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Project-to-project learning in global new product development.
Get PDFThis thesis deals with project-to-project learning in global new product development
(NPD). Based on a Systematic Literature Review on knowledge management and NPD
management, it shows that limited empirical research exists to explain the factors that
influence project-to-project learning and that limited guidance is provided to NPD
practitioners wanting to implement knowledge management initiatives in global NPD.
An in-depth case study is presented of three global NPD project teams in a large
multinational organization active in the design and manufacture of complex systems for the
automotive sector. Three research questions and five research propositions are built to
guide empirical research on project-to-project learning. Case study methodology using data
from observations, surveys, interviews and reviews of documents are used to uncover the
project-to-project learning behaviour of global NDP teams. A three-step approach to data
analysis is used to review the case study with the help of knowledge flow mapping,
thematic coding and survey data analysis.
The research shows that radical, global NPD project teams need high volumes of
both internal and external knowledge to be successful and that an intrinsic bias exists at
different seniority levels, impacting on knowledge management. The research also shows
that both social and structured knowledge management initiatives are effective and are used
for project-to-project learning in global NPD. Finally, the implications of research findings
for NPD practitioners and researchers are discussed.PhD in Leadership and Managemen
Data "Airworthiness and No Fault Found - FRAM Analysis"
No full textThe Functional Resonanace Analysis Method model (diagram) and Excel spreadsheet analysis completed within the PhD. The analyses shows how the impact of NFF can be monitored and reduced. It considers the aircrew, engineers, maintenance etc within an organization. The FRAM has been applied by following the guidance provided in this book. FRAM: The Functional Resonance Analysis Method: Modelling Complex Socio-technical Systems By Erik Hollnage
Direct monitoring of the potassium charge carrier in Prussian blue cathodes using potassium K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Get PDFPrussian blue is widely utilized as a cathode material in batteries, due to its ability to intercalate alkaline metal ions, including potassium. However, the exact location of potassium or other cations within the complex structure, and how it changes as a function of cycling, is unclear. Herein, we report direct insight into the nature of potassium speciation within Prussian blue during cyclic voltammetry, via operando potassium K-edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) analysis. Clear and identifiable spectra are experimentally differentiated for the fully intercalated (fully reduced Fe2+FeII Prussian white), partially intercalated (Prussian blue; Fe3+FeII), and free KNO3(aq) electrolyte. Comparison of the experiment with simulated XANES of theoretical structures indicates that potassium lies within the channels of the Prussian blue structure, but is displaced towards the periphery of the channels by occluded water and/or structural water present resulting from [Fe(CN)6]4− vacancies. The structural composition from the charge carrier perspective was monitored for two samples of differing crystallite size and electrochemical stability. Reproducible potassium XANES spectral sequences were observed for large crystallites (ca. 100 nm) of Prussian blue, in agreement with retention of capacity; in contrast, the capacity of a sample with small crystallites (ca. 14 nm) declined as the potassium became trapped within the partially intercalated Prussian blue. The cause of degradation could be attributed to a significant loss of [Fe(CN)6]–[Fe(NC)6] ordering and the formation of a potassium-free non-conducting ferrihydrite phase. These findings demonstrate the potential of XANES to directly study the nature and evolution of potassium species during an electrochemical process.European Commission, Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Research and InnovationJournal of Materials Chemistry
Magnetoconvection around an elliptic cylinder placed in a lid-driven square enclosure subjected to internal heat generation or absorption
Get PDFThe impacts of MHD and heat generation/absorption on lid-driven convective fluid flow occasioned by a lid-driven square enclosure housing an elliptic cylinder have been investigated numerically. The elliptic cylinder and the horizontal enclosure boundaries were insulated and the left vertical lid-driven wall was experienced at a fixed hot temperature, and the right wall was exposed to a fixed cold temperature. COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6 software was used to resolve the nondimensional equations governing flow physics. A set of parameters, such as Hartmann number ( 0≤≤50 ), Reynolds number ( 10^2≤≤10^3 ), Grashof number ( 10^2≤≤10^5 ), heat generation-absorption parameter ( −3≤≤3 ), and elliptical cylinder aspect ratio (AR) ( 1.0≤≤3.0 ) have been investigated. The current study discovered that for low Reynolds number, the adiabatic cylinder AR of 2.0 provided the optimum heat transfer enhancement for the model investigated, also the impact of cylinder size diminishes beyond Gr = 10^4. But for high Reynolds (Re = 1000), the size of the cylinder with AR = 3.0 offered the highest heat transfer augmentation. The clockwise flow circulation reduces because of an increase in AR, which hinders the flow circulation. In addition, heat absorption supports heat transfer augmentation while heat generation can suppress heat transfer improvement
Heat transfer enhancement of magnetized nanofluid flow due to a stretchable rotating disk with variable thermophysical properties effects
Get PDFFerrofluid is a one-of-a-kind substance that functions both as a magnetic solid and as a liquid. In this article, water-based Fe3O4 and Mn–ZnFe2O4 nanofluids between parallel stretchable spinning discs are considered. To carry out the study, the influence of rotational viscosity in the flow, which is due to the difference in rotation between the fluid and magnetic particles, and the applied magnetic field are examined. Additional impacts incorporated to the novelty of the model are the variable viscosity and variable thermal conductivity. The Legendre-based collocation method is used to solve the set of governing equations. To ensure the code validity, a comparison with analytical results is conducted and an excellent consensus is accomplished. Comparisons of the pertinent parameters on the flow profiles are displayed in tabular and graphical forms. Analyses reveal that the ferromagnetic Fe3O4 nanofluid shows higher thermal conductivity strength than the ferromagnetic Mn–ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. This study finds its usefulness in aerospace, biotechnology, medical sciences, material sciences, and so on
Online optimisation and active control of the cure process of thick composite laminates
Get PDFThis paper addresses the development of an active control tool for the in-situ optimisation of the cure process of thick composite parts. The methodology integrates a cure process model with real time monitoring data exploring potential temperature dwells that accelerate the curing while avoiding undesirable thermal gradients. The cure process simulation is based on a Finite Element (FE) model solution validated in the curing of a thick composite flat panel with an average absolute error of about 1.8 °C. The active control tool interacts PID controller of an oven setting a new cure temperature periodically. The implementation of active control tool during the curing of a thick carbon fibre/epoxy cable has the capability to determine in real time optimal solutions minimising process duration whilst also satisfying constraints in temperature overshoot. A process duration reduction of about 70 % can be achieved compared to a nominal cure cycle with a maximum temperature overshoot lower than 9 °C. The active control tool can replace off-line optimisation tools exploiting in situ with real time monitoring to drive the process and minimise the effects of uncertainty.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC): EP/K031430/1Journal of Manufacturing Processe
Multi-UAV wireless positioning using adaptive multidimensional scaling and extended Kalman filter
Get PDFGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal can be blocked when flight vehicles operate in challenging environments such as indoor or adversarial environments. While multi-UAVs are teamed during flight, cooperative localization becomes available to tackle this challenge. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) method has been well studied for cooperative localization of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) based on radio frequency (RF) measurement. When noise RF measurement model is lacking, conventional weighted MDS method represents confidence with the measurements by assigning weights relying on distance information between each pair of nodes. In order to process non-distance RF measurements, we present an improved weighted MDS method which applies a novel weighting scheme. In this article, the proposed method conducts velocity estimation for multi-UAV system based on odometry and Frequency Difference of Arrival (FDOA) measurements. Furthermore, an extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm is applied to refine the initial estimation of the MDS method and derive position estimation. Finally, numerical experiments demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of the adaptive MDS-EKF refinement framework for multi-UAV system localization in an unknown dynamic environment lacking measurement noise information.UK Government Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Chevening Scholarship.
European Union funding: 778305.GLOBECOM 2022 - 2022 IEEE Global Communications Conferenc
Recycling potential of brewer's spent grains for circular biorefineries
Get PDFBrewer's spent grain (BSG) is the major by-product of the brewing industry. BSG is principally composed of carbohydrates and proteins, with substantial amount of lipids. Presently, BSG usage is restricted to low-grade applications such as ruminant feed or landfills. The high volume, nutrient-rich composition, low cost (€35/ton), abundance, and around the year availability, makes it a promising and renewable feedstock for biorefinery development. The current review begins with beer production process, where BSG is produced. Further, it appraises emerging biotechnological advancements and green processes targeting BSG valorisation ensuring maximal resource recovery. Particularly, it illustrates diverse marketable products obtained by repurposing carbohydrate and protein fraction of BSG using either isolated or cascading approach. We believe that this review will encourage more research groups to work on developing innovative technologies for integrated and holistic valorisation of BSG. Inclusive efforts towards reduced water consumption and waste minimisation is further advocated, which are presently primary challenges associated with beer industry. It will leave a significant imprint on environmental sustainability and pave a way for developing circular bio-based economy.Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistr
Challenges for a railway inspection and repair system from railway infrastructure
Get PDFRobots and automation techniques are used in many industries for a long period because of the economic advantages and efficiency. Though the railway has a long history compared to other transportation systems, it still lacks wide application of modern technologies such as robots and AI. Track maintenance using robotic technologies has gained some attraction from both infrastructure managers and researchers due to safety and cost benefits. A Railway Inspection and Repair System (RIRS) has been proposed using commercially available Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) and an industrial manipulator for the railway track inspection and repair tasks. The use of a specially designed trolley enables the on-track and off-track navigation capability of RIRS. The infrastructure in railway is very diversified and unique in size, shape, and remoteness compared to other industries. This research investigates the unique challenges to the operation of RIRS imposed by the railway infrastructure.10th International Conference on Control, Mechatronics and Automation (ICCMA 2022
Experimental investigation of self-cleaning behaviour of 3D-printed textile fabrics with various printing parameters
Get PDFSelf-cleaning of textile fabrics is defined as the ability that the pollutants particles can be removed from the fabric surface without any external source. The application of the technology is beneficial to the environment since it conserves water, energy and laundry costs. In the past, it is typically obtained by chemical coatings, which develop low surface energy and high roughness on the fabric surface, allowing the pollutant particles or droplets to float over the surface rather than adhesion. These chemical coating methods are effective for fabrics manufactured by traditional woven-based textile technology. However, the recent advancements in 3D printing technology have evolved the manufacturing of textile fabrics but with equal challenges in self-cleaning as previous chemical coating-based methods are not useful for printed fabrics. A recent study has successfully established a linear regression model to demonstrate the relationship between secondary 3D printing parameters and the self-cleaning properties of different polymeric fabrics. This paper is intended to analyse the impact of the primary printing parameters on the self-cleaning attributes, including infill rate (IR), flow rate (FR), printing temperature (PT), printing speed (PS), and printing acceleration (PA). The experimental results were used to construct a regression polynomial to quantify the self-cleaning behaviour of the selected thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fabric. The models were validated experimentally to highlight the critical values of considered primary parameters for optimal self-cleaning behaviour. The obtained results indicated that FR was the most significant parameter, and all parameters affected the fabric's wettability almost equally.Polymer Testin