Force Dependent Quantum Phase Transition in the Hybrid Optomechanical System

The optomechanics shows a great potential in quantum control and precise measurement due to appropriate mechanical control. Here we theoretically study the quantum phase transition in a hybrid atom-optomechanical cavity with an external force. Our study shows, in the thermodynamic limit, the critical value of quantum phase transition between the normal phase and super-radiant phase can be controlled and modified by the external force via the tunable frequency of optomechanics, then a force dependent quantum phase transition can be achieved in our system. Moreover, this force dependent quantum phase transition can be employed to detect the external force variation. In addition, our numerical simulations illustrate the sensitivity of the external force measurement can be improved by the squeezing properties of the quantum phase transition.

Mathematical Modelling of Vertical Looped Water Slide Using Matlab

A conceptual mathematical model of a water slide with vertical loops is developed. The principle used is the conservation of energy. The thrill experienced by a rider on a water slide is mainly due to the variation of G-force acting on the rider through the course of the ride. The geometry of the slide is developed by plotting G-force variation with the arc length of the loop. The G-force exposure limits should meet with the standards set by the F24 committee on amusement parks and rides. The coordinates of the slide geometry are determined by using Euler’s method of discretized equations. Keywords: G-Force, Centripetal acceleration, Clothoid curve, Weightlessness, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy

A Novel Force Variation Fine Blanking Process for the High-strength and Low-plasticity Material

Fine blanking is a kind of metal forming process with the advantages of high precision, good surface quality and low cost. Influenced by the concept of lightweight, a large number of metal materials with high strength are widely used in various fields. High strength materials are prone to be cracked during plastic deformation due to their poor plasticity, which limits the application range of them. This paper proposed a force variation fine blanking process for high-strength and low-plasticity materials. At the same time, a method to find the curve of forming force for this novel process was presented. A 2D finite element fine blanking model was established for the TC4 material. Combining genetic algorithm and neural network methods, a model was built up to find the optimal forming force loading curve. The parts fabricated by force variation loading and constant loading fine blanking process were compared through experiments. The mechanism of force variation fine blanking is also revealed. The forming force mainly affects the length of clean cutting surface by affecting hydrostatic stress. According to the ultimate optimal loading curve, the forming force should be kept at a low level in the early stage of blanking stroke, and increased gradually in the ending stage. In the application of force variation fine blanking, the part with long length of clean cutting surface can be obtained with lower die load.

Regulating Grip Forces through EMG-Controlled Protheses for Transradial Amputees

This study aims to evaluate different combinations of features and algorithms to be used in the control of a prosthetic hand wherein both the configuration of the fingers and the gripping forces can be controlled. This requires identifying machine learning algorithms and feature sets to detect both intended force variation and hand gestures in EMG signals recorded from upper-limb amputees. However, despite the decades of research into pattern recognition techniques, each new problem requires researchers to find a suitable classification algorithm, as there is no such thing as a universal ’best’ solution. Consideration of different techniques and data representation represents a fundamental practice in order to achieve maximally effective results. To this end, we employ a publicly-available database recorded from amputees to evaluate different combinations of features and classifiers. Analysis of data from 9 different individuals shows that both for classic features and for time-dependent power spectrum descriptors (TD-PSD) the proposed logarithmically scaled version of the current window plus previous window achieves the highest classification accuracy. Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) as a classifier and applying a majority-voting strategy to stabilize the individual window classification, we obtain 88% accuracy with classic features and 89% with TD-PSD features.

Fully-Printable Soft Actuator with Variable Stiffness by Phase Transition and Hydraulic Regulations

Actuators with variable stiffness have vast potential in the field of compliant robotics. Morphological shape changes in the actuators are possible, while they retain their structural strength. They can shift between a rigid load-carrying state and a soft flexible state in a short transition period. This work presents a hydraulically actuated soft actuator fabricated by a fully 3D printing of shape memory polymer (SMP). The actuator shows a stiffness of 519 mN/mm at 20 ∘C and 45 mN/mm at 50 ∘C at the same pressure (0.2 MPa). This actuator demonstrates a high stiffness variation of 474 mN/mm (10 times the baseline stiffness) for a temperature change of 30 ∘C and a large variation (≈1150%) in average stiffness. A combined variation of both temperature (20–50 ∘C) and pressure (0–0.2 MPa) displays a stiffness variation of 501 mN/mm. The pressure variation (0–0.2 MPa) in the actuator also shows a large variation in the output force (1.46 N) at 50 ∘C compared to the output force variation (0.16 N) at 20 ∘C. The pressure variation is further utilized for bending the actuator. Varying the pressure (0–0.2 MPa) at 20 ∘C displayed no bending in the actuator. In contrast, the same variation of pressure at 50 ∘C displayed a bending angle of 80∘. A combined variation of both temperature (20–50 ∘C) and pressure (0–0.2 MPa) shows the ability to bend 80∘. At the same time, an additional weight (300 g) suspended to the actuator could increase its bending capability to 160∘. We demonstrated a soft robotic gripper varying its stiffness to carry objects (≈100 g) using two individual actuators.

Energy Loss and Radial Force Variation Caused by Impeller Trimming in a Double-Suction Centrifugal Pump

Impeller trimming is an economical method for broadening the range of application of a given pump, but it can destroy operational stability and efficiency. In this study, entropy production theory was utilized to analyze the variation of energy loss caused by impeller trimming based on computational fluid dynamics. Experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the energy loss and fluid-induced radial forces. The pump’s performance seriously deteriorated after impeller trimming, especially under overload conditions. Energy loss in the volute decreased after trimming under part-load conditions but increased under overload conditions, and this phenomenon made the pump head unable to be accurately predicted by empirical equations. With the help of entropy production theory, high-energy dissipation regions were mainly located in the volute discharge diffuser under overload conditions because of the flow separation and the mixing of the main flow and the stalled fluid. The increased incidence angle at the volute’s tongue after impeller trimming resulted in more serious flow separation and higher energy loss. Furthermore, the radial forces and their fluctuation amplitudes decreased under all the investigated conditions. The horizontal components of the radial forces in all cases were much higher than the vertical components.

Anticipatory Online Compensation of Tool Deflection Using a Priori Information from Process Planning

Removing excess material from build-up welding by milling is a critical step in the repair of blades from aircraft engines. This so-called recontouring is a very challenging machining task. Shape deviations often result from the deflection of tool and workpiece due to process forces. Considering the individuality of repair cases, compensation of those deflections by process force measurement and online tool path adaption is a very suitable method. However, there is one caveat to this reactive approach. Due to causality, a corrective movement, following a force variation, is always delayed by a finite reaction time. At this moment, though, the displacement has already manifested itself as a deviation in the machined surface. To overcome those limitations and to improve compensation beyond the reduction of control delays, this study proposes a novel approach of anticipatory online compensation. Flank-milling experiments with abrupt changes in the tool-workpiece engagement conditions are conducted to investigate the limitations of reactive compensation and to explore the potential of the new anticipatory approach.

Design of a Monolithic Constant-Force Compliant Mechanism for Extended Range of Motion and Minimal Force Variation

Compliant mechanisms enable passive force control through induction of strain energy during deformation. This has been perceived as a desired factor for developing precise handling equipment of limited size where additional sensors and controls are inessential to its operation. In this paper, our objective is to design a monolithic constant-force compliant mechanism to be integrated in a constant-force gripper for extended range of bidirectional motion. A topology synthesis method has been proposed by means of domain definition, discrete parameterization, topology optimization, and nonlinear structural deformation evaluation. This article adapts a compliant topology of a homogeneous beam configuration that exhibits zero stiffness behavior over a pre-established effective region. The optimization by genetic algorithm generates discrete shaping parameters for formation of an optimal geometry. The structural deformation computation via vector form intrinsic finite element that accounts for large displacement motion quantifies an iterative series of load-displacement relations in the optimization. Results have been verified using a conventional finite element method. A conceptual gripper has been proposed with a pair of embedded constant-force compliant mechanisms. This procedure has prepared a general guideline for future development of passive compliant devices that require accurate force regulation over a wide range of motion.

Study On Grinding Force of High Volume Fraction SiCp/Al2024 Composites

In view of the difficult machining characteristics of high volume fraction SiCp/Al composites, this paper researches the grinding force variation of grinding SiCp/Al composites with grinding rod. A diamond grinding rod with a diameter of 3mm is used to grind the SiCp/Al2024 composite with 60% volume fraction by the method of end face grinding. By measuring the tangential grinding forces and normal grinding forces after grinding, the theoretical model of unit grinding force is deduced. According to the experimental parameters of spindle speed, feed rate and grinding depth, this paper derives the theoretical model of grinding force based on SiCp/Al2024 composites. And it clarifies the influence mechanism of grinding depth and feed rate on grinding force and explores the variation of grinding parameters on grinding force under dry grinding condition. Then the variation rule of grinding component force ratio is obtaines. The related research and theoretical model have theoretical guiding significance for exploring the grinding properties of hard-to-machine materials.