This study proposes a surrogate model framework that integrates finite element analysis and deep learning to rapidly estimate equivalent material properties of patterned sheets. Conventional homogenization methods can only be applied after the pattern geometry has been finalized, requiring additional modeling and simulation. In contrast, the proposed approach establishes a surrogate model in advance, enabling the immediate estimation of equivalent material properties once the pattern geometry is defined. A dataset of 5,000 cases was generated using simulations, and Bayesian hyperparameter optimization was applied to improve model performance. The surrogate model achieved R² values above 0.99 for all target properties, confirming high internal consistency. Experimental validation with patterned STS304 specimens yielded meaningful results, with all errors remaining within 15%, which demonstrates the reliability of the proposed surrogate model despite minor deviations caused by fabrication imperfections and limited training data. Despite these limitations, the proposed system enables instant estimation of equivalent properties from pattern geometries, offering significant reduction in computational cost and design time. This approach enhances design reliability and provides a practical tool for the application of patterned materials in industrial engineering.
This study investigates the structural stability of a telescopic arm designed for a painting robot through finite element analysis (FEA). As factory automation progresses, robots are increasingly used to replace hazardous tasks like painting. However, the heavy weight of telescopic arms poses significant control challenges. This research specifically examines the structural stability of a 7.4-meter telescopic arm, designed for use in a 14m x 14m large-scale block painting environment. The telescopic arm consists of six steel links, each ranging from 700 mm to 1500 mm, and supports a 50 kg painting robot mounted at the end of Link 6. Using Dassault System’s Abaqus2022 software, simulations were performed in both stretched and rotated modes to analyze self-weight effects and structural stability. The results revealed maximum deflection of 92.3 mm in stretched mode and 127.3 mm in rotated mode, with the highest stress concentration of 416.8 MPa occurring at the Link 3 and Link 4 connection. To improve stability, additional reinforcement materials and an increase in connector thickness from 40 mm to 80 mm were applied, successfully reducing maximum stress to 94.3 MPa. These findings suggest an effective enhancement in the stability of the telescopic arm under various operational modes.
This study focuses on optimizing the uniform pressing process in precision manufacturing, addressing challenges posed by surface roughness and height differences between components. In real-world conditions, such irregularities can lead to non-uniform pressure distribution during pressing, negatively affecting product quality. To mitigate these issues, a buffer protection layer was introduced between the press and components. The optimization process was conducted through finite element analysis (FEA) to determine the ideal material properties, including elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, and thickness of the buffer layer. Two surface roughness scenarios were examined to assess the impact of surface conditions on pressing uniformity. The results indicate that a higher elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and thicker buffer layers are more effective in achieving uniform pressing, particularly under rougher surface conditions. This study provides a practical solution for improving the precision and reliability of pressing processes, ensuring better product consistency and enhancing overall manufacturing efficiency.
Liquid hydrogen, a promising energy carrier, necessitates robust storage and transportation systems due to its extremely low boiling point. Consequently, the development of reliable cryogenic adhesives and standardized testing protocols is crucial. This study focused on optimizing the design of a gripper used in single lap shear tests for evaluating cryogenic adhesives, specifically targeting the challenges posed by low-temperature conditions that induce slippage at the gripper interface. The optimal design was performed using a total of five variables, including the position and size of the gripper. By employing the genetic algorithm coupled with finite element analysis, we exhaustively searched through over 1000 models to identify the optimal gripper geometry. We successfully minimized stress concentration at the gripper region while maintaining a uniform stress distribution on the non-bonded surface. Furthermore, the study explored the impact of symmetric versus asymmetric gripper configurations on test results. The findings revealed that symmetric grippers generally yielded more consistent and reliable data. This study's results enable the accurate and stable execution of lap shear tests under the temperature conditions of liquefied hydrogen.
Environmental pollution has led to global warming, which threatens human life. In response, hydrogen is gaining attention as a next-generation energy source that does not emit carbon. Due to its explosive nature, special care must be taken in the safe storage and transportation of hydrogen. Among various storage methods, liquefied storage, which can reduce its volume to 1/800, is considered efficient. However, since its boiling point reaches -253°C, the design of an insulation system is essential. For the design of insulation systems applied to large containers, a membrane-type design is required, which necessitates the use of cryogenic adhesives. To evaluate whether the cryogenic adhesive is properly implemented, assessments such as tensile and shear tests are necessary. This study presents a methodology for shear evaluation. Conventional methods for shear evaluation of adhesives result in slippage, preventing proper assessment. Therefore, a method involving drilling holes in the gripper and pulling from the holes must be applied. Optimal design concerning the size and location of the holes is required, and this study derives optimal values based on finite element analysis. By conducting experiments based on the results of this study, it is expected that the risk of gripper damage will be minimized, allowing for accurate evaluation of the adhesive’s performance.
Titanium constitutes approximately 60% of the weight of steel and exhibits strength comparable to steel's but with a higher strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium alloys possess excellent corrosion resistance due to a thin oxide layer at room temperature; however, their reactivity increases above 600°C, leading to oxidation and nitridation. Welding titanium alloys presents challenges such as porosity issues. Laser welding minimizes the heat-affected zone (HAZ) by emitting high output in a localized area for a short duration. This process forms a narrow and deep HAZ, reducing the deterioration of mechanical properties and decreasing the contact area with oxygen. In this study, fiber laser welding was conducted on 8.0mm thick Ti-6Al-4V alloy using the Bead On Plate (BOP) technique. A total of 25 welding conditions were experimented with to observe bead shapes. The results demonstrated successful penetration within the 0.792mm to 8.000mm range. It was concluded that this experimental approach can predict diverse welding conditions for Ti-6Al-4V alloys of various thicknesses.
Liquified hydrogen is considered a new energy resource to replace conventional fossil fuels due to environmental regulations by the IMO. When building tank for the storage and transportation of liquified hydrogen, materials need to withstand temperatures of -253°C, which is even lower than that of LNG (-163°C). Austenitic stainless steel mainly used to build liquified hydrogen tank. When building the tanks, both the base material and welding zone need to have excellent strength in cryogenic condition, however, manual arc welding has several issues due to prolonged exposure of the base material to high temperatures. Laser welding, which has some benefits like short period of exposure time and decrease of thermal affected zone, is used many industries. In this study, laser bead on plate welding was conducted to determine the laser butt welding conditions for STS 304 and STS 316L steels. After the BOP test, cross-section observations were conducted to measure and compare four bead parameters. These tendency result of laser BOP test can be used as conditions laser butt welding of STS 304 and STS 316L steel.
Research into lightweighting to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions continues as environmental regulations become increasingly stringent. Magnesium alloys, chosen for their lightweight properties, are more than 35% lighter than aluminum alloys and also exhibit excellent mechanical characteristics. While magnesium alloys are commonly utilized in arc welding processes like GTAW and GMAW, they pose challenges such as high residual stresses and welding defects. Laser welding, on the other hand, offers the advantage of precise heat input, enabling deep and high-quality welds while minimizing welding distortion. In this study, fiber laser welding was employed to weld a 4.0mm thick AZ31B-H24 using the Bead on Plate technique. A total of 10 different welding conditions were tested with fiber laser welding, and the cross-sections of the weld beads were examined. Weld bead shapes were measured based on five parameters. The results allowed for an evaluation of the weldability of AZ31B-H24 using fiber laser welding.