Hybrid Artificial Neural Network-Based Models to Investigate Deformation Behavior of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy at Warm Tensile Deformation.

The uniaxial warm tensile experiments were carried out in deformation temperatures (50-250 °C) and strain rates (0.005 to 0.0167 s-1) to investigate the material workability and to predict flow stress of AZ31B magnesium alloy. The back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model, a hybrid models with a genetic algorithm (GABP-ANN), and a constrained nonlinear function (CFBP-ANN) were investigated. In order to train the exploited machine learning models, the process parameters such as strain, strain rate, and temperature were accounted as inputs and flow stress was considered as output; moreover, the experimental flow stress values were also normalized to constructively run the neural networks and to achieve better generalization and stabilization in the trained network. Additionally, the proposed model's closeness and validness were quantified by coefficient of determination (R2), relative mean square error (RMSE), and average absolute relative error (AARE) metrics. The computed statistical outcomes disclose that the flow stress predicted by both GABP-ANN and CFBP-ANN models exhibited better closeness with the experimental data. Moreover, compared with the GABP-ANN model outcomes, the CFBP-ANN model has a relatively higher predictability. Thus, the outcomes confirm that the proposed CFBP-ANN model can result in the accurate description of AZ31 magnesium alloy deformation behavior, showing potential for the purpose of practicing finite element analysis.

Warm Deformation Behavior and Flow Stress Modeling of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy under Tensile Deformation.

Constitutive equations were recognized for AZ31B magnesium alloy at higher temperatures and strain rates from conventional empirical models like the original Johnson-Cook (JC), modified JC, and modified Zerilli-Armstrong (ZA) models for capturing the material warm deformation behavior. Uniaxial warm tensile tests were performed at temperatures (50 to 250 °C) and strain rates (0.005 to 0.0167 s-1) to probe AZ31 magnesium alloy flow stress values. Depending on the calculated flow stress, constitutive equations were recognized, and these established models were assessed by the coefficient of determination (R2), relative mean square error (RMSE), and average absolute relative error (AARE) metrics. The results demonstrated that the flow stress calculated by the modified JC and ZA models revealed good agreement against the test data. Thus, the outcomes confirmed that the recognized modified JC and modified ZA models could effectively forecast AZ31 magnesium alloy flow behavior by capturing the material deformation behavior accurately.

Effects of the material properties and thickness on the minimum formable radius in the subtle feature forming process.

The subtle feature geometry also called a feature line, is considered an important geometric characteristic of automotive outer panels. The influences of material properties and thickness on the radius of curvature of subtle features were investigated in this study. First, the stamping process was simplified to a combined forming process between tensile and bending deformation. Subsequently, test materials, namely, 180B2, 210B2, CR2, CR3, and CR4, with various thickness values were adopted in the finite element analysis and experiments. In addition, the radius of curvature with respect to the material, thickness, punch radius, and punch angle was studied. The simulation results were compared with the experimental results for verification. From this comparison, it was found that the simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, the forming characteristics of the subtle feature-forming process were investigated to determine the effects of the material properties and thickness on the radius of curvature. The reason for the minimum formable radius when the radius of the punch was zero was studied. The results showed that, as the material thickness increased, more concentrated deformation occurred in the central region. In contrast, the radius of curvature of the subtle features increased as the thickness of the central region decreased. Similarly, decreased n-value results were identified for the same reason as the increased radius of curvature.

Curve-Fitting Algorithm for the Inspection of Subtle Feature Lines on Automotive Outer Panels.

Feature lines on automotive outer panels are difficult to make, measure, and inspect. This paper proposes an algorithm to fit a line-arc-line curve to the measured data points of a subtle feature line. First, based on an iterative method and random sampling consensus, the algorithm separates points corresponding to a circular arc. Further, the lines tangent to the circle are estimated based on the other data points. The algorithm repeats the procedure until the error is lower than the specified tolerance. The sensitivity and applicability of the algorithm were analyzed by applying it to simulated data points, experimental specimens, and actual automotive panels. The results demonstrated that the algorithm is robust to noise and surface waves and can be applied to the automotive panel-manufacturing process.

Optimization of Forming Parameters in Incremental Sheet Forming of AA3003-H18 Sheets Using Taguchi Method.

The surface finish is an important characteristic in the incremental sheet forming (ISF) process and is often influenced by numerous factors within the forming process. Therefore, this research was aimed at identifying the optimal forming parameters through the Taguchi method to produce high-quality formed products. The forming tool radius, spindle speed, vertical step increment, and feed rate were chosen as forming parameters in the experimental design, with surface roughness as the response variable. Taguchi L16 orthogonal array design and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used to identify the parameter's optimal settings and examine the statistically significant parameters on the response, respectively. Results confirmed that a significant reduction in surface roughness occurred with a drop in vertical step size and an increase in feed rate. In detail, the vertical step size has the most significant influence on the surface roughness, followed by the feed rate and the forming tool radius. In conclusion, the optimum level settings were obtained: forming tool radius at level 3, spindle speed at level 1, vertical step size at level 1, and feed rate at level 4. Additionally, confirmation experiment results based on the optimal settings indicated a good agreement against the experimental observation. Further, the response surface methodology (RSM) was also exploited to devise a mathematical model for predicting the surface roughness. The results comparison confirmed that both techniques could effectively improvise the surface finish.

Study on the Time-Dependent Mechanical Behavior and Springback of Magnesium Alloy Sheet (AZ31B) in Warm Conditions.

In this study, the time-dependent mechanical behavior of the magnesium alloy sheet (AZ31B) was investigated through the creep and stress relaxation tests with respect to the temperature and pre-strain. The microstructure changes during creep and stress relaxation were investigated. As the tensile deformation increased in the material, twinning and dynamic recrystallization occurred, especially after the plastic instability. As a result, AZ31B showed lower resistance to creep and stress relaxation due to dynamic recrystallization. Additionally, time-dependent springback characteristics in the V- and L-bending processes concerning the holding time and different forming conditions were investigated. We analyzed changes of microstructure at each forming temperature and process. The uniaxial tensile creep test was conducted to compare the microstructures in various pre-strain conditions with those at the secondary creep stage. For the bending process, the change of the microstructure after the forming was compared to that with punch holding maintained for 1000 s after forming. Due to recrystallization, with the holding time in the die set of 60 s, the springback angle decreased by nearly 70%. Increased holding time in the die set resulted in a reduced springback angle.

Tool Path Design of the Counter Single Point Incremental Forming Process to Decrease Shape Error.

Incremental sheet metal forming can manufacture various sheet metal products without a dedicated punch and die set. In this study, we developed a two-stage incremental forming process to decrease shape errors in the conventional incremental forming process. The forming process was classified into the first single point incremental forming (1st SPIF) process for forming a product and the counter single point incremental forming (counter SPIF) process to decrease shape error. The counter SPIF gives bending deformation in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the counter SPIF compensates for shape errors, such as section deflection, skirt spring-back, final forming height, and round. The tool path of the counter SPIF has been optimized through a relatively simple optimization method by modifying the tool path of the previous step. The tool path of the 1st SPIF depends on the geometry of the product. An experiment was performed to form a circular cup shape to verify the proposed tool path of the 1st and counter SPIF. The result confirmed that the shape error decreased when compared to the conventional SPIF. For the application, the ship-hull geometry was adopted. Experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of the two-stage incremental forming process.

Characterization of Sheared Edges in Warm Blanking of Magnesium Alloy AZ31B.

This research aims to characterize damage at the sheared edge caused by the blanking operation of magnesium alloy AZ31B sheets. Shearing tests were carried out on an in-house blanking die-set and mechanical press (universal testing machine) by varying punch⁻die clearance and temperature. Edge damage was distinguished by the geometrical features of the sheared edge and by the distribution of the edge strain hardening (ESH) index. In this account, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were applied to examine the characteristic dimensions of the sheared edge, fracture profile, and sheared edge quality, while the Vickers hardness test was applied to observe the surface micro-hardness in the shear zone (SZ) and the shear affected zone (SAZ). It was concluded that the blanking of magnesium alloy sheets at room temperature results in sheared edge defects, due to premature fracture, referred to here as micro-cracks, loose particles, and a jagged-plus-curved fracture profile. However, such deformities were completely suppressed with the rise in temperature. In addition, based on optical morphology, micro-hardness tests, and microstructure evolution, the recommendation regarding blanking temperature for the magnesium alloy AZ31B has was proposed.

Development of a murine model of traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a preliminary study.

CONCLUSION: The results showed a gradual detachment of otoconia in the utricle after a single event of head vibration, possibly explaining the frequent recurrence of BPPV attacks and persistent dizziness after trauma. OBJECTIVES: This study developed a murine model of traumatic BPPV and observed the changes in otoconia detachment over time. METHODS: Six-week-old CBA mice were used in this study. Otoconia detachment was induced by vibrating the head for 2 min. Utricles of mice were harvested from different groups: before the head vibration and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after vibration application. Using scanning electron microscopy and ImageJ software, the percentage of the intact area of otoconia in the utricle was calculated. Hearing thresholds were compared among the groups. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) percentages of the intact area of otoconia in the utricle were 98.1% ± 1.7% before the vibration and 93.6% ± 1.7%, 88.9% ± 5.3%, 78.2% ± 20.9%, and 38.9% ± 24.1% at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the vibration, respectively. The percentage decreased significantly over time after the vibration (p < .001). The hearing thresholds were not different among the groups.

Upregulation of elafin and cystatin C in the ethmoid sinus mucosa of patients with chronic sinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression levels and distribution patterns of elafin and cystatin C in normal and inflammatory human sinus mucosa and to evaluate their roles in chronic sinusitis. DESIGN: A controlled, prospective study. SETTING: A tertiary academic institution. PATIENTS: Normal sinus mucosa was obtained from the ethmoid sinus during surgery in 30 patients with blowout fractures. Inflammatory sinus mucosa was obtained from 30 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic polypoid sinusitis. INTERVENTIONS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical analysis, and Western blotting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expression levels and distribution patterns of elafin and cystatin C in normal and inflammatory mucosa. RESULTS: Expression of elafin and cystatin C messenger RNAs and proteins analyzed by means of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot was detected in all normal and inflammatory sinus mucosa tested. Their expression levels were increased in inflammatory vs normal mucosa. Elafin in normal and inflammatory sinus mucosa was distinctly expressed in goblet cells, which are increased in inflammatory sinus mucosa. Elafin in submucosal glands was usually weak in staining intensity, except for a few scattered submucosal glands showing moderate intensity in inflammatory sinus mucosa. Cystatin C was also localized in goblet cells and submucosal glands in normal and inflammatory mucosa. Staining intensity was increased more in inflammatory vs normal sinus mucosa. CONCLUSION: Elafin and cystatin C may play an important role in the protection of normal sinus mucosa and further in regulation of the inflammatory condition in chronic sinusitis.

Purification and characterization of a phytase from Pseudomonas syringae MOK1.

A phytase (EC 3.1.3.8) from Pseudomonas syringae MOK1 was purified to apparent homogeneity in two steps employing cation and an anion exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 45 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The optimal activity occurred at pH 5.5 and 40 degrees C. The Michaelis constant (Km) and maximum reaction rate (Vmax) for sodium phytate were 0.38 mM and 769 U/mg of protein, respectively. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by Cu2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). It showed a high substrate specificity for sodium phytate with little or no activity on other phosphate conjugates. The enzyme efficiently released orthophosphate from wheat bran and soybean meal.