Results of a study investigating a skew rolling process for elongated axisymmetric parts are presented. Despite the fact that the skew rolling technique for producing such parts was developed and implemented in the mid-twentieth century, there are no studies on this problem. The first part of this paper presents the results of FEM modelling of skew rolling stepped axles and shafts (solid and hollow). The FEM analysis was performed using the MSC Simufact Forming software. The numerical simulation involved the determination of metal flow patterns, the analysis of thermal parameters of the material during rolling, and the prediction of cracking by the Cockcroft-Latham ductile fracture criterion. Force parameters of rolling solid and hollow parts were also determined. The aim of the FEM analysis was to determine initial design assumptions and parameters for the development of the skew rolling mill. Later on in the paper, a design solution of a CNC skew rolling mill for rolling parts based on their envelope profile is proposed. FEM strength test results of a mill stand, obtained with MSC. NASTRAN, are presented. Finally, the performance test results of the constructed rolling mill are presented. The experiments involved rolling real stepped shafts that were modelled numerically. Obtained results show that the proposed skew rolling method has considerable potential. The designed and constructed rolling mill can be used to perform the rolling process according to the proposed method, with the tool and material kinematics being controlled based on the set parameters of a workpiece envelope.

The vertical orientation of the body in the upright standing position is maintained by keeping the body's centre of gravity (COG) upright, above the base of support, by a dynamic interplay of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory control systems. The objectives of this study were: to compare the postural control strategy between people with and without low back pain (LBP), to estimate the influence of the stretching therapy on the postural control strategy, and to discover the relationship between the restriction of spine mobility and occurrence of some ergonomic factors. The study consisted of 32 patients with LBP and 25 healthy controls. Postural characteristics of the subjects were measured with the use of a computerized force platform. The software programme filters and measures COG sway velocity in different conditions. Additional measurements and tests were conducted in patients after stretching therapy. Based on survey research, all individuals were selected and evaluated from the aspect of ergonomics. The results of the COG sway velocity vary under the testing conditions. From the aspect of ergonomic attitude and influence of the rehabilitation, results varied in the groups. Ergonomic factors are often accompanied by the appearance of LBP. The restrictions within the musculoskeletal system cause disorders in muscle synergies, which is expressed by an increase in the angular velocity of the COG. In patients with chronic back pain syndrome, selected stretching therapy techniques improves the range of motion of the spine and reduces pain.

The objective of the study was measurement of the concentrations of airborne asbestos fibres in the rural environment of the Lublin Region in south-east Poland.

This paper presents selected numerical and experimental results of a study investigating the process of forming hollow stepped gear shafts from tubes by rotary compression. The objective of the study was to determine whether the rotary compression process is an effective method of producing hollow stepped gear shafts and to identify limitations of this manufacturing method. A theoretical analysis involved the numerical modeling of the proposed process by the finite element method (FEM). 3D simulations were performed using the commercial simulation software package Simufact Forming. The analysis involved examining the material flow pattern along with thermal and force parameters of the process. The FEM results were verified with experimental tests conducted under laboratory conditions. The experiments were performed on a machine specially designed for the rotary compression of hollow parts. Results demonstrate that it is difficult to form a stepped gear shaft in one operation. For this reason, such parts should be formed in two operations. The first operation involves the forming of a hollow stepped shaft by rotary compression, while in the second operation, a gear is formed on one of the steps of the shaft.

The article presents the concept and capabilities of a computer system for analysing measurement data for a skew rolling mill used to produce steel balls. The computer system for data acquisition and analysis consists of cooperating systems designed to perform control and measurement tasks during the operation of a skew rolling mill. Their main task is to collect and record data related to the measured physical parameters of the batch rolling process. This system registers the current and analyses the radial forces and torque acting on the rolled element by the rolling tool. The process of data acquisition, analysis and archiving is carried out by means of an NI USB 6009 measuring card together with the attached systems of transducers and force and torque sensors and a computer with an installed application. The measurement application was developed in the LabVIEW environment. The application algorithm is based on the state machine architecture and enables the configuration of measurement elements and technical parameters, checking the functioning of the control and measurement system and the acquisition and archiving of measurement data.