Background: In general, it is very complicated to build submarines. There are many parts and equipment that must be in place, and there are tight spaces on the boat. As submarine development progresses and new modern concepts take shape, the installation of new equipment on board becomes more complex, placing higher demands on well-defined interfaces, both geometrically and logically. The approach to electrical cabinets today is to run the cables from the bottom or top through a cable transit system, and only after the cabinet is installed on the submarine can the cables be installed in the proper terminals. This means that the installation takes a lot of time and combined with the fact that there are so many cables sticking out of the cable grommet, the work becomes even more superficial as installers are also constrained by the tight space. Sometimes workers also must move around to make room for others to pass through other parts of the submarine. This means that workers must leave their jobs and move before resuming their work. The following can happen several times a day, which means more time is needed to install electrical cabinets on the submarine.

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to develop and design a solution that is a standardized interface for equipment in the form of electrical cabinets that are present and used in submarines. In this way, the solution must be able to satisfy the different interfaces of the devices that the different subcontractors provide to the company. The created proposals must be illustrated with a CAD software to visualize the concept.

Methodology: The research methodology used in this project is a combination of Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Design Thinking (DT).

Result: The result presents a solution (ISO-box) that shows that it is possible to reduce and optimize the time to install the cabinet once the cabinet is permanently mounted on the submarine. The solution is presented in the form of a CAD model. The model is set up so that all the cables coming from the cable transit system have an adapter at the end, which has a counterpart in a box to the cabinet that is installed on the submarine. Then when the cabinet is assembled, all that must be done is to plug the right connector into the right place in this box. The box has colors for the connectors and numbering that makes it easier for the installer to know which adapter to use.

Conclusions: The work shows that it is quite possible to change the current solution so that less time is needed in the final assembly of the cabinets. It will be easier to just connect the contacts and then leave room for others to pass in the confined spaces. It will also be easier to maintain, as the installer can replace broken contacts as the solution is modular, and there is the possibility of installing new equipment with ISO-box if necessary.

Innovativeness is considered to be an important factor for firm’s survival and their ability to compete in today’s market. Therefore, researchers have become more interested in studying innovativeness and its drivers. Studies have also showed that there’s a positive relationship between environmental uncertainty and innovativeness. Organisations are responsive to turbulent environments through innovativeness in order to stay competitive and improve performance. The purpose of this thesis is to rank critical environmental factor’s effect on organisational innovativeness of small and medium enterprises in Sweden, through investigating the impact of market/demand turbulence and technological turbulence on innovativeness. Additionally, we want to examine the relationship between innovativeness and business performance, as well as the indirect relationship between environmental uncertainty and performance. Based on previous literature, we have developed hypotheses and proposed a research model to study the formulated problems. Data for the study were collected from 50 SMEs in Sweden, through a survey with well-known scales and were analysed using regression analysis. The results of the study, reveal that environmental uncertainty has a positive effect on the innovativeness of SMEs. In addition, technological turbulence showed to have a positive significant effect on an SME’s innovativeness; however, contrary to general belief, market/demand turbulence did not have any prominent effect. Our findings also proved that innovativeness have a strong positive impact on business performance, and that only technological turbulence have an indirect influence on performance through innovativeness. This study aimed to contribute to the management a better understanding, of which conditions of environmental turbulences SMEs should adapt to, in order to increase their level of innovativeness. Keywords: environmental uncertainty, organizational innovativeness, performance, market/demand turbulence, technological turbulence, SMEs.

Background

Tarkett AB Ronneby (Sweden) is a flooring solutions company, recognized for the manufacturing and recycling of homogeneous plastic flooring. Tarkett AB recycles mainly installation spill and manufacturing defects. However, Tarkett AB is considering widening its recycling capabilities to include old and torn plastic floors which may contain impurities and banned substances or plastic floors of competing brands. To accomplish this, Tarkett is considering a completely new recycling line with an automated sorting process instead of the current manual process. Thus, Tarkett proposes a dissertation to conceptualize a new automated sorting system with added capacity and increased functionality.

Purpose

This work aims to investigate the current sorting process and introduce conceptual solutions for a new automated sorting process capable of identifying and separating plastic floors according to the manufacturer, type, condition, and external waste by using existing technology.

Method

The methods and tools used in this work are mainly based on a modified product development process. Starting with data collection of the current sorting process, performing a need-finding, and extracting requirements for an automated sorting process, investigating relevant technology, evaluating technology based on scientific literature and tests. The testing was conducted in collaboration with two companies. Near-infrared scanners were tested with Holger AB, while pattern recognition systems were tested with Vision-Geek. Finally, three concepts for the automated sorting process were developed and shown through flow charts and 2D-3D illustrations.

Results

The results of this work showed that it was possible to use near-infrared and pattern recognition for the separation of plastic floors. Besides, three conceptual solutions for an automated sorting process were generated and showcased with schematic graphs and 2D-3D illustrations. The concepts describe how the sorting process functions and what technology is used for each step of the process. Concept 1 and Concept 2 used both pattern recognition and spectroscopy methods. While Concept 3 only used spectroscopy methods. Moreover, spectroscopy methods were used to sort plastic floors by content while pattern recognition by appearance.

Conclusions

Recycling of torn and old plastic flooring can be beneficial for both the environment and the recycling industry. Yet, it presents some challenges relating to reliable, fast, and nondestructive identification for sorting and separation purposes. New and proven technology such as near-infrared hyperspectral imaging and pattern recognition can be used. However, high-quality pattern and spectrum libraries of multiple plastic floors have to be created for optimal and reliable reference models. Furthermore, pattern recognition and near-infrared methods need to be tested further at an industrial scale. 

Transporting solid particles in oil and gas flow cause erosion damage to the pipeline and fittings. The aim of this thesis is to study the effect of impact velocity on the erosion damage in 90 degree long elbow by using two different erosion models namely, Oka model and E/CRC model. Those correlation applied at air-borne sand eroding, methane-borne sand eroding, mixed gas-borne sand eroding, and multiphase (gas- oil) borne sand eroding Inconel 625. The commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code STAR-CCM+ is used to obtain the average and maximum erosion rate by using the above mentioned models and compared them with the previous results.

Abstract: The complexity of environmental, social, economical, and technological objectives creates a challenge for decision makers when prioritizing the right measures that will move a project or organization toward sustainability at least cost. Currently there are methods or tools available to assist in this decision making and through a strategic approach potentially enhance the process. The focus of this thesis is to evaluate how the quantitative nature of economic detail as a tool which has been informed by a strategic sustainable framework can contribute to the complex decision making process for sustainable development when prioritizing measures. A two- step matrix format is used to represent the proposed approach. The complexity of sustainable development issues for decision makers within Sweden’s energy sector provides a suitable case study to explain this approach. Karlskrona, Sweden district heat was chosen. The results revealed an enhanced decision making process utilizing the proposed approach in district heat thus ensuring organizational and social profitability as defined by, static and dynamic efficiency and equitable allocation. The thesis concludes that the suggested approach has the potential to enhance the decision making process for strategic sustainable development when prioritizing measures in district heat and may be universal in its application in many other sectors. However, further validation of the approach through testing in real life situations is recommended.

In this ongoing study, we propose a higher order data mining approach for modelling district heating (DH) substations’ behaviour and linking operational behaviour representative profiles with different performance indicators. We initially create substation’s operational behaviour models by extracting weekly patterns and clustering them into groups of similar patterns. The built models are further analyzed and integrated into an overall substation model by applying consensus clustering. The different operational behaviour profiles represented by the exemplars of the consensus clustering model are then linked to performance indicators. The labelled behaviour profiles are deployed over the whole heating season to derive diverse insights about the substation’s performance. The results show that the proposed method can be used for modelling, analyzing and understanding the deviating and sub-optimal DH substation’s behaviours. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

STARKA Betongelement AB is a privately owned company with a focus on manufacturing prefabricated concrete elements. STARKA works with everything from design, manufacturing to the assembly of concrete elements. The process that is mainly studied is their design process, here the different elements are planned to be manufactured and assembled. For the manufacture and assembly, drawings are produced as a basis for this work, these drawings consist of detailed drawings. The creation of these details is currently a time-consuming process; hence, this study aims to develop a more efficient working method that can both make it easier for designers and reduce demanding working hours.

During the work, the design thinking process is followed as a method when developing the solution. The method consists of four primary phases, starting with understanding the problem that has been given. Furthermore, the area of the problem is studied, through various literature studies, observations, interviews and various tests. After forming a good foundation, different ideas are created to solve the problem. Finally, the final solution is implemented at the company and the implementation was evaluated.

Results consist of an AutoLISP-program that consists of all the necessary functions under one program, to create the detailed drawings for production. The functions that appear in the program are as follows: measurement of details, in-cast goods measurement, cut line, reinforcement text and “hitsymbol”. Features and their specifications used in the program have been identified through interviews and observations with the engineers at STARKA.

For assembly drawings, two different solutions have been developed, the first of which tackles engineers' problems in creating complicated details. This is achieved by utilizing the construction’s 3D-model to create the desired detailed drawings. The second solution focuses on generalizing different standard parts and eliminating excess information, such as external dimensions. This in turn creates a better prerequisite for more general details that can be reused in new drawings to save working time.

s a conclusion for production drawings, the work is facilitated by the program consist of all the necessary functions. Since the features have their pre-inserted specifications, there is no need to configure them afterwards and the insertion becomes correct from the first step. The designers have found the solution helpful and have simplified their work by making “handpåläggning” more efficient and reducing working hours. “Handpåläggning” consist of the functions and methods that the engineers at STARKA use to finalize the drawings. Regarding assembly drawings, the use of 3D-models is considered to be very demanding on computers, but good assistance in complicated details. The standard details make it easier to use standard generalized details to avoid creating and editing new ones for each project. 

The grinding rollers of raw mill 7 operate in very harsh conditions and, because of this, suffer from excessive failure mode due to lip seal deterioration. Foreign material penetrates the deteriorated lip seal and enters the bearings resulting in bearing failure. Failure mode brings about high maintenance costs for the cement-producing company Cementa AB. This thesis aims to accomplish two things. 1- Hypothesize a set of root causes for failure mode and link them to existing literature studies to determine what actions should be taken to prevent or at least postpone failure mode. 2- Generate several new conceptual designs for the sealing mechanism by either creating a revolutionary sealing design or taking inspiration from standard seals currently on the market. The generated concepts aim to provide Cementa AB with a new perspective as well as mitigate some or all the root causes for failure mode if implemented.

The hypothesized root causes for failure mode are categorized through the creation of a problem tree and are defined as lip seal failure, lubricative pressure and contamination, tribologically improper friction, vibration, and finally very harsh conditions that are indigenous to raw mills in general and that are seemingly incompatible with the current sealing mechanism. Revolutionary concepts are brainstormed entirely from an experimental perspective, while standard concepts are inspired by established sealing technology on the market. Both alternatives are then conceptually adapted to the grinding roller of raw mill 7 and, with inaccurate scaling, 3D modelled with the aid of Autodesk Inventor.

7 concepts, revolutionary and standard combined, are generated as a result. The revolutionary concepts have been deemed non-viable due to the limited timeframe and scope of the thesis. Instead, the selected seal for the upgrade is a labyrinth seal, which is a non-contact standard seal that has the potential to mitigate many of the root causes for failure mode. The literature studies on the hypothesized root causes also indicate that there are actions that could postpone failure mode should Cementa AB chose to retain the original sealing mechanism for a longer period.

We needed to design an electric-driven module to place underneath a serving-cart, to facilitate the work made by the cabin personal and thereby prevent work injuries.

This master thesis is part of a larger project (Evochip), conducted at Lund University, faculty of engineering, Industrial Production Department (iProd). The project is in collaboration with AB Markaryds metallarmatur and Mistra innovation. In this work, a dynamic cost model has been developed to calculate the manufacturing costs of components made from recycled chips of lead-free brass from the manufacturing processes of AB Markaryds metallarmatur (MMA).

In the current situation, all rejected details and waste materials are sent to the material supplier in southern Europe for recycling. The transport takes place by trucks and the recycling process is based on an energy-intensive melting step. Development projects are currently underway to reuse the chips without melting at sight at MMA´s facilities, but the cost per detail has been unknown for the company. With the help of this thesis, the manufacturing price will be presented. The manufacturing process is divided into a total of 11 different processing stations. To estimate the costs, Jan-Eric Ståhl's dynamic cost model is used. Necessary data and information have been collected using interviews with the employees of the company and through the company's own documentation regarding the production lines. In order to reduce the error margin in the results, suitable Monte Carlo simulations have been performed.

The work is also based on a sustainability perspective. In addition to eliminating transportations by trucks and energy-intensive melting processes for the products, the work also promotes the use and reuse of lead-free brass by pressing metal chips to form new bars. All this in order to avoid leaded brass components due to the negative health effects caused by the lead.

The component investigated in this work is a radiator valve called EVO 10. The valve is found in the company's lead-free standard range. The cost model in this project is dynamic to the extent that it could be applied in the future to other lead-free brass components at MMA.

A comparison of two different concepts is presented in the results section. Concept one represents the current manufacturing system, and concept two, the future compacting technology. Since many of the processing steps are the same for both systems, a comparison was made between the productions of the pellet through the two different concepts. The results show that pellets made according to today's manufacturing system cost 12.75 SEK / detail, and pellets manufactured according to concept two costs 9.61 SEK / detail.

As concept two is dependent on chips from today's manufacturing system, MMA cannot completely switch to compacting chips to new pellets. More work must be done to find a balanced model between the two different manufacturing systems for the best possible results.The results from the Monte Carlo-simulations shows that the manufacturing cost with the chosen parameters and variables is 12.96 SEK/detail.

The aim of this work is to investigate analytical and experimental vibration of composite beam. The composite beam is used as composite footbridge model prototype which is assumed. For the dynamic test, hammer excitation is used to excite the beam at fixed locations. The modal parameters are extracted from the time response using a time domain analysis, i.e. the stochastic subspace identification technique. Finite element models for different boundary conditions are constructed using the commercial finite element software package ANSYS for natural frequencies of the beam to support and verify the dynamic measurements. The result obtained from analytical solution, dynamic tests and the FEM are presented and analysed.

Gear stress analysis and understanding the effect of misalignment and microgeometry is important for gear designers and for those who work in gear maintenance. The misalignment can lead to the higher stress acting in one side of the gear tooth and the micro-geometry modification can improve the stress distribution in the gear teeth. In this research, a helical gear pair was modeled using three different software and tools; LDP, KISSsoft and Abaqus. Three different cases were modeled to study the effect of misalignment and microgeometry. Finally, the results from different tools were presented and discussed. It was observed that the tooth contact analysis software resulted in significantly higher stresses than the FE software. The results have been discussed to understand the differences in the cases obtained from the used tools. The results showed how bad is the effect of the misalignment on the gear mesh and the stress distribution and how the microgeometry modifications are used to compensate that effect.

Innehållet i denna rapport är ett resultat av ett moment i utbildningen till Utvecklingsingenjör i Maskinteknik. Arbetet har skett genom ett samarbete mellan Linus Adolfsen, Kockums AB och Blekinge Tekniska Högskola. Rapporten behandlar i stort två moment, ett praktiskt och ett teoretiskt. Den första delen, den praktiska, gick ut på att finna en metod för att överbrygga steget från modell till verklighet på ett effektivt sätt. Detta resulterade i en egenutvecklad programvara som kan läsa in utdatafilen från Tribon (CAD programvara) och översätta detta till en programfil för Herber CNC 90 bockningsmaskin. Den andra delen är teoretisk och är en analys av verksamheten utifrån perspektivet att medge förtillverkning. Resultatet blev en analys av den berörda verksamheten med förslag på hur man ska åtgärda de problem och hinder som finns idag. Det gav även stort upphov till förslag på vidare studier.

The Galerkin method is studied for solving the boundary integral equations associated with the Laplace operator on nonsmooth domains. Convergence is established with a condition on the meshsize, which involves the local curvature on certain approximating domains. Error estimates are also proved, and the results are generalized to systems of equations.

Modern product development is a complex chain of events and decisions. The ongoing digital transformation of society, increasing demands in innovative solutions puts pressure on organizations to maintain, or increase competitiveness. As a consequence, a major challenge in the product development is the search for information, analysis, and the build of knowledge. This is even more challenging when the design element comprises complex structural hierarchy and limited data generation capabilities. This challenge is even more pronounced in the conceptual stage of product development where information is scarce, vague, and potentially conflicting. The ability to conduct exploration of high-level useful information using a machine learning approach in the conceptual design stage would hence enhance be of importance to support the design decision-makers, where the decisions made at this stage impact the success of overall product development process.

The thesis aims to investigate the conceptual stage of product development, proposing methods and tools in order to support the decision-making process by the building of data-driven decision support systems. The study highlights how the data can be utilized and visualized to extract useful information in design exploration studies at the conceptual stage of product development. The ability to build data-driven decision support systems in the early phases facilitates more informed decisions.

The thesis presents initial descriptive study findings from the empirical studies, showing the capabilities of the machine learning approaches in extracting useful information, and building data-driven decision support systems. The thesis initially describes how the linear regression model and artificial neural networks extract useful information in design exploration, providing support for the decision-makers to understand the consequences of the design choices through cause-and-effect relationships on a detailed level. Furthermore, the presented approach also provides input to a novel visualization construct intended to enhance comprehensibility within cross-functional design teams. The thesis further studies how the data can be augmented and analyzed to extract the necessary information from an existing design element to support the decision-making process in an oral healthcare context.

Solution providers are transitioning from product-centric models to service-oriented solutions. This shift has led to the rise of Product-Service Systems (PSS), which offer a holistic approach by integrating physical products with associated services. However, the inherent complexity and collaborative nature of PSS development present a significant challenge: information gathering, analysis, and knowledge building. This is further amplified in the early stages of PSS development due to data challenges such as uncertainty, ambiguity, and complexity. This complicates informed decision-making, potentially leading to the risk of sub-optimal outcomes and impacting the success of final offerings.

This research proposes an AI-powered data analysis approach to address these data challenges and augment the decision-making process of PSS development. The focus is on supporting early-stage decision-making, as decisions made at this stage greatly impact the success of final solutions. The research investigates how data can be utilized and visualized to extract actionable insights, ultimately facilitating informed decision-making.

The presented research demonstrates that AI-powered data analysis effectively supports informed decision-making in early-stage PSS development. By extracting actionable insights from complex data, handling data limitations, and enabling informed strategic decisions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration are facilitated among stakeholders. Furthermore, integrating AI with visualization tools fosters knowledge building and a deeper understanding of system behavior, ultimately leading to more successful PSS solutions. The efficacy of AI-powered data analysis for handling diverse data types across application domains is demonstrated, potentially leading to benefits such as a deeper understanding of system behavior and proactive solution strategies. These advancements contribute to developing decision support systems specifically for PSS development.

Overall, this research demonstrates the efficacy of AI-powered data analysis in overcoming data challenges and empowering decision-makers in early-stage PSS development. This translates to more informed choices, leading to the creation of successful and efficient PSS solutions.

The paper presents an Artificial Intelligence-driven approach to predictive maintenance for Product-Service System (PSS) development. This study focuses on time-based and condition-based maintenance, leveraging variational autoencoders to identify both predicted and unpredicted maintenance issues in autonomous haulers. By analyzing data patterns and forecasting future values, this approach enables proactive maintenance and informed decision-making in the early stages of PSS development. 

The inclusion of interaction terms enhances the model’s ability to capture the interdependencies among system components, addressing hidden failure modes. Comprehensive evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the developed models, showcasing resilience to noise and variations in operational data. 

The integration of predictive maintenance with PSS development offers a strategic advantage, providing insights into vehicle performance early in the development phases. This empowers decision-makers for efficient resource allocation and proactive maintenance planning. The research highlights the limitations and potential areas of improvement while also emphasizing the practical applicability and significance of the developed models in enhancing PSS development. 

This paper presents an approach that utilizes artificial intelligence techniques to identify autonomous machine behavior patterns. The context for investigation involves a fleet of prototype autonomous haulers as part of a Product Service System solution under development in the construction and mining industry. The approach involves using deep learning-based object detection and computer vision to understand how prototype machines operate in different situations. The trained model accurately predicts and tracks the loaded and unloaded machines and helps to identify the data patterns such as course deviations, machine failures, unexpected slowdowns, battery life, machine activity, number of cycles per charge, and speed. PSS solutions hinge on efficiently allocating resources to meet the required site-level output. Solution providers can make more informed decisions at the earlier stages of development by using the AI techniques outlined in the paper, considering asset management and reallocation of resources to account for unplanned stoppages or unexpected slowdowns. Understanding machine behavioral aspects in early-stage PSS development could enable more efficient and customized PSS solutions.

Background: Traditionally, assessing the degree of ossification in the epiphyseal plate for growth plate development relies on manual evaluation, which can be inefficient due to the complexities of the distal femoral epiphysis anatomy. Existing methods lack efficient detection techniques.

Method: This study proposes an AI-based decision support system, designed within a product-service system (PSS) framework, to automate ossification assessment and detection of the distal femoral epiphysis in knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The system leverages advanced machine learning techniques, specifically two Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), combined with computer vision techniques. This intelligent system analyzes MRI slices to predict the optimal slice for analysis and identify variations in the degree of ossification within individual datasets.

Results: The proposed method's effectiveness is demonstrated using a set of T2-weighted gradient echo grayscale knee MRI data. The system successfully detects the complex anatomy of the distal femoral epiphysis, revealing variations in the degree of ossification ranging from completely closed/open to fully open/closed regions.

Conclusions: This study presents a robust and efficient AI-based method, integrated within a PSS framework, for measuring the degree of ossification in the distal femoral epiphysis. This approach automates ossification assessment, providing valuable insights for clinical decision-making by clinicians and forensic practitioners. The PSS framework ensures seamless integration of the AI technology into existing workflows.

The purpose of this study was to identify ways by which entrepreneurial mobile banking growth could be accelerated in developing countries. An exploratory research method was adopted to identify the facilitators and obstacles to entrepreneurial mobile banking. The finding reveals some facilitators which include government policies and efforts of donor agencies, stiffer competition among banks, need for efficiency and lower cost, telecoms focus on customers retention. While some obstacles include conservative and vague regulation, security issues, underdeveloped infrastructures, lack of interoperability and lack of basic need for financial services. The main contribution of this study is the concise identification of the facilitators and obstacles to entrepreneurial mobile banking especially in developing countries. Suggestion for further study was made. The findings could be useful to policy-makers, donor agencies and other development partners in designing and directing their policies intervention

Identification of modal parameters from output-only data is studied in this work. The proposed methodology uses transmissibility functions obtained under different loading conditions to identify resonances and mode shapes. The technique is demonstrated with numerical simulations on a 2-DOF system and a cantilever beam. To underpin the simulations, a real test was done on a beam to show the efficiency of the method. A practical application of the method can be to identify structures subjected to moving loads. This is demonstrated by using FEM-model of a cantilever beam with a moving load.

Kommunikationen med myndigheter och förvaltningar via Internet har ökat under de senaste åren. Därför har vi valt att fokusera vårt kandidatarbete på detta områ-de, samt på behovet av användbara webbtjänster för medborgarna. I detta kandi-datarbete studerar vi en växande grupp användare, denna grupp är äldre medbor-gare. Under studien har vi analyserat 24-timmarsmyndighetens användbarhet ge-nom användartester. Kombinationen av samtal och möten med individer, iaktta-gelser av interaktioner och litteraturstudier ger oss möjligheten att utforska använ-darnas behov. Behovet hos användarna är det som är centralt i hur de uppfattar och interagerar med 24-timmarsmyndigheten. Webbplatserna vi har använt oss av vid våra användartester har anknytning till 24-timmarsmyndigheten. Genom att analytiskt studera informationen har vi kommit fram till fem viktiga designförslag och riktlinjer, som vi anser behövs när e-tjänster inom 24-timmarsmyndigheten utvecklas.

This thesis contains the product development work towards a, for Alfa Laval Lund AB, alternative product to eradicate Legionella bacteria from domestic hot water systems. The existing product at Alfa Laval Lund AB, the AquaProtect, is having problems to reach costumers with small and medium size systems. The product developed in this thesis should be in a much more attractive price range for small and medium size systems. It should also work in any domestic heating system with circulation. Making it possible for, for example, the vulnerable people at elderly care housings to have Legionella bacteria free water.

It is not always obvious how to compare a given test specification with measured field data. This article presents a systematic method based on the shock response spectrum and the fatigue damage spectrum. A random-on-random test specification for tracked vehicles, AECTP 400, is used as an example.

Accurate road profiles are useful in vehicle design, such as for simulation of durability and ride quality. Laser/inertial profilometers typically record I mm wide profiles. The question is how well such a profile matches perceived vehicle wheel roughness. The objective here was to create a more representative wheel track longitudinal profile. Simulated and measured wheel vibration was compared on a 6km long road. Simulations were made for several definitions of the profile. Results for single laser sensor profiles showed reasonable likeness to truck perceived roughness. By far the best likeness (14.5% better) was achieved when the profile was based on triangular 25%-50%-25% weighted data from three sensors in the wheel track. Clearly, vehicle engineers can benefit from using multiple laser profile sensors, instead of a single sensor. This will improve test accuracy, thus reducing vehicle design project lead times and costs.

There exist many methods to calculate forced response in mechanical systems. Some methods are slow and the errors introduced are unknown. The paper presents a method that uses digital filters and modal superposition. It is shown how aliasing can be avoided as well as phase errors. The parameters describing the mechanical system are residues and poles, taken from FEA models, from lumped MCK systems, from analytic solutions or from experimental modal analysis. Modal damping may be used. The error in the calculation is derived and is shown to be only a function of the sampling frequency used. When the method is applied to linear mechanical systems in MATLAB it is very fast. The method is extended to incorporate nonlinear components. The nonlinear components could be simple, like hardening or stiffening springs, but may also contain memory, like dampers with hysteresis. The simulations are used to generate test data for development and evaluation of methods for identification of non-linear systems.

Nättraby Verktygs AB i Ronneby konstruerar och producerar balpressar vars funktion är att pressa samman kartong, plast eller liknande material till kompakta balar. Dessa balar medför underlättad hantering av material som kan återvinnas för företag. Balpressarna används främst inom verksamhetsområden med stor åtgång av återvinningsbart material, exempelvis livsmedelsaffärer. Problemställningen vid detta examensarbete är att i en äldre version av en balpress har sprickbildning på pressplattan upptäckts efter en viss tids användning. Huvuduppgiften för detta examensarbete har därför varit att utföra hållfasthetsanalyser på pressplattorna för tre olika balpressar i deras sortiment. Denna rapport beskriver momenten samt arbetsgången för att genomföra dessa analyser och beskriver utförligt metoderna som använts. Hållfasthetsanalyserna är uppdelade i två delar, en statisk FEM-analys och en utmattningsanalys av konstruktionen. I den första delen av rapporten genomförs en FEM-analys på den gamla varianten av pressplattan för att se om analysen påvisar samma kritiska områden som företaget upptäckt. Resultatet visade att spänningen var högre i dessa områden än i övriga konstruktionen men under sträckgränsen för materialet. Därför beskriver nästa del av rapporten utförandet av en utmattningsanalys av pressplattan. Denna analys består av en svetsanalys för de svetsförband som finns i de kritiska områdena. Som metod vid svetsanalysen har “hot spot-metoden” använts vilken ger en uppskattning av hur många lastcykler dessa svetsförband kan belastas innan sprickbildning sker. Därefter har samma analyser genomförts på den nuvarande pressplattan och en pressplatta för en kommande modell. I sista delen av rapporten tas ett koncept av en möjlig framtida pressplatta fram där fokus ligger på minskad vikt, minskat antalet detaljer samt ökad hållfasthet. Det framtagna konceptet analyseras på samma sätt som de tidigare tre pressplattorna för att verifiera om detta koncept har ökad hållfasthet och livslängd.

This report, in which we have put an emphasis on the word communication, is based on a student software development project conducted during spring 2002. We describe how the use of design tools plays a key role in supporting communication in group activities and to what extent communication can be supported and enhanced by tools such as mock-ups and metaphors in a group project. We also describe a design progress from initial sketches to a final mock-up of a GUI for a postcard demo application.

To protect our health and environment from pollution, among others regulatory agencies in the European Union (EU) and legislation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required that pollutants produced by diesel engines - such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM) - be reduced. The key emission reduction and control technologies available for NOx control on Diesel engines are combination of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). SCR addresses emission reduction through the use of Diesel Exhuast Fluid (DEF), which has a trade-name AdBlue. Which is 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% deionized water, Adblue in the hot exhaust gas decomposes into ammonia (NH3) which then reacts with surface of the catalyst to produce harmless nitrogen(N2) and water (H20). Highest NOx conversion ratios while avoiding ammonia slip is achieved by Efficient SCR and accurate Urea Dosing System it’s therefore critical we model and simulate the UDS in order to analyze and gain holistic understanding of the UDS dynamic behavior. The process of Modeling and Simulating of Urea Dosing System is a result of a compromise between two opposing trends. Firstly, one needs to use as much mathematical models as it takes to correctly describe the fundamental principles of fluid dynamics such as, (1) mass is conserved (2), Newton’s second law and (3) energy is conserved, secondly the model needs to be as simple as possible, in order to express a simple and useful picture of real systems. Numerical model for the simulation of Urea Dosing System is implemented in GT Suite® environment, it is complete UDS Model (Hydraulic circuit and Dosing Unit) and it stands out for its ease of use and simulation fastness, The UDS model has been developed and validated using as reference Hilite Airless Dosing System at the ATC Lab, results provided by the model allow to analyze the UDS pump operation, as well the complete system, showing the trend of some important parameters which are difficult to measure such as viscosity, density, Reynolds number and giving plenty of useful information to understand the influence of the main design parameters of the pump, such as volumetric efficiency, speed and flow relations.

At present, Sheet Metal Forming (SMF) is not just limited to increasing demand from automobile industries but also to various other manufacturing industries that utilize sheet metal forming processes. The surplus demands for optimised manufacturing products warrant the need for an extended decisive study on SMF. 

One such area of study in SMF is formability. Traditionally, formability is predicted using the conventional Forming Limit Curve (FLC). But when it comes to complex SMF processes, FLC failure model can sometimes overestimate (for low uniaxial straining) or underestimate (for bi-axial straining) failure. This thesis focuses on suitable test procedures to generate non-linear strain paths and prediction of formability using the concept of Generalized Forming Limit Curve (GFLC). Initially, through systematic literature review, two-step process is chosen as the test procedure in this thesis. The test procedure was simulated in LS-Dyna to obtain results which are then used by GFLC concept to predict formability for a bi-linear deformation history. The predicted formability using the concept of GFLC is then compared with the predicted formability using FE-simulation and using experimentation.  The found percent error for GFLC prediction compared to that of FE-simulation prediction is 11% and the percent error for GFLC prediction and experimentation prediction is 14%. However, these two predictions can not be used to validate the GFLC prediction. This is because in this thesis GFLC procedure uses data obtained from FE-simulation with GISSMO failure model. Through literature, it is identified that the GFLC concept can be applied for multi-linear deformation histories to predict formability and the method to do so is explained in detail in this thesis. Finally, it is concluded that the use of the GFLC concept in conjunction with the two-step drawing process to predict formability for bi-linear deformation history is acceptable.

By radiating bifrequency primary waves from two ultrasonic emitters with changing the phases of the primary waves, we can obtain the sound fields that are different from the usual in‐phase excitation. Especially, for the excitation of out‐phase by 180 degrees the difference frequency wave has the directivity of almost uniformity near the acoustic axis. Additionally, the sound pressure levels of the harmonic components of the difference frequency and the primary waves as well are suppressed by 10 dB and more

The Governments and workers have put in a great effort in regularizing the working hours and working week over the course of last one and a half century. The average work week in the world stands at 40 hours. With unemployment among all the work force in Sweden almost hitting 11 percent and in youth aged 15-24 hitting almost 27 percent. It’s definitely alarming and requires measures to reduce. Different political forces in Sweden including Green Party and left party have joined forces in reducing the working week to 30 hours. The reduction in the working hours certainly presents a solution to different issues like work life balance, quality of life and work satisfaction but is it a solution to reduce unemployment at the same time source of motivation? That is the fundamental question we have tried to answer in the pages to follow. The reduction in working hours, during the economic downturn of 2008, supported financially by Government of Germany actually helped save at least half a million jobs. Volvo Power Train saved a number of jobs in Sweden by reducing the working hours of all the employees, so did Scania, and Saab in Sweden. Toyota reduced the working hours of its employees in 1990s to increase motivation, job satisfaction and quality of life. Our research has shown that if working hours are reduced then jobs can not only be saved, but can be created as well. In the following pages you will come across information obtained through number of information sources and printed material which directly aims at looking into how reduction in working hours can reduce unemployment. Our research presents different scenarios where reduction in the hours can generate employments. The debate however is open for future researchers to test these scenarios and see if they are viable proposals and can help reduce the employment.

With the increasing restrictions in emission legislations, the automotive industry aims to improve the efficiency of the lubricating system and to decrease fuel consumption. In the power cylinder unit (PCU), the piston rings are the major contributor to these consumptions. Hence, focus on the dynamic behaviour of the rings to reduce lube oil consumption (LOC) becomes a key factor in thriving towards sustainability. Several studies have been conducted on the piston ring-pack specifically using a 2D ring dynamics approach. This study focuses on developing a 3D ring dynamics model, in the software tool AVL EXCITE™ Piston&Rings, which is capable of observing the behaviour of the ring along the third dimension i.e. circumferential direction. A coordinated approach used in the methodology gives an insight into the parameters affecting the model behaviour. Within the PCU, wear on the cylinder liner surface and in the piston ring grooves can lead to accelerated LOC. This study further focuses on using the 3D model to analyse the friction and wear on the piston rings. Factors contributing towards LOC are individually studied and the results obtained are compared to the experimental engine test data. The outcome of the 3D numerical model developed shows promising results. The model can therefore be used to simulate different piston ring-packs and analyse the behaviour of the piston ring with a better prediction of friction, wear and LOC. Thus, the model will contribute to reducing the number of physical tests conducted, the expense involved in conducting those tests and would provide satisfactory products to the customer and would manage future emission requirements.

This thesis work is part of the BTH research lab, focusing on developing the early product development, by analyzing how to integrate the manufacturing process with the early design process. A known problem in the manufacturing industry is the knowledge gap between the designers and the manufacturing process. Where in the early stages of the product development a knowledge regarding the manufacture process is needed. This is in many cases ignored by the designers because it is commonly thought that the responsibility of selecting the manufacturing processes for a product falls upon the manufacturers, despite the fact that the manufacturing processes in reality is highly dependent upon the design choses such as materials, size, shape, finishing and tolerances of the product. To mitigate this problem a variations of product ‘team’ approaches have been used where the idea is to involve a multitude of people with the necessary experience to produce a ‘production friendly product’. Those approaches have a few drawbacks mainly the problem of finding people with the relevant experiences or that the expertise only covers the manufacturing processes already used in the organization, losing the opportunity to benefit from any alternative manufacturing process.

This thesis focuses on how the welding manufacturing technic, analysis can be integrated into the design process with the help of a digital model?

To improve the communications between the manufacturers and designers, two excel files were developed. The first excel file aimed at the manufacturers where they can present the specific machines used in the workshop. Focusing on specific machine and workshops instead of on the general welding method will give the designers a better understanding of the feasibility of producing their design in a specific workshop instead of focusing on a specific manufacturing method.

The second excel file is aimed at calculating and comparing the weld methods where the cost and requirements are derived for general welding methods and compared with the machine specifications gathered from the manufacturers using the first excel file. To assess the excel files, a parametrized CAD model of the rear engine turbine structure was developed, and three different cases were used to evaluate the developed excel files.

The values used are presented in Appendix A: Table 11–15, and were gathered from public sources. Values were also approximated using regression analysis.

In this Master thesis work two types of ventilation system, mixed system and displacement system at the factory premises of Volvo Cars Body Components (VCBC) are investigated. A computer simulation technique was implemented to study the behavior of air movement and temperature distribution inside the factory for the two systems. The commercial CFD program Flovent is used for simulation purpose. Model verification was carried out with the measurements made. Results showed quite good agreement between these two values. The current model has then been used to predict the temperature distributions and air flow movement for different climate scenarios. Energy calculations were also made in order to find out the energy used by two systems annually. The results from the simulations showed that the displacement system gave better performance in every case in thermal comfort aspect, whereas in the energy aspect it was found that the displacement system used more energy annually compared to mixed system.

Study of communication in the project and identification of conflicts that stand in opposition to the project .. The study consists of various tests, an interview and a Web page. These methods are appropriate for the studied project situation and structure and can test different angles in communication. Focus areas are: - Quality - Structure Based on the above factors, I have with the help of the project owner and the project manager made ​​some assumptions that affect communication in the project and then I have used various methods to test them. The answers that I got out of these reviews gave a picture of the validity and how the following tests were complementary to the previous ones.

The thesis is about seeing if there is any correlation between temperature deviation and selected variables to increase the understanding of what affects the camera. The work is an improvement method where R programs are used for mathematical solutions. 

The methods used for this include data collection and scientific research. Based on the collected input data, the result could be obtained using these methods. An additional method was to connect two or more substances such as statistics and programming in a work where prior knowledge is used, the result is verified and the acquisition of knowledge continues. 

The purpose was to use prior knowledge and software to see if there is any connection between input data that is on company’s database. The correlation between different variables is something that is used daily in society, industry and the international conventions. The correlation between two variables shows the extent to which they are related. 

The result was obtained in the form of calculations, graphs and tables. There are indications that there is a weak correlation between camera angle and temperature deviation while there is a mean correlation between position and temperature deviation. There is a very weak correlation between holding times and temperature deviation, something that needs to be verified with several measuring points. 

There are no definite results due to various factors such as the number of measuring points, although there are some indications that all camera angles except 25 ̊ can be a solution by performing several number of measuring points at both angles. The indication is largest for position in the camera's field of view. As for holding time, there is an indication that it does not affect the camera, but more measurements are needed to verify that indication. 

The spread is also interesting. If the distribution is reasonably equal in the different cases, the position of the temperature deviation can always be adjusted with the aid of the emissivity.

Context: Smartphone is gaining popularity due to its feasible mobility, computing capacity and efficient energy. Emails, text messaging, navigation and visualizing geo-spatial data through browsers are common features of smartphone. Display of geo-spatial data is collected in computing format and made publically available. Therefore the need of usability evaluation becomes important due to its increasing demand. Identifying usability requirements are important as conventional functional requirements in software engineering. Non-functional usability requirements are objectives and testable using measurable metrics. Objectives: Usability evaluation plays an important role in the interaction design process as well as identifying user needs and requirements. Comparative usability requirements are identified for the evaluation of a geographical information system (Google Maps) on personal computer (Laptop) and smartphone (iPhone). Methods: ISO 9241-11 guide on usability is used as an input model for identifying and specifying usability level of Google Maps on both personal computer and smartphone for intended output. Authors set target value for usability requirements of tasks and questionnaire on each device, such as acceptability level of tasks completion, rate of efficiency and participant’s agreement of each measure through ISO 9241-11 respectively. The usability test is conducted using Co-discovery technique on six pairs of graduate students. Interviews are conducted for validation of test results and questionnaires are distributed to get feedback from participants. Results: The non-functional usability requirements were tested and used five metrics measured on user performance and satisfaction. Through usability test, the acceptability level of tasks completion and rate of efficiency was matched on personal computer but did not match on iPhone. Through questionnaire, both the devices did not match participant’s agreement of each measure but only effectiveness matched on personal computer. Usability test, interview and questionnaire feedback are included in the results. Conclusions: The authors provided suggestions based on test results and identified usability issues for the improvement of Google Maps on personal computer and iPhone.

Faiveley Transport Nordic AB is a company in Landskrona and which is an international supplier in the railway industry. The industry sight in landskrona is mostly focused on developing and manufacturing train brakes.Today, Faiveley has a number of test benches that needs regular checks and re-calibration every three months. In the current situation, it is the responsibility of the lab engineer to check that the calibration is correct on the test benches and adjust if needed. The purpose of this research is to design a reference object that will be used for checking the calibration on a test bench.During the research, the product development process was used with some tools from the design thinking process. The research begins with a lot of theoretical background about BFC (Brake Friction Concept), test benches and calibration to develop a deeper understanding for the different concepts.Since Faiveley had already identified the problem, the method was started directly by looking for other solutions that could inspire the solution to the problem. The search for inspiration was conducted through various methods such as patent searching, trend watching and techwatching. The authors proceeded by choosing the best possible ideas for them to create a prototype of the best concepts.After creating a prototype of the reference object, the objects function was verified by testing on a test bench to check if it meets the preset requirements. The authors were able to get the result for each one of them three measurement parameters such as force, distance and pressure. Results showed that most of the requirements was accomplished.Based on the results several conclusions could be drawn. Such as that the reference object that was the solution to the problem worked and partly fulfills the associated requirements. Through this research a method has been created for how to generate reference values for similar parameters in general contexts, which others interested can use in the future.

For several hundred years there has been a great deal of emphasis on how industries and businesses may encourage excellent production work that does not harm the environment or the working individual. NKT is a world leader company in cable technology and designs, manufactures, and installs voltage cables. The company includes a department where splicing is performed on cables to extend or repair them. To complete the splicing process, however, the inner most structures of the cable must first be cleaned from a substance called compound. Today, this cleaning process is carried out manually by the workers. Despite the efficient operation of NKT's splice department, various risks have been identified that might have a negative impact on both the worker and the environment. On one hand, there is a risk that the cleaning agent containing a certain amount of unhealthy chemicals will encounter the worker and cause health risks, and on the other hand, chemical leakage may occur on the work surface, resulting in a contaminated work area, and unnecessary material waste. This material waste also adds to less cost-effective operations, since bigger amounts will be required to accomplish the intended work, this in relation to the fact that the process requires a considerable time. Thus, the aim of this degree project is to investigate if streamlining the procedure of cleaning the compound from the conductors in high voltage cables before splicing is possible by developing a mechanical device or replacing the current used solvent or both.

The methods used for this project were a combination of the design thinking strategy and participatory action research and to deeply understand the methods, a literature review was also performed.

The results obtained were a well-detailed virtual simulation in SolidWorks, a functional alpha prototype, and results from a conductivity measurement for PF-Solvent and Strovels Smådelstvätt 100. Although the first laboratory tests showed equivalent effects for PF-Solvent and Strovels Smådelstvätt 100 regarding the solubility of the compound, PF-Solvent's good conductivity properties wereconfirmed while Strovels Smådelstvätt 100 proved not to be suitable for this cleaning procedure due to the big difference in the values.

The results obtained from the sustainability template provided the project with useful guidelines for refining the concept into a long-term solution. Many of the components of the physical product will be built from stainless steel, which will make it simpler to recycle at the end of its useful lifespan.

In conclusion, it requires a development of a device that cleans the conductor from the compound. The device / machine can keep the solvent in a special place and at the same time, the worker has more control over how much solvent is used. According to the laboratory tests, the solvent Strovels Smådelstvätt 100 had an equivalent effect on the compound during the same time interval as PF-Solvent. It was also milder from the environmental and health aspects.

Furthermore, the development of a mechanical device can contribute to reduced waste of various materials, such as brushes, gloves, and spray bottles, during the procedure. Finally, investing in such a machine can be expensive, but in the long run this investment leads to savings in materials used today. However, a machine procedure involves a large transition that requires a lot of time, resources and planning as it shall be developed through collaborations with different industries. 

Symptoms of harsh environments create pressure on autonomous machines to work wellwith the use of measurement devices. Sensors used within construction equipment vehiclessuffer from being covered with fogs of dirt, oil, water, and dust. Autonomous vehicle’sdependency on fully functional sensors paves roads for research to be made on ways to keepsensor data from being compromised and automation to be improved.In cooperation with Dynapac Compaction Equipment AB, this master’s thesis problemopted for innovative and sustainable product development to tackle the problem. The thesiscomprises of 30 credits. In this thesis, work will be done emphasizing on ways to keepautonomous performance at peak for construction equipment vehicles with low to no capacityfor sophisticated equipment and supply of power and water. For reference, the project targetsasphalt rollers due to their relevance at Dynapac.With the use of innovative product development tools, the problem is to be tackled with anengineering approach revolving around the design thinking process. All progress will beconstituted at Dynapac’s facilities in Karlskrona. Interviews and dialogue with relevantindividuals are to be held to create value based on customer needs which has been of highpriority and is to be iteratively monitored throughout the project. Prototyping will play a partwith large amount of testing to prove concept, including processes of 3dmodeling andmanufacturing of components.With measurement incorrections reaching up to 80 degrees out of a measurement spanwithin the range of 0 to 150 degrees, three concepts have been established, each of which areequipment neutral to benefit construction vehicles which has shown to be valuable within theindustry.A pipe concept which’s purpose is to hide the sensor further and create distance betweensensor lens and measurement surface has been established. The concept is feasible for theconstruction industry, protects the sensor from debris and supports autonomous systems.

This thesis has been done during the spring term 2023 in the company Scania

in Södertälje, Stockholm. The degree project is about streamlining spare parts

management in the automotive industry by using Lean principles, Scania

production system and spare parts classification. The work is an improvement

project where the spare parts produced on the e-mobility production line and

this is the focus of the work.

The work began by collecting data through interviews, observations, and the

company's production system. Next, the current state of production was studied,

where production volumes were followed up and linked to appropriate

classification methods, then value flow mapping was created for the current

state.

The results obtained from the current situation description, production process

and production analysis showed that the company works based on its principles

and priorities, spare parts classification, and largely applies the lean principles.

The degree project involves carrying out an improvement project that is not

only about analyzing and investigating the problems, but it focuses on

identifying relevant methods and solutions that can be implemented. Finally, a

conclusion is done, and suggestions are made as to whether the solution and

method can contribute to improvement. The conclusions suggest that the

company focuses on the most demanded spare parts and manufacture them on

the dedicated production line for the next two years, which is a proven way of

working that proves to be suitable and effective as it is used and works well in

other production lines within the same company.

The car industry produces many of their car parts by using sheet metal forming, where one of the most time-consuming phases is the development and manufacturing of new forming tools. As of today, when a new tool is to be evaluated in terms of usability, a forming simulation is conducted to predict possible failures before manufacturing. The assumption is then that the tools are rigid, and the only deformable part is the sheet metal itself. This is however not the case, since the tools also deform during the forming process. A previous research, which is the basis of this thesis, included a model with only elastic tools and showed results of high accuracy in comparison to using a rigid setup. However, this simulation is not optimal to implement for a daily based usage, since it requires high computational power and has a long simulation time. 

The aim and scope for this thesis is to evaluate how a sheet metal forming simulation with elastic tool consideration can be reduced in terms of computational cost, by using the software LS-DYNA. A small deviation of the forming result is acceptable and the aim is to run the simulation with a 50-75 % reduction of time on fewer cores than the approximate 14 hours and 800 CPUs that the simulation requires today.

The first step was to alter the geometry of the tools and evaluate the impact on the deformations of the blank. The elastic solid parts that only has small deformations are deleted and replaced by rigid surfaces, making the model partly elastic. Later, different decomposition methods are studied to determine what kind that makes the simulation run faster. At last, a scaling analysis is conducted to determine the range of computational power that is to be used to run the simulations as efficient as possible, and what part of the simulation that is affecting the simulation time the most.

The correlation of major strain deviation between a fully elastic model and a partly elastic model showed results of high accuracy, as well as comparison with production measurements of a formed blank. The computational time is reduced by over 90 % when using approximately 65 % of the initial computational power. If the simulations are run with even less number of cores, 10 % of the initial number of CPUs, the simulation time is reduced by over 70 %.

The conclusion of this work is that it is possible to run a partly elastic sheet metal forming simulation much more efficient than using a fully elastic model, without reliability problems of the forming results. This by reducing the number of elements, evaluate the decomposition method and by conducting a scaling analysis to evaluate the efficiency of computational power.

Summary The degree project, New concept for spreading line, consists of further development of a baitcasting reel. The baitcasting reel that was used as a starting-point was Ambassadeur Classic 5000c, which is a former product. Abu Garcia is the company that initiated the project. The purpose consisted of designing a baitcasting reel, which could provide free casts. At today's baitcasting reel is the line forced to pass through the mechanism that spreads the line. This causes the line to follow the motion from the spreader-mechanism, during the cast. Because of this fact there will be a great deal of friction, which results in a shorter cast. If the spreader-mechanism would not be in contact with the fishing-line during the cast, it would provide a longer cast. It is important that the spreader-mechanism spreads the line at once when the user starts winding it up. If not, the line will create disorder on the spool, which may prevent the next cast. Integrated Product Development created by Professor Fredy Olsson, consists of a concept, a primary and a prototype design phase and has been used through the project. Twelve different principal suggestions due to the problem were produced in the concept design phase. These suggestions were further developed and evaluated. Two suggestions were brought into the primary design phase, which resulted in one finally product solution. There were two different solutions in the beginning of the primary design phase. One solution was based on an endless screw, which makes it possible to spread the line on the spool. Abu Garcia has investigated this matter according to the complex geometry of the endless screw. There for has no further development of this proposal been performed. During the primary concept phase parts were developed, components selected and also detail constructions of new parts were performed. The finally concept were produced with facilities like I-DEAS, which is a 3D-tool. The prototype design phase consist of manufacturing the parts and to make them fit together with the other parts and components. A test of the final product should also have been done, however a lack of time has prevented this.

The thesis focuses on analysis and development of a material flow on a quarry, which belongs to the company Scandinavian Stone. A material flow that is dependent on heavy vehicles, which causes high costs and carbon dioxide emissions. The company strives for a development that focuses on carbon dioxide emissions - and cost reduction. The process was examined in several activities, such as study visits, interviews and observations. A survey is the basis for a process analysis that takes to the surface development needs and shortage factors. The analysis was based on the Lean philosophy, to distinguish between value-adding and non-value-adding parameters from a customer perspective. The results of the analysis showed that the distance between the lowest point in the hole to the processing station, is the part that contributes the highest energy consumption. A calculation model has been created to be able to calculate the energy consumption that is resulted from product transports within the process. The calculation was made on a simplified driving cycle with varied product weights. The results from the calculation model showed that an increase in product weight leads to small energy increases. This was the basis for a concept that focuses on a reduction in the number of runs along the identified route. To maintain process productivity, it is necessary to transport several products and heavier waste materials at a time. The proposed concept changes the layout of the process, as the processing station is moved down to the hole, instead of its current location outside the hole. It enables the transport of several products at a time, as the products lose about 50% of their weight after processing. The waste material is temporarily stored in a container and then transported up when the weight has reached a maximum level. This maximum weight is observed by means of a scale on which the container is placed. The scale indicates when that limit has been reached and it is time for emptying. The concept showed a profitability in energy consumption of up to 40%.

In several cases, systems that have been developed have been very time consuming and cost a lot of money, but they still do not fulfil the users requirements and requests. To make new systems better, you have to find a way to communicate that allows the developers to understand the needs of the user. The aim for our thesis is to highlight the importance of communication in system development. To investigate this we have choosen to do a study of the real-estate system. The work methods that have been used include mock-ups and informal conversations with the user, who is employed by the Church of Sweden in Ronneby. The purpose of this thesis is, among other things, to provide the Church of Sweden in Ronneby with a report, which can be of help for further development of the system. The system was developed by a work group at Blekinge Institute of Technology. Our question of issue is: Would the Church of Sweden in Ronneby obtain a more useful system if the developers applied the guidelines and experience that exists within the area of HCI? Further more we have looked in to if the communication has improved with the use of mock-ups to increase the interaction? Human-computer interaction as a term was adopted in the mid-1980s as a means of describing this new field of study. The focus of interest described the new way of looking at the interaction between computers and people. In this field it is important to involve the user in the developing process from the beginning to the end. Together with the user, we have made some propositions based on previous documentation from the project. Mock-ups are a prototype of paper that shows the user what the system will look like. This method was applied together with the user, to find a more logical structure for the system. After gathering the result of the case study, we can honestly say that communication do increase because of mock-ups. Good communication is not something that you can learn from books; you have to adjust to the situation. It is important when you develop a system to work with a model that allows you to go back and change things in previous phases that are incorrect, and also to include the user in the whole process.