Inventions, Volume 8, Issue 6 (December 2023) – 29 articles

Backward-facing steps are commonly formed on wings and blades due to misalignment between segments or the addition of protective films. A backward-facing step (BFS) is known to degrade the airfoil performance. To mitigate these adverse effects, a three-dimensional low-profile serrated pattern (termed sBFS) was applied downstream of a BFS on an LA203A profile airfoil. The model drag was determined from wake surveys using a traversing Pitot-static probe within a subsonic wind tunnel operating at a chord-based Reynolds number of 300,000. The airfoil spanned the wind tunnel width (914 mm) and had a 197 mm chord length. Four different sBFS configurations were tested, each formed by applying a 1 mm thick film around the model leading edge. In addition, a BFS at various chord locations and a clean wing (i.e., no film applied) were tested for reference. The sBFS was able to reduce the drag relative the BFS by up to 8–10%, though not outperforming the clean wing configuration. In addition, the wake surveys showed the sBFS produced strong coherent structures that persist into the far-wake region (five chord length downstream of the model) with a scale that was much larger than the step height. Additionally, a computational study was carried out to further examine the flow behavior on the airfoil that produced the coherent structures. This showed that fluid near the surface gets entrained towards the sBFS downstream tip of the sBFS, which creates the initial rotation of these coherent structures that persist into the far-wake region. Full article

This paper aims to assess the possibility of using functionally redundant inertial units to solve problems of increasing reliability and ensuring the fault tolerance of the various classes and purposes of aircraft navigation systems. We present the results of studying failure detection methods to improve the accuracy and reliability of a strapdown functionally redundant inertial unit. The resulting structural redundancy of the strapdown inertial measurement unit is designed to increase the fault tolerance and accuracy of strapdown inertial navigation systems. The methods for detecting sensor failures in functionally redundant inertial units are based on the use of the equations of functionally redundant inertial unit compliance to nominal requirements for the accuracy of measuring the input action vector. To describe the methods for detecting and eliminating failed sensor and algorithm designs based on them, we gave the mathematical models of the measurement vector of functionally redundant inertial units concerning the measured vector and the error identification condition, including the residual of the matching equations with the size due to the level of redundancy, determining the total number of matching equations. The main criterion for determining a failed sensor is non-compliance with the nominal value of the residual included in a certain number of matching equations of the information received from such meters. The developed algorithms are examined using simulation methods. The study of the selected structure of the functionally redundant inertial units shows that the proposed approaches are efficient. Also, we manage to identify the main characteristics of the algorithms for detecting sensor failures that are structurally a part of the functionally redundant inertial units. Full article

The susceptibility of global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) to interference significantly limits the possibility of their use. From the standpoint of possible consequences, the most dangerous interference is the so-called spoofing. Simultaneously, in most cases of GNSS use, an inertial navigation system (INS) or an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) is also present on the board of mobile objects. In this regard, the research goal is to assess the possibility of detecting GNSS spoofing in inertial satellite navigation systems. This paper examines the method for detecting GNSS spoofing by combining a pair of commercially available GNSS receivers and antennas with an INS or AHRS. The method is based on a comparison of the double differences of GNSS carrier phase measurements performed by receivers under conditions of resolved integer ambiguity and the values of the range double differences predicted using an INS. GNSS carrier phase integer ambiguity can be resolved using a strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) or AHRS data. The mathematical model of GNSS phase difference measurements and the SINS-predicted satellite range differences model are given. The proposed algorithm calculates the moving average of the residuals between the SINS-predicted satellite range double differences and the measured GNSS carrier phase double differences. The primary criterion for spoofing detection is the specified threshold excess of the moving average of the double difference residuals. Experimental studies are performed using simulation and hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The experimental results allow us to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed approach and estimate the potential characteristics of the spoofing detection algorithm based on it. Full article

The Richtmyer–Meshkov instability in a two-component system during the reshock process for various density ratios is studied through the discrete Boltzmann method. Detailed investigations are conducted on both hydrodynamic and thermodynamic non-equilibrium behaviors. Specifically, the analysis focuses on the density gradient, viscous stress tensor, heat flux strength, thermodynamic non-equilibrium intensity, and thermodynamic non-equilibrium area. It is interesting to observe the complex variations to non-equilibrium quantities with the changing shock front, rarefaction wave, transverse wave, and material interface. Physically, the non-equilibrium area is extended as the perturbed material interface grows after the passing of the shock wave or secondary impact. Moreover, the global non-equilibrium manifestation decreases when the transmitted shock front and transverse waves leave or when the reflected rarefaction wave weakens. Additionally, the global thermodynamic non-equilibrium effect is enhanced as the physical gradients or non-equilibrium area increase. Finally, the local non-equilibrium effect decreases when the fluid structure gradually disappears under the action of dissipation/diffusion. Full article

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is widely used as a detection method in scientific research fields. However, the method for creating SERS substrates often requires expensive equipment and involves a complex process. Additionally, preserving and effectively utilizing SERS substrates in the long term poses a challenging problem. In order to address these issues, we propose a new method for creating SERS substrates on various types of paper using a combination of a ballpoint pen and 3D printing. This method ensures a high enhancement factor and maximizes the utilization of the substrate. We achieved an enhancement factor of up to 8.2 × 10⁸ for detecting R6G molecules, with a relative standard deviation of 11.13% for the Raman peak at 612 cm⁻¹ of R6G, demonstrating excellent SERS sensitivity and spectral reproducibility. Furthermore, we successfully detected thiram at a concentration as low as 10⁻⁸, which is lower than both the Chinese national standard and European standard. Full article

In this paper, we will discuss a calibration algorithm for a digital antenna array that diagnoses its real performance. It can be applied at such stages of the antenna system life cycle as design, tuning, and especially maintenance. A calibration implementation using a scalar method for a multi-beam digital antenna array is proposed and investigated. On-the-fly calibration ensures a continuous improvement in beam pointing accuracy by reducing internal errors in the receiving (transmitting) channels. The purpose of the study is to experimentally examine the capabilities of digital beamforming to increase the angle-of-arrival estimation accuracy. A simulation model of the receiving antenna was created in an anechoic chamber with a planar antenna positioner. The possibility of precise estimation of the direction of arrival using the digital beamforming with electronic scanning was demonstrated. The proposed simulation model made it possible to observe the convergence of the antenna array calibration process using the proposed method for various errors in the signal paths, as well as different signal-to-noise ratios. It has been proven that even under adverse conditions early in the calibration algorithm, the phase error detection converges with high accuracy, and its value decreases uniformly even to the fractions of an angular degree. Full article

Load losses determine transformers’ efficiency and life, which are limited by overheating and deterioration of their elements. Since these losses can be characterized by short-circuit resistances, in this article, we have developed expressions for the short-circuit resistances of three-phase transformers according to IEEE Standard C57.110. Imposing the condition that these resistances must cause load losses of the transformer, two types of short-circuit resistance have been established: (1) the effective resistance of each phase ($R_{cc,z}$) and (2) the effective short-circuit resistance of the transformer ($R_{cc,ef}$). The first is closely related to the power loss distribution within the transformer. The second is just a mathematical parameter. Applying these resistances to the 630 kVA oil-immersed distribution transformer of a residential network, we have concluded that both types of resistances determine the total load losses of the transformer. However, only $R_{cc,z}$ accurately provides the load losses in each phase. $R_{cc,ef}$ can give rise to errors more significant than 16% in calculating these losses, depending on imbalances in the harmonic currents. Full article

Accurate and rapid taxonomy identification is the initial step in spider image recognition. More than 50,000 spider species are estimated to exist worldwide; however, their identification is still challenging due to the morphological similarity in their physical structures. Deep learning is a known modern technique in computer science, biomedical science, and bioinformatics. With the help of deep learning, new opportunities are available to reveal advanced taxonomic methods. In this study, we applied a deep-learning-based approach using the YOLOv7 framework to provide an efficient and user-friendly identification tool for spider species found in Taiwan called Spider Identification APP (SpiderID_APP). The YOLOv7 model is integrated as a fully connected neural network. The training of the model was performed on 24,000 images retrieved from the freely available annotated database iNaturalist. We provided 120 genus classifications for Taiwan spider species, and the results exhibited accuracy on par with iNaturalist. Furthermore, the presented SpiderID_APP is time- and cost-effective, and researchers and citizen scientists can use this APP as an initial entry point to perform spider identification in Taiwan. However, for detailed species identification at the species level, additional methods like DNA barcoding or genitalic structure dissection are still considered necessary. Full article

The signal detection problem for cyclostationary signals is addressed within the fraction-of-time probability framework, where statistical functions are constructed starting from a single time series, without introducing the concept of stochastic process. Single-cycle detectors and quadratic-form detectors based on measurements of the Fourier coefficients of the almost-periodically time-variant cumulative distribution and probability density functions are proposed. The adopted fraction-of-time approach provides both methodological and implementation advantages for the proposed detectors. For single-cycle detectors, the decision statistic is a function of the received signal and the threshold is derived using side data under the null hypothesis. For quadratic-form detectors, the decision statistic can be expressed as a function of the received signal without using side data, at the cost of some performance degradation. The threshold can be derived analytically. Performance analysis is carried out using Monte Carlo simulations in severe noise and interference environments, where the proposed detectors provide better performance with respect to the analogous detectors based on second- and higher-order cyclic statistic measurements. Full article

The sparse atmosphere on the surface of Mars provides the necessary flight conditions for Mars unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform low-altitude flights. This work presents a comprehensive overview of key technologies in the development of Mars UAVs, with a specific focus on rotary-wing Mars UAVs. It summarizes prototypes of rotary-wing Mars UAVs developed by various global research institutions. It reviews essential technologies in rotary-wing Mars UAV research, including the Mars near-surface atmospheric environment, aerodynamic characteristics, and principles of low-pressure flight control. This work also summarizes various experimental setups and ground test results for rotary-wing Mars UAVs. Furthermore, it discusses the future development trends of rotary-wing Mars UAVs. Full article

In this paper, our strategy is to look for locally optimum answers to a non-smooth optimization problem that has been constructed to include minimization goals and restrictions for smart structures’ vibration suppression. In both theoretical analysis and practical implementation, it is widely recognized that designing multi-objective control systems poses a considerable challenge. In this study, we assess the effectiveness of this method by employing the open-source Matlab toolbox Hifoo 2.0 and juxtapose our findings with established industry standards. We start by framing the control problem as a mathematical optimization issue and proceed to identify the controller that effectively addresses this optimization. This approach introduces the potential application of intelligent structures in tackling the challenge of vibration suppression. This study makes use of the most recent version of the freely available application Hifoo which tries to study vibration suppression with the limits outlined above in the context of multi-objective controller design. A controller directive is initially set, allowing for a lower order. Full article

The gradual adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) globally serves as a crucial move toward addressing global decarbonization goals for sustainable development. However, the lack of cost-effective, power-efficient, and safe chargers for EV batteries hampers adoption. Understanding the research needs and identifying the gaps in EV charger innovation informs investments and research to address development challenges. This study developed a unique text mining workflow to classify themes in EV charger technology and product development by analyzing U.S. patent award summaries. The text mining workflow combined the techniques of data extraction, data cleaning, natural language processing (NLP), statistical analysis, and unsupervised machine learning (ML) to extract unique themes and to visualize their relationships. There was a 47.7% increase in the number of EV charger patents issued in 2022 relative to that in 2018. The top four themes were charging station management, power transfer efficiency, on-board charger design, and temperature management. More than half (53.8%) of the EV charger patents issued over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022 addressed problems within those four themes. Patents that addressed wireless charging, fast charging, and fleet charging accounted for less than 10% each of the EV charger patents issued. This suggests that the industry is still at the frontier of addressing those problems. This study further presents examples of the specific EV charger problems addressed within each theme. The findings can inform investment decisions and policymaking to focus on R&D resources that will advance the state of the art and spur EV adoption. Full article

Swirling flows often occur in nature and industrial applications. With an increase in swirl intensity, such rotating flows are known to become unstable and undergo a sudden breakdown of the vortex core, resulting in unsteady flow dynamics with intensive pressure fluctuations. In particular, swirling flows are organized in combustion chambers to stabilize the flame around the central recirculation zone, formed due to the vortex core breakdown. However, the impact of large-scale vortex structures, including the precessing vortex core and secondary helical vortices, on unsteady combustion regimes is still unclear. The present paper demonstrates experimentally that for the swirling flow of a model swirl combustor, the injection of a central jet may be used to alter the configuration of coherent flow structures, including helical vortices. In particular, the asymmetric hydrodynamics mode, associated with the precessing vortex core, is suppressed, whereas the symmetrical one becomes dominant. This effect demonstrates the importance of central jet injection to control the dominant mode of flow instability for the design of swirl combustors. Full article

This paper presents a parametric study of the multistorey hydro-powered pump, known as ‘Bunyip’, which has demonstrated significant potential in contributing to rural regions. The study is aimed at understanding the underlying physics of the system and ways to enhance its hydraulic performance. A transient three-dimensional model using the commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool Ansys-Fluent is utilized to gain insights into its fundamental flow mechanics, operational efficiency, standard capacity, and relative delivery. The investigation involves an initial assessment of performance for three Bunyip devices based on manufacturing data. A parametric analysis is conducted for the dataset generated through meticulous application and numerical modelling. The CFD results are validated against experimental data. Three main design configurations are considered, and 58 sets of varied input parameters are examined. The best design configuration is evaluated against five cases of conventional hydro-power pump systems. The results indicate that a smaller diameter of the pressure chamber and a higher supply head lead to higher pressure, achieving a target head of 3 m with 15% efficiency and a flowrate of 11.82 L/min. Full article

Charcoal is one of the most essential energy sources in the world and is used mainly for domestic and industrial purposes. Brazilian charcoal production occurs in rudimentary masonry kilns without concern for process safety or energy waste. This work aimed to develop a mini carbonization system of three kilns coupled to a vertical smoke burner for optimized and environmentally correct charcoal and wood vinegar (WV) production on small farms. The project was divided into three parts for dimensioning: the three-kiln set, the WV condensing device, and the smoke burner. The condenser was designed following the procedures from the standards of TEMA (Tubular Exchangers Manufacturers Association); ASME (Society of Mechanical Engineers of the United States) Section VIII, Division 1; and the NR-13 (Regulatory Standard) of ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards). In contrast to the current scenario, in which primitive carbonization technologies are still employed, bringing about low charcoal yields and significant pollution release, the use of a mini-kiln that allows charcoal production and wood vinegar recovery combined with pollutant smoke burning is an interesting eco-friendly solution. Thus, the mini-kiln model presented here brings a low cost and environmental safety to the charcoal production chain, reaching sustainability parameters and offering higher income opportunities to small producers. Full article

In connection with subsonic jet noise production, especially regarding the hot jet from a micro turbojet engine, we encountered a lack of recent high-resolution data in the literature describing the flow field using experimental validation through optical diagnoses. The objective of this paper is to examine and compare the influence on shear layers of the exhaust plug nozzle of a micro turbojet engine with and without chevrons mounted, using a high-speed camera used in Schlieren-type optical system diagnosis. Three different operating regimes are examined for both the baseline configuration and the configuration with 16 triangular-shaped chevrons. In conjunction with the image captures, the sound pressure level was recorded with the help of a microphone placed perpendicular to the flow, 0.4 m from the exhaust of the nozzle which was further processed. In quantitative terms, we found that the OASPL decreases by more than 1% when the engine is operating at higher regimes. Moreover, we found that the average exhaust jet angle, which is a measure of the quality of the fluid mixing layer is increased by 5% with respect to the baseline nozzle. By using the “darkest pixel” technique in Schlieren imaging, we can verify experimentally, for all working regimes, the theory that asserts that subsonic jet noise is a consequence of fine-scale homogeneous turbulence. Additionally, the potential novelty lies in the specific observations related to consistent dispersion of fine-scale eddies and how the presence of chevrons amplifies this uniformity within the turbulent field. Full article

Plastic pervasiveness in daily life has increased in tandem with population growth. Ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) is emerging as a popular compound for manufacturing plastic, which is obtained from ethylene and vinyl acetate synthesis. EVA is produced using autoclave reactors, which often encounter bearing damage under specific operating conditions. This research aims to optimize the parameters in autoclave reactors to enhance bearing life. The study focuses on two crucial factors: the number of impellers and the temperature, with bearing life as the response variable. Simulations using finite-element analysis were conducted to obtain the fatigue life of bearings and validated using real-time company data stating the damage of bearings within 80 days. The optimization process employed the Taguchi method (TM) and the response surface methodology (RSM). A comparison of these techniques revealed that temperature had the most significant influence on the response. Interestingly, both methods yielded the same optimal parameters: seven impellers and a temperature of 150 °C. The simulation results using these optimized parameters demonstrated a noteworthy 3.095% increase in bearing life compared to the initial design. The RSM outperformed the Taguchi method in accurately predicting response values with minimum prediction error under optimal conditions. Full article

The aim of this work is to provide some details regarding the energy potential of the local wind and solar resources near the Galati area (south-east of Romania) by considering the performances of a few recent technologies. Based on 22 years of ERA5 data (2001–2022), a picture concerning the renewable energy resources in the Brates Lake area is provided. Comparing the wind and solar resources with in situ and satellite data, a relatively good agreement was found, especially in regards to the average values. In terms of wind speed conditions at a hub height of 100 m, we can expect a maximum value of 19.28 m/s during the winter time, while for the solar irradiance the energy level can reach up to 932 W/m² during the summer season. Several generators of 2 MW were considered for evaluation, for which a state-of-the-art system of 6.2 MW was also added. The expected capacity factor of the turbines is in the range of (11.71–21.23)%, with better performances being expected from the Gamesa G90 generator. As a next step, several floating solar units were considered in order to simulate large-scale solar projects that may cover between 10 and 40% of the Brates Lake surface. The amount of the evaporated water saved by these solar panels was also considered, being estimated that the water demand of at least 3.42 km² of the agricultural areas can be covered on an annual scale. Full article

Photovoltaic (PV) systems play a crucial role in clean energy systems. Effective maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are essential to optimize their performance. However, conventional MPPT methods exhibit limitations and challenges in real-world scenarios characterized by rapidly changing environmental factors and various operating conditions. To address these challenges, this paper presents a performance evaluation of a novel extended grey wolf optimizer (EGWO). The EGWO has been meticulously designed in order to improve the efficiency of PV systems by rapidly tracking and maintaining the maximum power point (MPP). In this study, a comparison is made between the EGWO and other prominent MPPT techniques, including the grey wolf optimizer (GWO), equilibrium optimization algorithm (EOA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and sin cos algorithm (SCA) techniques. To evaluate these MPPT methods, a model of a PV module integrated with a DC/DC boost converter is employed, and simulations are conducted using Simulink-MATLAB software under standard test conditions (STC) and various environmental conditions. In particular, the results demonstrate that the novel EGWO outperforms the GWO, EOA, PSO and SCA techniques and shows fast tracking speed, superior dynamic response, high robustness and minimal power fluctuations across both STC and variable conditions. Thus, a power fluctuation of $0.09$ W could be achieved by using the proposed EGWO technique. Finally, according to these results, the proposed approach can offer an improvement in energy consumption. These findings underscore the potential benefits of employing the novel MPPT EGWO to enhance the efficiency and performance of MPPT in PV systems. Further exploration of this intelligent technique could lead to significant advancements in optimizing PV system performance, making it a promising option for real-world applications. Full article

Open-source 3-D printing has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the additive manufacturing (AM) landscape by making distributed manufacturing economic, democratizing access, and fostering far more rapid innovation than antiquated proprietary systems. Unfortunately, some 3-D printing manufacturing companies began deviating from open-source principles and violating licenses for the detriment of the community. To determine if a pattern has emerged of companies patenting clearly open-source innovations, this study presents three case studies from the three primary regions of open-source 3-D printing development (EU, U.S., and China) as well as three aspects of 3-D printing technology (AM materials, an open-source 3-D printer, and core open-source 3-D printing concepts used in most 3-D printers). The results of this review have shown that non-inventing entities, called patent parasites, are patenting open-source inventions already well-established in the open-source community and, in the most egregious cases, commercialized by one (or several) firm(s) at the time of the patent filing. Patent parasites are able to patent open-source innovations by using a different language, vague patent titles, and broad claims that encompass enormous swaths of widely diffused open-source innovation space. This practice poses a severe threat to innovation, and several approaches to irradicate the threat are discussed. Full article

In industrial settings, gears play a crucial role by assisting various machinery functions such as speed control, torque manipulation, and altering motion direction. The malfunction or failure of these gear components can have serious repercussions, resulting in production halts and financial losses. To address this need, research efforts have focused on early defect detection in gears in order to reduce the impact of possible failures. This study focused on analyzing vibration and thermal datasets from two extruder machine gearboxes using an autoencoder Long Short-Term Memory (AE-LSTM) model, to ensure that all important characteristics of the system are utilized. Fast independent component analysis (FastICA) is employed to fuse the data signals from both sensors while retaining their characteristics. The major goal is to implement an outlier detection approach to detect and classify defects. The results of this study highlighted the extraordinary performance of the AE-LSTM model, which achieved an impressive accuracy rate of 94.42% in recognizing malfunctioning gearboxes within the extruder machine system. The study used robust global metric evaluation techniques, such as accuracy, F1-score, and confusion metrics, to thoroughly evaluate the model’s dependability and efficiency. LSTM was additionally employed for anomaly detection to further emphasize the adaptability and interoperability of the methodology. This modification yielded a remarkable accuracy of 89.67%, offering additional validation of the model’s reliability and competence. Full article

Various models of membrane oscillations emerging in the theory of elasticity of mechanical systems, biomechanics of the internal ear of vertebrata, and in the theory of electrical circuits are discussed in the article. The considered oscillations have different natures, but their mathematical models are described using similar initial boundary value problems for the second-order hyperbolic equation with the nontrivial boundary condition. The differential equations in these problems are the same. Thus, for example, the model of voltage distribution in the telegraph line emerges for the one-dimensional equation of oscillations. The model of oscillations of a circular homogeneous solid membrane, a membrane with a hole, and the model of gas oscillations in a sphere and spherical region emerge for the two-dimensional and three-dimensional operators, but take into account the radial symmetry of oscillations. The model problem on membrane oscillation can be considered as the problem on ear drum membrane oscillations. The unified approach to reducing the corresponding problems to the initial boundary value problem with zero boundary conditions is suggested. The technique of formulating the solution in the form of a Fourier series using eigenfunctions of the corresponding Sturm–Liouville problem is described. Full article

Bioactive glasses (BG), notably 63s BG, possess distinct properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and the ability to boost cellular interactions. Our research concentrated on formulating polycaprolactone (PCL) porous scaffolds enriched with 63s BG to gauge their combined mechanical and biological potentials. Using twin-screw extrusion, we created composites containing 5%, 10%, and 20% 63s BG. These were transformed into cylindrical scaffolds using 3D printing. Our assessments involved melt flow, SEM, XRD, water contact angle metrics, DSC, and extracorporeal degradation. After co-culturing with MC3T3-E1 cells, an uptick in alkaline phosphatase activity was noted. Preliminary findings demonstrated that as 63s BG content increased, the properties of the composites improved. Yet, they fell short of replicating the mechanical nuances of cortical bone, rendering them inapt for load-bearing orthopedic applications but suitable for mending minor bone defects or cartilage. In summary, while 63s BG brings about significant advancements in scaffold attributes, attaining the mechanical traits ideal for certain medical purposes remains elusive. This investigation offers foundational insights for the evolution of optimized bone tissue engineering materials. Full article

This study presents the manufacturing process-driven development of an interlocking metasurface; (ILM) mechanism for fused filament fabrication; (FFF) with a focus on open-source accessibility. The presented ILM is designed to enable strong contact between two planar surfaces. The mechanism consists of spring elements and locking pins which snap together when forced into contact. The mechanism is designed to deliver optimized mechanical properties, functionality, and printability with common FFF printers. The mechanism is printed from a thermoplastic polyurethane; (TPU) filament which was selected for its flexibility, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the spring elements. To characterize the designed mechanism, a tensile test is carried out to assess the holding force of the ILM. The force-displacement profiles are analyzed and categorized into distinct phases, highlighting the interplay between spring deformation, sliding, and disengagement. Finally, from the measurements of multiple printed specimens, a representative holding force is determined through averaging and assigned to the mechanism. The resulting tolerance, which can be attributed to geometric and material-related factors, is discussed. The testing results are discussed and compared with a numerical simulation carried out with a frictionless approach with a nonlinear Neo-Hookean material law. The study underscores the importance of meticulous parameter control in three-dimensional (3D) printing for the consistent and reliable performance of interlocking metasurface mechanisms. The investigation leads to a scalable model of an ILM element pair with distinct three-phase snapping characteristics ensuring reliable holding capabilities. Full article

One of the main objectives of cosmology is the measurement of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarization and, in particular, the so-called B-modes, which could demonstrate the existence of the primordial gravitational waves generated at the early stages of the Universe. For this reason, a new integrated version of the heterodyne polarimeter photonic part shown on a previously proposed scheme that can be used in both direct imaging and interferometric instruments is presented. We have tested its properties using specific commercial software, obtaining promising results. Working as a direct imaging instrument, it is shown that the proposed polarimeter can provide sufficiently low polarization angle and polarization efficiency systematic errors, which are considered acceptable for current ground-based CMB polarization experiments dedicated to the characterization of the foreground signals affecting the lowest part of the frequency spectrum. Full article

The purpose of this study is to employ and improve evolutionary algorithms, namely the genetic algorithm (GA) and the differential evolution algorithm (DE), to extract the parameters of the equivalent circuit model (ECM) of a bifacial photovoltaic module using the representative model of a diode with five parameters (1D5P). The objective is to simulate the characteristics of the I–V curves for various irradiation and temperature scenarios. A distinctive feature of this study is the exclusive use of the information in the technical sheet of the bifacial module to conduct the entire extraction and simulation process, eliminating the need to resort to external sources of data or experimental data. To validate the methods, a comparison was made between the simulation results and the data provided by the bifacial module manufacturer, contemplating different scenarios of irradiation and temperature. The DE was the most accurate algorithm for the 1D5P model, which presented a maximum average error of 1.57%. In comparison, the GA presented a maximum average error of 1.98% in the most distant scenario of STC conditions. Despite the errors inherent to the simulations, none of the algorithms presented relative errors greater than 8%, which represents a satisfactory modeling for the different operational conditions of the bifacial photovoltaic modules. Full article

The ejector drives unreacted hydrogen from the anode to improve fuel utilization ratio and discharges redundant water to prevent flooding and shutdown in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). However, the traditional fixed structure ejector cannot meet the recycling requirements in the whole dynamic working condition of the fuel cell. In this article, a part nested four-nozzle (PNFN) ejector is proposed to enhance the hydrogen recycling efficiency under variable working conditions of the PEMFC by restricting the nozzle flow as 10%, 20%, 20%, and 50% of the fuel cell-rated power, respectively. Systematical analyses are performed on the experimentally verified 3D model to study inner flow characteristics and performance under different nozzle running modes. The results indicate that the PNFN ejector satisfies the recirculation ratio requirements in the power range of 34–220 kW within the 7–9 bar suitable supply pressure. By comparing with traditional ejectors, the PNFN ejector has a wider working range and especially outputs better performance in the low power range. Full article

This paper describes a non-destructive detection method for identifying cable defects using K-mer frequency encoding. The detection methodology combines magnetic leakage detection equipment with artificial intelligence for precise identification. The cable defect identification process includes cable signal acquisition, K-mer frequency encoding, and artificial intelligence-based identification. A magnetic leakage detection device detects signals via sensors and records their corresponding positions to obtain cable signals. The K-mer frequency encoding method consists of several steps, including cable signal normalization, the establishment of K-mer frequency encoding, repeated sampling of cable signals, and conversion for comparison to derive the K-mer frequency. The K-mer frequency coding method has advantages in data processing and repeated sampling. In the identification step of the artificial intelligence identification model, an autoencoder model is used as the algorithm, and the K-mer frequency coding method is used to introduce artificial parameters. Proper adjustments of these parameters are required for optimal cable defect identification performance in various applications and usage scenarios. Experiment results show that the proposed K-mer frequency encoding method is effective, with a cable identification accuracy rate of 91% achieved through repeated sampling. Full article