Simulation Study of the Impact of COVID-19 Policies on the Efficiency of a Smart Clinic MRI Service.

The present study examines the impact of the policies against the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 on outpatient facilities through a direct comparison of the key performance indicators measured in an ordinary and pandemic scenario. The subject of the analysis is a diagnostic imaging department of a Smart Clinic (SC) of Gruppo San Donato (GSD). The operations are virtually replicated through a Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) software called FlexSim Healthcare.

A Comparison between Finite Element Model (FEM) Simulation and an Integrated Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Approach to Forecast Performances of Micro Electro Discharge Machining (Micro-EDM) Drilling.

Artificial Neural Network (ANN), together with a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Finite Element Model (FEM), was used to forecast the process performances for the Micro Electrical Discharge Machining (micro-EDM) drilling process. The integrated ANN-PSO methodology has a double direction functionality, responding to different industrial needs. It allows to optimize the process parameters as a function of the required performances and, at the same time, it allows to forecast the process performances fixing the process parameters.

Study on ZrB-Based Ceramics Reinforced with SiC Fibers or Whiskers Machined by Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining.

The effects of different reinforcement shapes on stability and repeatability of micro electrical discharge machining were experimentally investigated for ultra-high-temperature ceramics based on zirconium diboride (ZrB) doped by SiC. Two reinforcement shapes, namely SiC short fibers and SiC whiskers were selected in accordance with their potential effects on mechanical properties and oxidation performance. Specific sets of process parameters were defined minimizing the short circuits in order to identify the best combination for different pulse types.

Machinability and Energy Efficiency in Micro-EDM Milling of Zirconium Boride Reinforced with Silicon Carbide Fibers.

Several types of advanced materials have been developed to be applied in many industrial application fields to satisfy the high performance required. Despite this, research and development of process suited to machine are still limited. Due to the high mechanical properties, advanced materials are often considered as difficult to cut.

Cost Index Model for the Process Performance Optimization of Micro-EDM Drilling on Tungsten Carbide.

The present work deals with the execution of through micro-holes on tungsten carbide plates using a micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) machine. The experiments were carried out by varying peak current, voltage and frequency in order to achieve suitable technology windows. Tubular electrodes, made of two different materials (tungsten carbide and brass), were used.