowchart of application is presented, and the approach is illustrated through an example from real case. The experimental results show that the computational accuracy is improved from 73.14% to 88.33%, compared with just finite element method simulation

Early versus Delayed Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV and Tuberculosis Co-Infected Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

<div><p>Objective</p><p>To compare important clinical outcomes between early and delayed initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in adults who had a co-infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB).</p><p>Methods</p><p>We performed a systematic search for relevant publications on PubMed, EMBASE, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared early ART initiation (within four weeks after anti-TB treatment starting) and delayed ART initiation (after eight weeks but less than twelve weeks of anti-TB treatment starting) in the course of TB treatment. Pooled estimates with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated with random-effects model. Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the stability of pooled estimates.</p><p>Results</p><p>A meta-analysis was evaluated from six RCTs with 2272 participants. Compared to delayed ART initiation, early ART initiation significantly reduces all-cause mortality in HIV-positive patients with TB [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.75, 95%CI 0.59 to 0.95; I² = 0.00%; p = 0.67], even though there is an increased risk for IRD [IRR 2.29, 95%CI 1.81 to 2.91; I²2 = 0.00%; p = 0.56]. Additionally, early ART initiation was not associated with an increased risk for grade 3-4 drug-related adverse events [IRR 0.99, 95%CI 0.83 to 1.18; I² = 0.00%; p = 0.56].</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Although limited evidence, our results provide support for early ART initiation in the course of anti-TB treatment. However, more well-designed cohort or intervention studies are required to further confirm our findings.</p></div

Funnel plot of the publication bias.

<p>Funnel plot of the publication bias.</p

Forest plot of randomized controlled trials comparing the clinical outcomes of early versus delayed ART initiation.

<p>Forest plot of randomized controlled trials comparing the clinical outcomes of early versus delayed ART initiation.</p

Flow chart of articles identified, screened, assessed and included.

<p>Flow chart of articles identified, screened, assessed and included.</p