Search Results (9,019)

The working conditions of tools during plastic working operations are determined by, among other things, temperature, loads, loading method, and processing speed. In sheet metal forming processes, additionally, lubricant and tool surface roughness play a key role in changing the surface topography of the drawpieces. This article presents the results of friction analysis on the edge of the punch in a deep drawing process using the bending under tension test. A DC04 steel sheet was used as the test material. The influence of various types of titanium nitride and titanium coatings applied on the surface of countersamples made of 145Cr6 cold-work tool steel was tested by means of high-intensity plasma pulses, magnetron sputtering, and electron pulse irradiation. The influence of the type of tool coating on the evolution of the coefficient of friction, the change in the sheet surface topography, and the temperature in the contact zone is presented in this paper. An increase in the coefficient of friction with sample elongation was observed. Countersamples modified with protective coatings provided a more stable coefficient value during the entire friction test compared to dry friction conditions. The electron pulse irradiated countersample provided the highest stability of the coefficient of friction in the entire range of sample elongation until fracture. The skewness Ssk of the sheet metal tested against the coated countersamples was characterized by negative value, which indicates a plateau-like shape of their surface. The highest temperature in the contact zone during friction with all types of countersamples was observed for the uncoated countersample. Full article

With a view to improve measurements, this paper presents a statistical approach for characterizing the behaviour of roughness parameters based on measurements performed on ground surface topographies (grit #080/#120). A S neox^TM (Sensofar^®, Terrassa, Spain), equipped with three optical instrument modes (Focus Variation (FV), Coherence Scanning Interferometry (CSI), and Confocal Microscopy (CM)), is used according to a specific measurement plan, called Morphomeca Monitoring, including topography representativeness and several time-based measurements. Previously applied to the Sa parameter, the statistical approach based here solely on the Quality Index (QI) has now been extended to a multi-parameter approach. Firstly, the study focuses on detecting and explaining parameter disturbances in raw data by identifying and quantifying outliers of the parameter’s values, as a new first indicator. This allows us to draw parallels between these outliers and the surface topography, providing reflection tracks. Secondly, the statistical approach is applied to highlight disturbed parameters concerning the instrument mode used and the concerned grit level with two other indicators computed from QI, named homogeneity and number of modes. The applied method shows that a cleaning of the data containing the parameters values is necessary to remove outlier values, and a set of roughness parameters could be determined according to the assessment of the indicators. The final aim is to provide a set of parameters which best describe the measurement conditions based on monitoring data, statistical indexes, and surface topographies. It is shown that the parameters Sal, Sz and Sci are the most reliable roughness parameters, unlike Sdq and S5p, which appear as the most unstable parameters. More globally, the volume roughness parameters appear as the most stable, differing from the form parameters. This investigated point of view offers thus a complementary framework for improving measurement processes. In addition, this method aims to provide a global and more generalizable alternative than traditional methods of uncertainty calculation, based on a thorough analysis of multi-parameter and statistical indexes. Full article

This study analyses a set of phenomena occurring in the burnished surface layer at the initial moment of deformation formation. The aim of the present research was to explain the phenomena occurring in the top layer of the material during burnishing. The presented analyses include selected laboratory and experimental studies of the process involved in forming burnished surface layers. As shown, conducting an analysis of these processes is purposeful and important because the processes affecting final deformations determine the definitive properties of the burnished surface layers. The final results should help to increase the durability and smoothness of the surface of the products obtained. The feasibility of applying computer technology to determine the three-dimensional shape of the deformation zone formation based on measurements of the stereometry of the contact zone of the burnishing tool with the workpiece material is presented. The process of forming a deformation zone was analysed, revealing that irregularities left over from prior treatment are permanently deformed, and a new structure of irregularities is formed on the machined surface, conditioned by the mechanical, geometric, and kinematic factors of the process. Crucial to this are qualities such as the burnishing load (pressure), the type, shape, and dimensions of the tool, the properties of the workpiece material, and the roughness of the surface before burnishing. The analyses presented here include the first stage of processing, in which initial contact is made with the workpiece, and the period of actual processing, during which plastic deformation of the material occurs in three perpendicular directions, leading to the formation of a material wave on the machined surface just in front of the burnishing tool. Full article

This study investigates the optical properties of yttrium ferrite thin films fabricated via pulse laser deposition. Yttrium orthoferrite, a ferrimagnetic material known for its potential applications in spintronics and photonics, was deposited on single-crystal substrates under controlled conditions to analyze its optical characteristics. The influence of deposition time on the film quality and optical properties was examined. Atomic force microscopy in contact mode revealed surface roughness variations up to 35 nm, indicating the films’ ability to cover substrate defects. Reflectance measurements determined the optical band gap, which decreased from 3.17 eV for thinner films (44 nm) to 2.91 eV for thicker films (93 nm). Forbidden electronic transitions were also observed, attributed to heteroepitaxial growth and phonon interactions. These results demonstrate the effect of film thickness on morphology and optical properties, making YFeO₃ films promising for a range of optoelectronic applications. Full article

This study aimed to compare the flexural strength, surface roughness, and microhardness of a resin for three-dimensional (3D) printing and a conventional composite resin and to evaluate whether the printing orientation influences these properties. To evaluate the flexural resistance, test specimens were produced and divided into four groups: three groups of resins for 3D printing with inclinations of 0°, 45°, and 90° and one group of conventional composite resin. Forty discs were produced and subjected to a sandpaper-polishing sequence, and the surface roughness was measured using a roughness meter. The Vickers microhardness (HV) test was performed at three different points, and the average was obtained. The results were subjected to ANOVA statistical analysis and Tukey’s test. There were statistical differences in the flexural strength and microhardness between the conventional resin and the resin used for 3D printing. No statistical difference in surface roughness was observed. The resin for 3D printing exhibited lower flexural strength and microhardness than conventional composite resins. We concluded that the resin for 3D printing had lower flexural strength and HV than the conventional composite resin but similar surface roughness. The printing orientation did not affect the flexural strength, whereas the hardness increased as the printing angle increased. Full article

Purpose: Elastography increased the diagnostic accuracy of liver fibrosis. However, several challenges persist, including the widespread utilization of equipment, difficulties in measuring certain cases, and the influence of viscosity factors. A rough surface and a blunted hepatic margin have long been acknowledged as valuable characteristics indicative of hepatic fibrosis. The objective of this study was to conduct an image analysis and quantitative assessment of the contour of the sagittal section of the left lobe of the liver. Methods: Between February and October 2020, 486 consecutive outpatients underwent ultrasound examinations at our hospital. A total of 214 images were manually annotated by delineating the liver contour to create annotation images. U-Net was employed for liver segmentation, with the dataset divided into training (n = 128), testing (n = 42), and validation (n = 44) subsets. Additionally, 43 Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) cases with pathology data from between 2015 and 2020 were included. Segmentation was performed using the program developed in the first step. Subsequently, shape analysis was conducted using ImageJ. Results: Liver segmentation exhibited high accuracy, as indicated by Dice loss of 0.044, Intersection over Union of 0.935, and an F score of 0.966. The accuracy of the classification of the liver surface as smooth or rough via ResNet 50 was 84.6%. Image analysis showed MinFeret and Minor correlated with liver fibrosis stage (p = 0.046, 0.036, respectively). Sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of Minor for ≥F3 were 0.571, 0.862, and 0.722, respectively, and F4 were 1, 0.600, and 0.825, respectively. Conclusion: Deep learning segmentation of the sagittal cross-sectional contour of the left lobe of the liver demonstrated commendable accuracy. The roughness of the liver surface was correctly judged by artificial intelligence. Image analysis showed the thickness of the left lobe inversely correlated with liver fibrosis stage. Full article

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an innovative spectroscopic technique that amplifies the Raman signals of molecules adsorbed on rough metal surfaces, making it pivotal for single-molecule detection in complex biological and environmental matrices. This review aims to elucidate the design strategies and recent advancements in the application of standalone SERS nanoprobes, with a special focus on quantifiable SERS tags. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the recent literature, focusing on the development of SERS nanoprobes that employ novel nanostructuring techniques to enhance signal reliability and quantification. Standalone SERS nanoprobes exhibit significant enhancements in sensitivity and specificity due to optimized hot spot generation and improved reporter molecule interactions. Recent innovations include the development of nanogap and core–satellite structures that enhance electromagnetic fields, which are crucial for SERS applications. Standalone SERS nanoprobes, particularly those utilizing indirect detection mechanisms, represent a significant advancement in the field. They hold potential for wide-ranging applications, from disease diagnostics to environmental monitoring, owing to their enhanced sensitivity and ability to operate under complex sample conditions. Full article

In additive manufacturing, production parameters play a critical role in the microstructure, mechanical properties, and surface quality of a product. The correct selection of these parameters is of great importance for the success of the production process. In this study, the aim was to improve product quality in the additive manufacturing of an AlSi10Mg alloy. The experiments were conducted using a full factorial design, with a constant layer thickness of 0.04 mm. The production parameters included two laser powers (200 and 275 W), two scanning speeds (800 and 1400 mm/s), and two hatch distances (0.08 and 0.14 mm). The performance properties of the produced parts were evaluated according to the relative density and surface roughness criteria. The TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method was used to optimize both relative density and surface roughness performances simultaneously. The results revealed that the most suitable production parameters for the additive manufacturing of the AlSi10Mg alloy were 275 W laser power, 0.14 mm hatch distance, and 800 mm/s scan speed. Full article

Cold pilgering is widely utilized in high-end applications for the precise shaping of seamless tubes due to its capacity for large deformation, which reduces the number of deformation processes and shortens production cycles. However, there is a gap in the research on the cold pilgering of small-diameter, thick-walled seamless tubes, specifically those with an outer diameter–wall thickness ratio of ≤3. In this study, cold pilgering tests were performed on Cr-Mo-V hot-working die steel small-diameter thick-walled tubes. It was discovered that increasing the feed rate results in greater deviations in both inner diameter and wall thickness, although it has little effect on inner wall roughness. In contrast, increasing wall thickness reduction leads to higher wall thickness deviation but reduces inner surface roughness without significantly affecting inner diameter deviation. The study also found that a decrease in the initial inner wall roughness before pilgering results in improved final roughness. Under optimal conditions, the average inner surface roughness S_a can reach 0.177 μm, and small-diameter thick-walled seamless tubes with deviations in the inner diameter and wall thickness of 0.05 mm and 0.03 mm, respectively, are obtained. After tempering at 600 °C, the tensile strength (R_m) and yield strength (R_p0.₂) of the cold-pilgered tube reach 1092 MPa and 947 MPa, respectively, and the elongation (δ₅%) and impact energy (A_kU) increase to 20.4% and 61.5 J, respectively. Full article

Magnetic fields influence the deposition process and its current efficiency. They have a remarkable influence on thin films’ surface characteristics and catalytic properties. Here, we study the correlation between the magnetic flux density and the current efficiency of the deposition process in the presence of a magnetic field with different intensities in different directions: the directions parallel and perpendicular to the electrode surface. We also show how the magnetic field direction impacts the surface roughness. Furthermore, we also analyze the impact of these synthesized films on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) when using them as electrocatalysts and how the application of a magnetic field in two dissimilar orientations influences the surface roughness and wettability. The synthesized Ni films are characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Full article

With the rapid development of high-end manufacturing industries such as aerospace and national defense, the demand for metal additive manufactured parts with complex internal cavities has been steadily increasing. However, the finishing of complex internal surfaces, especially for irregularly shaped parts, remains a significant challenge due to their intricate geometries. Through a comparative analysis of common finishing methods, the distinctive characteristics and applicability of magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) are highlighted. To meet the finishing needs of complex metal additive manufactured parts, this paper reviews the current research on magnetic abrasive finishing devices, processing mechanisms, the development of magnetic abrasives, and the MAF processes for intricate internal cavities. Future development trends in MAF for complex internal cavities in additive manufactured parts are also explored; these are (1) investigating multi-technology composite magnetic abrasive finishing equipment designed for complex internal surfaces; (2) studying the dynamic behavior of multiple magnetic abrasive particles in complex cavities and their material removal mechanisms; (3) developing high-performance magnetic abrasives suitable for demanding conditions; and (4) exploring the MAF process for intricate internal surfaces. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) is widely recognized as a prominent tool to maximize the potential of internal cooling systems for gas turbine applications. Several past studies have been undertaken in order to assess the effect of additive manufactured components peculiar characteristics, mainly in the form of surface roughness, on heat transfer and pressure losses. On the other hand, impingement constitutes one of the most adopted solutions for turbine vane internal cooling; also, its heat transfer performance has been shown to be potentially improved through the use of roughened target surfaces in several studies. In this work, the effect of AM-generated roughness on the performance of impingement systems has been experimentally investigated. A lumped approach was used to test additive manufactured coupons reproducing an impingement array in 1:1 scale and retrieve an average heat transfer assessment. The Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technique was used for the manufacturing process. As one of the main parameters affecting AM-generated roughness, the building direction of the target surface was varied in order to highlight its impact on the overall performance comparing four different building directions with a smooth reference target plate made by standard CNC machining. Full article

In the high-speed milling of titanium alloys, the combined application of surface texture and coatings can significantly enhance the performance of cemented carbide tools. Investigating the synergistic effect of surface texture and AlSiTiN coating on tool performance is crucial for advancing the development of their integrated preparation process. Therefore, in this study, a cemented carbide ball-end milling cutter is taken as the research object, and a surface-textured AlSiTiN coating is applied to the rake face. The effects of texture and coating parameters on the milling performance of titanium alloys are analyzed, and a regression model is developed to optimize the relevant parameters. The results indicate that the surface texture effectively reduces the actual contact area between the tool and the chip, serves as a storage space for chips, and enhances the wear resistance of the AlSiTiN coating. The coating thickness significantly affects milling force, milling temperature, and surface wear. An increase in coating thickness improves the hardness and integrity of the coating surface, and it also strengthens the adhesion of the texture to the coating. Additionally, precise control of the laser power plays a key role in reducing the milling temperature, while both the number of scans and the scanning speed significantly influence surface wear. Furthermore, maintaining an appropriate distance from the edge is crucial for enhancing the surface roughness of the workpiece. The optimized parameters for surface texture and coating preparation are as follows: coating thickness (h) = 3.0 µm, laser power (p) = 40 W, scanning speed (v) = 1590 µm/min, number of scans (n) = 6, texture diameter (d) = 42 µm, texture spacing (l) = 143 µm, and distance from the edge (l₁) = 104 µm. The optimized milling performance of the milling cutter shows a significant improvement. Full article

As the demand for high-frequency and high-power electronic devices has increased, gallium nitride (GaN), particularly in the context of high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), has attracted considerable attention. However, the ‘self-heating effect’ of GaN HEMTs represents a significant limitation regarding both performance and reliability. Diamond, renowned for its exceptional thermal conductivity, represents an optimal material for thermal management in HEMTs. This paper proposes a novel method for directly depositing diamond films onto N-polar GaN (NP-GaN) epitaxial layers. This eliminates the complexities of the traditional diamond growth process and the need for temporary substrate steps. Given the relative lag in the development of N-polar material growth technologies, which are marked by surface roughness issues, and the recognition that the thermal boundary resistance (TBR_GaN/diamond) represents a critical factor constraining efficient heat transfer, our study has introduced a series of optimizations to enhance the quality of the diamond nucleation layer while ensuring that the integrity of the GaN buffer layer remains intact. Moreover, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technology was employed to effectively reduce the surface roughness of the NP-GaN base, thereby providing a more favorable foundation for diamond growth. The optimization trends observed in the thermal performance test results are encouraging. Integrating diamond films onto highly smooth NP-GaN epitaxial layers demonstrates a reduction in TBR_GaN/diamond compared to that of diamond layers deposited onto NP-GaN with higher surface roughness that had undergone no prior process treatment. Full article

This article delineates the enhancement of an autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance system for a quadruped robot dog. Part one of this paper presents the integration of a sophisticated multi-level dynamic control framework, utilizing Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Whole-Body Control (WBC) from MIT Cheetah. The system employs an Intel RealSense D435i depth camera for depth vision-based navigation, which enables high-fidelity 3D environmental mapping and real-time path planning. A significant innovation is the customization of the EGO-Planner to optimize trajectory planning in dynamically changing terrains, coupled with the implementation of a multi-body dynamics model that significantly improves the robot’s stability and maneuverability across various surfaces. The experimental results show that the RGB-D system exhibits superior velocity stability and trajectory accuracy to the SLAM system, with a 20% reduction in the cumulative velocity error and a 10% improvement in path tracking precision. The experimental results also show that the RGB-D system achieves smoother navigation, requiring 15% fewer iterations for path planning, and a 30% faster success rate recovery in challenging environments. The successful application of these technologies in simulated urban disaster scenarios suggests promising future applications in emergency response and complex urban environments. Part two of this paper presents the development of a robust path planning algorithm for a robot dog on a rough terrain based on attached binocular vision navigation. We use a commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) robot dog. An optical CCD binocular vision dynamic tracking system is used to provide environment information. Likewise, the pose and posture of the robot dog are obtained from the robot’s own sensors, and a kinematics model is established. Then, a binocular vision tracking method is developed to determine the optimal path, provide a proposal (commands to actuators) of the position and posture of the bionic robot, and achieve stable motion on tough terrains. The terrain is assumed to be a gentle uneven terrain to begin with and subsequently proceeds to a more rough surface. This work consists of four steps: (1) pose and position data are acquired from the robot dog’s own inertial sensors, (2) terrain and environment information is input from onboard cameras, (3) information is fused (integrated), and (4) path planning and motion control proposals are made. Ultimately, this work provides a robust framework for future developments in the vision-based navigation and control of quadruped robots, offering potential solutions for navigating complex and dynamic terrains. Full article