Search results for "MAC"
showing 10 items of 24950 documents
Online fitted policy iteration based on extreme learning machines
2016
Reinforcement learning (RL) is a learning paradigm that can be useful in a wide variety of real-world applications. However, its applicability to complex problems remains problematic due to different causes. Particularly important among these are the high quantity of data required by the agent to learn useful policies and the poor scalability to high-dimensional problems due to the use of local approximators. This paper presents a novel RL algorithm, called online fitted policy iteration (OFPI), that steps forward in both directions. OFPI is based on a semi-batch scheme that increases the convergence speed by reusing data and enables the use of global approximators by reformulating the valu…
Ultrasonic phased array inspection of a Wire + Arc Additive Manufactured (WAAM) sample with intentionally embedded defects
2019
In this study, Wire + Arc Additive Manufacture (WAAM) was employed to manufacture a steel specimen with intentionally embedded defects which were subsequently used for calibration of an ultrasonic phased array system and defect sizing. An ABB robot was combined with the Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) Gas Metal Arc (GMA) process to deposit 20 layers of mild steel. Tungsten-carbide balls (ø1-3 mm) were intentionally embedded inside the additive structure after the 4th, 8th, 12th and 18th layers to serve as ultrasonic reflectors, simulating defects within the WAAM sample. An ultrasonic phased array system, consisting of a 5 MHz 64 Element phased array transducer, was used to inspect the WAAM sample…
A novel clustering-based algorithm for solving spatially-constrained robotic task sequencing problems
2021
The robotic task sequencing problem (RTSP) appears in various forms across many industrial applications and consists of developing an optimal sequence of motions to visit a set of target points defined in a task space. Developing solutions to problems involving complex spatial constraints remains challenging due to the existence of multiple inverse kinematic solutions and the requirements for collision avoidance. So far existing studies have been limited to relaxed RTSPs involving a small number of target points and relatively uncluttered environments. When extending existing methods to problems involving greater spatial constraints and large sets of target points, they either require subst…
Robotic geometric and volumetric inspection of high value and large scale aircraft wings
2019
Increased demands in performance and production rates require a radical new approach to the design and manufacturing of aircraft wings. Performance of modern robotic manipulators has enabled research and development of fast automated non-destructive testing (NDT) systems for complex geometries. This paper presents recent outcomes of work aimed at removing the bottleneck due to data acquisition rates, to fully exploit the scanning speed of modern 6-DoF manipulators. The geometric assessment of the parts is carried out with a robotised dynamic laser scanner encoded through an absolute laser tracker. This method allows scanning speeds up to 330mm/s at 1mm pitch. State of the art ultrasonic ins…
A comparative assessment of energy demand and life cycle costs for additive- and subtractive-based manufacturing approaches
2020
Abstract The applicability domain of Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes, apart from technological and quality results, relies on environmental and cost performance. These aspects still need to be better understood. To this aim, comparative analyses with conventional manufacturing routes are needed. In this paper, empirical cost and energy requirement models are suggested to assess subtractive- (machining) and additive- (Electron Beam Melting) based manufacturing approaches for the production of Ti-6Al-4V components. A life-cycle perspective is adopted, and all the steps from the input material production to the post-AM processing operations and the use phase are included. The analyses ha…
The application of the random balance method in laser machining of metals
2008
International audience; Features peculiar to laser technology offer some advantages over more traditional processes, but, like all processes, it has its limitations. This article studies the limitations of laser machining of metals, and quantifies, through an experimental design method, the influence of operating parameters on productivity and on the quality of the machined surface. Three study materials were used: an aluminium alloy, stainless steel and a titanium alloy. An initial reading of the results indicates that productivity depends mainly on the frequency of the laser pulse and that the aluminium alloy behaves differently from the other two. The quality of the machined surface, jud…
Comparison of electropolishing behaviours of TSC, ALM and cast 316L stainless steel in H 3 PO 4 /H 2 SO 4
2017
Abstract In recent decades, new manufacturing processes have been developed such as Thermal Spray Coating (TSC) and Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM), which reduce or avoid machining of parts with complex geometries. This study aims to develop an Electropolishing (EP) process for TSC and ALM 316L Stainless Steel (SS). EP is an anodic dissolution process currently used in industry to reduce surface roughness and obtain a bright and smooth finish. The EP mechanism was studied, in a mixture of H3PO4 and H2SO4, for TSC, ALM and “cast” SS in order to determine the best conditions (time, temperature, potential). Special attention was paid to surface characterization by combining several techniqu…
A numerical model for Wire integrity prediction in Friction Stir Extrusion of magnesium alloys
2017
Abstract A numerical model for the prediction of the wire quality produced by the novel direct machining chip recycling technique known as Friction Stir Extrusion (FSE) is presented. Wire microstructure and wire integrity have been predicted by embedding in the code the equations enabling the calculation of the Zener-Hollomon parameter as well as the W parameter of the Pivnik-Plata solid bonding criterion. The proposed model, developed for the AZ31 magnesium alloy using the commercial simulation package DEFORM, is 3D Lagrangian, thermo-mechanically coupled with visco-plastic material behavior. The model was first validated against experimental temperature measurements and then used to predi…
On the optimization of the cutting conditions for an improved corrosion resistance of OFHC copper
2018
International audience; Machining has a particular impact on the surface integrity and on corrosion resistance of components. In fact, material removal induces geometrical, mechanical and micro-structural modifications in the machined surface and sub-surface that alter the electrochemical behavior of the material, and so the aging process. In this study, oxygen free high conductivity copper (OFHC) has machined under orthogonal cutting conditions using uncoated cemented carbide tools. Then, the corrosion resistance in 0.1 M NaCl salt fog atmosphere of the machined samples is analyzed. Finally, the optimal cutting conditions, including the tool geometry, for an improved corrosion resistance a…
Improving surface integrity of additively manufactured GP1 stainless steel by roller burnishing
2020
Abstract Additive manufacturing can rapidly fabricate the desired components by selectively melting and solidifying feedstock, rather than conventional subtractive machining. However, the difference between the two routes in terms of surface integrity of the final component is relevant. This paper presents a strategy to control the surface characteristics of additively manufactured stainless steel by roller burnishing. In particular, process parameters have been carefully selected to improve the surface integrity of the worked material. The quality of the surface has been analyzed in terms of roughness, hardness, microstructure and residual stresses. The overall product endurance under high…