Fakultät Maschinenbau
Refine
Document Type
Has Fulltext
- yes (30) (remove)
Is part of the Bibliography
- no (30)
Keywords
- Biomechanics (2)
- Multibody dynamics (2)
- 3D-Druck (1)
- Adams (1)
- Adsorption-evaporation (1)
- Altenpflege (1)
- Alter (1)
- Analytical modelling (1)
- AnyBody (1)
- Arbeitshilfe (1)
Institute
- Fakultät Maschinenbau (30)
- Regensburg Center of Biomedical Engineering - RCBE (7)
- Labor Biomechanik (LBM) (5)
- Labor Werkstoffrandschichtanalytik (4)
- Regensburg Center of Health Sciences and Technology - RCHST (4)
- Technologie-Campus Parsberg-Lupburg (4)
- Labor Biomaterialien (3)
- Labor Faserverbundtechnik (LFT) (3)
- Labor Medizinprodukte (2)
- Technologie-Campus Neustadt an der Donau (2)
Begutachtungsstatus
- peer-reviewed (21)
- begutachtet (1)
AbstractRegularized static friction models have been used successfully for many years. However, they are unable to maintain static friction in detail. For this reason, dynamic friction models have been developed and published in the literature. However, commercial multibody simulation packages such as Adams, RecurDyn, and Simpack have developed their own specific stick-slip models instead of adopting one of the public domain approaches. This article introduces the fundamentals of these commercial models and their behavior from a practical point of view. The stick-slip models were applied to a simple test model and a more sophisticated model of a festoon cable system using their standard parameters.
The human nose serves as the primary gateway for air entering the respiratory system and plays a vital role in breathing. Nasal breathing difficulties are a significant health concern, leading to substantial healthcare costs for patients. Understanding nasal airflow dynamics is crucial for comprehending respiratory mechanisms. This article presents a detailed study using tomo-Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to investigate nasal airflow dynamics while addressing its accuracy. Embedded in the OpenNose project, the work described aims to provide a validation basis for different numerical approaches to upper airway flow. The study includes the manufacturing of a transparent silicone model based on a clinical CT scan, refractive index matching to minimize optical distortions, and precise flow rate adjustments based on physiological breathing cycles. This method allows for spatial high-resolution investigations in different regions of interest within the nasopharynx during various phases of the breathing cycle. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the investigations, enabling detailed analysis of flow structures and gradients. This spatial high-resolution tomo-PIV approach provides valuable insights into the complex flow phenomena occurring during the physiological breathing cycle in the nasopharynx. The study's findings contribute to advancements in non-free-of-sight experimental flow investigation of complex cavities under nearly realistic conditions. Furthermore, reliable and accurate experimental data is crucial for properly validating numerical approaches that compute this patient-specific flow for clinical purposes.
Test Setup for Investigating the Impact Behavior of Biaxially Prestressed Composite Laminates
(2024)
Instrumented impact testing and compression-after-impact testing are important to adequately qualify material behavior and safely design composite structures. However, the stresses to which fiber-reinforced plastic components are typically subjected in practice are not considered in the impact test methods recommended in guidelines or standards. In this paper, a test setup for investigating the impact behavior of composite specimens under plane uniaxial and biaxial preloading is presented. For this purpose, a special test setup consisting of a biaxial testing machine and a specially designed drop-weight tower was developed. The design decisions were derived from existing guidelines and standards with the aim of inducing barely visible impact damage in laminated carbon fiber-reinforced plastic specimens. Several measurement systems have been integrated into the setup to allow comprehensive observation of the impact event and specimen behavior. A feasibility test was performed with biaxially prestressed carbon fiber-reinforced plastic specimens in comparison with unstressed reference tests. The compressive-tensile prestressing resulted in lower maximum contact forces, higher maximum deflections, higher residual deflections and a different damage pattern, which was investigated by light microscopic analysis. Finally, the functionality of the experimental setup is discussed, and the results seem to indicate that the test setup and parameters were properly chosen to investigate the effect of prestresses on the impacts behavior of composite structures, in particular for barely visible subsequent damages.
Isogeometric sheet metal forming simulation is a numerical simulation technique that is used to predict the behavior of sheet metal parts during the forming process [1] and tries to tighten the link with the Computer Aided Design (CAD) description. This technique uses the isogeometric analysis (IGA) approach, which combines the well-established framework of traditional finite element analysis (FEA) and the power of non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS). In contrast to the approach in a “classical” FEA framework, IGA directly uses the ansatzspace of the CAD geometry for analysis, which opens the possibility to work directly on the exact geometry. Furthermore, the smoothness of the NURBS basis functions results in a more accurate simulation [2].
A powerful method to reduce the computational effort is adaptive mesh refinement, that has been developed and optimized for sheet metal forming applications over several years for standard Finite Elements. However, it remains an open question how an efficient local adaptive mesh refinement strategy can be implemented for complex industrial sheet metal forming simulations based on trimmed NURBS models, which are typically the description in Boundary Representation (B-Rep) CAD-models [3]. First investigations for explicit dynamics have been made in [4].
In this contribution, a detailed comparison between FEA and IGA sheet metal forming applications is conducted. The state of the art for FEA and IGA will be contrasted and the need for an efficient adaptive mesh refinement strategy will be discussed. The goal of our research is to develop an efficient adaptive mesh refinement strategy for isogeometric sheet metal forming simulations in LS-DYNA. This will contribute to closing the efficiency gap between IGA and FEA in explicit dynamics, accelerate the product development process and enable the application of IGA in industrial sheet metal forming simulations.
Although magnesium and its alloys are promising candidates as biodegradable implant materials, the tendency for localized corrosion mechanism in physiological environment limit their biomedical application. Electropolishing is an attractive strategy for improving the corrosion behaviour of metals, but it is still largely unexplored in magnesium materials. In this study, the characterization of electropolished surfaces of AM50 and pure magnesium was performed, focussing on their in vitro degradation behaviour in cell medium. Corrosion rates were evaluated using potentiodynamic polarisation. The surface morphology before and after the onset of corrosion was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The presented electropolishing process led to improved surface performances, observable by significantly lower corrosion rates (0.08 mm·year-1 in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium), lower arithmetical mean height (0.05 µm), lower water contact angle (25-35°) and lower micro hardness (35-50 HV 0.1) compared to mechanically and chemically treated surfaces. MgO/Mg(OH)2 could be detected on electropolished surfaces. The localized corrosion mode could be reduced, but not entirely prevented. Electropolishing shows great potential as post-treatment of magnesium-based components, but detailed tests of the long-term corrosion behaviour are an important area of future research.
Review of elasto-static models for three-dimensional analysis of thick-walled anisotropic tubes
(2023)
Most shell or beam models of anisotropic tubes under bending have no validity for thick-walled structures. As a result, the need to develop three-dimensional formulations which allow a change in the stress, strain and displacement distributions across the radial component arises. Basic formulations on three-dimensional anisotropic elasticity were made either stressor displacement-based by Lekhnitskii or Stroh on plates. Lekhnitskii also was the first to expand these analytical formulations to tubes under various loading conditions. This paper presents a review of the stress and strain analysis of tube models using three-dimensional anisotropic elasticity. The focus lies on layered structures, like fiber-reinforced plastics, under various bending loads, although the basic formulations and models regarding axisymmetric loads are briefly discussed. One section is also dedicated to the determination of an equivalent bending stiffness of tubes.
Following a ban on many materials containing bisphenol-A, new bisphenol-free Boron silicates have been found as substitutes. The purpose of this study is to describe the mechanical properties of these bisphenol-free magnetoactive borosilicate polymers containing hard magnetic particles. Samples of 0%, 33% and 66% by wt. were loaded for compression using a universal testing machine. The maximum forces occurring for different travel speeds were compared before and after post-magnetization treatments. The post-magnetization included 2 stages. In addition, the change in mechanical properties within 24 hours after the post-magnetization process was investigated. Furthermore, the influence of speed and particle content were investigated. In general, there is a correlation between the required compressive force and, the level of post-magnetization stress, the increase in travel speed and particle content in the boron silicate. Comparison of the non-post-magnetized and post-magnetized samples using two-tailed t-tests shows that the p-values for all weight fraction changes in NdPrFeB particles and travel speeds are less than 0.001. Also, a comparison between tests in which the traverse speed was varied also showed significant changes in the resulting compression forces. The same is valid for changes in the weight ratio of the NdPrFeB particles in the samples. For post-magnetized samples, no significant difference can be observed in the first 24 hours following magnetization. In summary, the material presents viscoelastic, plastic force-displacement behavior, which can be well recognized by its bi-linear curve shape.
The investigation shows that borosilicate polymers based on NdPrFeB can have their mechanical behavior modified and controlled by post-magnetization processes. This opens new possibilities for many future applications.
LuGre or not LuGre
(2023)
The LuGre model is widely used in the analysis and control of systems with friction. Recently, it has even been made available in the commercial multibody dynamics simulation software system Adams. However, the LuGre model exhibits well-known drawbacks like too low and force rate-dependent break-away forces, drift problems during sticking periods, and significant differences in non-stationary situations between the pre-defined friction law and the one produced by the LuGre model. In the present literature, these problems are supposed to come from the model dynamics or its nonlinear nature. However, most of these drawbacks are not simple side effects of a dynamic friction model but are caused in the LuGre approach, as shown here, by a too simple and inconsistent model of the bristle dynamics. Standard examples and a more practical application demonstrate that the LuGre model is not a “what you see is what you get” approach. A dynamic friction model with accurate bristle dynamics and consistent friction force is set up here. It provides insight into the physical basis of the LuGre model dynamics. However, it results in a nonlinear and implicit differential equation, whose solution will not be easy because of the ambiguity of the friction characteristics. The standard workaround, a static model based on simple regularized characteristics, produces reliable and generally satisfactory results but definitely cannot maintain a stick. The paper presents a second-order dynamic friction model, which may serve as an alternative. It can maintain a stick and produces realistic and reliable results.
Titanium is used in many areas due to its excellent mechanical, biological and corrosion-resistant properties. Implants often have thin and filigree structures, providing an ideal application for fine cutting with laser. In the literature, the main focus is primarily on investigating and optimizing the parameters for titanium sheets with thicknesses greater than 1 mm. Hence, in this study, the basic manufacturing parameters of laser power, cutting speed and laser pulse of a 200 W modulated fiber laser are investigated for 0.15 mm thick grade 2 titanium sheets. A reproducible, continuous cut could be achieved using 90 W laser-power and 2 mm/s cutting-speed. Pulse pause variations between 85 and 335 μs in 50 μs steps and a fixed pulse width of 50 μs show that a minimum kerf width of 23.4 μm, as well as a minimum cut edge roughness Rz of 3.59 μm, is achieved at the lowest pulse pause duration. An increase in roughness towards the laser exit side, independent of the laser pulse pause duration, was found and discussed. The results provide initial process parameters for cutting thin titanium sheets and thus provide the basis for further investigations, such as the influence of cutting gas pressure and composition on the cut edge.
Für Fußballer:innen stellen muskuläre Verletzungen der unteren Extremitäten ein großes Problem dar. Ein Beispiel hierfür liefert die Nationalmannschaftsstürmerin Alexandra Popp, die aufgrund muskulärer Probleme das EM-Finale 2022 in Wembley kurzfristig verpasste. Oftmals stehen gerade hohe Anspannungssituationen in zeitlichem Zusammenhang mit Verletzungen, der Einfluss der psychischen Beanspruchung auf die biomechanischen Belastungen wird jedoch meist nur wenig beachtet.
Developing new deep-drawn sheet metal parts is a challenging task due to conflicting demands for low costs, durability, and crash properties. Ensuring manufacturability throughout geometrical changes adds to the complexity, leading engineers to rely on experience-driven iterative design changes that compromise requirements and lack reproducibility. Finite Element (FE) simulation models are employed to ensure manufacturability, albeit at the expense of high computational costs and delays in part development.
To improve efficiency, a Machine learning (ML)-centered approach was proposed to ensure manufacturability. However, the limited availability of data raises uncertainty about whether a low- or high-dimensional ML approach is most suitable for drawability assessment.
This work compares the accuracy of a low-dimensional, feature-based Linear Support Vector surrogate and an adapted high-dimensional PointNet model under different dataset sizes. The dataset is composed of parametrically generated, U-shaped structural sheet metal parts.
We use a one-step simulation scheme and evaluate results with a Forming Limit Diagram (FLD) to label drawability. Results show the point of transition to be at about 500 training samples, from which onwards Deep learning is advantageous.
Moreover, the generalizability of these models is tested on a second dataset with topologically similar components. This is to assess the potential for a geometrically more comprehensive evaluation. We discuss several influences on model performances and outline future potentials.
New structural sheet metal parts are developed in an iterative, time-consuming manner. To improve the reproducibility and speed up the iterative drawability assessment, we propose a novel low-dimensional multi-fidelity inspired machine learning architecture. The approach utilizes the results of low-fidelity and high-fidelity finite element deep drawing simulation schemes. It hereby relies not only on parameters, but also on additional features to improve the generalization ability and applicability of the drawability assessment compared to classical approaches. Using the machine learning approach on a generated data set for a wide range of different cross-die drawing configurations, a classifier is trained to distinguish between drawable and non-drawable setups. Furthermore, two regression models, one for drawable and one for non-drawable designs are developed that rank designs by drawability. At instantaneous evaluation time, classification scores of high accuracy as well as regression scores of high quality for both regressors are achieved. The presented models can substitute low-fidelity finite element models due to their low evaluation times while at the same time, their predictive quality is close to high-fidelity models. This approach may enable fast and efficient assessments of designs in early development phases at the accuracy of a later design phase in the future.
In Vitro Analysis of Human Cartilage Infiltrated by Hydrogels and Hydrogel-Encapsulated Chondrocytes
(2023)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease causing loss of articular cartilage and structural damage in all joint tissues. Given the limited regenerative capacity of articular cartilage, methods to support the native structural properties of articular cartilage are highly anticipated. The aim of this study was to infiltrate zwitterionic monomer solutions into human OA-cartilage explants to replace lost proteoglycans. The study included polymerization and deposition of methacryloyloxyethyl-phosphorylcholine- and a novel sulfobetaine-methacrylate-based monomer solution within ex vivo human OA-cartilage explants and the encapsulation of isolated chondrocytes within hydrogels and the corresponding effects on chondrocyte viability. The results demonstrated that zwitterionic cartilage–hydrogel networks are formed by infiltration. In general, cytotoxic effects of the monomer solutions were observed, as was a time-dependent infiltration behavior into the tissue accompanied by increasing cell death and penetration depth. The successful deposition of zwitterionic hydrogels within OA cartilage identifies the infiltration method as a potential future therapeutic option for the repair/replacement of OA-cartilage extracellular suprastructure. Due to the toxic effects of the monomer solutions, the focus should be on sealing the OA-cartilage surface, instead of complete infiltration. An alternative treatment option for focal cartilage defects could be the usage of monomer solutions, especially the novel generated sulfobetaine-methacrylate-based monomer solution, as bionic for cell-based 3D bioprintable hydrogels.
This communication presents an experimental and analytical study on the evaporation mechanism in a closed-structured asymmetric plate heat exchanger (PHE) employed as a stagnant water evaporator for the application in an adsorption heat transformation appliance. To this aim, an experimental unit is constructed, which comprises two identical PHEs, one acting as an vaporator/condenser and the second, as an adsorber/desorber. Two endoscopes are mounted inside the investigated evaporator to visualize the evaporation mechanism when performing adsorption-evaporation processes under different boundary conditions. It turned out that the evaporation mechanism is a partially covered, thin film evaporation. A heat transfer analysis is performed to evaluate the heat transfer coefficient of the thin film evaporation () inside the investigated evaporator, resulting in -values between 1330 and 160 [W∙m−2∙K−1] over the investigated adsorption-evaporation time. Correlating the obtained () to the film thickness and the wetted area results in -values between 0.34 and 0.78 [mm] and wetted to total area ratios of 0.78 to 0.16. Besides, an analytical model has been developed and introduced to correlate the overall evaporator heat transfer coefficient with the adsorption potential and the time rate of change of the water uptake.
Although many composite structures are inconsistently curved, such as the leading edges of aircraft wings, the variety of research in impact engineering is almost limited to the impact performance of plates or cylindrically curved specimens. It is not known whether the findings obtained from standardized tests can be transferred to curved structures or which adaptions are required. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the deformation and damage behavior of inconsistently curved structures is essential to transfer the observed impact behavior of flat specimens to general curved structures and therefore to utilize the full lightweight potential of a load-specific design. An accurate description of the procedure as well as the results of the experimental and numerical study of the low-velocity impact behavior of differently single-curved elliptic specimens is presented. To close the research gap of the impact behavior of geometries with curvatures between the plates and simplified leading edges, novel specimens geometries have been derived from established impact test standards. Glassfiber-reinforced specimens are subjected to an instrumented impact test at constant impact energy. This is numerically investigated by a stacked-layer model, which used cohesive zone modeling to enable the simulation of matrix cracking, fiber fracture and delamination. The resulting projected damage areas, as well as the force and deflection histories, were evaluated and section cuts were examined to discuss the damage morphology, formation and propagation process. Significant effects on maximum deflection, compliance and dynamic behavior on the size and morphology of damage were found.
Osteoporosis is a common disease of old age. However, in many cases, it can be very well prevented and counteracted with physical activity, especially high-impact exercises. Wearables have the potential to provide data that can help with continuous monitoring of patients during therapy phases or preventive exercise programs in everyday life. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and reliability of measured acceleration data at different body positions compared to accelerations at the pelvis during different jumping exercises. Accelerations at the hips have been investigated in previous studies with regard to osteoporosis prevention. Data were collected using an IMU-based motion capture system (Xsens) consisting of 17 sensors. Forty-nine subjects were included in this study. The analysis shows the correlation between impacts and the corresponding drop height, which are dependent on the respective exercise. Very high correlations (0.83–0.94) were found between accelerations at the pelvis and the other measured segments at the upper body. The foot sensors provided very weak correlations (0.20–0.27). Accelerations measured at the pelvis during jumping exercises can be tracked very well on the upper body and upper extremities, including locations where smart devices are typically worn, which gives possibilities for remote and continuous monitoring of programs.
Heutzutage werden Strukturen häufig aufwendig konstruiert und nachträglich mithilfe von numerischen Verfahren optimiert. Dennoch kommt es zu erheblichen Schäden infolge von Ermüdungsbrüchen bei wechselnd beanspruchten Bauteilen. Ein Großteil dieser Schäden hat den Ursprung in den im Inneren herrschenden Spannungszuständen, den sogenannten Eigenspannungen.
Diese Eigenspannungen heben sich innerhalb des Bauteils auf und führen zu keiner Formabweichung des Bauteils, weswegen diese Spannungen in Form und Lage nur schwer detektierbar sind und sich häufig negativ auf die Betriebsfestigkeit von Strukturen auswirken.
Mithilfe neuartiger numerischer Methoden können thermomechanische Simulationen angefertigt und Verformungen, sowie Spannungszustände abgeleitet werden. Durch diese Optionen ergeben sich neue Anwendungen, die das Potenzial von Fertigungsverfahren in Hinblick auf die Ausnutzung spezieller Eigenschaften neu eröffnen. Durch die geschickte Anwendung und Vernetzung der Simulation mit der Fertigung können Eigenspannungen gezielt in Lage und Richtung schon während der Produktion des Bauteils eingebracht werden. Im theoretischen Vergleich zu konventionell gefertigten Bauteilen entstehen Strukturen, die hinsichtlich ihrer Bauteillebensdauer optimiert sind.
Exoskeletons were invented over 100 years ago but have only become popular in the last two decades, especially in the working industry as they can decrease work-related loads significantly. The most often used exoskeletons are for the lower back and shoulder since these are commonly affected body regions. All devices have in common that their purpose is to reduce internal loads of vulnerable body regions. Nevertheless, there is still little understanding on how biomechanical loading in the human body changes when exoskeletons are used. Therefore, further analyses are needed. A promising candidate for these are musculoskeletal models, which are based on an inverse dynamics approach and can calculate external parameters such as ground reaction forces or other interaction forces as well as internal parameters such as joint reaction forces or muscle activities. The various examples in the literature show that these models are increasingly used for assessing the biomechanical effects of exoskeletons on the human body. Furthermore, musculoskeletal models can calculate biomechanical loadings of humans with and without exoskeletons for all kinds of applications and allow an evaluation of their purpose.
Practical Relevance: This article highlights the possibilities of musculoskeletal models for assessing the design and efficiency of occupational exoskeletons. Several practical use cases are described along with distinct descriptions of common implications of musculoskeletal and exoskeleton modeling.
Non-road sectors, such as agriculture and construction machinery, require high energy densities and flexibility in use, which is why diesel engines are mainly used. The use of climate-neutral fuels, produced from renewable energies, such as Oxymethylene Ether (OME) as a diesel substitute, can significantly reduce CO2 and pollutant emissions in these sectors. In addition to CO2 neutrality, OME also offers improved combustion characteristics compared to diesel fuel, eliminating the soot–NOx trade-off and thus enabling new opportunities in engine design and calibration. In this paper, the combustion of pure OME on a close-to-production, single-cylinder non-road diesel engine with a pump–line–nozzle injection system is analyzed. A variation of the center of combustion at constant power output was performed for diesel and OME at different operating points. Two injectors were investigated with OME. A study on ignition delay and a detailed thermodynamic analysis was carried out. In addition, the exhaust emissions CO, NOx, VOC, as well as particulate-matter, -number and -size distributions were measured. With OME, a significantly shorter ignition delay as well as a shortened combustion duration could be observed, despite a longer injection duration. In addition, the maximum injection pressure increases. VOC and CO emissions are reduced. Particulate matter was reduced by more than 99% and particle number (>10 nm) was reduced by multiple orders of magnitude. The median of the particle size distribution shifts from 60 to 85 nm (diesel) into a diameter range of sub 23 nm (OME). A significant reduction of NOx emissions with OME enables new degrees of freedom in engine calibration and an efficiency advantage without hardware adaption.
Elbow stability is derived from a combination of muscular, ligamentous, and bony structures. After an elbow trauma the stability of the joint is an important decision criterion for the subsequent treatment. The decision regarding non-operative/operative care depends mostly on subjective assessments of medical experts. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use musculoskeletal simulations as an objective assessment tool to investigate the extent to which failure of different stabilizers affects the elbow stability and how these observations correspond to the assessment from clinical practice. A musculoskeletal elbow simulation model was developed for this aim. To investigate the stability of the elbow, varus/valgus moments were applied under 0°, 45°and 90° flexion while the respective cubital angle was analyzed. This was performed for nine different injury scenarios, which were also evaluated for stability by clinical experts. With the results, it can be determined by which injury pattern and under which flexion angle the elbow stability is impaired regarding varus/valgus moments. The scenario with a complete failure of the medial and lateral ligaments and a fracture of the radial head was identified as having the greatest instability. The study presented a numerical determination of elbow stability against varus/valgus moments regarding clinical injury patterns, as well as a comparison of the numerical outcome with experience gained in clinical practice. The numerical predictions agree well with the assessments of the clinical specialists. Thus, the results from musculoskeletal simulation can make an important contribution to a more objective assessment of the elbow stability.
The primary consumers of plant exudates – in exact fungi and bacteria, are representative for the soil succession level from bare soil, which is bacterial dominant to old growth forest constitute by fungal dominance. In a specified level of soil succession, a special kind of plant family benefits on the Fungal to Bacteria Ratio. The ability to determine this ratio in situ without complex chemical applications is part of the project Electronical Laboratory for Intelligent Soil Examination (ELISE). Several mechanical and optical tests on soil samples are covered within this Project. To analyze the fungal to bacteria ratio, samples are prepared automatically – in a defined and reproductive procedure – to generate slides for shadowing microscopy. The samples are observed by a camera, which is attached to a transmitted light microscope. The automatic analysis, done with computer vision algorithms, aims to quantify bacterial and fungal biomass in the actual sample view. Moreover, the algorithm can classify organisms according to their color and shape.
To get a processable picture, several images from different focal levels must be taken through the sample thickness. Parts of each image, are in focus at the actual layer, are merged to a whole depth of field picture, by focus stacking.
This produced picture is used to classify, locate and quantify – in first step filamentous organisms e.g. fungal by image sematic segmentation. The result represents an image sized mask, which indicates the class of fungi with class equivalate values at the pixel positions – covered by the organism. This information is used to calculate the fungal mass per gram soil.
To quantify the bacterial biomass two approaches are implemented. For low density of bacterial existence, the individual bacteria is counted for a part of the field of view by an image detection algorithm to be extrapolate afterwards to the mass per gram soil. For high density of bacterial occurrence, specified regions of interest with only bacteria present are chosen. An image classification which has been pretrained by pictures of bacterial density patterns – previously determent by making the sample countable due to preforming sample dilutions, is done. The second option for high density bacterial count is, to automatically preform dilutions until the image detection is confidently countable.
To ensure a usable confidence score a statistical approach of many fields of view is taken.
The sample preparation for shadowing microscopy, to examinate biological soil properties, is time consuming, manual work. The outcome depends on subjective skills of the operator, furthermore the results are mostly not quantitative. The database on biological soil properties is mostly not sufficient for an integrated modelling on an multidisciplinary scale. This project combines three progressive approaches to develop a tool that is easy to use and gives in situ results that can be used for many purposes.
Hot pressing of pure Ti and cast iron under vacuum formed a ~15 μm wide TiC-layer through the thermoreactive diffusion process. Nanoindentation testing of the TiC-layer revealed average hardness and elastic
modulus values of ~35 GPa and ~400 GPa, respectively. High-resolution indentation mapping indicated hardness change across the boundary with peak values observed within the TiC-layer. Solid state high temperature diffusion holds significant potential for developing uniform hard coatings on pure Ti/Ti-alloys.
One of the fundamental challenges in L-PBF of filigree geometries, such as aortic stents used in biomedical applications, is the requirement for a robust yet easily removable support structure that allows each component to be successfully fabricated without distortion. To solve this challenge, an integrative experimental approach was attempted in the present study by identifying an optimal support structure design and an optimized support removal strategy for this design. The specimens were manufactured using four different support structure designs based on the geometry exposed to the laser beam during the L-PBF. Support removal procedures included sand blasting (SB), glass bead blasting (GB), and electrochemical polishing (ECP). The two best-performing designs (line and cross) were chosen due to shorter lead times and lower material consumption. As an additional factor that indicates a stable design, the breaking load requirement to remove the support structures was determined. A modified line support with a 145° included angle was shown to be the best support structure design in terms of breaking load, material consumption, and manufacturing time. All three procedures were used to ensure residue-free support removal for this modified line support design, with ECP proving to be the most effective.
In the current research, magnesium and its alloys have been intensively studied as resorbable implant materials. Magnesium materials combine their good mechanical properties with bioactivity, which make them interesting for guided bone regeneration and for the application as barrier membranes. In this study, the in vitro degradation behavior of thin magnesium films was investigated in cell medium and simulated body fluid. Three methods were applied to evaluate corrosion rates: measurements of (i) the gaseous volume evolved during immersion, (ii) volume change after immersion, and (iii) polarization curves. In this comparison, measurements of H2 development in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium showed to be the most appropriate method, exhibiting a corrosion rate of 0.5 mm·year−1. Observed oxide and carbon contamination have a high impact on controlled degradation, suggesting that surface treatment of thin foils is necessary. The bioactivity test showed positive results; more detailed tests in this area are of interest.
Thermomechanical shape memory materials have certain disadvantages when it comes to 3D volumetric reproduction intended for rapid prototyping or robotic prehension. The need to constantly supply energy to counteract elastic retraction forces in order to maintain the required geometry, together with the inability to achieve conformal stability at elevated temperatures, limits the application of thermal shape memory polymers. Form removal also presents problems as most viscoelastic materials do not ensure demolding stability. This work demonstrates how magnetoactive boron−organo−silicon oxide polymers under the influence of an applied magnetic field can be used to achieve energy free sustainable volumetric shape memory effects over extended periods. The rheopectic properties of boron−organo−silicon oxide materials sustain form removal without mold distortion.
With the progress in modern medicine, it was possible to significantly reduce the risks of birth for mother and child. One aspect that has received less attention so far is the risk of injury to the accoucheurs (obstetricians and midwives) during the birth process. Indeed, studies indicate that 92% of midwives suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, with the lower back being the main cause of complaints (72%). The aim of this study was to investigate two commonly used postural techniques used by accoucheurs during childbirth and to analyze the resulting load on the lower back using the AnyBodyTM musculoskeletal simulation software.
Experimental investigations are conducted to quantify the influence of specimen thickness and orientation on the mechanical properties of selective laser melted stainless steel 316 L. The results indicate that the mechanical strength and ductility increase with increasing specimen thickness until a saturation value is reached from a specimen thickness of about 2 mm. Specimen orientation dependency is pronounced for thin specimens (<1.5 mm), whereas only small deviations in strength are observed for thicker specimens with orientations of 30°, 45° and 90° to build direction. The mechanical properties of the specimen orientation of 0° to build direction shows great deviation to the other orientations and the smallest overall strength. A reliable design of selective laser melted components should account for specimen thickness and orientation, e. g. by a correction factor. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid loads vertical (90°) and parallel (0°) to build direction to guarantee higher ductility and strength.
Längst gibt es altersgerechte digitale Assistenzsysteme. Doch sind Umfang und Geschwindigkeit ihrer Verbreitung sowohl in Pflegeeinrichtungen als auch in privaten Haushalten weitgehend unbekannt. Informationen zu tatsächlich eingesetzten Systemen, realisierten Umsätzen und Marktvolumen sind kaum zu finden. Obwohl es viele Vermutungen hinsichtlich der Hindernisse bei der Einführung altersgerechter Assistenzsysteme gibt, sind auch hier verlässliche Aussagen rar. Die Beiträge des Bandes liefern auf Basis empirischer Untersuchungen und theoretischer Überlegungen Antworten und zeigen auf, wie vielgestaltig die Faktoren sind, die die Diffusion altersgerechter Assistenzsysteme hemmen oder fördern.