Shibu Clement

Structural modeling and analysis of an effluent treatment process for electroplating - a graph theoretic approach.

An attempt is made to address a few ecological and environment issues by developing different structural models for effluent treatment system for electroplating. The effluent treatment system is defined with the help of different subsystems contributing to waste minimization. Hierarchical tree and block diagram showing all possible interactions among subsystems are proposed. These non-mathematical diagrams are converted into mathematical models for design improvement, analysis, comparison, storage retrieval and commercially off-the-shelf purchases of different subsystems. This is achieved by developing graph theoretic model, matrix models and variable permanent function model. Analysis is carried out by permanent function, hierarchical tree and block diagram methods. Storage and retrieval is done using matrix models. The methodology is illustrated with the help of an example. Benefits to the electroplaters/end user are identified.

Design for X-Abilities of a Mechatronic System-A Concurrent Engineering and Graph Theory Based Approach

Design of a mechatronic system requires multidisciplinary knowledge. A designer should consider product lifecycle issues as well as design and manufacturing strategies simultaneously at conceptual design stage without missing any of the information. The proposed methodology concurrently considers all the x-abilities/design aspects along with interactions without missing any information and hence leads to a high quality product. A methodology which amalgamates concurrent design concepts, graph theory, matrix algebra, and permanent multinomial is proposed. Eight x-abilities namely, miniaturization, intelligence, integration, environment, quality, reliability, manufacturing, and assembly for concurrent design of a mechatronic system and the design parameters under each x-ability are identified. A colored graph useful for visual analysis is proposed. The design index derived is useful for researcher and designer in evaluating the conceptual design alternatives. The proposed step-by-step procedure would be useful for developing a new algorithm for software coding.

Optimum selection and ranking of electroplating system process parameters: Taguchi-MADM approach

This paper deals with the analysis of the process parameters such as pH, bath temperature, current density, plating time and voltage as influencing factors, on the weight and hardness of coating, based on Taguchi’s experimental design methods. This paper also compares the previous analysis to one based on Taguchi’s robust design idea to TOPSIS method of ranking. Attribute databases of MADM-TOPSIS are able to store, organise and manipulate both, the customer requirements and the product information for the performance of electroplating process system. The Taguchi method was adopted to determine the contribution of different factors using L27 orthogonal array for five electroplating parameter such as pH, temperature of bath, current density, plating time and voltage, with three levels for each factor. This study confirms the interest of usual DOEs as well as MADM technique, namely TOPSIS for experiment.

Quality modelling and analysis of electroplating system using graph theory matrix approach

The quality of electroplating products depends upon conformance to requirements of the customer. These requirements are translated into design specifications of all the contributing factors and subsystems up to component level of the electroplating system. The quality of interaction amongst different subsystems, sub-subsystems and other factors that affect the quality of products are considered here. These are modelled using graph theory and matrix algebra as quality graph, quality matrix and quality permanent function of the electroplating product. A number of analytical tests derived from these models help to carry out optimum selection of qualities of subsystems and interactions for designing competitive electroplating products. Evaluation, ranking and comparison procedures can be developed with the help of models proposed herein. Coefficients of similarity and dissimilarity are developed for comparison among feasible products. This is, basically, a virtual prototyping methodology of the complete system, ideal in the production of high quality competitive electroplating products.

Coding, evaluation and optimal selection of a mechatronic system

This paper presents Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) based methodology for evaluation and selection of a mechatronic system. An exhaustive list of attributes which influence the structure and performance of a mechatronic system are identified. An attribute based coding scheme for identification and differentiation of mechatronic systems is developed. A three stage selection procedure is proposed for optimal selection of a mechatronic system. In the first stage, large numbers of available mechatronic systems are converged to a manageable number using elimination search. Second stage, a matrix for storing all the information pertaining to a mechatronic system alternative is proposed. In the third stage, all the mechatronic systems are ranked according the Euclidian distance of mechatronic system from best possible and worst solutions. Two visual methods namely linear graph and spider chart are proposed for ranking of mechatronic systems. An illustrative example explaining the implementation procedure of proposed methodology is discussed at the end. This methodology is useful for industries in selection of a mechatronic system and also useful for any customer in selection of an optimal mechatronic product.

Quality modelling and analysis of a mechatronic system

This paper gives a new direction in quality modelling of a mechatronic system. Quality of a mechatronic system refers to its conformance to requirements of the customer. The voice of the customer should be translated to technical requirements and these should be satisfied/met at different levels, i.e. subsystem, sub-subsystem up to component level, of a mechatronic system. In the process of implementing quality at subsystem level, quality interactions among the subsystems are also important. A mathematical model which considers subsystems along with their interactions simultaneously is proposed. A quality graph for a mechatronic system is developed and is translated into quality matrix and finally a variable permanent function is obtained. These models are useful in achieving six sigma standards. Analytical tests derived from these models are useful in optimal selection of qualities of subsystems and interactions for designing competitive mechatronic systems. Coefficient of similarity and dissimilarity is developed for comparison among the alternative mechatronic systems. A step-by-step procedure useful for the designer as well as manufacturing engineers during conceptual and manufacturing stages of mechatronic system is proposed.

Concurrent design of electroplating system for X-abilities: a graph theoretic approach

The electroplating process has been widely accepted for plating automobile parts, aircraft parts and spacecraft components with high strength and stiffness to weight ratios, high quality and reliability, dimensional accuracy and surface finish of the product. This process is widely acceptable in various industries. Designing the electroplating products requires a lot of skill with multidisciplinary knowledge. The present approach offers a ‘virtual design’, which optimises the concurrent design approach and ultimately leads to the achievement of the six sigma limits, i.e. almost defect-free products from the plating technology. The new design utilises the advantages of the graph theoretic approach to consider all the design aspects together in a single methodology with the help of matrix algebra and permanents. It is essentially a virtual methodology which decides the process, the product strength and the weakness with the help of a multinomial defined by using matrix algebra. The design index, developed u...

Modeling, analysis and fabrication of a thrust vectoring spherical VTOL aerial vehicle

This paper aims at presenting a configuration for a multi-functional spherical aerial vehicle designed for search and rescue purposes which has the advantages of hover, level flight and amazing mobility. This is an advanced version of a Single-Copter and is called the Thrust Vectoring Aerial Craft (TVAC). The Spherical frame allows the vehicle to encounter an object without the risk of damaging the propeller and on board components and can land virtually anywhere without the need for critical pilot training The swash plate enabled thrust vectoring provides extra maneuverability and responsiveness to the craft in extreme environments. This first prototype consists of a single propeller, a 2-axis swash-plate and four control surfaces enclosed in a light-weight spherical frame. The craft is stabilized using a KK multicopter gyro based controller with four servo outputs and one motor output. A successful attitude control and stability is demonstrated with the swash-plate mechanism providing greater efficiency than its Single-Copter counterpart. Various experimental results after flight tests regarding the center of gravity and appropriate projected areas of various control vanes are also emphasized.

Investigation of Microelectromechanical Switches for Next Generation DC Power Distribution System

Abstract This paper investigates the application of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches for DC power distribution system. Traditional electromechanical switches, solid state switches and solid state switch array are studied and simulated to understand their characteristics. Performance and characteristics of MEMS switches are reviewed and identified that electrostatically actuated MEMS switches are suitable for DC power applications. Scalable total cross tied (TCT) array configuration using MEMS switches has been proposed. The proposed configuration is suitable for variable voltage/current rating. Arc-less behavior of the switch configuration is analyzed using modified Paschen’s curve. 400 V/6 A system is considered for the simulation and comparative study. The simulated result of the proposed MEMS switch array configuration is compared with the traditional switches. The comparative study shows that the proposed switch array configuration gives better performance in terms of voltage drop, leakage current, power loss, arc and size. This can be used in DC power system protection, circuit breaking, battery protection and smart grid load switching applications.

Mechatronic system reliability modelling and analysis: a graph theoretic approach

This paper presents a unique systems approach for reliability modelling analysis of a mechatronic system. As a first step, a reliability graph, which is useful in visual analysis of reliability interactions among the mechatronic subsystems, is developed. Information stored in this graph is quantified and exported to a reliability variable permanent matrix and finally to a function named Mechatronic Variable Permanent Reliability Function (MVPRF). Reliability analysis of mechatronic systems is done on the basis of MVPRF. A reliability index based on the MVPRF is proposed for reliability evaluation. Coefficient of similarity and dissimilarity useful for a designer in structure and reliability-based comparison of mechatronic systems is proposed. This methodology would be useful for a designer to conduct structure-based reliability analysis of a mechatronic system and also for a maintenance engineer to monitor the health condition of mechatronic system during the service period. The proposed methodology is explained with the help of an illustrative example.