Accurate Evaluation of Free-form Surface Profile Error Based on Quasi Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Surface Subdivision

Although significant progress has been made in precision machining of free-form surfaces recently, inspection of such surfaces remains a difficult problem. In order to solve the problem that no specific standards for the verification of free-form surface profile are available, the profile parameters of free-form surface are proposed by referring to ISO standards regarding form tolerances and considering its complexity and non-rotational symmetry. Non-uniform rational basis spline（NURBS） for describing free-form surface is formulated. Crucial issues in surface inspection and profile error verification are localization between the design coordinate system（DCS） and measurement coordinate system（MCS） for searching the closest points on the design model corresponding to measured points. A quasi particle swarm optimization（QPSO） is proposed to search the transformation parameters to implement localization between DCS and MCS. Surface subdivide method which does the searching in a recursively reduced range of the parameters u and v of the NURBS design model is developed to find the closest points. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods, the design model is generated by NURBS and the measurement data of simulation example are generated by transforming the design model to arbitrary position and orientation, and the parts are machined based on the design model and are measured on CMM. The profile errors of simulation example and actual parts are calculated by the proposed method. The results verify that the evaluation precision of freeform surface profile error by the proposed method is higher 10%-22% than that by CMM software. The proposed method deals with the hard problem that it has a lower precision in profile error evaluation of free-form surface.

ADAPTIVE MEASUREMENT METHOD BASED ON CHANGING-CURVATURE FOR UNKNOWN FREE-FORM SURFACE

Current measurement method for unknown free-form surface has low efficiency.To acquire given precision, a lot of null points are measured. Based on change surface curvature, anew measurement planning is put forward. Sample step is evaluated from the change curvature and thelocally-bounded character of extrapolating curve. Two coefficients, maximum error coefficient andlocal camber coefficient, are used to optimize sampling step. The first coefficient is computed toavoid sampling-point exceeding the measurement range and the second control sampling precision.Compared with the other methods, the proposed planning method can reduce the number of themeasuring-point efficiently for the given precision. Measuring point distributes adaptively by thechange surface curvature. The method can be applied to improve measurement efficiency and accuracy.

NEW VISUAL METHOD FOR FREE-FORM SURFACE RECONSTRUCTION

A new method is put forward combining computer vision with computer aidedgeometric design (CAGD) to resolve the problem of free-form surface reconstruction. The surface isfirst subdivided into N-sided Gregory patches, and a stereo algorithm is used to reconstruct theboundary curves. Then, the cross boundary tangent vectors are computed through reflectance analysis.At last, the whole surface can be reconstructed jointing these patches with G^1 continuity(tangentcontinuity). Examples on synthetic images are given.

Research on the Fault Monitoring System in Free-form Surface CNC Machining Based on Wavelet Analysis

Carrying out experiments and researches on tool bre ak age and undercut of work-piece of free-form surface by using wavelet analysis, both the fault features can be extracted in a special frequency segment of wave let decompose. According to the feature of transient fault, the author proposes for the first time the automatic determination technology of the threshold by us e of the adaptive filter characteristic of wavelet transform. Based on profound researches on steady fault feature, this dissertation makes an effective token o f steady fault feature by using wavelet energy method, and proposes the new idea to identify cut-in case and cut-out case, thereby successfully gives an uniqu e description quantitatively on the characterization of the variation of fault a nd cutting condition in the monitoring system.

Study of the Contact Force in Free-form Surfaces Compliant EDM Polishing by Robot

With an elastic negative pole being driven by ultra so nic vibration and being moved along the surface of work-piece compliantly by ro bot, a new kind of effective EDM, the compliant EDM, cuts the electrically condu ctive materials away and polishes work-piece of free-form surface. The study o f the contact force between the end of polishing tool and the surface of work-p iece is the key for the compliant EDM to study its cutting mechanism and to make better use of it. This paper makes a model for the contact force and verifies i t by experiments and simulation based on the theory of elastic body kinetics and dynamic stress concentration. The research work shows that this contact force i s caused by both the electrical impulsion of EDM and the mechanical force of ult rasonic vibration, the discharge frequency of compliant EDM has a much more clos er connection with the vibration frequency of polishing tool rather than the fre quency of ultrasonic vibration.

A Computer Vision Method for 3D Reconstruction of Curves-Marked Free-Form Surfaces

Visual method is now broadly used in reverse engineering for 3D reconstruction. The traditional computer vision methods are feature-based, i.e., they require that the objects must reveal features owing to geometry or textures. For textureless free-form surfaces, dense feature points are added artificially. In this paper, a new method is put forward combining computer vision with CAGD. The surface is subdivided into N-side Gregory patches using marked curves, and a stereo algorithm is used to reconstruct the curves. Then, the cross boundary tangent vector is computed through reflectance analysis. At last, the whole surface can be reconstructed by jointing these patches with 1Gcontinuity.

Parametric design of a part with free-form surfaces

3D solid models for parts with regular-form surfaces (PRFSs) are effectively generated using traditional parametric design techniques. A new model is obtained by changing some parameters defining the model. The parts with free-form surfaces (PFFSs), however, cannot be defined by several parameters. Usually they are defined by some geometric elements like profile curves. The traditional parametric design approaches have not easily dealt with the PFFSs. A method for generating a solid model and an engineering drawing for PFFSs is proposed in this paper: First, the new profiles are generated from input point data. Second, the profile information is extracted from the existing model. Last, the old profiles are replaced with the new profiles. This method can preserve the associative information of the existing model and automatically generate the drawing including views, dimen- sions, and annotations. The proposed method has been implemented using a commercial CAD/CAM system, Unigraphics, and API functions written in C-language, and were applied to the blades of a turbine generator. Some illustrative examples are pro- vided in order to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

An automatic grid generation approach over free-form surface for architectural design

An essential step for the realization of free-form surface structures is to create an efficient structural gird that satisfies not only the architectural aesthetics,but also the structural performance.Employing the main stress trajectories as the representation of force flows on a free-form surface,an automatic grid generation approach is proposed for the architectural design.The algorithm automatically plots the main stress trajectories on a 3D free-form surface,and adopts a modified advancing front meshing technique to generate the structural grid.Based on the proposed algorithm,an automatic grid generator named "St-Surmesh" is developed for the practical architectural design of free-form surface structure.The surface geometry of one of the Sun Valleys in Expo Axis for the Expo Shanghai 2010 is selected as a numerical example for validating the proposed approach.Comparative studies are performed to demonstrate how different structural grids affect the design of a free-form surface structure.

Information Construction Technology of Free-Form Surface Steel Grid

Taking the construction project of National Network Security Talents and Innovation Base Exhibition Center as an example,the application of building information model in the construction process of free-form surface steel structure is analyzed in this paper.The results show that the application of Building Information Modeling(BIM)technology to the construction of free-form surface structure improves the work efficiency of the construction team in multi-disciplinary collaboration,surface component manufacturing,and construction process design,and subsequently improves the construction speed and construction quality.

VISION-BASED MEASUREMENT OF FREE-FORM SURFACES

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Tool-path planning for free-form surface high-speed high-resolution machining using torus cutter

In CNC machining, two essential components decide the accuracy and machining time for a sculptured surface: one is the step-size interval, the other is the tool-path interval. Due to the limitation of the conventional method for calculating the tool-path interval, it cannot satisfy the machining requirement for high-speed and high-resolution machining. Accordingly, for high-speed and high-resolution machining, the current study proposes a new tool-path interval algorithm, plus a variable step-size algorithm for NURBS. Furthermore, a new type cutter, which can improve the cutting efficiency, is investigated in the paper. The transversal equation of the torus cutter onto the flat plan is given in this paper. The tool-path interval is calculated with the transversal equation and the proposed algorithm. The illustrated example shows that the redundant tool paths can be reduced because an accurate tool-path interval could be calculated.

ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES FORNC MACHINING COMPOUND FREE-FORM SURFACES

This paper treats adaptation to the machining precision and productivity of compound free-form surfaces. The principle of a mixed NC machining method (surface direct interpolating (SDI[1])and discrete NC programming) is introduced- Three adaptive procedures are discussed : ( 1 ) adaptivedivision of the machining areas, (2) adaptive triangulation for generating interference-free tool pathsfrom compound surfaces, (3) machining along surface/surface intersection (SSI ) curves with anadaptive step length. They upgrade the intelligence of machining compound surfaces.

Tool selection and collision-free in 5-axis numerical control machining of free-form surfaces

The methodology of 5-axis cutter selection to avert collision for free-form surface machining by flat-end cutters is presented. The combination of different cutters is adopt aiming at short machining time and high precision. The optimal small cutter is determined based on the geometric information of the points where a cutter most probably collide with the machined surface. Several larger cutters are selected to machine the surface in order to find the interference-free area. The difference of machining time for this area between the optimal small cutter and the large cutters is calculated. The functional relationship between the machining time and the radius of a cutter is established, by which the optimal number of cutters is obtained. The combination of cutters, which possesses the minimum overall machining time, is selected as the optimal cutter sizes. A case study has demonstrated the validity of the proposed methodology and algorithms.

A facile strategy for tuning the density of surface-grafted biomolecules for melt extrusion-based additive manufacturing applications

Melt extrusion-based additive manufacturing(ME-AM)is a promising technique to fabricate porous scaffolds for tissue engi-neering applications.However,most synthetic semicrystalline polymers do not possess the intrinsic biological activity required to control cell fate.Grafting of biomolecules on polymeric surfaces of AM scaffolds enhances the bioactivity of a construct;however,there are limited strategies available to control the surface density.Here,we report a strategy to tune the surface density of bioactive groups by blending a low molecular weight poly(ε-caprolactone)5k(PCL5k)containing orthogonally reactive azide groups with an unfunctionalized high molecular weight PCL75k at different ratios.Stable porous three-dimensional(3D)scaf-folds were then fabricated using a high weight percentage(75 wt.%)of the low molecular weight PCL 5k.As a proof-of-concept test,we prepared films of three different mass ratios of low and high molecular weight polymers with a thermopress and reacted with an alkynated fluorescent model compound on the surface,yielding a density of 201-561 pmol/cm^(2).Subsequently,a bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2)-derived peptide was grafted onto the films comprising different blend compositions,and the effect of peptide surface density on the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells(hMSCs)was assessed.After two weeks of culturing in a basic medium,cells expressed higher levels of BMP receptor II(BMPRII)on films with the conjugated peptide.In addition,we found that alkaline phosphatase activity was only significantly enhanced on films contain-ing the highest peptide density(i.e.,561 pmol/cm^(2)),indicating the importance of the surface density.Taken together,these results emphasize that the density of surface peptides on cell differentiation must be considered at the cell-material interface.Moreover,we have presented a viable strategy for ME-AM community that desires to tune the bulk and surface functionality via blending of(modified)polymers.Furthermore,the use of alkyne-azide“click”chemistry enables spatial control over bioconjugation of many tissue-specific moieties,making this approach a versatile strategy for tissue engineering applications.

El Niño and the AMO Sparked the Astonishingly Large Margin of Warming in the Global Mean Surface Temperature in 2023

In 2023,the majority of the Earth witnessed its warmest boreal summer and autumn since 1850.Whether 2023 will indeed turn out to be the warmest year on record and what caused the astonishingly large margin of warming has become one of the hottest topics in the scientific community and is closely connected to the future development of human society.We analyzed the monthly varying global mean surface temperature(GMST)in 2023 and found that the globe,the land,and the oceans in 2023 all exhibit extraordinary warming,which is distinct from any previous year in recorded history.Based on the GMST statistical ensemble prediction model developed at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics,the GMST in 2023 is predicted to be 1.41℃±0.07℃,which will certainly surpass that in 2016 as the warmest year since 1850,and is approaching the 1.5℃ global warming threshold.Compared to 2022,the GMST in 2023 will increase by 0.24℃,with 88%of the increment contributed by the annual variability as mostly affected by El Niño.Moreover,the multidecadal variability related to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation(AMO)in 2023 also provided an important warming background for sparking the GMST rise.As a result,the GMST in 2023 is projected to be 1.15℃±0.07℃,with only a 0.02℃ increment,if the effects of natural variability—including El Niño and the AMO—are eliminated and only the global warming trend is considered.

Analysis of the interaction between bolt-reinforced rock and surface support in tunnels based on convergence-confinement method

To investigate the interaction of the bolt-reinforced rock and the surface support,an analytical model of the convergence-confinement type is proposed,considering the sequential installation of the fully grouted rockbolts and the surface support.The rock mass is assumed to be elastic-brittle-plastic material,obeying the linear Mohr-Coulomb criterion or the non-linear Hoek-Brown criterion.According to the strain states of the tunnel wall at bolt and surface support installation and the relative magnitude between the bolt length and the plastic depth during the whole process,six cases are categorized upon solving the problem.Each case is divided into three stages due to the different effects of the active rockbolts and the passive surface support.The fictitious pressure is introduced to quantify the threedimensional(3D)effect of the tunnel face,and thus,the actual physical location along the tunnel axis of the analytical section can be considered.By using the bolt-rock strain compatibility and the rocksurface support displacement compatibility conditions,the solutions of longitudinal tunnel displacement and the reaction pressure of surface support along the tunnel axis are obtained.The proposed analytical solutions are validated by a series of 3D numerical simulations.Extensive parametric studies are conducted to examine the effect of the typical parameters of rockbolts and surface support on the tunnel displacement and the reaction pressure of the surface support under different rock conditions.The results show that the rockbolts are more effective in controlling the tunnel displacement than the surface support,which should be installed as soon as possible with a suitable length.For tunnels excavated in weak rocks or with restricted displacement control requirements,the surface support should also be installed or closed timely with a certain stiffness.The proposed method provides a convenient alternative approach for the optimization of rockbolts and surface support at the preliminary stage of tunnel design.

Automatic Extraction Method of 3D Feature Guidelines for Complex Cultural Relic Surfaces Based on Point Cloud

Cultural relics line graphic serves as a crucial form of traditional artifact information documentation,which is a simple and intuitive product with low cost of displaying compared with 3D models.Dimensionality reduction is undoubtedly necessary for line drawings.However,most existing methods for artifact drawing rely on the principles of orthographic projection that always cannot avoid angle occlusion and data overlapping while the surface of cultural relics is complex.Therefore,conformal mapping was introduced as a dimensionality reduction way to compensate for the limitation of orthographic projection.Based on the given criteria for assessing surface complexity,this paper proposed a three-dimensional feature guideline extraction method for complex cultural relic surfaces.A 2D and 3D combined factor that measured the importance of points on describing surface features,vertex weight,was designed.Then the selection threshold for feature guideline extraction was determined based on the differences between vertex weight and shape index distributions.The feasibility and stability were verified through experiments conducted on real cultural relic surface data.Results demonstrated the ability of the method to address the challenges associated with the automatic generation of line drawings for complex surfaces.The extraction method and the obtained results will be useful for line graphic drawing,displaying and propaganda of cultural relics.

Path-Following Control With Obstacle Avoidance of Autonomous Surface Vehicles Subject to Actuator Faults

This paper investigates the path-following control problem with obstacle avoidance of autonomous surface vehicles in the presence of actuator faults,uncertainty and external disturbances.Autonomous surface vehicles inevitably suffer from actuator faults in complex sea environments,which may cause existing obstacle avoidance strategies to fail.To reduce the influence of actuator faults,an improved artificial potential function is constructed by introducing the lower bound of actuator efficiency factors.The nonlinear state observer,which only depends on measurable position information of the autonomous surface vehicle,is used to address uncertainties and external disturbances.By using a backstepping technique and adaptive mechanism,a path-following control strategy with obstacle avoidance and fault tolerance is designed which can ensure that the tracking errors converge to a small neighborhood of zero.Compared with existing results,the proposed control strategy has the capability of obstacle avoidance and fault tolerance simultaneously.Finally,the comparison results through simulations are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Discontinuity development patterns and the challenges for 3D discrete fracture network modeling on complicated exposed rock surfaces

Natural slopes usually display complicated exposed rock surfaces that are characterized by complex and substantial terrain undulation and ubiquitous undesirable phenomena such as vegetation cover and rockfalls.This study presents a systematic outcrop research of fracture pattern variations in a complicated rock slope,and the qualitative and quantitative study of the complex phenomena impact on threedimensional(3D)discrete fracture network(DFN)modeling.As the studies of the outcrop fracture pattern have been so far focused on local variations,thus,we put forward a statistical analysis of global variations.The entire outcrop is partitioned into several subzones,and the subzone-scale variability of fracture geometric properties is analyzed(including the orientation,the density,and the trace length).The results reveal significant variations in fracture characteristics(such as the concentrative degree,the average orientation,the density,and the trace length)among different subzones.Moreover,the density of fracture sets,which is approximately parallel to the slope surface,exhibits a notably higher value compared to other fracture sets across all subzones.To improve the accuracy of the DFN modeling,the effects of three common phenomena resulting from vegetation and rockfalls are qualitatively analyzed and the corresponding quantitative data processing solutions are proposed.Subsequently,the 3D fracture geometric parameters are determined for different areas of the high-steep rock slope in terms of the subzone dimensions.The results show significant variations in the same set of 3D fracture parameters across different regions with density differing by up to tenfold and mean trace length exhibiting differences of 3e4 times.The study results present precise geological structural information,improve modeling accuracy,and provide practical solutions for addressing complex outcrop issues.

Triboelectric‘electrostatic tweezers'for manipulating droplets on lubricated slippery surfaces prepared by femtosecond laser processing

The use of‘Electrostatic tweezers'is a promising tool for droplet manipulation,but it faces many limitations in manipulating droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces.Here,we achieve noncontact and multifunctional droplet manipulation on Nepenthes-inspired lubricated slippery surfaces via triboelectric electrostatic tweezers(TETs).The TET manipulation of droplets on a slippery surface has many advantages over electrostatic droplet manipulation on a superhydrophobic surface.The electrostatic field induces the redistribution of the charges inside the neutral droplet,which causes the triboelectric charged rod to drive the droplet to move forward under the electrostatic force.Positively or negatively charged droplets can also be driven by TET based on electrostatic attraction and repulsion.TET enables us to manipulate droplets under diverse conditions,including anti-gravity climb,suspended droplets,corrosive liquids,low-surface-tension liquids(e.g.ethanol with a surface tension of 22.3 mN·m^(-1)),different droplet volumes(from 100 nl to 0.5 ml),passing through narrow slits,sliding over damaged areas,on various solid substrates,and even droplets in an enclosed system.Various droplet-related applications,such as motion guidance,motion switching,droplet-based microreactions,surface cleaning,surface defogging,liquid sorting,and cell labeling,can be easily achieved with TETs.