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Publication Fretting fatigue and wear of spline couplings: From laboratory testing to industrial application through computational modelling(World Scientific Publishing Europe Limited, 2022-04) Leen, Sean B.One of the major challenges for fretting fatigue design is the bridging of the gap between laboratory tests, including associated theoretical and computer models, typically constrained to simplified loading conditions, and the need for real-life solutions, which relate more directly to in-situ loading, environmental and other relevant conditions, including geometrical constraints of target machine or structural components. This chapter describes experiences and challenges relating to the application of computational modelling to the design of simple but representative tests for fretting fatigue and wear of complex aeroengine spline couplings. It is proposed that the key step forward for fretting is to recognise, on the one hand, the importance of spatial and temporal field distriibutions of key multiaxial surface and sub-surface parameters, rather than try to reduce down to a single parameter or set of simple variables, such as normal load, coefficient of friction and stroke, and, on the other hand, to develop experimental tests which represent these spatial-temporal distributions. This is entirely feasible using modern nonlinear computational techniques, in combination with experimental and theoretical advances in fretting.Publication Finite element modelling of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of a 9Cr martensitic steel(Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2013-01-01) Barrett, R. A.; O’Donoghue, P. E.; Leen, Sean B.A multi-axial, unified sinh viscoplastic material model has been developed to model the behaviour of advanced materials subjected to high temperature cyclic loading. The material model accounts for rate-dependent effects related to high temperature creep and cyclic plasticity effects such as isotropic and kinematic hardening. The material model, which is capable of simulating both isothermal and anisothermal loading conditions, is implemented in multi-axial form in a material user subroutine and validated against uniaxial test data. The results validate the implementation for both isothermal and anisothermal uniaxial loading conditions for as-new P91 steel.Publication Barriers to FLOSS in SMEs: the lack of knowledge and skills(IOS Press, 2005) Van Leeuwen, Manon; Cormican, Kathryn; |~|While open source is becoming a topic of mainstream business, the level of awareness and depth of understanding of the open source paradigm still varies considerably and represents a significant barrier to broader adoption. Open Source Software (OSS) usage rates in the public sector were above average, while in the business sector the smaller organisations stay behind in comparison to larger ones. Even though research and experiences shows there are advantages to the use of Open Source applications and solutions, take-up by SMEs is very slow. They face generic barriers to adoption including trust and transaction security and IPR concerns, and challenges in areas of management skills, technological capabilities, productivity and competitiveness. The issues related to OSS are broad and cover many areas (legal, technological, etc.). This paper addresses one aspect of OSS, i.e. the reasons why smaller (and to some extent medium) enterprises are reluctant to adopt Open Source solutions and applications, focussing on the barriers related to competencies, knowledge and management skills.Publication Towards effective knowledge management: a requirements analysis of European manufacturing SMEs(IOS Press, 2006) Cormican, Kathryn; Van Leeuwen, Manon; |~|Knowledge is a key resource that must be managed within European organisations in general, and because of their importance to the economy Manufacturing SMEs in particular. The key challenges facing such organisations are ensuring they have the appropriate knowledge to support their operations and ensuring they optimise the knowledge resources available to them. In recent years, researchers, consultants and industrialists have developed approaches in an attempt to address these requirements. However, research indicates that organisations are still failing to convert individual skills and competencies into tangible products and services. In other words, companies are not reaping the full benefits of knowledge management projects. This paper explores the main problems with sharing knowledge within and between teams in Manufacturing SMEs. Findings from a qualitative study suggest the key problems are person centric. Therefore, managers should focus their efforts on improving critical areas such as Communication, motivation and trust as well as people oriented systems, methods and tools.Publication Knowledge sharing in manufacturing SMEs: survey findings and analysis(IOS Press, 2006) Cormican, Kathryn; Van Leeuwen, Manon; |~|This paper reports on it study of European manufacturing SMEs in the metallurgical sector. The goal of the research is to ascertain the extent and nature of knowledge sharing that takes place within these organisations; the barriers experienced; and finally whether specific Structures, systems arc in place to enable effective knowledge sharing. We found that while information and knowledge is shared it is done in an ad-hoc way and formal systems are not used. The study revealed that the barriers that prevent people from knowledge sharing include; lack of time; inability to make tacit knowledge explicit; communication difficulties and lack of trust, Respondents also identified critical areas that needed attention. These include the need for structuring and organising knowledge sharing, effective communication, learn building as well as the ability to use computer systems. This analysis provides the critical information needed to guide the development of tailored support structures in order to equip employees with the skills and competences needed to become more effective in a knowledge economy.Publication Implementation of an ambient intelligence (AmI) system in a manufacturing SME(IOS Press, 2008) Gill, Simrn Kaur; Cormican, Kathryn; |~|SME are facing greater challenges due to increased labour cost and reduced cycle times. To adapt to this change more effectively and efficiently they need systems in place that adapt to change easily and seamlessly. This is the case in the customised product and service manufacturing SME sector. Ambient intelligence (AmI) has the ability to help SME to become more flexible to change and build on their already dynamic nature. The ability of the AmI system to adapt and learn in different situations is the key to maintaining the competitiveness in an organisation. This paper seeks to demonstrate the development and implementation of an AmI system in the manufacturing SME environment. It presents an AmI system in industry reference model that highlights the implicit and explicit interaction between the user, process and environment in an AmI system. The reference model is applied to a case study and the benefits arising from implementation are highlighted and discussed.