This study explores the simulation and analysis of the infiltration process for manufacturing A356 aluminum alloy foams using vacuum pressure. The infiltration technique, known for its versatility in liquid-state metal processing, is widely employed for metal foam production due to its ease of application. The study investigates the relationship between the geometric parameters of the preform, system pressure, and filling times, revealing a correlation. The simulation using the Flow 3D software determines the pressure and vacuum time required to achieve successful aluminum foam without filling failures. Experimental validation through infiltration casting using NaCl as a removable preform aligns with the simulated results, yielding high-quality aluminum foam samples with diverse pore sizes (0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 2.0 mm), uniform and interconnected pore distribution, average porosity percentages of 65%, and a relative density of 0.35. The research contributes insights into optimizing the infiltration process for aluminum foam fabrication, bridging the gap in limited literature on cellular metals.

Small-scale wind turbines (SWTs) represent a promising solution for the energy transition and the decentralization of electricity generation in non-interconnected areas. Conventional strategies to improve SWT performance often rely on active pitch control, which, while effective at rated conditions, is too costly and complex for small systems. An alternative is passive pitch control through bend–twist coupling in the blade structure, which enables self-regulation and improved power generation. This work proposes a novel blade design methodology for a 5 kW SWT that integrates passive bend–twist coupling with conventional pitch adjustment, thereby creating a hybrid passive–active control strategy. The methodology encompasses the definition of aerodynamic blade geometry, laminate optimization via genetic algorithms combined with finite element analysis, and experimental characterization of composite materials. Aerodynamic–structural interactions are studied using one-way fluid–structure simulations, with responses analyzed through the blade element momentum method to assess turbine performance. The results indicate that the proposed design enhances power generation by about 4%. The study’s originality lies in integrating optimization, structural tailoring, and material testing, offering one of the first demonstrations of combined passive–active pitch control in SWTs, and providing a cost-effective route to improve efficiency and reliability in decentralized renewable energy systems.

Cuando se desarrolla un nuevo producto aeroespacial, es esencial evaluar su rendimiento. Los drones se consideran un producto noble con un enorme potencial de impacto en la industria de la aviación en los próximos años. El diseño de un dron certificado es una actividad compleja en la que interactúan varias áreas del conocimiento. Normalmente se plantea en fases que abarcan desde la viabilidad hasta la producción. En este artículo se propone el uso de metodologías ágiles para el diseño conceptual de un dron. Diversos estudios han demostrado el potencial para abordar desafíos similares mediante el uso de métodos análogos a aquellos que fueron empleados en el desarrollo de software (como las metodologías ágiles). El Scrum fue el método ágil seleccionado para su adaptación al diseño del dron con el fin de gestionar mejor la complejidad del proceso de diseño (incluyendo las alteraciones de este). Finalmente, se presenta una propuesta para la aplicación de este método mostrando las diferentes etapas diseño y sus beneficios potenciales.

The industrial importance of repair and remanufacturing processes has significantly increased over the past years, primarily due to their possible cost reductions and environmental benefits. Different techniques have been used for the development of such tasks in different areas, however, restrictions have been encountered in parts of high geometric complexity or those that require high mechanical performance. Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies are an interesting alternative for remanufacturing, due to their advantageous mechanical properties and possible application in operations involving complex geometries. Hybrid Manufacturing (HM) technologies, which combine the advantages of AM processes with CNC machining in the same machine, have arisen as a new method that modernizes the repair and remanufacturing of metal components and offers a range of possible combinations of materials. This article addresses a remanufacturing operation that involves the use of an HM applied to an AISI 1045 component repaired with the addition of AISI 316L steel. The properties of the final parts showed the viability of the process for the remanufacturing of components of different materials and complex geometry. The parameters and strategy employed for the deposition of the additive material allowed us to obtain a piece without significant porosity, cracks, or defects. Microstructure and hardness in the sample were like those obtained in other published works. The manufacture or remanufacturing of components by the Directed Energy Deposition process employing stainless steel deposition on top of carbon steels opens a wide range of new applications. Those include the deposition and machining of complex 3D geometries