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        <title>Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/mechanical-engineering</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
        <generator>Frontiers Feed Generator,version:1</generator>
        <pubDate>2026-10-05T16:25:46.945+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1970496</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1970496</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Vibration–current multimodal fusion for within-batch recognition of predefined component faults of a high-pressure abrasive waterjet machine tool]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Guorong Zhang</author><author>Chenlong Zhang</author><author>Hong Jiang</author><author>Xiyang Zhang</author><author>Yan Wang</author><author>Xinbin Bao</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Reliable recognition of component faults in high-pressure abrasive waterjet machine tools requires complementary information about local structural dynamics and machine-level load variations. This study presents a vibration–current multimodal fusion framework for recognizing normal operation and five predefined component faults. The framework integrates triaxial vibration features with machine-supply current features and evaluates feature-level and decision-level fusion using fivefold contiguous time-block cross-validation. Feature-level fusion with a support vector machine achieved a macro-F1 score of 98.27%, exceeding the current-only and vibration-only models by 7.06 and 14.50 percentage points, respectively. Both equal-weight and adaptive decision-level fusion achieved macro-F1 scores above 99.6%. Feature-group ablation further supported the contributions of time-domain, frequency-domain, and cross-axis vibration information to component-state recognition. An auxiliary deterministic rule-based module checks consistency between predicted states and monitoring locations and organizes observed feature deviations and predefined verification actions into structured evidence records while preserving the original classifier outputs. The reported performance represents recognition across time segments within a single experimental batch under fixed sensor placement, rather than generalization across machines, operating batches, or sensor remounting. These findings demonstrate the value of combining local vibration responses with machine-level load information for predefined component-fault recognition and establish a framework that couples multimodal classification with structured evidence organization.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1972239</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1972239</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Visual measurement network for intelligent cockpit driving state combining lightweight temporal convolution and cross-granularity state mapping]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ti Han</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The actual deployment of driver monitoring system (DMS) is still limited by the limited edge computing resources and the sudden risk transition caused by discrete state classification. To this end, this study proposes LTC-CGMN, a lightweight driver state evaluation framework that integrates cross granularity state mapping and temporal convolution. Firstly, the CGSM module aligns fine-grained head/hand cues with coarse-grained torso features through cross attention, and then the LTC module uses depthwise separable causal dilation convolution to capture temporal dependencies with low computational cost. In addition, the knowledge extraction scheme guided by the AHP of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration generates a continuous Driver Risk Index (DRI), reducing the step discontinuity in risk estimation. Finally, the experimental results on the 3MDAD multimodal driving dataset showed that LTC-CGMN achieved a Top-1 accuracy of 96.37%, a DRI prediction RMSE of 0.058, and a inference rate of 33.6 FPS on NVIDIA Jetson Orin. Research has shown that LTC-CCMN provides a good balance between recognition accuracy, continuous risk estimation, and edge deployment efficiency for intelligent cockpit DMS applications.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1912689</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1912689</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Research on start-up transition process of high-head pumped storage units]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Xu Zhang</author><author>Xuan Zheng</author><author>Yazhou Hu</author><author>Haihong Zhang</author><author>Zhikang Huang</author><author>Xupeng Chen</author><author>Xueli An</author>
        <description><![CDATA[To understand transient behavior during the start-up of high-head pumped storage units under turbine operating conditions and to identify an optimal start-up strategy, this study takes a 350 MW Francis reversible pump-turbine as a case study. It compared one-dimensional transient flow simulations to four start-up methods: large-acceleration open-loop guide vane control (Method 1), small-acceleration open-loop control (Method 2.1), acceleration-controlled closed-loop control (Method 3), and combined open-loop plus closed-loop control (Method 4). The start-up time, rotational speed evolution, and pressure pulsation characteristics at the spiral casing and draft tube were evaluated. The results show that Method 1 has the shortest start-up time (40.59 s) but causes the highest pressure pulsation (peak-to-peak pressure at the spiral casing inlet reaching 193.81 m during the simultaneous start-up of two units). Methods 3 and 4 significantly reduce pressure pulsation but result in excessively long start-ups (69.38 s and 72.70 s, respectively). Method 2.1 offers the best trade-off between start-up time (52.64 s) and pressure suppression, reducing peak-to-peak pressures at the draft tube inlet and outlet by 17.2% and 25.3%, respectively, compared with Method 1 for a single-unit start-up. Furthermore, after adjusting the guide vane motion parameters, the entropy weight method—comprehensively considering start-up duration and peak-to-peak pressures at key locations—still identifies Method 2.1 as the optimal scheme. This strategy effectively mitigates critical pressure pulsations without significantly prolonging the start-up process, providing a quantitative basis for selecting start-up schemes in high-head pumped storage plants.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1940224</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1940224</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Object detection for autonomous driving environmental perception and its applications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Xu Xu</author><author>Yang Liu</author><author>Huijun Yao</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThis study tackles issues in autonomous driving by addressing problems with existing detection methods. Traditional single-modal approaches struggle with adaptability, while multimodal shallow fusion algorithms have weak feature coupling. Decision outputs also lack robustness.MethodsThis study propose a single-stage object detection model that uses an enhanced YOLOv12 algorithm and point cloud collaboration. This study first optimizes the lightweight feature extraction in the YOLOv12 backbone network and preprocesses the point clouds. Then, it establishes a sensor decision-level adaptive fusion multidimensional perception algorithm. A dynamic scene confidence evaluation factor and a Bayesian probability optimization model are introduced into the framework.ResultsThe results show that the improved YOLOv12 embedded with a Coordinate Attention mechanism increases the proportion of effective features by more than 20% on average in various complex traffic scenarios. The improvement is most significant in low-light and small-object scenarios. Meanwhile, the proportion of background noise decreases considerably, and feature response intensity increases significantly. The proposed dynamic decision-level fusion algorithm improves both classification accuracy and localization accuracy. The perception accuracy increases by 5.83% compared to the fixed-weight fusion method.DiscussionThis study provides a technical basis and engineering guidance for the large-scale deployment of the next-generation autonomous driving system and the optimization of the vehicle’s environmental perception framework.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1897663</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1897663</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Design of real-time safety behavior monitoring and violation identification system for construction sites combining YOLOv8-Seg and DeepSORT]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Zhao Huang</author><author>Na Geng</author><author>Lai Wei</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The existing detection framework systems are prone to misallocation in high-density environments and are difficult to adapt to deployment settings with limited network connections and diverse security standards. Therefore, this paper proposes an end-to-end real-time security monitoring system designed specifically for construction sites in network constrained environments. The system integrates four core modules: YOLOv8-Seg (You Only Look Once version 8-segmentation variant) for pixel-level instance segmentation; DeepSORT (Deep Simple Online and Real-time Tracking) for cross-frame identity tracking; Mask IoU (Intersection over Union) for object attribution assignment; and a sliding window -based cumulative violation detection mechanism. In addition, the system adopts INT8 (8-bit integer quantization) quantization for edge deployment to adapt to the network constraint environment of overseas sites. The experimental results show that compared with the baseline, the individual instance segmentation performance (mAP@0 .5, mean average precision) and cross frame identity association score (IDF1, identification F1 score) of the system show significant improvement. This system provides a real-time security management solution that meets international standards and offers a comprehensive chain of evidence for construction sites under network restrictions.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1973220</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1973220</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Dynamic mechanical analysis of alkali-treated flax/hemp yarn on SS304 wire mesh reinforced epoxy hybrid composites]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>R Elayaraja</author><author>G Rajamurugan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites are emerging because of the burgeoning need for lightweight, sustainable and high-performance materials for use in automotive and engineering applications. But traditional natural fibre composites have some drawbacks like insufficient stiffness, weak adhesion between the fibers and poor thermal stability in dynamic conditions. The present study aimed at the development of hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with flax fibers and SS304 wire mesh to improve dynamic mechanical properties of the developed composite. Two laminate constructions were made by hand lay-up technique, namely, F1 [Flax/SS304/Flax] and F2 [Flax/(Flax–Hemp Yarn on SS304 Mesh)/Flax]. The two hand lay-up laminate constructions were made as F1 (Flax/SS304/Flax) and F2 (Flax/(Flax–Hemp Yarn on SS304 Mesh)/Flax). Before fabrication, flax fibers and SS304 wire mesh were treated with 5% NaOH to enhance the fiber–matrix interfacial bonding. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was carried out in dual-cantilever configuration, ranging from 25 °C to 150 °C at frequencies of 1, 2.5 and 5 Hz. Viscoelastic properties of the developed laminates have been investigated through the storage modulus, loss modulus, damping factor (tan δ), complex modulus and glass transition temperature. It was observed from the results that the woven hybrid laminate (F2) had a higher value of storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex modulus than the non-woven laminate (F1) in all cases, which means that it is stiffer, more energy dissipative, and more thermo-mechanically stable. Moreover, F2 showed a lower tan δ and slightly higher glass transition temperatures, suggesting better interfacial adhesion and reduced molecular mobility in the epoxy matrix. The combined effect of woven composite flax-hemp yarns and SS304 wire mesh enhanced the dynamic mechanical properties of the composite, which has a great potential for lightweight application in automotive industry, vibration damping and semi-structural construction.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1868406</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1868406</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Full-process temperature control and crack prevention of roller compacted concrete in water conservancy projects]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Wei Li</author><author>Jianni Yi</author><author>Yizhuo Chen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionRoller compacted concrete (RCC) is widely used in large-scale hydraulic structures, but its high heat of hydration and poor heat dissipation can easily cause temperature cracks, posing a threat to engineering safety. Traditional temperature control measures mainly focus on post-event cooling, which are passive, single and have limited effects. There is also a lack of systematic coupling of the inherent thermal properties of materials and the dynamic construction process. Therefore, this paper conducted a model test for the optimization of full-process temperature control and crack prevention, aiming to suppress the generation of temperature cracks at the source and provide a reference for the temperature control and crack prevention design and construction of RCC in water conservancy projects.MethodsThis paper used a 1:40 geometrically scaled block model to simulate the large-volume RCC structure of an actual gravity dam and made a similarity analysis on from aspects of geometry, hydration heat, temperature, cooling aging, stress, and cracking behavior. A reference group (G0), five single-factor optimization groups (G1 mix proportion optimization condition, G2 mixing temperature control condition, G3 pouring technique condition, G4 internal cooling condition, G5 post-curing condition), and one full-process integrated optimization group (G6) were set up. Five specimens were prepared for each group. The pouring and curing process was carried out in an environmental chamber under summer conditions. Temperature and stress data from 0 to 40 days were collected using pre-installed T-type thermocouples and vibrating wire strain gauges. Images of the surface cracks of the specimens were captured using an industrial camera and quantitatively analyzed. The evaluation indicators included maximum center temperature, maximum internal and external temperature difference, cooling rate, first crack time, total crack area, maximum crack width, maximum tensile stress, occurrence time, stress reserve coefficient.ResultsEach single optimization measure could reduce temperature rise, decrease temperature difference, and delay cracking to varying degrees, but the paths and magnitudes of their effects were different. G2 had a remarkable effect in reducing the peak internal temperature; G3 performed excellently in reducing temperature difference and delaying cracking; G4 had a fast cooling rate but was prone to generating secondary temperature differences, and using it alone limited anti-cracking effect; G5 had the least effect on temperature control and crack prevention. G6 had the best effect, with the peak temperature in the center being 15.4 °C lower than G0, the maximum internal and external temperature difference being only 15.1 °C, the maximum tensile stress being only 0.98 MPa, and the stress reserve coefficient reaching 1.43. No cracking occurred within the 40-day observation period.DiscussionThe internal temperature rise of RCC is caused by the exothermic hydration reaction of cement and fly ash. Different optimization measures have fundamentally different paths for suppressing the hydration heat. The single-factor optimization group can only address the shortcomings of a single temperature control link and cannot simultaneously meet the control conditions of low temperature rise, small gradient, slow cooling, and low stress; the full-process integrated optimization G6 forms a closed-loop temperature control system through the collaborative effect of various temperature control measures to achieve the optimal effect of no cracking within 40 days. The research results can provide references for material ratio, layered pouring, water supply cooling, and intelligent monitoring in the construction of gravity dams made of RCC.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1966142</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1966142</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Experimental analysis of additive manufacturing parameters on the dynamic response of ABS components]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Giancarlo Marchetta-Cruz</author><author>Sergio G. Torres-Cedillo</author><author>Jacinto Cortes-Perez</author><author>Manuel Coca-Gonzalez</author><author>Moises Jimenez-Martinez</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Additive manufacturing has been extensively studied under quasi-static load conditions; however, limited research exists on the dynamic response of these printed components, particularly in relation to the influence of manufacturing parameters. This study addresses this critical knowledge gap by investigating the dynamic behavior of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) components fabricated via 3D printing. Specifically, the effects of six key printing parameters on the natural frequency and damping ratio of the specimens were systematically analyzed. Using modal analysis based on impulse excitation tests, conducted in accordance with ASTM E1876-22, the study provides robust experimental evidence and insights into the dynamic characterization of printed components. The natural frequency, with results ranging from 72 to 92 Hz, increases with reduced infill density and fewer perimeter walls, while it decreases with a reduction in top and bottom layers. Conversely, the damping ratio, with results ranging from 2.2% to 6% was found to increase significantly with lower print bed temperatures, reduced infill density, and fewer perimeter walls. Notably, specific combinations of parameters were identified to optimize damping performance under dynamic loading conditions. This research contributes novel experimental data and a deeper understanding of the interplay between 3D printing parameters and dynamic mechanical properties, offering a valuable framework for the design and optimization of AM components for dynamic applications.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1959494</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1959494</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Residual stress distribution and evolution in gear shaft journals induced by mechanical roll hardening: experimental characterization and numerical prediction]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Wenkai Su</author><author>Xigui Wang</author><author>Chuanzhen Yang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[To mitigate residual tensile stresses in the surface layer of machined 30CrMoA gear journal shafts, which readily initiate fatigue cracks and degrade in-service reliability, this study investigates a localized deep rolling hardening process for the journal diameter. Combining finite element simulation with X-ray diffraction residual stress measurements, the residual stress distribution in the journal after rolling is characterized, and the effects of key process parameters (rolling depth, workpiece rotational speed, and feed rate) on the magnitude of residual compressive stress and the strengthened layer depth are systematically examined. A central composite design-based response surface methodology is then employed to develop predictive models for residual stress and layer depth, enabling multi-objective optimization of the rolling process. The results demonstrate that deep rolling generates a stable, graded residual compressive stress field within the localized surface layer of the journal, with the peak compressive stress occurring approximately 0.20 mm beneath the surface, while the underlying matrix exhibits weak equilibrating tensile stresses. Rolling depth is identified as the most influential parameter and pronounced coupling and saturation effects among the parameters are observed. An optimal parameter combination is determined and experimentally validated: under the optimized conditions, both the magnitude of residual compressive stress and the strengthened layer depth are markedly improved, with the deviation between simulated and experimental results remaining below 8.0%. The established parametric model accurately predicts the localized residual stress state in rolled 30CrMoA journals, providing theoretical guidance and technical support for the surface rolling strengthening of gear journals.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1926649</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1926649</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A unified unsupervised deep learning and stride threat modeling framework for multi-domain cyber-physical security in nuclear digital twins]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Mehtab Alam</author><author>Akshay Chamoli</author><author>Ashraf Ali</author><author>Abdullah Alourani</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The increasing adoption of Digital Twin (DT) architectures in nuclear power systems has accelerated the convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT), exposing critical cyber-physical infrastructure to sophisticated signature-independent attacks that cannot be reliably detected using conventional signature-based Intrusion Detection Systems. Addressing the heterogeneous characteristics of physical process telemetry and industrial network traffic remains a major challenge for developing practical anomaly detection frameworks. This research proposes a unified unsupervised deep learning and threat modeling framework that integrates domain-aware preprocessing, temporal anomaly detection, adaptive thresholding, and STRIDE-based threat attribution into a single cyber-physical security architecture for nuclear DT. The framework combines a Long Short-Term Memory Autoencoder (LSTM-AE) with domain-specific normalization strategies, applying Min-Max scaling to bounded physical telemetry and Robust scaling to highly variable network traffic while preserving the statistical characteristics of each operational domain. A dynamic 99.5th-percentile anomaly threshold is employed to reduce false-positive alarms that could lead to unnecessary operational interventions in safety-critical environments. To improve the interpretability of unsupervised anomaly detection, the framework incorporates a deterministic feature-level attribution mechanism that maps localized reconstruction errors to the STRIDE threat taxonomy, providing human-readable cyber-physical threat intelligence for system operators. The proposed framework is validated across three publicly available industrial control system datasets acting as nuclear-relevant industrial proxies for complementary operational domains: HAI (primary power generation), SWaT (secondary cooling processes), and WUSTL-IIoT (edge network monitoring). Experimental evaluation demonstrates high discriminative capacity, achieving ROC-AUC scores of 0.944, 0.948, and 0.985, respectively. The results demonstrate that integrating domain-aware preprocessing, unsupervised anomaly detection, adaptive thresholding, and STRIDE-based threat attribution provides an effective and interpretable framework for enhancing cyber-physical security in DT -enabled nuclear environments.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1948017</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1948017</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Constraint-driven aero-structural twist optimization of 3D-Printed PETG low-Reynolds-number multirotor propellers]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Talhi Amar</author><author>Djeffal Selman</author><author>Ghoul Abdelhamid</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionFlexible fused-deposition-modelled propellers can lose endurance when deformation changes the designed incidence, while thin sections that appear aerodynamically superior may be structurally inadmissible. This study develops a constraint-driven aero-structural workflow for a 9.4 in two-bladed glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) multirotor propeller at a per-rotor hover thrust of 4.5 N.MethodsSix chord-twist and airfoil candidates were evaluated over 2-5 N using blade-element momentum theory (BEMT) and orthotropic finite-element analysis (FEA). Candidates were screened against a 40 MPa stress allowable and a 0.03R tip-deflection limit. The most efficient feasible blade was then refined by constrained stationwise twist redesign using local Reynolds number, inflow angle, and Cl/Cd information while retaining chord, airfoil schedule, diameter, root geometry, and section thickness. The final design was independently checked using steady RANS computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and pressure-mapped FEA.ResultsThe aerodynamic-only winner failed the 0.03R deflection constraint, whereas the APC/E216 configuration satisfied both stress and stiffness requirements and was selected as the feasible baseline. Across 2-5 N, the local twist redesign reduced the required rotational speed by approximately 11% and increased the hover figure of merit by up to 4.6%. At the 4.5 N design point, outward load migration increased the torque arm while the lower rotational speed reduced combined stress by 24.2%. The associated reduction in centrifugal stiffening increased tip displacement by 45.5%, but the displacement remained within the prescribed limit. RANS-CFD and pressure-mapped FEA recovered the target thrust and confirmed structural feasibility.DiscussionThe results show that aerodynamic improvement cannot be separated from printed-blade stiffness. Twist-induced radial load redistribution can simultaneously improve hover efficiency, reduce centrifugal stress, and decrease centrifugal stiffening. The proposed tiered BEMT/FEA-to-CFD/FEA workflow therefore provides a physically traceable route for balancing aerodynamic performance and structural admissibility in printable low-Reynolds-number multirotor propellers.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1948698</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1948698</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A review of structural design for in-wheel motors in new energy vehicles]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Yingshuai Liu</author><author>Hengyuan Zhang</author><author>Jianwei Tan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The in-wheel motor (IWM) drive system represents one of the most promising architectures for new energy vehicles (NEVs), offering distinct advantages in drivetrain efficiency, vehicle packaging flexibility, and independent wheel torque control. This review systematically examines the structural design aspects of in-wheel motors, encompassing electromagnetic topologies, mechanical integration, thermal management, and fault-tolerant configurations. Particular emphasis is placed on permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) variants, including surface-mounted, interior, axial-flux, and transverse-flux arrangements, as well as the critical challenges of unsprung mass augmentation, thermal rejection in hostile wheel environments, and sealing reliability. The paper synthesizes recent advances in multi-objective optimization, novel manufacturing processes, and integrated suspension-motor co-design strategies. By analyzing comparative performance metrics and identifying persistent technical barriers, this review aims to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers and engineers engaged in next-generation electric propulsion system development.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1957624</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1957624</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A review of structural design for reduced-rare-earth permanent magnet motors in new energy vehicles]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Yingshuai Liu</author><author>Dongdong Li</author><author>Xintong Li</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This review examines structural design strategies for reducing or eliminating rare-earth content in traction motors for new energy vehicles (NEVs). The analysis covers magnet-free topologies—synchronous reluctance motors (SynRMs), switched reluctance motors (SRMs), externally excited synchronous motors (EESMs), and induction motors (IMs)—together with reduced-rare-earth alternatives, including ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motors (PMaSynRMs), hybrid rare-earth/ferrite configurations, and emerging iron nitride magnets. For each topology, the electromagnetic and mechanical design trade-offs are analyzed, with particular attention to demagnetization resistance, torque density, efficiency, and manufacturability. The review finds that PMaSynRMs currently offer the best cost-performance balance for mass-market traction, EESMs provide mature rare-earth-free operation with dynamic flux control validated by commercial deployment, and IMs remain a proven magnet-free benchmark. Persistent barriers include irreversible demagnetization of low-coercivity magnets, mechanical deformation of flux-barrier rotors, and manufacturing scalability. Structural measures—optimized flux barriers, spoke-type magnet arrangements, direct oil cooling, and temperature-aware control—together with grain boundary diffusion and iron nitride magnets constitute the most promising pathways toward sustainable rare-earth-lean propulsion.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1973503</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1973503</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Development of an empirical regression model for predicting worm gear efficiency]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Rahul Honkalas</author><author>Bhagyesh Deshmukh</author><author>Prabhakar Pawar</author><author>Imran Chandarki</author><author>Sachin Salunkhe</author><author>Lenka Cepova</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Worm gearboxes are widely used in industrial applications requiring high torque transmission and large speed reduction; however, their efficiency is strongly influenced by sliding friction, lubrication, heat generation and geometry. This study develops a constrained empirical modelling and optimisation methodology for an industrial single-start worm gearbox used in a continuous-duty soot-blower application. The input speed (342 rpm), centre distance and operating requirements are fixed, while the worm module and worm-wheel tooth count are varied over a manufacturable design space. Thirty-five design combinations are evaluated analytically, followed by local regression modelling and multi-criteria selection. To avoid kinematic redundancy, the revised regression uses module and worm-wheel tooth count as predictors because output speed is deterministically related to tooth count under fixed input speed. The selected configuration, m = 2.75 mm and Z2 = 43, gives a calculated efficiency of 74.6%, compared with 68.8% for the existing m = 2.54 mm, Z2 = 45 design. This corresponds to an absolute gain of 5.8 percentage points and a relative improvement of 8.43%, corresponding to approximately to 8.45%. The revised local regression gives R2 = 0.9950, RMSE = 0.520 percentage points and MAPE = 0.574% within the investigated design domain. The methodology is intended as a transparent design-screening tool; experimental validation under controlled temperature, lubricant, surface and dynamic conditions remains necessary before production implementation.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1909024</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1909024</link>
        <title><![CDATA[New generation energy pumps]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Andriy Verlan</author><author>Serhii Shevchenko</author><author>Andriy Topalov</author>
        <description><![CDATA[A method is presented for the design of high-speed centrifugal pumps in which external radial bearings are omitted and non-contact annular seals are employed as combined supporting and damping elements. In this configuration, the rotor vibration response is analyzed within a closed hydromechanical rotor–seal system. A converging sealing gap geometry is adopted, which increases the radial stiffness of the fluid film and enhances the centering capability of the seal–support assembly. The integration of convergent-gap seal-supports in centrifugal pump designs alters the rotor dynamic characteristics through concurrent improvements in hydrostatic stiffness and damping. The results indicate an increase in the first critical speed by a factor of four to five, accompanied by a reduction in oscillation amplitude across the entire operating speed range. The method enables parametric evaluation of seal geometry, including taper angle and radial clearance, and provides quantitative assessment of their effects on rotor stability. This approach facilitates the systematic parametric analysis of seal geometry for rotor stability in high-speed turbomachinery.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1920583</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1920583</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Dynamic analysis of a cantilever beam coupled with bistable nonlinear energy sink: application to vibration suppression]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Wenqiong Tu</author><author>Xiao Zhang</author><author>Xuerong Zhang</author><author>Yang Liu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This paper investigates the vibration suppression performance of a bistable nonlinear energy sink (BNES) attached to a flexible cantilever beam under harmonic excitation. The governing equations of the coupled system are derived using the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and discretized via the Galerkin method. Under harmonic excitation, the complexification-averaging (CX-A) method and multiple scales technique are employed to investigate the slow-flow dynamics, bifurcation behavior, and the energy transfer mechanism of strongly modulated responses (SMRs). The results demonstrate that the SMR regime, characterized by relaxation oscillations on the slow invariant manifold (SIM), facilitates efficient and irreversible targeted energy transfer (TET) from the cantilever beam to the BNES. The proposed BNES exhibits superior vibration attenuation over a broad frequency range, highlighting its potential for practical engineering applications.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1988561</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1988561</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correction: Research on flow and pressure drop characteristics of high-flow combined valves under wide operating conditions]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Fangfang Song</author><author>Zhiqian Feng</author><author>Xu Zhang</author><author>Zhuhai Zhong</author><author>Kunlun Bai</author><author>Xiaodan Zhang</author><author>Jian Song</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1917681</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1917681</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effectiveness of load legs on rear-facing only child restraint systems (CRS) in frontal sled tests]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Julie A. Mansfield</author><author>Dan Ross</author><author>Janis Skujins</author><author>Nick Rydberg</author><author>Sara J. Seifert</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionLoad legs are a safety feature that brace child restraint systems (CRS) against the floor of the vehicle. Previous research has identified potential benefits in terms of energy absorption and injury metric reductions with this safety feature. The goal of this study is to establish the efficacy of a wider range of load leg designs and performance outcomes in frontal impacts compared to identical tests without load legs.MethodsThe Consumer Reports test buck with front row blocker plate was used with a frontal impact pulse of approximately 34.5 g and 62.1 kph. One CRS model was tested with both an experimental “dampening” load leg design and an experimental “stiff” load leg design. Additionally, six different models of rear-facing only (RFO) infant CRS were tested with and without their load leg in position for three or more repetitions each, for a total of 55 tests. The Child Restraint and Airbag Interaction (CRABI) 12-month-old anthropomorphic test device (ATD) was used as the occupant in all tests.ResultsThe dampening and stiff load leg designs had similar injury metric outcomes to one another. Across the full sample, load legs significantly reduced the occurrence of CRS shell and ATD head contact against the blocker plate. On average, load legs reduced the rotation angle of the CRS by 10.3° (47.9%, p < 0.0001), HIC15 by 1,339.7 (73.3%, p < 0.0001), head resultant acceleration by 69.3 g (50.8%, p < 0.0001), and chest resultant acceleration by 14.6 g (19.8%, p < 0.0001) compared to corresponding tests without load legs. Although the load legs collapsed in several tests, many injury metrics were still significantly reduced in these cases compared to corresponding tests without load legs. However, collapsed load legs were less effective at reducing CRS rotation, which might be an important factor in preventing head strikes in real-world crashes.ConclusionLoad legs provided significant benefits to the CRABI 12-month-old occupant in RFO CRS. Load legs that maintained their structural integrity produced the best results, but load legs that collapsed under loading still provided significant benefits to CRS occupants. These results support the use of load legs in families’ vehicles when possible.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1933515</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1933515</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Obstacle avoidance for three-dimensional environmental robotic arms based on SGBM binocular stereo matching]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Yuchen Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionIn complex industrial operation environments, robotic arms need to achieve precise environmental perception and safe obstacle avoidance under the coexistence of occlusion, weak texture and dynamic obstacles.MethodsTo enhance the real-time performance and stability of three-dimensional spatial recognition, obstacle location, and path planning of robotic arms, a method for obstacle avoidance of three-dimensional environment robotic arms based on binocular stereo matching of semi-global block matching algorithm is constructed. Based on the 11th version of the real-time object detection network, the Convolutional Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks, Semantic and Detail Interaction, Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network are introduced to enhance the nonlinear feature expression of obstacles, multi-scale fusion, and boundary positioning capabilities. Subsequently, the semi-global block matching algorithm is adopted to restore the binocular parallax and depth information, and the obstacle avoidance path planning is completed by combining the threedimensional point cloud of obstacles, the kinematic model of the robotic arm and the safety distance constraint.ResultsThe average accuracy rate of the environmental detection model reached 98.21%, the precision rate reached 98.37%, the recall rate reached 97.42%, the positioning error was reduced to 1.26 cm, which was 1.58 cm less than that of the original detection model, and the frame rate still remained at 60.7, meeting the real-time detection requirements. In the three-dimensional obstacle avoidance experiment, the average path length of the proposed method was 1.83 m, the collision rate was reduced to 1.84%, the minimum safe distance was increased to 0.21 m, the average response time was only 48.3 m, the dynamic obstacle avoidance success rate reached 98.27%, and the task completion rate reached 98.64%.DiscussionThe research results show that this method can effectively improve the perception accuracy, path safety and dynamic obstacle avoidance stability of the robotic arm in complex three-dimensional environments.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1948436</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2026.1948436</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Reliability-aware knowledge distillation with self-evolving supervision for robust robotic visual perception]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Yanlong Li</author><author>Xiaonan Wei</author><author>Zhenjie Jiang</author><author>Yi Gao</author><author>Kaiqi Chen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Autonomous robots operating in uncertain and dynamic environments require visual perception models that are both robust and efficient. Knowledge distillation provides a practical way to deploy compact student models on resource-constrained robotic platforms, but conventional distillation usually assumes that teacher predictions are uniformly reliable. In realistic visual scenarios involving sensor noise, appearance ambiguity, occlusion, and distribution shifts, teacher models may produce biased or incorrect predictions, and directly transferring such supervision can lead to negative transfer. To address this problem, this paper proposes a reliability-aware knowledge distillation framework with self-evolving supervision for robust robotic visual perception. The proposed method first separates reliable and unreliable teacher predictions according to their consistency with ground-truth labels. Reliable predictions are preserved as stable supervision, while unreliable predictions are corrected through ground-truth-constrained adaptive fusion. A Self-Evolving Knowledge Bank is further introduced to progressively refine corrected supervision through temporal accumulation and student-guided anchoring. Experiments on CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and Tiny-ImageNet with convolutional networks, vision transformers, and sequence-based visual models demonstrate consistent improvements over representative distillation methods. These results show that reliability modeling and progressive supervision evolution can improve compact visual models when teacher supervision is unreliable. In the present study, robustness primarily refers to resistance to negative transfer caused by erroneous teacher predictions, rather than comprehensive robustness to environmental disturbances such as sensor corruption, occlusion, or domain shift. The proposed framework therefore provides a promising training strategy for future integration into resource-constrained robotic perception pipelines.]]></description>
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