Search Results (101)

This study presents an analysis of the electromagnetic noise and vibration in a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SPMSM), focusing on their excitation sources. To investigate this, the excitation sources were identified through an analytical approach, and their effects on electromagnetic noise and vibration were evaluated using a finite element method (FEM)-based analysis approach. Additionally, an equivalent curved-beam model based on three-dimensional shell theory was applied to determine the deflection forces on the stator yoke, accounting for the tooth-modulation effect. The stator’s natural frequencies were derived through the characteristic equation in free vibration analysis. Modal analysis was performed to validate the analytically derived natural frequencies and to investigate stator deformation under the tooth-modulation effect across various vibration modes. Furthermore, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) analysis via FEM reveals that major harmonic components align closely with the natural frequencies, identifying them as primary sources of elevated vibrations. A comparative study between 8-pole–9-slot and 8-pole–12-slot SPMSMs highlights the impact of force variations on the stator teeth in relation to vibration and noise characteristics, with FEM verification. The proposed method provides a valuable tool for early-stage motor design, enabling the rapid identification of resonance operating points that may induce severe vibrations. This facilitates proactive mitigation strategies to enhance motor performance and reliability. Full article

Surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous generators (SPMSGs) are well suited for wind power applications mainly because of their high power density, low cogging torque, and effective thermal management. This study proposes an eccentric Halbach PM array pole shape to enhance the power generation capability of SPMSGs specifically designed for low-speed wind power generation. The topology of the proposed eccentric Halbach PM arrangement is optimized using a genetic algorithm. Two-dimensional finite element simulations indicate that the eccentric Halbach configuration significantly improves flux focusing and magnetic field distribution. Compared to the conventional design, the proposed structure exhibits a substantial increase in electromotive force with reduced total harmonic distortion. Cogging torque is reduced by 48.6%, supporting improved starting and low-speed operation. Under on-load, the proposed design delivers higher average torque with reduced ripple, contributing to smoother operation. At a rated speed, the output power increases by 25%, with consistently higher power generation capability across a wide range of load conditions. Additionally, the proposed generator achieves higher efficiency across all operating speeds. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the eccentric Halbach array configuration in improving the power generation capability of SPMSG, thereby reinforcing its applicability to low-speed wind energy systems aligned with long-term sustainability objectives. Full article

This study proposes a dual-statistical and gradient-based framework to evaluate the machinability of five engineering alloys under CNC turning. Cutting force and surface deformation were measured across five machining zones. Finite difference-based gradients revealed spatial variations in material response. Stainless Steel 304 showed the highest cutting force (328 N), while Aluminum 6061 had the highest deformation (0.0164 mm). Carbon Steel 1020 exhibited the highest force-to-deformation efficiency (>97,000 N/mm). Arithmetic and harmonic means highlighted statistical sensitivities, while principal component analysis (PCA) identified clustering among materials and reduced dimensionality. A composite machinability score, integrating stiffness variation, efficiency gradients, and multivariate features, ranked Aluminum 6061 highest, followed by Brass C26000 and Bronze C51000. This methodology enables interpretable benchmarking and informed material selection in precision manufacturing. Full article

Acoustic energy penetrates into the Si substrate at cavity boundaries. Due to this, the air cavity-based bulk acoustic resonators experience higher harmonic mode, parasitic resonance, and spurious mode. To overcome these effects and enhance the performance parameters, a backside air cavity is fabricated using the deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) method. The DRIE method helps to achieve the optimized active area of the resonator. SiO₂ film on a silicon substrate as the support layer and ZnO as the piezoelectric (PZE) film are used for the resonator. The crystal growth and surface morphology of ZnO film were investigated with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. FBAR is modeled in a 1-D modified Butterworth–Van Dyke (mBVD) equivalent circuit. As RF measurement results, we successfully demonstrated a FBAR with optimized active area of 320 × 320 μm², center frequency of 1.261 GHz, having a quality factor of 583.8. Overall, this suppression of higher harmonic mode shows the great potential for improving the selectivity of the sensor and also in RF filter design applications. This integration of DRIE-based cavity formation with ZnO-based FBAR architecture not only enables compact design but also effectively suppresses spurious and higher-order modes, which demonstrates a performance-enhancing fabrication strategy not fully explored in the current literature. Full article

The novel forced wave generator (NFWG) is a critical component of the harmonic drive (HD) without a flexible bearing. Tribological design is required to increase the load-carrying capacity and reduce the frictional resistance in the elliptical sliding pairs (ESPs) between the flex spline (FS) and the NFWG. As the thin-walled FS operates under cyclic deformation with large displacement in the HD, this paper investigates the effects of the distribution region, depth, shape, and density of micro-dimple textures on the outer contour surface of the NFWG on the load-carrying capacity and the frictional resistance of the ESPs using the CFD method. The analysis reveals that the load capacity and lubrication performances of the ESPs are significantly enhanced when the micro-dimple textures are fully distributed on the outer contour surface of the NFWG, with a depth of 0.1 mm, a radius of 6 mm, and a distribution density of 3.9%. The results provide a reference for the practical design of ESPs in the HD under extreme mechanical transmission conditions. Full article

This paper proposes a two-dimensional (2D) generalized equivalent magnetic network (GEMN) model suitable for surface-mounted permanent magnet electric machines (SPEMs). The model divides the SPEM into eight types of regions: stator yoke, stator tooth body, stator tooth tips, stator slot body, stator slot openings, air gap, rotor permanent magnets, and rotor yoke. Each region is subdivided radially and tangentially into multiple 2D magnetic network units containing radial and tangential magnetic circuit parameters, forming a regular magnetic network covering all regions of the SPEM. The topology of this magnetic network remains unchanged during rotor rotation and can accommodate various surface-mounted permanent magnet structures including Halbach arrays, which enhances the generality of the model significantly. The proposed model can be used to calculate the 2D magnetic flux density distribution, winding electromotive force, electromagnetic torque, stator iron loss, and permanent magnet demagnetization in the influence of magnetic saturation, stator slotting, and current harmonic. Comparative analysis with the accurate subdomain method (ASDM) and finite element method (FEM) demonstrates that the GEMN model achieves a good balance between computational speed and accuracy, making it particularly suitable for efficient electromagnetic performance evaluation of SPEMs. Full article

In this article, an attempt was made to model the body of a person moving in a passive manner (movement forced by another person) in a wheelchair. For this purpose, the Wan–Schimmels model was modified by 4 DOF, supplementing it with the weight of the wheelchair and a polyurethane cushion. The study was designed to test the effectiveness of utilizing a polyurethane cushion to reduce the whole-body vibration acting on a person while moving in a wheelchair. The study used a rheological model of polyurethane (PU) foam with concentrated parameters. Harmonic and random vibration analysis was carried out for this model. At the same time, the model with 5 DOF seems to be sufficient to describe vibrations transmitted to wheelchair users. The model presented in this paper can become a tool for future analysis of vibrations of people of different weights, moving passively on various types of wheelchairs on surfaces whose irregularities can be given by an appropriate form of kinematic excitation. The approach used in this study is likely to be useful in selecting a wheelchair and seat cushion so as to counteract and minimize vibrations perceived by humans. Full article

Flexure-based Stirling cryocooler compressors are a critical technology in providing cryogenic temperatures in various advanced engineering fields, such as aerospace, defense, and medical imaging. The most challenging problem in the design of this type of compressor is achieving a precise alignment that preserves small gaps between the components moving relative to each other and avoids severe friction and wear. This paper introduces a novel experimental procedure for designing Stirling cryocooler compressors, leveraging a recently developed nonlinear experimental modal analysis method known as response-controlled stepped-sine testing (RCT). The alignment in a compressor prototype was significantly improved in light of a series of RCT with base excitation. The enhanced compressor design was subsequently validated though a series of constant-current tests, which confirmed the elimination of the sticking/locking phenomenon observed in the initial design. Furthermore, an indirect harmonic force surface (HFS)-based approach proposed for weakly nonlinear systems was extended to identify the high and nonlinear damping (up to a 65% hysteretic modal damping ratio) observed in the enhanced compressor design due to excessive friction. As another contribution, it was shown that the extrapolation of the HFS gives accurate results in the prediction of the nonlinear modal parameters at response levels where no experimental data are available. In light of these findings, it was concluded that the enhanced design needs further design modifications to further decrease the friction and wear between the moving parts. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for designing cryocooler compressors, with implications for aerospace and medical applications. Full article

Bonded Nd-Fe-B magnets have greater freedom of shape than sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets. The ring structure is one of the typical structures of bonded Nd-Fe-B materials. In this paper, we analyzed the generation and spread of demagnetization fault (DMF) and changes in motor performance. Meanwhile, a BLDC fitted with a bonded Nd-Fe-B magnet ring was analyzed for DMF under actual overload conditions. DMF occurred with obvious localization and variability, which was mainly concentrated on the side of each pole opposite to the direction of the motor’s operation, near the weak magnetic zones. The experimental results show that back electromotive force (EMF) and its harmonic had the same variation trends as the surface radial flux density of the magnet ring. The analysis with the EMF waveform and total harmonic distortion (THD) were proposed as a method for diagnosing the DMF. Finally, this paper presents a modified magnet ring. The anti-demagnetization capability of the modified magnet ring is effectively improved. This research can provide a reference for the design analysis of BLDCs using bonded Nd-Fe-B magnet rings. Full article

With the recent proliferation of electric vehicles, there is increasing attention on drive motors that are powerful and efficient, with a higher power density. To meet such high power density requirements, the cooling technology used for drive motors is particularly important. To further optimize the cooling effects, the use of direct oil-cooling technology for drive motors is gaining more attention, especially regarding the requirements for electric vehicle electric oil pumps (EOPs) in motor cooling. In such high-temperature environments, it is also necessary for the EOP to maintain its performance under high temperatures. This research explores the feasibility of using high-temperature-resistant ferrite magnets in the rotors of EOPs. For a 150 W EOP motor with the same stator size, three different rotor configurations are proposed: a surface permanent magnet (SPM) rotor, an interior permanent magnet (IPM) rotor, and a spoke-type IPM rotor. While the rotor sizes are the same, to maximize the power density while meeting the rotor’s mechanical strength requirements, the different rotor configurations make the most use of ferrite magnets (weighing 58 g, 51.8 g, and 46.3 g, respectively). Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to compare the performance of these models with that of the basic rotor design, considering factors such as the no-load back electromotive force, no-load voltage harmonics (<10%), cogging torque (<0.1 Nm), load torque, motor loss, and efficiency (>80%). Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the system efficiency and energy loss was conducted based on hypothetical electric vehicle traction motor parameters. Finally, by manufacturing a prototype motor and conducting experiments, the effectiveness and superiority of the finite element method (FEM) design results were confirmed. Full article

This work aims to establish a numerical model to investigate the wave interaction induced by the motion of a submerged cylindrical wave energy converter. The results show that when the submerged cylinder is in forced sinusoidal heave motion, distinct hollows and humps are produced on the free surface. As the heave amplitude increased from 1 m to 1.8 m, the depth of the hollow increased by 454%, and the height of the hump increased by 370%. Along with strong nonlinear phenomena, the generation of up to the fourth harmonic on the free surface above the submerged body is found, and the highest amplitude of the second harmonic waves reached 68% of the primary frequency. This indicates that the energy distribution of the wave is decomposed and rebalanced, and some energy in the primary frequency accumulates towards higher harmonics. When the submerged cylinder is in forced sinusoidal surge motion, the free surface elevation decreases in a stepwise manner as the wave transitions from crest to trough. As the cylinder pitches, the elevation of the wave trough decreases by 5% compared to when the submerged cylinder remains static. Full article

We present a data-driven, in situ proximal multi-sensor digital soil mapping approach to develop digital twins for multiple agricultural fields. A novel Digital Soil Core^TM (DSC) Probe was engineered that contains seven sensors, each of a distinct modality, including sleeve friction, tip force, dielectric permittivity, electrical resistivity, soil imagery, acoustics, and visible and near-infrared spectroscopy. The DSC System integrates the DSC Probe, DSC software (v2023.10), and deployment equipment components to sense soil characteristics at a high vertical spatial resolution (mm scale) along in situ soil profiles up to a depth of 120 cm in about 60 s. The DSC Probe in situ proximal data are harmonized into a data cube providing vertical high-density knowledge associated with physical–chemical–biological soil conditions. In contrast, conventional ex situ soil samples derived from soil cores, soil pits, or surface samples analyzed using laboratory and other methods are bound by a substantially coarser spatial resolution and multiple compounding errors. Our objective was to investigate the effects of the mismatched scale between high-resolution in situ proximal sensor data and coarser-resolution ex situ soil laboratory measurements to develop soil prediction models. Our study was conducted in central California soil in almond orchards. We collected DSC sensor data and spatially co-located soil cores that were sliced into narrow layers for laboratory-based soil measurements. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) cross-validation was used to compare the results of testing four data integration methods. Method A reduced the high-resolution sensor data to discrete values paired with layer-based soil laboratory measurements. Method B used stochastic distributions of sensor data paired with layer-based soil laboratory measurements. Method C allocated the same soil analytical data to each one of the high-resolution multi-sensor data within a soil layer. Method D linked the high-density multi-sensor soil data directly to crop responses (crop performance and behavior metrics), bypassing costly laboratory soil analysis. Overall, the soil models derived from Method C outperformed Methods A and B. Soil predictions derived using Method D were the most cost-effective for directly assessing soil–crop relationships, making this method well suited for industrial-scale precision agriculture applications. Full article

The western mining regions of China, known for shallow-buried and high-intensity mining activities, face significant ecological threats due to damage to loose strata and the surface. The evolution of fissures within the loose layer is a critical issue for surface ecological environment protection in coal mining areas. The study employed field measurements, mechanical experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis, using the ‘triaxial consolidation without drainage’ experiment to assess the physical and mechanical properties of various strata in the loose layer. Additionally, the PFC^2D numerical simulation software was employed to construct a numerical model that elucidates the damage mechanisms and reveals the evolution of loose layer fissures and the development of ground cracks. The research findings indicate that during shallow-buried high-intensity mining loose layer fissures undergo a dynamic evolution process characterized by “vertical extension-continuous penetration-lateral expansion”. As the working face advances, these fissures eventually propagate to the surface, forming ground cracks. The strong force chains within the overlying rock (or soil) layers develop in the form of an “inverted catenary arch”. As the arch foot and the middle of the arch overlap, fissures propagate along these strong force chains to the surface, resulting in ground cracks. The study elucidates the surface damage patterns in shallow-buried, high-intensity mining, offering theoretical insights for harmonizing coal mining safety with ecological conservation in fragile regions. Full article

The low specific speed centrifugal pump plays a crucial role in industrial applications, and ensuring its efficient and stable operation is extremely important for the safety of the whole system. The pump must operate with an extremely high head, an extremely low flow rate, and a very fast speed. The internal flow structure is complex and there is a strong interaction between dynamic and static components; consequently, the hydraulic excitation force produced becomes a significant factor that triggers abnormal vibrations in the pump. Therefore, this study focuses on a low specific speed centrifugal pump and uses a single-stage model pump to conduct PIV and pressure pulsation tests. The findings reveal that the PIV tests successfully captured the typical jet-wake structure at the outlet of the impeller, as well as the flow separation structure at the leading edge of the guide vanes and the suction surface. On the left side of the discharge pipe, large-scale flow separation and reverse flow happen as a result of the flow-through effect, producing a strong vortex zone. The flow field on the left side of the pressure chamber is relatively uniform, and the low-speed region on the suction surface of the guide vanes is reduced due to the reverse flow. The results of the pressure pulsation test showed that the energy of pressure pulsation in the flow passage of the guide vane occurs at the f_BPF and its harmonics, and the interaction between the rotor and stator is significant. Under the same operating condition, the RMS value distribution and amplitude at f_BPF of each measurement point are asymmetric in the circumferential direction. The amplitude of f_BPF near the discharge pipe is lower, while the RMS value is higher. A complex flow structure is shown by the larger amplitude and RMS value of the f_BPF on the left side of the pressure chamber. With the flow rate increasing, the energy at f_BPF of each measurement point increases first and then decreases, while the RMS value decreases, indicating a more uniform flow field inside the pump. Full article

At room temperature, Al alloys have excellent mechanical properties and are widely used in automotive, electronics, aerospace and other fields, but it is difficult to maintain this advantage in the middle and high temperature ranges. To address this issue, second-phase Al₁₁RE₃ (RE represents rare earth element) was introduced into a Al-Mg-RE alloy as its primary constituent. By incorporating RE elements as additives, this material exhibits exceptional mechanical and thermal properties at elevated temperatures. Based on first principles and quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA), the nucleation growth mechanism and surface properties of second-phase Al₁₁RE₃ were studied in this paper. The interfacial energy ${\gamma }_{\mathsf{\alpha }/\mathsf{\beta }}$, strain energy ${\Delta E}_{\mathrm{CS}}$ and chemical driving force ${\Delta G}_{\mathrm{V}}$ of Al₁₁RE₃ were obtained. Models1, 4, and 6 have better properties of para-site connections than inter-site connections. It is found that the resistances of particle nucleation, interface energy ${\gamma }_{\mathsf{\alpha }/\beta }$ and strain energy ${\Delta E}_{\mathrm{CS}}$, first increase and then decrease with increased atomic number REs, but they are much smaller than the chemical driving force ${\Delta G}_{\mathrm{V}}$. A reduced chemical driving force and a diminished nucleation radius R* are more favorable for the process of nucleation. The addition of Sc is the most unfavorable for nucleation, and La has the strongest nucleating ability, which gradually decreases as the atomic number of the lanthanide element increases. The nucleation ability of the Al₁₁RE₃ phase decreases with increasing temperature, which is consistent with the experiments. The nucleation radius R* also increases with increasing temperature, indicating that the nucleation ability decreases as the atomic number of the lanthanide elements increases. Since the smaller the nucleation radius R* the easier the nucleation, compared with model4 and 6, model1 has a smaller nucleation radius R* and the smallest increment. Thus, model1 is more prominent in the nucleation mechanism. In the particle growth study, the smaller the diffusion activation energy Q, the faster the diffusion rate in the Al matrix, and hence the higher the coiling rate, which promotes the growth of second-phase particles. The diffusion activation energy Q decreases sequentially from La to Ce and then increases with atomic number. The coarsening rate $K_{\mathrm{LSW}}$ of the Al₁₁RE₃ phase in models1, 4, and 6 increased with increasing temperature, which promoted the growth of particles. This paper is intended to provide a solid theoretical basis for the production and application of aluminum alloy at high temperatures. Full article