Numerical analysis of the V-die bending process of the zinc coated DC01 steel

This paper presents the FEM analysis of V-die bending process of the zinc plated DC01 steel. The process is analyzed in terms of maximal plastic strain, and the reaction force on the punch. An analysis of the spring-back phenomenon has also been conducted. This paper shows the model preparation process as well as the achieved results and their interpretation.

Design of Hybrid Polymeric-Lipid Nanoparticles Using Curcumin as a Model: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Demethoxycurcumin and Bisdemethoxycurcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles

Polymeric lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLHNs) are the new generation of drug delivery systems that has emerged as a combination of a polymeric core and lipid shell. We designed and optimized a simple method for the preparation of Pluronic F-127-based PLHNs able to load separately demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoycurcumin (BDM). CUR was used as a model compound due to its greater availability from turmeric and its structure similarity with DMC and BDM. The developed method produced DMC and BDM-loaded PLHNs with a size average of 75.55 ± 0.51 and 15.13 ± 0.014 nm for DMC and BDM, respectively. An FT-IR analysis confirmed the encapsulation and TEM images showed their spherical shape. Both formulations achieved an encapsulation efficiency ≥ 92% and an exhibited significantly increased release from the PLHN compared with free compounds in water. The antioxidant activity was enhanced as well, in agreement with the improvement in water dissolution; obtaining IC50 values of 12.74 ± 0.09 and 16.03 ± 0.55 for DMC and BDM-loaded PLHNs, respectively, while free curcuminoids exhibited considerably lower antioxidant values in an aqueous solution. Hence, the optimized PHLN synthesis method using CUR as a model and then successfully applied to obtain DMC and BDM-loaded PLHNs can be extended to curcuminoids and molecules with a similar backbone structure to improve their bioactivities.

Addressing Discrepancies between Experimental and Computational Procedures

Imaging subject-specific heart valve, a crucial step to its design, has experimental variables that if unaccounted for, may lead to erroneous computational analysis and geometric errors of the resulting model. Preparation methods are developed to mitigate some sources of the geometric error. However, the resulting 3D geometry often does not retain the original dimensions before excision. Inverse fluid–structure interaction analysis is used to analyze the resulting geometry and to assess the valve’s closure. Based on the resulting closure, it is determined if the geometry used can yield realistic results. If full closure is not reached, the geometry is adjusted adequately until closure is observed.

Geological and mining-engineering peculiarities of implementation of hydromechanical drilling principles

Purpose. Substantiation of the design solutions in separate units of the modernized hydromechanical devices and specification of rational technological modes of their operation in specific geological and technical conditions. Proposals on construction of wells by development and introduction of progressive methods and techniques. Methodology. Analysis of the peculiarities of the modernized hydromechanical drilling devices in terms of rock breaking is performed using modern methods of analytical analysis and experimental research, i.e. by using mathematical and physical modeling; method of modeling and processing of research results in the SolidWorks medium and others; control and measuring tools and materials. The process of solving the problems of optimal planning of the experiment was divided into four stages: development of a planned model; preparation of the necessary initial data; calculation of the model; obtaining and processing of the results. The well rock-breaking processes were modeled on a special-purpose laboratory stand equipped with a measuring and control unit (flow meter, manometer, tachometer, and coordinate spacer). Findings. The main ways to improve well hydromechanical technologies have been identified. The fundamental principles have been formulated concerning the process of design of such equipment schemes that will combine the most productive and efficient methods of the rock mass operations. A number of factors characteristic of the implementation of well hydromechanical technologies, have been identified, i.e.: rational range of physical properties of rocks according to which proper technical and technological characteristics of the devices are selected; structural use of mechanical rock-breaking organs of the devices; and operating parameters of the drilling process. It has been proved that the developed design schemes of hydromechanical drilling devices, in terms of their optimal technical performance and technological development, can be recommended for their use in the appropriate geological and technical conditions, where the implementation of other methods is inexpedient or limited. Originality. Formation of the peripheral part of the bottomhole is a subordinate factor determined by the device design; effective profiling is possible only due to the introduction of additional components into the hydromechanical drilling devices, which makes it possible to use certain technological methods. Practical value. The obtained results of laboratory and analytical studies are basic to design operating parameters of the well deepening processes by using the hydromechanical devices. Data from the study on bottomhole working processes of hydromechanical technologies are the starting point for the substantiation of design and technological parameters of modernized pellet impact devices.

R-tree data structure implementation for Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools

Searching and handling geometric data are basic requirements of any Computer Aided Engineering application (CAE). Spatial search and local search has greater importance in CAD and CAE applications for reducing the model preparation time. There are many efficient algorithms being made to search geometrical data. Current neighbour search strategy is limited and not efficient in different CAE platforms. R-tree is tree data structure used for spatial access methods. This paper presents a review of R-tree data structure with its implementation in one of the CAE tool for neighbour search and local search. It satisfies current neighbour search requirements in CAE tools. Results shows considerable amount of time saving compared to the conventional approach. This work concludes that R-tree implementation can be helpful in identifying neighbour part and reducing model preparation time in CAD and CAE tools.

Design and Manufacturing of Small Scale Tsunami Simulator Channel

Increasing the cost of in-situ or field tests to solve engineering problems, particularly water engineering, pushes researchers worldwide to simulate different water engineering problems using small-scale physical modeling like soil erosion, hydraulic jump, water flow, and underground water. This paper focuses on the design, manufacturing, and calibration of the 6 m small-scale tsunami simulator channel to investigate the tsunami wave behavior with time until it reaches the shore or beach. The new wave generator capable of recreating scaled tidal waves, the physical modeling of tsunamis in the laboratory, and has advanced significantly. The working principles behind the new wave generator and its design, manufacturing, and first stages of testing to validate its capacities and limitations are discussed in this paper. Each part of the generator has been represented; model preparation and new wave generator calibration have been discussed. Well, agreement of the wave height is noticed (14 cm), and this is replicated that the new wave simulator can reproduce solitary waves with high steepness.

Applicability of the PIV system for velocity field measurement inside the ultrasonic flowmeter

Ultrasonic (US) flow meters are devices for a fluid flow measurement using the ultrasonic principle. Current research project dealing with developing the ultrasonic flowmeter with an innovative channel shape. Previously the work was aimed to the topology optimization using the CFD methods. The final prototype has to be analyzed experimentally to verify the velocity profiles in the US measurement section. The obtained velocity profiles in this region are necessary as the input for the US sensor data evaluation. A particle image velocimetry (PIV) was selected as a potentially suitable technique for the velocity profiles measurement. This paper presents the development and initial testing of a new experimental setup including the experimental track and PIV system. Several modifications were realized during the preparation of the experimental setup. Finally, measurements were performed with a simplified model and the results were evaluated in the form of velocity profiles in the area of interest. The most important results are the knowledge about the requirements on the model preparation. The future work will be aimed to the prototype of the ultrasonic flowmeter.