@article{AltmannSchleglVolbert, author = {Altmann, Matthias and Schlegl, Peter and Volbert, Klaus}, title = {A low-power wireless system for energy consumption analysis at mains sockets}, series = {EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems}, journal = {EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1186/s13639-016-0041-y}, pages = {18}, abstract = {Introduction: Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy wastage is an important topic of our time. But it is quite difficult to figure out how much of our total electricity bill can be mapped to which device or at what time the device used it. We believe energy efficiency of normal households can be improved, if this kind of transparency would be available. In this article, we present a system for energy measurement at mains sockets to gain a transparent view of energy consumption for each device in a household. It consists of several smart energy measuring devices (SEMDs) that use a low-power radio protocol to dynamically build and connect to a radio network to transfer power usage date to a server. At the server, the data is stored and can be accessed via web interface. Results: Our primary goal was to build a back-end system for an energy metering platform with very low energy consumption. This platform can provide data for a variety of services that enables users (the consumers) to understand and improve their energy consumption behavior and increase overall energy efficiency of their households.}, language = {en} } @article{MelznerSuessDendorfer, author = {Melzner, Maximilian and Suess, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {The impact of anatomical uncertainties on the predictions of a musculoskeletal hand model - a sensitivity study}, series = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, volume = {25}, journal = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, number = {2}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, issn = {1476-8259}, doi = {10.1080/10255842.2021.1940974}, pages = {156 -- 164}, abstract = {Outputs of musculoskeletal models should be considered probabilistic rather than deterministic as they are affected by inaccuracies and estimations associated with the development of the model. One of these uncertainties being critical for modeling arises from the determination of the muscles' line of action and the physiological cross-sectional area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome sensitivity of model predictions from a musculoskeletal hand model in comparison to the uncertainty of these input parameters. For this purpose, the kinematics and muscle activities of different hand movements (abduction of the fingers, abduction of the thumb, and flexion of the thumb) were recorded. One thousand simulations were calculated for each movement using the Latin hypercube sampling method with a corresponding variation of the muscle origin/insertion points and the cross-sectional area. Comparing the standard hand to simulations incorporating uncertainties of input parameters shows no major deviations in on- and off-set time point of muscle activities. About 60\% of simulations are located within a ± 30\% interval around the standard model concerning joint reaction forces. The comparison with the variation of the input data leads to the conclusion that the standard hand model is able to provide not over-scattered outcomes and, therefore, can be considered relatively stable. These results are of practical importance to the personalization of a musculoskeletal model with subject-specific bone geometries and hence changed muscle line of action.}, subject = {Biomechanik}, language = {en} } @article{MelznerEngelhardtSimonetal., author = {Melzner, Maximilian and Engelhardt, Lucas and Simon, Ulrich and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Electromyography-Based Validation of a Musculoskeletal Hand Model}, series = {Journal of Biomechanical Engineering}, volume = {144}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanical Engineering}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME}, doi = {10.1115/1.4052115}, pages = {8}, abstract = {Regarding the prevention of injuries and rehabilitation of the human hand, musculoskeletal simulations using an inverse dynamics approach allow for insights of the muscle recruitment and thus acting forces on the hand. Currently, several hand models from various research groups are in use, which are mainly validated by the comparison of numerical and anatomical moment arms. In contrast to this validation and model-building technique by cadaver studies, the aim of this study is to further validate a recently published hand model [1] by analyzing numerically calculated muscle activities in comparison to experimentally measured electromyographical signals of the muscles. Therefore, the electromyographical signals of 10 hand muscles of five test subjects performing seven different hand movements were measured. The kinematics of these tasks were used as input for the hand model, and the numerical muscle activities were computed. To analyze the relationship between simulated and measured activities, the time difference of the muscle on- and off-set points was calculated, which resulted in a mean on- and off-set time difference of 0.58 s between the experimental data and the model. The largest differences were detected for movements that mainly addressed the wrist. One major issue comparing simulated and measured muscle activities of the hand is cross-talk. Nevertheless, the results show that the hand model fits the experiment quite accurately despite some limitations and is a further step toward patient-specific modeling of the upper extremity.}, subject = {Elektromyographie}, language = {en} } @article{SaffertMelznerDendorfer, author = {Saffert, Anne-Sophie and Melzner, Maximilian and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Biomechanical analysis of the right elevated glenohumeral joint in violinists during legato-playing}, series = {Technology and Health Care}, volume = {30}, journal = {Technology and Health Care}, number = {1}, publisher = {IOS Press}, doi = {10.3233/THC-219001}, pages = {177 -- 186}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many statistics reveal that violin players suffer most often from musculoskeletal disorders compared to musicians of other instrument groups. A common phenomenon, especially observed in violin beginners, is the tendency to elevate the right shoulder during playing the violin. This can probably lead to serious disorders in long-term practice with repetitive movements. OBJECTIVE: For this reason, this study investigated the relationship between the right shoulder elevation and the force in the right glenohumeral joint during violin playing. It was hypothesized that the forces in the right glenohumeral joint are higher during playing with the right shoulder raised compared to playing in normal posture. METHODS: Motion capture data from four experienced violinists was recorded and processed by means of musculoskeletal simulation to get the force and elevation angle while playing with raised shoulder and in normal position. RESULTS: The results indicate that the absolute values of the resulting force, as well as the forces in the mediolateral, inferosuperior, and anteroposterior directions, are higher in playing the violin with the shoulder raised than in a normal posture. CONCLUSIONS: Elevating the right shoulder while playing the violin may pose a potential problem.}, subject = {Biomechanische Analyse}, language = {en} } @article{AuerSuessDendorfer, author = {Auer, Simon and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Using markerless motion capture and musculoskeletal models: An evaluation of joint kinematics}, series = {Technology and Health Care}, journal = {Technology and Health Care}, publisher = {IOS Press}, issn = {0928-7329}, doi = {10.3233/THC-240202}, pages = {1 -- 10}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study presents a comprehensive comparison between a marker-based motion capture system (MMC) and a video-based motion capture system (VMC) in the context of kinematic analysis using musculoskeletal models. OBJECTIVE: Focusing on joint angles, the study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of VMC as a viable alternative for biomechanical research. METHODS: Eighteen healthy subjects performed isolated movements with 17 joint degrees of freedom, and their kinematic data were collected using both an MMC and a VMC setup. The kinematic data were entered into the AnyBody Modelling System, which enables the calculation of joint angles. The mean absolute error (MAE) was calculated to quantify the deviations between the two systems. RESULTS: The results showed good agreement between VMC and MMC at several joint angles. In particular, the shoulder, hip and knee joints showed small deviations in kinematics with MAE values of 4.8∘, 6.8∘ and 3.5∘, respectively. However, the study revealed problems in tracking hand and elbow movements, resulting in higher MAE values of 13.7∘ and 27.7∘. Deviations were also higher for head and thoracic movements. CONCLUSION: Overall, VMC showed promising results for lower body and shoulder kinematics. However, the tracking of the wrist and pelvis still needs to be refined. The research results provide a basis for further investigations that promote the fusion of VMC and musculoskeletal models.}, language = {en} } @article{DiermeierSindersbergerKrenkeletal., author = {Diermeier, Andreas and Sindersberger, Dirk and Krenkel, Lars and Rosell, X. C. and Monkman, Gareth J.}, title = {Controllable Magnetoactive Polymer Conduit}, series = {The Open Mechanical Engineering Journal}, volume = {12}, journal = {The Open Mechanical Engineering Journal}, number = {1}, publisher = {Bentham}, pages = {192 -- 200}, abstract = {Objective: Magneto-active Polymers (MAP) are smart materials whose mechanical characteristics, such as elastic and shear moduli, may be controllable by means of an externally applied magnetic field. Methods: Various additives may be used to influence the characteristics of the polymer matrix whilst a suspension of soft and/or hard magnetic particles determine the magnetic properties of the composite. Both pre-cure and post-cure magnetization is possible. Results: A range of control strategies have been investigated for evaluation of the system using fluids of differing kinematic viscosity. Conclusion: Depending on the degree of magnetic field homogeneity, magneto-deformation and magnetostriction contribute to MAP actuation. This paper presents a novel application in the form of a peristaltic MAP tube system, applicable to flow control and pumping of hemorheological fluids in blood circulatory systems for biomedical research purposes.}, language = {en} } @article{StelzerKrenkel, author = {Stelzer, Vera and Krenkel, Lars}, title = {2D numerical investigations derived from a 3D dragonfly wing captured with a high-resolution micro-CT}, series = {Technology and health care : official journal of the European Society for Engineering and Medicine}, volume = {30}, journal = {Technology and health care : official journal of the European Society for Engineering and Medicine}, number = {1}, publisher = {IOS Press}, doi = {10.3233/THC-219010}, pages = {283 -- 289}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Due to their corrugated profile, dragonfly wings have special aerodynamic characteristics during flying and gliding. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to create a realistic 3D model of a dragonfly wing captured with a high-resolution micro-CT. To represent geometry changes in span and chord length and their aerodynamic effects, numerical investigations are carried out at different wing positions. METHODS: The forewing of a Camacinia gigantea was captured using a micro-CT. After the wing was adapted an error-free 3D model resulted. The wing was cut every 5 mm and 2D numerical analyses were conducted in Fluent® 2020 R2 (ANSYS, Inc., Canonsburg, PA, USA). RESULTS: The highest lift coefficient, as well as the highest lift-to-drag ratio, resulted at 0 mm and an angle of attack (AOA) of 5∘. At AOAs of 10∘ or 15∘, the flow around the wing stalled and a K{\´a}rm{\´a}n vortex street behind the wing becomes CONCLUSIONS: The velocity is higher on the upper side of the wing compared to the lower side. The pressure acts vice versa. Due to the recirculation zones that are formed in valleys of the corrugation pattern the wing resembles the form of an airfoil.}, language = {en} } @article{TauwaldMichelBrandtetal., author = {Tauwald, Sandra Melina and Michel, Johanna and Brandt, Marie and Vielsmeier, Veronika and Stemmer, Christian and Krenkel, Lars}, title = {Experimental studies and mathematical modeling of the viscoelastic rheology of tracheobronchial mucus from respiratory healthy patients}, series = {Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine}, volume = {18}, journal = {Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine}, number = {1}, publisher = {PAGEPress}, address = {Pavia, Italy}, issn = {2049-6958}, doi = {10.4081/mrm.2023.923}, pages = {12}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tracheobronchial mucus plays a crucial role in pulmonary function by providing protection against inhaled pathogens. Due to its composition of water, mucins, and other biomolecules, it has a complex viscoelastic rheological behavior. This interplay of both viscous and elastic properties has not been fully described yet. In this study, we characterize the rheology of human mucus using oscillatory and transient tests. Based on the transient tests, we describe the material behavior of mucus under stress and strain loading by mathematical models. METHODS: Mucus samples were collected from clinically used endotracheal tubes. For rheological characterization, oscillatory amplitude-sweep and frequency-sweep tests, and transient creep-recovery and stress-relaxation tests were performed. The results of the transient test were approximated using the Burgers model, the Weibull distribution, and the six-element Maxwell model. The three-dimensional microstructure of the tracheobronchial mucus was visualized using scanning electron microscope imaging. RESULTS: Amplitude-sweep tests showed storage moduli ranging from 0.1 Pa to 10000 Pa and a median critical strain of 4 \%. In frequency-sweep tests, storage and loss moduli increased with frequency, with the median of the storage modulus ranging from 10 Pa to 30 Pa, and the median of the loss modulus from 5 Pa to 14 Pa. The Burgers model approximates the viscoelastic behavior of tracheobronchial mucus during a constant load of stress appropriately (R2 of 0.99), and the Weibull distribution is suitable to predict the recovery of the sample after the removal of this stress (R2 of 0.99). The approximation of the stress-relaxation test data by a six-element Maxwell model shows a larger fit error (R2 of 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a detailed description of all process steps of characterizing the rheology of tracheobronchial mucus, including sample collection, microstructure visualization, and rheological investigation. Based on this characterization, we provide mathematical models of the rheological behavior of tracheobronchial mucus. These can now be used to simulate mucus flow in the respiratory system through numerical approaches.}, language = {en} } @article{KrieglKrenkelShamoninChamonine, author = {Kriegl, Raphael and Krenkel, Lars and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Preservation of wetting ridges using field-induced plasticity of magnetoactive elastomers}, series = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {683}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2024.12.132}, pages = {1019 -- 1027}, abstract = {Hypothesis. The presence of a wetting ridge is crucial for many wetting phenomena on soft substrates. Conventional experimental observations of a wetting ridge require permanent presence of a droplet. The magnetic field-induced plasticity effect (FIPE) of soft magnetoative elastomers (MAEs) allows one to overcome this limitation. Depositing a droplet onto an MAE surface and applying a magnetic field fixes the wetting ridge in place due to the FIPE. The droplet can be removed to investigate the ridge with ease using conventional optical methods. Experiments. The wetting ridge is observed on MAEs with different shear moduli and different material thicknesses by confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM). The preservation quality of the ridge is analyzed for several values of magnetic field from 10 mT to 270 mT. To verify the plausibilty of results obtained, the measured shape is compared to a theoretical model by Style \& Dufresne. Findings. Upon removal of the sessile droplet, the deformation remains embossed onto the MAE surface as long as the magnetic field remains applied. The height of the ridge peak on soft samples (effective shear modulus kPa) is close to the theoretical prediction for a magnetic flux density of 50 mT. The magnitude of the external magnetic field magnifies the height of the wetting ridge.}, language = {en} } @article{WiesentSchultheissLullaetal., author = {Wiesent, Lisa and Schultheiß, Ulrich and Lulla, Philipp and Noster, Ulf and Schratzenstaller, Thomas and Schmid, Christof and Nonn, Aida and Spear, Ashley}, title = {Computational analysis of the effects of geometric irregularities and post-processing steps on the mechanical behavior of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel stents}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {15}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {12}, publisher = {PLOS}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0244463}, pages = {1 -- 30}, abstract = {Advances in additive manufacturing enable the production of tailored lattice structures and thus, in principle, coronary stents. This study investigates the effects of process-related irregularities, heat and surface treatment on the morphology, mechanical response, and expansion behavior of 316L stainless steel stents produced by laser powder bed fusion and provides a methodological approach for their numerical evaluation. A combined experimental and computational framework is used, based on both actual and computationally reconstructed laser powder bed fused stents. Process-related morphological deviations between the as-designed and actual laser powder bed fused stents were observed, resulting in a diameter increase by a factor of 2-2.6 for the stents without surface treatment and 1.3-2 for the electropolished stent compared to the as-designed stent. Thus, due to the increased geometrically induced stiffness, the laser powder bed fused stents in the as-built (7.11 ± 0.63 N) or the heat treated condition (5.87 ± 0.49 N) showed increased radial forces when compressed between two plates. After electropolishing, the heat treated stents exhibited radial forces (2.38 ± 0.23 N) comparable to conventional metallic stents. The laser powder bed fused stents were further affected by the size effect, resulting in a reduced yield strength by 41\% in the as-built and by 59\% in the heat treated condition compared to the bulk material obtained from tensile tests. The presented numerical approach was successful in predicting the macroscopic mechanical response of the stents under compression. During deformation, increased stiffness and local stress concentration were observed within the laser powder bed fused stents. Subsequent numerical expansion analysis of the derived stent models within a previously verified numerical model of stent expansion showed that electropolished and heat treated laser powder bed fused stents can exhibit comparable expansion behavior to conventional stents. The findings from this work motivate future experimental/numerical studies to quantify threshold values of critical geometric irregularities, which could be used to establish design guidelines for laser powder bed fused stents/lattice structures.}, subject = {Koronarendoprothese}, language = {en} } @article{ThemaWeidlichHoerletal., author = {Thema, Martin and Weidlich, Tobias and H{\"o}rl, Manuel and Bellack, Annett and M{\"o}rs, Friedemann and Hackl, Florian and Kohlmayer, Matthias and Gleich, Jasmin and Stabenau, Carsten and Trabold, Thomas and Neubert, Michael and Ortloff, Felix and Brotsack, Raimund and Schmack, Doris and Huber, Harald and Hafenbradl, Doris and Karl, J{\"u}rgen and Sterner, Michael}, title = {Biological CO2-Methanation: An Approach to Standardization}, series = {Energies}, volume = {12}, journal = {Energies}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/en12091670}, pages = {1 -- 32}, abstract = {Power-to-Methane as one part of Power-to-Gas has been recognized globally as one of the key elements for the transition towards a sustainable energy system. While plants that produce methane catalytically have been in operation for a long time, biological methanation has just reached industrial pilot scale and near-term commercial application. The growing importance of the biological method is reflected by an increasing number of scientific articles describing novel approaches to improve this technology. However, these studies are difficult to compare because they lack a coherent nomenclature. In this article, we present a comprehensive set of parameters allowing the characterization and comparison of various biological methanation processes. To identify relevant parameters needed for a proper description of this technology, we summarized existing literature and defined system boundaries for Power-to-Methane process steps. On this basis, we derive system parameters providing information on the methanation system, its performance, the biology and cost aspects. As a result, three different standards are provided as a blueprint matrix for use in academia and industry applicable to both, biological and catalytic methanation. Hence, this review attempts to set the standards for a comprehensive description of biological and chemical methanation processes.}, language = {en} } @article{WeiglFeldmeierBierletal., author = {Weigl, Stefan and Feldmeier, Florian and Bierl, Rudolf and Matysik, Frank-Michael}, title = {Photoacoustic detection of acetone in N2 and synthetic air using a high power UV LED}, series = {Sensors Actuators B Chemical}, volume = {316}, journal = {Sensors Actuators B Chemical}, number = {August}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2020.128109}, pages = {1 -- 11}, abstract = {The performance of a photoacoustic trace gas sensor for the detection of acetone in N2 and synthetic air is reported. The sensor system utilises an amplitude modulated UV LED. The light source has an emission maximum at 278 nm and a maximum CW output power of 300 mW according to the datasheet. Three different collimating and focusing approaches have been investigated to guide the highly divergent LED light into the acoustic resonator of the photoacoustic measurement cell. A 3D printed aluminium cell was designed to optimize light coupling by simultaneously minimizing the photoacoustic background signal generation. Hence, the diameter of the resonator was set to a comparable large diameter of 10 mm and the inner walls of the resonator were mirror polished. The additive manufacturing procedure allowed for integration of a spirally formed gas channel, enabling gas heating prior to detection. The sensor performance was investigated by measuring acetone in N2 and synthetic air at different concentrations. The UV LED current was set to 86 \% of the maximum value according to the datasheet of the light source in order to increase the lifetime and thermal stability. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis validates a stable sensor performance. The limit of detection (LoD) was determined at a 3σ noise level with a 10 s lock-in amplifier time constant by sampling data points over 20 s with a data acquisition rate of 5 Hz. LoDs of 80.8 ppbV and 19.6 ppbV were obtained for acetone in N2 and synthetic air, respectively.}, language = {en} } @article{WeiglWittmannRuecketal., author = {Weigl, Stefan and Wittmann, Elisabeth and R{\"u}ck, Thomas and Bierl, Rudolf and Matysik, Frank-Michael}, title = {Effects of ambient parameters and cross-sensitivities from O2, CO2 and H2O on the photoacoustic detection of acetone in the UV region}, series = {Sensors Actuators B Chemical}, journal = {Sensors Actuators B Chemical}, number = {328}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2020.129001}, abstract = {We present a sensitive UV LED photoacoustic setup for the detection of gaseous acetone and discuss its applicability towards breath analysis. We investigated the performance of the sensor for low acetone concentrations down to 0.1 parts per million (ppmV). The influences of temperature, flow, pressure, optical power and LED duty cycle on the measured signal have been examined. To gain a better understanding of the different effects on the photoacoustic signal, correlation analysis was applied and feature importance was determined using a large measured dataset. Furthermore, the cross-sensitivities towards O2, CO2 and H2O have been studied extensively. Finally, the sensor's performance to detect acetone between 0.1-1 ppmV within gas mixtures simulating breath exhale conditions has been investigated, too. With a limit of detection (LoD) of 12.5 parts per billion (ppbV) (3σ) measured under typical breath exhale gas mixture conditions, the sensor demonstrated a high potential for the application of acetone detection in human breath analysis.}, language = {en} } @incollection{HaugVetter, author = {Haug, Sonja and Vetter, Miriam}, title = {{\"A}ltere Menschen im Wohnquartier Margaretenau in Regensburg - aktuelle Situation und zuk{\"u}nftiger Bedarf}, series = {Wohnen und Gesundheit im Alter}, booktitle = {Wohnen und Gesundheit im Alter}, editor = {Teti, Andrea}, publisher = {Springer VS}, address = {Wiesbaden}, isbn = {978-3-658-34385-9}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-658-34386-6_14}, pages = {215 -- 227}, abstract = {Der Beitrag zeigt Ergebnisse einer Begleitstudie zur Restaurierung und energetischen Modernisierung des historischen genossenschaftlichen Wohnquartiers Margaretenau in Regensburg im Projekt MAGGIE. Bei der Gestaltung von Wohnungen und Gelegenheiten f{\"u}r die soziale Einbettung im Quartier wird eine altersgerechte Perspektive eingenommen. Die Darstellung der schriftlichen standardisierten Haushaltsbefragung (n = 195) nimmt die Lebenssituation {\"a}lterer Menschen ab 65 Jahren in den Fokus. Dazu werden die Themenbereiche Haushaltsstruktur, altersgerechtes Wohnen und Gemeinschaftseinrichtungen pr{\"a}sentiert. Neben der aktuellen Wohnsituation wurden Pl{\"a}ne und W{\"u}nsche f{\"u}r das zuk{\"u}nftige Wohnen abgefragt. Im Alter schwindet die Bereitschaft f{\"u}r Ver{\"a}nderungen, was sich am Wunsch zum Altern in der bisherigen Wohnung und Verbleib im Wohnquartier zeigt. Das Interesse am barrierereduzierten Wohnen ist bei {\"a}lteren Haushalten geringer als bei j{\"u}ngeren. Es zeigt sich ein {\"u}berdurchschnittlich hohes Maß an lokalem Sozialkapital, wobei kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen j{\"u}ngeren und {\"a}lteren Haushalten besteht.}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{CurrleHaug, author = {Currle, Edda and Haug, Sonja}, title = {Acceptance of Telepresence Robotics, Telecare and Teletherapy Among Stroke Patients, Relatives and Therapy Staff}, series = {dHealth 2024: proceedings of the 18th annual conference on Health Informatics meets Digital Health conference}, booktitle = {dHealth 2024: proceedings of the 18th annual conference on Health Informatics meets Digital Health conference}, publisher = {IOS Press}, isbn = {978-1-64368-517-5}, issn = {0926-9630}, doi = {10.3233/SHTI240005}, pages = {15 -- 21}, abstract = {Background: Stroke as a cause of disability in adulthood causes an increasing demand for therapy and care services, including telecare and teletherapy. Objectives: Aim of the study is to analyse the acceptance of telepresence robotics and digital therapy applications. Methods: Longitudinal study with a before and after survey of patients, relatives and care and therapy staff. Results: Acceptance of the technology analysed is high in all three groups. Although acceptance among patients declined in parts of the cases in the second survey after having used telerobotics, all in all approval ratings remained high. With regard to patients no significant correlation was found between the general technology acceptance and the acceptance of use of telerobotics. Conclusion: Accepted new telecare and teletherapies can be offered with the help of telepresence robotics. This requires knowledge of and experience with the technology.}, language = {en} } @article{HaugLochnerHuber, author = {Haug, Sonja and Lochner, Susanne and Huber, Dominik}, title = {Methodological Aspects of a Quantitative and Qualitative Survey of Asylum Seekers in Germany}, series = {mda - methods data analyses}, volume = {13}, journal = {mda - methods data analyses}, number = {2}, publisher = {GESIS - Leibniz-Institut f{\"u}r Sozialwissenschaften}, doi = {10.12758/mda.2019.02}, pages = {321 -- 340}, abstract = {This field report presents and discusses methodological issues and challenges encountered in a mixed-methods research project on asylum seekers in Bavaria, Germany. It documents the research design of, and field experiences in, a quantitative survey based on a quota sampling procedure and a qualitative study, both of which were conducted in collective accommodation for asylum seekers at selected locations in that federal state. Standardized PAPI multiple-topic questionnaires were completed by asylum seekers from Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, and Iraq (N = 779); most of the questionnaires were self-administered. In addition, 12 qualitative face-to-face biographical interviews were conducted in order to gain an in-depth understanding of attitudes and experiences of asylum seekers. This report focuses on the following aspects: the use of gatekeepers to facilitate participant recruitment; sampling procedures; the involvement of interpreters in the data collection process; response bias and response behaviors among asylum seekers; and the experiences gained from data collection in collective accommodation for asylum seekers.}, language = {en} } @article{SnarskiiKalitaShamoninChamonine, author = {Snarskii, Andrei A. and Kalita, Viktor M. and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Renormalization of the critical exponent for the shear modulus of magnetoactive elastomers}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, publisher = {Nature}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-22333-6}, pages = {1 -- 8}, abstract = {It is shown that the critical exponent for the effective shear modulus of a composite medium where a compliant polymer matrix is filled with ferromagnetic particles may significantly depend on the external magnetic field. The physical consequence of this dependence is the critical behavior of the relative magnetorheological effect.}, language = {en} } @article{Linner, author = {Linner, Thomas}, title = {Special issue ISARC 2021}, series = {Construction Robotics}, volume = {Vol. 6}, journal = {Construction Robotics}, number = {Issue 2}, editor = {Linner, Thomas}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1007/s41693-022-00079-y}, pages = {58 -- 68}, abstract = {The research filed of construction robotics broadens increasingly in terms of complexity, approaches, technologies used, active stakeholders, and application areas. Worldwide labour and resource shortages, the need to increase circularity and resource efficiency, new materials and the increasing utilisation of digital construction tools in the planning and construction industry massively spur the uptake of robotic solutions for on-site construction. The initial boom of construction robots happened in the 1970s, driven by the Japanese construction industry. In the 1980s, a combination with parallel developments was supposed to achieve complete, integrated robotic on-site factories. From the mid-1980s onwards, the global interest in construction robots decreased gradually. Bulky and expensive systems, complex on-site navigation and logistics approaches, a narrow scope of tasks, inflexibility, incompatibility with on-site work organisation and professional qualification, low usability and insufficient inter-robot coordination capabilities revealed the immaturity of the systems. Only a few organisations predominantly situated in Asia such as Takenaka, Obayashi, Kajima Corporation, Nihon Bisho Co., Samsung, and Hitachi maintained development activities. However, since the mid-2010s, development activities are gaining traction again. On the application side, this is mainly driven by trends such as the need to upgrade the energy performance of buildings in Europe, a global necessity to remove asbestos from existing structures, and a demand for enormous quantities of high-rise buildings all over East Asia. On the system side, the renewed interest stems from major advances in physical-mechanical robot technology in other automation-driven industries such as the automotive industry. Robots became lighter, more flexible, their parts modular and interchangeable, more user friendly as well as significantly cheaper. On the digital side, the BIM-to-Robot pipeline was subject of intensive reserach and development. More and more methods and tools help to increase the usability of robots and facilitate the simulation and optimisation of robot-driven construction processes. In the last 4-5 years, the worldwide growing need and interest in construction robotics became highly evident. More than 200 robot systems are pushed by start-ups and spin-offs and their investors to the market. This is backed by an enormous number of activities and projects carried out in the academic area pushing to the boundaries of what is technologically possible. Major associations and their conferences increase significantly in popularity such as ISARC (International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction), EC3 (European Council of Computing in Construction), and Robots in Architecture. Competency in digital construction, automation and robotics becomes a key for all stakeholders in the construction industry and many universities worldwide launch dedicated interdisciplinary programs. Powerful governments (China) and major funding programs such as Horizon Europe (Europe) massively request and fund the development of robotic solutions for construction such as drones, mobile robots, 3D-printing solutions, cable-driven robots, and exoskeletons. Regulators and standardisation organisation start to develop the first certification and standardisation schemes for construction robots and large software companies make attempts to allow to simulate and program robotic construction processes efficiently and robustly based on digital building and construction data. To showcase the diversity of cutting-edge research in the area, this special issue invited eight extended versions of selected papers from the ISARC 2021 conference. As such, this issue covers digital approaches to embed fabrication and robot information in BIM and IFC and program robots directly from digital building models. New robot systems spur novel robotic production processes, and machine learning enable novel logistics approaches for building components that may ultimately lead to robotic cranes and other robotic on-site logistics and handling solutions (including autonomous construction machines). In parallel, systematic evaluation and robot development methods are developed that allow to shed light on their performance in the construction process.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SuessMelznerDendorfer, author = {Suess, Franz and Melzner, Maximilian and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Towards ergonomics working - machine learning algorithms and musculoskeletal modeling}, series = {IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering}, volume = {1208}, booktitle = {IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering}, publisher = {IOP Publishing}, issn = {1757-899X}, doi = {10.1088/1757-899X/1208/1/012001}, abstract = {Ergonomic workplaces lead to fewer work-related musculoskeletal disorders and thus fewer sick days. There are various guidelines to help avoid harmful situations. However, these recommendations are often rather crude and often neglect the complex interaction of biomechanical loading and psychological stress. This study investigates whether machine learning algorithms can be used to predict mechanical and stress-related muscle activity for a standardized motion. For this purpose, experimental data were collected for trunk movement with and without additional psychological stress. Two different algorithms (XGBoost and TensorFlow) were used to model the experimental data. XGBoost in particular predicted the results very well. By combining it with musculoskeletal models, the method shown here can be used for workplace analysis but also for the development of real-time feedback systems in real workplace environments.}, language = {en} } @article{Linner, author = {Linner, Thomas}, title = {Special issue: Implementation-Oriented Construction Robotics}, series = {Construction Robotics}, volume = {7}, journal = {Construction Robotics}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1007/s41693-023-00100-y}, pages = {1 -- 2}, language = {en} } @article{MikhaeilGadererDawoud, author = {Mikhaeil, Makram and Gaderer, Matthias and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {Experimental Investigation of the Adsorption and Desorption Kinetics on an Open-Structured Asymmetric Plate Heat Exchanger; Matching Between Small-Scale and Full-Scale Results}, series = {Frontiers in Energy Research}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Energy Research}, publisher = {Frontiers}, doi = {10.3389/fenrg.2022.818486}, pages = {1 -- 15}, abstract = {This paper introduces the results of an experimental study on the adsorption and desorption kinetics of a commercially available, open-structured asymmetric plate heat exchanger adapted to act as an adsorber/desorber for the application in adsorption heat transformation processes. In addition, a volumetric large temperature jump (V-LTJ) kinetic setup was applied to measure the adsorption and desorption kinetics of a small-scale adsorbent sample prepared dedicatedly to be representative for the adsorbent domain inside the investigated adsorber plate heat exchanger (APHE). All kinetic results of the small-scale adsorbent sample and the APHE were fitted into exponential forms with a single characteristic time constant (τ) with a coefficient of determination (R2) better than 0.9531. A very good matching between the small-scale and full-scale adsorption kinetic measurements was obtained, with an average relative deviation of 12.3\% in the obtained τ-values. In addition, the kinetic data of the small-scale adsorbent sample were utilized for estimating the expected specific instantaneous and moving average powers of the evaporator/condenser heat exchanger. The average relative deviation (ARD) between the moving average specific evaporator powers obtained from the small-scale and the full-scale measurements amounts between 5.4 and 15.1\%.}, language = {en} } @article{MonkmanSindersbergerPremetal., author = {Monkman, Gareth J. and Sindersberger, Dirk and Prem, Nina and Diermeier, Andreas and Szecsey, Tamara}, title = {Dielectric behaviour of magnetic hybrid materials}, series = {Physical Sciences Reviews}, volume = {7}, journal = {Physical Sciences Reviews}, number = {10}, publisher = {de Gruyter}, doi = {10.1515/psr-2019-0121}, pages = {1169 -- 1185}, abstract = {The objectives of this work include the analysis of electrical and magnetic properties of magneto-elastic hybrid materials with the intention of developing new techniques for sensor and actuator applications. This includes the investigation of dielectric properties at both low and high frequencies. The behaviour of capacitors whose dielectrics comprise magnetic hybrid materials is well known. Such interfacial magnetocapacitance can be varied according to magnetic content, magnetic flux density and the relative permittivity of the polymer matrix together with other dielectric content. The basic function of trapping electrical charges in polymers (electrets) is also established technology. However, the combination of magnetoactive polymers and electrets has led to the first electromagnetic device capable of adhering to almost any material, whether magnetically susceptible or not. During the course of this research, in addition to dielectrics, electrically conductive polymers based on (PDMS) matrices were developed in order to vary the electrical properties of the material in a targeted manner. In order to ensure repeatable results, this demanded new fabrication techniques hitherto unavailable. The 3D printing of silicones is far from being a mature technology and much pioneering work was necessary before extending the usual 3 d.o.f. to include orientation about and diffusion of particles in these three axes, thus leading to the concept of 6D printing. In 6D printing, the application of a magnetic field can be used during the curing process to control the particulate distribution and thus the spatial filler particle density as desired. Most of the devices (sensors and actuators) produced by such methods contain levels of carbonyl iron powder (CIP) embedded magnetic filler of up to 70 wt\%. Contrary to this, a hitherto neglected research area, namely magnetoactive polymers (MAPs) having significantly lower magnetic particle concentrations (1 to 3 wt\% CIP) were also investigated. With filler concentrations lower than 3 wt\%, structures are formed which are completely absent at higher filler levels. CIP concentrations in the range of 1wt\% demonstrate the formation of toroidal structures. Further development of coherent rings with a compact order results as filler concentrations increase towards 2 wt\%. Above 3 wt\% the structure eventually disintegrates to the usual random order found in traditional MAP with higher CIP content. Structured samples containing 1\%-3 wt\% CIP were investigated with the aid of X-ray tomography where solitary ring structures can be observed and eventually the formation of capillary doubles. Over wavelengths ranging from 1 to 25 µm, spectroscopic analysis of thin film MAP samples containing 2 wt\% CIP revealed measurable magnetic-field-dependent changes in IR absorption at a wavenumber 2350 (λ = 4.255 µm). This was found to be due to the diamagnetic susceptibility of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Consequently, the first potential application for sparse matrix MAPs was found.}, language = {en} } @article{CurbachLanderDierksetal., author = {Curbach, Janina and Lander, Jonas and Dierks, Marie-Luise and Grepmeier, Eva-Maria and von Sommoggy, Julia}, title = {How do health professionals translate evidence on early childhood allergy prevention into health literacy-responsive practice?}, series = {BMJ OPEN}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMJ OPEN}, publisher = {BMJ}, doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047733}, pages = {1 -- 8}, abstract = {Introduction Paediatricians, general practitioners (GPs) and midwives in primary care are important sources of information for parents on early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP). Research has shown that preventive counselling by health professionals can be effective in improving patients' health literacy (HL) and health behaviour. Providing effective advice relies on two factors. First, health professionals need be up-to-date with research evidence on ECAP, to consider popular misconceptions and fears and to translate this knowledge into clear recommendations for parents (knowledge translation). Second, they need to know and apply counselling techniques and create a practice setting which accommodates parental HL needs (health literacy-responsive care). The objective of this study is to explore and assess how German health professionals take up and translate ECAP evidence into appropriate recommendations for parents, how they consider HL in counselling and practice organisation and what barriers and enablers they find in their performance of HL-responsive ECAP. Methods and analysis The study has a sequential mixed-method design, in two phases. In the first phase, qualitative semi-structured expert interviews will be conducted with health professionals (paediatricians, GPs and midwives) at primary care level and professional policy level. Data collection is ongoing until January 2022. In the second phase, based on the qualitative results, a standardised questionnaire will be developed, and pilot-tested in a wider population of German health professionals. The findings of both phases will be integrated. Ethics and dissemination The study has received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of the University of Regensburg (18-1205-101). The results will be published in international peer-reviewed open access journals and via presentations at scientific conferences. The results will also be shared with German health professionals, decision-makers and potential funders of interventions.}, language = {en} } @article{BerndtMuggliHeckeletal., author = {Berndt, Dominik and Muggli, Josef and Heckel, Robert and Rahiman, Mohd Fuad and Lindner, Matthias and Heinrich, Stephan and Pl{\"o}chinger, Heinz and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {A Robust Miniaturized Gas Sensor for H₂ and CO₂ Detection Based on the 3ω Method}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/s22020485}, pages = {1 -- 17}, abstract = {Gas concentration monitoring is essential in industrial or life science areas in order to address safety-relevant or process-related questions. Many of the sensors used in this context are based on the principle of thermal conductivity. The 3ω-method is a very accurate method to determine the thermal properties of materials. It has its origin in the thermal characterization of thin solid films. To date, there have been very few scientific investigations using this method to determine the thermal properties of gases and to apply it to gas measurement technology. In this article, we use two exemplary gases (H2 and CO2) for a systematical investigation of this method in the context of gas analysis. To perform our experiments, we use a robust, reliable sensing element that is already well established in vacuum measurement technology. This helix-shaped thin wire of tungsten exhibits high robustness against chemical and mechanical influences. Our setup features a compact measurement environment, where sensor operation and data acquisition are integrated into a single device. The experimental results show a good agreement with a simplified analytical model and FEM simulations. The sensor exhibits a lower detection limit of 0.62\% in the case of CO2, and only 0.062\% in case the of H2 at an excitation frequency of 1 Hz. This is one of the lowest values reported in literature for thermal conductivity H2 sensors.}, language = {en} } @article{SteiningerGadererSteffensetal., author = {Steininger, Peter and Gaderer, Matthias and Steffens, Oliver and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {Experimental and Numerical Study on the Heat Transfer Characteristics of a Newly-Developed Solar Active Thermal Insulation System}, series = {Buildings}, volume = {11}, journal = {Buildings}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/buildings11030123}, pages = {1 -- 22}, abstract = {A newly-developed solar active thermal insulation system (SATIS) is introduced with the main objective to accomplish a highly-dependent total solar transmittance on the irradiation angle. SATIS is also designed to obtain the maximum transmittance at a prescribed design irradiation angle and to reduce it remarkably at higher irradiation angles. A purely mineral thermal insulation plaster with micro hollow glass spheres is applied to manufacture the investigated SATIS prototype. Light-conducting elements (LCEs) have been introduced into SATIS and suitable closing elements have been applied. The SATIS prototype has been investigated both experimentally and numerically. It turned out that the contributions of conduction, radiation and convection to the effective thermal conductivity of SATIS, without the closing elements (49 mWmK), amount to 86.2\%, 13.2\% and 0.6\%, respectively. The angle-dependent short-wave radiation exchange within the LCE has been investigated via ray tracing. At the incidence angle of 19\% (design angle), 27\% of the radiation within the LCE is absorbed by the absorber plate, resulting in measured and computed total solar energy transmittances of 11.2\%/11.7\%, respectively. For a typical summer irradiation angle of 60\%, 98\% of the incident radiation is absorbed by the surfaces at the entrance of the LCE. The corresponding total solar energy transmittance amounts to 2.9\%.}, language = {en} } @article{GamischGadererDawoud, author = {Gamisch, Bernd and Gaderer, Matthias and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {On the Development of Thermochemical Hydrogen Storage: An Experimental Study of the Kinetics of the Redox Reactions under Different Operating Conditions}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {4}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/app11041623}, pages = {1 -- 15}, abstract = {This work aims at investigating the reduction/oxidation (redox) reaction kinetics on iron oxide pellets under different operating conditions of thermochemical hydrogen storage. In order to reduce the iron oxide pellets (90\% Fe2O3, 10\% stabilizing cement), hydrogen (H2) is applied in different concentrations with nitrogen (N2), as a carrier gas, at temperatures between between 700 ∘C and 900 ∘C, thus simulating the charging phase. The discharge phase is triggered by the flow of a mixture out of steam (H2O) and N2 at different concentrations in the same temperature range, resulting in the oxidizing of the previously reduced pellets. All investigations were carried out in a thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) with a flow rate of 250mL/min. To describe the obtained kinetic results, a simplified analytical model, based on the linear driving force model, was developed. The investigated iron oxide pellets showed a stable redox performance of 23.8\% weight reduction/gain, which corresponds to a volumetric storage density of 2.8kWh/(L bulk), also after the 29 performed redox cycles. Recalling that there is no H2 stored during the storage phase but iron, the introduced hydrogen storage technology is deemed very promising for applications in urban areas as day-night or seasonal storage for green hydrogen.}, language = {en} } @article{PremSindersbergerMonkman, author = {Prem, Nina and Sindersberger, Dirk and Monkman, Gareth J.}, title = {Mini-Extruder for 3D Magnetoactive Polymer Printing}, series = {Advances in Materials Science and Engineering}, journal = {Advances in Materials Science and Engineering}, publisher = {HINDAWI}, doi = {10.1155/2019/8715718}, pages = {1 -- 8}, abstract = {This work describes the development of a new miniature extruder, essential to cavity-free 3D printing of silicone-based smart materials. This makes the 3D printing of magnetoactive and electroactive polymer soft robotic components and devices directly from CAD data possible. The special feature of such an extruder is that it is designed for use with addition-crosslinking RTV-2 silicones, including solid particulate additives. The extruder merges the respective components automatically during extrusion which obviates the need for premixing and vacuum evacuation. Problems associated with inhomogeneities and unwanted cavity production are consequently eliminated. Rheological details necessary to the design, together with some preliminary performance results, are presented.}, language = {en} } @article{DechantFedulovFetisovetal., author = {Dechant, Eduard and Fedulov, Feodor and Fetisov, Leonid Y. and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Bandwidth Widening of Piezoelectric Cantilever Beam Arrays by Mass-Tip Tuning for Low-Frequency Vibration Energy Harvesting}, series = {Applied Science}, volume = {7}, journal = {Applied Science}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, organization = {MDPI AG}, doi = {10.3390/app7121324}, abstract = {Wireless sensor networks usually rely on internal permanent or rechargeable batteries as a power supply, causing high maintenance efforts. An alternative solution is to supply the entire system by harvesting the ambient energy, for example, by transducing ambient vibrations into electric energy by virtue of the piezoelectric effect. The purpose of this paper is to present a simple engineering approach for the bandwidth optimization of vibration energy harvesting systems comprising multiple piezoelectric cantilevers (PECs). The frequency tuning of a particular cantilever is achieved by changing the tip mass. It is shown that the bandwidth enhancement by mass tuning is limited and requires several PECs with close resonance frequencies. At a fixed frequency detuning between subsequent PECs, the achievable bandwidth shows a saturation behavior as a function of the number of cantilevers used. Since the resonance frequency of each PEC is different, the output voltages at a particular excitation frequency have different amplitudes and phases. A simple power-transfer circuit where several PECs with an individual full wave bridge rectifier are connected in parallel allows one to extract the electrical power close to the theoretical maximum excluding the diode losses. The experiments performed on two- and three-PEC arrays show reasonable agreement with simulations and demonstrate that this power-transfer circuit additionally influences the frequency dependence of the harvested electrical power.}, language = {en} } @article{FrikelHaltmeier, author = {Frikel, J{\"u}rgen and Haltmeier, Markus}, title = {Efficient regularization with wavelet sparsity constraints in photoacoustic tomography}, series = {Inverse Problems}, volume = {34}, journal = {Inverse Problems}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1088/1361-6420/aaa0ac}, pages = {1 -- 28}, abstract = {In this paper, we consider the reconstruction problem of photoacoustic tomography (PAT) with a flat observation surface. We develop a direct reconstruction method that employs regularization with wavelet sparsity constraints. To that end, we derive a wavelet-vaguelette decomposition (WVD) for the PAT forward operator and a corresponding explicit reconstruction formula in the case of exact data. In the case of noisy data, we combine the WVD reconstruction formula with soft-thresholding, which yields a spatially adaptive estimation method. We demonstrate that our method is statistically optimal for white random noise if the unknown function is assumed to lie in any Besov-ball. We present generalizations of this approach and, in particular, we discuss the combination of PAT-vaguelette soft-thresholding with a total variation (TV) prior. We also provide an efficient implementation of the PAT-vaguelette transform that leads to fast image reconstruction algorithms supported by numerical results.}, language = {en} } @article{Diamantidis, author = {Diamantidis, Dimitris}, title = {A Critical View on Environmental and Human Risk Acceptance Criteria}, series = {International Journal of Environmental Science and Development}, volume = {8}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Science and Development}, number = {1}, doi = {10.18178/ijesd.2017.8.1.921}, pages = {62 -- 66}, abstract = {Natural and technological hazards have a major impact on environmental and human safety. Risk assessment plays an essential role in the risk management of the effects of such hazards. This contribution summarizes first the general formulation of risk depending on two parameters: hazard probability and associated consequences. Problems faced in industrial applications based on the experience of the author are discussed. Risk acceptance criteria for the contributors to risk i.e. human, economic and environment are critically reviewed. Resilience based criteria are also included and conclusions for future developments are provided.}, language = {en} } @article{FranzWolfPeriyasamyetal., author = {Franz, Maja and Wolf, Lucas and Periyasamy, Maniraman and Ufrecht, Christian and Scherer, Daniel D. and Plinge, Axel and Mutschler, Christopher and Mauerer, Wolfgang}, title = {Uncovering Instabilities in Variational-Quantum Deep Q-Networks}, series = {Journal of the Franklin Institute}, journal = {Journal of the Franklin Institute}, edition = {In Press, Corrected Proof}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0016-0032}, doi = {10.1016/j.jfranklin.2022.08.021}, abstract = {Deep Reinforcement Learning (RL) has considerably advanced over the past decade. At the same time, state-of-the-art RL algorithms require a large computational budget in terms of training time to converge. Recent work has started to approach this problem through the lens of quantum computing, which promises theoretical speed-ups for several traditionally hard tasks. In this work, we examine a class of hybrid quantumclassical RL algorithms that we collectively refer to as variational quantum deep Q-networks (VQ-DQN). We show that VQ-DQN approaches are subject to instabilities that cause the learned policy to diverge, study the extent to which this afflicts reproduciblity of established results based on classical simulation, and perform systematic experiments to identify potential explanations for the observed instabilities. Additionally, and in contrast to most existing work on quantum reinforcement learning, we execute RL algorithms on an actual quantum processing unit (an IBM Quantum Device) and investigate differences in behaviour between simulated and physical quantum systems that suffer from implementation deficiencies. Our experiments show that, contrary to opposite claims in the literature, it cannot be conclusively decided if known quantum approaches, even if simulated without physical imperfections, can provide an advantage as compared to classical approaches. Finally, we provide a robust, universal and well-tested implementation of VQ-DQN as a reproducible testbed for future experiments.}, language = {en} } @article{SchloplocherEttengruberSteffens, author = {Schloplocher, Paul Dragos and Ettengruber, Stefan and Steffens, Oliver}, title = {Improvements for building-performance simulations by a comparative finite-element method analysis}, series = {Energy and Buildings}, volume = {278}, journal = {Energy and Buildings}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.112563}, pages = {1 -- 12}, abstract = {This paper presents a method to improve building-performance simulations (BPS) by the comparison and analysis of different approaches based on finite-element method (FEM) models. The lumped parameter method (LPM) is used in several BPS programs and tools. It has the advantage of fast computing times and comparably good accuracy for thermal and energy loads. With the help of detailed FEM simulations, it is possible to further improve the degree of detail and accuracy while maintaining the high simulation speed. In this work, we compare time-dependent results for local temperatures in a generic reference room within a given periode of time. In a second step, the differences between the models with respect to various physical effects are analyzed and used to introduce additional equations into the LPM model in order to improve its accuracy. Thus, we discuss potentials for improvement for BPS and demonstrate a method of a practical implementation. The results show minor differences of less than 0.1 K for radiation and heat transfer, so their level of detail in BPS is appropriate. In these terms, no improvements were pursued within the work. However, the FEM simulation is capable of calculating the internal convective heat transfer and thermal bridges more accurately due to the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the geometrically precise representation of the FEM model. Here, deviations of up to 1 K in room temperature (convective heat transfer) and up to 0.5 K in wall temperatures (thermal bridges) were pointed out. By improving the LPM with equations obtained from the FEM, these deviations can be reduced to less than 0.2 K, which is a considerable improvement in accuracy.}, language = {en} } @article{MaiwaldRoiderSchmidtetal., author = {Maiwald, Frederik and Roider, Clemens and Schmidt, Michael and Hierl, Stefan}, title = {Optical Coherence Tomography for 3D Weld Seam Localization in Absorber-Free Laser Transmission Welding}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {12}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {5}, publisher = {MPDI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/app12052718}, pages = {1 -- 11}, abstract = {Quality and reliability are of the utmost importance for manufacturing in the optical and medical industries. Absorber-free laser transmission welding enables the precise joining of identical polymers without additives or adhesives and is well-suited to meet the demands of the aforementioned industries. To attain sufficient absorption of laser energy without absorbent additives, thulium fiber lasers, which emit in the polymers' intrinsic absorption spectrum, are used. Focusing the laser beam with a high numerical aperture provides significant intensity gradients inside the workpiece and enables selective fusing of the internal joining zone without affecting the surface of the device. Because seam size and position are crucial, the high-quality requirements demand internal weld seam monitoring. In this work, we propose a novel method to determine weld seam location and size using optical coherence tomography. Changes in optical material properties because of melting and re-solidification during welding allow for weld seam differentiation from the injection-molded base material. Automatic processing of the optical coherence tomography data enables the identification and measurement of the weld seam geometry. The results from our technique are consistent with microscopic images of microtome sections and demonstrate that weld seam localization in polyamide 6 is possible with an accuracy better than a tenth of a millimeter.}, language = {en} } @article{KreitmeierChashinFetisovetal., author = {Kreitmeier, Florian and Chashin, Dmitri V. and Fetisov, Yuri K. and Fetisov, Leonid Y. and Schulz, Irene and Monkman, Gareth J. and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Nonlinear Magnetoelectric Response of Planar Ferromagnetic-Piezoelectric Structures to Sub-Millisecond Magnetic Pulses}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {12}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/s121114821}, pages = {14821 -- 14837}, abstract = {The magnetoelectric response of bi- and symmetric trilayer composite structures to pulsed magnetic fields is experimentally investigated in detail. The structures comprise layers of commercially available piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate) and magnetostrictive (permendur or nickel) materials. The magnetic-field pulses have the form of a half-wave sine function with duration of 450 µs and amplitudes ranging from 500 Oe to 38 kOe. The time dependence of the resulting voltage is presented and explained by theoretical estimations. Appearance of voltage oscillations with frequencies much larger than the reciprocal pulse length is observed for sufficiently large amplitudes (~1-10 kOe) of the magnetic-field pulse. The origin of these oscillations is the excitation of bending and planar acoustic oscillations in the structures. Dependencies of the magnetoelectric voltage coefficient on the excitation frequency and the applied magnetic field are calculated by digital signal processing and compared with those obtained by the method of harmonic field modulation. The results are of interest for developing magnetoelectric sensors of pulsed magnetic fields as well as for rapid characterization of magnetoelectric composite structures.}, language = {en} } @article{ApelsmeierGleixnerMayeretal., author = {Apelsmeier, Andreas and Gleixner, Ramona and Mayer, Matthias and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail and Schmauss, Bernhard}, title = {Intensity referencing in an extrinsic optical fiber temperature sensor}, series = {Procedia Engineering}, volume = {5}, journal = {Procedia Engineering}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.proeng.2010.09.301}, pages = {1095 -- 1098}, abstract = {Optical fiber sensors based on intensity measurement require some form of intensity referencing to avoid errors arising from parasitic losses. Known techniques of referencing such as balanced bridge, divided beam systems or two-wavelength referencing are not suitable for low-cost applications since they use relatively complicated optical components such as multiple LED sources, couplers, filters etc. In this work a novel method of referencing in an extrinsic optical fiber sensor system utilizing temperature dependence of absorption edge in a semiconductor crystal is described. The sensor system comprises a single LED source and no optical fiber junctions. The emission spectrum of an LED depends on its temperature. The reference is provided by controlling the temperature of an LED source and transmission measurements with different emission spectra. The entire process is controlled by a microprocessor unit. Performance of a sensor system is investigated and it is shown that the losses in connectors may be compensated for.}, language = {en} } @article{MonkmanSindersbergerPremetal., author = {Monkman, Gareth J. and Sindersberger, Dirk and Prem, Nina and Szecsey, Tamara}, title = {Smart Stiction}, series = {Robotics \& Automation Engineering Journal}, volume = {4}, journal = {Robotics \& Automation Engineering Journal}, number = {4}, publisher = {Juniper Publishers}, doi = {10.19080/RAEJ.2019.04.555641}, abstract = {Soft robotics could loosely be described as the engineering science of expanded dexterity through controllable flexibility. The exploitation of controllable compliance through the judicious choice of soft flexible members, as opposed to a finite number of rigid kinematic joints, can result in greater dexterity without compromising simplicity. One example is the replacement of segmented mechanical legs with simple compliant material eruciform prolegs. To achieve this in robotics, without introducing additional mechanical joints, mobile surfaces with switchable coefficients of friction is essential. This paper explains how, using silicone based smart materials, the rapid alternation between kinematic and static friction (stiction) may be achieved.}, language = {en} } @article{Herrmann, author = {Herrmann, Frank}, title = {Human Experience Versus Rule Decision at Krones AG}, series = {Biomedical Journal of Scientific \& Technical Research}, volume = {42}, journal = {Biomedical Journal of Scientific \& Technical Research}, number = {1}, publisher = {Biomedical Research Network+}, issn = {2574 -1241}, doi = {10.26717/BJSTR.2022.42.006691}, pages = {33255 -- 33260}, abstract = {Final assembly at Krones AG must make the best possible use of its production space and meeting the specified customer due dates is critical. Via a self developed simulation tool, the present scheduling procedure is compared with the one by priority rule shortest slack. As a consequence slack should have a higher importance in the planning}, language = {en} } @article{GoeppelFrikelHaltmeier, author = {G{\"o}ppel, Simon and Frikel, J{\"u}rgen and Haltmeier, Markus}, title = {Data-Proximal Complementary ℓ1-TV Reconstruction for Limited Data Computed Tomography}, series = {Mathematics}, volume = {12}, journal = {Mathematics}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2227-7390}, doi = {10.3390/math12101606}, abstract = {In a number of tomographic applications, data cannot be fully acquired, resulting in severely underdetermined image reconstruction. Conventional methods in such cases lead to reconstructions with significant artifacts. To overcome these artifacts, regularization methods are applied that incorporate additional information. An important example is TV reconstruction, which is known to be efficient in compensating for missing data and reducing reconstruction artifacts. On the other hand, tomographic data are also contaminated by noise, which poses an additional challenge. The use of a single regularizer must therefore account for both the missing data and the noise. A particular regularizer may not be ideal for both tasks. For example, the TV regularizer is a poor choice for noise reduction over multiple scales, in which case ℓ1 curvelet regularization methods are well suited. To address this issue, in this paper, we present a novel variational regularization framework that combines the advantages of different regularizers. The basic idea of our framework is to perform reconstruction in two stages. The first stage is mainly aimed at accurate reconstruction in the presence of noise, and the second stage is aimed at artifact reduction. Both reconstruction stages are connected by a data proximity condition. The proposed method is implemented and tested for limited-view CT using a combined curvelet-TV approach. We define and implement a curvelet transform adapted to the limited-view problem and illustrate the advantages of our approach in numerical experiments.}, language = {en} } @article{MikhaeilGadererDawoud, author = {Mikhaeil, Makram and Gaderer, Matthias and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {On the development of an innovative adsorber plate heat exchanger for adsorption heat transformation processes; an experimental and numerical study}, series = {Energy}, volume = {207}, journal = {Energy}, number = {September}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2020.118272}, pages = {1 -- 13}, abstract = {An innovative adsorber plate heat exchanger (APHE), which is developed for application in adsorption heat pumps, chillers and thermal energy storage systems, is introduced. A test frame has been constructed as a representative segment of the introduced APHE for applying loose grains of AQSOA-Z02. Adsorption kinetic measurements have been carried out in a volumetric large-temperature-jump setup under typical operating conditions of adsorption processes. A transient 2-D model is developed for the tested sample inside the setup. The measured temporal uptake variations with time have been fed to the model, through which a micro-pore diffusion coefficient at infinite temperature of 2 E-4 [m2s-1] and an activation energy of 42.1 [kJ mol-1] have been estimated. A 3-D model is developed to simulate the combined heat and mass transfer inside the APHE and implemented in a commercial software. Comparing the obtained results with the literature values for an extruded aluminium adsorber heat exchanger coated with a 500 μm layer of the same adsorbent, the differential water uptake obtained after 300 s of adsorption (8.2 g/100 g) implies a sound enhancement of 310\%. This result proves the great potential of the introduced APHE to remarkably enhance the performance of adsorption heat transformation appliances.}, language = {en} } @article{HuberHeindlSchlosseretal., author = {Huber, Lea and Heindl, Melanie and Schlosser, Marc and Pfitzner, Arno and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {On the Cycle Stability and Macroscopic Structure of Iron Oxide Pellets for Thermochemical Hydrogen Storage: Influence of Water Content during the Pelletizing Process}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {13}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {16}, doi = {10.3390/app13116408}, abstract = {Hydrogen storage based on the repeated reduction and oxidation (redox) reactions of iron oxide/iron composites represents a promising technology. This work is dedicated to studying the influence of the amount of water added during the pelletizing process on the cycle stability and structure of iron oxide pellets. The storage composites were prepared from iron oxide (Fe2O3) and 10 wt.-\% support material (cement) with different amounts of water (18 and 33 wt.-\%) in a laboratory-scale pelletizing disk. To evaluate the cycle stability of the composites, the kinetics of the redox reactions were experimentally measured at 800 ∘ C in an atmosphere of 50\% N2 and 50\% H2 (reduction) or 50\% steam (oxidation), respectively. Moreover, the structure of the pellets was analyzed by micro-computed tomography scans. It turned out that pellets with higher water contents attained faster kinetics and a higher cycle stability. The sample with the least water content (18 wt.-\%) needed about 26 min and 19 min to reach a conversion rate of 80\% during the reduction and oxidation reactions of the sixth redox cycle, respectively. In contrast, the sample with the highest water content (33 wt.-\%) could achieve the same conversion rate after 18 min (reduction) and 13 min (oxidation) during the ninth redox cycle.}, language = {en} } @article{Schiek, author = {Schiek, Roland}, title = {Nonlinear refractive index in silica glass}, series = {Optical Materials Expres}, volume = {13}, journal = {Optical Materials Expres}, number = {6}, publisher = {Optica}, doi = {10.1364/ome.489520}, pages = {1727 -- 1740}, abstract = {The third-order nonlinear susceptibility of silica glass is measured via self-phase modulation in standard single mode fibers at a wavelength of 1550 nm. To minimize the influence of polarization state changes along the propagation only meter-long fibers were investigated. With pulse durations of picoseconds a quasi-instantaneous nonlinearity with ultrafast electronic and fast nuclear-vibration contributions produces under conditions of negligible dispersion a classic and clean nonlinear phase shift following exactly the shape of the pulse power. The complex pulse envelope was retrieved from frequency optical gating spectrograms. The nonlinear fiber parameter γ could be determined with an accuracy of 3.7 percent. Considering the mode field structure and the doping influence the nonlinear refractive index of silica glass as the fiber base material was found to be n 2 =2.22⋅10 -16 cm 2 W±6.0\% for picosecond-long pulses. Comparing nonlinear phase shifts from linear and circular polarized light a nuclear-vibration contribution to the cubic fiber nonlinearity of 25 percent was estimated.}, language = {en} } @article{RomanoEhrlich, author = {Romano, Marco and Ehrlich, Ingo}, title = {Classification of damping properties of fabric-reinforced flat beam-like specimens by a degree of ondulation implying a mesomechanic kinematic}, series = {Science and Engineering of Composite Materials}, volume = {31}, journal = {Science and Engineering of Composite Materials}, number = {1}, publisher = {Walter de Gruyter GmbH}, issn = {2191-0359}, doi = {10.1515/secm-2024-0019}, abstract = {In order to determine the influence of the ondulations in fabrics on the damping properties of fiber-reinforced plastics, the structural dynamic properties of fabric- and unidirectionally reinforced plastics are investigated. The free decay behavior of flat beam-like specimens is investigated under fixed-free boundary conditions. As the material damping is consistently higher in fabric-reinforced specimens compared to unidirectionally reinforced ones, a contribution of an additionally acting mesomechanic kinematic in fabric weaves is implied. Based on a degree of ondulation, it is possible to classify the enhancement of the material damping and determine the corresponding energy dissipation. The study provides valuable quantitative relations of the additional damping effect due to the mesomechanic kinematic. Compared to the unidirectionally reinforced material, plain weave enhances the material damping by 37…52\% at ˜OPL=0.0133 , whereas twill weave 2/2 enhances it by 31…40\% at ˜OT2=0.0098 . The consideration of the findings contributes to a deeper understanding of the visco-elastic dynamic behavior of fabric-reinforced plastics and allows further applications in research, development, and industry.}, language = {en} } @article{SteiningerGadererDawoud, author = {Steininger, Peter and Gaderer, Matthias and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {Assessment of the Annual Transmission Heat Loss Reduction of a Refurbished Existing Building with an Advanced Solar Selective Thermal Insulation System}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {13}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {13}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/su13137336}, pages = {1 -- 19}, abstract = {A numerical parameter sensitivity analysis of the design parameters of the recently published solar selective thermal insulation system (SATIS) has been carried out to enhance its thermal and optical properties. It turned out that the insulation properties of SATIS can be effectively improved by reducing the length of the glass closure element. Increasing the area share of the light conducting elements (LCEs) and decreasing their length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio were identified as key parameters in order to increase the solar gain. Two SATIS variants were compared with the same wall insulation without SATIS in a yearly energetic performance assessment. The SATIS variant with 10 mm length of the closure element, 44.2\% area share of LCE, as well as front and rear diameters of 12 mm/9 mm shows an 11.8\% lower transmission heat loss over the heating period than the wall insulation without SATIS. A new methodology was developed to enable the implementation of the computed solar gains of SATIS in 1D simulation tools. The result is a radiant heat flow map for integration as a heat source in 1D simulation models. A comparison between the 1D and 3D models of the inside wall heat fluxes showed an integral yearly agreement of 98\%.}, language = {en} } @article{SindersbergerPremMonkman, author = {Sindersberger, Dirk and Prem, Nina and Monkman, Gareth J.}, title = {Structure formation in low concentration magnetoactive polymers}, series = {AIP advances}, volume = {9}, journal = {AIP advances}, number = {3}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1063/1.5079997}, abstract = {This paper concerns recent research into the autonomous formation of micro-structures in low carbonyl iron powder (CIP) concentration magneto active polymers (MAP). Higher concentrations of CIP show an isotropic distribution of magnetic filler throughout the entire sample, while autonomous structure formation is possible at mass concentrations lower than 3\%. The formation of micro-toroids commences as CIP concentration approaches 1\% wt. Further development of coherent rings with a defined order follow as CIP concentrations increase toward 2\% wt, whilst exceeding 3\% wt leads to the same isotropic distribution found in higher concentration MAP. Structured samples containing between 1\% wt and 3\% wt CIP were investigated using X-Ray tomography where solitary structures could clearly be observed. The ring structures represent microinductivities whose geometries can be manipulated during fabrication. In addition, these structures are magnetic field sensitive. This is not only relevant to applications in the GHz and THz areas but recent research has revealed implications for optical, thermal, acoustic and even chemical MAP sensors. (C) 2019 Author(s).}, language = {en} } @article{GlavanBelyaevaShamoninChamonine, author = {Glavan, Gašper and Belyaeva, Inna A. and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {On the Piezomagnetism of Magnetoactive Elastomeric Cylinders in Uniform Magnetic Fields: Height Modulation in the Vicinity of an Operating Point by Time-Harmonic Fields}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {16}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {19}, doi = {10.3390/polym16192706}, abstract = {Soft magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) are currently considered to be promising materials for actuators in soft robotics. Magnetically controlled actuators often operate in the vicinity of a bias point. Their dynamic properties can be characterized by the piezomagnetic strain coefficient, which is a ratio of the time-harmonic strain amplitude to the corresponding magnetic field strength. Herein, the dynamic strain response of a family of MAE cylinders to the time-harmonic (frequency of 0.1-2.5 Hz) magnetic fields of varying amplitude (12.5 kA/m-62.5 kA/m), superimposed on different bias magnetic fields (25-127 kA/m), is systematically investigated for the first time. Strain measurements are based on optical imaging with sub-pixel resolution. It is found that the dynamic strain response of MAEs is considerably different from that in conventional magnetostrictive polymer composites (MPCs), and it cannot be described by the effective piezomagnetic constant from the quasi-static measurements. The obtained maximum values of the piezomagnetic strain coefficient (∼102 nm/A) are one to two orders of magnitude higher than in conventional MPCs, but there is a significant phase lag (35-60°) in the magnetostrictive response with respect to an alternating magnetic field. The experimental dependencies of the characteristics of the alternating strain on the amplitude of the alternating field, bias field, oscillation frequency, and aspect ratio of cylinders are given for several representative examples. It is hypothesized that the main cause of observed peculiarities is the non-linear viscoelasticity of these composite materials.}, language = {en} } @article{GlavanKettlBrunhuberetal., author = {Glavan, Gašper and Kettl, Wolfgang and Brunhuber, Alexander and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail and Drevenšek-Olenik, Irena}, title = {Effect of Material Composition on Tunable Surface Roughness of Magnetoactive Elastomers}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {11}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {4}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/polym11040594}, pages = {1 -- 13}, abstract = {We investigated magnetic-field-induced modifications of the surface roughness of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) with four material compositions incorporating two concentrations of ferromagnetic microparticles (70 wt\% and 80 wt\%) and exhibiting two shear storage moduli of the resulting composite material (about 10 kPa and 30 kPa). The analysis was primarily based on spread optical reflection measurements. The surfaces of all four materials were found to be very smooth in the absence of magnetic field (RMS roughness below 50 nm). A maximal field-induced roughness modification (approximately 1 m/T) was observed for the softer material with the lower filler concentration, and a minimal modification (less than 50 nm/T) was observed for the harder material with the higher filler concentration. All four materials showed a significant decrease in the total optical reflectivity with an increasing magnetic field as well. This effect is attributed to the existence of a distinct surface layer that is depleted of microparticles in the absence of a magnetic field but becomes filled with particles in the presence of the field. We analyzed the temporal response of the reflective properties to the switching on and off of the magnetic field and found switching-on response times of around 0.1 s and switching-off response times in the range of 0.3-0.6 s. These observations provide new insight into the magnetic-field-induced surface restructuring of MAEs and may be useful for the development of magnetically reconfigurable elastomeric optical surfaces.}, language = {en} } @article{FoerstlSuessEnglertetal., author = {F{\"o}rstl, Nikolas and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Englert, Carsten and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Design of a reverse shoulder implant to measure shoulder stiffness during implant component positioning}, series = {Medical Engineering \& Physics}, volume = {121}, journal = {Medical Engineering \& Physics}, edition = {Journal Pre-proof}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.medengphy.2023.104059}, pages = {22}, abstract = {To avoid dislocation of the shoulder joint after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, it is important to achieve sufficient shoulder stability when placing the implant components during surgery. One parameter for assessing shoulder stability can be shoulder stiffness. The aim of this research was to develop a temporary reverse shoulder implant prototype that would allow intraoperative measurement of shoulder stiffness while varying the position of the implant components. Joint angle and torque measurement techniques were developed to determine shoulder stiffness. Hall sensors were used to measure the joint angles by converting the magnetic flux densities into angles. The accuracy of the joint angle measurements was tested using a test bench. Torques were determined by using thin-film pressure sensors. Various mechanical mechanisms for variable positioning of the implant components were integrated into the prototype. The results of the joint angle measurements showed measurement errors of less than 5° in a deflection range of ±15° adduction/abduction combined with ±45° flexion/extension. The proposed design provides a first approach for intra-operative assessment of shoulder stiffness. The findings can be used as a technological basis for further developments.}, language = {en} } @misc{KrieglKravanjaHribaretal., author = {Kriegl, Raphael and Kravanja, Gaia and Hribar, Luka and Jezeršek, Matija and Drevenšek-Olenik, Irena and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Characterization of Wetting Properties of Magnetoactive Elastomer Surfaces}, series = {Proceedings of the ASME Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems (SMASIS) - 2023, September 11-13, 2023 Austin, Texas, USA}, journal = {Proceedings of the ASME Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems (SMASIS) - 2023, September 11-13, 2023 Austin, Texas, USA}, publisher = {The American Society of Mechanical Engineers}, address = {New York, USA}, isbn = {978-0-7918-8752-3}, doi = {10.1115/SMASIS2023-110998}, abstract = {Commercially available contact angle (CA) measuring devices usually do not allow for the application of magnetic fields to the sample under test. A setup for measuring the CA of liquids on magnetosensitive surfaces has been developed specifically for investigating the surfaces of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs). The addition of a programmable linear stage, which moves a permanent magnet, allows for fine control of the magnetic field applied to the MAE without the need for large and power-consuming electromagnets. Paired with a custom control and evaluation software, this measurement setup operates semiautomatically, limiting operator error and increasing precision, speed, as well as repeatability of static and dynamic CA measurements for different magnetoactive materials. The software is equipped with robust droplet fitting algorithms to avoid experimental challenges arising with soft magnetoactive materials, such as the curling of sample edges or diffuse non-reflective surfaces. Several application examples on MAE surfaces, both processed and unprocessed, are presented.}, language = {en} } @article{LindnerPipaKarpenetal., author = {Lindner, Matthias and Pipa, Andrei V. and Karpen, Norbert and Hink, R{\"u}diger and Berndt, Dominik and Foest, R{\"u}diger and Bonaccurso, Elmar and Weichwald, Robert and Friedberger, Alois and Caspari, Ralf and Brandenburg, Ronny and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Icing Mitigation by MEMS-Fabricated Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {23}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/app112311106}, pages = {1 -- 17}, abstract = {Avoiding ice accumulation on aerodynamic components is of enormous importance to flight safety. Novel approaches utilizing surface dielectric barrier discharges (SDBDs) are expected to be more efficient and effective than conventional solutions for preventing ice accretion on aerodynamic components. In this work, the realization of SDBDs based on thin-film substrates by means of micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) technology is presented. The anti-icing performance of the MEMS SDBDs is presented and compared to SDBDs manufactured by printed circuit board (PCB) technology. It was observed that the 35 mu m thick electrodes of the PCB SDBDs favor surface icing with an initial accumulation of supercooled water droplets at the electrode impact edges. This effect was not observed for 0.3 mu m thick MEMS-fabricated electrodes indicating a clear advantage for MEMS-technology SDBDs for anti-icing applications. Titanium was identified as the most suitable material for MEMS electrodes. In addition, an optimization of the MEMS-SDBDs with respect to the dielectric materials as well as SDBD design is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{GamischHuberGadereretal., author = {Gamisch, Bernd and Huber, Lea and Gaderer, Matthias and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {On the Kinetic Mechanisms of the Reduction and Oxidation Reactions of Iron Oxide/Iron Pellets for a Hydrogen Storage Process}, series = {Energies}, volume = {15}, journal = {Energies}, number = {21}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/en15218322}, abstract = {This work aims at investigating the kinetic mechanisms of the reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions of iron oxide/iron pellets under different operating conditions. The reaction principle is the basis of a thermochemical hydrogen storage system. To simulate the charging phase, a single pellet consisting of iron oxide (90\% Fe2O3, 10\% stabilising cement) is reduced with different hydrogen (H2) concentrations at temperatures between 600 and 800 °C. The discharge phase is initiated by the oxidation of the previously reduced pellet by water vapour (H2O) at different concentrations in the same temperature range. In both reactions, nitrogen (N2) is used as a carrier gas. The redox reactions have been experimentally measured in a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) at a flow rate of 250 mL/min. An extensive literature review has been conducted on the existing reactions' kinetic mechanisms along with their applicability to describe the obtained results. It turned out that the measured kinetic results can be excellently described with the so-called shrinking core model. Using the geometrical contracting sphere reaction mechanism model, the concentration- and temperature-dependent reduction and oxidation rates can be reproduced with a maximum deviation of less than 5\%. In contrast to the reduction process, the temperature has a smaller effect on the oxidation reaction kinetics, which is attributed to 71\% less activation energy (Ea,Re=56.9 kJ/mol versus Ea,Ox=16.0 kJ/mol). The concentration of the reacting gas showed, however, an opposite trend: namely, to have an almost twofold impact on the oxidation reaction rate constant compared to the reduction rate constant.}, language = {en} } @article{KrieglKravanjaHribaretal., author = {Kriegl, Raphael and Kravanja, Gaia and Hribar, Luka and Čoga, Lucija and Drevenšek-Olenik, Irena and Jezeršek, Matija and Kalin, Mitjan and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Microstructured Magnetoactive Elastomers for Switchable Wettability}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {14}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {18}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/polym14183883}, pages = {1 -- 21}, abstract = {We demonstrate the control of wettability of non-structured and microstructured magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) by magnetic field. The synthesized composite materials have a concentration of carbonyl iron particles of 75 wt.\% (≈27 vol.\%) and three different stiffnesses of the elastomer matrix. A new method of fabrication of MAE coatings on plastic substrates is presented, which allows one to enhance the response of the apparent contact angle to the magnetic field by exposing the particle-enriched side of MAEs to water. A magnetic field is not applied during crosslinking. The highest variation of the contact angle from (113 ± 1)° in zero field up to (156 ± 2)° at about 400 mT is achieved in the MAE sample with the softest matrix. Several lamellar and pillared MAE structures are fabricated by laser micromachining. The lateral dimension of surface structures is about 50 µm and the depth varies between 3 µm and 60 µm. A systematic investigation of the effects of parameters of laser processing (laser power and the number of passages of the laser beam) on the wetting behavior of these structures in the absence and presence of a magnetic field is performed. In particular, strong anisotropy of the wetting behavior of lamellar structures is observed. The results are qualitatively discussed in the framework of the Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter models. Finally, directions of further research on magnetically controlled wettability of microstructured MAE surfaces are outlined. The obtained results may be useful for the development of magnetically controlled smart surfaces for droplet-based microfluidics.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KaramaraBogdanskiZoelleretal., author = {Karamara, Merve and Bogdanski, Moritz-Ole and Z{\"o}ller, Raphael and Albrecht, Sophie Viktoria and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas and Braml, Thomas}, title = {Increasing efficiency and sustainability: A comparative analysis of concrete 3D printing and traditional methods based on case studies}, series = {MATEC Web of Conferences}, volume = {409}, booktitle = {MATEC Web of Conferences}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, doi = {10.1051/matecconf/202540913005}, pages = {7}, abstract = {At the forthcoming Concrete Solutions 2025 conference, the subject of concrete 3D printing will be explored in the "Case Studies" category, with a comparison to traditional methods. Concrete 3D printing offers several significant advantages, including the ability to create complex geometries, increased material efficiency, faster build times and cost savings. These are particularly important in the context of the current skilled labour shortage and emphasis on resource efficiency in construction. Nevertheless, challenges persist in the areas of machine reliability, process integration, and material adaptation to meet the requirements of 3D printing. The case studies will present modular and design-engineering-based strategies for the development of efficient, scalable automation solutions that integrate 3D printing into existing processes and allow for project-specific customisation through selective automation. These findings provide a robust framework for industrial applications that enhance efficiency and adaptability. By comparing concrete 3D printing to conventional methods, the insights offer a foundation for advancing automated production in construction, promoting scalable, resource-efficient, and economically sustainable practices that address the industry's evolving demands.}, language = {en} } @article{FrankeWagnerKrause, author = {Franke, Markus and Wagner, Marcus and Krause, Tom Janis}, title = {Data-driven model order reduction with surrogate elements for transient simulations}, series = {Engineering Computations : International journal for computer-aided engineering and software}, volume = {2025}, journal = {Engineering Computations : International journal for computer-aided engineering and software}, publisher = {Emerald Publishing}, address = {Leeds}, doi = {10.1108/EC-06-2024-0511}, pages = {26}, abstract = {Purpose - The purpose of this study is to introduce surrogate elements for static and transient finite element simulations. These elements are designed to replace regions of several conventional solid elements with a single artificial element that possesses a reduced number of degrees of freedoms (dofs). A notable advantage of our surrogate elements is their seamless integration into standard finite element meshes. Design/methodology/approach - The construction of the surrogate elements stiffness and mass matrices is achieved through an optimization process wherein displacements serve as the optimization objective. Moreover, the matrices are designed to possess properties analogous to those of standard finite elements. A particular focus is placed on ensuring that the artificial stiffness matrices are positive semi-definite. Furthermore, artificial degrees of freedom are introduced. Findings - The efficacy of the proposed technique is demonstrated through its application to two different use cases. It is demonstrated that, despite being trained on examples comprising a single surrogate element, the surrogate elements can be employed multiple times within complex and practical models. The degree of accuracy achieved in these applications is noteworthy. Moreover, the proposed method is considerably faster than the fully discretized models. Originality/value - The study expands the field of substructuring and model order reduction by incorporating artificial surrogate elements built by neural networks, which enables seamless integration with standard finite element analysis via positive semi-definite matrices. Furthermore, the introduction of artificial degrees of freedom, which are detached from the computational domain, is proposed. Once trained, the surrogate elements can be utilised in load and support independent scenarios.}, language = {en} } @article{ThumannBuchnerMarburgetal., author = {Thumann, Philipp and Buchner, Stefan and Marburg, Steffen and Wagner, Marcus}, title = {A comparative study of Glinka and Neuber approaches for fatigue strength assessment on 42CrMoS4-QT specimens}, series = {Strain}, volume = {2023}, journal = {Strain}, number = {e12470}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1475-1305}, doi = {10.1111/str.12470}, pages = {21}, abstract = {In fatigue strength assessment, the methods based on ideal elastic stresses according to Basquin and the less established method based on elastic-plastic stress quantities according to Manson, Coffin and Morrow are applied. The former calculates loads using linear-elastic stresses, the latter requires elasticplastic evaluation parameters, such as stresses and strains. These can be determined by finite element analysis (FEA) with a linear-elastic constitutive law, and subsequent conversion to elastic-plastic loads, using the macro support formula by Neuber. In this contribution, an alternative approach to approximate elastic-plastic parameters proposed by Glinka is compared to the the strain-life method using Neuber's formula, as well as the stress-life method of Basquin. Several component tests on 42CrMoS4-QT specimens are investigated. To determine the input data for the fatigue strength evaluations, the entire test setup is computed by FEA. The nodal displacements from these validated full-model simulations are used as boundary conditions for a submodel simulation of a notch, whose results serve as input for the fatigue strength assessments. It is shown that all approaches provide a reliable assessment of components. Our key result is that the strain-life method using the concept by Glinka for notch stress computation, yields improved results in fatigue strength assessments.}, language = {en} } @article{SchuheggerKaraGalkaetal., author = {Schuhegger, Lukas and Kara, Sinan and Galka, Stefan and D{\"u}nnweber, Jan and Meißner, Sebastian}, title = {Umzugsplanung mit Fabrikdatenmodellen und Virtual Reality}, series = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r wirtschaftlichen Fabrikbetrieb}, volume = {119}, journal = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r wirtschaftlichen Fabrikbetrieb}, number = {11}, publisher = {de Gruyter}, issn = {2511-0896}, doi = {10.1515/zwf-2024-1154}, pages = {799 -- 804}, abstract = {Angesichts eines dynamischen industriellen Umfelds m{\"u}ssen produzierende Unternehmen flexibel bleiben und sich kontinuierlich anpassen, um ihre Wettbewerbsf{\"a}higkeit zu erhalten. Eine effektive Planung von Restrukturierungen in Produktionssystemen, oft als Umzugsplanung bezeichnet, ist entscheidend, um Verz{\"o}gerungen zu vermeiden und Stillstandszeiten zu minimieren. Die Identifikation von Umzugsf{\"a}llen, welche den Umfang umzuziehender Ressourcen wie Maschinen, Anlagen, Ausr{\"u}stungen und Arbeitspl{\"a}tzen beschreiben und die Definition zugeh{\"o}riger Aufgaben sind essenzielle Schritte der Umzugsplanung. Dieser Beitrag stellt eine Vorgehensweise zur Bestimmung von Umzugsf{\"a}llen mittels eines Fabrikdatenmodells vor, erg{\"a}nzt durch eine Visualisierung in Virtual Reality, um Planende bei der Umzugsplanung zu unterst{\"u}tzen.}, language = {de} } @article{PangerlMoserMuelleretal., author = {Pangerl, Jonas and Moser, Elisabeth and M{\"u}ller, Max and Weigl, Stefan and Jobst, Simon and R{\"u}ck, Thomas and Bierl, Rudolf and Matysik, Frank-Michael}, title = {A sub-ppbv-level Acetone and Ethanol Quantum Cascade Laser Based Photoacoustic Sensor- Characterization and Multi-Component Spectra Recording in Synthetic Breath}, series = {Photoacoustics}, volume = {30}, journal = {Photoacoustics}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {2213-5979}, doi = {10.1016/j.pacs.2023.100473}, pages = {1 -- 12}, abstract = {Trace gas analysis in breath is challenging due to the vast number of different components. We present a highly sensitive quantum cascade laser based photoacoustic setup for breath analysis. Scanning the range between 8263 and 8270 nm with a spectral resolution of 48 pm, we are able to quantify acetone and ethanol within a typical breath matrix containing water and CO2. We photoacoustically acquired spectra within this region of mid-infra-red light and prove that those spectra do not suffer from non-spectral interferences. The purely additive behavior of a breath sample spectrum was verified by comparing it with the independently acquired single component spectra using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. A previously presented simulation approach is improved and an error attribution study is presented. With a 3σ detection limit of 6.5 ppbv in terms of ethanol and 250 pptv regarding acetone, our system is among the best performing presented so far.}, language = {en} } @article{MauererJoblinTamburrietal., author = {Mauerer, Wolfgang and Joblin, Mitchell and Tamburri, Damian and Paradis, Carlos and Kazman, Rick and Apel, Sven}, title = {In Search of Socio-Technical Congruence: A Large-Scale Longitudinal Study}, series = {IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering (TSE)}, volume = {48}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering (TSE)}, number = {8}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/TSE.2021.3082074}, pages = {3159 -- 3184}, abstract = {This paper describes a large-scale empirical study investigating the relevance of socio-technical congruence over key basic software quality metrics, namely, bugs and churn. That is, we explore whether alignment or misalignment of social communication structures and technical dependencies in large software projects influences software quality. To this end, we have defined a quantitative and operational notion of socio-technical congruence, which we call /socio-technical motif congruence/ (STMC). STMC is a measure of the degree to which developers working on the same file or on two related files, need to communicate. As socio-technical congruence is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon, the interpretability of the results is one of our main concerns, so we have employed a careful mixed-methods statistical analysis. In particular, we provide analyses with similar techniques as employed by seminal work in the field to ensure comparability of our results with the existing body of work. The major result of our study, based on an analysis of 25 large open-source projects, is that STMC is /not/ related to project quality measures---software bugs and churn---in any temporal scenario. That is, we find no statistical relationship between the alignment of developer tasks and developer communications on one hand, and project outcomes on the other hand. We conclude that, wherefore congruence does matter as literature shows, then its measurable effect lies elsewhere.}, language = {en} } @article{HofrichterRankHeberletal., author = {Hofrichter, Andreas and Rank, Daniel and Heberl, Michael and Sterner, Michael}, title = {Determination of the optimal power ratio between electrolysis and renewable energy to investigate the effects on the hydrogen production costs}, series = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {48}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, number = {5}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.09.263}, pages = {1651 -- 1663}, abstract = {Green hydrogen via renewable powered electrolysis has a high relevance in decarbonization and supply security. Achieving economically competitive hydrogen production costs is a major challenge in times of an energy price crisis. Our objective is to show the economically optimal installed capacity of electrolysers in relation to wind and solar power so swift and credible statements can be made regarding the system design. The ratio between renewable generation and electrolysis power as well as scaling effects, operating behaviour and development of costs are considered. Hydrogen production costs are calculated for four exemplary real PV and wind sites and different ratios of electrolysis to renewable power for the year 2020. The ideal ratio for PV systems is between 14\% and 73\% and for wind between 3.3\% and 143\% for low and high full load hours. The lowest hydrogen production costs are identified at 2.53 €/kg for 50 MW wind power and 72 MW electrolysis power. The results provide plant constructors the possibility to create a cost-optimized design via an optimum ratio of electrolysis to renewable capacity. Therefore, the procedures for planning and dimensioning of selected systems can be drastically simplified.}, language = {en} } @article{MuellerWeiglMuellerWilliamsetal., author = {M{\"u}ller, Max and Weigl, Stefan and M{\"u}ller-Williams, Jennifer and Lindauer, Matthias and R{\"u}ck, Thomas and Jobst, Simon and Bierl, Rudolf and Matysik, Frank-Michael}, title = {Comparison of photoacoustic spectroscopy and cavity ring-down spectroscopy for ambient methane monitoring at Hohenpeißenberg}, series = {Atmospheric Measurement Techniques}, volume = {16}, journal = {Atmospheric Measurement Techniques}, number = {18}, publisher = {Copernicus Publications}, issn = {1867-8548}, doi = {10.5194/amt-16-4263-2023}, pages = {4263 -- 4270}, abstract = {With an atmospheric concentration of approximately 2000 parts per billion (ppbV, 10-9), methane (CH4) is the second most abundant greenhouse gas (GHG) in the atmosphere after carbon dioxide (CO2). The task of long-term and spatially resolved GHG monitoring to verify whether climate policy actions are effective is becoming more crucial as climate change progresses. In this paper we report the CH4 concentration readings of our photoacoustic (PA) sensor over a 5 d period at Hohenpeißenberg, Germany. As a reference device, a calibrated cavity ring-down spectrometer, Picarro G2301, from the meteorological observatory of the German Weather Service (DWD) was employed. Trace gas measurements with photoacoustic instruments promise to provide low detection limits at comparably low costs. However, PA devices are often susceptible to cross-sensitivities related to fluctuating environmental conditions, e.g. ambient humidity. The obtained results show that for PA sensor systems non-radiative relaxation effects induced by varying humidity are a non-negligible factor. Applying algorithm compensation techniques, which are capable of calculating the influence of non-radiative relaxation effects on the photoacoustic signal, increase the accuracy of the photoacoustic sensor significantly. With an average relative deviation of 1.11 \% from the G2301, the photoacoustic sensor shows good agreement with the reference instrument.}, language = {en} } @article{KnoedlerDeanKnoedleretal., author = {Kn{\"o}dler, Leonard and Dean, Jillian and Knoedler, Samuel and Kauke-Navarro, Martin and Hollmann, Katharina and Alfertshofer, Michael and Helm, Sabrina and Prantl, Lukas and Schliermann, Rainer}, title = {Hard shell, soft core? Multi-disciplinary and multi-national insights into mental toughness among surgeons}, series = {Frontiers in Surgery}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Surgery}, publisher = {Frontiers}, doi = {10.3389/fsurg.2024.1361406}, pages = {7}, abstract = {Background: With the prevalence of burnout among surgeons posing a significant threat to healthcare outcomes, the mental toughness of medical professionals has come to the fore. Mental toughness is pivotal for surgical performance and patient safety, yet research into its dynamics within a global and multi-specialty context remains scarce. This study aims to elucidate the factors contributing to mental toughness among surgeons and to understand how it correlates with surgical outcomes and personal well-being. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional design, this study surveyed 104 surgeons from English and German-speaking countries using the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) along with additional queries about their surgical practice and general life satisfaction. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to investigate the variations in mental toughness across different surgical domains and its correlation with professional and personal factors. Results: The study found a statistically significant higher level of mental toughness in micro-surgeons compared to macro-surgeons and a positive correlation between mental toughness and surgeons' intent to continue their careers. A strong association was also observed between general life satisfaction and mental toughness. No significant correlations were found between the application of psychological skills and mental toughness. Conclusion: Mental toughness varies significantly among surgeons from different specialties and is influenced by professional dedication and personal life satisfaction. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to foster mental toughness in the surgical community, potentially enhancing surgical performance and reducing burnout. Future research should continue to explore these correlations, with an emphasis on longitudinal data and the development of resilience-building programs.}, language = {en} } @article{FetisovChashinSavelevetal., author = {Fetisov, Yuri K. and Chashin, Dmitri V. and Savelev, Dmitrii V. and Fetisov, Leonid Y. and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Anisotropic Magnetoelectric Effect in a Planar Heterostructure Comprising Piezoelectric Ceramics and Magnetostrictive Fibrous Composite}, series = {Materials}, volume = {12}, journal = {Materials}, number = {19}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/ma12193228}, pages = {1 -- 13}, abstract = {The direct magnetoelectric (ME) effect is investigated in a planar structure comprising mechanically coupled layers of a magnetostrictive fibrous composite (MFC) and a piezoelectric ceramics (lead zirconate titanate, PZT). The MFC is an array of Ni-wires with a diameter of 200 mu m that are aligned parallel to each other in a single layer. The wires are separated by a distance of 250 or 500 mu m and fixed in a polyamide matrix. The structure was placed in a tangential constant field H and was excited by an alternating magnetic field h parallel to H, while the voltage generated by the PZT layer was measured. The resulting field dependences of the magnetization M(H) and the magnetostriction lambda(H) were determined by the orientation of the field H in the plane of the structure and the distance between the Ni-wires. The ME coupling coefficient of the structure decreased from 4.8 to 0.25 V/A when the orientation of H was changed from parallel to perpendicular to Ni-wires. With an increase in the excitation field amplitude h, a nonlinear ME effect in the output voltage, namely frequency doubling, was observed. The frequency and field dependences of the efficiency of the ME transduction in the MFC-piezoelectric heterostructure are well described by the existing theory.}, language = {en} } @misc{SaffertMelznerDendorfer, author = {Saffert, Anne-Sophie and Melzner, Maximilian and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Biomechanical Analysis of the Right Elevated Glenohumeral Joint in Violinists during Legato-Playing}, series = {Biomdlore 2021: 21-23 October 2021 Vilnius/Trakai, Lithuania}, journal = {Biomdlore 2021: 21-23 October 2021 Vilnius/Trakai, Lithuania}, doi = {10.3233/THC-219001}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many statistics reveal that violin players suffer most often from musculoskeletal disorders compared to musicians of other instrument groups. A common phenomenon, especially observed in violin beginners, is the tendency to elevate the right shoulder during playing the violin. This can probably lead to serious disorders in long-term practice with repetitive movements. OBJECTIVE: For this reason, this study investigated the relationship between the right shoulder elevation and the force in the right glenohumeral joint during violin playing. It was hypothesized that the forces in the right glenohumeral joint are higher during playing with the right shoulder raised compared to playing in normal posture. METHODS: Motion capture data from four experienced violinists was recorded and processed by means of musculoskeletal simulation to get the force and elevation angle while playing with raised shoulder and in normal position. RESULTS: The results indicate that the absolute values of the resulting force, as well as the forces in the mediolateral, inferosuperior, and anteroposterior directions, are higher in playing the violin with the shoulder raised than in a normal posture. CONCLUSIONS: Elevating the right shoulder while playing the violin may pose a potential problem.}, language = {en} } @article{GlavanBelyaevaRuwischetal., author = {Glavan, Gašper and Belyaeva, Inna A. and Ruwisch, Kevin and Wollschlaeger, Joachim and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Magnetoelectric Response of Laminated Cantilevers Comprising a Magnetoactive Elastomer and a Piezoelectric Polymer, in Pulsed Uniform Magnetic Fields}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {19}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/s21196390}, pages = {1 -- 19}, abstract = {The voltage response to pulsed uniform magnetic fields and the accompanying bending deformations of laminated cantilever structures are investigated experimentally in detail. The structures comprise a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) slab and a commercially available piezoelectric polymer multilayer. The magnetic field is applied vertically and the laminated structures are customarily fixed in the horizontal plane or, alternatively, slightly tilted upwards or downwards. Six different MAE compositions incorporating three concentrations of carbonyl iron particles (70 wt\%, 75 wt\% and 80 wt\%) and two elastomer matrices of different stiffness are used. The dependences of the generated voltage and the cantilever's deflection on the composition of the MAE layer and its thickness are obtained. The appearance of the voltage between the electrodes of a piezoelectric material upon application of a magnetic field is considered as a manifestation of the direct magnetoelectric (ME) effect in a composite laminated structure. The ME voltage response increases with the increasing total quantity of the soft-magnetic filler in the MAE layer. The relationship between the generated voltage and the cantilever's deflection is established. The highest observed peak voltage around 5.5 V is about 8.5-fold higher than previously reported values. The quasi-static ME voltage coefficient for this type of ME heterostructures is about 50 V/A in the magnetic field of approximate to 100 kA/m, obtained for the first time. The results could be useful for the development of magnetic field sensors and energy harvesting devices relying on these novel polymer composites.}, language = {en} } @article{SavelevBelyaevaChashinetal., author = {Savelev, Dmitrii V. and Belyaeva, Inna A. and Chashin, Dmitri V. and Fetisov, Leonid Y. and Romeis, Dirk and Kettl, Wolfgang and Kramarenko, Elena Yu and Saphiannikova, Marina and Stepanov, Gennady V. and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Giant extensional strain of magnetoactive elastomeric cylinders in uniform magnetic fields}, series = {Materials}, volume = {13}, journal = {Materials}, number = {15}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1996-1944}, doi = {10.3390/ma13153297}, pages = {1 -- 17}, abstract = {Elongations of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) under ascending-descending uniform magnetic fields were studied experimentally using a laboratory apparatus specifically designed to measure large extensional strains (up to 20\%) in compliant MAEs. In the literature, such a phenomenon is usually denoted as giant magnetostriction. The synthesized cylindrical MAE samples were based on polydimethylsiloxane matrices filled with micrometer-sized particles of carbonyl iron. The impact of both the macroscopic shape factor of the samples and their magneto-mechanical characteristics were evaluated. For this purpose, the aspect ratio of the MAE cylindrical samples, the concentration of magnetic particles in MAEs and the effective shear modulus were systematically varied. It was shown that the magnetically induced elongation of MAE cylinders in the maximum magnetic field of about 400 kA/m, applied along the cylinder axis, grew with the increasing aspect ratio. The effect of the sample composition is discussed in terms of magnetic filler rearrangements in magnetic fields and the observed experimental tendencies are rationalized by simple theoretical estimates. The obtained results can be used for the design of new smart materials with magnetic-field-controlled deformation properties, e.g., for soft robotics.}, language = {en} } @article{PutzSchirmerSattleretal., author = {Putz, Christoph and Schirmer, Maximilian and Sattler, Robert and Monkman, Gareth J.}, title = {Fabrication of Bisphenol-free Boron-Siloxane Polymers}, series = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, edition = {Journal Pre-proof}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2025.130567}, abstract = {Interest in the preparation of magnetoactive boron-siloxane polymers (MBP) has been stimulated by recent scientific developments. However, recent regulations have prohibited the inclusion of Bisphenol-A normally employed in the manufacture of commercially available products. In the following publication, two different routes for the preparation of magnetoactive borosiloxane polymers have been taken. First, the possibilities of obtaining homogeneous mixtures of magnetoactive polymers by mixing the magnetic particles with the polymer using solid CO2 (dry ice) and stirring (shearing) are investigated. In the course of the work, an approach for the preparation of reference materials of different viscosities was made to prove the transferability to other elastomers. This is then followed by a brief review of the reaction of the polymer with different solvents in relation to the mixing with particles. In manually kneaded compounds, dispersions ranging from 0.00004 to 0.004 particles per mm3 are common. The process described in this work resulted in agglomerations of no greater than 0.00004 particles per mm3 A possible synthesis route for bisphenol-free boron-siloxanes is then considered, in which for the polymer matrix, polydimethylsilanes (dichloro(methyl)silane), boric acid and iron(III)chloride are used for this purpose by polycondensation.}, language = {en} } @article{RillSchuderer, author = {Rill, Georg and Schuderer, Matthias}, title = {A Second-Order Dynamic Friction Model Compared to Commercial Stick-Slip Models}, series = {Modelling}, volume = {4}, journal = {Modelling}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2673-3951}, doi = {10.3390/modelling4030021}, pages = {366 -- 381}, abstract = {Friction has long been an important issue in multibody dynamics. Static friction models apply appropriate regularization techniques to convert the stick inequality and the non-smooth stick-slip transition of Coulomb's approach into a continuous and smooth function of the sliding velocity. However, a regularized friction force is not able to maintain long-term stick. That is why dynamic friction models were developed in recent decades. The friction force depends herein not only on the sliding velocity but also on internal states. The probably best-known representative, the LuGre friction model, is based on a fictitious bristle but realizes a too-simple approximation. The recently published second-order dynamic friction model describes the dynamics of a fictitious bristle more accurately. It is based on a regularized friction force characteristic, which is continuous and smooth but can maintain long-term stick due to an appropriate shift in the regularization. Its performance is compared here to stick-slip friction models, developed and launched not long ago by commercial multibody software packages. The results obtained by a virtual friction test-bench and by a more practical festoon cable system are very promising. Thus, the second-order dynamic friction model may serve not only as an alternative to the LuGre model but also to commercial stick-slip models.}, language = {en} } @article{HausladenSchelsAsgharzadeetal., author = {Hausladen, Matthias and Schels, Andreas and Asgharzade, Ali and Buchner, Philipp and Bartl, Mathias and Wohlfartsst{\"a}tter, Dominik and Edler, Simon and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Investigation of Influencing Factors on the Measurement Signal of a CMOS Image Sensor for Measuring Field Emission Currents}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {25}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/s25051529}, pages = {17}, language = {en} } @article{MarkovGlazerElbeSchliermann, author = {Markov-Glazer, Alon and Elbe, Anne-Marie and Schliermann, Rainer}, title = {The use of psychological skills in deaflympic sport}, series = {European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity}, volume = {17}, journal = {European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity}, number = {15}, publisher = {European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity}, address = {Olomouc}, doi = {10.5507/euj.2024.012}, pages = {13}, abstract = {This study explores the use of psychological skills among Deaflympic athletes and aims to provide initial insights into sport psychology practices in this overlooked population. To this end, the frequency of psychological skills' usage, usage patterns, and differences between subgroups were examined within this population. The Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) was administered to 84 German Deaflympic athletes (mean age = 28; 27\% female) along with biographical questions (e.g., hearing status). The findings indicate that Deaflympic athletes regularly utilize psychological skills in training and competition, displaying similar usage to that of Olympic athletes. However, only a minority of Deaflympic athletes train their skills with professional consultants. Additionally, relaxation techniques were employed rarely in comparison to the other investigated skills. This study's findings contribute to the foundation of sport psychology research with Deaflympic athletes and underscore the need for a differentiated approach in tailoring interventions for this population.}, language = {en} } @article{VoglSchulzSchaefferetal., author = {Vogl, Yannick and Schulz, Carsten and Schaeffer, Thomas and Geiger, Benjamin}, title = {Prediction of the wear behavior of a conveyor belt with flexible rollers}, series = {Multibody System Dynamics}, journal = {Multibody System Dynamics}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1384-5640}, doi = {10.1007/s11044-025-10097-7}, pages = {16}, abstract = {This paper introduces a method to predict wear behavior in conveyor belt systems using a lumped mass modeling approach. While previous research has focused primarily on lateral belt walking, this study shifts attention to belt deformation and its associated wear. Both significantly affect system efficiency and component lifespan. The authors propose using local frictional power as a wear indicator, leveraging its direct relation to frictional work in established wear models. To solely demonstrate the method, the study simulates a conveyor belt with three flexible rollers and a deformable belt modeled through rigid spheres connected by spring-damper elements. The authors visualize frictional power density across the belt width, distinguishing between running and transverse directions. The results demonstrate that the frictional power distribution depends heavily on discretization quality, particularly due to the polygon effect inherent in the lumped mass approach. A convergence analysis reveals the minimum necessary discretization of the belt, ensuring reliable qualitative results. To support the credibility of the work, this study compares theoretical expectations and initial wear observations from a real belt with the results from the shown approach. The plausibility check already shows promising results. The proposed methodology provides an adaptable framework to evaluate wear in belt-like structures. It can be readily adapted to a variety of multibody dynamics applications and integrated into larger MBS models that include the overall drivetrain and engine control. Future work will focus on refining discretization strategies and contact models, as well as validation of the wear model to enable quantitative predictions.}, language = {en} } @article{GrassmannMengelkampBrandletal., author = {Graßmann, Felix and Mengelkamp, Judith and Brandl, Caroline and Harsch, Sebastian and Zimmermann, Martina E. and Linkohr, Birgit and Peters, Annette and Heid, Iris M. and Palm, Christoph and Weber, Bernhard H. F.}, title = {A Deep Learning Algorithm for Prediction of Age-Related Eye Disease Study Severity Scale for Age-Related Macular Degeneration from Color Fundus Photography}, series = {Ophtalmology}, volume = {125}, journal = {Ophtalmology}, number = {9}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.ophtha.2018.02.037}, pages = {1410 -- 1420}, abstract = {Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common threat to vision. While classification of disease stages is critical to understanding disease risk and progression, several systems based on color fundus photographs are known. Most of these require in-depth and time-consuming analysis of fundus images. Herein, we present an automated computer-based classification algorithm. Design Algorithm development for AMD classification based on a large collection of color fundus images. Validation is performed on a cross-sectional, population-based study. Participants. We included 120 656 manually graded color fundus images from 3654 Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) participants. AREDS participants were >55 years of age, and non-AMD sight-threatening diseases were excluded at recruitment. In addition, performance of our algorithm was evaluated in 5555 fundus images from the population-based Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA; Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) study. Methods. We defined 13 classes (9 AREDS steps, 3 late AMD stages, and 1 for ungradable images) and trained several convolution deep learning architectures. An ensemble of network architectures improved prediction accuracy. An independent dataset was used to evaluate the performance of our algorithm in a population-based study. Main Outcome Measures. κ Statistics and accuracy to evaluate the concordance between predicted and expert human grader classification. Results. A network ensemble of 6 different neural net architectures predicted the 13 classes in the AREDS test set with a quadratic weighted κ of 92\% (95\% confidence interval, 89\%-92\%) and an overall accuracy of 63.3\%. In the independent KORA dataset, images wrongly classified as AMD were mainly the result of a macular reflex observed in young individuals. By restricting the KORA analysis to individuals >55 years of age and prior exclusion of other retinopathies, the weighted and unweighted κ increased to 50\% and 63\%, respectively. Importantly, the algorithm detected 84.2\% of all fundus images with definite signs of early or late AMD. Overall, 94.3\% of healthy fundus images were classified correctly. Conclusions Our deep learning algoritm revealed a weighted κ outperforming human graders in the AREDS study and is suitable to classify AMD fundus images in other datasets using individuals >55 years of age.}, subject = {Senile Makuladegeneration}, language = {en} } @article{MaierPerretSimonetal., author = {Maier, Johannes and Perret, Jerome and Simon, Martina and Schmitt-R{\"u}th, Stephanie and Wittenberg, Thomas and Palm, Christoph}, title = {Force-feedback assisted and virtual fixtures based K-wire drilling simulation}, series = {Computers in Biology and Medicine}, volume = {114}, journal = {Computers in Biology and Medicine}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2019.103473}, pages = {1 -- 10}, abstract = {One common method to fix fractures of the human hand after an accident is an osteosynthesis with Kirschner wires (K-wires) to stabilize the bone fragments. The insertion of K-wires is a delicate minimally invasive surgery, because surgeons operate almost without a sight. Since realistic training methods are time consuming, costly and insufficient, a virtual-reality (VR) based training system for the placement of K-wires was developed. As part of this, the current work deals with the real-time bone drilling simulation using a haptic force-feedback device. To simulate the drilling, we introduce a virtual fixture based force-feedback drilling approach. By decomposition of the drilling task into individual phases, each phase can be handled individually to perfectly control the drilling procedure. We report about the related finite state machine (FSM), describe the haptic feedback of each state and explain, how to avoid jerking of the haptic force-feedback during state transition. The usage of the virtual fixture approach results in a good haptic performance and a stable drilling behavior. This was confirmed by 26 expert surgeons, who evaluated the virtual drilling on the simulator and rated it as very realistic. To make the system even more convincing, we determined real drilling feed rates through experimental pig bone drilling and transferred them to our system. Due to a constant simulation thread we can guarantee a precise drilling motion. Virtual fixtures based force-feedback calculation is able to simulate force-feedback assisted bone drilling with high quality and, thus, will have a great potential in developing medical applications.}, subject = {Handchirurgie}, language = {en} } @article{GreinerLauerSchedeletal., author = {Greiner, Nina and Lauer, Norina and Schedel, Valentin and Pfingsten, Andrea}, title = {Group rehabilitation for adults with acquired neurological disorders: A systematic review of mono- and interdisciplinary interventions in physical and speech-language therapy}, series = {PM\&R}, journal = {PM\&R}, publisher = {Wiley}, doi = {10.1002/pmrj.70006}, pages = {17}, abstract = {Background: Group treatments and interdisciplinary collaboration are recommended in evidence-based guidelines for neurorehabilitation, including physical and speech-language therapy. Evidence suggests that activating overlapping neural networks for upper extremity motor control and speechlanguage processing produces synergistic effects during therapy. This systematic review aims to overview and appraise the efficacy of group treatments in traditional rehabilitation and telerehabilitation. In addition to summarizing evidence on monodisciplinary approaches in physical and speech-language therapy, it seeks data on integrative approaches involving one or both disciplines to inform further interdisciplinary collaboration. Methods: The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021288012) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using AMSTAR 2, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, or the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist, as appropriate. The evidence was summarized in a systematic narrative synthesis and its certainty rated based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: A total of 29 studies were included: 16 on speech-language therapy (861 participants) and 13 on physical therapy (1757 participants). No studies addressed interdisciplinary group interventions, and only two evaluated group telerehabilitation. Outcome domains and measures varied across studies and the certainty of evidence was predominantly low. However, moderate-certainty evidence supports that group speech-language therapy improves quality of life, communication, and language in stroke survivors, especially when interventions emphasize verbal production in communicative settings with multimodal materials and cueing. In physical therapy, circuit class training may be more effective than other group approaches for enhancing quality of life and mobility. Conclusion: Group treatments in neurorehabilitation show some benefits, but further research is needed - especially regarding interdisciplinary approaches and telerehabilitation.}, subject = {Gruppentherapie}, language = {en} } @article{BarthelSuessDendorfer, author = {Barthel, Mareike and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Application of a transformer encoder for the prediction of intra-abdominal pressure}, series = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, journal = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, doi = {10.1080/10255842.2025.2586143}, pages = {11}, abstract = {Intra-abdominal pressure is a significant physiological parameter influencing spinal stability and pelvic floor health. This study investigates the potential of a transformer encoder model to predict IAP using motion capture data and musculoskeletal modeling. Data from 211 subjects performing walking, fast walking, and running were used to train a transformer encoder. The model showed promising results with an overall Mean Absolute Percentage Error of 13.5\% and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85. Predictions for fast walking and running proved to be more challenging compared to walking, which was attributed to the greater variability and complexity of faster movements.}, language = {en} } @article{MaierWeihererHuberetal., author = {Maier, Johannes and Weiherer, Maximilian and Huber, Michaela and Palm, Christoph}, title = {Imitating human soft tissue on basis of a dual-material 3D print using a support-filled metamaterial to provide bimanual haptic for a hand surgery training system}, series = {Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery}, volume = {9}, journal = {Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery}, number = {1}, publisher = {AME Publishing Company}, doi = {10.21037/qims.2018.09.17}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-979}, pages = {30 -- 42}, abstract = {Background: Currently, it is common practice to use three-dimensional (3D) printers not only for rapid prototyping in the industry, but also in the medical area to create medical applications for training inexperienced surgeons. In a clinical training simulator for minimally invasive bone drilling to fix hand fractures with Kirschner-wires (K-wires), a 3D-printed hand phantom must not only be geometrically but also haptically correct. Due to a limited view during an operation, surgeons need to perfectly localize underlying risk structures only by feeling of specific bony protrusions of the human hand. Methods: The goal of this experiment is to imitate human soft tissue with its haptic and elasticity for a realistic hand phantom fabrication, using only a dual-material 3D printer and support-material-filled metamaterial between skin and bone. We present our workflow to generate lattice structures between hard bone and soft skin with iterative cube edge (CE) or cube face (CF) unit cells. Cuboid and finger shaped sample prints with and without inner hard bone in different lattice thickness are constructed and 3D printed. Results: The most elastic available rubber-like material is too firm to imitate soft tissue. By reducing the amount of rubber in the inner volume through support material (SUP), objects become significantly softer. Without metamaterial, after disintegration, the SUP can be shifted through the volume and thus the body loses its original shape. Although the CE design increases the elasticity, it cannot restore the fabric form. In contrast to CE, the CF design increases not only the elasticity but also guarantees a local limitation of the SUP. Therefore, the body retains its shape and internal bones remain in its intended place. Various unit cell sizes, lattice thickening and skin thickness regulate the rubber material and SUP ratio. Test prints with higher SUP and lower rubber material percentage appear softer and vice versa. This was confirmed by an expert surgeon evaluation. Subjects adjudged pure rubber-like material as too firm and samples only filled with SUP or lattice structure in CE design as not suitable for imitating tissue. 3D-printed finger samples in CF design were rated as realistic compared to the haptic of human tissue with a good palpable bone structure. Conclusions: We developed a new dual-material 3D print technique to imitate soft tissue of the human hand with its haptic properties. Blowy SUP is trapped within a lattice structure to soften rubber-like 3D print material, which makes it possible to reproduce a realistic replica of human hand soft tissue.}, subject = {Handchirurgie}, language = {en} } @article{MaierWeihererHuberetal., author = {Maier, Johannes and Weiherer, Maximilian and Huber, Michaela and Palm, Christoph}, title = {Optically tracked and 3D printed haptic phantom hand for surgical training system}, series = {Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery}, volume = {10}, journal = {Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery}, number = {02}, publisher = {AME Publishing Company}, address = {Hong Kong, China}, doi = {10.21037/qims.2019.12.03}, pages = {340 -- 455}, abstract = {Background: For surgical fixation of bone fractures of the human hand, so-called Kirschner-wires (K-wires) are drilled through bone fragments. Due to the minimally invasive drilling procedures without a view of risk structures like vessels and nerves, a thorough training of young surgeons is necessary. For the development of a virtual reality (VR) based training system, a three-dimensional (3D) printed phantom hand is required. To ensure an intuitive operation, this phantom hand has to be realistic in both, its position relative to the driller as well as in its haptic features. The softest 3D printing material available on the market, however, is too hard to imitate human soft tissue. Therefore, a support-material (SUP) filled metamaterial is used to soften the raw material. Realistic haptic features are important to palpate protrusions of the bone to determine the drilling starting point and angle. An optical real-time tracking is used to transfer position and rotation to the training system. Methods: A metamaterial already developed in previous work is further improved by use of a new unit cell. Thus, the amount of SUP within the volume can be increased and the tissue is softened further. In addition, the human anatomy is transferred to the entire hand model. A subcutaneous fat layer and penetration of air through pores into the volume simulate shiftability of skin layers. For optical tracking, a rotationally symmetrical marker attached to the phantom hand with corresponding reference marker is developed. In order to ensure trouble-free position transmission, various types of marker point applications are tested. Results: Several cuboid and forearm sample prints lead to a final 30 centimeter long hand model. The whole haptic phantom could be printed faultless within about 17 hours. The metamaterial consisting of the new unit cell results in an increased SUP share of 4.32\%. Validated by an expert surgeon study, this allows in combination with a displacement of the uppermost skin layer a good palpability of the bones. Tracking of the hand marker in dodecahedron design works trouble-free in conjunction with a reference marker attached to the worktop of the training system. Conclusions: In this work, an optically tracked and haptically correct phantom hand was developed using dual-material 3D printing, which can be easily integrated into a surgical training system.}, subject = {Handchirurgie}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GrafHachaniFischeretal., author = {Graf, Julian and Hachani, Murad and Fischer, Sebastian and Hackenberg, Rudolf}, title = {A heuristic packet processing model for improved encrypted network analysis}, series = {CSCS '25: Proceedings of the 2nd Cyber Security in CarS Workshop}, booktitle = {CSCS '25: Proceedings of the 2nd Cyber Security in CarS Workshop}, publisher = {ACM}, address = {New York, USA}, doi = {10.1145/3736130.3764510}, pages = {12}, abstract = {Modern networked systems, such as those in the automotive sector, face increasing complexity and growing attack surfaces due to the rise of interconnected and data-driven technologies. Detecting malicious behavior in these environments requires efficient and scalable methods that can operate reliably despite limited resources and high communication volumes. This paper proposes a heuristic packet processing model designed to support intrusion detection based on structural and temporal characteristics of encrypted network traffic. The model follows a modular architecture consisting of four key phases: recording, sorting, prioritizing, and analyzing. At the core of the approach is the Polymetric Queueing Topology Space, a feature space that combines statistical and time series attributes derived from model structure and flow data. These features serve as input for machine learning models, which can effectively distinguish between benign and intrusion traffic patterns without relying on packet data beyond the transport layer. The approach was evaluated using the publicly available ToN_IoT dataset and demonstrated that reliable classification is achievable using a subset of the developed feature space that contains model-derived traffic features. We used Random Forest for supervised binary and multi-class classification achieving high accuracy scores of 99\% for binary and 98\% for multi-class classification. Additionally, for unsupervised anomaly detection, we created an Isolation Forest model accomplishing F1-scores of 0.92 for the benign and 0.96 for intrusion class. The architecture is designed to enable dynamic traffic prioritization and to offer a flexible foundation that can observe diverse network domains while maintaining efficient performance under constrained computational conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{HeberlHofrichterRanketal., author = {Heberl, Michael and Hofrichter, Andreas and Rank, Daniel and Bauer, Franz and Sterner, Michael}, title = {Influence of plant dimensioning and location on the ecology of PEM electrolysis}, series = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {167}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151039}, pages = {11}, abstract = {PV and wind systems with PEM electrolysis offer great potential for producing hydrogen with low emissions. Our research has identified the ecologically optimal size of PEM in relation to fixed PV/wind capacities. We calculate efficiencies and production volumes for PEM with 240 capacity and site variations. We analyse the global warming potential of all systems and draw conclusions about the optimal system design. The lowest GWP is achieved at the site with the highest full load hours with 1.32 kg CO2-eq/kg H2 (Wind, 28 MW electrolysis) and 4.24 kg CO2-eq/kg H2 (PV, 23 MW electrolysis). We have identified a clear trend: increasing PV/wind full load hours leads to higher ideal PEM capacities. However, there is a significant discrepancy between the ideal economic and ecological capacity. Furthermore, higher electrolysis capacities can achieve lower emissions as they increasingly operate at a more efficient partial load.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{StockerLehrerDuddecketal., author = {Stocker, Philipp and Lehrer, Tobias and Duddeck, Fabian and Wagner, Marcus}, title = {Face-wise prediction of sheet-metal drawability using graph neural networks}, series = {Journal of Physics: Conference Series}, volume = {3104}, booktitle = {Journal of Physics: Conference Series}, number = {1}, publisher = {IOP Publishing}, issn = {1742-6588}, doi = {10.1088/1742-6596/3104/1/012053}, pages = {11}, abstract = {The early design phase of deep-drawn structural components involves time-consuming iterative development. Traditional drawability assessments rely on finite element simulations, which are computationally expensive and slow the design process. Alternative machine learning (ML) approaches show promise in accelerating this process but face challenges with existing methods. Existing low-dimensional ML models only provide global predictions without identifying specific geometric regions prone to failure. High-dimensional models provide local predictions but require significant amounts of training data. We propose a data-driven approach leveraging graph neural networks (GNNs) for face-wise drawability prediction of sheet metal components in their computer-aided design (CAD) representation. Our method aims to bridge the gap between the computational efficiency of ML and the spatial resolution of simulation by providing face-wise insight into potential failure regions. This study utilises a dataset of parametric U-channel geometries with variability in both geometry and topology. Ground-truth labels are generated using inverse analysis simulations. Geometric entities are represented through the use of UV parameterisations, whereby 3D surfaces are mapped into 2D space to facilitate geometric encoding. Concurrently, the topological relationships are captured using a face adjacency graph. To address data scarcity, we evaluate how different amounts of training data affect model performance and perform ablation studies to analyse the impact of different CAD representation features. Our results show that the proposed approach achieves high accuracy even with limited training data. In addition, the ablation studies provide insights into the most critical CAD features, guiding future research. These results highlight the potential of our GNN to predict face-wise drawability in the early design phase.}, language = {en} } @article{BedburKampsSchmiedt, author = {Bedbur, Stefan and Kamps, Udo and Schmiedt, Anja Bettina}, title = {A flexible model of ordered random variables for non-metallic inclusions in steels and related statistical inference}, series = {Applied Mathematical Modelling}, volume = {149}, journal = {Applied Mathematical Modelling}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0307-904X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apm.2025.116284}, pages = {15}, abstract = {In a data set of non-metallic inclusion sizes in samples from engineering steel, common order statistics fail to serve as a suitable model for ascendingly ordered measurements within single samples. Therefore, a flexible model of ordered random variables is proposed, which allows for changes of distributions described by model parameters. Joint maximum likelihood estimation of these parameters and the shape parameter of an underlying left-truncated Weibull distribution is considered, and a model test is developed for the null-hypothesis of common order statistics being an adequate model. To overcome small data situations, a link-function approach is examined in order to reduce the number of involved model parameters as well as to propose to use a link-function parameter as a material indicator. An asymptotic test is provided to check for the presence of a linear link function, and tests for hypotheses about two link-function parameters are studied. Moreover, the construction of simultaneous confidence regions for the link-function parameters as well as of confidence bands for the entire graph of the link function are presented. Throughout, the findings are applied to the real metallurgical data set. Similar problems and data structures arise in other fields of material science and applications such as geology.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BuglSchneiderSehr, author = {Bugl, Benedikt and Schneider, Viola I. and Sehr, Armin}, title = {Vertical Sound Localization: Precision and Robustness to Reverberation in a Large-Scale Study}, series = {Proceedings of the 11th Convention of the European Acoustics Association Forum Acusticum / EuroNoise 2025 // M{\´a}laga, Spain ; 23-26. June 2025}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 11th Convention of the European Acoustics Association Forum Acusticum / EuroNoise 2025 // M{\´a}laga, Spain ; 23-26. June 2025}, publisher = {European Acoustics Association}, isbn = {978-84-87985-35-5}, doi = {10.61782/fa.2025.0953}, pages = {3431 -- 3434}, abstract = {Vertical sound localization, the ability to perceive the elevation of a sound source, is a fundamental aspect of human auditory perception, yet it remains far less understood than horizontal localization. Existing studies rely on small sample sizes, limiting the generalizability of findings. The presented study bridges that gap by examining vertical sound localization and precision in a cohort exceeding 150 participants, making it the largest investigation of its kind to date.Participants were exposed to broadband noise stimuli from various elevations under controlled anechoic conditions. The elevation localization error was measured by comparing perceived sound source elevations to actual positions of speakers of a curved array. Azimuth angles of arrival were altered between 0°, 45° and 90°. For a small group the experiment was repeated in echoic conditions, to gain insight in reverberation and reflection robustness of vertical sound localization.This large-scale study establishes benchmarks for vertical sound localization precision and robustness, advancing our understanding of human auditory spatial perception. These findings have implications for audio technology development, such as spatial audio rendering and hearing aid design, and lay the groundwork for further exploration into the neural and anatomical underpinnings of vertical localization.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GalkaMeissner, author = {Galka, Stefan and Meißner, Sebastian}, title = {Simulation-Based Digital Twins for Internal Transport Systems}, series = {Procedia Computer Science}, volume = {274}, booktitle = {Procedia Computer Science}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.procs.2025.12.016}, pages = {161 -- 170}, abstract = {The increasing complexity of internal transport systems in industrial applications poses significant challenges for operational decision-making. This paper presents a simulation-based Digital Twin framework developed within the research project TwinTraSys to support the control of such systems. The framework is specifically tailored to the constraints of real-world IT infrastructures, requiring minimal transaction data, while enabling predictive analysis and dynamic scenario evaluation. It consists of a modular architecture divided into four core components: data provision, data preparation, simulation, and decision support. A dedicated simulation framework enables the automated generation of structural models and the integration of real-world operational control systems. The proposed approach has been validated in industrial settings and has demonstrated its ability to support resource planning and transport resource allocation through simulation-based experimentation and multi-criteria evaluation. This paper contributes to the practical advancement of Digital Twin applications in intralogistics by bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world constraints.}, language = {en} } @article{AfanasevHoeferHoltmannspoetteretal., author = {Afanasev, Anna and H{\"o}fer, Philipp and Holtmannsp{\"o}tter, Jens and Zimmer, Felix and Ehrlich, Ingo}, title = {Development of a continuous fiber-reinforced 3D printing process with a 6-axis robot arm: Process design and equipment}, series = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, journal = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, publisher = {Springer}, issn = {0268-3768}, doi = {10.1007/s00170-025-17263-3}, pages = {20}, abstract = {The utilisation of 3D printing processes in the fabrication of continuous fiber-reinforced composites confers a multitude of advantages, in particular flexible design based on structural requirements. In order to achieve greater flexibility, there is a necessity for 3D printing systems that allow for customisable material selection and fiber positioning. This paper presents the design of a robot-based 3D printing system that incorporates an in-situ impregnation line and flexibility regarding the machine code generation for fiber positioning. The development of the system enabled the attainment of an average fiber volume content of up to 37.12\%. In the tensile tests, material characteristics up to E1 = 24.7 GPa and strength of up to RM1 = 0.51 GPa were determined.}, language = {en} } @article{WolfgrammAbbSampetal., author = {Wolfgramm, Alex and Abb, Valerius and Samp, Artur and Samp, Rafal and Hoffmann, Jens Christoph and M{\"u}ller, Rainer and Kammler, Martin}, title = {Structural and functional evolution of HKUST-1 nanoparticles induced by ball milling}, series = {Next Materials}, volume = {10}, journal = {Next Materials}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.101544}, pages = {7}, abstract = {In this study, the effect of post-synthetic ball milling on the structural and functional properties of as-synthesized nanoparticles of the copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1 was investigated for the first time. Nanoparticles were synthesized using sodium formate as a capping agent. The crystalline particles were subjected to a controlled ball milling process, which induced significant structural changes. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) revealed a reduction in crystallite size from 91 nm to 21 nm and the introduction of microstrain, partially disrupting the MOF's long-range crystalline order, as evidenced by peak broadening and the diminished intensity of high-angle reflections. Particle morphology pre- and post-milling was further studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, verifying a narrow particle size distribution of ± 22 nm after milling. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated protonation of carboxylate groups in the larger pores of the framework, likely due to moisture incorporation during milling. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis showed a substantial decrease in specific surface area from 521 m²/g to 226 m²/g, suggesting a partial collapse of the porous framework. We discuss the applicability of ball milling as a versatile means of post-synthetic approach to reduce MOF particle sizes, a key element in the preparation of MOF-based thin films using inks or polymers.}, language = {en} } @article{SchummHaasPeeretal., author = {Schumm, Leon and Haas, Jannik and Peer, Rebecca and Sterner, Michael}, title = {The role of hydrogen offtaker regulation in highly renewable electricity systems}, series = {Energy}, volume = {342}, journal = {Energy}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2025.139513}, pages = {13}, abstract = {The growing demand for green hydrogen necessitates a rapid scale-up of production and exports to meet decarbonization targets globally. However, current ramp-up efforts remain insufficient, calling for policies that unlock the potential of hydrogen as a low-carbon energy carrier. A key lever is the offtaker regulation, which impacts the pace and sustainability of export projects. This study investigates minimum renewable share requirements for hydrogen exports in countries with high renewable electricity shares. Using New Zealand as a case study, we develop a fully sector-coupled capacity expansion and dispatch model, integrating hydrogen and electricity network planning based on PyPSA-Earth. The model optimizes New Zealand's energy system under varying export scenarios, renewable electricity shares, and resulting system impacts. We find that domestic electricity demand and renewable expansion rates dominate long-term outcomes, while progressive regulation enables short-term hydrogen and Power-to-X exports. Relaxing the renewable threshold from 80\% to 60\% triples export volumes from 2.5 TWh to 8.2 TWh by 2030. We propose a two-stage requirement: an initially progressive threshold to attract investment with low consequential emissions, followed by stricter regulation to prevent high emissions, rising domestic electricity prices, and declining hydrogen competitiveness. This framework, demonstrated for New Zealand, can guide hydrogen-exporting countries worldwide.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinzSchildgen, author = {Heinz, Florian and Schildgen, Johannes}, title = {Experience Report: Hey LLM, Generate SQL!}, series = {Datenbank-Spektrum}, volume = {25}, journal = {Datenbank-Spektrum}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Wiesbaden}, doi = {10.1007/s13222-025-00512-w}, pages = {95 -- 101}, abstract = {Large Language Models have advanced to a resourceful tool with many applications. One particularly interesting use case is the LLM-aided generation of ad-hoc database queries and the possibility of subsequent processing of the results in a way suiting the users intents. In this article, practical ways and experiences are described on how to effectively use LLMs to map a natural-language user query to an SQL query conforming to a specific database schema and post-processing the results of this query in order to, for example, create an appealing visualization. Best results are achieved under favorable circumstances, as, for example, a clean and meaningful named database schema.}, language = {en} } @article{HollweckLeidingerHartmannetal., author = {Hollweck, Christoph and Leidinger, Lukas and Hartmann, Stefan and Wagner, Marcus and W{\"u}chner, Roland}, title = {An analysis of the critical time step size for explicit dynamics using trimmed B-splines, LR-splines, and THB-splines}, series = {Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering}, volume = {450}, journal = {Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0045-7825}, doi = {10.1016/j.cma.2025.118656}, pages = {36}, abstract = {Isogeometric analysis (IGA) combined with explicit dynamics is increasingly used in academia and has already been successfully applied in industrial simulations, including crash and sheet-metal forming. Since explicit schemes are only conditionally stable, accurate estimation of the critical time step is essential for both stability and efficiency. Adaptive mesh refinement is widely used to balance accuracy and computational cost. In IGA, THB- and LR-splines break the tensor-product structure of standard B-splines and enable local refinement, but their effect on the critical time step under trimming has not been systematically studied - a key requirement for reliable time step estimation. We investigate the critical time step in explicit dynamic simulations using trimmed B-splines, LR-splines, and THB-splines, based on a lumped mass matrix obtained by simple row summation. One-dimensional bar, two-dimensional membrane, and trimmed shell models are analyzed to determine how trimming and local refinement influence element and system eigenfrequencies, which directly control the stable time step. Refined boundary elements in open knot vectors are identified as the main bottleneck. Trimming these elements can increase the stable time step, though certain trimming configurations introduce new restrictions. Results show that LR- and THB-splines impose time step constraints similar to B-splines, making them equally suitable for explicit simulations. We also present a general method for computing element-wise B{\´e}zier extraction operators for LR- and THB-splines, enabling straightforward integration into standard finite element solvers. The findings are validated through nonlinear sheet-metal forming simulations in LS-DYNA using shells discretized with trimmed B-, LR-, and THB-splines. This represents the first such application and demonstrates their practical feasibility for industrial use.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{AlbrechtThielKaramara, author = {Albrecht, Sophie Viktoria and Thiel, Charlotte and Karamara, Merve}, title = {Decoding concrete's environmental performance: A detailed analysis of global EPDs across the entire life cycle}, series = {MATEC Web of Conferences}, volume = {409}, booktitle = {MATEC Web of Conferences}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, doi = {10.1051/matecconf/202540913001}, pages = {10}, abstract = {Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for concrete are essential tools to quantify the environmental impact of this versatile building material throughout its life cycle, supporting sustainable choices in construction. Concrete is made up of raw materials like cement, water, aggregates, additives, and admixtures, which can be mixed in diverse ways. This variability often necessitates site-specific EPDs, as emissions and environmental impacts depend greatly on cement type, transport routes, and specific production processes. This study analyses various data sources, focusing on EPDs according to ISO 14025 and EN 15804. The life cycle phases A1-A3, B1-B7, C1-C4 and D are considered and compared. The results demonstrate that factors such as scenario assumptions, methodological choices, and allocation procedures significantly influence concrete's environmental impact. Transparent EPDs improve assessment reliability, while allocation methods, especially in phases D and end-of-life, significantly influence reported benefits, underscoring the importance of careful allocation for accurate impact evaluations. Improved standardisation, transparency, and alignment with EN 16757 would enhance EPD comparability and reliability. Overall, the study identifies key parameters such as recycling potential, production stage and allocation methods as substantial factors in the environmental performance of concrete.}, language = {en} } @article{QiaoGradNonn, author = {Qiao, Yu and Grad, Marius and Nonn, Aida}, title = {Toward an Efficient and Robust Process-Structure Prediction Framework for Filigree L-PBF 316L Stainless Steel Structures}, series = {Metals}, volume = {15}, journal = {Metals}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2075-4701}, doi = {10.3390/met15070812}, pages = {22}, abstract = {Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), provides unmatched design flexibility for creating intricate steel structures with minimal post-processing. However, adopting L-PBF for high-performance applications is difficult due to the challenge of predicting microstructure evolution. This is because the process is sensitive to many parameters and has a complex thermal history. Thin-walled geometries present an added challenge because their dimensions often approach the scale of individual grains. Thus, microstructure becomes a critical factor in the overall integrity of the component. This study focuses on applying cellular automata (CA) modeling to establish robust and efficient process-structure relationships in L-PBF of 316L stainless steel. The CA framework simulates solidification-driven grain evolution and texture development across various processing conditions. Model predictions are evaluated against experimental electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data, with additional quantitative comparisons based on texture and morphology metrics. The results demonstrate that CA simulations calibrated with relevant process parameters can effectively reproduce key microstructural features, including grain size distributions, aspect ratios, and texture components, observed in thin-walled L-PBF structures. This work highlights the strengths and limitations of CA-based modeling and supports its role in reliably designing and optimizing complex L-PBF components.}, language = {en} } @article{RueckertRauberMaerkletal., author = {Rueckert, Tobias and Rauber, David and Maerkl, Raphaela and Klausmann, Leonard and Yildiran, Suemeyye R. and Gutbrod, Max and Nunes, Danilo Weber and Moreno, Alvaro Fernandez and Luengo, Imanol and Stoyanov, Danail and Toussaint, Nicolas and Cho, Enki and Kim, Hyeon Bae and Choo, Oh Sung and Kim, Ka Young and Kim, Seong Tae and Arantes, Gon{\c{c}}alo and Song, Kehan and Zhu, Jianjun and Xiong, Junchen and Lin, Tingyi and Kikuchi, Shunsuke and Matsuzaki, Hiroki and Kouno, Atsushi and Manesco, Jo{\~a}o Renato Ribeiro and Papa, Jo{\~a}o Paulo and Choi, Tae-Min and Jeong, Tae Kyeong and Park, Juyoun and Alabi, Oluwatosin and Wei, Meng and Vercauteren, Tom and Wu, Runzhi and Xu, Mengya and Wang, An and Bai, Long and Ren, Hongliang and Yamlahi, Amine and Hennighausen, Jakob and Maier-Hein, Lena and Kondo, Satoshi and Kasai, Satoshi and Hirasawa, Kousuke and Yang, Shu and Wang, Yihui and Chen, Hao and Rodr{\´i}guez, Santiago and Aparicio, Nicol{\´a}s and Manrique, Leonardo and Palm, Christoph and Wilhelm, Dirk and Feussner, Hubertus and Rueckert, Daniel and Speidel, Stefanie and Nasirihaghighi, Sahar and Al Khalil, Yasmina and Li, Yiping and Arbel{\´a}ez, Pablo and Ayobi, Nicol{\´a}s and Hosie, Olivia and Lyons, Juan Camilo}, title = {Comparative validation of surgical phase recognition, instrument keypoint estimation, and instrument instance segmentation in endoscopy: Results of the PhaKIR 2024 challenge}, series = {Medical Image Analysis}, volume = {109}, journal = {Medical Image Analysis}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {1361-8415}, doi = {10.1016/j.media.2026.103945}, pages = {31}, abstract = {Reliable recognition and localization of surgical instruments in endoscopic video recordings are foundational for a wide range of applications in computer- and robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RAMIS), including surgical training, skill assessment, and autonomous assistance. However, robust performance under real-world conditions remains a significant challenge. Incorporating surgical context - such as the current procedural phase - has emerged as a promising strategy to improve robustness and interpretability. To address these challenges, we organized the Surgical Procedure Phase, Keypoint, and Instrument Recognition (PhaKIR) sub-challenge as part of the Endoscopic Vision (EndoVis) challenge at MICCAI 2024. We introduced a novel, multi-center dataset comprising thirteen full-length laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos collected from three distinct medical institutions, with unified annotations for three interrelated tasks: surgical phase recognition, instrument keypoint estimation, and instrument instance segmentation. Unlike existing datasets, ours enables joint investigation of instrument localization and procedural context within the same data while supporting the integration of temporal information across entire procedures. We report results and findings in accordance with the BIAS guidelines for biomedical image analysis challenges. The PhaKIR sub-challenge advances the field by providing a unique benchmark for developing temporally aware, context-driven methods in RAMIS and offers a high-quality resource to support future research in surgical scene understanding.}, language = {en} } @article{GlavanBelyaevaShamoninChamonine, author = {Glavan, Gašper and Belyaeva, Inna A. and Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail}, title = {Multiferroic Cantilevers Containing a Magnetoactive Elastomer: Magnetoelectric Response to Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields of Triangular and Sinusoidal Waveform}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/s22103791}, pages = {1 -- 17}, abstract = {In this work, multiferroic cantilevers comprise a layer of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) and a commercially available piezoelectric polymer-based vibration sensor. The structures are fixed at one end in the horizontal plane and the magnetic field is applied vertically. First, the magnetoelectric (ME) response to uniform, triangle-wave magnetic fields with five different slew rates is investigated experimentally. Time and field dependences of the generated voltage, electric charge, and observed mechanical deflection are obtained and compared for four different thicknesses of the MAE layer. The ME responses to triangular and sinusoidal wave excitations are examined in contrast. Second, the ME response at low frequencies (≤3 Hz) is studied by the standard method of harmonic magnetic field modulation. The highest ME coupling coefficient is observed in the bias magnetic field strength of ≈73 kA/m and it is estimated to be about 3.3 ns/m (ME voltage coefficient ≈ 25 V/A) at theoretically vanishing modulation frequency (f→0 Hz). Presented results demonstrate that the investigated heterostructures are promising for applications as magnetic-field sensors and energy harvesting devices.}, language = {en} } @article{KuettnerFischerLaumer, author = {Kuettner, Andreas and Fischer, Samuel and Laumer, Tobias}, title = {Mechanical and structural characterization of heat-staked parts realized by selective laser sintering of polyamide 12}, series = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, journal = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, publisher = {Springer}, doi = {10.1007/s00170-025-17319-4}, pages = {20}, abstract = {Heat staking is a joining process in which thermoplastic pins are formed by heat and pressure in a form-fitting and insoluble way. This study evaluates the mechanical performance and microstructure of selective laser sintered (SLS) polyamide 12 (PA 12) components before and after heat staking, compared with conventionally turned reference specimens. The components were characterized using tensile tests, micrographs, microscopy, and micro-CT measurements. For the tests, the forces and temperatures during heat staking were varied to determine the best process parameters. Tensile tests revealed that SLS joints achieved strengths of up to 33.6 MPa, approaching the 39.9 MPa of the turned references. Microstructural analysis showed a marked reduction in porosity due to heat staking. Porosity decreased from 3.9\% to 1.56\% at a staking force of 300 N and from 4.29\% to 0.81\% at 1000 N, highlighting the beneficial effect of increased force. These results demonstrate that heat staking parameters significantly influence local densification and mechanical performance, and that, under suitable conditions, SLS components can achieve joint strengths comparable to conventionally manufactured parts. The study shows that the heat staking process parameters have a significant influence on the local microstructure and thus on the mechanical performance and provides a basis for optimizing SLS components for new heat staking applications.}, language = {en} } @article{WeindlerLehnerEcksteinetal., author = {Weindler, Jeremy and Lehner, Hannes and Eckstein, J. and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {Performance assessment of a green hydrogen-based household energy system supported by a battery storage at different resolutions of the electrical load profile}, series = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {144}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.04.431}, pages = {30 -- 41}, abstract = {Hydrogen deems quite suitable for medium- and long-term energy storage of surplus renewable electricity. Nowadays, all-in-one solutions consisting of an electrolyzer, a compressor, pressurized hydrogen storage tanks, a fuel cell (FC) and the necessary peripheral components are available for single family houses. This work presents a comparative assessment of the system's key performance indicators in a household system with three market available FCs with the nominal powers of 0.8, 1.4 and 7.8 kW. The design tool developed for the assessment of the hybrid energy system along with two energy management system configurations are introduced. An electrochemical and thermal model widely applied in the literature is used to model the FCs, which is validated against the available experimental data in the literature for all three FCs. The influence of the FCs' nominal power, their power dynamic operation range, the use of a battery storage with different capacities and the load profile's resolution have been technically assessed regarding the system's self-sufficiency (SS), the FC's efficiency, full-load operating hours, and number of on/off cycles. It turned out that, the system performance is strongly dependent on the nominal power of the FC and its power dynamic operation range. If no battery-storage is applied, the complete grid independence is not possible, and a high resolution of the load profile is indispensable in the assessment of the system design. A hybrid energy system comprising the 1.4 kW FC, a PV system of 10 kW peak power and a battery of 15 kW storage capacity showed a degree of SS of 98\%. The number of the full-load operating hours and on/off cycles of that FC amount to 768 and 116 cycles, respectively. Such promising results are referred to the high dynamic operation range of the battery, and its high discharge power capacity, which makes it more suitable to cover a remarkably higher fraction of the load deficit, if compared to a system without a battery.}, language = {en} } @article{LinnerdeSotoElMahdyetal., author = {Linner, Thomas and de Soto, Borja Garc{\´i}a and El-Mahdy, Deena and Gonzalez, Vicente A.}, title = {Topical collection: robotic solutions for digitally enabled production processes in construction}, series = {Construction Robotics}, volume = {10}, journal = {Construction Robotics}, publisher = {Springer}, issn = {2509-811X}, doi = {10.1007/s41693-025-00174-w}, pages = {1}, abstract = {Across the global construction sector, a new generation of robotic systems is rapidly entering the market. Solutions for on-site drilling, spraying, masonry, logistics, and finishing are now being piloted at an unprecedented pace. Their deployment in emerging construction robotics hubs in Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany demonstrates both the momentum of this technological shift and the considerable challenges that remain. In real-world testing environments, the integration of these robots into digital construction pipelines—particularly BIM-to-robot workflows, semantic task modeling, and robust digital twins—continues to be a bottleneck. These challenges position digitally enabled fabrication and robotics as a priority topic within academia, motivating research on methods, techniques, algorithms, and workflows that can accelerate adoption in construction. This Topical Collection brings together research spanning the emerging landscape of digitally enabled construction robotics. The contributions advance robotic fabrication, from flexible timber processes to innovative formwork, reinforcement, and earth-based additive methods, alongside computer vision, BIM integration, and sensing approaches that improve monitoring and quality assurance. The collection also includes mobile and aerial systems for inspection and mapping to support system autonomy in construction. Together, these works show how integrated perception, planning, and sociotechnical understanding of human-robot collaboration are becoming essential for reliable robotic performance in construction. While current construction robots still focus on simple, structured tasks, the advances in this topical collection point toward a more capable generation. Contributions outline principles for robot-compatible buildings through new fabrication logics and BIM-linked task data, while work on perception, BIM integration, and data fusion reduces interoperability gaps. Research on sensing and adaptive processes supports more consistent workflows, and mobile and aerial robotics provide insights for deployment and site logistics. Collectively, these developments show how digitally enabled production processes can help to overcome key systemic barriers and enable future, scalable construction robotics.}, language = {en} } @article{WeindlerDawoud, author = {Weindler, Jeremy and Dawoud, Belal}, title = {Experimental investigation of a small-scale continuous flow ohmic heating reactor for a highly effective conversion of renewable electricity surpluses into heat}, series = {Applied Thermal Engineering}, volume = {242}, journal = {Applied Thermal Engineering}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {1359-4311}, doi = {10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.122401}, pages = {15}, abstract = {Sector coupling is expected to play a decisive role as a key technology to realize the energy transition towards green energy supply. This work introduces, therefore, a comprehensive experimental study on a new power-to-heat system based on the continuous-flow, ohmic heating principle, which aims at utilizing renewable electricity in green processes. The ohmic heating technology, which is widely applied in the food industry, has been adapted and evaluated for delivering heat and domestic hot water to a single-family house. The introduced prototype is designed to convert renewable electricity into heat in the power range between 1000 and 3000 W with a typical electrical household installation (230 V, 50 Hz and 16 A fuse). A dedicated test rig has been developed and a comprehensive experimental campaign has been carried out to investigate the performance of the introduced system under typical operating conditions of a single-family house. Both the conversion efficiency and the dynamics of the thermal response of the introduced system have been assessed. It turned out that, the temperature lift between the return and supply of the reactor, and consequently, the conversion efficiency of electrical into thermal energy, are independent on the return temperature, for a fixed value of the volume flow rate of the electrolyte solution. A remarkable steady-state conversion efficiency of 97.5\% has been measured. In addition, the dynamic response of the ohmic heating system has been found to be strongly dependent on the desired temperature lift. By an implemented controller, 95\% of the steady state temperature lift of 44.5 K can be realized in 50 s, which marks an exceptionally rapid thermal response. The obtained results pave the way towards a field test study of the developed technology in a real household installation as well as to extend the focus on new fields such as green chemical processes.}, language = {en} } @article{SittlMarburgDeckersetal., author = {Sittl, Christopher and Marburg, Steffen and Deckers, Elke and Wagner, Marcus}, title = {Model order reduction for unbounded second-order vibroacoustic systems using infinite elements and Dirichlet-to-Neumann map}, series = {Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering}, volume = {453}, journal = {Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.cma.2026.118846}, pages = {22}, abstract = {This work addresses the efficient numerical simulation of time-harmonic vibroacoustic problems in unbounded domains, with a focus on fluid-structure interaction. The underlying mathematical model is a second-order dynamical system arising from the coupling of structural and acoustic domains, incorporating material damping effects, relevant in structural acoustics and noise control applications. A central novelty of the proposed method is its unified computational framework that supports two distinct strategies for treating unbounded fluid domains: (1) non-local absorbing boundary conditions based on Dirichlet-to-Neumann map, and (2) infinite elements, which extend the computational domain rather than truncate it. Both approaches are integrated into a consistent formulation that enables flexible and accurate modeling of exterior wave propagation. To efficiently evaluate frequency-domain transfer functions, the method employs model order reduction using the Pad{\´e}-via-Lanczos technique. While this algorithm typically targets first-order systems, the present approach uses a Schur complement strategy to reduce the second-order system in a way that maintains computational efficiency and storage requirements comparable to first-order formulations. Importantly, the framework seamlessly embeds both interior structural damping and the additional dissipation introduced by the acoustic-domain truncation into the model-order reduction process. The exterior acoustic field is represented via spherical harmonic expansions, with expansion coefficients computed from the reduced system. Numerical results demonstrate the method's accuracy, efficiency, and scalability, making it well-suited for high-fidelity vibroacoustic analysis in unbounded domains.}, language = {en} } @article{SchiekSolntsevNeshev2025, author = {Schiek, Roland and Solntsev, Alexander S. and Neshev, Dragomir N.}, title = {Measurement of the cubic nonlinear susceptibility in lithium niobate}, series = {Optical Materials Express}, volume = {15}, journal = {Optical Materials Express}, number = {5}, publisher = {Optica Publishing Group}, issn = {2159-3930}, doi = {10.1364/OME.557516}, pages = {1100 -- 1117}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We measured the cubic nonlinear susceptibility tensor elements ( χ(3)) for polarization along the primary crystallographic axis in titanium-indiffused lithium niobate waveguides, assessed through self-phase modulation using picosecond-duration pulses at telecommunication wavelengths. A dominant, highly temperature- and wavelength-dependent contribution from a cascaded second-order nonlinearity is observed. Through careful extraction of the cascaded effect, we quantify the intrinsic third-order susceptibility tensor elements as χ(3) zzzz(ω; ω, ω, -ω) = (5.2 ± 1.3) × 10-21 m2 V2 and χ(3) xxxx(ω; ω, ω, -ω) = χ(3) yyyy(ω; ω, ω, -ω) = (3.6 ± 0.8) × 10-21 m2 V2 . These measurements underscore the substantial impact of the cascaded nonlinearity in enhancing the effective cubic nonlinearity in lithium niobate and offer precise values essential for the design of nonlinear photonic devices.}, language = {en} }