Abstract: A computer-implemented method for designing a 3D robot body model representing a robot body formed in one or more materials. The method comprises obtaining an objective function based on predetermined parameters quantifying a motion metric of the robot. The predetermined parameters include a plurality of voxels forming a gridding of a 3D space, one or more parameters related to the one or more materials, and an actuation function which represents an actuation signal. The design variables include a distribution of density values over the plurality of voxels, and a distribution of actuation coefficients over the plurality voxels. The method further comprises exploring the design variables so as to perform a gradient-based optimization of the objective function, thereby obtaining an optimal continuous value of the design variables, and determining a 3D robot body model based on the optimal continuous value of the design variables.

Abstract: The disclosure notably relates to a computer-implemented method for designing a modeled object. The method includes obtaining a finite element mesh, data associated to the finite element mesh and a non-uniform distribution of one or more local quantity constraints. The data associated to the finite element mesh include forces, boundary conditions, parameters, and a global quantity constraint. The method also comprises performing a topology optimization based on the finite element mesh, the data associated to the finite element mesh, and the non-uniform distribution. The method improves the design of a modeled object representing a mechanical part by topology optimization.

Abstract: A discrete geometrical pattern library guides a method for design optimization of a finite element model in a computer aided design (CAD) environment. Boundary conditions are applied to the finite element model, design variables for the bounded finite element model are initialized, and an objective function for the finite element model is evaluated. A gradient of the objective function is evaluated with respect to the design variables, an appearance constraint function is evaluated for the finite element model, and a gradient of the appearance constraint function is evaluated with respect to the design variables. The design variables are updated using a mathematical programming, and a convergence in the design optimization is detected, producing a converged design optimization of the finite element model is produced.

Abstract: Embodiments automatically determine optimized designs for manufacturing real-world objects. An embodiment begins with defining a finite element model comprised of a plurality of elements that represents a real-world object. Next, equilibriums and design responses of the object in response boundary conditions are determined, which includes calculating a local volume constraint for a given element of the finite element model. Then, design response sensitivities of the object in response to the boundary conditions are determined, which includes differentiating the calculated local volume constraint to determine sensitivity of a sizing design variable.

Abstract: Embodiments automatically determine optimized designs for manufacturing real-world objects. An embodiment begins with defining a finite element model comprised of a plurality of elements that represents a real-world object. Next, equilibriums and design responses of the object in response boundary conditions are determined, which includes calculating a local volume constraint for a given element of the finite element model. Then, design response sensitivities of the object in response to the boundary conditions are determined, which includes differentiating the calculated local volume constraint to determine sensitivity of a sizing design variable.

Abstract: The disclosure notably relates to a computer-implemented method for designing a modeled object. The method includes obtaining a finite element mesh, data associated to the finite element mesh and a non-uniform distribution of one or more local quantity constraints. The data associated to the finite element mesh include forces, boundary conditions, parameters, and a global quantity constraint. The method also comprises performing a topology optimization based on the finite element mesh, the data associated to the finite element mesh, and the non-uniform distribution. The method improves the design of a modeled object representing a mechanical part by topology optimization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for weed control with microwaves. The area to be treated, prior to treatment with microwaves, is treated with an aqueous solution of an organic and/or inorganic salt.

Abstract: With an infrared radiator, the surface temperature of which is kept constant during measurement, a measuring area on a material surface is thermally irradiated with oblique incidence of the rays. The temperature of the reflected thermal radiation is measured by an infrared thermometer, which is arranged above the measuring area in such a way that the reflected radiation falls into the area of coverage of the infrared thermometer. The entire measuring area of the material surface which lies in the field of coverage of the infrared thermometer must be thermally irradiated. The measured temperature variation of the reflected radiation in dependence on the surface condition of the material is stored in a comparison device. A set value for the desired surface condition is fed to this comparison device.

Abstract: With an infrared radiator, the surface temperature of which is kept constant during measurement, a measuring area on a roughened material surface is thermally irradiated with oblique incidence of the rays. The temperature of the reflected thermal radiation is measured by an infrared thermometer, which is arranged above the measuring area in such a way that the reflected radiation falls into the area of coverage of the infrared thermometer. The entire measuring area of the material surface which lies in the field of coverage of the infrared thermometer must be thermally irradiated. The measured temperature variation of the reflected radiation in dependence on the known surface roughness of the material is stored in a comparison device. This comparison device is fed a set value for the desired surface roughness.

Abstract: An electric power generator used a piezoelectric transducer mounted on a resilient blade which in turn is mounted on an independently flexible support member. Fluid flow against the blade causes bending stresses in the piezoelectric polymer which produces electric power.

Abstract: The individual cardboard box blanks of strings of blanks connected by scored, frangible bridge portions are separated by stacking the multiple blanks, clamping the stack of leading individual blanks to a vibratory support and the stack of the remainder of the blanks to a stationary feed table in such a position that the connecting bridge portions are free to flex and ultimately break when the support is oscillated about a position in which the blank-carrying surfaces of the support and of the table are spacedly aligned in a common plane.