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At least 127 records · Page 7

Joint Optimization for Transport and Bucket Loading Phases of Automated Wheel Loaders

This article investigates optimization of fuel-efficiency and productivity for automated wheel loaders. A control-oriented model for both the transport phase and bucket loading phase is proposed. Here, the vehicle model includes an automatic gear shift schedule that can be incorporated into the optimization problem. Based on the model, the multistage optimization problem is formulated to simultaneously consider all phases of a short cycle with physical constraints. Cycle time and fuel efficiency are used as the weighted performance indexes in a multiobjective cost function. Bucket fill factor is included as a constraint during the bucket loading phase. A nonlinear programming problem is created with collocation using MATLAB and CasADi. The optimization solver IPOPT solves the problem to obtain the optimal state and control trajectories, which can be used as a reference for automated wheel loaders or even as a driver advisory for human-driven wheel loaders.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Bucket Loading Trajectory Optimization for the Automated Wheel Loader

The bucket motion of a wheel loader during the loading process is investigated in this study. The optimal bucket loading trajectory can be obtained by solving an optimal control problem with the performance criteria of the fill factor , fuel efficiency and operation cycle time . A control-oriented model for the bucket loading operation is developed. Based on the control-oriented model, the bucket loading process is formulated as an optimal control problem with physical constraints. An open-source optimization solver, OpenOCL, is used to solve this problem. The simulation results show that the proposed method is effective in generating the optimal trajectory with significantly increased energy efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, this optimal trajectory can be employed as a reference for an automated wheel loader or as a driver advisory for a human operated wheel loader.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Wheel brakes and their application to aircraft

The advantages to be gained from braking have not been ignored, and in the search for a suitable method many schemes have been suggested and tried. Some of the methods discussed in this paper include: 1) increasing the height of the landing gear; 2) air brakes of various forms; 3) sprags on tail skid and axle; and 4) wheel brakes. This report focuses on the design of wheel brakes and wheel brake controls.

BRAKES↗

Reduction of the shimmy tendency of tail and nose-wheel landing gears by installation of specially designed tires

Shimmy of tail and nose wheels may be eliminated by installation of dampers and use of large trail; however, this produces construction and operational disadvantages. It is more favorable to employ, instead of the customary tail-wheel tires, tires with lesser shimmy tendency. A description of the best possible form for these tires follows: furthermore, a few general concepts regarding the effects of the condition of the tire, of the type of rolling motion, and of the landing, are discussed.

WHEELS, TAIL - SHIMMYING↗

Analytical study of shimmy of airplane wheels

The problem of shimmy of a castering wheel, such as the nose wheel of a tricycle gear airplane, is treated analytically. The flexibility of the tire is considered to be the primary cause of shimmy. The rather simple theory developed agrees rather well with previous experimental results. The author suggests that shimmy may be eliminated through a suitable choice of landing gear dimensions in lieu of a damper.

LOADS, LANDING - GROUND-RUN↗

Differential effects of voluntary wheel running and toy rotation on the mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors and FKBP5 in a post-traumatic stress disorder rat model with the shuttle-box task

Highlights: • Running wheel or toy rotation produces almost the same behavioral effects. • The running wheel might alter PTSD-like behaviors via neurotrophic factors. • Toy rotation might alter PTSD-like behaviors via the HPA system. Life-threatening experiences can result in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. We have developed an animal model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a shuttle box in rats. In this paradigm, the rats were exposed to inescapable foot-shock stress (IS) in a shuttle box, and then an avoidance/escape task was performed in the same box 2 weeks after IS. A previous study using this paradigm revealed that environmental enrichment (EE) ameliorated avoidance/numbing-like behaviors, but not hyperarousal-like behaviors, and EE also elevated hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. However, the differential effects of EE components, i.e., running wheel (RW) or toy rotation, on PTSD-like behaviors has remained unclear. In this experiment, we demonstrated that RW, toy rotation, and EE (containing RW and toy rotation) ameliorated avoidance/numbing-like behaviors, induced learning of avoidance responses, and improved depressive-like behaviors in traumatized rats. The RW increased the hippocampal mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors, especially BDNF and glial-cell derived neurotrophic factor. Toy rotation influenced FK506 binding protein 5 mRNA expression, which is believed to be a regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis system, in the hippocampus and amygdala. This is the first report to elucidate the differential mechanistic effects of RW and toy rotation. The former appears to exert its effects via neurotrophic factors, while the latter exerts its effects via the HPA axis. Further studies will lead to a better understanding of the influence of environmental factors on PTSD.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Control oriented model order reduction for the hydraulic system of an autonomous wheel loader

Control design for an autonomous wheel loader requires a high-fidelity and low-order dynamics model. The objective of order reduction is to decrease the number of states in the model while maintaining performance comparable to the original model. Of all the power components in a wheel loader, the model order reduction for steering and working hydraulic systems is most demanding due to its nonlinear and stiff dynamical nature. This paper describes a physics-inspired model order reduction method that can reduce the model order by close to thirty percent. It is achieved by discarding orders with fast dynamics and consolidating multiple states into less new states. Furthermore, this method can also be extended to other types of off-road vehicles such as excavators, bulldozers, etc. Simulation results demonstrate that the reduced-order model exhibits very similar performance to the full-order model under typical operating conditions of wheel loaders, with an output error of less than six percent.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Simulation of 7050 Wrought Aluminum Alloy Wheel Die Forging and its Defects Analysis based on DEFORM

Defects such as folding, intercrystalline cracking and flow lines outcrop are very likely to occur in the forging of aluminum alloy. Moreover, it is difficult to achieve the optimal set of process parameters just by trial and error within an industrial environment. In producing 7050 wrought aluminum alloy wheel, a rigid-plastic finite element method (FEM) analysis has been performed to optimize die forging process. Processing parameters were analyzed, focusing on the effects of punch speed, friction factor and temperature. Meanwhile, mechanism as well as the evolution with respect to the defects of the wrought wheel was studied in details. From an analysis of the results, isothermal die forging was proposed for producing 7050 aluminum alloy wheel with good mechanical properties. Finally, verification experiment was carried out on hydropress.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Understanding the tool influence function during sub-aperture belt-on-wheel glass polishing

The tool influence function (TIF) during sub-aperture belt-on-wheel polishing has been evaluated as a function of various process conditions (belt use/wear, dwell time, displacement, belt velocity, and wheel modulus and diameter) on fused silica glass workpieces using C e O 2 polishing media. TIF spots are circular or elliptical in shape with a largely flat bottom character. Furthermore, the volumetric removal rate varies significantly with belt use (or wear), stabilizing after ~<!-- ~ --> 15 m i n of use. A modified Preston model, where the pressure dependence is adjusted using a different scaling of the wheel modulus ( E w 0.5 ), largely predicts the volumetric removal rate over the range of process conditions evaluated. The relatively high volumetric removal rate of 30 -<!-- - --> 60 m m 3 / h using a fixed C e O 2 -in-resin-host belt offers a rapid, and hence, more economical, initial polish of aspheric and freeform optics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Development of High-Performance Ni-base Alloys for Gas Turbine Wheels Using a Coprecipitation Approach (Final Technical Report)

In this project, a synergistic approach involving experiments informed by modelling was used to develop γ'/γ'' coprecipitation-strengthened Ni-base superalloys for land-based gas turbine wheels. In thick sections of such turbine wheels, the slow cooling rate normally observed, as well as variations in cooling rate could potentially result in drastically inhomogeneous and coarsened microstructure. Thus, ten alloy compositions were selected based on coprecipitation and sluggish γ’ growth and coarsening during three iterations of alloy development, assisted by extensive CALPHAD modeling. Phase equilibrium calculations, informed by the characterization of early alloys, were successful in predicting suitable aging treatments to obtain bimodal coprecipitate distribution in several alloys. These aging treatments were applied to the subsequent round of alloys and the resulting microstructures were characterized in detail. Two different cooling rates were used during each of these heat treatments to simulate the range of cooling rates observed in a thick section forging. The microstructures were used to calibrate a multi-phase field model (MPF), which was used to study the formation mechanisms of various coprecipitate morphologies observed in the experiments. Following this, the most promising alloys in each round were selected and studied using high temperature tensile and creep tests. Considering that a slower cooling rate would lead to a strength debit, while a faster cooling rate might lead to a decline in creep rupture life of a full-scale wheel, tensile tests were carried out for slower cooled samples, while creep tests were carried out for faster cooled samples. The deformation microstructures were then characterized using advanced characterization techniques such as Diffraction Contrast-Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (DC-STEM) and Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging (ECCI). Further, a mean-field creep model was developed and calibrated using these experimental findings to predict long-term creep behavior of these coprecipitation-strengthened alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Shock-absorbing caster wheel is simple and compact

Compact shock-absorbing caster wheel mitigates or absorbs shock by a compressible tire which deforms into a cavity between its inner edge and the wheel hub. A tee-shaped annular ring embedded in the tire distributes loads more uniformly throughout both wheel and tire.

Kindley, R. J.↗

The motion and stability of a dual spin satellite during the momentum wheel spin-up maneuver

The stability of a dual-spin satellite system during the momentum wheel spin-up maneuver is treated both analytically and numerically. The dual-spin system consists of: a slowly rotating or despun main-body; a momentum wheel (or rotor) which is accelerated by a torque motor to change its initial angular velocity relative to the main part to some high terminal value; and a nutation damper. A closed form solution for the case of a symmetrical satellite indicates that when the nutation damper is physically constrained for movement (i.e. by use of a mechanical clamp) the magnitude of the vector sum of the transverse angular velocity components remains bounded during the wheel spin-up under the influence of a constant motor torque. The analysis is extended to consider such effects as: the motion of the nutation damper during spin-up; a non-uniform motor torque; and the effect of a non-symmetrical mass distribution in the main spacecraft and the rotor. An approximate analytical solution using perturbation techniques is developed for the case of a slightly asymmetric main spacecraft.

Bainum, P. M.↗

The motion and stability of a dual-spin satellite during the momentum wheel spin-up maneuver.

The stability of a dual-spin satellite system during the momentum wheel spin-up maneuver is treated both analytically and numerically. The dual-spin system consists of a slowly rotating or despun main body, a momentum wheel (or rotor) which is accelerated by a torque motor to change its initial angular velocity relative to the main part to some high terminal value, and a nutation damper. A closed-form solution for the case of a symmetrical satellite indicates that when the nutation damper is physically constrained from movement (i.e., by use of a mechanical clamp) the magnitude of the vector sum of the transverse angular velocity components remains bounded during the wheel spin-up under the influence of a constant motor torque. The analysis is extended to consider such effects as the motion of the nutation damper during spin-up, and the effect of a nonsymmetrical mass distribution.

Sen, S.↗

Magnetically suspended reaction wheels

Magnetic suspensions offer several advantages over conventional bearings, arising because of the contactless nature of the load support. In application to spacecraft reaction wheels, the advantages are low drag torque, wearfree, unlubricated, vacuum-compatible operation, and unlimited life. By the provision of redundancy in the control electronics, single-point failures are eliminated. The rational for selection of a passive radial, active axial, dc magnetic suspension is presented, and the relative merits of 3-loop and single-loop magnetic suspensions are discussed. The design of a .678 N-m-sec (.5 ft-lb-sec) reaction wheel using the single loop magnetic suspension was developed; the design compares favorably with current ball bearing wheels in terms of weight and power.

Sabnis, A. V.↗

Magnetic bearing reaction wheel

The results of a program for the development, fabrication and functional test of an engineering model magnetically suspended reaction wheel are described. The reaction wheel develops an angular momentum of + or - 0.5 foot-pound-second and is intended for eventual application in the attitude control of long-life interplanetary and orbiting spacecraft. A description of the wheel design and its major performance characteristics is presented. Recommendations for flight prototype development are made.

Sabnis, A.↗

Four-wheel dual braking for automobiles

Each master cylinder applies braking power to all four wheels unlike conventional systems where cylinder operates only two wheels. If one master system fails because of fluid loss, other stops car by braking all four wheels although at half force.

Edwards, H. B.↗

Design and Manufacture of Wheels for A Dual-Mode (Manned - Automatic) Lunar Surface Roving Vehicle. Volume 2: Proposed Test Plan

A developmental test plan for the wheel and wheel drive assembly of the dual-mode (manned/automated) lunar surface roving vehicle is presented. The tests cover performance, as well as critical environmental characteristics. Insofar as practical, the environmental conditions imposed will be in the sequence expected during the hardware's life from storage through the lunar mission. Test procedures are described for static load deflection and endurance tests. Soft soil tests to determine mobility characteristics including drawbar-pull and thrust vs slip, and motion resistance for various wheel loads are also discussed. Test designs for both ambient and thermal vacuum conditions are described. Facility, transducer, and instrumentation requirements are outlined.

Source record↗

Perspectives on energy storage wheels for space station application

Several of the issues of the workshop are addressed from the perspective of a potential Space Station developer and energy wheel user. Systems' considerations are emphasized rather than component technology. The potential of energy storage wheel (ESW) concept is discussed. The current status of the technology base is described. Justification for advanced technology development is also discussed. The study concludes that energy storage in wheels is an attractive concept for immediate technology development and future Space Station application.

Oglevie, R. E.↗