Neural-Network-Based Approaches for Optimization of Machining Parameters Using Small Dataset.

Surface quality is one of the most important indicators of the quality of machined parts. The analytical method of defining the arithmetic mean roughness is not applied in practice due to its complexity and empirical models are applied only for certain values of machining parameters. This paper presents the design and development of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for the prediction of the arithmetic mean roughness, which is one of the most common surface roughness parameters. The dataset used for ANN development were obtained experimentally by machining AA7075 aluminum alloy under various machining conditions. With four factors, each having three levels, the full factorial design considers a total of 81 experiments that have to be carried out. Using input factor-level settings and adopting the Taguchi method, the experiments were reduced from 81 runs to 27 runs through an orthogonal design. In this study we aimed to check how reliable the results of artificial neural networks were when obtained based on a small input-output dataset, as in the case of applying the Taguchi methodology of planning a four-factor and three-level experiment, in which 27 trials were conducted. Furthermore, this paper considers the optimization of machining parameters for minimizing surface roughness in machining AA7075 aluminum alloy. The results show that ANNs can be successfully trained with small data and used to predict the arithmetic mean roughness. The best results were achieved by backpropagation multilayer feedforward neural networks using the BR algorithm for training.

Computer and experimental analyses of the stress state in the cement hip joint endoprosthesis body.

BACKGROUND/AIM: One of the possible complications after implantation of a cement hip-joint endoprosthesis is frac- ture in the endoprosthesis body. Fractures arise from overload or material fatigue of which an implant is made. The purpose of this research was to define the intensity of maximum stress and the positions of a critical cross-section in the endoprosthesis body. METHODS: Unilaterally changing forces which act on the hip joint during walking as well as the loads result in flexible deformations of the endoprosthesis body. Biomechanical analysis of the forces acting on the hip joint determine their direction and intensity, whereas on the basis of Gruen's classification of the endoprosthesis body loosening the level of fixation is established. The bodies of cement hip joint endoprosthesis are made of cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy, suitable for vacuum casting, are submitted to the analysis. Analysis of the critical stress in the endoprosthesis body was performed on the endoprosthesis body by means of the finite element method. The experimental verification of the obtained results was carried out on the physical prototype under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: Computer analysis, by means of the finite element method, determined the stress state by calculation of the maximum Von Mises stress and critical cross-sections for different angles of the resultant force action. The results obtained by the computer and experimental method correlate and are comparable to the results of similar analyses conducted on various endoprosthesis types. CONCLUSION: The analyses described in the paper make the basis for improving the process designing of hip joint endoprostheses and their customization to each individual patient (custom made).

[Designing special prosthesis "spacer"].

Malignant diseases of the medial part of the femur, humerus and tibia, treated with surgical removal of the affected part of the bone and prosthesis fitting special "Spacer". This type of prosthesis is made in the form of the proximal and distal components that connect by screws. The design of endoprosthesis provides without possible rotation linear relationship and allows the transfer of load from the proximal to the distal bone, but the screws that provide connection are not exposed to stress. For pro-per sizing and implementation of a special prosthesis is necessary to determine the geometric parameters of bone mass and disease and then develop a computer model of the prosthesis. Designing a special prosthesis "spacer" is a complex procedure based on the processing of diagnostic images (X-ray, CT or MRI) with the use of specialized software digitized picture elements pixels translate into voxels. In this way a geometric model contains a form of external (KORTEX), and the internal geometry of the bone (medullary canal). On the basis of such a developed computer models is possible accurately determine the part of the bone that is necessary to remove, and the size of medullary canal space that is built into proximal or distal component of special endoprosthesis "Spacer".

[Initial masseter muscle fatigue in maximal voluntary teeth clenching]. / Inicijalni zamor misica masetera za vreme maksimalnog voljnog stiskanja zuba.

Fatigue of striated muscles is defined as the impossibility to generate the expected or required force during the repeated contraction. During the maximal voluntary teeth contraction in the position of central occlusion the initial fatigue in masticatory muscles during the isometric contraction occurs. If a person can clench its teeth continuously and voluntarily it has a diagnostic significance since the peripheral fatigue is that important factor in the masticatory muscles activity, which is in direct correlation with the function of the masticatory system. The aim was to compare the obtained results of the initial fatigue of masseter muscles during the maximal voluntary teeth contraction in subjects with naturally healthy intact dentition and subjects with a pair of new full dentures. The investigation comprised 20 subjects with healthy stomatognathic system of the skeletal class I by Angle. Comparison of the values of the obtained results was performed electromyographically by synchronous registration of action potentials of masseter muscles. Results of the investigation of the onset of initial fatigue of masseter muscles in the subjects with natural healthy intact dentions showed lower values, i.e., faster development of the muscular fatigue (31.5 s) compared to the subjects with a pair of new full dentures (44.5 s).