Cutting path-dependent machinability of SiCp/Al composite under multi-step ultra-precision diamond cutting

Particle-tool interactions, which govern the synergetic deformation of SiC particle reinforced Al matrix composites under mechanical machining, strongly depend on the geometry of particle position residing on cutting path. In the present work, we investigate the influence of cutting path on the machinability of a SiCp/Al composite in multi-step ultra-precision diamond cutting by combining finite element simulations with experimental observations and characterization. Be consistent with experimentally characterized microstructures, the simulated SiCp/Al composite is considered to be composed of randomly distributed polygonally-shaped SiC particles with a volume fraction of 25vol%. A multi-step cutting strategy with depths of cut ranging from 2 to 10 μm is adopted to achieve an ultimate depth of cut of 10 μm. Intrinsic material parameters and extrinsic cutting conditions utilized in finite element simulations of SiCp/Al cutting are consistent with those used in corresponding experiments. Simulation results reveal different particle-tool interactions and failure modes of SiC particles, as well as their correlations with machining force evolution, residual stress distribution and machined surface topography. A detailed comparison between numerical simulation results and experimental data of multi-step diamond cutting of SiCp/Al composite reveals a substantial impact of the number of cutting steps on particle-tool interactions and machined surface quality. These findings provide guidelines for achieving high surface finish of SiCp/Al composites by ultra-precision diamond cutting.     

A novel framework for liquid propellant engine’s cooling system design by sensitivity analysis based on RSM and multi-objective optimization using PSO

One of the challenges of combustion chamber and nozzle design in a Liquid Propellant Engine (LPE) is to predict the behavior and performance of the cooling system. Therefore, while designing, the optimization of the cooling system is always of great importance. This paper presents the multi-objective optimization of the LPE’s cooling system. To this end, a novel framework has been developed, resulting from the application of the Response Surface Method (RSM) and the correlation coefficients matrix, sensitivity analysis and the The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). based on this method, the input variables, constraints, objective functions, and their surfaces were identified. In terms of multi-optimization algorithms, RSM and PSO are utilized to get global optimum. In conclusion, the methodology capability is to optimize the LPE’s cooling system, 6 percentage increase in total heat transfer and 7 bar decrease cooling system pressure loss, which resulted in a 1.2-seconds increase in the specific impulse of the engine.     

Topology optimization in lightweight design of a 3D-printed flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle

Topology optimization is an effective method to obtain a lightweight structure that meets the requirements of structural strength. Whether the optimization results meet the actual needs mainly depends on the accuracy of the material properties and the boundary conditions, especially for a tiny Flapping-wing Micro Aerial Vehicle (FMAV) transmission system manufactured by 3D printing. In this paper, experimental and numerical computation efforts were undertaken to gain a reliable topology optimization method for the bottom of the transmission system. First, the constitutive behavior of the ultraviolet (UV) curable resin used in fabrication was evaluated. Second, a numerical computation model describing further verified via experiments. Topology optimization modeling considering nonlinear factors, e.g. contact, friction and collision, was presented, and the optimization results were verified by both dynamic simulation and experiments. Finally, detailed discussions on different load cases and constraints were presented to clarify their effect on the optimization. Our methods and results presented in this paper may shed light on the lightweight design of a FMAV.     

模块化永磁直线游标电机等效磁网络及漏磁分析

在模块化永磁直线游标电机的初始设计及优化设计中,使用有限元方法(FEM)计算漏磁系数时需要耗费大量的建模和计算时间。针对这一问题,建立该种电机的等效磁网络模型,在建模期间,考虑气隙中的边缘效应,并计算永磁体组与定子齿在不同相对位置时的等效磁导,得到该种电机在一个周期内不同相对位置时的漏磁磁导和漏磁系数的数学解析表达式。采用FEM验证了该数学解析表达式的准确性。研究结果为模块化永磁直线游标电机的设计提供了理论依据。     

Experimental and numerical investigation on surface quality for two-point incremental sheet forming with interpolator

The unsatisfied surface quality seriously impedes the wide application of incremental sheet forming (ISF) in industrial field. As a novel approach, the interpolator method is a promising strategy to enhance the surface quality in ISF. However, the mechanism for the improvement of surface quality and the influence of interpolator properties on surface roughness are not well understood. In this paper, the influences of process variables (i.e. tool diameter, step size and thickness of interpolators) on the forming process (e.g. surface roughness, forming force and geometric error) are investigated through a systematic experimental approach of central composite design (CCD) in two-point incremental sheet forming (TPIF). It is obtained that the increase in thickness of interpolators decreases the surface roughness in direction vertical to the tool path while increases the surface roughness in direction horizontal to the tool path. Nevertheless, the combined influence between thickness of interpolators and process parameters (tool diameter and step size) is limited. Meanwhile, the placement of interpolator has little influence on the effective forming force of blank. In addition, the geometric error enlarges with the increase of step size and thickness of interpolator while decreases firstly and then increase with an increase in tool diameter. Finally, the influencing mechanism of the interpolator method on surface quality can be attributed to the decrease of the contact pressure due to the increase of contact area with the unchanged contact force. Meanwhile, the interpolator method eliminates the sliding friction on the surface of blank due to the stable relative position between the blank and the interpolator.     

紧凑型横向变焦系统关键器件的设计方法与功能验证

变焦系统可实现连续的光学变焦，可对不同景深的目标实现连续成像。在焦深延拓和光学检测等领域具有广泛地应用和发展潜力。本文提出了一种紧凑型可实现连续变焦功能的扁平化位相衍射元件，并设计分析和验证了横向调制相位型变焦衍射元件的功能。通过标量衍射基本理论模型，借助菲涅尔波带和多台阶相位衍射元件的设计方法，实现了横向变焦关键器件的设计仿真和实验验证。并以多波长响应的空间光调制器为基础，搭建了器件相位调制验证实验系统，通过测试证明了所设计器件的变焦能力，仿真和实验测试均可实现5倍变焦目标的有效调制。     

Inverse identification of constitutive parameters of Ti2AlNb intermetallic alloys based on cooperative particle swarm optimization

Ti₂AlNb intermetallic alloy is a relatively newly developed high-temperature-resistant structural material, which is expected to replace nickel-based super alloys for thermally and mechanically stressed components in aeronautic and automotive engines due to its excellent mechanical properties and high strength retention at elevated temperature. The aim of this work is to present a fast and reliable methodology of inverse identification of constitutive model parameters directly from cutting experiments. FE-machining simulations implemented with a modified Johnson-Cook (TANH) constitutive model are performed to establish the robust link between observables and constitutive parameters. A series of orthogonal cutting experiments with varied cutting parameters is carried out to allow an exact comparison to the 2D FE-simulations. A cooperative particle swarm optimization algorithm is developed and implemented into the Matlab programs to identify the enormous constitutive parameters. Results show that the simulation observables (i.e., cutting forces, chip morphologies, cutting temperature) implemented with the identified optimal material constants have high consistency with those obtained from experiments, which illustrates that the FE-machining models using the identified parameters obtained from the proposed methodology could be predicted in a close agreement to the experiments. Considering the wide range of the applied unknown parameters number, the proposed inverse methodology of identifying constitutive equations shows excellent prospect, and it can be used for other newly developed metal materials.     

六自由度激励台精密高刚度铰链结构设计与试验应用

精密高刚度铰链作为六自由度并联激励平台中的关键组件,其性能高低对激励台的控制精度有直接影响。针对铰链所需满足的高刚度、高基频和无间隙等要求,文章提出了基于虎克铰结构的铰链设计方法。首先根据铰链所处的工况确定选用圆锥滚子轴承作为旋转支撑部件,并通过对轴承的配置和预紧实现无间隙振动运动的要求,从而确定了铰链结构形式。然后,利用有限元法校核了结构的刚度与基频,进而完成铰链结构方案和样机制造,并将样机集成于激励台中。最后,开展了铰链动态特性试验和激励台振动控制试验,分别获取了铰链的基频和激励台控制响应。结果表明,铰链可满足激励台工作频段内的使用要求,铰链设计合理。     

基于TLE的弹道系数计算方法及应用分析

针对仅使用两行要素（Two Line Element，TLE）作为数据源的应用需求，研究了基于TLE轨道衰减的弹道系数计算方法。介绍了一种常用的基于两组TLE的直接计算法，分析TLE选取间隔对结果精度的影响；提出了一种基于多组TLE的迭代计算方法，以降低异常TLE对计算结果的影响；从弹道系数计算效果、在再入预报中的应用等方面对这两种方法进行比较分析。结果表明，两种方法各有优劣，基于多组TLE的迭代计算法稳定性更高、受TLE精度的影响更小；由于数据区间更短，基于两组TLE的计算结果对短期轨道衰减特性反应得更准确，用于临近再入时的预报效果更好。     

Effect of curing condition on bonding quality of scarf-repaired composite laminates

Both single-face vacuum bag curing (SVC) and double-face vacuum bag curing (DVC) can be used in scarf repair of composite structures. But different curing conditions caused by the sealing state may affect the bonding quality of scarf-repaired structures. In this paper, the effect of curing condition on bonding quality of scarf-repaired laminates was experimentally investigated in terms of surface profiles, moisture absorption curves and section profiles. In order to further explore the moisture absorption mechanism, finite element model of the repaired laminates using DVC was established with moisture diffusion of both the adhesive and composite laminates considered. This model was verified by experimental results. Based on the model of DVC case, the model of SVC case was built by changing moisture absorption parameters of the adhesive. Results show that SVC reduces the bonding quality, mainly reflecting in more adhesive inner voids and patch-to-parent dislocation. And SVC increases moisture absorption rate and moisture equilibrium content of the adhesive, and its effect on the former is far greater than that on the latter.