This is a new edition of a bestselling industry reference. Discusses the science, technology, and applications of low and high power ultrasonics, including industrial implementations and medical uses. Reviews the basic equations of acoustics, starting from basic wave equations and their applications. New material on property determination, inspection of metals (NDT) and non-metals, imaging, process monitoring and control. Expanded discussion of transducers, transducer wave-fields, scattering, attenuation and measurement systems and models. New material that discusses high power ultrasonics - in particular using mechanical effects and sonochemistry, including applications to nano-materials. Examines diagnosis, therapy, and surgery from a technology and medical physics perspective.
Abstract The pulp and paper industry is a promising yet underexplored platform for large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) due to its use of biogenic feedstocks and production of concentrated CO2 emissions from point sources. This study presents the first comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of retrofitting an amine-based carbon capture and storage (CCS) system into a representative virgin kraft pulp and paper mill in the Southeastern U.S. We evaluate carbon removal across five system configurations, applying both static and dynamic LCA methods under multiple functional units: CO2 captured, biomass input, and paper output. Results show that CCS retrofits can convert a conventional mill from a net emitter into a net carbon sink, with total removal efficiencies from 17% to 92% (metric tonnes of CO2 removed per metric tonne of CO2 available for removal under selected boundary conditions). When carbon removal is normalized to the quantity of biogenic CO2 captured—a narrow, gate-to-gate system boundary that considers only CCS facility emissions—removal efficiencies reached as high as 92%. The use of such narrow boundaries aligns with precedents in traditional LCA methodology, where gate-to-gate assessments are commonly applied to isolate process-level performance and allocate emissions accordingly, providing a consistent basis for comparison across technologies. Under broader cradle-to-grave boundaries—which begin tracking carbon at the point of its physical removal from the atmosphere via photosynthesis in the forest, and extend to include upstream forest operations, mill-wide emissions, and downstream product decomposition—efficiencies declined, ranging from 17% to 46% under static assumptions and dropping to 12% when accounting for dynamic biogenic carbon fluxes over time. These results underscore how system boundary definitions influence reported outcomes, while also illustrating the complementary roles of narrow and broad perspectives for different decision-making contexts.
Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade, Renewable energy sources
Abstract Background Various actors use Instagram to mobilize for their causes and communicate strategically in terms of their interests in the energy transition. Against this background, the aim of this study is to analyze how the energy transition is framed on Instagram, that is, which aspects are highlighted by specific actor groups. Furthermore, the researchers study the visual representations of the energy transition on Instagram, especially the text–image relationship. Methods To answer the research questions, a quantitative content analysis of 907 Instagram posts dealing with the energy transition posted between January 5 and January 16, 2022, was conducted. Results The results of this study show that communication about the energy transition on Instagram is carried out by a multitude of actor groups, especially economic actors. Communication about renewable energy on Instagram is generally optimistic and in support of the energy transition. Conclusions Overall, this study’s results indicate a lively interest in renewable energies on Instagram. This is also interesting regarding future communication activities, as the group of young users of Instagram can be encouraged to act by suggesting concrete action alternatives via which everyone can contribute to a fast and successful energy transition.
Renewable energy sources, Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade
Vasileios Papageorgiou, Gabriel Mansour, Ilias Chouridis
Additive Manufacturing is a rapidly developing technology that enables the fabrication of objects with complex geometries and high levels of customization while keeping the prototyping costs relatively low. In recent years, its application has grown to include the fabrication of end-use parts, creating new opportunities in industries such as the automotive, aerospace, mechanical, and hydraulic engineering industries. The present research paper focuses on the fabrication and evaluation of 3D-printed operational end-use parts of a water pump, which were originally made from cast iron. This approach aims to determine whether AM can be an alternative for metal parts in operational systems such as water pumps. In particular, the impeller of a centrifugal pump is remanufactured using material extrusion AM technology with PPS-CF composite polymer as a fabrication material. Subsequently, the surface roughness of the two parts is measured, and the performance of each part is predicted by creating a CFD model. Additionally, the printed part is compared to the original part by conducting a centrifugal pump performance test for each impeller. The results show that the 3D-printed impeller achieves an approximate 15% increase in overall efficiency compared to the original impeller.
Carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTPs) are increasingly adopted in the aerospace and automotive industries due to their recyclability and superior toughness. However, existing studies predominantly focus on machining metrics, with limited insights into the thermal-mechanical interactions in CFRTPs cutting, particularly the matrix properties transitions. This study conducts comparative drilling experiments on thermoplastic (CF/PEKK, CF/PPS) and thermosetting (CF/Epoxy) composites. This study is the first systematic comparison of the thermal-mechanical interaction behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced PEKK/PPS/Epoxy in drilling and the nonlinear effect of the glass transition temperature (Tg) on cutting force. Thrust forces, drilling temperatures, delamination damage, surface microstructure and roughness, and chip morphology are systematically analyzed. Chip temperatures in CF/Epoxy remain below tool temperatures throughout drilling, while CFRTPs exhibit chip temperatures exceeding tool temperatures by 5 %–36 % during initial stages. The machined surface of CFRTPs exhibits obvious matrix smears, including matrix plastic flow as well as matrix melting and cooling-induced surface reformation, resulting in lower delamination damage (Fda) and surface roughness (Sa). The Fda ratios for CF/Epoxy, CF/PEKK, and CF/PPS are 5:1.8:1, while Sa ratios are 2.5:1.1:1. Statistical analysis of the thermal-mechanical interaction between thrust force and drilling temperature revealed that the thermoplastic matrix glass transition temperature exerts a significant influence on cutting force. Elevated temperatures induce molecular chain disentanglement and slip in thermoplastic matrices, driving a glassy-elastic-viscous state transition. This transition produces continuous chips, contrasting with the powdery, discontinuous chips of CF/Epoxy.
John Oyekan, Christopher Turner, Michael Bax
et al.
The rapid advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs) has resulted in interest in their potential applications within manufacturing systems, particularly in the context of Industry 5.0. However, determining when to implement LLMs versus other Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, ontologies or knowledge graphs, remains an open question. This paper offers decision-making guidance for selecting the most suitable technique in various industrial contexts, emphasizing human-robot collaboration and resilience in manufacturing. We examine the origins and unique strengths of LLMs, ontologies, and knowledge graphs, assessing their effectiveness across different industrial scenarios based on the number of domains or disciplines required to bring a product from design to manufacture. Through this comparative framework, we explore specific use cases where LLMs could enhance robotics for human-robot collaboration, while underscoring the continued relevance of ontologies and knowledge graphs in low-dependency or resource-constrained sectors. Additionally, we address the practical challenges of deploying these technologies, such as computational cost and interpretability, providing a roadmap for manufacturers to navigate the evolving landscape of Language based AI tools in Industry 5.0. Our findings offer a foundation for informed decision-making, helping industry professionals optimize the use of Language Based models for sustainable, resilient, and human-centric manufacturing. We also propose a Large Knowledge Language Model architecture that offers the potential for transparency and configuration based on complexity of task and computing resources available.
The rapid development of Industry 4.0 technologies requires robust and comprehensive standardization to ensure interoperability, safety and efficiency in the Industry of the Future. This paper examines the fundamental role and functionality of standardization, with a particular focus on its importance in Europe's regulatory framework. Based on this, selected topics in context of standardization activities in context intelligent manufacturing and digital twins are highlighted and, by that, an overview of the Industry 4.0 standards framework is provided. This paper serves both as an informative guide to the existing standards in Industry 4.0 with respect to Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twins, and as a call to action for increased cooperation between standardization bodies and the research community. By fostering such collaboration, we aim to facilitate the continued development and implementation of standards that will drive innovation and progress in the manufacturing sector.
In the design of customer relationship management (CRM) systems, accurately identifying customer types and offering personalized services are key to enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, this process faces the challenge of discerning customer voices and intentions, and general pre-trained automatic speech recognition (ASR) models make it difficult to effectively address industry-specific speech recognition tasks. To address this issue, we innovatively proposed a solution for fine-tuning industry-specific ASR models, which significantly improved the performance of the fine-tuned ASR models in industry applications. Experimental results show that our method substantially improves the crucial auxiliary role of the ASR model in industry CRM systems, and this approach has also been adopted in actual industrial applications.
Hom N. Dhakal, Sakib Hossain Khan, Ibrahim A. Alnaser
et al.
Abstract This article presents a comprehensive review of the advancements in the use of Date Palm Fiber (DPF) reinforced composites, highlighting their mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties and the enhancements achieved through various modification techniques. Date palm fibers, a sustainable and biodegradable resource, have garnered significant interest due to their potential in reducing environmental impact across several key industries, including building and construction, automotive, and packaging. The review discusses the effects of hybrid approaches and physical and chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of DPF composites, demonstrating improvements in tensile strength, elasticity, and flexural strength through optimized fiber‐matrix bonding and reduced moisture absorption. Thermal behavior analyses through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and thermal conductivity underscore the composites’ suitability for applications requiring high thermal stability and conductivity for insulation applications. Morphological studies reveal that surface‐treated fibers integrate more effectively with various polymeric matrices, leading to enhanced composite performance. The practical applications of DPF composites are explored, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. Challenges such as scalability, cost‐efficiency, and performance consistency are addressed, alongside future perspectives that suggest a promising direction for further research and technological development in the field of natural fiber composites. This review aims to solidify the foundation for ongoing advancements and increase the adoption of DPF composites in commercial applications.
Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials, Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Shriya Shrivastava, Dipen Kumar Rajak, Tilak Joshi
et al.
Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are a significant advancement in materials science and engineering because they combine the remarkable characteristics of ceramics with the strength and toughness of fibers. With their unique properties, which offer better performance and endurance in severe settings, these advanced composites have attracted significant attention in various industries. At the same time, lightweight ceramic matrix composites (LCMCs) provide an appealing alternative for a wide range of industries that require materials with excellent qualities such as high-temperature stability, low density, corrosion resistance, and excellent mechanical performance. CMC uses will expand as production techniques and material research improve, revolutionizing aerospace, automotive, and other industries. The effectiveness of CMCs primarily relies on the composition of their constituent elements and the methods employed in their manufacturing. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the functional properties of various global ceramic matrix reinforcements, their classifications, and the manufacturing techniques used in CMC fabrication. This study aims to overview a diverse range of CMCs reinforced with primary fibers, including their classifications, manufacturing techniques, functional properties, significant applications, and global market size.
Although damages to local distribution systems from wind and fallen trees are typically responsible for the largest fraction of electricity outages during hurricanes, outages caused by flooding of electrical substations pose a unique risk. Electrical substations are a key component of electric power systems, and in some areas, the loss of a single substation can cause widespread power outages. Before repairing damaged substations, utilities must first allow floodwaters to recede, potentially leaving some customers without power for weeks following storms. As economic losses from flooding continue to increase in the U.S., there has been increasing attention paid to the potential impacts of flooding on power systems. Yet, this attention has mostly been limited to geospatial risk assessments that identify what assets are in the path of flooding. Here, we present the first major attempt to understand how flooding from hurricanes and other extreme precipitation events affects the dynamic behavior of power networks, including losses of demand and generation, and altered power flows through transmission lines. We use North Carolina, hit by major hurricanes in three of the past seven years, as a test case. Using open-source data of grid infrastructure, we develop a high-resolution direct current optimal power flow model that simulates electricity production and generators and power flows through a network consisting of 662 nodes and 790 lines. We then simulate grid operations during the historical (2018) storm Hurricane Florence. Time series of flooding depth at a discrete set of ‘high water’ mark points from the storm are used to spatially interpolate flooding depth across the footprint area of the storms on an hourly basis. Outages of substations and solar farms due to flooding are translated to location-specific losses of demand and solar power production throughout the network. We perform sensitivity analysis to explore grid impacts as a function of the height of sensitive equipment at substations. Results shed light on the potential for localized impacts from flooding to have wider impacts throughout the grid (including in areas not affected by flooding), with performance tracked in terms of transmission line flows/congestion, generation outputs, and customer outages.
Renewable energy sources, Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade
Mario César A. de Oliveira, Andre L. Freire, Iuri C.M. Candido
et al.
The development of graphene-based electrodes for application in energy storage and energy harvesting devices represents an important strategy for producing wearable devices with requisites of flexibility and good electrochemical performance. Herein, the use of laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been explored as a simple and efficient method for the production of interdigitated microsupercapacitors (μSCs) and back electrodes for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) active layers by direct production of graphene from Kapton polyimide and by the transference of the pattern to polydimethylsiloxane (a typical tribonegative layer for TENG). An open circuit voltage of 189.7 V, short circuit current of 39.8 μA, and power of 302.5 μW (power density of 20.2 μW/cm2) was observed for the conventional TENG while an areal capacitance of 2.5 mF/cm2 with good retention in the energy generation and cyclability in energy storage was observed for the microsupercapacitor. The most relevant aspect to be considered is a single-step method for transference of back-electrode to the Poly(dimethylsiloxane) requiring minimal processing steps for morphology control in the friction layer and self-powered behavior for integration of TENG/microsupercapacitor in a power unit cell.
Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade, Renewable energy sources
Due to their excellent light transmission, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength, and other characteristics, transparent materials have been widely used in emerging industries such as aviation, aerospace, microelectronics, interconnected communication, etc. Compared with the traditional mechanical processing and chemical processing of transparent materials, laser processing, with such characteristics as a high peak power, high energy density, and non-contact processing, has a lot of obvious advantages in processing efficiency and accuracy. In this paper, some of the recent research advancements concerning the laser processing of transparent materials are introduced in detail. Firstly, the basic mechanism of the interaction between the laser and material is briefly summarized on the time scale. The differences in principle between nanosecond, picosecond, and femtosecond pulse laser processing are analyzed. Then, the main technical means of the nanosecond laser processing of transparent materials are summarized. Next, the main application directions of the ultrafast laser processing of transparent materials are discussed, including the preparation of optical waveguide devices, periodic structure devices, micropores, and microchannels. Finally, this paper summarizes the prospects for the future development of laser processing transparent materials.
Purpose: Industrial robots allow manufacturing companies to increase productivity and remain competitive. For robots to be used, they must be accepted by operators on the one hand and bought by decision-makers on the other. The roles involved in such organizational processes have very different perspectives. It is therefore essential for suppliers and robot customers to understand these motives so that robots can successfully be integrated on manufacturing shopfloors. Methodology: We present findings of a qualitative study with operators and decision-makers from two Swiss manufacturing SMEs. Using laddering interviews and means-end analysis, we compare operators' and deciders' relevant elements and how these elements are linked to each other on different abstraction levels. These findings represent drivers and barriers to the acquisition, integration and acceptance of robots in the industry. Findings: We present the differing foci of operators and deciders, and how they can be used by demanders as well as suppliers of robots to achieve robot acceptance and deployment. First, we present a list of relevant attributes, consequences and values that constitute robot acceptance and/or rejection. Second, we provide quantified relevancies for these elements, and how they differ between operators and deciders. And third, we demonstrate how the elements are linked with each other on different abstraction levels, and how these links differ between the two groups.
Ur Rehman Shafi, Javaid Sana, Shahid Muhammad
et al.
Flame retardancy is the property that is highly demanded when it comes to deal with plastics in different industries. In this research general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) and modified sepiolite clay are melt blended together to fabricate flame retardant nanocomposites. Structural analysis were performed with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Morphological analysis of the fabricated nanocomposites were carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM). As a result of better clay dispersion in polymer matrix and intermolecular interactions, mechanical properties are also improved. The standard procedure (ASTM D4986-20) was followed for observing the flame retardancy of the fabricated nanocomposites. Tangible decrease is noted upto 48% in burning rate of the optimum sample which reflects improvement in flame retardancy.