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1 – 10 of 64Qiao Wang, Wei Zhou, Yonggang Cheng, Gang Ma and Xiaolin Chang
Domain integrals, known as volume potentials in 3D elasticity problems, exist in many boundary-type methods, such as the boundary element method (BEM) for inhomogeneous…
Abstract
Purpose
Domain integrals, known as volume potentials in 3D elasticity problems, exist in many boundary-type methods, such as the boundary element method (BEM) for inhomogeneous partial differential equations. The purpose of this paper is to develop an accurate and reliable technique to effectively evaluate the volume potentials in 3D elasticity problems.
Design/methodology/approach
An adaptive background cell-based domain integration method is proposed for treatment of volume potentials in 3D elasticity problems. The background cells are constructed from the information of the boundary elements based on an oct-tree structure, and the domain integrals are evaluated over the cells rather than volume elements. The cells that contain the boundary elements can be subdivided into smaller sub-cells adaptively according to the sizes and levels of the boundary elements. The fast multipole method (FMM) is further applied in the proposed method to reduce the time complexity of large-scale computation.
Findings
The method is a boundary-only discretization method, and it can be applied in the BEM easily. Much computational time is saved by coupling with the FMM. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method..
Originality/value
Boundary elements are used to create adaptive background cells, and domain integrals are evaluated over the cells rather than volume elements. Large-scale computation is made possible by coupling with the FMM.
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Shashank Vadlamani and Arun C.O.
The purpose of this paper is to discuss about evaluating the integrals involving B-spline wavelet on the interval (BSWI), in wavelet finite element formulations, using…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss about evaluating the integrals involving B-spline wavelet on the interval (BSWI), in wavelet finite element formulations, using Gauss Quadrature.
Design/methodology/approach
In the proposed scheme, background cells are placed over each BSWI element and Gauss quadrature rule is defined for each of these cells. The nodal discretization used for BSWI WFEM element is independent to the selection of number of background cells used for the integration process. During the analysis, background cells of various lengths are used for evaluating the integrals for various combination of order and resolution of BSWI scaling functions. Numerical examples based on one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) plane elasto-statics are solved. Problems on beams based on Euler Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theory under different boundary conditions are also examined. The condition number and sparseness of the formulated stiffness matrices are analyzed.
Findings
It is found that to form a well-conditioned stiffness matrix, the support domain of every wavelet scaling function should possess sufficient number of integration points. The results are analyzed and validated against the existing analytical solutions. Numerical examples demonstrate that the accuracy of displacements and stresses is dependent on the size of the background cell and number of Gauss points considered per background cell during the analysis.
Originality/value
The current paper gives the details on implementation of Gauss Quadrature scheme, using a background cell-based approach, for evaluating the integrals involved in BSWI-based wavelet finite element method, which is missing in the existing literature.
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Yijun Liu, Guiyong Zhang, Huan Lu and Zhi Zong
Due to the strong reliance on element quality, there exist some inherent shortcomings of the traditional finite element method (FEM). The model of FEM behaves overly…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the strong reliance on element quality, there exist some inherent shortcomings of the traditional finite element method (FEM). The model of FEM behaves overly stiff, and the solutions of automated generated linear elements are generally of poor accuracy about especially gradient results. The proposed cell-based smoothed point interpolation method (CS-PIM) aims to improve the results accuracy of the thermoelastic problems via properly softening the overly-stiff stiffness.
Design/methodology/approach
This novel approach is based on the newly developed G space and weakened weak (w2) formulation, and of which shape functions are created using the point interpolation method and the cell-based gradient smoothing operation is conducted based on the linear triangular background cells.
Findings
Owing to the property of softened stiffness, the present method can generally achieve better accuracy and higher convergence results (especially for the temperature gradient and thermal stress solutions) than the FEM does by using the simplest linear triangular background cells, which has been examined by extensive numerical studies.
Practical implications
The CS-PIM is capable of producing more accurate results of temperature gradients as well as thermal stresses with the automated generated and unstructured background cells, which make it a better candidate for solving practical thermoelastic problems.
Originality/value
It is the first time that the novel CS-PIM was further developed for solving thermoelastic problems, which shows its tremendous potential for practical implications.
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K. Han, Y.T. Feng and D.R.J. Owen
The main purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of three commonly used global search algorithms, namely tree‐based augmented spatial digital tree, cell‐based…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of three commonly used global search algorithms, namely tree‐based augmented spatial digital tree, cell‐based no binary search and D‐cell, in the discrete element simulations.
Design/methodology/approach
A large number of test cases with up to five million particles/discrete objects are employed to numerically examine the computational costs of the three search algorithms and their performance is compared.
Findings
Comprehensive comparisons reveal that the D‐cell is more efficient than the tree‐based search algorithms for large‐scale problems. The parametric study of the D‐cell algorithm itself shows that the performance of the algorithm is strongly dependent on the cell dimension chosen.
Research limitations/implications
The only limitation of the current work is that the tested domain shape is regular, and thus more complex domain shapes may need to be considered.
Originality/value
The paper provides clear guidance regarding the possible actual computational performance of the tested search algorithms for practical applications.
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Janet Efstathiou and Peter Golby
Manufacturing facilities may simplify their operations by converting from a process‐based layout to manufacturing cells. Mathematically, many possible configurations of…
Abstract
Manufacturing facilities may simplify their operations by converting from a process‐based layout to manufacturing cells. Mathematically, many possible configurations of cells exist, so it may prove computationally infeasible to analyse them all. Also, some current methods of cell design do not take account of the pattern of demand of the existing products or the sequence of the operations that are performed on the products. Presents a simple method of designing manufacturing cells, which uses product demand and operations sequence to design feasible cells, while remaining computationally simple. The method uses a standard spreadsheet tool, so is accessible to a wide range of manufacturing facilities. The method is illustrated with an actual application to a press shop manufacturing over 200 products on 20 presses.
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Samia Ben Amarat and Peng Zong
This paper aims to present a comprehensive review in major research areas of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) navigation, i.e. three degree-of-freedom (3D) path planning…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a comprehensive review in major research areas of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) navigation, i.e. three degree-of-freedom (3D) path planning, routing algorithm and routing protocols. The paper is further aimed to provide a meaningful comparison among these algorithms and methods and also intend to find the best ones for a particular application.
Design/methodology/approach
The major UAV navigation research areas are further classified into different categories based on methods and models. Each category is discussed in detail with updated research work done in that very domain. Performance evaluation criteria are defined separately for each category. Based on these criteria and research challenges, research questions are also proposed in this work and answered in discussion according to the presented literature review.
Findings
The research has found that conventional and node-based algorithms are a popular choice for path planning. Similarly, the graph-based methods are preferred for route planning and hybrid routing protocols are proved better in providing performance. The research has also found promising areas for future research directions, i.e. critical link method for UAV path planning and queuing theory as a routing algorithm for large UAV networks.
Originality/value
The proposed work is a first attempt to provide a comprehensive study on all research aspects of UAV navigation. In addition, a comparison of these methods, algorithms and techniques based on standard performance criteria is also presented the very first time.
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Wannapa Kay Mahamaneerat, Chi‐Ren Shyu, Shih‐Chun Ho and C. Alec Chang
The purpose of this paper is to provide a novel domain‐concept association rules (DCAR) mining algorithm that offers solutions to complex cell formation problems, which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a novel domain‐concept association rules (DCAR) mining algorithm that offers solutions to complex cell formation problems, which consist of a non‐binary machine‐component (MC) matrix and production factors for fast and accurate decision support.
Design/methodology/approach
The DCAR algorithm first identifies the domain‐concept from the demand history and then performs association rule mining to find associations among machines. After that, the algorithm forms machine‐cells with a series of inclusion and exclusion processes to minimize inter‐cell material movement and intra‐cell void element costs as well as to maximize the grouping efficacy with the constraints of bill of material (BOM) and the maximum number of machines allowed for each cell.
Findings
The DCAR algorithm delivers either comparable or better results than the existing approaches using known binary datasets. The paper demonstrates that the DCAR can obtain satisfying machine‐cells with production costs when extra parameters are needed.
Research limitations/implications
The DCAR algorithm adapts the idea of the sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) to iteratively evaluate and arrange machine‐cells until the result is stabilized. The SFFS is an improvement over a greedy version of the algorithm, but can only ensure sub‐optimal solutions. Practical implications – The DCAR algorithm considers a wide range of production parameters, which make the algorithm suitable to the real‐world manufacturing system settings.
Originality/value
The proposed DCAR algorithm is unlike other array‐based algorithms. It can group non‐binary MC matrix with considerations of real‐world factors including product demand, BOM, costs, and maximum number of machines allowed for each cell.
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Maozeng Xu, Zhongya Mei, Siyu Luo and Yi Tan
This paper aims to analyze and provide insight on the algorithms for the optimization of construction site layout planning (CSLP). It resolves problems, such as the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze and provide insight on the algorithms for the optimization of construction site layout planning (CSLP). It resolves problems, such as the selection of suitable algorithms, considering the optimality, optimization objectives and representation of layout solutions. The approaches for the better utilization of optimization algorithms are also presented.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the above, existing records (results = 200) were selected from three databases: Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus. By implementing a systematic protocol, the articles related to the optimization algorithms for the CLSP (results = 75) were identified. Moreover, various related themes were collated and analyzed according to a coding structure.
Findings
The results indicate the consistent and increasing interest on the optimization algorithms for the CLSP, revealing that the trend in shifting to smart approaches in the construction industry is significant. Moreover, the interest in metaheuristic algorithms is dominant because 65.3% of the selected articles focus on these algorithms. The optimality, optimization objectives and solution representations are also important in algorithm selection. With the employment of other algorithms, self-developed applications and commercial software, optimization algorithms can be better utilized for solving CSLP problems. The findings also identify the gaps and directions for future research.
Research limitations/implications
The selection of articles in this review does not consider the industrial perspective and practical applications of commercial software. Further comparative analyses of major algorithms are necessary because this review only focuses on algorithm types.
Originality/value
This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review of articles published in the recent decade. It significantly contributes to the demonstration of the status and selection of CLSP algorithms and the benefit of using these algorithms. It also identifies the research gaps in knowledge and reveals potential improvements for future research.
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The aim of the paper is to generate a substantive grounded theory of organizational change and leadership, particularly focusing on the manifestation and management of…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the paper is to generate a substantive grounded theory of organizational change and leadership, particularly focusing on the manifestation and management of resistance to change, or what has been more broadly conceptualized as organization inertia.
Design/methodology/approach
A grounded theory study, investigating a particular type of change occurring in a variety of South African churches, was conducted using a Straussian approach. A sample of incidents was gathered from 38 in‐depth interviews conducted with ministers who were leading churches of various backgrounds, sizes, and denominations, in four South African provinces.
Findings
When analysing the process of church transition from a programme‐based to a cell‐based design, the concept “sense of community” was developed. This concept underscored the manifestation of organization inertia in the churches that were engaged in a process of change.
Research limitations/implications
Further exploration of the literature suggests that – compared to other theories of resistance to change – the theory of social capital offers a better explanation of the occurrence of organization inertia in this study.
Originality/value
In the light of this paper's discovery, social capital theory is proposed as a new theoretical explanation of resistance to change.
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Haichao Cui, Qiang Gao, Xiaolan Li and Huajiang Ouyang
This paper aims to propose an efficient and accurate method to analyse the transient heat conduction in a periodic structure with moving heat sources.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose an efficient and accurate method to analyse the transient heat conduction in a periodic structure with moving heat sources.
Design/methodology/approach
The moving heat source is modelled as a localised Gaussian distribution in space. Based on the spatial distribution, the physical feature of transient heat conduction and the periodic property of structure, a special feature of temperature responses caused by the moving heat source is illustrated. Then, combined with the superposition principle of linear system, within a small time-step, computation of results corresponding to the whole structure excited by the Gaussian heat source is transformed into that of some small-scale structures. Lastly, the precise integration method (PIM) is used to solve the temperature responses of each small-scale structure efficiently and accurately.
Findings
Within a reasonable time-step, the heat source applied on a unit cell can only cause the temperature responses of a limited number of adjacent unit cells. According to the above feature and the periodic property of a structure, the contributions caused by the moving heat source for the most of time-steps are repeatable, and the temperature responses of the entire periodic structure can be obtained by some small-scale structures.
Originality/value
A novel numerical method is proposed for analysing moving heat source problems, and the numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method is much more efficient than the traditional methods, even for larger-scale problems and multiple moving heat source problems.
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