Accurate prediction of automotive aerodynamic wind noise is important for cabin comfort and early-stage styling, yet conventional CFD and wind-tunnel workflows are too expensive for rapid design iteration. This paper proposes a point cloud surrogate that combines farthest-point sampling with a Transolver-derived, physics-inspired slice-attention mechanism. Here, physics-inspired denotes a representation-level inductive bias; the model does not impose governing-equation residuals, conservation constraints, or physics-based losses. Exterior meshes are converted into 10,240-point geometric inputs and assembled into a controlled dataset of 867 sedan and SUV variants generated at 120 km/h and zero yaw. On the random test split, the model obtains RMSE values of 2.30 dB(A), 2.56 dB for SPL, and 0.0068 for the dimensionless articulation index (AI), with 0.80 s single-sample inference on an RTX 4090. Repeated-seed and grouped-split analyses indicate a favorable accuracy–latency trade-off while also showing a measurable performance decrease for held-out vehicle families. A single-vehicle wind-tunnel comparison confirms strong frequency-trend correlation but reveals a mean simulation over-prediction of 2.70 dB; therefore, the current surrogate should be interpreted primarily as an emulator of the simulation labels rather than a universally unbiased predictor of measured cabin noise.
This paper proposes a process-mapped quality control framework for structural steel fabrication as a proof of concept for integrating normative requirements into a unified operational workflow. The study addresses the fragmentation of quality requirements in steel fabrication, where individual standards are often applied through separate inspections rather than as part of a coherent process model. The framework links material control, production preparation, assembly, welding, and anticorrosion protection through clearly defined quality gates. The framework is constructed through a qualitative design-oriented approach using SIPOC analysis and a detailed flowchart. It translates normative requirements into a coherent workflow that provides a structured basis for traceability, preventive quality assurance, and future integration with Construction 4.0. The paper suggests that process mapping can serve as a useful method for organizing quality control in steel construction projects and for transforming standards into an operational framework.
3D printed lattices have efficient mechanics for wide-ranging engineering applications, especially biomedical domains. In bone tissue engineering, lattices constructed from unit cells enable tunable mechanics and tissue growth by altering unit cell beam diameters and porosity suitable for design personalization. Heterogeneously mixing unit cells throughout lattices is a promising tuning strategy; however, there remains a need for further systematic investigation linking design decisions to mechanical outcomes. In this study, biocompatible photopolymer resin is used to print Cube, BC (Body-Centered), and BC–Cube lattices with approximately 75% porosity. When tested in compression, these lattices have Elastic Moduli of 202 ± 5.4, 30 ± 1.6 MPa, and 97 ± 4.0 MPa, and yield stresses of 6.0 ± 0.11, 1.1 ± 0.07, and 3.1 ± 0.13 MPa, respectively. Heterogeneous lattices with Cube and BC unit cells in stochastic mixtures (25/75, 50/50, 75/25) and four deterministic layouts (Layers 0°, Layers 90°, Rows 0°, Rows 90°) with equally proportioned unit cells were also designed. Stochastic mixing produced a linear relationship between the Elastic Modulus and Cube unit cell proportion (R2 = 0.98), consistent with a rule-of-mixtures. Deterministic heterogeneous layouts bypassed the rule-of-mixtures, with Elastic Moduli spanning 97.6 to 163.4 MPa, with select designs outperforming stochastic configurations. Findings demonstrate the merits of heterogeneous strategies to improve lattice designs, with suitability for biomedical applications.
Habitat production in informal settlements and vulnerable urban areas faces critical challenges regarding habitability and lack of infrastructure. This article evaluates a prototype for progressive temporary housing based on a modular metal scaffolding structure, conceived as an autonomous housing response unit in the district of Chilca-Huancayo, Peru. Unlike conventional solutions, the proposal integrates metabolic independence systems through photovoltaic generation and rainwater harvesting to guarantee functional autonomy from public utility networks. Adopting a mixed-method, experimental-applied approach, the research articulates technical simulations, full-scale structural load tests, and a social perception assessment. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of the model: the energy system covers the entirety of basic demand, and the structural component exhibits ductile behavior under seismic demands, guaranteeing stability without brittle failures. Furthermore, the social dimension reveals high acceptability among residents in emergency scenarios. The study concludes that the use of reusable industrial systems enables a resilient and rapidly deployable architecture. It is argued that this model constitutes a viable alternative for risk management and the mitigation of the housing deficit in the context of urban exclusion, highlighting its potential for territorial replicability as a response to the social production of habitat on the periphery.
The rapid proliferation of multi-standard fifth-generation (5G) new radio sub-6 GHz systems has intensified the demand for compact, high-isolation multiplexing components capable of simultaneously routing multiple frequency channels through a single shared antenna port without cross-band interference. This article presents the design and full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation of a compact microstrip triplexer operating at 2.2, 2.6, and 3.0 GHz for 5G sub-6 GHz applications. The proposed triplexer employs square open-loop resonators (SOLRs) arranged as three independent three-pole Chebyshev bandpass filter channels. Each channel is synthesized from a standard normalized Chebyshev lowpass filter prototype. The three channels are integrated at a common input port via a T-junction, with the connecting transmission line stubs dimensioned to enforce high inter-channel isolation. The triplexer is implemented on Rogers RT/Duroid 6010LM substrate. Full-wave EM simulation results demonstrate return losses of 21.1, 23.1, and 22.8 dB; insertion losses of 1.08, 1.01, and 0.98 dB; and inter-channel isolations of 45.7, 45.2, and 45.7 dB for ports S32, S42, and S43, respectively. The achieved inter-channel isolation exceeding 45 dB represents a significant improvement over the majority of recently reported microstrip triplexers operating in the sub-6 GHz range. The device occupies a compact circuit area of 0.34λg × 0.52λg. λg is the guided wavelength for the microstrip line impedance at the 2.6 GHz centre frequency of the triplexer.
In response to the health and environmental impacts of particleboard production and use, this research highlights the value of sustainable construction materials. Mycelium-based composites are a promising biobased solution that proposes the substitution of synthetic binders with fungal binders, while valorizing lignocellulosic residues. Therefore, the aim of this study is identifying the most suitable material combinations for mycelium-based composite production using Chilean residues through a systematic literature review. The methodology involved a systematic review of 346 scientific publications from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, of which 84 were chosen through a PRISMA-based review. Scientific publications permitted us to determine the most frequently used fungal strains, substrates, and additives. Co-occurrence analysis revealed that Pleurotus ostreatus was the predominant fungal strain (35/84, 41.67%), followed by Ganoderma lucidum (23/84, 27.38%) and Trametes versicolor (19/84, 22.62%). Meanwhile, agro-industrial subproducts (30/84, 35.71%) were the most frequently reported substrate, followed by wood subproducts (26/84, 30.95%). Among the additives, wheat bran (14/84, 16.67%) was the most used, followed by calcium sulfate (12/84, 14.29%) and calcium carbonate (11/84, 13.1%). These findings to demonstrate that Chilean forestry (5–7 million ton/year) and agro-industrial residues (4 million ton/year) can be effectively integrated into scalable mycelium-based composites, considering that, for the most part, they are simply burned as biomass. These residues are circular economy, low-impact and alternative sustainable construction materials that reduce the dependence on fossil-derived binders. Moreover, there is the potential to explore other residue additives that do not compete with the food industry (e.g., wheat ban) and are rich in nutrients (e.g., biological sludge) and regulate pH.
Electric vehicle battery enclosure systems under vibrational loading may experience structural damage, reducing the lifespan of lithium-ion cells. Honeycomb sandwich structures are widely used in EV battery systems due to their high stiffness-to-weight ratio and superior vibration performance. The present study is undertaken to investigate the dynamic behaviour of honeycomb sandwich panels using ANSYS Workbench. A three-dimensional model of a sandwich structure consisting of an aluminium core and composite face sheets is developed in ANSYS. Modal analysis and power spectral density-based random vibration analysis are performed to examine the impact of face-sheet thickness (0.5–2.5 mm) and layup configuration on structural performance. The modal analysis reveals that the natural frequencies increase considerably with thickness up to 1.5 mm due to increased bending stiffness. The results of random vibration analysis demonstrate a substantial reduction in total deformation and equivalent stress with increasing thickness. Among the configurations studied, the [0C/0G]/Core/[0G/0C] layup demonstrates the most favourable response under the present PSD loading condition due to fibre alignment with the principal loading direction. The findings are further converted into practical design guidelines for electric vehicle battery enclosures, including an appropriate face-sheet thickness range of 1.0–1.5 mm and fibre orientations aligned with the principal loading direction, while considering the associated mass penalty. These findings provide a design-oriented framework for selecting thickness and layup configuration to achieve a practical balance between vibration resistance and weight.
The clinical reliability of swabs is affected by their ability to collect and elute biological samples for further detection. Since elution is particularly critical for swab functionality, the goal of this work was to develop a nasopharyngeal swab prototype that could potentially facilitate the release of biological specimens through controlled elastic deformation. To this end, a helical swab-head geometry was designed and 3D-printed by means of stereolithography (SLA). A dual post-curing process combining UV and thermal treatment was employed to maximize the mechanical stiffness of the resin—up to about 750 MPa. Microtomography of the 3D-printed prototypes demonstrated the accuracy of SLA printing, with only 0.12% closed porosity due to printing defects. The mechanical deformation of the prototype under compression was then investigated through numerical modeling and experimental analysis. The results of Finite Element (FE) simulations revealed stress localization in the upper coils, with global mechanical integrity. Experimental compression tests validated the predicted deformation behavior, as supported by video tracking and displacement analysis at multiple nodes, showing good agreement between numerical and experimental displacement. Furthermore, preliminary functional tests with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, both in saline solution and artificial mucus, demonstrated that the swab-tip prototype per se, without any coating or any applied compression, could perform comparably to commercial cotton and flocked swabs. About a 2-log reduction in bacterial load was detected for all swabs compared to the inoculum when used in saline solution, while a bacterial load roughly matching the inoculum was found when the swabs were used in artificial mucus. Overall, these findings demonstrate the feasibility and the potential of the designed swab prototypes.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as flexible platforms for environmental monitoring, including water sampling in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. However, most existing UAV-based sampling solutions are limited to single-point collection or rely on complex fluid routing mechanisms that increase the risk of leakage and cross-contamination. This paper presents a novel ribbon-based multisampling capsule that enables sequential water collection from multiple locations during a single UAV deployment. The proposed mechanism employs a motor-driven ribbon with a single movable orifice that is sequentially aligned with individual sampling containers, allowing controlled intake and closure through a combination of hydrostatic pressure and mechanical sealing. A functional prototype was developed and experimentally evaluated to assess sampling feasibility and operational robustness. Experimental results demonstrate that improvements in sealing significantly reduce leakage events and eliminate dispenser-related carry-over, while enabling repeatable multi-point sampling. In addition, exploratory computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to characterize hydrodynamic loads acting on the capsule and to support future design iterations, rather than to provide fully converged hydrodynamic validation. The proposed solution offers a practical, lightweight, and mechanically simple approach to UAV-assisted multi-point water sampling, with clear potential for further optimization and field deployment.
Understanding the mechanical behavior of valve materials and the hemodynamic characteristics of blood flow is important for improving prosthetic heart valve design. In this study, a comprehensive computational investigation was conducted to evaluate the biomechanical and hemodynamic behavior of a three-dimensional tricuspid valve model constructed from reported prosthetic valve geometries. The structural response of the valve was evaluated using linear elastic, viscoelastic, and hyperelastic constitutive models for four different materials: pyrolytic carbon, polyurethane, porcine tissue, and bovine tissue. The results demonstrated clear material-dependent trends. Pyrolytic carbon exhibited negligible deformation (1.7166 × 10−8 m), confirming its rigid mechanical behavior, whereas biological tissues showed greater compliance, with the largest deformation observed for the bovine hyperelastic model (9.6837 × 10−5 m). Hyperelastic tissue models produced lower peak von Mises stresses (1.3951 × 104–1.8603 × 104 Pa) than the corresponding linear elastic tissue models (2.6842 × 104–2.7017 × 104 Pa), indicating improved stress redistribution under nonlinear deformation. Polyurethane showed intermediate mechanical behavior, with moderate deformation and lower stress under viscoelastic modeling than under the linear elastic assumption, suggesting its potential as a polymeric alternative to traditional valve materials. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of the rigid open valve geometry revealed a central velocity jet with a peak velocity of approximately 0.092 m/s, localized vortex formation with a maximum vorticity magnitude of about 177 s−1 and a peak instantaneous wall shear stress of 1.32 Pa near the leaflet edges and valve opening. Overall, the results highlight the trade-off between rigidity, compliance, and durability among prosthetic valve materials and suggest that polyurethane may provide a balanced alternative for tricuspid valve replacement.
The design of special induction motors for variable-speed drives in pumping systems is carried out using the Design of induction machines for adjustable-speed drives (DIMASDrive 2022) software, based on the motor efficiency criterion. The quality of a variable-speed drive is fully determined by an innovative criterion of equivalent costs, which takes into account not only the cost and energy efficiency of the drive, but also the costs of compensating for reactive power and distortion power, which characterize the drive’s energy and electromagnetic compatibility with the grid. The MATLAB program enables the calculation of the innovative criterion of the drive’s reduced costs. Currently, the cost component of distortion power compensation is not taken into account in the reduced cost criterion; consequently, the quality of the drive in monetary terms is determined incompletely and is underestimated. A method is proposed for calculating this component and incorporating it into the reduced cost criterion. The presented results were obtained entirely through simulations conducted using validated software. Experimental studies of the prototype will provide the final answer regarding the solution.
A novel method for controlling the speed of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs), known as the current-sensing-based dynamic direct voltage control method under the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) concept, is introduced. This technique achieves precise tracking of machine velocity by determining the optimal combination of voltage amplitude and angle for each specific motor velocity and current/load condition. Unlike previous studies, this approach takes into account the transient model of the machine, resulting in improved accuracy during dynamic operating conditions compared with existing methods in the literature. Moreover, a comparative analysis is conducted involving different direct voltage MTPA speed drive approaches: the current-sensing dynamic direct voltage control (CS-DDVC) methodology, the simplified DDVC technique, and the static direct voltage MTPA control strategy. The well-known field-oriented control method is also included in the analysis. The dynamic methodology employs two tuning parameters to achieve the same MTPA objective while eliminating transient effects. Experimental results and quantitative assessment demonstrate that the proposed MTPA control methodology is a highly effective strategy, offering a respectable alternative to existing MTPA methods for driving IPMSMs. It enables the operation of IPMSMs under MTPA working conditions with high efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Experimental results demonstrate a reduction in speed dip from 120 rpm to 50 rpm at full load application and a 128% improvement in IAE compared to conventional DVC. From an engineering design perspective, the proposed control framework simplifies the drive-system architecture by eliminating cascaded current-control loops while maintaining effective transient dynamic performance suitable for embedded electric vehicle applications.
Smart labels are emerging as a key enabling technology for product traceability, environmental monitoring, and user interaction within Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems. This work presents the design and experimental validation of a low-power smart label platform integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, temperature sensing, and dynamic e-paper visualization based on the HY0020 System-on-Chip (SoC). This platform was implemented on a custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designed around a 1.02-inch monochrome e-paper display and incorporates a TXS0108E interface to support reliable display communication. The developed prototype enables wireless user interaction, dynamic QR code rendering, and ambient temperature monitoring while maintaining low average power consumption. Experimental evaluation included BLE communication testing, display operation validation, temperature monitoring assessment using the integrated HY0020 sensor, and energy consumption characterization. Experimental results confirmed reliable BLE connectivity, stable temperature monitoring performance under normal environmental conditions, and an estimated battery lifetime of approximately 54 days under the evaluated operating profile. The presented platform demonstrates the feasibility of integrating sensing, wireless communication, and electrophoretic display technology within a compact battery-powered smart label device. The proposed architecture provides a practical proof-of-concept foundation for future applications involving product traceability, digital information management, and Digital Product Passport (DPP)-oriented services.
The global transition toward a low-carbon economy has accelerated the adoption of renewable energy sources. This paper presents the development of a model-based electronic Decision Support System for renewable energy planning, incorporating energy storage and carbon footprint assessment. The tool assists stakeholders in the preliminary evaluation of local wind and solar resources. To validate the model’s credibility, a comparative analysis was conducted, using the Port of Sines, Portugal, as an industrial case study. Solar energy estimations were benchmarked against PVSyst, while wind energy simulations were compared with an INEGI technical study. Results indicate consistency in solar estimates, with maximum deviations of 14% for fixed installations and 13% for vertical barriers, primarily due to terrain orography that was not yet integrated into the algorithm. Regarding wind energy, deviations reached 19% to 25%, largely resulting from the use of aggregated mean values in the reference data and generic turbine models. Overall, this work contributes to energy engineering by formalizing a validated workflow that facilitates early-stage sizing and strategic investment decisions under conditions of data scarcity. The tool proves effective for rapid screening of promising investment options while maintaining a balance between computational complexity and practical usability.
The growing demand for high-speed marine transportation requires continuous improvement in ship design to achieve higher hydrodynamic efficiency. From an engineering design perspective, hull form modification is a key approach to optimizing the performance of planing vessels, particularly through the implementation of stepped hull configurations. This study aims to investigate the effects of step geometry and step position on the resistance and trim characteristics of a planing hull based on Taunton et al.’s Model C, with the objective of improving vessel efficiency. The design methodology integrates hull geometry modification, parametric variation in step position and step height, and numerical performance assessment. In this research, the governing equations are solved using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) framework with the Finite Volume Method (FVM) as the discretization technique. The turbulence model used is k-ω SST, while the interaction between water and air phases is represented using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. From a design performance perspective, the results demonstrate that stepped hull geometry significantly influences resistance and trim characteristics. The optimal design configurations achieved a resistance reduction of up to 17.93% and a trim of 1.53° was achieved with a stepped position of 430 mm from the transom and a stepped height of 25 mm (Model A3) at Fr 2.28. Meanwhile, a resistance reduction of 15.49% and a trim of 1.46° were observed for a stepped position of 860 mm from the transom and a stepped height of 25 mm (Model B3) at Fr 2.72. These findings highlight the importance of step geometry and placement as key design variables in improving planing hull performance. This study demonstrates that CFD-based evaluation can effectively support engineering design decisions for stepped hull optimization, providing a systematic approach for improving hydrodynamic efficiency in high-speed vessel design.
Industrial heat demand is a major source of CO2 emissions, making the decarbonization of this sector essential for achieving sustainability. This study explores and compares different methods for supplying useful heat to the industrial sector through a multi-criteria approach that considers technical performance, economic viability, and environmental impact. Both conventional and alternative systems are examined, aiming to develop sustainable designs. These include solar-based systems using parabolic trough collectors, supported by either electric heaters or natural gas boilers. In addition, a high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) utilizing waste heat is analyzed, also combined with either electric heaters or gas boilers as backup. For reference, a conventional natural gas boiler system is included as a baseline case. In total, five scenarios are evaluated for applications in the chemical industry. Each scenario is assessed in terms of energy and exergy efficiency, cost, and CO2 emissions. A multi-criteria analysis is then applied to determine the most sustainable option under varying electricity and waste heat price conditions. The results indicate that the configuration combining a high-temperature heat pump with electric heaters (Scenario 3) achieves the highest performance, with energy and exergy efficiencies of 0.952 and 0.666, respectively. The lowest CO2 emissions are observed in the case of using solar collectors with electric heaters (Scenario 1), reaching 4154 tons per year. From an economic perspective, Scenario 3 emerges as the most favorable option at lower electricity prices (0.10 €/kWh), with a levelized cost of heating (LCOH) of 0.0555 €/kWh. At higher electricity prices, the optimal design shifts to Scenario 2, which combines solar collectors with a natural gas boiler, resulting in an LCOH of 0.0603 €/kWh.
This work examines the contribution of additive manufacturing as an enabling technology in the design and development of smart and sustainable construction systems, with particular emphasis on nature-based solutions. While the existing literature has devoted considerable attention to the material properties of additive manufacturing, much less emphasis has been placed on its role in design processes, prototyping, and decision-making in construction and urban systems. To address this gap, this study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the intersection between smart city frameworks and 3D printing technologies, utilizing a dataset of 103 peer-reviewed publications retrieved from the Scopus database. Using keyword co-occurrence analysis and network mapping through VOSviewer, this study identifies dominant thematic structures, core research hubs, and evolving trends within the field. Complementing this bibliometric analysis with qualitative synthesis, it also reveals a significant convergence of digital design, smart cities, and sustainability strategies. This work further highlights the contribution of additive manufacturing to design processes through rapid prototyping, customization, and the exploration of design alternatives. Rather than framing additive manufacturing as a replacement for conventional design practices, this study positions it as a complementary design capability that can enhance the design process, while also acknowledging important challenges related to scaling, regulation, and integration into construction workflows. This review concludes by outlining future research directions for strengthening the design-oriented integration of additive manufacturing within smart construction systems.
This paper presents a physics-guided optimization and material enhancement framework for improving the efficiency of a 1 HP Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motor toward IE2/IE3 standards. The proposed approach integrates Design of Experiments (DOE) using the Taguchi method with loss modeling to enable both parameter-level and material-level optimization. Key design variables, including stator stack height, capacitor value, and silicon steel grade, are systematically analyzed using Taguchi L18 and L9 orthogonal arrays and explicitly linked to electromagnetic loss components, including copper, core, and mechanical losses, enabling physically interpretable optimization. To enhance predictive capability, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model is developed based on experimental data to establish a continuous relationship between design variables and motor efficiency. The results are further represented as an efficiency map, which identifies high-efficiency operating regions and supports scalable design exploration toward IE4 performance. Experimental validation under multi-load conditions confirms that the optimized motor achieves an efficiency improvement from 76.1% to 80.4% (4.6% absolute increase), with less than 2% deviation from simulation results. The proposed method offers a low-complexity and cost-effective alternative to conventional FEA-based approaches and is suitable for practical industrial applications. Furthermore, the framework is scalable and provides a pathway toward IE4-level efficiency through integration of advanced materials, thermal considerations, and multi-objective optimization.
Bone resorption secondary to stress shielding is a leading cause of hip implant failure, primarily due to the stiffness mismatch between the femur and the prosthesis. Although anatomical stem designs generally provide improved load transfer, Dorr type C femurs often require straight stems to ensure adequate primary stability. This work presents a systematic approach to designing a straight, additively manufactured porous titanium hip stem aimed at minimizing stress shielding. The lattice architecture is customized to replicate the mechanical properties of bone based on patient-specific femoral CT scans. The performance of the resulting porous implant is numerically assessed under simplified physiological gait loading conditions. The implant behavior is evaluated through a homogenization strategy to model the lattice structure, significantly reducing the computational effort and making the methodology easily replicable. Compared to its full counterpart, the porous design achieves a significant reduction in predicted bone loss, suggesting that the proposed framework is a promising proof of concept for patient-specific implants. While further experimental validation and larger cohort studies are required, these findings highlight the potential of mechanically tunable porous structures to mitigate the stress shielding phenomenon in anatomical conditions such as Dorr type C femurs, which require straight stems.
It is commonly noted in the literature that reducing mass and moment of inertia lowers the requirements for powerful electromechanical hardware and improves the overall energy efficiency of legged robots. For this reason, the humanoid robot RB2, the second of its kind at Balikesir University, has been developed iteratively. The motivation for this research is to design a lightweight, low-power humanoid robot to gain physical insight into the viability of using Delrin and 3D-printed ABS parts in its support structure and to enhance the robot’s efficiency in terms of weight and, as a result, power requirements. The number of degrees of freedom and the order of the joint motions of the planes are optimised to reduce moments of inertia and increase the range of motion of the robot’s legs. Additionally, the mechanical structure incorporates design features to facilitate assembly and maintenance. The newer robot’s weight is reduced to 25% of our first humanoid robot’s, while maintaining the same joint range of motion.
