Search Results (241)

Manual assembly remains essential in modern manufacturing, yet the increasing complexity of customised production imposes significant cognitive burdens and error rates on workers. Existing Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) systems often operate passively, lacking adaptive interaction, real-time feedback and a control system with gesture. In response, we present Gest-SAR, a SAR framework that integrates a custom MediaPipe-based gesture classification model to deliver adaptive light-guided pick-to-place assembly instructions and real-time error feedback within a closed-loop interaction instance. In a within-subject study, ten participants completed standardised Duplo-based assembly tasks using Gest-SAR, paper-based manuals, and tablet-based instructions; performance was evaluated via assembly cycle time, selection and placement error rates, cognitive workload assessed by NASA-TLX, and usability test by post-experimental questionnaires. Quantitative results demonstrate that Gest-SAR significantly reduces cycle times with an average of 3.95 min compared to Paper (Mean = 7.89 min, p < 0.01) and Tablet (Mean = 6.99 min, p < 0.01). It also achieved 7 times less average error rates while lowering perceived cognitive workload (p < 0.05 for mental demand) compared to conventional modalities. In total, 90% of the users agreed to prefer SAR over paper and tablet modalities. These outcomes indicate that natural hand-gesture interaction coupled with real-time visual feedback enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of manual assembly. By embedding AI-driven gesture recognition and AR projection into a human-centric assistance system, Gest-SAR advances the collaborative interplay between humans and machines, aligning with Industry 5.0 objectives of resilient, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing. Full article

Community-based systems present a key option for water services, especially in rural areas. Our goal is to achieve a state-of-the-art understanding of joint rural water supply development in Finland over 150 years. A mixed-methods approach was used: a literature survey and a questionnaire to selected experts. Based on the literature, a table including 23 decisions considered the most influential strategic events from 1872 to 2022 was produced. The table was sent to 10 selected experts known to be deeply familiar with the theme, all of whom replied. Joint rural water services in Finland have evolved based on demand through co-operative principles. The first documented scheme was constructed in 1872, while governmental financial support to rural water services started in 1951. It expanded in various forms until it dramatically declined in recent years. Multi-locality may increase the need for these services in the future. The expert survey revealed the following most influential long-term decisions: the first official water co-operative established in 1907, the land reform for immigrants and war veterans introduced in 1945, the Committee for Rationalisation of Households established in 1950, the start of domestic manufacturing of plastic pipes in 1954, and the Water Act enacted in 1962 to start water pollution control. This paper reminds us that urban and rural services are not contradictory but can supplement each other. Full article

Integrating ejectors into CO₂ transcritical refrigeration systems to reduce energy consumption has been performed successfully throughout the industry in recent years. The objective of the present work is to investigate the effect of indoor and outdoor operating conditions on the energy efficiency of ejector expansion supermarket refrigeration plants. The analysis uses the measured energy consumptions and loads for two supermarket refrigeration plants operating in two cities in the Republic of Moldova (Chisinau and Balti). A model for the prediction of the plant’s annual energy consumption and the loads of the refrigeration and freezing compressors is developed using experimental results. Although there are theoretical and experimental analyses of the investigated systems in the specialized literature, no studies were found in the specialized literature regarding energy consumption increase due to pressure losses through the pipe route in transcritical CO₂ refrigeration installations with an ejector for supermarkets. The results indicate that refrigeration compressors have a greater increase in energy consumption than freezing compressors with increases in the outdoor temperature. The study shows that the additional drop in evaporating pressure at the compressor rack due to incorrect sizing of the pipe route leads to higher energy consumption compared to what the same plant would consume if the pipe route were correctly sized and executed. For every one-degree increase in temperature loss due to additional pressure drop through the pipeline, the entire plant consumes around 1.5% more energy. Knowledge of these performance data of real systems provides designers and manufacturers with clues to understand the importance of the correct design of the pipe route to obtain maximum energy efficiency. Full article

As a special component, inner-wall-shaped parts with a narrow aperture and large cavity play an important role in the field of industrial manufacturing. It is of great significance to accurately measure the full profile of the inner surface of such parts. Line-structured light scanning is a widely used method for inner wall 3D measurement, which is usually applied to linear scanning measurements of the inner wall of pipe-shaped parts. In view of the structural characteristics of narrow-aperture and large-cavity parts, this article establishes a multi-sensor scanning measurement system based on the principle of line-structured light, which adopts rotary scanning instead of the traditional linear scanning measurement method in the system. Additionally, a calibration method is introduced to resolve the challenges associated with the calibration of rotation axis parameters. Considering the structural constraints in the measurement of narrow-aperture and large-cavity parts, a structural optimization algorithm is designed to enable the sensor to achieve a high theoretical measurement resolution while satisfying the geometric constraints of the measured parts. In order to minimize the size of the sensor, the adjacent sub-sensors in the system are arranged in the form of low overlapping fields of view (FOV). To solve the problem of multi-sensor registration under low overlapping FOV, a calibration method based on the structural characteristics of the measurement system itself is proposed, which realizes low-cost and high-precision calibration of the multi-sensor system. Through the repeatability measurement experiment of the spherical cavity parts, the average measurement deviation of the spherical cavity radius was measured to be 6 μm, and the standard deviation was 11.4 μm, which verified the feasibility of the measurement system proposed in this article. By comparing the system calibration method proposed in this article with existing methods, the measurement accuracy of the system is improved by approximately 80%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

Bimetallic-clad pipes demonstrate exceptional advantages in transporting corrosive oil and gas through the combination of the load-carrying capacity of the base material and the anti-corrosive function of the thin layer of corrosion-resistant alloy. This study investigates the mechanical properties of 24-inch X65 + Alloy625 metallurgically clad pipes through experimental tests and finite element analysis. Uniaxial tensile testing with digital image correlation reveals uniform deformation between the base and clad layers until interfacial failure initiates at an average strain threshold of 34.17%. Microstructural characterization shows continuous metallurgical bonding, with the X65 layer exhibiting polygonal ferrite and bainitic phases, contrasting with the austenitic equiaxed grain structure of Alloy625. In terms of numerical modeling, finite element analyses that consider both initial geometric imperfections and manufacturing-induced residual stresses are performed to evaluate the bending response of the clad pipe. The effect of initial ovality and residual stresses on its bending capacity is also studied. Full article

In this study, straight and looped heat pipes were designed and manufactured, and their performance in cooling cylindrical lithium-ion batteries known as standard 18,650 batteries on the market was investigated. Pure water, methanol, and thermasolv IM2 liquid were used as working fluids in heat pipes. Nanofluid solutions were measured and prepared on a precision balance as 2% by weight according to the working fluid. These nanosolutions were injected into the heat pipes at a ratio of one-third by volume of the working fluids. In the designed experimental setup, the coils were placed 1 cm above the evaporator part of the heat pipes. Thanks to the designed electrical circuits, the amount of load given to and withdrawn from the batteries is controlled. The heated batteries evaporate the liquid in the heat pipe, the vapor rises and reaches the condenser. As a result of the evaporation, efficient heat transfer from the evaporator to the condenser takes place by transporting nanoparticles. At a certain flow rate, the refrigerant is transferred to the refrigerant as a result of the withdrawal of the refrigerant from the heat pipe. In this study, it is seen that the immersion method of the evaporator part in the pool full of IM2 liquid is repeated and the results are examined. Full article

Thermoplastic composite pipes (TCP) consist of three distinct layers—liner, reinforcement, and coating—offering superior advantages over traditional industrial pipes, including flexibility, lightweight construction, and corrosion resistance. This study systematically characterises the thermal properties of TCP layers and their compositions using a multi-method approach. Thermal analysis was conducted through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for isothermal and non-isothermal crystallisation, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal stability, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for material identification. FTIR confirmed polyethylene as the primary component of TCP, with compositional variations across the layers. TGA results indicated that thermal degradation begins at approximately 200 °C, with complete decomposition at 500 °C. DSC analysis revealed a double melting peak, prompting further investigation into its mechanisms. On-isothermal crystallisation kinetics, analysed at cooling rates of 10 °C/min and 50 °C/min, revealed an anisotropic crystalline growth pattern. Although nucleation occurs uniformly, the subsequent three-dimensional crystalline growth is governed more by the degree of supercooling than by the crystallography of the glass fibres. This underscores the importance of precisely controlling the cooling rate during manufacturing to optimise the anisotropic properties of the reinforced layer. This study also demonstrates the value of FTIR, TGA, and DSC techniques in characterising the thermo-physical behaviour of TCP, offering critical insights into thermal expansion, shrinkage phenomena, and overall material stability. Given the limited body of research on this specific TCP formulation, the findings presented here lay a foundation for both quality enhancement and process optimisation. Moreover, the paper offers a distinctive perspective on the dynamic behaviour, thermal expansion, and long-term performance of TCP in demanding oil and gas environments. Full article

The extensive use of lithium-ion batteries and other energy storage systems (ESS) in recent years has resulted in a critical need for effective thermal management solutions that ensure safe and reliable operations. Carbon-based materials (C-bMs) are a promising candidate for addressing the thermal challenges in ESS due to their unique thermal, electrical, and structural properties. This article provides a concise overview of C-bM thermal management solutions for improved battery safety. The key thermal management requirements and failure modes associated with battery systems are highlighted, underscoring the importance of effective battery thermal management (BTM). Various forms of C-bMs, including graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon foams, nanodiamonds, and graphdiyne, are examined for their potential applications in battery thermal management systems. The recent innovations and advancements in C-bM thermal management solutions, such as phase change composites, heat pipes, and thermal interface materials, are highlighted. Furthermore, the latest research trends focus mainly on the development of hybrid battery thermal management solutions, carbon-based aerogels, and complex C-bM structures with tailored thermal pathways for optimized thermal management. Most of the current innovations are still at the laboratory scale; hence, future research efforts will be focused on developing integrated multi-functional C-bMs, sustainable and scalable manufacturing techniques, self-healing C-bMs composites, intelligent C-bMs, and further explorations of uncommon C-bMs. These advancements are bound to enhance performance, sustainability, and application-specific adaptations for BTM. This article provides valuable insights for researchers, and stakeholders interested in leveraging C-bMs for BTM. Full article

Flexible pipe end fittings (EFs) transfer axial loads by embedding tensile armor within epoxy matrices. The integrity of bonding between the armor and resin profoundly influences the EF load-bearing capacity. This study investigated the debonding failure mechanism at the epoxy-resin–tensile-armor interface in flexible pipe end fittings through integrated experimental and numerical approaches. Combining tensile tests with digital image correlation (DIC) and cohesive zone modeling (CZM), the research quantified the impacts of interfacial defects and adhesive properties on structural integrity. Specimens with varying bond lengths (40–60 mm) and defect diameters (0–4 mm) revealed that defects significantly reduced load-bearing capacity, with larger defects exacerbating strain localization and accelerating failure. A dimensionless parameter, the defect-size-to-bond-length ratio ($\lambda =D/2L$), was proposed to unify defect impact analysis, demonstrating its nonlinear relationship with failure load reduction. High-toughness adhesives, such as Sikaforce^® 7752, mitigated defect sensitivity by redistributing stress concentrations, outperforming brittle alternatives like Araldite^® AV138. DIC captured real-time strain evolution and crack propagation, validating strain concentrations up to 3.2 at defect edges, while CZM simulations achieved high accuracy (errors: 3.0–7.2%) in predicting failure loads. Critical thresholds for λ (λ < 0.025 for negligible impact; λ > 0.05 requiring defect control or high-toughness adhesives) were established, providing actionable guidelines for manufacturing optimization and adhesive selection. By bridging experimental dynamics with predictive modeling, this work advances the design of robust deepwater energy infrastructure through defect management and material innovation, offering practical strategies to enhance structural reliability in critical applications. Full article

This article focuses on the microstructural evolution and mechanical property changes of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel corrugated pipes after aging treatment and solution treatment. The influence of different heat treatment processes on the microstructural evolution, second phase precipitation behavior, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of corrugated pipes was analyzed through metallographic microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), fatigue testing, hardness testing, and corrosion resistance experiments. The results showed that after aging treatment at 600 °C, carbides precipitated at the grain boundaries and twin boundaries of the corrugated tube, leading to corrosion behavior. The average microhardness value was 266.08 HV, and the work hardening problem of the corrugated tube was not improved. After solution treatment at 1050 °C, a single-phase austenite structure was obtained in the corrugated tube, and the carbides at the grain boundaries were completely dissolved. The average microhardness value was 66.02 HV, significantly improving the work hardening problem of the corrugated tube. Simultaneously, excellent comprehensive fatigue performance and intergranular corrosion resistance were exhibited. The solid solution treatment process is more suitable for the manufacturing of corrugated pipes that require high formability and corrosion resistance, while the aging treatment requires strict temperature control to avoid the sensitization temperature zone. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing the heat treatment process of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel corrugated pipes. Full article

The thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) manufacturing process introduces defects that impact performance, such as voids, misalignment, and delamination. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for effective non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to assess the influence of these manufacturing defects on TCP. The objective is to identify and quantify internal defects at a microscale, thereby improving quality control. A combination of methods, including NDT, has been employed to achieve this goal. The density method is used to determine the void volume fraction. Microscopy and void analysis are performed on pristine samples using optical micrography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while advanced techniques like X-ray computer tomography (XCT) and ultrasonic inspections are also applied. The interlayer between the reinforced and inner layers showed good consolidation, though a discontinuity was noted. Microscopy results confirmed solid wall construction, with SEM aligning with the XY axis slice, showing predominant fibre orientation around ±45° and ±90°, and deducing the placement orientation to be ±60°. Comparing immersion, 2D microscopy, and XCT methods provided a comparative approach, even though they could not yield precise void content values. The analysis revealed a void content range of 0–2.2%, with good agreement between microscopy and Archimedes’ methods. Based on XCT and microscopy results, an increase in void diameter at constant volume increases elongation and reduces sphericity. Both methods also indicated that most voids constitute a minority of the total void fraction. To mitigate manufacturing defects, understanding the material’s processing window is essential, which can be achieved through comprehensive material characterization of TCP materials. Full article

Current construction puts forward new requirements for the construction of important buildings and structures every year. In this regard, new approaches to the design of buildings and structures using modern types of structural elements should take priority, which includes the vibrocentrifuged tube concrete columns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of manufacturing tube concrete columns using vibration (V), centrifugation (C), and vibrocentrifugation (VC) technologies and to perform a comparative analysis with the bearing capacity of solid tube concrete columns. Compositions of concrete grades B25, B30 and B40 were developed and manufactured using V, C and VC technologies. The greatest compressive strength was recorded for vibrocentrifuged concrete. Three samples of solid tube concrete columns and nine samples of hollow tube concrete columns were made from these concrete types. It was found that VC tube concrete columns have the highest bearing capacity values, which are up to 30.4% greater than those of vibrated columns, up to 15.1% greater than those of centrifuged hollow tube concrete columns, and up to 12.9% greater than those of vibrated solid tube concrete columns. It was proven that the use of vibrocentrifugation technology allows for the reduction in the weight of concrete pipe structures because of the hollow concrete core and the increase in the load-bearing capacity because of the high compression of the concrete core by the steel casing pipe. Full article

Efficient and high-precision magnetic grinding technology has become a bottleneck technology for the manufacturing and repair of high-performance aircraft engines. Previous studies have mostly focused solely on quality control to determine the effectiveness and feasibility conditions for optimizing the design of magnetic pole grinding devices. This method is far from meeting the needs of precise and efficient magnetic grinding of the inner surface of aircraft engine bent pipes. This article introduced the method and mechanism of precision magnetic grinding of the inner surface of aircraft engine bent pipes. This article proposed the optimization theory of permanent magnetic pole taper structure based on auxiliary slotted magnetic pole structure and the finite element model of magnetic pole taper of slotted auxiliary magnetic pole structure. This article summarized the influence of the taper of permanent magnetic poles based on auxiliary slotted magnetic poles on magnetic grinding and summarized the evaluation method for the optimization effect of magnetic grinding devices. This article listed the application of magnetic pole device optimization in precision magnetic grinding of the inner surface of aircraft engine bent pipes. This article provided an outlook on the development trend in precision magnetic grinding magnetic pole devices for the inner surface of aircraft engine bent pipes. The conclusion was drawn that establishing a three-dimensional discrete finite element model based on slotted magnetic poles can improve the accuracy and efficiency of magnetic research. Full article

The production of fruit brandies is based on distilling fermented fruit juices. Distillation equipment is usually made of copper. In traditional manufacturing, it consists of a boiler (batch) distiller, a boiler (pot), a steam pipe, and a condenser, all of which are made of pure copper. This study determined the corrosion parameters for copper (Cu) and Cu72Zn28 (in wt%) alloy in fermented apricot juice at room temperature. The fermentation process examined in this research utilized natural strains of yeast and bacteria, supplemented by active dry yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. This research used the following methods: open circuit potential (OCP), linear polarization resistance (LPR), and Tafel extrapolation to identify corrosion parameters. Cu had a 3.8-times-lower value of corrosion current density than brass, and both were within the range of 1–10 μA·cm⁻², with an excellent agreement between LRP and Tafel. This study proved that Cu is an adequate material for the distillation of fruit brandies from a corrosion perspective. Despite this, there are occasional reports of corrosion damage from the field. Significant corrosion impacts can arise, as evidenced by laboratory tests discussed in this paper. In the absence of a highly corrosive environment, this study indicates that, to some extent, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) can influence the degradation of the equipment material. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being utilized in the industrial sector, revolutionizing traditional manufacturing processes with advanced automation systems. Despite their potential, neural networks have seen limited adoption in industrial control systems due to their lack of interpretability compared to traditional methods. The recently introduced physics-guided neural networks (PGNNs) address this limitation by embedding physical knowledge directly into the network structure, enhancing the interpretability and robustness. This study proposes a novel feedforward control framework that integrates a reduced-order physics-based model of a hydraulic actuator with a data-driven correction term for accurate force control in the seamless pipe manufacturing process. The coupled dynamics of the actuator and the continuously cast material being pushed into the piercing mill are identified through experimental data, and reduced-order models are developed for integration into the PGNN structure. The training of the networks is performed on a dataset from a scaled industrial hydraulic system, with the validation of the proposed methods conducted on a neural processing unit (NPU), a specialized industrial-grade platform for AI, operating within a PLC environment. The results demonstrate real-time execution with excellent force tracking, even with a limited training dataset—a typical constraint in industrial processes—while providing safer and more predictable behavior compared to traditional neural-network-only solutions. Full article