International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics - Volume 59, issue 3

Authors: Liu, Xiaojun | Umemoto, Takafumi | Kato, Hideaki | Narita, Takayoshi | Moriyama, Hiroyuki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ultra-compact electric vehicles are becoming popular means of personal mobility. However, due to their small size, it is difficult to install an assist mechanism for steering operation in most of these vehicles. As a solution, the research team proposes the application of the steer-by-wire system (SBWS) to control the front tires of the vehicle without any mechanical connection. By changing the steering gear ratio and steering wheel reaction torque, SBWS can provide optimal operability and driving comfort. In this study, an experimental vehicle is equipped with SBWS and the steering reaction torque of the steering wheel based on the steering …angle as feedback is adjusted. The experimental results show that changing the steering wheel reaction torque affects driver muscle burden. Show more

Keywords: Muscle burden, ultra-compact electric vehicle, steer-by-wire system, reaction torque

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-171254

Citation: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 1143-1151, 2019

Authors: Song, Siyang | Xu, Minglong | Sheng, Hao | Shao, Shubao | Zheng, Junyi | Zhu, Xueyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper introduces a new flexible capacitive force sensor for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to evaluate the quality of chest compression (CC). Compared with other feedback devices, this sensing element is flexible, which helps avoid the risk of tissue injury to the patient. We describe the relationship between the compressive force and the capacitance of the sensor element, and design a circuit to transduce the capacitance into a voltage. Finally, we tested the system during CPR training with a manikin. The experiment shows that the sensing element can help rescuers distinguish between effective and ineffective CC due to inadequate compression rate …and/or depth. Show more

Keywords: Capacitance Force Sensor, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, flexible

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-171082

Citation: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 1153-1160, 2019

Authors: Mihalache, Ovidiu | Yamaguchi, Toshihiko | Shirahama, Takuma | Ueda, Masashi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The paper presents the application of window multi-frequency (WMF) algorithms using eddy currents (EC) to the in-service inspection of fast breeder reactor (FBR) steam generator (SG) tubes in the presence or absence of sodium. Detection of defects filled with sodium were investigated based on three dimensional finite element simulations, using an in-house developed code, of remote field eddy current (RFEC) multi-coil sensors system. WMF algorithms, previously confirmed using 3D FEM simulations, are validated for the first time in the paper for multi-coil RFEC systems with either experimental measurements or mixed simulations-measurements from defects near tube support plate (SP) of FBR …before and after sodium draining. The efficient suppression of combined sodium and SP signal is acquired through the use of WMF to enhance the signal/noise ratio (between 6 and 9) for detection of partial (up to 30% depth from tube wall thickness) or full circumferential (20% depth) outer tube defects. Show more

Keywords: FBR, steam generator, multi-frequency, sodium, remote field eddy currents, finite element

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-171237

Citation: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 1161-1168, 2019

Authors: Cheng, Weiying

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the measurement of a metallic plate’s dimension by eddy current testing, the plate’s electrical conductivity is required but practically unavailable. This study investigated the application of swept-frequency eddy current testing (SFECT) to measure the thicknesses of the plate and a nonconductive coating over it, even without knowing the plate’s conductivity. Hinted by the known analytical expressions available for the calculation of the impedance of an air-cored coil above a plate, we found that the maximum phase angle of the normalized SFECT signal is relevant to the thickness of a conductive plate and the liftoff, regardless of the conductivity, and …can be applied to thickness measurement. Analytical and experimental studies also showed that the conductivity of a nonmagnetic plate can be measured nondestructively by using SFECT signals in the high frequency range. Show more

Keywords: Swept-frequency eddy current testing, nonmagnetic, conductivity, thickness, coating layer

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-171129

Citation: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 1169-1178, 2019