Table of contents

The dominant feature of the current stage of society development is the update, refinement and innovation of the technological processes and products whose ultimate goal is to satisfy the market requirements. New and modern technologies should be considered in terms of their applicability in industry while the materials can lead to an increase in the quality of the end products. Replacing the existing technologies with innovative and eco-efficient technologies can contribute to an added value increase in the production of new materials.

Materials are one of the most dynamic and prospective fields, with applications in all other fields. The development of new advanced materials and technologies shall contribute to the procurement of a wide range of reliable products, with competitive prices and worldwide performance, high sensitivity and functionality, user-friendly and reduced energy consumption, for different industrial applications.

Research in the field of advanced/intelligent materials supposes a fundamental, experimental, laboratory and technological research and its approach has to be linked to the application. This involves, even for the niche fields, complex projects which result in scientific issues in top journals, patents and functional models.

The third edition of ModTech International Conference was held in Mamaia, Romania, between June 17-20, with the Professional Association in Modern Manufacturing Technologies, ModTech, as main organizer, and the Constanta Maritime University, Constanta, Romania, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland, the Technical University of Chisinau, Republic of Moldova and the Donetsk National Technical University, Donetsk, Ukraine as co-organizers. The ModTech2015 International Conference brought together representatives of technology and materials manufacturers, various universities, professional associations and research institutes that exchanged the latest knowledge on the conference topics. This edition was attended by 140 participants from 17 countries. The authors and co-authors were from various countries worldwide, namely: Sweden, China, Switzerland, Romania, Serbia, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, South Korea, Taiwan, Poland, USA, Slovenia, Turkey, Republic of Moldova, Russia, Finland, Japan, Ukraine, Portugal, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Italy and India.

The Keynote Speakers were as follows: Prof. Esteban Broitman - Linkoping University, Sweden; Prof. Ziyi Ge - NIMTE, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China; Prof. Thomas Graule - EMPA, Switzerland; prof. Razvan Tamas - Constanta Maritime University, Romania; Prof. Rainer Gadow - University of Stuttgart, Germany; Prof. Marcel Van de Voorde - DELFT University of Technology, Netherlands; Prof. Chris Lacor - Vrije University, Brussels, Belgium; Prof. Fiqiri Hodaj - National Polytechnique Institute of Grenoble, France; Prof. Hong Seok Park - University of Ulsan, South Korea; Prof. Der-Jang Liaw - National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan; Prof. Petrica Vizureanu - Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania.

The main publications of ModTech2015 International Conference are as follows: IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, United Kingdom, Indian Journal of Engineering & Materials Sciences (IJEMS) and International Journal of Modern Manufacturing Technologies (IJMMT).

All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the proceedings Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.

In the present work numerical investigation was carried out for laminar natural convection heat transfer from natural composite material (NCM). Three types of natural materials such as seed dates, egg shells, and feathers are mixed separately with polyester resin. Natural materials are added with different volume fraction (10%, 20%, and 30%) are heated with different heat flux (1078W/m², 928W/m², 750W/m², 608W/m², and 457W/m²) at (vertical, inclined, and horizontal) position. Continuity and Navier-Stocks equations are solved numerically in three dimensions using ANSYS FLUENT package 12.1 software commercial program. Numerical results showed the temperature distribution was affected for all types at volume fraction 30% and heat flux is 1078 W/m², for different position. So, shows that the plumes and temperature behavior are affected by the air and the distance from heat source. Numerical results showed acceptable agreement with the experimental previous results.

Currently, we are searching for a range of solutions for repairing the crankshafts that had snapped during operation. The paper deals with the extension of the two methods for reconditioning by welding in the energy industry in the field of repairing the crankshafts in the automotive industry. The results obtained through the application of methods for reconditioning Weld Toe Tempering Technique and filling layers of sidings, which was used as a welding procedure SMAW. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons between the results of the two methods based on the criterion of rigidity are carried out.

One of the goals of modern society is represented by reducing the cost for the maintenance of cars. One of the pieces that break down most often on the engine block is the crankshaft, in various areas of it. Due to the fact that the price of a crankshaft is very high, specialists seek solutions for repairing and not replacing them. In this study, it is presented a comparison in terms of hardness obtained at recovering the counterweight by welding by using two methods of welding, WIG and SMAW through various techniques: normal, WTO, lateral depositing.

Abrasive water jet cutting (AWJ) has been extensively used during the last years to process a large variety of materials since it offers important advantages as a good quality of the processed surface, without heat affected zones, low environmental impact (no emission of dust or other compounds that endanger the health of the user), small induced mechanical stresses etc. The main disadvantage is the high cost of processing (cost of equipment and consumables). In view of this, the effects of reusing the abrasive material on the quality of processed surface are investigated in this paper. Two steel materials were used: OL 37 (S 235) with large applicability in machine building industry and 2P armor steel used in the arms industry. The reusing rate of the garnet abrasive material was: 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. The quality of processed surface was quantified by the following parameters: width at the jet inlet (Li), width at the jet outlet (Lo), inclination angle (α), deviation from perpendicularity (u) and roughness (Ra).

For modal identification, the single-point excitation method has been widely used in modal tests and it consists in applying a force in a given point and recording the vibratory structure response in all interest points, including the excitation point. There will be presented the experimental recordings for the studied bars (with Kevlar-carbon or carbon fibers), the frequency response function in Cartesian and polar coordinates. By using the frequency response functions we determine the eigenparameters for each bar. We present the final panel of the eigenmodes (with the damping factors, eigenfrequencies and critical damping) for each considered bar. Using the eigenfrequency of the first determined eigenmode, the bars stiffness has been determined. The presented bars can be used in practical engineering for: car or bus body parts, planes body parts, bullet-proof vests, reinforcements for sandwich beams, and so on.

The influence of Zn amount and solidification rate on the characteristic temperature of the evaluation of magnesium dendrites during solidification at different cooling rates (0.6-2.5°C) were examined by thermal derivative analysis (TDA). The dendrite coherency point (DCP) is presented with a novel approach based on second derivative cooling curve. Solidification behavior was examined via one thermocouple thermal analysis method. Microstructural assessments were described by optical light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. These studies showed that utilization of d²T/dt² vs. the time curve methodology provides for analysis of the dendrite coherency point

It is known that during the cutting processes, due to the high contact pressures, to the high temperatures, to the relative velocities and shocks between the contact surfaces tool-part can lead to a wear more or less pronounced of the metal carbide cutting inserts. Are known numerous coating processes regarding the increasing the durability of the used cutting inserts, namely by deposition of different materials, having protection role for the cutting inserts locating and clearance surfaces, methods as: vapor chemical deposition at low pressure, pulverization, cathodic arc ion plating, vacuum thermal evaporation and condensation from the vapor phase. Researches carried out by authors in this paper, have followed the deposition of aluminum and titanium materials (AlTiN) in thin layers, on surface of some metal carbide cutting inserts profiled. The depositions of AlTiN materials are new coatings which consists in deposition of the compound solid of AlTiN in the form of vapor in thin layers on different tools or/and the cutting inserts. In the purpose of increasing the cutting inserts durability, they used deposition method by cathodic arc ion plating in vacuum. The authors chose this method due to its advantages, which can be enumerate: the relatively low costs of the equipment, the simplicity in operation, the possibility to be used also to realize researches and industrial installations. As a result of using this method was found a considerable increase of the durability for the metal carbide cutting inserts coated with AlTiN materials, used in the cutting process compared to cutting inserts which were not coated.

The research work presented in this paper describes the composite materials in terms of formation and propagation of cracks using an algorithm that imposes disproportional loads to composite samples. The required parameters that describe the composites fracture demand inputs as: load intensity, geometry features and relative loading direction. In order to obtain reliable results, it should be a good correlation between the model which describes the facture propagation, the composition of the material and the structural homogeneity. The presented study is using a Functionally Graded Material with local homogeneity in fracture area, and a numerical model based on integration of interactions (Mori - Tanaka method). The parameters that describes the fracture behaviour, includes a factor of stress intensity which is important for establish the fracture direction. The model used in simulations is considering a composite sample with rectangular shape and 6 mm thickness. The sample is loaded with predefined stress σ_ct (MPa) above and under the fracture line. σ_ct represents the critical stress able to lead to fracture propagation. The main objective of this research work it was to generate a numerical model which describes the fracture behaviour of a composite material. The obtained model and its accuracy to describe the fracture behaviour of a composite material is presented in the final part of this paper.

This study was developed to reveal the correlation between current intensity and pulse off time with surface roughness of Ti-621/0.8 in fine EDM machining, in a unique manner of dielectric fluid approach. Depth of cut was taken in consideration to be not as high 1 gm due to the fact that good results were taken for more less heights before. In the case of Ti alloy (Ti-621/0.8) bar, EDM machining with low parameters (limited 110 V) is a delicate process, in which reaching SR under 1 gm is a challenge. Cooper and Graphite electrodes were used, die sinker oil dielectric from machine manufacture was used, without thermal modification to workpiece or electrode, just active dielectric compensatory fluid pumping solution with 0.5 MPa.

Paper presents the ultrasonic energy possibility in the reconditioning by powder metallization process. Three separated ultrasonic methods of energy activation in the deposition metal zone are presented. Advantages and disadvantages are studied for the following technological methods: filler material ultrasonic activation, base material ultrasonic activation, reconditioned metal piece activation, both filler and base material ultrasonic activation. Metallization devices design, are presented according to ultrasonic method activation for the ultrasonic field metallization process using metal powder.

Composite materials used nowadays for the production of composites are the result of advanced research. This allows assuming that they are among the most elaborate tech products of our century. That fact is evidenced by the widespread use of them in the most demanding industries like aerospace and space industry. But the heterogeneous materials and their advantages have been known to mankind in ancient times and they have been used by nature for millions of years. Among the fibers used in the industry most commonly used are nylon, polyester, polypropylene, boron, metal, glass, carbon and aramid. Thanks to their physical properties last three fiber types deserve special attention. High strength to weight ratio allow the use of many industrial solutions. Composites based on carbon and glass fibers are widely used in the automotive. Aramid fibers ideal for the fashion industry where the fabric made from the fibers used to produce the protective clothing. In the paper presented issues of stress analysis of composite materials have been presented. The components of composite materials and principles of composition have been discussed. Particular attention was paid to the epoxy resins and the fabrics made from carbon fibers. The article also includes basic information about strain measurements performed on with a resistance strain gauge method. For the purpose of the laboratory tests a series of carbon - epoxy composite samples were made. For this purpose plain carbon textile was used with a weight of 200 g/mm2 and epoxy resin LG730. During laboratory strain tests described in the paper Tenmex's delta type strain gauge rosettes were used. They were arranged in specific locations on the surface of the samples. Data acquisition preceded using HBM measurement equipment, which included measuring amplifier and measuring head. Data acquisition was performed using the Easy Catman. In order to verify the results of laboratory tests numerical studies were carried out in a computing environment, Siemens PLM NX 9.0.

For this purpose, samples were modeled composite corresponding to real samples. Tests were made for boundary conditions compatible with the laboratory tests boundary conditions.

This paper presents a study of the tribological properties of sintered composite materials made from combination of copper with short carbon fibers. Sintered composite materials are more effective if refer to specific properties per unit volume compared to conventional isotropic materials. Potential advantages of copper - carbon composite materials are: high resistance to breakage and high value ratios strength/density; resistance to high temperatures; low density and high resistance to wear; low or high friction coefficient. The sintered composite materials used in this research work are obtained combining different percentages of copper with short carbon fibres with iron and lead in order to investigate the variation of the friction behaviour. Varying the percentage of copper from 92,2% to 97,6% and the percentage of short carbon fibres from 7,8% to 2,4%, five different composite materials are obtained and tested. Friction tests are carried out, at room temperature, in dry conditions, on a pin-on-disc machine. The friction coefficient was measured using abrasive discs made from steel 4340 having the average hardness of 40 HRC, and sliding velocity of 0,6 m/sec. The main objective of this research work it was to identify a combination of materials with improved friction behaviour. The experimental results revealed that the force applied on the specimen during the tests, is playing a very important role regarding friction coefficient and also the wearing speed. Graphite particles are conveyed consistently inside the net, enhancing scraped spot safety and voltage drop over normal composite material. The static tests demonstrated that this new kind of sintered composite material has preferable electrical execution over previous brush material in the same conditions, and the element tests demonstrated that the temperature climb is not enormous when the brush with this new composite material is exchanged on with huge current and the surface scraped spot is littler amid sliding. The new method of obtained sintered composites, using high-energy and high speed is adequate for production of tribological parts.

High-entropy alloy is a new alloy which is different from traditional alloys. The high entropy alloys were started in Tsing Hua University of Taiwan since 1995 by Yeh et al. Consisting of a variety of elements, each element occupying a similar compared with other alloy elements to form a high entropy. We could define high entropy alloys as having approximately equal concentrations, made up of a group of 5 to 11 major elements. In general, the content of each element is not more than 35% by weight of the alloy. During the investigation it turned out that this alloy has a high hardness and is also corrosion proof and also strength and good thermal stability. In the experimental area, scientists used different tools, including traditional casting, mechanical alloying, sputtering, splat-quenching to obtain the high entropy alloys with different alloying elements and then to investigate the corresponding microstructures and mechanical, chemical, thermal, and electronic performances. The present study is aimed to investigate the corrosion resistance in a different medium acid and try to put in evidence the mechanical properties. Forasmuch of the wide composition range and the enormous number of alloy systems in high entropy alloys, the mechanical properties of high entropy alloys can vary significantly. In terms of hardness, the most critical factors are: hardness/strength of each composing phase in the alloy, distribution of the composing phases. The corrosion resistance of an high entropy alloy was made in acid liquid such as 10%HNO₃-3%HF, 10%H₂SO₄, 5%HCl and then was investigated, respectively with weight loss experiment. Weight loss test was carried out by put the samples into the acid solution for corrosion. The solution was maintained at a constant room temperature. The liquid formulations used for tests were 3% hydrofluoric acid with 10% nitric acid, 10% sulphuric acid, 5% hydrochloric acid. Weight loss of the samples was measured by electronic scale.

The researches presented in this paper refers basically to the impact of a small/medium caliber bullet shot on a light armor built on the base of a AlMg-SiC metallic composite cellular/foam. Thus, we study the antiballistic behavior and protection properties of the armor, based on the effects that occur at the impact zone of the bullet with the composite surface. We performed an antiballistic behavior modeling by means of a finite element analysis, based on a "multi grid" Fast Finite Element (FFE) system. We used for this purpose the DYNA 2D software package. The obtained samples show after the impact the occurrence of concentration / deformation pores effect and intercellular cracks development to the interior of the composite. Those effects, depending on speed, mass and length of the projectile ballistic trajectory, reduce zonal tensions due to the effect of cell walls deformation. It was obtained a good correlation between modeling results and the electron microscope analyse of the impact area. It is worth mentioning that almost all values for impact energy absorbed by the composite armor are in the protection active zone provided by it.

In recent years, carbon fiber composites have been increasingly used in different ways in reinforcing structural elements. Specifically, the use of composite materials as a reinforcement for wood beams under bending loads requires paying attention to several aspects of the problem such as the number of the composite layers applied on the wood beams. Study consolidation of composites revealed that they are made by bonding fibrous material impregnated with resin on the surface of various elements, to restore or increase the load carrying capacity (bending, cutting, compression or torque) without significant damage of their rigidity. Fibers used in building applications can be fiberglass, aramid or carbon. Items that can be strengthened are concrete, brick, wood, steel and stone, and in terms of structural beams, walls, columns and floors. This paper describes an experimental study which was designed to evaluate the effect of composite material on the stiffness of the wood beams. It proposes a summary of the fundamental principles of analysis of composite materials and the design and use. The type of reinforcement used on the beams is the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheet and plates and also an epoxy resin for bonding all the elements. Structural epoxy resins remain the primary choice of adhesive to form the bond to fiber-reinforced plastics and are the generally accepted adhesives in bonded CFRP-wood connections. The advantages of using epoxy resin in comparison to common wood-laminating adhesives are their gap-filling qualities and the low clamping pressures that are required to form the bond between carbon fiber plates or sheets and the wood beams. Mechanical tests performed on the reinforced wood beams showed that CFRP materials may produce flexural displacement and lifting increases of the beams. Observations of the experimental load-displacement relationships showed that bending strength increased for wood beams reinforced with CFRP composite plates and sheets compared to those without CFRP reinforcement. The main conclusion of the tests is that the tensioning forces allow beam taking a maximum load for a while, something that is particularly useful when we consider a real construction, so in case of excess lift beam, we have time to take strengthening measures and when is about a catastrophic request (earthquake) the construction remain partially functional. The experiments have shown that the method of increasing resistance of wood constructions with composite materials is good for it. The solution is easy to implement and has low costs.

The lightweighting with aluminum offers the potential for using unconventional fabrication technologies such as sheet hydroforming. Triform process is an unconventional sheet forming technology where the blank sheet is placed under a flexible rubber pad and is deformed under the action of the hydraulic pressure applied from the top of the equipment. The part shape is given by the shape of the die located at the bottom of the equipment. In the paper are presented the experimental results, regarding the influence of the fluid pressure towards the parts properties. The parts quality is evaluated in terms of springback variation. The results could lead to the implementation of the designed procedure for triform die and equipment.

The term of high entropy alloys started from the analysis of multicomponent alloys, which were produced at an experimental level since 1995 by developing a new concept related to the development of metallic materials. Recent developments in the field of high-entropy alloys have revealed that they have versatile properties like: ductility, toughness, hardness and corrosion resistance [1]. Up until now, it has been demonstrated that the explored this alloys are feasible to be synthesized, processed and analyzed contrary to the misunderstanding based on traditional experiences. Moreover, there are many opportunities in this field for academic studies and industrial applications [1, 2]. As the combinations of composition and process for producing high entropy alloys are numerous and each high entropy alloy has its own microstructure and properties to be identified and understood, the research work is truly limitless. The novelty of these alloys consists of chemical composition. These alloys have been named high entropy alloys due to the atomic scale mixing entropies higher than traditional alloys. In this paper, I will present the microscopy and the mechanical properties of high entropy alloy FeNiCrWMn.

It has been presented different methods for obtaining porous materials, (mainly used for metallic foams) and highlighting a new technology developed in the Faculty of Materials science and engineering, of Iasi. Our technology for obtaining porous materials is called centrifugal casting for porous materials. This technology is included in the method number 8: co-pressing of a metal powder with a leachable powder being in the same time a newer approach in the porous materials field. This technology is currently in the developmental phase. Since now we made experiments on the metallic materials, aluminum alloys. The technology is briefly described in this paper. The obtained parts were used for making samples in order to characterize the properties of the materials. The cellular structure of metallic foams requires special precautions that must be taken in characterization and testing. In this paper we have characterized the samples structurally by its cell topology (open cells, closed cells), relative density, cell size and cell shape and anisotropy. Also it was used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which is straightforward; the only necessary precaution is that relating to surface preparation.

Staking plastic is a new technology that used infrared light as the energy sources in order to assembly the heated plastic parts. In this work, the proposed method coupling between Finite Element Method (FEM), Response Surface Method (RSM), and Genetic Algorithm (GA) is employed to simulate and optimize the staking plastic process. An automotive part, namely Door Trim with polypropylene (PP) material is implemented by using the developed technology. The effects of three key process parameters, such as heating time, cooling time, and air flow rate on the mechanical behavior of the joint has been investigated. The simulation procedure based on DEFORM-3D multi-operation is conducted to integrate sub-process and obtain the numerical results. The optimum values, including heating time, cooling time, and air flow rate are 14 second, 14 second, and 60 (ft³/h), respectively. The optimizing results indicated that heating time is more contributed to the tensile force, following by cooling time and air flow rate. The correlation between simulation and experimental results indicates the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Optimization of cutting parameters in NC milling needs to be studied because of its influence on machining time and cost. Today, any CAM software offers many tool path strategies to milling free form geometries. However, the users must have the know-how to choose the strategies according to geometry complexity, cutting tool geometry and its contact on the machined surface. Choosing the right strategy with the right cutting parameter is a rather difficult task to do on the machine tool. In this paper we try to take into account the influence of the toolpath over the surface quality for finishing operation. The main goal is to establish a direct link between machining parameters and toolpath in order to obtain the same surface quality for different trajectories. The first step consist in making a series of experiments for standards toolpaths (which can be found in any CAM software) like one-way, zig-zag, spiral from outside to inside, zig-zag at 45 dgr on a milling center. Based on the results, a correction coefficient for the feed rate was established.

Two addressed issues in the research regarding the cutting machinability, establishing of the optimum cutting processing conditions and the optimum cutting regime, do not yet have sufficient data for solving. For this reason, in the paper it is proposed the optimization of the tool life and the cutting speed at the drilling of a certain stainless steel in terms of the maximum productivity. For this purpose, a nonlinear programming mathematical model to maximize the productivity at the drilling of the steel is developed in the paper. The optimum cutting tool life and the associated cutting tool speed are obtained by solving the numerical mathematical model. Using this proposed model allows increasing the accuracy in the prediction of the productivity for the drilling of a certain stainless steel and getting the optimum tool life and the optimum cutting speed for the maximum productivity. The results presented in this paper can be used in the production activity, in order to increase the productivity of the stainless steels machining. Also new research directions for the specialists in this interested field may come off from this paper.

Nowadays, the overhead expenses are a significant component of the manufacturing cost. The expenditures occasioned by running the shop floor energy system are one of the most important among the overhead expenses. However, the manufacturing process optimization actually does not take into account these expenses. More than that, the expenses for running the shop floor energy system are not constant, varying after the external environment seasonal conditions, and they are depending on several issues, like the building's energetic exchange with its environment, or the loading degree of the machine tools from the shop floor. This paper approaches the relation between the shop floor energy system expenditures, on one hand, and the manufacturing process optimality, on the other hand. A case study, revealing the influence of the shop floor energy system on the manufacturing cost-optimal solution is also included.

This study was conducted in order to determine the material hardness value due to modification of the milling cutting parameters. The alloy hardness was analysed as a function of different cutting parameters for milling operations (speed, feed and depth of cut), using a face mill. A total number of 17 samples were machined using parameters obtained by combining the input parameters. The total number of combinations is reduced by a preoptimization, using the DesignExpert software. The cutting process was performed in dry conditions, and it was recorded that dry cutting magnesium-aluminium alloy AZ61A with the used parameters did not lead to chip ignition. The surface hardness was determined based on the Vickers scale (HV), its values ranging from 110.59 [HV] to 121.37 [HV]. The obtained results showed that the feed has a significant contribution in the surface harness modification. The application of the Taguchi method reveals that the material hardness can be improved, together with the manufacturing time, by means of the speed, feed and depth of cut maximization.

Cooling system and cooling liquid characteristics are among the main factors influencing surface quality and tool wear. The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of the cooling liquid, used in different concentrations and at different temperatures, on the quality of the surface layer processed by milling. In order to make this analysis a Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) cooling device is used. Three different volumetric ratios were used to modify the concentration of the cooling fluid (25% water to 75% emulsion, 50% water to 50% emulsion, 75% water to 25% emulsion) and three different temperatures. The studies revealed that surface roughness can be correlated with the variation of the cooling liquid temperature while surface flatness can be correlated to both, cooling liquid temperature and concentration.

In our previous studies we have developed a model for determination of the variable effective diffusivity and identification of the exact transition points between possible drying mechanisms. The next goal was to develop a drying regime which could in advance characterize the real non isothermal process of drying clay tiles. In order to do this four isothermal experiments were recorded. Temperature and humidity were maintained at 350C / 75%; 450C / 70%; 450C / 60% and 500C / 60%; respectively in each experiment. All experimentally collected data were analyzed and the exact transition points between possible drying mechanisms were detected. Characteristic drying period (time) for each isothermal drying mechanism was also detected. The real, non-isothermal drying process was approximated by 5 segments. In each of these segments approximately isothermal drying condition were maintained. Temperature and humidity of the drying air, in the first four segments, was maintained on the same level as in recorded isothermal experiments while in the fifth segment, it were maintained at 700C / 40%. The duration of the first four segments were calculated from the diagrams Deff - t respectively for each experiment. The clay tile in experiment five was dried without cracking using the proposed non isothermal drying regime.

Methane pyrolysis represents one of the most important processes in industrial use, with applications rising from the chemical and petrochemical industry, combustion, materials and protective coatings. Despite the intense research, experimental data lack kinetic aspects, and the thermodynamics involved often leads to inaccurate results when applied to various systems. Carrying out a comparative analysis of several available data on methane pyrolysis, the paper aims to study the phenomenon of methane pyrolysis under different environments (combustion and plasma), concluding on the most possible reaction pathways involved in many of its applications. Computer simulation using different database underlines the conclusion, helping to the understanding of methane pyrolysis importance in future technologies.

The paper presents the results of experimental investigations aimed at the establishing the composition and the functional properties of the graphite pellicles formed on the metal surfaces by the action of plasma in the air media at normal pressure applying electrical discharges in impulse (EDI). It shows that they have the same behavior characteristics as fullerene, avoiding the stick effect between metal surfaces and between metal and liquid glass at temperatures of the order of 400-1200 °C.

The paper proposes a method of obtaining oxide nanopowders in a solar reactor using the solar energy (solar physical vapor deposition). The proposed method is a new method of obtaining nanopowders. Taking into consideration that the properties of the materials change once they get to nanodimensions it is desirable to obtain nanomaterials starting from base materials. Because of the properties that nanomaterials provide, the demand has grown in the last period of time. Also the last few years provided a various number of nanomaterials used in different fields of research. Among the materials that were obtained by SPVD there can be reminded the MoS₂, the MoS₂ doped with Zn, CeO₂ doped with Zr. The CeO₂ is used in applications such as catalysis, gas sensor, fuell cell as well as optical additives. All of the obtained nanopowders were analyzed and characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to acquire the information about the crystallography and morphology considering the reactions parameters that were used in obtaining the nanopowders. From the X-Ray diffraction can be concluded in the case of the CeO₂ that doping occurred. By controlling the reactions parameters the end result is different in therms of obtained morphology of the nanopowders. All of the above elaborated nanopowders can be deposited in the form of thin films by laser ablation method in order to obtain better properties of the base material.

Materials with piezoelectric properties associated with the ferroic phases generate multiferroic structures at microscopic level. Multiferroic core-shell nanoparticles with different configurations were considered: nanospheres versus nanotubes - spherical (magnetostrictive core / piezoelectric shell), respectively cylindrical (magnetostrictive rod / piezoelectric cylindrical coating) The external sphere diameter / cylinder lengths were of 80 - 100 nm to 360 nm, while the inner sphere / rod diameters were of 20 to 60 nm. The influence of the constituents shape on their control process realized by an applied magnetic field, H₀ (100 - 270 Oe) was investigated. The nanoparticles were simulated using the HFSS 13.0 program, at frequencies in microwave range (16 - 28 GHz), considering the nanostructures with hexaferrites as magnetic phase (AFe₁₂O₁₉ M-type hexaferrites, with A an alkali earth metal) and the Bi₂NiMnO₆ perovskite like piezoelectric. The particle configurations response is function of their geometrical shape, modified by the core diameter and the shell thickness. The magnetoelectric (ME) coefficient tensor has been determined using a physical algorithm based on the near-filed values in the particles vicinity, generated by the HFSS, and also the ME voltage coefficient (obtained of tens of mV/cmOe). Performance of the two shapes composite nanoparticles to generate a strong ME response was discussed comparatively and the influence of the shape factor was illustrated on graphs. Each composite configuration presents specific advantages in respect with the control process by the H₀ field, considering that the effect of dipolar field generated as response by the electric phase is strongly anisotropic. These features can be elegant illustrated by simulations (non destructive, applied at nanoscale) which help us to decide to the proper nanoparticles shape and the optimal intensity of the applied fields for the desired strength of the ME effect in a defined microscopic area.

Muliferroic spherical nanoparticle configurations consisting of magnetostrictive core encapsulated in piezoelectric shell have been studied. The particles were simulated in a test configuration with help of the HFSS 13.0 (by Ansoft). An external magnetic field H₀ was applied, which determines the apparition of dipolar electric fields of tens of milivolts around nanoparticle structures, used for tuning and control of different microstructures, at molecular level and in spintronics. The nanoparticle compounds are: an A₂BB'O₆ double perovskite with large piezoelectric coefficients and a MeFe₂O₄ spinel or a AFe₁₂O₁₉ M-type hexagonal ferrite with large magnetostriction, resulting in nanoparticle configurations with large magnetoeletric (ME) effect. The strength of the ME effect is also increased by the effect of the closed-packed shape of the spherical core-shell configuration. Different magnetic phases (spinel versus hexaferrite) were considered, in order to determine their influence in the interaction process with the applied magnetic field. The diameter of the piezoelectric shell did not exceeded 300 nm, starting from about 50 nm. The components of the magnetoelectric coefficient tensor and the effective electric and magnetic susceptibilities have been determined by simulation in microwave range (2 - 8 GHz for spinel compounds, respectively 12 - 28 GHz for hexaferrite compounds), for different magnetic fields applied for control (0 - 400 Oe), fields depending on particles size. The tensor components depend on the physical properties of the constituents and also on the constituents geometry and relative position. Nanoparticle configurations geometry and the applied H₀ field were modified in order to obtain a convenient variation and control of the compound susceptibilities. Graphs are available for choosing the optimal configuration and parameter values for a specific application.

Composite materials are extensively studied, especially in recent years, which have a wide application in industry. Among these composite materials, in this paper we studied about electrolyte composites obtained. The matrix is made up of particles of Ni-P on which have been deposited Si-C hard particles. The amount of phosphorus incorporated into the layer increases with increasing the content of phosphorous acid in the electrolyte. The content of phosphorus incorporated into the coating composition evolves as both solid as well as particle-free solutions. When the content of phosphorous acid in the electrolyte is low and where alloys are micro crystallized, the presence of particulates changes a little the phosphorus content. At the increase of phosphorus content included in the coating is observed that the incorporation of phosphorus is higher for increasing the amount of silicon carbide particles. This matrix study was done according to the amount of phosphorus in the deposited layer. The co-deposited phosphorus modifies the crystallization mechanism so the super saturation nickel network by phosphorus allows the inhibition of the growth of nickel crystallites whose size decreases until the complete amorphization of the solid solution. The development of these deposits was aimed at determining the influence of the variation of phosphorous acid in the electrolyte, and therefore the change in the content of phosphorus included in the layer for the SiC particulate, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, it was intended the influence of heat treatment on the deposition hardness. After the measurements, it is noted that the layer thicknesses are higher for the deposition obtained from electrolyte with small containing of phosphorous acid. The structure of the Ni-P alloy and the composite material Ni-P / SiC, depends on the amount of phosphorus contained in the layer and varies from the crystalline state (the low content of phosphorus) to the amorphous state (the high content of phosphorus). Metallographic investigation and X-ray diffraction on the P20S40 sample structure reveals the existence of nano-crystalline state of the layer, and it is noted that the grains of Ni-P alloy is lower than that incorporated SiC particles that are more evident. Following heat treatment, it was found that the microcrystalline structure of the deposits, consisting of a solid nickel solution supersaturated in phosphorus, is maintained up to 463 K, and at higher temperatures it is producing the precipitation of the Ni₃P compound into the nickel matrix.

As work principle, piercing (P) and backward extrusion (BE) are similar deforming processes. However, working-load, strain and material flow are quiet different depending on real conditions. Since punch diameter d and workpiece diameter D are the defining parameters for both P and BE, there is a critical d/D ratio separating them as distinctive operations. To have a complete description of P and BE in terms of working load and yield pressure as function of d/D ratio, experimental tests and numerical predictions were conducted. Tridimensional finite element analysis (FEA) for different process designs (i.e. different d/D ratios) revealed distinctive evolutions of the material flow establishing the effective limits of P and BE respectively. Experimental and numerical results can be used in practice to provide estimates of working-load, critical yield pressure and tool dimensions for optimal P and BE in processing of cylindrical hollow parts.

In this work, focus is taken on developing a waste heat recovery system for capturing potential of exhaust heat from an air conditioner unit to be reused later. This system has the ability to store heat in phase change material (PCM) and then release it to a discharge water system when required. To achieve this goal, a system of Finned, Water-PCM, Double tube (FWD) has been developed and tested. Different profiles of fins attached to the (FWD) system have been investigated for increasing the thermal conductivity of the PCM. These include using Circular Finned, Water-PCM, Double tube (CFWD) system; Longitudinal Finned, Water-PCM, Double tube (LFWD) system; Spiral Finned, Water-PCM, Double tube (SFWD) system; as well as; Without Fins, Water-PCM, Double tube (WFWD) system. An experimental test rig that attached to an air-conditioner unit has been built to include 32- tubes of the FWD systems for both vertical and horizontal layouts during charging and water discharging processes. Results show a significant performance improvement when using spiral and circular fins during charging process at vertical position. However, longitudinal and without fins showed better performance in horizontal position. Overall, the developed SFWD system in vertical position has been found to exhibit the most effective type due to the fastest PCM melting and solidification. As compared to the WFWD system, the FWD systems have been found to increase the PCM temperature gain of about 15.3% for SFWD system; 8.2% for CFWD; and 4.3% for LFWD system.

The paper presents a practical methodology for design and structural verification of the locomotive bogie frames using a modern software package for design, structural verification and validation through combined, analytical and experimental methods. In the initial stage, the bogie geometry is imported from a CAD program into a finite element analysis program, such as Ansys. The analytical model validation is done by experimental modal analysis carried out on a finished bogie frame. The bogie frame own frequencies and own modes by both experimental and analytic methods are determined and the correlation analysis of the two types of models is performed. If the results are unsatisfactory, the structural optimization should be performed. If the results are satisfactory, the qualification procedures follow by static and fatigue tests carried out in a laboratory with international accreditation in the field. This paper presents an application made on bogie frames for the LEMA electric locomotive of 6000 kW.

In the context of recent developments in the field of energy, the aspect related to energy consumption is of great importance for specialists. Many industries rely on refrigeration technologies, a great challenge being expressed by attempts in energy savings in this sector. In this respect, efforts oriented towards efficient industrial refrigeration systems have revealed the necessity of a proper design. The most commonly used method of cooling is based on vapor compression cycles. Compared to vapor compression refrigeration systems, an ejector refrigeration system shows an inferior performance, indicated by the Coefficient of Performance of the cycle, but it is more attractive from energy saving point of view. In this respect, the present study deals with a theoretically analysis of an Ejector Refrigeration System, started with the presentation of the typical ejector design. It is stated that ejector refrigeration is a thermally driven system which requires low grade thermal energy for its working. After a short description of the analyzed system, are given equations for thermal loads and Coefficient of Performance calculation, on First Law basis. The working fluid considered in this research is Freon R134a. The developed study is focused on the effect of generating temperature variation on the Coefficient of Performance (COP) and on the work input to the pump when the cooling effect, the condensation temperature, the evaporation temperature and the reference state temperature are kept constant. Are obtained results in the following conditions: the condensation temperature is t_c = 33°C, the evaporation temperature is t_e = 3°C, the reference state temperature is t_o = 23°C. The generating temperature varies in the range 82 ÷ 92°C and the cooling effect is 1 kW. Also, are known the isentropic efficiencies of the ejector, which are 0.90, and the isentropic efficiency of the pump, which is 0.75. Calculation will reveal that the Coefficient of Performance is increasing together with the increase of the generating temperature values, the best COP value being 0.178, in the considered range for the mentioned temperature. In the same time, the generating temperature increase leads to the increase of the work input to the pump.

When discussing a torque converter driven, automotive transmission with respect to the vehicle's coasting mode, automotive engineers have to take into account the slip between the converter's propeller and turbine. If the turbine isn't locked to the propellers during coasting process, drag phenomena within the converter's fluid occur and they have to be properly assessed when computing the coasting process dynamics. The best way to make the needed evaluation is to have a separate torque converter and test it on a test bench, if the data provided by the manufacturer, in this respect, weren't available. But there are several issues that could baffle this action. Among them, one could find the lack of information from the manufacturer, missing (bankrupted) manufacturer, classified information, old (out of date) products and so on. An even more challenging situation consists in dealing with a military special vehicle. Actually, the vehicle that would be subjected to the following topic is a military tracked, heavy vehicle (MBT) with a planetary driveline, driven by its engine via a hydraulic torque converter. In the attempt to assess its' coasting dynamic performances, we faced the problem of the reverse rotation of the torque converter that strongly influences the general drag of the vehicle's motion. Hence, this paper tries to provide a method to determine the transmission overall drag considering the torque converter as being its main contributor. The method is based on the experimental research our team has performed in the last several months. Using high-quality software and adjacent mathematics while assuming a certain sort of flow type within the torque converter, we aimed at determining the parameter of interest of the flow. The method can be successfully used for all type of hydrodynamic components of the transmission under the condition of developing the necessary experimental research. As far as the test were concerned, they were the typical ones designed to determine - on experimental basis - the mass inertial moments of the transmission components using the "falling weight" principle.

The hob mill for generating ordered curls of cycloid surface with non involute profiles may be profiled based on the fundamental theorems of surface enveloping - Olivier - as surface reciprocally enveloping with point like contact. In this paper, is proposed a methodology based on a complementary theorem of the surface enveloping in a graphical expression developed in a graphical design environment - CATIA. The graphical method presented in this paper is developed in two stages: determining of the rack gear model based on the solid model of the surface to be generated, using an original algorithm, following this, based on 3D modelling is determined the solid model of the primary peripheral surface of the hob mill. An application for a cycloid worm is presented - a central screw of helical pumps. In order to prove the quality of method, the analytical and graphical solutions are comparatively presented.

The failure of the mechanical contact due to plastic yielding is generally predicted employing stress analysis coupled with the von Mises yield criterion, which uses the maximum of the second deviatoric stress invariant as a threshold value. This paper aims to establish the relation between the frictional regime and the normal and tangential loading components which lead to yield inception in the slip-stick spherical contact between similarly elastic materials. The Boussinesq and Cerruti fundamental solutions for the elastic half-space are used in a robust semi-analytical method based on the superposition principle applicable in the frame of linear elasticity, and enhanced with an acceleration technique derived from the convolution theorem. A rapid algorithm for accurate computation of elastic stresses induced in subsurface by a known but arbitrary distribution of surface tractions, normal or shear, is advanced. The obtained data is normalized to allow model extension to any elastic constants or contact curvature, and curve fitting is employed to derive simple empirical formulas pertinent to practical engineering applications.

This paper is an integrated study performed over the Braking System of the Wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers. It mainly aims to analyze the heat transfer process which is present in almost any industrial and natural process. The vehicle drum brake systems can generate extremely high temperatures under high but short duration braking loads or under relatively light but continuous braking. For the proper conduct of the special vehicles mission in rough terrain, we are talking about, on one hand, the importance of the possibility of immobilization and retaining position and, on the other hand, during the braking process, the importance movement stability and reversibility or reversibility, to an encounter with an obstacle. Heat transfer processes influence the performance of the braking system. In the braking phase, kinetic energy transforms into thermal energy resulting in intense heating and high temperature states of analyzed vehicle wheels. In the present work a finite element model for the temperature distribution in a brake drum is developed, by employing commercial finite element software, ANSYS. These structural and thermal FEA models will simulate entire braking event. The heat generated during braking causes distortion which modifies thermoelastic contact pressure distribution drum-shoe interface. In order to capture the effect of heat, a transient thermal analysis is performed in order to predict the temperature distribution transitional brake components. Drum brakes are checked both mechanical and thermal. These tests aim to establish their sustainability in terms of wear and the variation coefficient of friction between the friction surfaces with increasing temperature. Modeling using simulation programs led eventually to the establishment of actual thermal load of the mechanism of brake components. It was drawn the efficiency characteristic by plotting the coefficient of effectiveness relative to the coefficient of friction shoe-drum. Thus induced thermal loads determine thermo mechanical behavior of the structure of wheels. Study the transfer of heat generated during braking is useful because results can improve and validate existing theory or may lead to the development of a mathematical model to simulate the behavior of the brake system for various tactical and operational situations. Conclusions of this paper are relevant because theoretical data analysis results are validated by experimental research.

The ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of structural integrity of pipes in high risk industries such as chemical or nuclear, represents a domain of highest importance. The inspection of kilometers of piping in rough conditions is a difficult if not an impossible task. Guided ultrasonic waves can propagate however along tens of meters in pipes and bring by the reflected signal, important information concerning the presence of flaws. There are three classes of guided modes in a pipe: longitudinal, torsional and flexural. The longitudinal modes have an axial symmetry of the radial and axial displacements. These waves prove to be most sensitive to partly circumferential flaws. These waves are dispersive, the wave velocity strongly depending on the frequency. The torsional modes are less dispersive, especially the fundamental SH₀ mode. Moreover, the radial displacements are negligible, reducing the interaction with the surrounding fluids and thus reducing the attenuation. The interaction of these waves with axial flaws is more pronounced. The flexural modes are highly dispersive and attenuated. However, if the symmetry of the emitting transducer is not perfect, these modes can propagate in the pipe and their properties must be understood. The presence of fluid inside and in some cases outside the inspected pipe represents a challenging problem of computing the guided modes dispersion curves. The various guided modes velocities and attenuations are determined for several fluids which might be filling and surrounding the common size steel pipes. A dedicated software package developed by our team is used for this purpose. These dispersion curves are used for optimal numerical simulation, using the Finite Elements Method (FEM), in order to verify the attenuation mechanism. The obtained results allow a motivated selection of the least attenuated mode, from the three classes explained before, at a given inspection frequency and for a typical steel pipe, filled with various fluids. The numerical data can be used for comparison with laboratory experiments. The experimental setup is using common ultrasonic transducers in a special geometrical arrangement. The experiments allow the measurement of the numerically predicted modal attenuation. The maximum expected inspection range can be thus determined before the inspection on real industrial piping.

This paper aims at presenting the static analysis for two levels of a container ship's construction as follows: the first level is at the girder / hull plate and the second level is conducted at the entire strength hull of the vessel. This article will describe the work for the static analysis of a hull plate. We shall use the software package ANSYS Mechanical 14.5. The program is run on a computer with four Intel Xeon X5260 CPU processors at 3.33 GHz, 32 GB memory installed. In terms of software, the shared memory parallel version of ANSYS refers to running ANSYS across multiple cores on a SMP system. The distributed memory parallel version of ANSYS (Distributed ANSYS) refers to running ANSYS across multiple processors on SMP systems or DMP systems.

In the paper results of computer-aided strength analysis of the modernized freight wagon based on Finite Element Method are presented. CAD model of the considered freight wagon was created and its strength was analysed in agreement with norms described the way of such kind of freight wagons testing. Then, the model of the analysed freight wagon was modernized by adding composite panels covering the inner surface of the vehicle body. Strength analysis was carried out once again and obtained results were juxtaposed. This work was carried out in order to verify the influence of composite panels on the strength of the freight car body and to estimate the possibility of reducing the steel shell thickness of the box in order to reduce weight of the freight wagon.

Complying with emission requirements and fuel consumption efficiency are the points which drive any development of internal combustion engine. Refinement of the process of combustion and mixture formation, together with in-cylinder flow refinement, is a requirement, valves and piston bowl and intake exhaust port design optimization is essential. In order to reduce the time for design optimization cycle it is used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Being time consuming and highly costly caring out of experiment using flow bench testing this methods start to become less utilized. Air motion inside the intake manifold is one of the important factors, which govern the engine performance and emission of multi-cylinder diesel engines. Any cold flow study on IC is targeting the process of identifying and improving the fluid flow inside the ports and the combustion chamber. This is only the base for an optimization process targeting to increase the volume of air accessing the combustion space and to increase the turbulence of the air at the end of the compression stage. One of the first conclusions will be that the valve diameter is a fine tradeoff between the need for a bigger diameter involving a greater mass of air filling the cylinder, and the need of a smaller diameter in order to reduce the blind zone. Here there is room for optimization studies. The relative pressure indicates a suction effect coming from the moving piston. The more the shape of the inlet port is smoother and the diameter of the piston is bigger, the aerodynamic resistance of the geometry will be smaller so that the difference of inlet port pressure and the pressure near to piston face will be smaller. Here again there is enough room for more optimization studies.

Aerodynamics is one of the most important factors which influence on every aspect of a design of a car and car driving parameters. The biggest influence aerodynamics has on design of a shape of a race car body, especially when the main objective of the race is the longest distance driven in period of time, which can not be achieved without low energy consumption and low drag of a car. Designing shape of the vehicle body that must generate the lowest possible drag force, without compromising the other parameters of the drive. In the article entitled "Application of CAD/CAE class systems to aerodynamic analysis of electric race cars" are being presented problems solved by computer analysis of cars aerodynamics and free form modelling. Analysis have been subjected to existing race car of a Silesian Greenpower Race Team. On a basis of results of analysis of existence of Kammback aerodynamic effect innovative car body were modeled. Afterwards aerodynamic analysis were performed to verify existence of aerodynamic effect for innovative shape and to recognize aerodynamics parameters of the shape. Analysis results in the values of coefficients and aerodynamic drag forces. The resulting drag forces F_x, drag coefficients C_x(Cd) and aerodynamic factors C_x*A allowed to compare all of the shapes to each other. Pressure distribution, air velocities and streams courses were useful in determining aerodynamic features of analyzed shape. For aerodynamic tests was used Ansys Fluent CFD software. In a paper the ways of surface modeling with usage of Realize Shape module and classic surface modeling were presented. For shapes modeling Siemens NX 9.0 software was used. Obtained results were used to estimation of existing shapes and to make appropriate conclusions.

Taking into account the legal prescriptions which are in force and the new regulatory requirements that will be mandatory to implement in the near future regarding testing characteristics of automotive fuel tanks, resulted the necessity to develop a new testing methodology which allows to estimate the behaviour of the closing system of automotive fuel tank over a long period of time (10-15 years). Thus, were designed and conducted accelerated tests under extreme assembling and testing conditions (high values for initial tightening torques, extreme values of temperature and pressure). In this paper are presented two of durability tests which were performed on an optimized closing system of fuel tank: (i) the test of exposure to temperature with cyclical variation and (ii) the test of continuous exposure to elevated temperature. In these experimental tests have been used main components of the closing system manufactured of two materials variants, both based on the polyoxymethylene, material that provides higher mechanical stiffness and strength in a wide temperature range, as well as showing increased resistance to the action of chemical agents and fuels. The tested sample included a total of 16 optimized locking systems, 8 of each of 2 versions of material. Over deploying the experiments were determined various parameters such as: the initial tightening torque, the tightening torque at different time points during measurements, the residual tightening torque, defects occurred in the system components (fissures, cracks, ruptures), the sealing conditions of system at the beginning and at the end of test. Based on obtained data were plotted the time evolution diagrams of considered parameter (the residual tightening torque of the system consisting of locking nut and threaded ring), in different temperature conditions, becoming possible to make pertinent assessments on the choice between the two types of materials. By conducting these tests and interpreting the obtained results, it can be created a clear picture of the capacity of closing system of fuel tank to fulfil the functional requirements following the exposure to values of testing parameters significantly above the values that may appear throughout the entire service life of the vehicle. The proposed accelerated testing method shows the main advantage of simulation in a limited time all the situations which may be encountered in a much longer period of time, namely the service life of the vehicle.

Changes in geological components of the layers from lignite pits have an impact on the sustainability of the cup path elements and under the action of excavation force appear efforts leading to deformation of the entire assembly. Application of finite element method in the optimization of components leads to economic growth, to increase the reliability and durability of the studied machine parts thus the machine. It is obvious usefulness of knowledge the state of mechanical tensions that the designed piece or the assembly not to break under the action of tensions that must cope during operation. In the course of excavation work on all bucket cutting force components, the first coming into contact with the material being excavated cutting edge. Therefore in the study with finite element analysis is retained only cutting edge. To study the field of stress and strain on the cutting edge will be created geometric patterns for each type of cup this will be subject to static analysis. The geometric design retains the cutting edge shape and on this on the tooth cassette location will apply an areal force on the abutment tooth. The cutting edge real pattern is subjected to finite element study for the worst case of rock cutting by symmetrical and asymmetrical cups whose profile is different. The purpose of this paper is to determine the displacement and tensions field for both profiles considering the maximum force applied on the cutting edge and the depth of the cutting is equal with the width of the cutting edge of the tooth. It will consider the worst case when on the structure will act both the tangential force and radial force on the bucket profile. For determination of stress and strain field on the form design of cutting edge profile will apply maximum force assuming uniform distribution and on the edge surface force will apply a radial force. After geometric patterns discretization on the cutting knives and determining stress field, can be seen that at the rectangular profile appears the "clogging" phenomenon of the cutting edge and at the polygonal profile the point of application remains constant without going inside. From the finite element method done in this paper it can be concluded that the polygonal profiles made of dihedral angles are much more durable and asymmetric cups tend to have uniform tension along the entire perimeter.

The present study was triggered by the need to verify and optimize the primary constructive solution, for custom large tubes (section lengths larger than 1000 mm), under the gravity and pressure loads. The cases presented needed to be checked for the reinforcement design. Given the complex tridimensional geometry of the axisymmetric shell structures, the basic shape of the tubes was modelled, with its actual thickness. FEA was used to check the model under static loads and buckling. In order to optimize the weight, an alternative welded reinforcement's grid design was developed and checked for stability. Optimal welding sections along ribs in longitudinal and transversal directions were identified for easier design and further costs reduction.

A study of geometry nozzle is particularly important in optimizing the quantity of coolant in terms to minimize that quantity or coolant can be used for lubrication of machines moving parts. Coolants can be from the simplest (water, air) as well as a mixture of liquid (emulsions) to achieve a good cooling in function of temperature that develops in the area concerned. The study from this paper proposes an analysis and a simulation of flow through the convergent-divergent nozzle type to optimize them and to use a minimum quantity of coolant or lubricant. This study is focus on the analysis of cooling systems for cutting processes on machine tools.

The paper aims to determine the torsional stress occurring in the rotor's shaft of the three phase asynchronous motors for a given rotational speed of the rotor. The three phase asynchronous motor is started using the main starting variants, each variant having its own torque characteristic which produces a certain maximum shear stress. The model uses several hypotheses regarding the geometry of the domain, the dynamic behavior, the friction phenomenon and the mass of the shaft which is disregarded in a model and it is considered in a more accurate model. The maximum shear stress is produced by the shock which occurs in the starting process of the motors. This maximum stress may lead to the failure of the rotor either because it breaks, or because of the fatigue of the material produced by frequent starting of the motor. Information resulted from this study are useful for the selection of the appropriate material, of the according geometry of the design and elaboration of the specifications for the in-service use of the motor.This theoretical study will be followed by the development of more accurate models which will also include experimental studies employed to calibrate the theoretical models and to verify their accuracy.

This paper shows the main steps to design and realize an original light module for miniature model passenger carriages, with the possibility to switch on and off individual lights and to operate the lights according to certain patterns, which improves greatly the visual appearance of miniature passenger trains. This continues the previous work of the authors concerning the model railroading and the implications of nonconventional technologies in this field of activity.

The primary aim introduced in this paper is synthesis of mechatronical system understand as planning of this type of systems. Mechatronical system is consisted of fundamental mechanical system and subsystem reducing vibration including electric elements. Fundamental system is received applying reverse task of dynamic (synthesis) and it's including inertial and elastic elements. The subsystem includes electric elements by means moving-coil transducer. The synthesis can also be used to change the already existing systems. Due to the method, introduced in this work, may be performed as early as whilst the designing of future functions. Using this way of designing is support for designers of mechanical systems with active reducing of vibrations.

Piezoelectric transducers are used more and more often in modern technical devices. The wide range of their possible applications is a result of the possibility to use both direct and reverse piezoelectric effect. Nowadays, application of piezoelectric transducers in energy harvesting systems is getting more and more popular. It is caused by the easy way to convert energy of mechanical vibration to the electric voltage using piezoelectric transducers. This paper presents results of influence analysis of the vibrating mechanical subsystem's excitation parameters on the effectiveness of the system designed for energy harvesting. The considered vibrating system is a composite plate with piezoelectric transducer bonded to its surface. Vibrations of the system are excited by means of an actuator with possibility to change the excitation amplitude and frequency. Recovering of electrical energy from mechanical vibrations is possible by using the direct piezoelectric effect - generation of the electric voltage while the transducer is mechanically deformed. In carried out test Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) piezoelectric transducers were used. It was proved that the time that is necessary for switch on the output voltage in analyzed system depends on the frequency of the excitation.

Internal gears with small difference between teeth number are most commonly encountered in planetary and differential mechanisms (eg. on automatic transmissions for vehicles). One of the advantages of this gear is the high transmission ratio. Their parallel axes make this gear perfect for the cases when a small deviation of the distance between axes is required. Automatic transmission allows internal gear function to high speed. In this, we present a short overview of internal gear with small difference between teeth number.

We propose a rehabilitation device that we intend to be low cost and easy to manufacture. The system will ensure functionality but also have a small dimensions and low mass, considering the physiological dimensions of the foot and lower leg. To avoid injure of the ankle joint, this device is equipped with a compliant joint between the motor and mechanical transmission. The torque of this joint is intended to be adjustable, according to the degree of ankle joint damage. To choose the material and the dimensions of this compliant joint, in this paper we perform the first stress simulation. The minimum torque is calculated, while the maximum torque is given by the preliminary chosen actuator.

Changing the dynamic motion parameters of pneumatic equipment requires control of pressure and the volumetric flow rate. The article presents a study of the impact of setting control parameters and external disturbances on the positioning accuracy of pneumatic rodless double acting actuator. Testing process was carried out at different values of the parameters (adjusted to the actuator) and external loads. The probe mass was selected within guidelines (a cushioning diagram) so that the operating point was placed on the curve of limiting movement speed of the actuator.

The work quality of pneumatic actuators can be assessed in terms of multiple criteria. In the case of complex systems with pneumatic actuators retained at end positions (with occurrence of piston impact in cylinder covers) the vibration criteria constitute the most reliable indicators. The paper presents an impact assessment on the operating condition of the rodless pneumatic cylinder regarding to selected vibrational symptoms. On the basis of performed analysis the authors had shown meaningful premises allowing an evaluation of the performance and tuning of end position damping piston movement with usage the most common diagnostic tools (portable vibration analyzers). The presented method is useful in tuning of parameters in industrial conditions.

The biofouling of the surfaces immersed in water is one of the most important problems which must be solved in the naval field. This phenomenon is amplified during the harbor operations, when the ships are stationary and there is a high density of microorganisms in the neritic area, developing the biofouling. For this reason, in order to prevent or delay the deposition of the first layers of biofouling, different methods have been used [1]. This paper presents the comparative analysis of microorganisms' behavior obtained by using GlidArc technology for the treatment of the naval metallic surfaces [2, 3]. The main parameters identified for data processing were: the number of microorganisms shared from the point of view of sensibility to the used technology found on the metallic surfaces, the type of the naval paint and the treatment methods. For analysis it was used the epifluorescence microscopy method with. The comparative analysis follows the data processing which has the same input characteristics. Finally it was observed the microorganism's lifetime after the surface treatment.

A numerical study has been carried out to investigate the heat transfer by laminar forced convection of nanofluid taking Titania (TiO₂) and Alumina (Al₂O₃) as nanoparticles and the water as based fluid in a three dimensional plain and U-longitudinal finned tube heat exchanger. A Solid WORKS PREMIUM 2012 is used to draw the geometries of plain tube heat exchanger or U-longitudinal copper finned tube heat exchanger. Four U-longitudinal copper fins have 100 cm long, 3.8cm height and 1mm thickness are attached to a straight copper tube of 100 cm length, 2.2 cm inner diameter and 2.39 cm outer diameter. The governing equations which used as continuity, momentum and energy equations under assumptions are utilized to predict the flow field, temperature distribution, and heat transfer of the heat exchanger. The finite volume approach is used to obtain all the computational results using commercial ANSYS Fluent copy package 14.0 with assist of solid works and Gambit software program. The effect of various parameters on the performance of heat exchanger are investigated numerically such as Reynolds' number (ranging from 270 to 1900), volume consternation of nanoparticles (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%), type of nanoparticles, and mass flow rate of nanofluid in the hot region of heat exchanger. For 0.8% consternation of nanoparticles, heat transfer has significant enhancement in both nanofluids. It can be found about 7.3% for TiO₂ and about 7.5% for Al₂O₃ compared with the water only as a working fluid.

Currently, inside the oral cavity, the dental space maintainers are subjected to forces exerted on them when performing various functions; therefore, it is important to know how each of these mechanisms behave and respond to forces that are applied directly to them. The mechanical properties of the materials used in dentistry are defined by a set of characteristics representing the behaviour of their particular working conditions and it is qualitatively expressed by a number of parameters.The study aimed to determine the pressing force that can be taken by four 4 types of space maintainers frequently used in practice - fixed and removable, applied on four samples realized with human teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes. Static tests were carried out on a machine type short WDW-5 EC with a maximum force of 5 kN and a loading speed of 5 mm/min by a special testing machine, with an innovative appliance; data recording was automatically performed, using a computer with a special program that present the specific diagrams. Experimental determinations included the following aspects: to determine the maximum force that can be supported by each sample, and to observe the deformations. The values obtained indicate that the best option in terms of behavior under the conditions specified is the removable appliance, and the less functional version is the fixed space maintainer using brackets. According to tests conducted, the fracture strength was found to be more important for fixed space maintainers (band and loop, for example) so, in practice is using more frequent these types of space maintainers.

The special product has a steel bearing structure located inside the shoulders and it is fitted with a steel cylinder loaded by an internal pressure pi. The value of the maximum internal pressure is high, at limit being equal to the allowable stress (σa = pi), where pi = 3000 MPa. The uniform stresses decrease if there is an external pressure applied on the cylinder. Therefore, it must be produced external pressure in order to reduce the stress ctmax., in other words to achieve a relieving operation. The external diameter of the internal tube is larger than the internal diameter of the external tube. In the normal temperature conditions these two cylinders cannot be assembled. After it is heated up, expanded cylinder is mounted on the internal cylinder and after the quenching, on the contact surface it appears a relieving pressure p. We are interested in computing the parameters of this technological procedure, for the classic way of relieving, namely by heating up the external cylinder. After processing by cutting, radius R2 of the internal tube is greater than δ = 0.05 mm radius R2 of the external tube. After cooling, the two tubes have a common radius R2, which will have an average value between the values they had before the assembling process. This is why the external tube has to suffer a thermal expansion, the internal tube suffering a compression, so that the two displacements summed, measured perpendicular to the contact surface, have a value of δ = 0.05 mm. After the relieving operation, on the contact surface between the two tubes will be produces a contact pressure, p. In the paper we study the effect of the relieving pressure p, onto the stresses if there would be not relieving and the variation of stresses considering relieving of both the internal tube and the external tube. The highest values of the stresses are those on the internal face of the bearing. If calculations are in accordance with the third failure theory it results that the maximum tangential stresses are the highest values. The values of normal and shear stress influence the phenomenon of relieving in the bearing because high internal pressures inside the bearing may break the internal tube leading to collapse of the structure.

Posttraumatic bone restoration triggered by the need to assist and stimulate compensatory bone growth in periodontal condition. Recent studies state that specific electromagnetic stimulation can boost the bone restoration, reaching up to 30% decrease in recovery time. Based on the existing data on the electromagnetic parameters, a digital electronic device is proposed for intra oral mounting and bone restoration stimulation in periodontal condition. The electrical signal is applied to an inductive mark that will create and impregnate magnetic field in diseased tissue. The device also monitors the status of the electromagnetic field. Controlled wave forms and pulse frequency signal at programmable intervals are obtained with optimized number of components and miniaturized using surface mounting devices (SMD) circuits and surface mounting technology (SMT), with enhanced protection against abnormal current growth, given the intra-oral environment. The system is powered by an autonomous power supply (battery), to limit the problems caused by powering medical equipment from the main power supply. Currently the device is used in clinical testing, in cycles of six up to twelve months.

Basic principles for the electrical scheme and algorithms for pulse generation, pulse control, electromagnetic field control and automation of current monitoring are presented, together with the friendly user interface, suitable for medical data and patient monitoring.

Paper presents the calculus elements and construction for the ultrasonic system used in reconditioning process by metallization. A series of necessary elements used in ultrasonic system dimensioning are given and an ultrasonic system used in reconditioning process by plasma and grain metallization are presented. Also, a calculated ultrasonic system is modelled to work in resonance regime at the frequency f = 22Khz. Stress map inside material, internal energy variation, lost energy variation on length and volume unit are presented.

This paper refers to the description of the way in which can be presented to future marine engineers the analyzis of the performance of an Otto cycle, in a manner which is beyond the classic approach of the course of thermodynamics in Constanta Maritime University. The conventional course of thermodynamics is dealing with the topic of performance analysis of the cycle of the internal combustion engine with isochoric combustion for the situation in which the working medium is treated as such a perfect gas. This type of approach is viable only when are considered relatively small temperature differences. But this is the situation when specific heats are seen as constant. Instead, the practical experience has shown that small temperature differences are not viable, resulting the need for variable specific heat evaluation. The presentation bellow is available for the adiabatic exponent written as a liniar function depending on temperature. In the section of this paper dedicated to methods and materials, the situation in which the specific heat is taken as constant is not neglected, additionaly being given the algorithm for variable specific heat.For the both cases it is given the way in which it is assessed the work output. The calculus is based on the cycle shown in temperature- entropy diagram, in which are also indicated the irreversible adiabatic compression and expansion. The experience achieved after understanding this theory will allow to future professionals to deal successfully with the design practice of internal combustion engines.

An intermediate hub might increase the accessibility level of ports but also hinterland and so it can be considered more than a facility with a transhipment role. These hubs might lead to the development of other transport services and enhance their role in gathering and covering economic centres within hinterlands and also getting the part of logistic facility for the ports, with effects on port utilization and its connectivity to global economy. A new location for a hub terminal leads to reduced transport distances within hinterland, with decreased transport costs and external effects, so with gains in people's life quality. Because the production and distribution systems are relatively fixed on short and medium term and the location decisions are strategic and on long term, the logistic chains activities location models have to consider the uncertainties regarding the possible future situations. In most models, production costs are considered equal, the location problem reducing itself to a problem that aims to minimize the total transport costs, meaning the transport problem. The main objective of the paper is to locate a hub terminal that links the producers of cereals that are going to be exported by naval transportation with the Romanian fluvial-maritime ports (Galaţi, Brăila). GIS environment can be used to integrate and analyse a great amount of data and has the ability of using functions as location - allocation models necessary both to private and public sector, being able to determine the optimal location for services like factories, warehouses, logistic platforms and other public services.

The Romanian capital market is still an emergent one. Following the mass- privatization process and the private investments, three of the most important handling and storage companies acting in Constantza Port (OIL Terminal, Comvex and SOCEP) are listed on Romanian Stock Exchange. The paper investigates their evolution on the market, identifying the expected rate of return and the components of the shares risk (specific and systematic). Also, the price evolution could be analyzed through the informational efficiency which instantly reflects the price relevance. The Jarque-Bera normality test regarding the shares return rate distribution and the Fama test for the informational efficiency are completed for each company. The market price model is taken into consideration for price forecasting, computing the return rate auto-correlations. The results are subject of interpretation considering additional managerial and financial information of the companies' activity.

The ship may be viewed as a living environment associated with two industrial environments, one corresponding to the transport industry and other one to the processing, services, or other specific type of industry developed aboard. Each environment has its own energy system and changes energy with the other two. Nowadays, the appraisal and regulation of the ship energy performance is based on the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). Its definition covers the three mentioned systems, without distinction between them. This paper addresses the assessment and regulation of the ship energy performance, bearing in mind that, by far, the main purpose is to increase the level of performance by selecting, from the available measures of performance improvement, those that are the most effective. The paper highlights the EEDI shortcomings, explaining that they appear mainly due the fact that this index covers a couple of energy systems that are far too different (though these energy systems are intimately interpenetrated).

Maritime vessels have long service life and great costs of building, manning, operating, maintaining and repairing throughout their life. Major actions are needed to repair, renovate, sometime built or even replace those scrapped when technology or demand changes determine obsolescence. It is regarded as a concern throughout vessel's entire life cycle and reflects changes in expectation regarding performances in functioning, safety and environmental effects. While service live may differ from physical lives, expectations about physical lives is the main factors that determines design service life. Performance and failure are illustrated conceptually and represented in a simplified form considering the evolution of vessels parameters during its service life. In the proposed methodology an accumulated vessel lifecycle cost is analyzed and obsolescence is characterized from ship's design, performances, maintenance and management parameters point of view. Romanian ports feeding Black Sea are investigated in order to provide comprehensive information on: number and types of vessels, transport capacity and life cycle length. Recommendations are to be made in order to insure a best practice in lifecycle management in order to reduce costs.

Manufacturing steps for a modern three - column semi-submersible structure are delivered using CFD/CAE software and actual Froude scaled model testing. The three- column offshore is part of the Wind Float Project already realized as prototype for wind energy extraction in water depths more than 40 meters, and the actual model will not consider the wind turbine. The model will have heave plates for a smaller heave motion in order to compare it with the case without heave plates. The heave plates will be part of the Froude scale model.. Using a smaller model will determine a smaller heave motion and this will affect predictions of the vertical movement of the three- column offshore structure in real sea. The Froude criterion is used for the time, speed and acceleration scale. The scale model is manufactured from steel and fiberglass and all parts are subjected to software analysis in order to get the smallest stress in connections inside the model. The model mass was restricted by scale dimensions and also the vertical position of centre gravity will be considered during the manufacturing and design process of the Froude scale offshore structure. All conditions must converge in model manufacturing and design in order to get the best results to compare with real sea states and heave motion data.

Ships are built for sailing and transporting cargo on seas and oceans in weather conditions that are not friendly all the time. Even if the weather forecast is transmitted to vessels, the way of acting is a matter of officers' judgement, based on their knowledge and experience. The subject of this paper is to analyse the behaviour of a port container vessel in different weather conditions. The method consists in using a specially developed software which takes into account the main particulars, the actual stability and the dynamic characteristics of the individual ship in the real voyage conditions, in order to obtain the Dangerous Zone Diagram. In order to avoid surf-riding and broaching the master should reduce speed to less than the critical speed. The results of the study are presented in a diagram that allow us to analyse the situation and to determine the ways for avoiding dangerous conditions by changing the course or the speed. The study should be regarded as a supporting tool during the decision making process.

The policy of the European Union in the energy field, for the period to follow until 2020, is based on three fundamental objectives: sustainability, competitiveness and safety in energy supply. The "Energy - Climate Changes" program sets out a number of objectives for the EU for the year 2020, known as the "20-20-20 objectives", namely: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% from the level of those of 1990, a 20% increase in the share of renewable energy sources out of the total energy consumption as well as a target of 10% biofuels in the transports energy consumption. In this context, in order to produce or save a part of the propulsive power produced by the main propulsion machinery, by burning fossil fuels, we suggest the equipping of vessels designed for maritime transport with a bi-functional rigid sail. We consider that this device may have both the role of trapping wind energy and the role of acting as a deflector for reducing the resistance of the vessel's proceeding through the water by conveniently using the bow air current, as a result of the vessel's heading through the water with significant advantage in reducing the energy consumption for propulsion insurance.

To reduce air pollution produced by ships, the International Maritime Organization has developed a set of technical, operational and management measures. The subject of our research addresses the operational measures for minimizing CO2 air emissions and the way how the emission value could be influenced by external factors regardless of ship-owners' will. This study aims to analyse the air emissions for a loaded voyage leg performed by an oil tanker. The formula that allows us to calculate the predicted Energy Efficiency Operational Index involves the estimation of distance and fuel consumption, while the quantity of cargo is known. The electronic chart display and information system, ECDIS Simulation Software, will be used for adjusting the passage plan in real time, given the predicted severe environmental conditions. The distance will be determined using ECDIS, while the prediction of the fuel consumption will consider the sea trial and the vessel experience records. That way it will be possible to compare the estimated EEOI value in the case of great circle navigation in adverse weather condition with the estimated EEOI value for weather navigation.

Container ships carry cargoes that are considered light from the weight point of view, compared to their volumetric capacity. This fact makes the still water vertical bending moment to be in hogging condition. Thus, the double bottom structure is permanent subject to compressive load. With the enlargement of container ships to the Post Panamax vessels, the breadth to depth ratio tends to be increased comparative to those of Panamax container ships that present restriction related to maximum breadth of the ship.The current studies on new build models reveal the impossibility for Panamax container ships to comply with the minimum metacentric height value of stability without loading ballast water in the double bottom tanks. In contrast, the Post-Panamax container ships, as resulted from metacentric height calculation, have adequate stability even if the ballast water is not loaded in the double bottom tanks. This analysis was conducted considering two partially loaded port-container vessels. Given the minimization of ballast quantities, the frequency with which the still water vertical bending moment reaches close to the allowable value increases.This study aims to analyse the ships' behaviour in partially loaded conditions and carrying ballast water in the double bottom tanks. By calculating the metacentric height that influences the stability of the partially loaded port container vessels, this study will emphasize the critical level of loading condition which triggers the uptake of ballast water in the double bottom tanks, due to metacentric height variation.

The aim of this paper is to optimally design and dimension marine structures in order for them to fulfil both functional and safety requirements. A master level of structural mechanics is vital in order to check tests and analysis and to develop new structures. This study can improve the calculation and estimation of the effects of hydrodynamics and of other loads; movements, strains and internal forces in fixed and floating platforms and ships. The finite element method (FEM) ensures basic understanding of the finite element model as applied on static cases including beam and plate elements, experience with static analysis of marine structures like platforms and ships, along with the basic understanding of dynamic response of systems with one degree of freedom and simple continuous beams, and also how analysis models can be established for real structures by the use of generalized coordinates and superposition.

Nowadays risk management is a carefully planned process. The task of risk management is organically woven into the general problem of increasing the efficiency of business. Passive attitude to risk and awareness of its existence are replaced by active management techniques. Risk assessment is one of the most important stages of risk management, since for risk management it is necessary first to analyze and evaluate risk. There are many definitions of this notion but in general case risk assessment refers to the systematic process of identifying the factors and types of risk and their quantitative assessment, i.e. risk analysis methodology combines mutually complementary quantitative and qualitative approaches. Purpose of the work: In this paper we will consider as risk assessment technique Fault Tree analysis (FTA). The objectives are: understand purpose of FTA, understand and apply rules of Boolean algebra, analyse a simple system using FTA, FTA advantages and disadvantages. Research and methodology: The main purpose is to help identify potential causes of system failures before the failures actually occur. We can evaluate the probability of the Top event.The steps of this analize are: the system's examination from Top to Down, the use of symbols to represent events, the use of mathematical tools for critical areas, the use of Fault tree logic diagrams to identify the cause of the Top event. Results: In the finally of study it will be obtained: critical areas, Fault tree logical diagrams and the probability of the Top event. These results can be used for the risk assessment analyses.

We present here a successful implementation of the Environmental Management System (EMS) in a shipping company. The EMS of the each company must be revised and expanded and new analytical requirements included in it. This new EMS concept is available to everyone on board and must be studied by every seafarer. All environmental requirements to be strictly followed all over the world. The main points of new EMS are: new open reporting system, environmental tag system (ETS) which introduce non re-usable numbered seals, pollution prevention equipment (OWS, OCM, Incinerator and Sewage Treatment Plant), the environmental defect reports system - extraordinary E/R operations and leakages log book.

Event of major accident navigation near offshore drilling rigs remains unacceptably high, known as the complications arising from the problematic of the general motions of the ship sailing under real sea. Dynamic positioning system is an effective instrument used on board of the ships operating in the extraction of oil and gas in the continental shelf of the seas and oceans, being essential that the personnel on board of the vessel can maintain position and operating point or imposed on a route with high precision. By the adoption of a strict safety in terms of handling and positioning of the vessel in the vicinity of the drilling platform, the risk of accidents can be reduced to a minimum. Possibilities in anticipation amplitudes of the oscillatory movements of the ships navigating in real sea, is a challenge for naval architects and OCTOPUS software is a tool used increasingly more in this respect, complementing navigational facilities offered by dynamic positioning systems.

This paper presents a study on the amplitudes of the oscillations categories of supply vessels in severe hydro meteorological conditions of navigation. The study provides information on the RAO (Response Amplitude Operator) response operator of the ship, for the amplitude of the roll movements, in some incident wave systems, interpreted using the energy spectrum Jonswap and whose characteristics are known (significant height of the wave, wave period, pulsation of the wave). Ship responses are analyzed according to different positioning of the ship in relation to the wave front (incident angle ranging from 10 to 10 degree from 0 to 180), highlighting the value of the ship roll motion amplitude. For the study, was used, as a tool for modeling and simulation, the features offered by OCTOPUS software that allows the study of the computerized behavior of the ship on the waves, in the real conditions of navigation. Program library was used for both the vessel itself and navigation modeling environment, for regular waves as well for the irregular waves which was modeled using Jonswap energy spectrum.

Important modeling applications in marine engineering conduct us to a special class of solutions for difficult differential equations with variable coefficients. In order to be able to solve and implement such models (in wave theory, in acoustics, in hydrodynamics, in electromagnetic waves, but also in many other engineering fields), it is necessary to compute so called special functions: Bessel functions, modified Bessel functions, spherical Bessel functions, Hankel functions. The aim of this paper is to develop numerical solutions in Matlab for the above mentioned special functions. Taking into account the main properties for Bessel and modified Bessel functions, we shortly present analytically solutions (where possible) in the form of series. Especially it is studied the behavior of these special functions using Matlab facilities: numerical solutions and plotting. Finally, it will be compared the behavior of the special functions and point out other directions for investigating properties of Bessel and spherical Bessel functions. The asymptotic forms of Bessel functions and modified Bessel functions allow determination of important properties of these functions. The modified Bessel functions tend to look more like decaying and growing exponentials.

The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of the stormy weather during hurricane Sandy on an oil tank using the navigation simulator. Meteorological and waves maps from forecast models are used, together with relevant information from the meteorological warnings. The simulation sessions were performed on the navigation simulator from the Constanta Maritime University and allowed us the selection of specific parameters for the ship and the environment in order to observe the ship's behavior in heavy sea conditions. Simulation results are important due to the unexpected environmental conditions and the ship position: very close to the hurricane centre when the storm began to change its track and to transform into an extra tropical cyclone.

The paper investigates the influence of the waves in the areas of Constanta port and the North of Mamaia resort sandy coast. The port has an asymmetric design that protects them from the sea. This study analyses the port' influence on the waves, the wave driven current and the sediment transport patterns. The harbour is on a sandy coast consisting of sand with d₅₀=0.70 mm (where d50 is diameter of sand particle) and s_g=0.75 m in the entire area (where sg is significant wave height). Irregular, directional waves move towards the coast from 270₀ (West direction). Waves move over a water level corresponding to MWL=1m. The wave characteristics at the offshore boundary are H_m0=1.61 m (where H_m0 is average wave height) and T_p=10.00 s (where T_p is the wave period). We are looking at an area that spans 10 000 m in the long-shore direction and 2500 m in the cross-shore direction. It is used the wave simulation with MIKE 21 PMS, and the hydrodynamic simulation with MIKE 21 HD. Irregular, directional waves are added at the offshore boundary of the wave model. The frequency spectrum is of JONSWAP type, but around the mean direction of wave propagation (270°) a cosⁿ distribution of wave energy is used. At the other open boundaries symmetry boundary conditions are used. The wave simulation takes wave breaking into the consideration. The bed roughness is not considered. In this study, it is of interest to examine how the presence of the harbour influences the waves, the wave-driven current and the sediment transport patterns. When simulating of the wave driven currents with MIKE 21 HD we use constant values of velocity and Manning number all over the model area. The time slots are set to five seconds and the simulation runs for ten hours to ensure stable conditions. Finally the data are visualized flow, level and influence over the area of the coast.

The concepts of reliability and vulnerability are quite important in assessing the ability of transport networks from land to provide continuity in operation tacking in consideration the relation with seaports. Transport infrastructure modernizing and extension according to land use and sustainable development requirements still represents a challenging issue among policy makers, regional/local communities and scientists. The interest for the researches reliability and vulnerability for transport networks who connect maritime ports with interior city's is generate by the natural disasters, the terrorist acts, unconventional war, etc.. Transport network modelling enable the development of mathematical models used in evaluating the reliability and vulnerability. Nodes or link disruption could have an important impact over transport network users. In our paper we investigates the Romanian road network vulnerability related to Danube crossing versus maritime ports (Constanta and Mangalia) and its mitigation by improving network topology. We use Visum software to promote a methodology to assess road transport network vulnerability versus Romanian seaports and we propose some solutions to reduce probability of road transport network to fail.

The accelerated increase of the use of various transportation means, industrial machinery and other power consuming technologies has led to tremendous degradation of outdoor air quality all around the world. Green solution was tested here as an innovative gas control mean via non edible Myrtus communis green leaves as natural sorption media. Statistical analyses were applied in order to examine the correlation between various parameters of this study. The tests of gas records around the tree that was targeted by a gas stream of 5 KW power generators have demonstrated an excellent gas control role of the green leaves, with average efficiencies of about 75% and 82% for the removal of Nitrogen Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide, respectively. An interesting finding of this research was that the sorption role of green leaves has promoted their sizes and Chlorophyll Content Index.

Numerical methods are widely used for modeling different physical phenomena in engineering, especially when an analytic approach is not possible. Time-domain or frequency- domain type variations are generally investigated, depending on the nature of the process under consideration. Some methods originate from mechanics, although most of their applications belong to other fields, such as electromagnetism. Conversely, other methods were firstly developed for electromagnetism, but their field of application was extended to other fields. This paper presents some results that we have obtained by using a general purpose method for solving linear equations, i.e., the method of moments (MoM), and a time-domain method derived for electromagnetism, i.e., the Transmission Line Matrix method (TLM).

This paper presents the model of a decisional system for ¹³C Isotope Separation column, which is used to detect mission critical situation. The start model was a model of one distributed control system of critical situations that may arise in the operation of the distillation column. The research work it is proposed a model of decision system which implement a temperature sensor inside of liquid nitrogen level in the condenser. The condenser is a part of column where take place the cryogenic process using nitrogen liquid. The work temperature is very low about -192^oC, and because the temperature can grow or go down more than 2 degrees is a very critical location inside the column. In this way the column has a deeply monitor and supervised and it take a decision in a proper time when the temperature is grow up or getting down and became a critical situation. For monitor and supervised it was used MatLAB SimuLink. The model, the decision system gives a signal to one sensor when something is wrong in the condenser which is the most critical place of the isotopic column. In this way it creates an alarm that something is getting wrong in the isotopic column.

Nowadays the design process includes simulation analysis of different components of a constructed object. It involves the need for integration of different virtual object to simulate the whole investigated technical system. The paper presents the issues related to the integration of a virtual 3D model of a chosen control system of with a virtual controller. The goal of integration is to verify the operation of an adopted object of in accordance with the established control program. The object of the simulation work is the drive system of a tunneling machine for trenchless work. In the first stage of work was created an interactive visualization of functioning of the 3D virtual model of a tunneling machine. For this purpose, the software of the VR (Virtual Reality) class was applied. In the elaborated interactive application were created adequate procedures allowing controlling the drive system of a translatory motion, a rotary motion and the drive system of a manipulator. Additionally was created the procedure of turning on and off the output crushing head, mounted on the last element of the manipulator. In the elaborated interactive application have been established procedures for receiving input data from external software, on the basis of the dynamic data exchange (DDE), which allow controlling actuators of particular control systems of the considered machine. In the next stage of work, the program on a virtual driver, in the ladder diagram (LD) language, was created. The control program was developed on the basis of the adopted work cycle of the tunneling machine. The element integrating the virtual model of the tunneling machine for trenchless work with the virtual controller is the application written in a high level language (Visual Basic). In the developed application was created procedures responsible for collecting data from the running, in a simulation mode, virtual controller and transferring them to the interactive application, in which is verified the operation of the adopted research object. The carried out work allowed foot the integration of the virtual model of the control system of the tunneling machine with the virtual controller, enabling the verification of its operation.

Capabilities of modern automation systems, especially in the field of industrial networks applications, encouraging them to favor during the process of developing the automation project [2,3,5]. Extensive network topologies and simplicity and clear structure causing displacement of the classic wiring. The article presents: project workflow for creating laboratory stand based on industrial network and base on it implementing the safety system. The individual steps of the process are described. In addition, the paper presents the main concept for controlling the safety functions of the system.

One of the most important tasks in the production process is to supervise its proper functioning. Lack of required supervision over the production process can lead to incorrect manufacturing of the final element, through the production line downtime and hence to financial losses. The worst result is the damage of the equipment involved in the manufacturing process. Engineers supervise the production flow correctness use the great range of sensors supporting the supervising of a manufacturing element. Vision systems are one of sensors families. In recent years, thanks to the accelerated development of electronics as well as the easier access to electronic products and attractive prices, they become the cheap and universal type of sensors. These sensors detect practically all objects, regardless of their shape or even the state of matter. The only problem is considered with transparent or mirror objects, detected from the wrong angle. Integrating the vision system with the LabVIEW Vision and the LabVIEW Vision Builder it is possible to determine not only at what position is the given element but also to set its reorientation relative to any point in an analyzed space. The paper presents an example of automated inspection. The paper presents an example of automated inspection of the manufacturing process in a production workcell using the vision supervising system. The aim of the work is to elaborate the vision system that could integrate different applications and devices used in different production systems to control the manufacturing process.

An engine test stand created especially for research of electrical race car is described in the paper. The car is an aim of Silesian Greenpower project whose participants build and test electrical vehicles to take part in international races in Great Britain. The engine test stand is used to test and measure the characteristics of vehicles and their engines. It has been designed particularly to test the electric cars engineered by students of Silesian Greenpower project. The article contains a description how the test stand works and shows its versatility in many areas. The paper presents both construction of the test stand, control system and sample results of conducted research. The engine test stand was designed and modified using PLM Siemens NX 8.5. The construction of the test stand is highly modular, which means it can be used both for testing the vehicle itself or for tests without the vehicle. The test stand has its own wheel, motor, powertrain and braking system with second engine. Such solution enables verifying various concepts without changing the construction of the vehicle. The control system and measurement system are realized by enabling National Instruments product myRIO (RIO - Reconfigurable Input/Output). This controller in combination with powerful LabVIEW environment performs as an advanced tool to control torque and speed simultaneously. It is crucial as far as the test stand is equipped in two motors - the one being tested and the braking one. The feedback loop is realized by an optical encoder cooperating with the rotor mounted on the wheel. The results of tests are shown live on the screen both as a chart and as single values. After performing several tests there is a report generated. The engine test stand is widely used during process of the Silesian Greenpower vehicle design. Its versatility enables powertrain testing, wheels and tires tests, thermal analysis and more.

To evaluate the accuracy of a manufactured piece, it must be measured and compared with a reference model, namely the designed 3D model, based on geometrical elements. In this paper a new method for the precision evaluation of a manufactured piece is proposed, which implies the creation of the piece digital 3D model based on digital images and its transformation into a 3D mesh surface. The differences between the two models, the designed model and the new created one, are calculated using the Hausdorff distance. The aim of this research is to determine the differences between two 3D models, especially CAD models, with high precision, in a completely automated way. To obtain the results, a small piece has been photographed with a digital camera, that was calibrated using a 3D calibration object, a target consisting of a number of 42 points, 36 placed in the corners of 9 wood cubes with different heights and 6 of them placed at the middle of the distance between the cubes, on a board. This target was previously tested, the tests showing that using this calibration target instead of a 2D calibration grid, the precision of the final 3D model is improved with approximatly 50%. The 3D model of the manufactured piece was created using two methods. First, based on digital images, a point cloud was automatically generated and after the filtering process, the remaining points were interpolated, obtaining the piece 3D model as a mesh surface. Second, the piece 3D model was created using also the digital images, based on its characteristic points, resulting a CAD model, that was transformed into a mesh surface. Finally, the two 3D models were compared with the designed model, using the CloudCompare software, thus resulting the imperfections of the manufactured piece. The proposed method highlights the differences between the two models using a color palette, offering at the same time a global comparison.

Excavation tailings (scraping) and extracting the useful (lignite) in surface mine pits in Mining Basin Oltenia is achieved with technological lines of excavation - transport - dump of high productivity. A correlation of working capacity of the main components of technological lines (motor rotor, high capacity transport, car dumps) is necessary for economic reasons on electricity consumption. To achieve experience in the process was chosen excavator SRS 1400 from South Jilt career in the CET Turceni. The question of coal excavated volume has a great importance in the mine pits. At the excavation is desired a density estimate for each machine production tracking, cost estimation and tracking product unit profitability of each band on various sections zones. Permanent display size excavated volume snapshots in the excavator's cabin permits to track tape loading, eliminating unproductive times and information management to determine profitability. Another important requirement is closing the loop of the machine drive system of an excavator for a uniform deposition of carbon on the strip, thus achieving automatic control of the loading belt. Such equipment is important for the system dispatching in surface mine pits. Through a system of three ultrasound transducers to determine the smart instant of coal excavated section which, coupled with the tape speed, integrated over time will determine the amount of excavated coal. The basis of the system developed is a device for determining the volume and quantity of coal excavated acting on the march and optimize the system speed excavator working order. The device is designed primarily following the careers of lignite production: rotor excavators, rubber conveyor belts and dump facilities. Newly developed system aims to achieve the following determines: the optimum energy excavation depending on the nature of excavated material - lignite, shale, clay, etc., economic times to use the excavator bucket teeth rotor, energy optical regime to rubber belt conveyors, eliminate damage to the plant by conveyor belt breakage detection or tread and eliminating time and energy losses by limiting reproductive idle, monitoring the amount of coal excavated, control power consumption. Systems in general and particularly automated systems cannot be designed without taking into account their degree of effectiveness, compliance with minimum consumption of time, energy and materials, insofar as they are requested and used all the resources it has, at minimum cost production, etc. For this reason any matter of calculation, design, analysis and operation of transport systems continuously subordinate requirements optimality.

There are many machines using the piezoelectric effects. Systems with smart materials are often used because they have high potential applications for example transducers can be applied to receive required characteristic of projected system. Every engineer and designer know how important it is properly mathematical model and method of the analysis. Also it is important to consider all parameters of analyzed system for example glue layer between elements. Geometrical and material parameters has a significant impact on the characteristics of the all system's components because the omission of the influence of one of them results in inaccuracy in the analysis of the system. In article the modeling and testing of vibrating systems with piezoelectric ceramic materials transducers used as actuators and vibration dampers. The method of analysis of the vibrating sensor systems will be presented, mathematical model, and characteristics, to determine the influence of the system's properties on these characteristics. Main scientific point of the project is to analyze and demonstrate possibility of applying new construction with the PVDF foil or any other belonging to a group of smart materials in industrial sensors. Currently, the vibration level sensors are used by practically all manufacturers of piezoelectric ceramic plates to generate and detect the vibration of the fork.

This paper presents complementary methods used in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of composite materials reinforced with carbon woven fibers as two electromagnetic methods using sensor with orthogonal coils and sensor with metamaterials lens as well as ultrasound phased array method and Fiber Bragg gratings embedded instead of a carbon fiber for better health monitoring. The samples were impacted with low energy in order to study delamination influence. The electromagnetic behavior of composite was simulated by finite- difference time-domain (FDTD) software, showing a very good concordance with electromagnetic nondestructive evaluation tests.

The paper presents the conception of the device for tyre grip testing in the laboratory conditions. The main purpose is to provide a device working in confined spaces, which enables rapid changes of the tested samples of the road surfaces. Among the key assumptions the minimization of the device dimensions and the relative ease of transportation and mobility - the ability to quick assemble and disassemble were also assumed. The main components of the projected workstation includes: the replaceable platform for mounting samples of a road surface, the roller conveyor, the drive of the platform, the wheel mounting assembly and the axial force measuring system. At the design the station a morphological structure method has been used, particular elements have been optimized individually.

The This paper presents the hierarchical model based on discrete event network for robotic systems. Based on the hierarchical approach, Petri network is analysed as a network of the highest conceptual level and the lowest level of local control. For modelling and control of complex robotic systems using extended Petri nets.

Such a system is structured, controlled and analysed in this paper by using Visual Object Net ++ package that is relatively simple and easy to use, and the results are shown as representations easy to interpret. The hierarchical structure of the robotic system is implemented on computers analysed using specialized programs.

Implementation of hierarchical model discrete event systems, as a real-time operating system on a computer network connected via a serial bus is possible, where each computer is dedicated to local and Petri model of a subsystem global robotic system. Since Petri models are simplified to apply general computers, analysis, modelling, complex manufacturing systems control can be achieved using Petri nets. Discrete event systems is a pragmatic tool for modelling industrial systems. For system modelling using Petri nets because we have our system where discrete event. To highlight the auxiliary time Petri model using transport stream divided into hierarchical levels and sections are analysed successively. Proposed robotic system simulation using timed Petri, offers the opportunity to view the robotic time. Application of goods or robotic and transmission times obtained by measuring spot is obtained graphics showing the average time for transport activity, using the parameters sets of finished products. individually.

Time-dependent queue-size distribution in a finite-buffer manufacturing line with unreliable machine is investigated. Successive jobs arrive in batches (groups) with sizes being generally distributed random variables, and are being processed individually with exponential service times. Applying the approach based on the memory less property of exponential distribution and the total probability law, a system of integral equations for the transient queue- size distribution conditioned by the initial level of buffer saturation is derived. The solution of the corresponding system written for Laplace transforms is found via linear-algebraic approach.

Present market conditions causes that modern control systems of robotized manufacturing cells should be characterized by the much greater degree of flexibility, selforganization and, above all, adaptability to emerging outer excitations. The phenomenon of information distribution is one of the most important features of modern control systems. In the paper is presented the approach, based on application of multi-agent systems, for supporting the operation of robotized manufacturing cells. The aim of this approach is to obtain the flexible response to outer excitations and preventing situations that might cause the delay of the production process. The presented paper includes description of the concept of an informatics system designed for controlling the work of production systems, including work cells. Such systems could operate independently if it would be equipped with the selforganization mechanism. It is possible in the case of the proposed multi-agent system. The implementation of the presented concept will follow the present analysis of the described concept. The advantage of the proposed concept is its hierarchical depiction that allows integrating different utilized informatics tools in one complex system. It allows preparing the final computer program.

The paper presents the problems related to the integration of a CAD/CAE system with the LabVIEW software. The purpose of the integration is to determine the workspace of a hexapod model basing on a mathematical model describing it motion. In the first stage of the work concerning the integration task the 3D model to simulate movements of a hexapod was elaborated. This phase of the work was done in the "Motion Simulation" module of the CAD/CAE/CAM Siemens NX system. The first step was to define the components of the 3D model in the form of "links". Individual links were defined according to the nature of the hexapod elements action. In the model prepared for movement simulation were created links corresponding to such elements as: electric actuator, top plate, bottom plate, ball-and-socket joint, toggle joint Phillips. Then were defined the constraints of the "joint" type (e.g.: revolute joint, slider joint, spherical joint) between the created component of the "link" type, so that the computer simulation corresponds to the operation of a real hexapod. The next stage of work included implementing the mathematical model describing the functioning of a hexapod in the LabVIEW software. At this stage, particular attention was paid to determining procedures for integrating the virtual 3D hexapod model with the results of calculations performed in the LabVIEW. The results relate to specific values of the jump of electric actuators depending on the position of the car on the hexapod. The use of integration made it possible to determine the safe operating space of a stationary hexapod taking into consideration the security of a person in the driving simulator designed for the disabled.

Present market conditions causes that modern control systems of robotized manufacturing cells should be characterized by the much greater degree of flexibility, selforganization and, above all, adaptability to emerging outer excitations. The phenomenon of information distribution is one of the most important features of modern control systems. In the paper is presented the approach, based on application of multi-agent systems, for supporting the operation of robotized manufacturing cells. The aim of this approach is to obtain the flexible response to outer excitations and preventing situations that might cause the delay of the production process. The presented paper includes description of the concept of an informatics system designed for controlling the work of production systems, including work cells. Such systems could operate independently if it would be equipped with the selforganization mechanism. It is possible in the case of the proposed multi-agent system. The implementation of the presented concept will follow the present analysis of the described concept. The advantage of the proposed concept is its hierarchical depiction that allows integrating different utilized informatics tools in one complex system. It allows preparing the final computer program.

During the manufacturing process, each performed task is previously developed and adapted to the conditions and the possibilities of the manufacturing plant. The production process is supervised by a team of specialists because any downtime causes great loss of time and hence financial loss. Sensors used in industry for tracking and supervision various stages of a production process make it much easier to maintain it continuous. One of groups of sensors used in industrial applications are non-contact sensors. This group includes: light barriers, optical sensors, rangefinders, vision systems, and ultrasonic sensors. Through to the rapid development of electronics the vision systems were widespread as the most flexible type of non-contact sensors. These systems consist of cameras, devices for data acquisition, devices for data analysis and specialized software. Vision systems work well as sensors that control the production process itself as well as the sensors that control the product quality level. The LabVIEW program as well as the LabVIEW Vision and LabVIEW Builder represent the application that enables program the informatics system intended to process and product quality control. The paper presents elaborated application for positioning elements in a robotized workcell. Basing on geometric parameters of manipulated object or on the basis of previously developed graphical pattern it is possible to determine the position of particular manipulated elements. This application could work in an automatic mode and in real time cooperating with the robot control system. It allows making the workcell functioning more autonomous.

In the case of large-scale and mass production lines often the same model of an industrial robot is used in various places of the line and is intended to various task. However, the replacement of one industrial robot to another is a long lasting and arduous process. It requires stopping all the production line and sometimes even dismantling the whole workcell. Such situations are not frequent in production lines that are not flexible. They are related the most often with the failure on an industrial robot. However, during the designing of a flexible production line the ability to replace any robot, which is unrestricted, fast and trouble-free, greatly increase the flexibility level of such line. It could be realized by modular design of the proposed production line. In this way it could be possible to change any elements of such production system. But this approach needs to apply the specialized informatics system.

This paper presents the obtained design of several versions of the same production workcell. Each, succeeding version of the designed production workcell contains more and more modular elements. Thereby it would be presented the evolution of a workcell design beginning from the typical design and ending with the fully modular one. One of tools needed to realize this task is the elaboration of a base of modules and typical joint and mounting elements that could be utilised in the described designing process. It is also presented the guidance information about the designing and programming processes useful at each stage of analysed process.

Modem enterprises must face with the dynamically changing market demand what influences the designing process. It is possible by linking computer tools with information gathered by experienced designers teams. The article describes the method basing on engineering knowledge and experience to adding the process of tools selection and cutting parameters determination for a turning operation. The method, proposed by the authors, is based on the CBR (Case Based Reasoning) method. CBR is a method of problem solving that involves searching for an analogy (similarity) between the current task to be solved, and the earlier cases that properly described, are stored in a computer memory. This article presents an algorithm and a formalized description of the developed method. It was discussed the range of its utilization, as well as it was illustrated the method of its functioning on the example of the tools and cutting parameters selection with respect to the turning process.

This article presents a series of numerical analyses in order to identify the states of stress in elements, which arise during the operation of the mechanism. The object of the research was parallel robot, which is the basis for the prototype of a driving simulator. To conduct the dynamic analysis was used the Motion Simulation module and the RecurDyn solver. In this module were created the joints which occur in the mechanism of a parallel robot. Next dynamic analyzes were performed to determine the maximal forces that will applied to the analyzed elements. It was also analyzed the platform motion during the simulation a collision of a car with a wall. In the next step, basing on the results obtained in the dynamic analysis, were performed the strength analyzes in the Advanced Simulation module. For calculation the NX Nastran solver was used.

Optimization of the production process is an element of the design cycle consisting of: problem definition, modelling, simulation, optimization and implementation. Without the use of simulation techniques, the only thing which could be achieved is larger or smaller improvement of the process, not the optimization (i.e., the best result it is possible to get for the conditions under which the process works). Optimization is generally management actions that are ultimately bring savings in time, resources, and raw materials and improve the performance of a specific process. It does not matter whether it is a service or manufacturing process. Optimizing the savings generated by improving and increasing the efficiency of the processes. Optimization consists primarily of organizational activities that require very little investment, or rely solely on the changing organization of work. Modern companies operating in a market economy shows a significant increase in interest in modern methods of production management and services. This trend is due to the high competitiveness among companies that want to achieve success are forced to continually modify the ways to manage and flexible response to changing demand. Modern methods of production management, not only imply a stable position of the company in the sector, but also influence the improvement of health and safety within the company and contribute to the implementation of more efficient rules for standardization work in the company. This is why in the paper is presented the application of such developed environment like Siemens NX to create the virtual model of a production system and to simulate as well as optimize its work. The analyzed system is the robotized workcell consisting of: machine tools, industrial robots, conveyors, auxiliary equipment and buffers. In the program could be defined the control program realizing the main task in the virtual workcell. It is possible, using this tool, to optimize both the object trajectory and the cooperation process.

Process of workcell designing is limited by different constructional requirements. They are related to technological parameters of manufactured element, to specifications of purchased elements of a workcell and to technical characteristics of a workcell scene. This shows the complexity of the design-constructional process itself. The results of such approach are individually designed workcell suitable to the specific location and specific production cycle. Changing this parameters one must rebuild the whole configuration of a workcell. Taking into consideration this it is important to elaborate the base of typical elements of a robot kinematic chain that could be used as the tool for building Virtual modelling of kinematic chains of industrial robots requires several preparatory phase. Firstly, it is important to create a database element, which will be models of industrial robot arms. These models could be described as functional primitives that represent elements between components of the kinematic pairs and structural members of industrial robots. A database with following elements is created: the base kinematic pairs, the base robot structural elements, the base of the robot work scenes. The first of these databases includes kinematic pairs being the key component of the manipulator actuator modules. Accordingly, as mentioned previously, it includes the first stage rotary pair of fifth stage. This type of kinematic pairs was chosen due to the fact that it occurs most frequently in the structures of industrial robots. Second base consists of structural robot elements therefore it allows for the conversion of schematic structures of kinematic chains in the structural elements of the arm of industrial robots. It contains, inter alia, the structural elements such as base, stiff members - simple or angular units. They allow converting recorded schematic three-dimensional elements. Last database is a database of scenes. It includes elements of both simple and complex: simple models of technological equipment, conveyors models, models of the obstacles and like that. Using these elements it could be formed various production spaces (robotized workcells), in which it is possible to virtually track the operation of an industrial robot arm modelled in the system.

Recently the number of designed modular machine was increased. The term modular machine is used to denote different types of machinery, equipment and production lines, which are created using modular elements. Modular could be both mechanic elements, and drives, as well as control systems. This method of machine design is more and more popular because it allows obtaining flexible and relatively cheap solutions. So it is worth to develop the concept of modularity in next areas of application. The advantages of modular solutions are: simplification of the structure, standardization of components, and faster assembly process of the complete machine Additional advantages, which is particularly important for manufacturers, are shorter manufacturing times, longer production series and reduced manufacturing costs. Modular designing is also the challenge for designers and the need for a new approach to the design process, to the starting process and to the exploitation process. The purpose for many manufacturers is the standardization of the components used for creating the finished products. This purpose could be realized by the application of standard modules which could be combined together in different ways to create the desired particular construction as much as possible in accordance with the order. This solution is for the producer more favorable than the construction of a large machine whose configuration must be matched to each individual order. In the ideal case each module has its own control system and the full functionality of the modular machine is obtained due to the mutual cooperation of all modules. Such a solution also requires the modular components which create the modular machine are equipped with interfaces compatible one with another to facilitate their communication. The individual components of the machine could be designed, manufactured and used independently and production management task could be divided into subtasks. They could be also outsourced to an independent manufacturer. Standardization and run of the entire modular machine should be easier if standardized are individual modules. The advantages of modular design, in addition to those mentioned above, there are many more.

Location of components of a manufacturing cell is apparently an easy task but even during the constructing of a manufacturing cell, in which is planned a production of one, simple component it is necessary, among others, to check access to all required points. The robot in a manufacturing cell must handle both machine tools located in a manufacturing cell and parts store (input and output one). It handles also transport equipment and auxiliary stands. Sometimes, during the design phase, the changes of robot location are necessary due to the limitation of access to its required working positions. Often succeeding changes of a manufacturing cell configuration are realized. They occur at the stages of visualization and simulation of robot program functioning. In special cases, it is even necessary to replace the planned robot with a robot of greater range or of a different configuration type. This article presents and describes the parameters and components which should be taken into consideration during designing robotised manufacturing cells. The main idea bases on application of advanced engineering programs to adding the designing process. Using this approach it could be possible to present the designing process of an exemplar flexible manufacturing cell intended to manufacture two similar components. The proposed model of such designed manufacturing cell could be easily extended to the manufacturing cell model in which it is possible to produce components belonging the one technological group of chosen similarity level. In particular, during the design process, one should take into consideration components which limit the ability of robot foundation. It is also important to show the method of determining the best location of robot foundation. The presented design method could also support the designing process of other robotised manufacturing cells.

The complexity of the components, presented in robotized manufacturing workcells, causes that already at the design phase is necessary to develop models presenting various aspects of their structure and functioning. These models are simplified representation of real systems and allow to, among others, systematize knowledge about the designed manufacturing workcell. They also facilitate defining and analyzing the interrelationships between its particular components. This paper proposes the agent-based approach applied for designing robotized manufacturing cells.

Today's robotized manufacturing systems are characterized by high efficiency. The emphasis is placed mainly on the simultaneous work of machines. It could manifest in many ways, where the most spectacular one is the cooperation of several robots, during work on the same detail. What's more, recently a dual-arm robots are used that could mimic the manipulative skills of human hands. As a result, it is often hard to deal with the situation, when it is necessary not only to maintain sufficient precision, but also the coordination and proper sequence of movements of individual robots' arms. The successful completion of this task depends on the individual robot control systems and their respective programmed, but also on the well-functioning communication between robot controllers. A major problem in case of cooperating robots is the possibility of collision between particular links of robots' kinematic chains. This is not a simple case, because the manufacturers of robotic systems do not disclose the details of the control algorithms, then it is hard to determine such situation. Another problem with cooperation of robots is how to inform the other units about start or completion of part of the task, so that other robots can take further actions. This paper focuses on communication between cooperating robotic units, assuming that every robot is represented by object-based model. This problem requires developing a form of communication protocol that the objects can use for collecting the information about its environment. The approach presented in the paper is not limited to the robots and could be used in a wider range, for example during modelling of the complete workcell or production line.

The contemporary industry requires that every element of a production line will fit into the global schema, which is connected with the global structure of business. There is the need to find the practical and effective ways of the design and management of the production process. The term "effective" should be understood in a manner that there exists a method, which allows building a system of nodes and relations in order to describe the role of the particular machine in the production process. Among all the machines involved in the manufacturing process, industrial robots are the most complex ones. This complexity is reflected in the realization of elaborated tasks, involving handling, transporting or orienting the objects in a work space, and even performing simple machining processes, such as deburring, grinding, painting, applying adhesives and sealants etc. The robot also performs some activities connected with automatic tool changing and operating the equipment mounted on the wrist of the robot. Because of having the programmable control system, the robot also performs additional activities connected with sensors, vision systems, operating the storages of manipulated objects, tools or grippers, measuring stands, etc. For this reason the description of the robot as a part of production system should take into account the specific nature of this machine: the robot is a substitute of a worker, who performs his tasks in a particular environment. In this case, the model should be able to characterize the essence of "employment" in the sufficient way. One of the possible approaches to this problem is to treat the robot as an object, in the sense often used in computer science. This allows both: to describe certain operations performed on the object, as well as describing the operations performed by the object. This paper focuses mainly on the definition of the object as the model of the robot. This model is confronted with the other possible descriptions. The results can be further used during designing of the complete manufacturing system, which takes into account all the involved machines and has the form of an object-oriented model.

Between the most effective techniques of manufacturing management is considered the Lean Engineering. The term "lean engineering" was created by Japanese manufacturers. The high efficiency of this method resulted in a meaningful growth in concern in the philosophy of Lean among European companies, and consequently the use of its European markets. Lean philosophy is an approach to manufacturing to minimize the use of all resources, including time. These are resources that are used in the company for a variety of activities. This implies, first identify and then eliminate activities which does not generate added value in the field of design, manufacturing, supply chain management, and customer relations. The producers of these principles not only employ teams multi-professional employees at all levels of the organization, but also use a more automated machines to produce large quantities of products with a high degree of diversity. Lean Engineering is to use a number of principles and practical guidelines that allow you to reduce costs by eliminating absolute extravagance, and also simplification of all manufacturing processes and maintenance. Nowadays it could be applied the powerful engineering programs to realize the concept of Lean Engineering. They could be described using the term CAD/CAM/CAE. They consist of completely different packages for both the design of elements, as well process design. Their common feature is generally considered with their application area. They are used for computer programs assisting the design, development and manufacturing phases of a manufacturing process. The idea of the presented work is to use the Siemens NX software for aiding the process of Lean Engineering system creating. The investigated system is a robotized workcell. In the NX system are created the components of the designed workcell such as machine tools, as industrial robot, as conveyors and buffers. The system let to functionally link these components to simulate the work process and to introduce the rules of Lean Engineering. The purpose is also to determine the rules of Lean designing in such advanced design and simulation environments.

In this paper, changes in sequences pattern describing damage-sensitive features of an object which undergoes a failure mode are recognized using an immune algorithm. A frequency response change is an effect for various failure modes occurrence. The objective of this paper is to present immune algorithm for pattern recognition which can discover dependencies between failure mode and effect - frequency response change. Changes in the effect are described with noise due to the fact that the object operates in external conditions. In the immune algorithm antibodies encode various changes in the effect after a given mode occurrence by a number of time. A pathogen encodes a noisy effect of the mode occurrence. Antibodies belonging to a given neighbourhood represent effects after a given type of failure mode occurrence. Antibodies from the neighbourhood undergo clonal selection and affinity maturation process. With the best matched antibody the type of failure mode is achieved.

Prediction of mechanical contact performance based on elastic models is not accurate in case of viscoelastic materials; however, a closed-form description of the viscoelastic contact has yet to be found. This paper aims to advance a semi-analytical method for computation of displacement induced in viscoelastic materials by arbitrary surface tractions, as a prerequisite to a semi-analytical solution for the viscoelastic contact problem. The newly advanced model is expected to provide greater generality, allowing for arbitrary contact geometry and / or arbitrary loading history. While time-independent equations in the purely elastic model can be treated numerically by imposing a spatial discretization only, a viscoelastic constitutive law requires supplementary temporal discretization capable of simulating the memory effect specific to viscoelastic materials. By deriving new influence coefficients, computation of displacement induced in a viscoelastic material by a known but otherwise arbitrary history of surface tractions can be achieved via superposition authorized by the Boltzmann superposition theory applicable in the frame of linear viscoelasticity.

After products are on the market for some time, they often need to be redesigned to meet new market requirements. New products are generally derived from similar but outdated products. Redesigning a product is an important part of the production and development process. The purpose of this paper is to show that using modern technology, like Digital Prototyping in industry is an effective way to produce new products. This paper tries to demonstrate and highlight the effectiveness of the concept of Digital Prototyping, both to reduce the design time of a new product, but also the costs required for implementing this step. The results of this paper show that using Digital Prototyping techniques in designing a new product from an existing one available on the market mould offers a significantly manufacturing time and cost reduction. The ability to simulate and test a new product with modern CAD-CAM programs in all aspects of production (designing of the 3D model, simulation of the structural resistance, analysis of the injection process and beautification) offers a helpful tool for engineers. The whole process can be realised by one skilled engineer very fast and effective.

At this time, learning takes place, either with classic books on paper support or using books scanned or drawn and further converted into PDF or PPT files that are printed on type support CD / DVD. The latter modern means of learning, the study adds live on the Internet using search engines and not least e-learning method, which allows the study of bibliographic related materials in PDF or PPT, stacked and grouped on the basis of a curriculum imposed which can be accessed on a website via a user name and password. Innovative methods come to successfully use other file types than those mentioned above. The graphics in teaching technical subjects such as descriptive geometry can be achieved using animated PowerPoint files, allowing for visualization of steps to be taken, in the case of solving by drawing a descriptive geometry. Another innovative method relies on the use of HTML files, inspired by related sites help design software packages that can be used when teaching descriptive geometry that the technical design. Through this work, the author has proposed to present a new innovative method, which is inspired by the methods listed above, but involves using AVI files to teaching of computer-assisted type graphics or info graphics. In general this new author's method lends itself particularly well to the teaching of the use of software packages because the student actually see the place from where the delivered command is accessed and contextual options of right button of the mouse. These laboratory courses or mentoring can be freestanding cards support CD / DVD or can be posted on websites with restricted access based on user name and password. Practically paper presents the methodology of creating courses and tutorials in AVI format, and how to monitor the degree of accessing the website, on which there were posted mentioned teaching materials, using the tools offered by Google Analytics. The results consist of graphical work, about the degree of access to educational materials, made on the basis of various criteria, such as the: time of access, access location, age of those who accessed, chapters accessed, etc. Finally the author presents his findings on the benefits of this method.

Today's global competitive trends, especially those related to industries, determine a much higher degree of pressure and demands for substantial innovation driven improvements, flexible and time sensitive solutions. Improving and optimizing the design activity by shortening its timeline and maintaining a high quality level for its output have become the main success factors. The evolution of design activity is strongly related to the evolution of education and research made in the design field. Thus, the development of web tools which can contain knowledge about mechanical products functionality and structure may be an important achievement for the education and industry. This paper presents a web platform which contains functional-constructive knowledge in the area of mechanical design field and was developed to support design activity. The proposed web tool can provide any user, even one without background in design theory, information about the functionality of products and the way it is related to the product structure.

Creating realist objects in a 3D scene is not an easy work. We have to be very careful to make the creation very detailed. If we don't know how to make these photo-realistic works, by using the techniques and a good reference photo we can create an amazing amount of detail and realism. For example, in this article there are some of these detailed methods from which we can learn the techniques necessary to make beautiful and realistic objects in a scene. More precisely, in this paper, we present how to create a 3D animated scene, mainly using the Pen Tool and Blending Options. Indeed, this work is based on teaching some simple ways of using the Layer Styles to create some great shadows, lights, textures and a realistic sense of 3 Dimension. The present work involves also showing how some interesting ways of using the illuminating and rendering options can create a realistic effect in a scene. Moreover, this article shows how to create photo realistic 3D models from a digital image. The present work proposes to present how to use Illustrator paths, texturing, basic lighting and rendering, how to apply textures and how to parent the building and objects components. We also propose to use this proposition to recreate smaller details or 3D objects from a 2D image. After a critic art stage, we are able now to present in this paper the architecture of a design method that proposes to create an animation. The aim is to create a conceptual and methodological tutorial to address this issue both scientifically and in practice. This objective also includes proposing, on strong scientific basis, a model that gives the possibility of a better understanding of the techniques necessary to create a realistic animation.

In present, with the help of computer, we can create special effects that look so real that we almost don't perceive them as being different. These special effects are somehow hard to differentiate from the real elements like those on the screen. With the increasingly accesible 3D field that has more and more areas of application, the 3D technology goes easily from architecture to product designing. Real like 3D animations are used as means of learning, for multimedia presentations of big global corporations, for special effects and even for virtual actors in movies. Technology, as part of the movie art, is considered a prerequisite but the cinematography is the first art that had to wait for the correct intersection of technological development, innovation and human vision in order to attain full achievement. Increasingly more often, the majority of industries is using 3D sequences (three dimensional). 3D represented graphics, commercials and special effects from movies are all designed in 3D. The key for attaining real visual effects is to successfully combine various distinct elements: characters, objects, images and video scenes; like all these elements represent a whole that works in perfect harmony. This article aims to exhibit a game design from these days. Considering the advanced technology and futuristic vision of designers, nowadays we have different and multifarious game models. Special effects are decisively contributing in the creation of a realistic three-dimensional scene. These effects are essential for transmitting the emotional state of the scene. Creating the special effects is a work of finesse in order to achieve high quality scenes. Special effects can be used to get the attention of the onlooker on an object from a scene. Out of the conducted study, the best-selling game of the year 2010 was Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. This way, the article aims for the presented scene to be similar with many locations from this type of games, more precisely, a place from the Middle East, a very popular subject among game developers.

Nowadays the design constructional process is almost exclusively aided with CAD/CAE/CAM systems. It is evaluated that nearly 80% of design activities have a routine nature. These design routine tasks are highly susceptible to automation. Design automation is usually made with API tools which allow building original software responsible for adding different engineering activities. In this paper the original software worked out in order to automate engineering tasks at the stage of a product geometrical shape design is presented. The elaborated software works exclusively in NX Siemens CAD/CAM/CAE environment and was prepared in Microsoft Visual Studio with application of the .NET technology and NX SNAP library. The software functionality allows designing and modelling of spur and helicoidal involute gears. Moreover, it is possible to estimate relative manufacturing costs. With the Generator module it is possible to design and model both standard and non-standard gear wheels. The main advantage of the model generated in such a way is its better representation of an involute curve in comparison to those which are drawn in specialized standard CAD systems tools. It comes from fact that usually in CAD systems an involute curve is drawn by 3 points that respond to points located on the addendum circle, the reference diameter of a gear and the base circle respectively. In the Generator module the involute curve is drawn by 11 involute points which are located on and upper the base and the addendum circles therefore 3D gear wheels models are highly accurate. Application of the Generator module makes the modelling process very rapid so that the gear wheel modelling time is reduced to several seconds. During the conducted research the analysis of differences between standard 3 points and 11 points involutes was made. The results and conclusions drawn upon analysis are shown in details.

The design-constructional process is a creation activity which strives to fulfil, as well as it possible at the certain moment of time, all demands and needs formulated by a user taking into account social, technical and technological advances. Engineer knowledge and skills and their inborn abilities have the greatest influence on the final product quality and cost. They have also deciding influence on product technical and economic value. Taking into account above it seems to be advisable to make software tools that support an engineer in the process of manufacturing cost estimation. The Cost module is built with analytical procedures which are used for relative manufacturing cost estimation. As in the case of the Generator module the Cost module was written in object programming language C# in Visual Studio environment. During the research the following eight factors, that have the greatest influence on overall manufacturing cost, were distinguished and defined: (i) a gear wheel teeth type it is straight or helicoidal, (ii) a gear wheel design shape A, B with or without wheel hub, (iii) a gear tooth module, (iv) teeth number, (v) gear rim width, (vi) gear wheel material, (vii) heat treatment or thermochemical treatment, (viii) accuracy class. Knowledge of parameters (i) to (v) is indispensable for proper modelling of 3D gear wheels models in CAD system environment. These parameters are also processed in the Cost module. The last three parameters it is (vi) to (viii) are exclusively used in the Cost module. The estimation of manufacturing relative cost is based on indexes calculated for each particular parameter. Estimated in this way the manufacturing relative cost gives an overview of design parameters influence on the final gear wheel manufacturing cost. This relative manufacturing cost takes values from 0.00 to 1,00 range. The bigger index value the higher relative manufacturing cost is. Verification whether the proposed algorithm of relative manufacturing costs estimation has been designed properly was made by comparison of the achieved from the algorithm results with those obtained from industry. This verification has indicated that in most cases both group of results are similar. Taking into account above it is possible to draw a conclusion that the Cost module might play significant role in design constructional process by adding an engineer at the selection stage of alternative gear wheels design. It should be remembered that real manufacturing cost can differ significantly according to available in a factory manufacturing techniques and stock of machine tools.

The article shows the practical use of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) on the example of a mechanized mining support. Firstly it gives a short description of this method and shows how the designing process, from the constructor point of view, looks like. The proposed method allows optimizing construction parameters and comparing them as well as adapting to customer requirements. QFD helps to determine the full set of crucial construction parameters and then their importance and difficulty of their execution. Secondly it shows chosen technical system and presents its construction with figures of the existing and future optimized model. The construction parameters were selected from the designer point of view. The method helps to specify a complete set of construction parameters, from the point of view, of the designed technical system and customer requirements. The QFD matrix can be adjusted depending on designing needs and not every part of it has to be considered. Designers can choose which parts are the most important. Due to this QFD can be a very flexible tool. The most important is to define relationships occurring between parameters and that part cannot be eliminated from the analysis.

It is widely accepted that design features are one of the most attractive integration method of most fields of engineering activities such as a design modelling, process planning or production scheduling. One of the most important tasks which are realized in the integration process of design and planning functions is a design translation meant as design data mapping into data which are important from process planning needs point of view, it is manufacturing data. A design geometrical shape translation process can be realized with application one of the following strategies: (i) designing with previously prepared design features library also known as DBF method it is design by feature, (ii) interactive design features recognition IFR, (iii) automatic design features recognition AFR. In case of the DBF method design geometrical shape is created with design features. There are two basic approaches for design modelling in DBF method it is classic in which a part design is modelled from beginning to end with application design features previously stored in a design features data base and hybrid where part is partially created with standard predefined CAD system tools and the rest with suitable design features. Automatic feature recognition consist in an autonomic searching of a product model represented with a specific design representation method in order to find those model features which might be potentially recognized as design features, manufacturing features, etc. This approach needs the searching algorithm to be prepared. The searching algorithm should allow carrying on the whole recognition process without a user supervision. Currently there are lots of AFR methods. These methods need the product model to be represented with B-Rep representation most often, CSG rarely, wireframe very rarely. In the IFR method potential features are being recognized by a user. This process is most often realized by a user who points out those surfaces which seem to belong to a currently identified feature. In the IFR method system designer defines a set of features and sets a collection of recognition process parameters. It allows to unambiguously identifying individual features in automatic or semiautomatic way directly in CAD system or in an external application to which the part model might be transferred. Additionally a user is able to define non-geometrical information such as: overall dimensions, surface roughness etc. In this paper a survey on methods of features identification and recognition is presented especially in context of AFR methods.

In many technical disciplines modem data analysis techniques has been successfully applied to understand the complexity of the system. The growing volume of theoretical knowledge about systems dynamic's offered researchers the opportunity to look for non-linear dynamics in data whose evolution linear models are unable to explain in a satisfactory manner. One approach in this respect is Recurrence Analysis - RA which is a graphical method designed to locate hidden recurring patterns, nonstationarity and structural changes. RA approach arose in natural sciences like physics and biology but quickly was adopted in economics and engineering. Meanwhile. The fast development of computer resources has provided powerful tools to perform this new and complex model. One free software which was used to perform our analysis is Visual Recurrence Analysis - VRA developed by Eugene Kononov. As is presented in this paper, the recurrence plot investigation for the analyzing of the internal combustion engine shows some of the RPA capabilities in this domain. We chose two specific engine parameters measured in two different tests to perform the RPA. These parameters are injection impulse width and engine angular speed and the tests are I11n and I51n. There were computed graphs for each of them. Graphs were analyzed and compared to obtain a conclusion. This work is an incipient research, being one of the first attempts of using recurrence plot for analyzing automotive dynamics. It opens a wide field of action for future research programs.

This paper is intended to show that Petri nets can be also applicable in the chemical industry. It used linear programming, modeling underlying Petri nets, especially discrete event systems for isotopic separation, the purpose of considering and control events in real-time through graphical representations. In this paper it is simulate the control of ¹³C Isotope Separation column using Petri nets. The major problem with ¹³C comes from the difficulty of obtaining it and raising its natural fraction. Carbon isotopes can be obtained using many methods, one of them being the cryogenic distillation of carbon monoxide. Some few aspects regarding operating conditions and the construction of such cryogenic plants are known today, and even less information are available as far as the separation process modeling and control are concerned. In fact, the efficient control of the carbon monoxide distillation process represents a necessity for large-scale ¹³C production. Referring to a classic distillation process, some models for carbon isotope separation have been proposed, some based on mass, component and energy balance equations, some on the nonlinear wave theory or the Cohen equations. For modeling the system it was used Petri nets because in this case it is deal with discrete event systems. In use of the non-timed and with auxiliary times Petri model, the transport stream was divided into sections and these sections will be analyzed successively. Because of the complexity of the system and the large amount of calculations required it was not possible to analyze the system as a unitary whole. A first attempt to model the system as a unitary whole led to the blocking of the model during simulation, because of the large processing times.

Currently in CAD/CAE/CAM systems it is possible to create 3D design virtual models which are able to capture certain amount of knowledge. These models are especially useful in an automation of routine design tasks. These models are known as self-generative or auto generative and they can behave in an intelligent way. The main difference between the auto generative and fully parametric models consists in the auto generative models ability to self-organizing. In this case design model self-organizing means that aside from the possibility of making of automatic changes of model quantitative features these models possess knowledge how these changes should be made. Moreover they are able to change quality features according to specific knowledge. In spite of undoubted good points of self-generative models they are not so often used in design constructional process which is mainly caused by usually great complexity of these models. This complexity makes the process of self-generative time and labour consuming. It also needs a quite great investment outlays. The creation process of self-generative model consists of the three stages it is knowledge and information acquisition, model type selection and model implementation. In this paper methods of the computer aided design with self-generative models in NX Siemens CAD/CAE/CAM software are presented. There are the five methods of self-generative models preparation in NX with: parametric relations model, part families, GRIP language application, knowledge fusion and OPEN API mechanism. In the paper examples of each type of the self-generative model are presented. These methods make the constructional design process much faster. It is suggested to prepare this kind of self-generative models when there is a need of design variants creation. The conducted research on assessing the usefulness of elaborated models showed that they are highly recommended in case of routine tasks automation. But it is still difficult to distinguish which method of self-generative preparation is most preferred. It always depends on a problem complexity. The easiest way for such a model preparation is this with the parametric relations model whilst the hardest one is this with the OPEN API mechanism. From knowledge processing point of view the best choice is application of the knowledge fusion.

Various engineering calculi use integral calculus in theoretical models, i.e. analytical and numerical models. For usual problems, integrals have mathematical exact solutions. If the domain of integration is complicated, there may be used several methods to calculate the integral. The first idea is to divide the domain in smaller sub-domains for which there are direct calculus relations, i.e. in strength of materials the bending moment may be computed in some discrete points using the graphical integration of the shear force diagram, which usually has a simple shape. Another example is in mathematics, where the surface of a subgraph may be approximated by a set of rectangles or trapezoids used to calculate the definite integral. The goal of the work is to introduce our studies about the calculus of the integrals in the transverse section domains, computer aided solutions and a generalizing method. The aim of our research is to create general computer based methods to execute the calculi in structural studies. Thus, we define a Boolean algebra which operates with 'simple' shape domains. This algebraic standpoint uses addition and subtraction, conditioned by the sign of every 'simple' shape (-1 for the shapes to be subtracted). By 'simple' shape or 'basic' shape we define either shapes for which there are direct calculus relations, or domains for which their frontiers are approximated by known functions and the according calculus is carried out using an algorithm. The 'basic' shapes are linked to the calculus of the most significant stresses in the section, refined aspect which needs special attention. Starting from this idea, in the libraries of 'basic' shapes, there were included rectangles, ellipses and domains whose frontiers are approximated by spline functions. The domain triangularization methods suggested that another 'basic' shape to be considered is the triangle. The subsequent phase was to deduce the exact relations for the calculus of the integrals associated to the transverse section problems. Thus we use a virtual rectangle which is framing the triangle, being generated supplementary right angled triangles. The sign of rectangle and the signs of the supplementary triangles are conditioned by the sign of the initial triangle. In this way, a generally located triangle for which we have direct calculus relations may be used to generate the discretization of any domain in transverse section associated integrals. A significant consequence of the paper is the opportunity to create modern computer aided engineering applications for structural studies, which use: intelligent applied mathematics background, modern informatics technologies and advanced computing techniques, such as calculus parallelization.

Computer aided engineering is based on models of the phenomena which are expressed as algorithms. The implementations of the algorithms are usually software applications which are processing a large volume of numerical data, regardless the size of the input data. In this way, the finite element method applications used to have an input data generator which was creating the entire volume of geometrical data, starting from the initial geometrical information and the parameters stored in the input data file. Moreover, there were several data processing stages, such as: renumbering of the nodes meant to minimize the size of the band length of the system of equations to be solved, computation of the equivalent nodal forces, computation of the element stiffness matrix, assemblation of system of equations, solving the system of equations, computation of the secondary variables. The modern software application use pre-processing and post-processing programs to easily handle the information. Beside this example, CAE applications use various stages of complex computation, being very interesting the accuracy of the final results. Along time, the development of CAE applications was a constant concern of the authors and the accuracy of the results was a very important target. The paper presents the various computing techniques which were imagined and implemented in the resulting applications: finite element method programs, finite difference element method programs, applied general numerical methods applications, data generators, graphical applications, experimental data reduction programs. In this context, the use of the extended precision data types was one of the solutions, the limitations being imposed by the size of the memory which may be allocated. To avoid the memory-related problems the data was stored in files. To minimize the execution time, part of the file was accessed using the dynamic memory allocation facilities. One of the most important consequences of the paper is the design of a library which includes the optimized solutions previously tested, that may be used for the easily development of original CAE cross-platform applications. Last but not least, beside the generality of the data type solutions, there is targeted the development of a software library which may be used for the easily development of node-based CAE applications, each node having several known or unknown parameters, the system of equations being automatically generated and solved.

The paper presents the most important aspects of innovation in Engineering Education using Computer Assisted Learning. The authors propose to increase the quality of Engineering Education programs of study at European standards. The use of computer assisted learning methodologies in all studies is becoming an important resource in Higher Education. We intend to improve the concept of e-Learning using virtual terminals, online support and assisting special training through live seminars and interactive labs to develop a virtual university model. We intend to encourage computer assisted learning and innovation as sources of competitive advantage, to permit vision and learning analysis, identifies new sources of technology and ideas. Our work is based on our university datasets collected during last fifteen years using several e-Learning systems. In Constanta Maritime University (CMU), using eLearning and Knowledge Management Services (KMS) is very important and we apply it effectively to achieve strategic objectives, such as collaboration, sharing and good practice. We have experience in this field since 2000 year using Moodle as KMS in our university. The term KMS can be associated to Open Source Software, Open Standards, Open Protocols and Open Knowledge licenses, initiatives and policies. In CMU Virtual Campus we have today over 12500 active users. Another experience of the authors is the implementation of MariTrainer Wiki educational platform based on Dokeos and DekiWiki under MARICOMP and MEP Leonardo da Vinci Project. We'll also present in this paper a case study under EU funded project POSDRU, where the authors implemented other educational platform in Technological High Schools from Romania used over 1000 teachers. Based on large datasets the study tries to improve the concept of e-Learning teaching using the revolutionary technologies. The new concept present in this paper is that the teaching and learning will be interactive and live. The new and modern techniques are the flexible learning courses, the production of learning demonstrators and testing. All the information from the virtual educational platform remain open space, communication between participants and continued after graduation, so we can talk about creating and maintaining a community of graduates, a partnership with them. Every European University must have a department which aims to provide computer assisted learning using knowledge creation through learning, capture and explication, sharing and collaborative communication, access, use and reuse and knowledge archiving.

Implementing the 5S (seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke) method is carried out through a significant study whose purpose to analyse and deployment the management performance in order to emphasize the problems and working mistakes, reducing waste (stationary and waiting times), flow transparency, storage areas by properly marking and labelling, establishing standards work (everyone knows exactly where are the necessary things), safety and ergonomic working places (the health of all employees). The study describes the impact of the 5S lean method implemented to storing, cleaning, developing and sustaining a production working place from an industrial company. In order to check and sustain the 5S process, it is needed to use an internal audit, called "5S audit". Implementing the 5S methodology requires organization and safety of the working process, properly marking and labelling of the working place, and audits to establish the work in progress and to maintain the improved activities.

In Romania, the large majorities of the manufacturing companies consume natural resources and energy in an unsustainable manner. Over the years, the emissions of greenhouse gases have led not only to many environmental problems but also to important social and economic problems. A real solution to help the Romanian manufacturing companies to adapt to the new legislative requirements is the green manufacturing implementation. Considering the current situation, the purpose of this paper is to present a model that will integrate the green manufacturing concept at the organizational level based on the practices identified in the Romanian manufacturing companies at the operational level in the context of sustainable development.

Transport activities are known to have a substantial negative environmental impact especially when referring to the urban transport. Studies have shown that external costs (as accidents, congestion, air emissions, climate change or noise) are an important subject of the European Union, that is why were carried out several research projects. This paper will highlight the current requirements and methodologies used by the European Union regarding the impact of the external costs of urban transport in most of the growth poles of Europe. Taking into consideration that Constanta is considered to be one of the seven major growth poles of Romania for the 2014-2020 period, this study aims at analyzing how the results of similar studies made in others centers of the European Union can be applied in Constanta, showing different methodologies and evaluations regarding the external costs and their impact. We will analyze how the conclusions obtained in previous projects are applicable to data collected by us throughout a field research on the technical description of the means of transport used it this city. As methodology, we will use one that was adopted by the European Union regarding the estimation of urban external costs, taking into consideration that each externality has a different method for estimating it. The results of this study may be useful in developing the sustainable urban mobility plan for Constanta, as a strategic plan design to reduce the impact of urban transport for a better quality of life at present and in the future. Through this paper we will get an insight into the urban transport in Constanta, but also data on external costs generated by the urban transport, given that road transport is considered to be the most polluting transport mode.

In the paper, the authors focus on the NP-hard problem of orders sequencing, formulated similarly to Car Sequencing Problem (CSP). The object of the research is the assembly line in an automotive industry company, on which few different models of products, each in a certain number of versions, are assembled on the shared resources, set in a line. Such production type is usually determined as a mixed-model production, and arose from the necessity of manufacturing customized products on the basis of very specific orders from single clients. The producers are nowadays obliged to provide each client the possibility to determine a huge amount of the features of the product they are willing to buy, as the competition in the automotive market is large. Due to the previously mentioned nature of the problem (NP-hard), in the given time period only satisfactory solutions are sought, as the optimal solution method has not yet been found. Most of the researchers that implemented inaccurate methods (e.g. evolutionary algorithms) to solving sequencing problems dropped the research after testing phase, as they were not able to obtain reproducible results, and met problems while determining the quality of the received solutions. Therefore a new approach to solving the problem, presented in this paper as a sequencing system is being developed. The sequencing system consists of a set of determined rules, implemented into computer environment. The system itself works in two stages. First of them is connected with the determination of a place in the storage buffer to which certain production orders should be sent. In the second stage of functioning, precise sets of sequences are determined and evaluated for certain parts of the storage buffer under certain criteria.

Purpose of the work: The total cost of a sewage plants is often determined by the present value method. All of the annual operating costs for each process are converted to the value of today's correspondence and added to the costs of investment for each process, which leads to getting the current net value. The operating costs of the sewage plants are subdivided, in general, in the premises of the investment and operating costs. The latter can be stable (normal operation and maintenance, the establishment of power) or variables (chemical and power sludge treatment and disposal, of effluent charges). For the purpose of evaluating the preliminary costs so that an installation can choose between different alternatives in an incipient phase of a project, can be used cost functions. In this paper will be calculated the operational cost to make several scenarios in order to optimize its. Total operational cost (fixed and variable) is dependent global parameters of wastewater treatment plant. Research and methodology: The wastewater treatment plant costs are subdivided in investment and operating costs. We can use different cost functions to estimate fixed and variable operating costs. In this study we have used the statistical formulas for cost functions. The method which was applied to study the impact of the influent characteristics on the costs is economic analysis. Optimization of plant design consist in firstly, to assess the ability of the smallest design to treat the maximum loading rates to a given effluent quality and, secondly, to compare the cost of the two alternatives for average and maximum loading rates. Results: In this paper we obtained the statistical values for the investment cost functions, operational fixed costs and operational variable costs for wastewater treatment plant and its graphical representations. All costs were compared to the net values. Finally we observe that it is more economical to build a larger plant, especially if maximum loading rates are reached. The actual target of operational management is to directly implement the presented cost functions in a software tool, in which the design of a plant and the simulation of its behaviour are evaluated simultaneously.

In this paper an approach to planning of additional resources when scheduling operations are discussed. The considered resources are assumed to be discrete and renewable. In most research in scheduling domain, the basic and often the only type of regarded resources is a workstation. It can be understood as a machine, a device or even as a separated space on the shop floor. In many cases, during the detailed scheduling of operations the need of using more than one resource, required for its implementation, can be indicated. Resource requirements for an operation may relate to different resources or resources of the same type. Additional resources are most often referred to these human resources, tools or equipment, for which the limited availability in the manufacturing system may have an influence on the execution dates of some operations. In the paper the concept of the division into basic and additional resources and their planning method was shown. A situation in which sets of basic and additional resources are not separable - the same additional resource may be a basic resource for another operation is also considered. Scheduling of operations, including greater amount of resources can cause many difficulties, depending on whether the resource is involved in the entire time of operation, only in the selected part(s) of operation (e.g. as auxiliary staff at setup time) or cyclic - e.g. when an operator supports more than one machine, or supervises the execution of several operations. For this reason the dates and work times of resources participation in the operation can be different. Presented issues are crucial when modelling of production scheduling environment and designing of structures for the purpose of scheduling software development.

A method for production planning in a repetitive manufacturing system which allows for estimating the possibility of processing work orders in due time is presented. The difference between two approaches are presented; the first one one-piece flow elaborated in Toyota and the second one elaborated by authors that consists in defining sufficient conditions to filter all solutions and providing a set of admissible solutions for both the client and the producer. In the paper attention is focused on the buffer allocation. Illustrative examples are presented.

The deficiency of a coherent flow of information from a production department causes unplanned downtime and failures of machines and their equipment, which in turn results in production planning process based on incorrect and out-of-date information. All of these factors entail, as the consequence, the additional difficulties associated with the process of decision-making. They concern, among other, the coordination of components of a distributed system and providing the access to the required information, thereby generating unnecessary costs. The use of agent technology significantly speeds up the flow of information within the virtual enterprise. This paper includes the proposal of a multi-agent approach for the integration of processes within the virtual enterprise concept. The presented concept was elaborated to investigate the possible solutions of the ways of transmission of information in the production system taking into account the self-organization of constituent components. Thus it implicated the linking of the concept of multi-agent system with the system of managing the production information, based on the idea of e-manufacturing. The paper presents resulting scheme that should be the base for elaborating an informatics model of the target virtual system. The computer system itself is intended to be developed next.

SWZ (System of order verification) is a computer implementation of the methodology that support fast decision making on the acceptability of a production order, which allows to determine not the best possible solution, but admissible solution that is possible to find in an acceptable time (feasible solution) and acceptable due to the existing constraints. The methodology uses the propagation of constraints techniques and reduced to test a sequence of arbitrarily selected conditions. Fulfilment of all the conditions (the conjunction) provides the ability to perform production orders. In the paper examples of the application of SWZ system comprising the steps of planning and control is presented. The obtained results allowing the determination of acceptable production flow in the system - determination of the manufacturing system parameters those that ensure execution of orders in time under the resource constraints. SWZ also allows to generate the dispatching rules as a sequence of processing operations for each production resource, performed periodically during the production flow in the system. Furthermore the example of SWZ and simulation system integration is shown. SWZ has been enhanced with a module generating files containing the script code of the system model using the internal language of simulation and visualization system.

The workload is the most important indicator for managers responsible of industrial technological processes no matter if these are automated, mechanized or simply manual in each case, machines or workers will be in the focus of workload measurements. The paper deals with workload analyses made to a most part manual assembling technology for roller bearings assembling process, executed in a big company, with integrated bearings manufacturing processes. In this analyses the delay sample technique have been used to identify and divide all bearing assemblers activities, to get information about time parts from 480 minutes day work time that workers allow to each activity. The developed study shows some ways to increase the process productivity without supplementary investments and also indicated the process automation could be the solution to gain maximum productivity.

There are two distinct orientations of the environmental management that companies may adopt: the model of compliance and the strategic model. The strategic model treats environmental expenses as investments that will lead to competitive advantage for the company. Nevertheless, there are few scientific works that prove the relation between corporate environmental investments and competitive advantage. Thereby, in order to bring clarifications about the profound implications of environmental investments, in the first stage of our research we have proposed the hypothesis that the environmental investments would probably lead to competitive advantage by creating capabilities that are mediators of this relation. In the second stage we have tested this hypothesis, using the research method of survey. A questionnaire was sent to managers in textile Romanian industry, and 109 answers were received. The data was analysed using the linear multiple regression method and the results confirm our hypothesis.

Poka Yoke is a method of quality management which is related to prevent faults from arising during production processes. It deals with "fail-sating" or "mistake-proofing". The Poka-yoke concept was generated and developed by Shigeo Shingo for the Toyota Production System. Poka Yoke is used in many fields, especially in monitoring production processes. In many cases, identifying faults in a production process involves a higher cost than necessary cost of disposal. Usually, poke yoke solutions are based on multiple sensors that identify some nonconformities. This means the presence of different equipment (mechanical, electronic) on production line. As a consequence, coupled with the fact that the method itself is an invasive, affecting the production process, would increase its price diagnostics. The bulky machines are the means by which a Poka Yoke system can be implemented become more sophisticated. In this paper we propose a solution for the Poka Yoke system based on image analysis and identification of faults. The solution consists of a module for image acquisition, mid-level processing and an object recognition module using associative memory (Hopfield network type). All are integrated into an embedded system with AD (Analog to Digital) converter and Zync 7000 (22 nm technology).

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is one of the most popular reliability analysis tools for identifying, assessing and eliminating potential failure modes in a wide range of industries. In general, failure modes in FMEA are evaluated and ranked through the risk priority number (RPN), which is obtained by the multiplication of crisp values of the risk factors, such as the occurrence (O), severity (S), and detection (D) of each failure mode. However, the crisp RPN method has been criticized to have several deficiencies. In this paper, linguistic variables, expressed in Gaussian, trapezoidal or triangular fuzzy numbers, are used to assess the ratings and weights for the risk factors S, O and D. A new risk assessment system based on the fuzzy set theory and fuzzy rule base theory is to be applied to assess and rank risks associated to failure modes that could appear in the functioning of Turn 55 Lathe CNC. Two case studies have been shown to demonstrate the methodology thus developed. It is illustrated a parallel between the results obtained by the traditional method and fuzzy logic for determining the RPNs. The results show that the proposed approach can reduce duplicated RPN numbers and get a more accurate, reasonable risk assessment. As a result, the stability of product and process can be assured.

The paper presents the rescheduling problem in the context of cooperation between production scheduling system (PSS) and other units in an integrated manufacturing environment - decision makers and software systems. The main aim is to discuss the PSS functionality for maximizing automation of the rescheduling process, reducing the response time and improving the quality of generated solutions. PSSs operate in the meeting of tactical and operational level of planning and control, and play an important role in the production preparation and control. On the basis of information about orders, technology and production system state (e.g. resources availability) they prepare and/or update a detailed plan of production flow - a schedule. All necessary data for scheduling and rescheduling are usually collected in other systems both from organizational and technical production preparation, e.g. ERP, PLM, MES, CAPP or others, as well as they are entered directly by the decision- makers/operators. Data acquired in this way are often incomplete and inconsistent. Therefore the existing rescheduling software works according to interactive method - rather support but does not replace the human decision maker in tasks planning. When rescheduling, due to the limited amount of time to make a decision this interaction is particularly important. An additional problem arises in data acquisition, in the process of data exchanging between systems or in the identification of new data sources and their processing. Different approaches to rescheduling were characterized, including those solutions, where all these operations are carried out by an autonomous system and those in which scheduling is performed only upon request from the outside, for the newly created scheduling data representing the current state of the production system.

The paper presents studies and researches results of the implementation of Teamcenter (TC) integrated management of a product lifecycle, in a virtual enterprise. The results are able to be implemented also in a real enterprise. The product was considered a successive punching and cutting tool, designed to materialize a metal sheet part. The paper defines the technical documentation flow (flow of information) in the process of constructive computer aided design of the tool. After the design phase is completed a list of parts is generated containing standard or manufactured components (BOM, Bill of Materials). The BOM may be exported to MS Excel (.xls) format and can be transferred to other departments of the company in order to supply the necessary materials and resources to achieve the final product. This paper describes the procedure to modify or change certain dimensions of sheet metal part obtained by punching. After 3D and 2D design, the digital prototype of punching tool moves to following lifecycle phase of the manufacturing process. For each operation of the technological process the corresponding phases are described in detail. Teamcenter enables to describe manufacturing company structure, underlying workstations that carry out various operations of manufacturing process. The paper revealed that the implementation of Teamcenter PDM in a company, improves efficiency of managing product information, eliminating time working with search, verification and correction of documentation, while ensuring the uniqueness and completeness of the product data.

Production processes are designed to meet requirements of three different natures, quality, cost and time. Environmental concerns have expanded the field of conceptual design through the introduction of sustainability requirements that are driven by the growing societal thoughtfulness about environmental issues. One could say that the major concern has been the definition of metrics or indices for sustainability. However, those metrics usually have some lack of consistency. More than ever, there is a need for an all-inclusive view at any level of decision-making, from the establishing of the design requirements to the implementation of the solutions. According to the Axiomatic Design Theory, sustainable designs are usually coupled designs that should be avoided. This raises a concern related to the very nature of sustainability: the cross effects between the actions that should be considered in the attempt to decouple the design solutions. In terms of production, one should clarify the characterization of the sustainability of production systems. The objectives of this paper are: i) to analyse some trends for approaching the sustainability of the production processes; ii) to define sustainability in terms of requirements for the design of the production processes; iii) to make some proposals based on the Axiomatic Design Theory, in order to establish the principles with which the guidelines for designing production processes must comply; iv) to discuss how to introduce this matter in teaching both manufacturing technology and design of production systems.

Customers' proactive engagement in the innovation process represents a business priority for companies which adopt the open innovation business model. In such a context, it is of outmost importance for companies to use the online environment and social media, in order to create an interactive and open dialogue with customers and other important external stakeholders, achieving to gather creative solutions and innovative ideas by involving them in the process of co-creating value. Thus, the current paper is based on a case study approach, which aims to highlight the open innovation business model of the LEGO Group, one of the most successful and active company in engaging customers in submitting ideas and creative solutions for developing new products and new technologies, through online platforms. The study then proceeds to analyze the innovation management at LEGO Group, emphasizing the most important elements regarding the management team, the success and failures, the evolution of the LEGO products focusing on the innovation efforts of the company, its mission, vision, and values, emphasizing the innovation terms which guide the actions and objectives of the LEGO Group. Also, the research based on the case study approach, outlines the most important policies and strategies of the company, the organizational structure consisting of flat structures which facilitate the orientation of the team management on the innovation process and the proactive involvement of consumers and other external stakeholders in product development, highlighting also the most important activities developed by the management team in exploring the new opportunities which may occur on the market, involving customers in sharing their ideas at festivals, participating to discussions of adult fans on web-based platforms and establishing partnerships with the external stakeholders in order to create value. Moreover, the paper is focused on identifying the company's concerns regarding the competitive strategies, new technologies developed for sustainable development and innovation, emphasizing also the concerns of the LEGO Group for a long-term orientation strategy which implies developing innovative products, made by ecological materials, reducing the negative impact on the environment. In addition, the company aims to foster innovation maintaining a clear vision, multiple contacts with the internal and external environment, and the flat structures which enable the communication between innovative management teams and top management team. Consequently, the study provides the insights regarding the innovation management of the LEGO Group, emphasizing the role of engaging customers and other external stakeholders in the co-creation of value.

To foster the development of innovative products and new technologies, nowadays companies use an open innovation system, encouraging stakeholders to contribute, using the companies' online platforms for open innovation or social media, bringing and sharing creative solutions and ideas in order to respond to challenging needs the company directly expresses. Accordingly, the current research continues the analysis of the LEGO Group innovation efforts, aiming to provide a case study approach based on describing the most important projects and online instruments company uses to interact with customers and other external stakeholders. Thus, by analysing the experience of the company in developing projects of involving stakeholders in the innovation processes, the article emphasizes the objective of these past projects developed by LEGO Group, outlining their objectives regarding the focus on the product or process innovation, the team management and stakeholders involved in the innovation actions and the results they obtained. Moreover, the case study highlights the features of the most important online instruments LEGO Group uses at the moment for engaging LEGO fans, children, parents, and other external stakeholders in developing new LEGO sets. Thus, LEGO online instruments provide the opportunity for customers to be creative and to respond to LEGO management team challenges. Accordingly, LEGO involve customers in bringing innovative ideas for LEGO sets through LEGO Ideas instrument, which aims to engage customers in submitting projects, voting and supporting ideas and also sharing them on social media. Also, the research emphasizes the role of supporting the open dialogue and interaction with customers and other external stakeholders through LEGO.com Create & Share Galleries instrument, using their creativity to upload innovative models in the public galleries. The continuous challenges LEGO launches for their fans create a long-term connection between company and its customers, supporting the value co-creation process, as the submitted ideas can materialize in new LEGO products which can be found on the market. As a consequence, customers' engagement in the co-creation process facilitated by the multiple online instruments provided by LEGO, resulted in positive outcomes for the company regarding new product development for the sets launched on the market to satisfy changing needs of their customers. The results provided by this case study approach can be useful for the business environment and academia as well in order to understand the role of engaging customers in the open innovation process, creating a competitive advantage on the market for companies.

Technological changes and need for innovation represents the main concerns for organizational growth and profitability. However the main priority is still about achieving high performance through product development and consumers' engagement activities. As implementation of open innovation applications increased and value co — creation became well known and major process, companies were engaged into value co — innovation activities. From this point of view the need for joint efforts with consumers in product development arose. Thus the primary condition for an organization to be consumer centric is to define clear the vision and mission which reflects the common efforts for co — creation and diffusion of innovation. As Research & Development processes evolved and interest for innovative concepts and products arose, companies started to implement the specific instruments for consumers' attraction and engagement into design and product development. The digitalized innovation became the main source for establishing the direct communication with the consumers. In order to achieve organization growth, profitability and recognition, the companies should be aware of the innovation importance and the need for internal change. From this point of view, there is necessary to assess the organizational structures, to implement new policies and to establish strategic targets. Basically it is justified the need for platform occurrence and development. Based on case study of BMW Group, recognised leader in automotive industry for innovative concepts, there will be analysed main features within organizational context which promotes the innovation implementation. There will be provided the review of the BMW Group experience of innovation activities, main consumers' engagement strategies, the values which promote the consumer — centric product development, new opportunities assessment, major policies and concerns. The foreseen result is to understand how companies are adapting to the technical and innovation changes as the main criteria for future product development and consumers' engagement motivation through the platform — based communication.

The terms of creativity, co-creation, creative industries, innovation, and coinnovation are more and more used nowadays. While co-creation offers the possibility and encourages a more active involvement from the customers to create value rich experiences, innovation is responsible for the little improvements made for a better life, to grow a business, to improve products, services or company's productivity. Either customers, current and potential, or stakeholders' involvement into innovation activities, through their creativity, represent an important way of value creation, of actions' performance that increases the worth of goods, services, or business as a whole. More and more, different size businesses gather ideas for innovation from customers / stakeholders through their involvement into the early stages of the innovation process. Actually, it has been shown that their ideas sketch their needs and wishes, and have been described as "need information". Customers and stakeholders, in general, also offer ideas that have been called "solution information", which represents, not only need information, but also customer-based proposals that describe how ideas can be transformed into marketable products. The term of creative industries refers to those goods that can technically be reproduced, industrially produced, and commercially sold, this being one of the many definitions found in the literature. The classification of creative industries differs at the European Union level according to each country's development level and opening towards these industries' perception as an engine for economic growth. To better explore and identify the importance of innovation and creativity for new products' development or improvement a case study about Mulino Bianco was done. This methodology approach represents a part of a qualitative research approach within a broader research undertaken within the framework of the National Research Program PN II. Mulino Bianco was first launched in Italy, being one of the value brands of Barilla Group, which we can say, according to the Italian researches regarding their definition and classification, it belongs to creative industries: industry of food and taste. The foreseen result of this paper is highlighting the fact that the key strategy for the Group and for Mulino Bianco, by default, is mainly its customers' pro-active involvement in products' development or creation.

The terms of creativity, co-creation, creative industries, innovation, and coinnovation are more and more used nowadays. While co-creation offers the possibility and encourages a more active involvement from the customers to create value rich experiences, innovation is responsible for the little improvements made for a better life, to grow a business, to improve products, services or company's productivity. Either customers, current and potential, or stakeholders' involvement into innovation activities, through their creativity, represent an important way of value creation, of actions' performance that increases the worth of goods, services, or business as a whole. More and more, different size businesses gather ideas for innovation from customers / stakeholders by involving them into the early stages of the innovation process. Actually, it has been shown that their ideas sketch their needs and wishes, and have been described as "need information". Customers and stakeholders, in general, also offer ideas that have been called "solution information", which represents, not only need information, but also customer-based proposals that describe how ideas can be transformed into marketable products. The term of creative industries refers to those goods that can technically be reproduced, industrially produced, and commercially sold, this being one of the many definitions found in the literature. Mulino Bianco was first launched in Italy, being one of the value brands of Barilla Group, which we can say, according to the Italian definition and classification, it belongs to creative industries: industry of food and taste. Even though Barilla Group's Research & Development department does its job very efficiently, developing and creating new products under different brands, lately a key strategy for the Group and for Mulino Bianco, by default, is customers' pro-active involvement in products' development or creation. One of the tools used for this is the Internet Toolkit and Web 2.0. by means of which customers are being invited to participate in competitions, being asked to design and share their concepts / views for new products, or to get involved in by voting those ideas they best like and would love to find them on markets. The aim of this paper is to explore and identify the involvement of stakeholders in Mullino Bianco's product development or improvement through creativity and innovation. As methodology approach, a case study about Mulino Bianco was done, and the foreseen result is highlighting the Nel Mulino Che Vorrei platform's features for consumer's engagement in the value creation and co-creation.

The current research recognises the concept of innovation as the main driver for organisational growth and profitability. The companies seek to develop new ways to engage consumers and customers into co - creation value through the product design, development and distribution processes. However the main concern is manifested for new and creative ways of customization products based on consumers' requirements and needs. Thus the need for innovative virtual instruments arose as the demand from social communities for personalised products or services increased. Basically companies should develop own innovative platforms, where consumers can participate, with ideas, concepts or other relevant contributions, and interact with designers or engineers for product development. This paper aims to present the most important features of platform development within BMW Group as a concept and as innovative instrument. From this point of view it is important to enhance past experiences of the company in the field of co - creation projects. There will be highlighted the dual consumers' character as co - creator and co - evaluator based on their involvement in the proposed and developed projects and platform structure. The significant impact on platform functioning it has the diversity of company's concerns for Research & Development and innovation activities. From this point of view there will be assessed the platform structure, the main proposed themes and the evaluation process. The main outcome is to highlight the significance of platform development as innovative tool for consumers' communities' enhancement. Based on the analysis of "BMW Co-Creation Lab", there will be revealed the main consumers concerns in terms of safety, comfort and appearance of the products. Thus it is important to understand the evaluation process of gathered ideas and intellectual property policy. The importance of platform development and implementation will be highlighted by company's results in terms of Research & Development investments and future projects which will be proposed, assessed and implemented by BMW Group in order to show the responsibility for their products and consumers.

The purpose of the present paper is to analyse how product innovation process has been organized by a multinational company, such as Procter & Gamble. Since open innovation is a new approach on the local market, we have chosen to conduct a research in form of a case study showing the steps that the company has taken in order to involve other organizations to contribute to the development of new products. The paper will first describe what innovation management theory is suggesting. Following this, the mission and vision of Procter & Gamble will be analysed emphasizing its innovation efforts in time. The approach that the company has nowadays, related to development of new products, has its roots in several complex initiatives in the past, initiatives that have in their central attention the customer. Finally, it provides the research limitations and implications for future analysis on the case of Procter & Gamble open innovation approach.

The first part of the present study case has pointed to the efforts directed by Procter & Gamble over time to keep close to its customers and the manner in which management has supported innovation within the company. Following the principles of disruptive innovation, the CEO of the company has set the goal for the company as to produce at least 50% of the innovations from external ideas. So, the aim of this paper is to continue to analyse the tools and the approach that P&G has taken in order to launch new products by partnering with other companies. Innovating by collaborating with external entities holding a highly specialized level of technology and engineering knowhow has been appreciated to contribute to the value creation process. In order to understand how open innovation strategy has worked for Procter & Gamble and which was the designated tool used to enrich the company with valuable input in order to develop products, we have taken a look at P&G's open innovation platform Connect + Develop.

Albania is a country with a coastline of 316 km. The potentiality offered turns into a determinant factor for the Albanian economy. However specific issues need a solution. One of them remains the shoreline pollution. It affects mostly foreign visitors, also local population which recently tends to avoid attending these areas, instead they frequent foreign places. The importance of GIS technology in the water sector is undisputed. This paper will present a full set of digital maps representing a complete picture of the Albanian shoreline situation. The entire coastline is divided into the major frequented areas with a spatial extension based mainly on district level.

International competitiveness forced the manufacturing enterprises to look for new ways to accelerate the development of digital products through innovation, global alliances and strategic partnerships. In an environment of global research and development of distributed geographically, all members of the joint teams made up of companies and universities need to access updated and accurate information about products created by any of the type employed, student, teacher. Current design processes involve more complex products consisting of elements of design created by multiple teams, disciplines and suppliers using independent CAD systems. Even when using a 3D CAD mature technology, many companies fail to significantly reduce losses in the process, improve product quality or product type to ensure successful innovations to market arouse interest. These challenges require a radical rethinking of the business model, which belongs to the field of design, which must be based on digital development of products based on integrated files. Through this work, the author has proposed to provide both synthesis and transformations brought news of the integrated NX [1, 2, 3] from Siemens PLM Software 9, following a news results detailed documentary study, and personal results obtained by applying the same version, the digital and integrated development of a product type device test beams. Based on educational license received for NX 9 was made a detailed study of the innovations made by this release, and the application of some of them went to graphical modelling and getting all the documentation of a test device bearing beams. Also, were synthesized in terms of methodology, the steps to take to obtain graphical documentation. The results consist of: 3D models of all parts and assembly 3D model of the three-dimensional constraints of all component parts and not least respectively all drawings and assembly drawing. The most important consequence of the paper is the obtaining of integrated files that can be subjected to further analysis type CAE / CAM / PDM software components by the same company. Additional advantages related files by the synthesis of integrated CAD / CAE / CAM / PDM.

This paper presents application of MIAS (Manufacturing Information Acquisition System) methodology to develop customized data acquisition system supporting management of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant (CWWTP) in Gliwice, Poland, being example of production systems leading continuous flow, automated production processes. Access to current data on the state of production system is a key to efficient management of a company, allowing fast reaction or even anticipation of future problems with equipment and reduction of waste. Overview of both analysis and synthesis of organisational solutions, data sources, data pre-processing and communication interfaces, realised according to proposed MIAS methodology, had been presented. The stage of analysis covered i.e.: organisational structure of the company, IT systems used in the company, specifics of technological processes, machines and equipment, structure of control systems, assignments of crew members, materials used in the technological processes. This paper also presents results of the stage of synthesis of technical and organisational solutions of MIAS for CWWTP, including proposed solutions covering MIAS architecture and connections with other IT systems, data sources in production system that are currently available and newly created, data preprocessing procedures, and necessary communication interfaces.

We are living in a competitive environment, so we can see and understand that the most of manufacturing firms do the best in order to accomplish meeting demand, increasing quality, decreasing costs, and delivery rate. In present a stake point of interest is represented by the development of fuzzy technology. A particular approach for this is represented through the development of methodologies to enhance the ability to managed complicated optimization and decision making aspects involving non-probabilistic uncertainty with the reason to understand, development, and practice the fuzzy technologies to be used in fields such as economic, engineering, management, and societal problems. Fuzzy analysis represents a method for solving problems which are related to uncertainty and vagueness; it is used in multiple areas, such as engineering and has applications in decision making problems, planning and production. As a definition for decision making process we can use the next one: result of mental processes based upon cognitive process with a main role in the selection of a course of action among several alternatives. Every process of decision making can be represented as a result of a final choice and the output can be represented as an action or as an opinion of choice. Different types of uncertainty can be discovered in a wide variety of optimization and decision making problems related to planning and operation of power systems and subsystems. The mixture of the uncertainty factor in the construction of different models serves for increasing their adequacy and, as a result, the reliability and factual efficiency of decisions based on their analysis. Another definition of decision making process which came to illustrate and sustain the necessity of using fuzzy method: the decision making is an approach of choosing a strategy among many different projects in order to achieve some purposes and is formulated as three different models: high risk decision, usual risk decision and low risk decision - some specific formulas of fuzzy logic. The fuzzy set concepts has some certain parameterization features which are certain extensions of crisp and fuzzy relations respectively and have a rich potential for application to the decision making problems. The proposed approach from this paper presents advantages of fuzzy approach, in comparison with other paradigm and presents a particular way in which fuzzy logic can emerge in decision making process and planning process with implication, as a simulation, in manufacturing - involved in measuring performance of advanced manufacturing systems. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate our simulation.

A queuing system of the M/M/1/N type with cyclic failure-free and repair times and cyclic defective production is used as a model of a single machine production system. Production tasks arrive according to an exponential process and are served with normally disturbed processing time. Successive working (failure-free) times, repair times and defect-free production have exponential distributions. Defective products can be recirculated and back to the production line according to a Bernoulli distributions. The objective is to evaluate effectiveness of the production system using Overall Equipment Effectiveness before and after introducing improvement initiatives.