This research concerns on the application of combined thermomechanical-inherent strain method (TMM-ISM) in predicting the distortion of additively manufactured component. The simulation and experimental verification were conducted in the form of vertical cylinder using selective laser melting, which was subsequently cut in the middle section. The setup and procedure of simulation approaches followed the actual process parameters such as laser power, layer thickness, scan strategy, and temperature dependent material, including flow curve retrieved from specialized computational numerical software. The investigation began with virtual calibration test using TMM, followed by manufacturing process simulation using ISM. Based on the maximum deformation result of simulated calibration and accuracy consideration from previous equivalent study, the inherent strain values used in ISM analysis were obtained using self-developed optimization algorithm with direct pattern search Nelder-Mead method in finding the minimum error of distortion using MATLAB. The error minima were measured between transient TMM-based simulation and simplified formulation in calculating the inherent strain values with respect to longitudinal and transverse laser directions. Furthermore, the combined TMM-ISM distortion results were compared to fully TMM with equivalent mesh number and verified based on experimental investigation conducted by renowned researcher. It can be concluded that the result of slit distortion from TMM-ISM and TMM showed good agreement with the error percentage of 9.5% and 3.5%, respectively. However, the computational time for combined TMM-ISM was reduced tremendously with only 63 min if compared to TMM with 129 min in running full simulation on solid cylindrical component. Hence, combined TMM-ISM-based simulation can be considered as an alternative method to replace time-consuming and cost-intensive calibration preparation and analysis.
In conjunction with the third regional Southeast Asian (SEA) therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25 clinicians and researchers from SEA and South Asian countries attended the inaugural strategy meeting for the establishment of a regional TPE consortium for neurological disorders. The primary objective was to establish regional collaboration to improve delivery of TPE services in SEA. A pre-meeting survey was conducted to gather insights on disease spectrum, contextual practice challenges, and the need for a regional TPE consensus. Challenges identified include limited healthcare funding in support of diagnostic workup, TPE therapy, as well as development of clinical infrastructure and expertise capacity building. There was favorable interest in developing a working plan contextualized to this region. Strategies to overcome challenges were discussed. This included the need for a comprehensive referral system and network of regional TPE centers suited to local needs, supported by innovative TPE delivery programs.