Using the Area of Contact between Layers as a Predictor for the Anisotropic Strength of Parts Produced by FDM

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), better known as FDM© (Fused Deposition Modeling) is an additive manufacturing process (AM) by which a physical object can be created from a 3D model generated in the computer, through layer-by-layer deposition of semi-melted plastic filaments. However, parts produced by the FDM process have different characteristics compared to parts produced by traditional methods such as plastic injection, especially with regard to mechanical properties related to stresses (tensile, compression, torsion and shear), due to the anisotropic nature of the process deposition. Many works have been carried out in order to determine the influence between the FDM process parameters and the mechanical characteristics of parts produced by this technology. Traditionally, the studied parameters comprise those that are adjusted in slicing software, which does not satisfactorily reflect the bond between the layers. This work uses the area of contact between the layers as the determining factor of the transverse tensile strength to bedding and suggests a methodology for the determination of this parameter. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Taguchi analysis method, we identified the contact area between the layers as the most relevant parameter for tensile strength in the transverse direction of the printed layers with a relevance of more than 95% over the others investigated parameters. From the survey of relevant properties, new tests were carried out to determine a mathematical model to predict the minimum slicing parameters that should be used to obtain the required strength. Keywords: Fused Deposition Modeling, Mechanical Strength, AM Anisotropic Property, Layer Bond Properties, PLA.

Measure of CINE - A relevant parameter for forecasting pre-monsoon thunderstorms over GWB

A method of testing the significance of Z- Statistic is introduced in this paper to discern the role of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) and Convective Inhibition Energy (CINE) in forecasting the occurrence of pre-monsoon thunderstorms over Gangetic West Bengal (GWB). The result reveals that a negative correlation exists between CAPE and CINE. It further indicates that a range for the lower values of CINE can be fixed where the frequency of occurrence of such storms will be maximum, but such range, either for lower or for higher values of CAPE, is not possible. The paper, thus, ends with a very interesting finding that a measure of CINE is the only relevant parameter whereas CAPE has no significant role in forecasting the occurrence of pre-monsoon thunderstorms over GWB, which is in contrast to the concept of severe thunderstorms of Great Plains of America.

Estimating time-dependent entropy production from non-equilibrium trajectories

The rate of entropy production provides a useful quantitative measure of a non-equilibrium system and estimating it directly from time-series data from experiments is highly desirable. Several approaches have been considered for stationary dynamics, some of which are based on a variational characterization of the entropy production rate. However, the issue of obtaining it in the case of non-stationary dynamics remains largely unexplored. Here, we solve this open problem by demonstrating that the variational approaches can be generalized to give the exact value of the entropy production rate even for non-stationary dynamics. On the basis of this result, we develop an efficient algorithm that estimates the entropy production rate continuously in time by using machine learning techniques and validate our numerical estimates using analytically tractable Langevin models in experimentally relevant parameter regimes. Our method only requires time-series data for the system of interest without any prior knowledge of the system’s parameters.

The Radius of Influence Myth

Empirical formulas to estimate the radius of influence, such as the Sichardt formula, occasionally appear in studies assessing the environmental impact of groundwater extractions. As they are inconsistent with fundamental hydrogeological principles, the term “radius of influence myth” is used by analogy with the water budget myth. Alternative formulations based on the well-known de Glee and Theis equations are presented, and the contested formula that estimates the radius of influence by balancing pumping and infiltration rate is derived from an asymptotic solution of an analytical model developed by Ernst in 1971. The transient state solution of this model is developed applying the Laplace transform, and it is verified against the finite-difference solution. Examining drawdown and total storage change reveals the relations between the presented one-dimensional radial flow solutions. The assumptions underlying these solutions are discussed in detail to show their limitations and to refute misunderstandings about their applicability. The discussed analytical models and the formulas derived from it to estimate the radius of influence cannot be regarded as substitutes for advanced modeling, although they offer valuable insights on relevant parameter combinations.

Microstructural and Process Parameters of aluminium alloys Using FSW

Friction stir welding (FSW) has become a popular method for connecting low weight metals. Material joining occurs in the solid state in FSW. Inserting a rotating tool travelling over the faying surfaces of the material to be bonded is used to complete the procedure. It produces practically defect-free welds with little distortion and a fine grain structure. However, the welding mechanism and process parametric combination for welds with consistent and dependable outcomes are not well understood. The thesis details the experimental efforts made to suggest an optimal combination of parameters with simple tool geometry for FSW at greater linear speeds. The materials for research were two precipitation hardenable aluminium alloys: 6mm thick 2219-T87 and 5083H321. The influence of process parameters on weld microstructural changes and defect development was also examined. The optimal combination of process parameters for the FSW of aluminium alloys was proposed, and the most relevant parameter for weld strength and quality was discovered.

Spatial structure governs the mode of tumour evolution

Characterizing the mode—the way, manner or pattern—of evolution in tumours is important for clinical forecasting and optimizing cancer treatment. Sequencing studies have inferred various modes, including branching, punctuated and neutral evolution, but it is unclear why a particular pattern predominates in any given tumour. Here we propose that tumour architecture is key to explaining the variety of observed genetic patterns. We examine this hypothesis using spatially explicit population genetics models and demonstrate that, within biologically relevant parameter ranges, different spatial structures can generate four tumour evolutionary modes: rapid clonal expansion, progressive diversification, branching evolution and effectively almost neutral evolution. Quantitative indices for describing and classifying these evolutionary modes are presented. Using these indices, we show that our model predictions are consistent with empirical observations for cancer types with corresponding spatial structures. The manner of cell dispersal and the range of cell–cell interactions are found to be essential factors in accurately characterizing, forecasting and controlling tumour evolution.

On predicting particle capture rates in aquatic ecosystems

Recent advances in understanding the capture of moving suspended particles in aquatic ecosystems have opened up new possibilities for predicting rates of suspension feeding, larval settlement, seagrass pollination and sediment removal. Drawing on results from both highly-resolved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and existing experimental data, we quantify the controlling influence of flow velocity, particle size and collector size on rates of contact between suspended particles and biological collectors over the parameter space characterising a diverse range of aquatic ecosystems. As distinct from assumptions in previous modeling studies, the functional relationships describing capture are highly variable. Contact rates can vary in opposing directions in response to changes in collector size, an organism’s size, the size of particles being intercepted (related to diet in the case of suspension feeders), and the flow strength. Contact rates shift from decreasing to increasing with collector diameter when particles become relatively large and there is vortex shedding in the collector wake. And in some ranges of the ecologically relevant parameter space, contact rates do not increase strongly with velocity or particle size. The understanding of these complex dependencies allows us to reformulate some hypotheses of selection pressure on the physiology and ecology of aquatic organisms. We discuss the benefits and limitations of CFD tools in predicting rates of particle capture in aquatic ecosystems. Finally, across the complete parameter space relevant to real aquatic ecosystems, all quantitative estimates of particle capture from our model are provided here.

Experimental and Numerical Results of LIFUS5/Mod3 Series E Test on In-Box LOCA Transient for WCLL-BB

The in-box LOCA (Loss of Coolant Accident) represents a major safety concern to be addressed in the design of the WCLL-BB (water-cooled lead-lithium breeding blanket). Research activities are ongoing to master the phenomena and processes that occur during the postulated accident, to enhance the predictive capability and reliability of numerical tools, and to validate computer models, codes, and procedures for their applications. Following these objectives, ENEA designed and built the new separate effects test facility LIFUS5/Mod3. Two experimental campaigns (Series D and Series E) were executed by injecting water at high pressure into a pool of PbLi in WCLL-BB-relevant parameter ranges. The obtained experimental data were used to check the capabilities of the RELAP5 system code to reproduce the pressure transient of a water system, to validate the chemical model of PbLi/water reactions implemented in the modified version of SIMMER codes for fusion application, to investigate the dynamic effects of energy release on the structures, and to provide relevant feedback for the follow-up experimental campaigns. This work presents the experimental data and the numerical simulations of Test E4.1. The results of the test are presented and critically discussed. The code simulations highlight that SIMMER code is able to reproduce the phenomena connected to PbLi/water interaction, and the relevant test parameters are in agreement with the acquired experimental signals. Moreover, the results obtained by the first approach to SIMMER-RELAP5 code-coupling demonstrate its capability of and strength for predicting the transient scenario in complex geometries, considering multiple physical phenomena and minimizing the computational cost.

Real-Time Detection of Overloads on the Plasma-Facing Components of Wendelstein 7-X

Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is the leading experiment on the path of demonstrating that stellarators are a feasible concept for a future power plant. One of its major goals is to prove quasi-steady-state operation in a reactor-relevant parameter regime. The surveillance and protection of the water-cooled plasma-facing components (PFCs) against overheating is fundamental to guarantee a safe steady-state high-heat-flux operation. The system has to detect thermal events in real-time and timely interrupt operation if it detects a critical event. The fast reaction times required to prevent damage to the device make it imperative to automate fully the image analysis algorithms. During the past operational phases, W7-X was equipped with inertially cooled test divertor units and the system still required manual supervision. With the experience gained, we have designed a new real-time PFC protection system based on image processing techniques. It uses a precise registration of the entire field of view against the CAD model to determine the temperature limits and thermal properties of the different PFCs. Instead of reacting when the temperature limits are breached in certain regions of interest, the system predicts when an overload will occur based on a heat flux estimation, triggering the interlock system in advance to compensate for the system delay. To conclude, we present our research roadmap towards a feedback control system of thermal loads to prevent unnecessary plasma interruptions in long high-performance plasmas.

Undrained shear strength of Lisbon Miocene clay: a reappraisal based on triaxial and pressuremeter test results

Undrained shear strength plays a fundamental role on the behaviour of clays. In overconsolidated clays, this parameter is largely influenced by test conditions, namely consolidation stress. “Prazeres Clay” is a Miocene overconsolidated formation, that can be found in a significant part of Lisbon area. Over the last decades a number of very relevant constructions have generated a large database for physical and mechanical properties of Miocene clays. Included in a broader study at the Faculty of Engineering of Porto University about Miocene clay’s physical and mechanical properties, existing data was gathered, treated and critically analysed, in order to establish a useful framework for geotechnical designers. This paper presents the results obtained for undrained shear strength, obtained from triaxial tests and Ménard Pressuremeter tests. It addresses the main difficulties associated with test’s interpretation and presents a discussion on how theoretical values relate to experimental ones. The paper proposes a range of variation for Prazeres Clay’ undrained shear strength based on a significant amount of test results, that is considered to be useful for geotechnical design. Article Highlights Undrained Shear strength is a relevant parameter for clays, and is usually derived from triaxial tests For overconsolidated clays, this parameter is highly dependent on preconsolidation stress, and on its relation to in situ stress. Based on a significant set of data, the paper presents a simple methodology for estimating this parameter