Using Level Sets as the basis for a scalable, parallel geometry engine and mesh generation system

The background to this review paper is research we have performed over recent years aimed at developing a simulation system capable of handling large scale, real world applications implemented in an end-to-end parallel, scalable manner. The particular focus of this paper is the use of a Level Set solid modeling geometry kernel within this parallel framework to enable automated design optimization without topological restrictions and on geometries of arbitrary complexity. Also described is another interesting application of Level Sets: their use in guiding the export of a body-conformal mesh from our basic cut-Cartesian background octree - mesh - this permits third party flow solvers to be deployed. As a practical demonstrations meshes of guaranteed quality are generated and flow-solved for a B747 in full landing configuration and an automated optimization is performed on a cooled turbine tip geometry. Copyright © 2009 by W.N.Dawes.

Towards robust part tracking in an automated manufacturing process using RFID

Automated Identification and in particular, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) promises to assist with the automation of mass customised production processes. RFID has long been used to gather a history or trace of part movements, but the use of it as an integral part of the control process is yet to be fully exploited. Such use places stringent demands on the quality of the sensor data and the method used to interpret that data. in particular, this paper focuses on the issue of correctly identifying, tracking and dealing with aggregated objects with the use of RFID. The presented approach is evaluated in the context of a laboratory manufacturing system that produces customised gift boxes. Copyright © 2005 IFAC.

Automated vision tracking of project related entities

Tracking of project related entities such as construction equipment, materials, and personnel is used to calculate productivity, detect travel path conflicts, enhance the safety on the site, and monitor the project. Radio frequency tracking technologies (Wi-Fi, RFID, UWB) and GPS are commonly used for this purpose. However, on large-scale sites, deploying, maintaining and removing such systems can be costly and time-consuming. In addition, privacy issues with personnel tracking often limits the usability of these technologies on construction sites. This paper presents a vision based tracking framework that holds promise to address these limitations. The framework uses videos from a set of two or more static cameras placed on construction sites. In each camera view, the framework identifies and tracks construction entities providing 2D image coordinates across frames. Combining the 2D coordinates based on the installed camera system (the distance between the cameras and the view angles of them), 3D coordinates are calculated at each frame. The results of each step are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the framework.

Detection of large-scale concrete columns for automated bridge inspection

There are over 600,000 bridges in the US, and not all of them can be inspected and maintained within the specified time frame. This is because manually inspecting bridges is a time-consuming and costly task, and some state Departments of Transportation (DOT) cannot afford the essential costs and manpower. In this paper, a novel method that can detect large-scale bridge concrete columns is proposed for the purpose of eventually creating an automated bridge condition assessment system. The method employs image stitching techniques (feature detection and matching, image affine transformation and blending) to combine images containing different segments of one column into a single image. Following that, bridge columns are detected by locating their boundaries and classifying the material within each boundary in the stitched image. Preliminary test results of 114 concrete bridge columns stitched from 373 close-up, partial images of the columns indicate that the method can correctly detect 89.7% of these elements, and thus, the viability of the application of this research.

Biomimetic calcium carbonate-gelatin composites as a model system for eggshell mineralization

The composite nature of mineralized natural materials is achieved through both the microstructural inclusion of an organic component and an overall microstructure that is controlled by templating onto organic macromolecules. A modification of an existing laboratory technique is developed for the codeposition of a CaCO3-gelatin composite with a controllable organic content. First, calibration curves are developed to determine the organic content of a CaCO3-gelatin composite from infrared spectra. Second, a CaCO3-gelatin composite is deposited on either glass coverslips or demineralized eggshell membranes using an automated alternating soaking process. Electron microscopy images and use of the infrared spectra calibration curves show that by altering the amount of gelatin in the ionic growth solutions, the final organic component of the mineral can be regulated over the range of 1-10%, similar to that of natural eggshell. © 2012 Materials Research Societ.

Automated computational modelling for solid mechanics

We present some recent developments in automated computational modelling with an emphasis on solid mechanics applications. The automation process permits an abstract mathematical model of a physical problem to be translated into computer code rapidly and trivially, and can lead to computer code which is faster than hand-written and optimised code. Crucial to the approach is ensuring that mathematical abstractions inherent in the mathematical model are inherited by the software library. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008.