Search Results (21)

Metal casting foundries present hazardous working conditions, making traditional training methods costly, time-consuming, and potentially unsafe. To address these challenges, this study presents a Virtual Reality (VR) training framework developed for the Tennessee Tech University (TTU) Foundry. The objective is to enhance introductory training and safety education by providing an immersive, interactive, and risk-free environment where trainees can familiarize themselves with safety protocols, equipment handling, process workflows, and machine arrangements before engaging with real-world operations. The VR foundry environment is designed using Unreal Engine, a freely available software tool, to create a high-fidelity, interactive simulation of metal casting processes. This system enables real-time user interaction, scenario-based training, and procedural guidance, ensuring an engaging and effective learning experience. Preliminary findings and prior research indicate that VR-based training enhances learning retention, improves hazard recognition, and reduces training time compared to traditional methods. While challenges such as haptic feedback limitations and initial setup costs exist, VR’s potential in engineering education and industrial training is substantial. This work-in-progress study highlights the transformative role of VR in foundry training, contributing to the development of a safer, more efficient, and scalable workforce in the metal casting industry. Full article

Functionally Graded Metamaterials (FGMMs) constitute an innovative class of materials within the realm of additive manufacturing (AM), attracting substantial attention from material science and research communities. These materials, characterized by unique designs and gradient properties, are not commonly found in nature but are deliberately engineered through the arrangement of subwavelength structures. The distinct attributes of such materials have propelled them into significant prominence across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, and agriculture. This review paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of a range of techniques applied in the fabrication, design, theoretical models, and simulation methods related to these materials. It delves into the assessment of such material’s performance, specifically focusing on mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic properties. Moreover, this review addresses advancements, challenges, and potential solutions in the field. Ultimately, it delivers valuable insights to researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders, enhancing their understanding of FGMMs and their significance in the broader context. Full article

The anodization or thermal treatments applied to alloys of titanium and zirconium have a substantiated effect on the mixed-oxide layer formation compared to the naturally occurring one. A Ti–Zr 50%/50% alloy was chosen for a comparative study. Controlled, thermally treated, and anodized samples obtained with controlled procedures were analyzed in terms of morphological and compositional analysis (using SEM and EDX analysis) as well as for the determination of hardness variations. Substantial differences were observed depending on the applied functionalization method (compact of structured mixed-oxide nanotubes when the samples are subjected to the anodization procedure); there was an increase of more than six folds in the mixed-oxide layer hardness and D Shore scale, when subjected to thermal treatment, and hence, this lead to the conclusion that one may control the morphology, composition and/or the hardness of the mixed-oxide layer by applying one or another or a combination of functionalization methods. Full article

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) encompasses a range of disorders characterized by blood clotting in small blood vessels, leading to organ damage. It can manifest as various syndromes, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), and others, each with distinct causes and pathophysiology. Thrombo-inflammation plays a significant role in TMA pathogenesis: inflammatory mediators induce endothelial injury and activation of platelet and coagulation cascade, contributing to microvascular thrombosis. Primary TMA, such as TTP, is primarily caused by deficient ADAMTS13 metalloproteinase activity, either due to antibody-mediated inhibition or intrinsic enzyme synthesis defects. In cancer patients, a significant reduction in ADAMTS13 levels and a corresponding increase in VWF levels is observed. Chemotherapy further decreased ADAMTS13 levels and increased VWF levels, leading to an elevated VWF/ADAMTS13 ratio and increased thrombotic risk. Drug-induced TMA (DITMA) can result from immune-mediated or non-immune-mediated mechanisms. Severe cases of COVID-19 may lead to a convergence of syndromes, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and TMA. Treatment of TMA involves identifying the underlying cause, implementing therapies to inhibit complement activation, and providing supportive care to manage complications. Plasmapheresis may be beneficial in conditions like TTP. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications and improve outcomes. Full article

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, represents the forefront of modern manufacturing technology. Its growing popularity spans across research and development, material science, design, processes, and everyday applications. This review paper presents a crucial review of nano-level 3D printing, examining it from the perspectives of processes, materials, industrial applications, and future trends. The authors have synthesized the latest insights from a wide range of archival articles and source books, highlighting the key findings. The primary contribution of this study is a condensed review report that consolidates the newest research on nano-level 3D printing, offering a broad overview of this innovative technology for researchers, inventors, educators, and technologists. It is anticipated that this review study will significantly advance research in nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, and related technological fields. Full article

This paper presents a unique approach to generate a number of cutting knowledge blocks for the surface roughness analysis of the drilling process for carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composite (CFRP) materials. The influence of drilling on the surface quality of woven CFRP materials was investigated experimentally. The CFRP material (0/90° fiber orientation) was drilled at different cutting parameters and the surface roughness of the hole was measured. A set of tests was carried out using carbide drills of 8 mm in diameter at 50, 70, and 90 m/min cutting speeds, 2, 3, and 4 flute numbers, and 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm/rev feed rates. The Simulated Annealing (SA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) methods were used for optimization. Based on the experimental findings and optimization techniques applied, optimal cutting parameters were derived, which were subsequently adjusted to enhance surface quality. Overall, the cutting parameters are carefully optimized to achieve good surface roughness quality in the drilling of CFRP. Full article

Today, it is significant that the use of additive manufacturing (AM) has growing in almost every aspect of the daily life. A high number of sectors are adapting and implementing this revolutionary production technology in their domain to increase production volumes, reduce the cost of production, fabricate light weight and complex parts in a short period of time, and respond to the manufacturing needs of customers. It is clear that the AM technologies consume energy to complete the production tasks of each part. Therefore, it is imperative to know the impact of energy efficiency in order to economically and properly use these advancing technologies. This paper provides a holistic review of this important concept from the perspectives of process, materials science, industry, and initiatives. The goal of this research study is to collect and present the latest knowledge blocks related to the energy consumption of AM technologies from a number of recent technical resources. Overall, they are the collection of surveys, observations, experimentations, case studies, content analyses, and archival research studies. The study highlights the current trends and technologies associated with energy efficiency and their influence on the AM community. Full article

This paper thoroughly examines the advancements and challenges in the field of additively manufactured Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs). It delves into conceptual approaches for FGM design, various manufacturing techniques, and the materials employed in their fabrication using additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. This paper explores the applications of FGMs in diverse fields, including structural engineering, automotive, biomedical engineering, soft robotics, electronics, 4D printing, and metamaterials. Critical issues and challenges associated with FGMs are meticulously analyzed, addressing concerns related to production and performance. Moreover, this paper forecasts future trends in FGM development, highlighting potential impacts on diverse industries. The concluding section summarizes key findings, emphasizing the significance of FGMs in the context of AM technologies. This review provides valuable insights to researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders, enhancing their understanding of FGMs and their role in the evolving landscape of AM. Full article

Unlike classic APS, CAPS causes multiple microthrombosis due to an increased inflammatory response, known as a “thrombotic storm”. CAPS typically develops after infection, trauma, or surgery and begins with the following symptoms: fever, thrombocytopenia, muscle weakness, visual and cognitive disturbances, abdominal pain, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the blood is one of the diagnostic criteria, the level of these antibodies can fluctuate significantly, which complicates the diagnostic process and can lead to erroneous interpretation of rapidly developing symptoms. Triple therapy is often used to treat CAPS, which includes the use of anticoagulants, plasmapheresis, and high doses of glucocorticosteroids and, in some cases, additional intravenous immunoglobulins. The use of LMWH is recommended as the drug of choice due to its anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties. CAPS is a multifactorial disease that requires not only an interdisciplinary approach but also highly qualified medical care, adequate and timely diagnosis, and appropriate prevention in the context of relapse or occurrence of the disease. Improved new clinical protocols and education of medical personnel regarding CAPS can significantly improve the therapeutic approach and reduce mortality rates. Full article

In this study, the research investigates the prediction of fatigue life for Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) specimens comprising Polylactic acid (PLA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). For this, Machine learning (ML) techniques, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) are utilized. A predictive in-house code is developed for each technique, thereby facilitating the fatigue performance of layered deposited specimens subjected to varying cyclic loadings. In order to verify the effectiveness of the ML technique, a comparative analysis among all is reported based on empirically determined fatigue life obtained values. RF is proven to be the most suitable technique with minimal error percentage in obtained results with optimally synchronized data sets in a minimum time frame. Subsequently, the application of ML in those predictions is reported for future aspects in augmenting the operational efficiency associated with fatigue life prediction. Full article

Newborns are the most vulnerable patients for thrombosis development among all children, with critically ill and premature infants being in the highest risk group. The upward trend in the rate of neonatal thrombosis could be attributed to progress in the treatment of severe neonatal conditions and the increased survival in premature babies. There are physiological differences in the hemostatic system between neonates and adults. Neonates differ in concentrations and rate of synthesis of most coagulation factors, turnover rates, the ability to regulate thrombin and plasmin, and in greater variability compared to adults. Natural inhibitors of coagulation (protein C, protein S, antithrombin, heparin cofactor II) and vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (factors II, VII, IX, X) are low, but factor VIII and von Willebrand factor are elevated. Newborns have decreased fibrinolytic activity. In the healthy neonate, the balance is maintained but appears more easily converted into thrombosis. Neonatal hemostasis has less buffer capacity, and almost 95% of thrombosis is provoked. Different triggering risk factors are responsible for thrombosis in neonates, but the most important risk factors for thrombosis are central catheters, fluid fluctuations, liver dysfunction, and septic and inflammatory conditions. Low-molecular-weight heparins are the agents of choice for anticoagulation. Full article

This general review paper presents a condensed view of recent inventions in the Additive Manufacturing (AM) field. It outlines factors affecting the development and commercialization of inventions via research collaboration and discusses breakthroughs in materials and AM technologies and their integration with emerging technologies. The paper explores the impact of AM across various sectors, including the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, food, and construction industries, since the 1970s. It also addresses challenges and future directions, such as hybrid manufacturing and bio-printing, along with socio-economic and environmental implications. This collaborative study provides a concise understanding of the latest inventions in AM, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and decision makers in diverse industries and institutions. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is the process of building a solid object in a layer-wise manner. Cybersecurity is a prevalent issue that appears more and more frequently as AM becomes popular. This paper focuses on the effect of fan speed on the printing quality and presents a plugin called Fan Speed Attack Detection (FSAD) that predicts and monitors fan speeds throughout the printing process. The goal of the plugin is to prevent cybersecurity attacks, specifically targeting fan speed. Using the proposed FSAD, any fan speed changes during the printing process are evaluated to see whether the printer can sustain the abnormal fan speed change and still maintain good print quality. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a widely used layer-by-layer manufacturing process. Material extrusion (ME) is one of the most popular AM techniques. Lately, low-cost metal material extrusion (LCMME) technology is developed to perform metal ME to produce metallic parts with the ME technology. This technique is used to fabricate metallic parts after sintering the metal infused additively manufactured parts. Both AM and sintering process parameters will affect the quality of the final parts. It is evident that the sintered parts do not have the same mechanical properties as the pure metal parts fabricated by the traditional manufacturing processes. In this research, several machine learning algorithms are used to predict the size of the internal voids of the final parts based on the collected data. Additionally, the results show that the neural network (NN) is more accurate than the support vector regression (SVR) on prediction. Full article

Additive manufacturing has already been established as a highly versatile manufacturing technique with demonstrated potential to completely transform conventional manufacturing in the future. The objective of this paper is to review the latest progress and challenges associated with the fabrication of multi-material parts using additive manufacturing technologies. Various manufacturing processes and materials used to produce functional components were investigated and summarized. The latest applications of multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) in the automotive, aerospace, biomedical and dentistry fields were demonstrated. An investigation on the current challenges was also carried out to predict the future direction of MMAM processes. It was concluded that further research and development is needed in the design of multi-material interfaces, manufacturing processes and the material compatibility of MMAM parts. Full article