Virtual Fixture Augmentation of Operator Selection of Non-Contact Material Reduction Task Paths

Author(s):  
Andrew Sharp ◽  
Christina Petlowany ◽  
Mitch Pryor

Decommissioning of nuclear systems and consolidation of resulting waste remains a major hurdle for the industry. The radioactive nature of nuclear waste makes manual handling unfeasible, while teleoperation and inflexible automation also have drawbacks. This effort utilizes virtual fixtures to augment path creation for non-contact material reduction tasks. It builds on previous Nuclear and Applied Robotics Group work with Variable Normal Surface Virtual Fixtures, which generate surfaces offset from task surfaces. Offset surfaces can then provide poses at a set orientation to task surfaces. Once the Variable Normal Surface Virtual Fixture is generated from task information, operators build a list of desired path poses. The Robot Operating System Descartes package takes the pose list and plans a smooth trajectory for task execution. Planar and cylindrical demonstrations based on experimental studies at the United Kingdom’s Sellafield site were performed. This methodology augments waste reduction by allowing flexible laser cutting routes.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Pietro Agostini ◽  
Marco Utili ◽  
Konstantza Lambrinou ◽  
Heikki Keinänen ◽  
Paivi Karjalainen-Roikonen ◽  
...  

This manuscript presents important material challenges regarding innovative Gen-II/III nuclear systems and research reactors. The challenges are discussed alongside the key achievements so far realised within the framework of 4 EU-funded projects: H2020 IL TROVATORE, FP7 MULTIMETAL, FP7 MATTER and FP7 SCWR-FQT. All the four Projects deal with innovative researches on materials to enhance the safety of nuclear reactors. IL TROVATORE proposes new materials for fuel cladding of PWR reactors and tests in order to really find out an “Accident Tolerant Fuel” (ATF). MULTIMETAL focused on optimization of dissimilar welds fabrication having considered the field performances and dedicated experiments. MATTER carried on methodological and experimental studies on the use of grade 91 steel in the harsh environment of liquid metal cooled EU fast reactors. SCWR-FQT focused on fuel qualification of Supercritical Water Reactor including the selection of the better material to resist the associated high thermal flux.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
Tomasz Rudnicki

The article presents a new functional method of designing self-compacting concrete (SCC). The assumptions of the functional method of designing self-compacting concrete were based on the double coating assumption (i.e., it was assumed that the grains of coarse aggregate were coated with a layer of cement mortar, whereas the grains of sand with cement paste). The proposed method is composed of four stages, each of which is responsible for the selection of a different component of the concrete mix. The proposed designing procedure takes into consideration such a selection of the mineral skeleton in terms of the volumetric saturation of the mineral skeleton, which prevents the blocking of aggregate grains, and the designed liquid phase demonstrated high structural viscosity and low yield stress. The performed experimental studies, the simulation of the elaborated mathematical model fully allowed for the verification of the theoretical assumptions that are the basis for the development of the method of designing self-compacting concrete.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3389
Author(s):  
Marcin Kamiński ◽  
Krzysztof Szabat

This paper presents issues related to the adaptive control of the drive system with an elastic clutch connecting the main motor and the load machine. Firstly, the problems and the main algorithms often implemented for the mentioned object are analyzed. Then, the control concept based on the RNN (recurrent neural network) for the drive system with the flexible coupling is thoroughly described. For this purpose, an adaptive model inspired by the Elman model is selected, which is related to internal feedback in the neural network. The indicated feature improves the processing of dynamic signals. During the design process, for the selection of constant coefficients of the controller, the PSO (particle swarm optimizer) is applied. Moreover, in order to obtain better dynamic properties and improve work in real conditions, one model based on the ADALINE (adaptive linear neuron) is introduced into the structure. Details of the algorithm used for the weights’ adaptation are presented (including stability analysis) to perform the shaft torque signal filtering. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is examined through simulation and experimental studies.


1985 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. Kurland ◽  
Måns Ehrenberg

SUMMARYTheoretical as well as experimental studies of translational accuracy have most often been concerned with the selection of aminoacyl-tRNA by codon-programmed ribosomes. The selection of the successive codons on the mRNA has received much less attention, probably because it represents both conceptually and experimentally, a much more demanding physical problem. Nevertheless, it would seem that errors in the selection of the codon are potentially much more destructive than errors in selection of aminoacyl-tRNA species. This can be appreciated from the following.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 1749
Author(s):  
Elzbieta Szychta ◽  
Leszek Szychta

Energy efficiency of systems of water pumping is a complex problem since efficiency of two distinct interacting systems needs to be combined: water and power supply. This paper introduces a non-intrusive method of calculating the so-called “collective losses” of a cage induction motor. The term “collective losses”, which the authors define, allows for accurate estimation of motor efficiency. Control system of a pump determines operating point of a pumping station, and thus its efficiency. General estimated performance characteristics of a motor, components of a control system, are assumed to serve selection of a range of pumping speed variations. Rotational speed has a direct effect on motor load torque, pump power and head, and thus on motor performance. Hellwig’s statistical method was used to specify characteristics of estimated collective losses on the basis of experimental studies of 21 motors rated at up to 2.2 kW. The results of simulations and experiments are used to verify validity and efficiency of the suggested method. The method is non-intrusive, simple to use, and requires minimum data.


2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 82-89
Author(s):  
Sergey Polyakov ◽  
V. Akimov ◽  
A. Polukazakov

The article discusses the issues of implementing the conversion of input signals of «smart» sensors for automation of the heating system, an algorithm for calculating the parameters of measuring circuits with a nonlinear element and an operational amplifier is developed. The issues of modeling cascade control of residential building heating systems are investigated. The results of the analysis and selection of parameters of the cascade control system are presented. An algorithm implementing the operation of a virtual object is given. The structures of management of residential building objects are proposed. The method of calculating the adjustment of the controller for cascade control is given. For the heating system stand, the procedure for setting the parameters of the process of PID control of the coolant temperature is considered. The results confirming the achievability of the proposed structural changes are obtained. The results of experimental studies are presented.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (35) ◽  
pp. 599-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander A. OREKHOV ◽  
Yuri A. UTKIN ◽  
Polina F. PRONINA

One of the significant innovative technologies is the creation of large-sized structures that work for a long time in space and meet stringent restrictions on overall mass characteristics. Among these structures, in the first place, is the section of bearing truss (BT). This article presents the results of experimental studies of sectors of load-bearing trusses of mesh design for compression. Recently, composite mesh cylindrical shells are used as spacecraft housings. The mesh shell is a supporting structure to which the instruments and mechanisms of the spacecraft are attached. The truss section is made of cross-linked polymer composite material with carbon fibers. The objective of the tests is to confirm the possibility of creating a lightweight mesh construction using a carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite material. To achieve this goal, the authors were assigned the following tasks: selection of carbon filler of polymer composite materials (PCM); selection of PCM binder; determination of the degree of carbon fiber reinforcement; choice of the number and orientation paths of spiral ribs, number of ring ribs and the sizes of individual ribs. As a result of the research, the calculated indicators for ensuring the bearing capacity and stiffness under the application of axial compressive load were obtained. At the same time, with the determination of bearing capacity, the deformation characteristics of the structure were twice determined in order to confirm their repeatability, as well as linear nature of the dependence of axial and radial deformations as a result of the applied load.


Author(s):  
Ю.В. Брянская ◽  
А.Э. Тен ◽  
Н.Т. Джумагулова ◽  
Г.Н. Громов

В условиях интенсивного развития новых отечественных и зарубежных технологий, материалов и оборудования, применяемых для защиты окружающей природной среды от загрязнений техногенного происхождения, особую актуальность приобретают разработки новых систем отвода и очистки поверхностных сточных вод. Эти системы позволяют использовать последние достижения отраслевой науки и оптимизировать алгоритм выполнения операций и практических приемов их гидравлического расчета. Примером является инновационная система отвода поверхностных сточных вод АСО Qmax, которая относится к открытой системе каналов (лотков) для сбора и отведения поверхностных сточных вод, формирующихся при выпадении атмосферных осадков. Однако широкому применению данного вида конструкций в России препятствует отсутствие методики их гидравлического расчета, в том числе таблиц для подбора сечений (диаметров) каналов, которая бы удовлетворяла требованиям российской нормативно-методической базы проектирования систем отведения поверхностных сточных вод. В этой связи предметом данной статьи явилась оценка гидравлических характеристик трубопроводов, каналов (лотков) системы водоотвода АСО Qmax. Приведены результаты теоретических и экспериментальных исследований гидравлических характеристик системы АСО Qmaxс учетом адаптации для российских условий и нормативных требований, а также обоснование рекомендуемых параметров для их использования. In the context of the intensive development of new domestic and foreign technologies, materials and equipment used to protect the environment from anthropogenic pollution, the development of advanced systems for surface runoff removal and treatment is of special actuality. These systems provide for using the latest achievements of the sectoral science and optimizing the algorithm for performing operations and practical methods for the hydraulic calculations. An example of the innovative surface runoff disposal system is ASO Qmax, that refers to an open system of channels for the collection and disposal of surface runoff formed during precipitation. However, the widespread use of these facilities in Russia is hampered by the lack of a method for the hydraulic calculations, including tables for the selection of cross-sections (diameters) of channels that meet the requirements of the Russian guidelines and regulations for the design of surface runoff disposal systems. In this regard, the subject of this paper is the estimation of the hydraulic characteristics of pipelines, channels of ASO Qmax drainage system. The results of theoretical and experimental studies of the hydraulic characteristics of ASO Qmax system with account of the adaptation for the Russian conditions and regulatory requirements, as well as the justification of the recommended parameters for their use are presented.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1017 ◽  
pp. 21-30
Author(s):  
Victor Danilov ◽  
Arkady Ayzenshtadt ◽  
Maria Frolova

This paper discusses the results of experimental studies on the selection of the repair mixture compound for recreating the surface layer of the historical brick of the 18th century architectural monument “Commercial Bank” in Arkhangelsk. According to the research results, it was found that the historical brick has a relatively higher density and increased calcium content than the modern one. The characteristics of the surfaces of the analyzed materials based on the component indicators of specific surface energy showed that the brick of 1859, characterized by the highest degree of destruction, has the maximum value of the polar energy component. This fact may indicate a greater hydrophilicity of the surface in relation to atmospheric water and, as a result, a more intensive degradation process. It is established that the composition of the repair mixture with the addition of brick crumbs in the amount of 50 % has a value of the polar part of the surface tension equal to similar parameters for historical bricks (1786 and 1859) after their preliminary priming. The use of this mixture to recreate the surface layer of the brick will allow atmospheric water to pass freely through the repair compound and the body of the brick, without concentrating on the interface and without causing its destruction and detachment when drying.


2019 ◽  
Vol 100 ◽  
pp. 00021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Gospodarek ◽  
Piotr Rybarczyk ◽  
Anna Brillowska-Dąbrowska ◽  
Jacek Gębicki

Air pollution with odorous compounds is a significant social and environmental problem. This paper presents biological deodorization methods. The attention is focused on the application of biotrickling filters for air deodorization. Principles of their operation are discussed, indicating the key role of the selection of microorganisms responsible for the degradation of odorous compounds. A literature overview of the used fungal species is presented and the advantages of using fungi in comparison with bacteria are indicated. The results of experimental studies on the n-butanol removal in biotrickling filter are presented.


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