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Article
Publication date: 31 July 2024

Yan Xu, Yaqiu Liu, Xun Liu, Baoyu Wang, Lin Zhang and Zhengwen Nie

The purpose of this study is to address the welding demands within large steel structures by presenting a global spatial motion planning algorithm for a mobile manipulator. This…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the welding demands within large steel structures by presenting a global spatial motion planning algorithm for a mobile manipulator. This algorithm is based on an independently developed wall-climbing robot, which comprises a four-wheeled climbing mobile platform and a six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator, ensuring high mobility and operational flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

A convex hull feasible domain constraint is developed for motion planning in the mobile manipulator. For extensive spatial movements, connected sequences of convex polyhedra are established between the composite robot’s initial and target states. The composite robot’s path and obstacle avoidance optimization problem are solved by constraining the control points on B-spline curves. A dynamic spatial constraint rapidlye-xploring random trees-connect (RRTC) motion planning algorithm is proposed for the manipulator, which quickly generates reference paths using spherical spatial constraints at the manipulator’s end, eliminating the need for complex nonconvex constraint modeling.

Findings

Experimental results show that the proposed motion planning algorithm achieves optimal paths that meet task constraints, significantly reducing computation times in task conditions and shortening operation times in non-task conditions.

Originality/value

The algorithm proposed in this paper holds certain application value for the realization of automated welding operations within large steel structures using mobile manipulator.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Eustache Mêgnigbêto

This paper aims to determine the conditions for the core of the Triple Helix game to exist. The Triple Helix of university-industry-government relationships is a three-person…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the conditions for the core of the Triple Helix game to exist. The Triple Helix of university-industry-government relationships is a three-person cooperative game with transferable utility. Then, the core, the Shapley value and the nucleolus were used as indicators of the synergy within an innovation system. Whereas the Shapley value and the nucleolus always exist, the core may not.

Design/methodology/approach

The core of a three-person cooperative game with transferable utility exists only if and only if the game is convex. The paper applies the convexity condition to the Triple Helix game.

Findings

The Triple Helix game is convex if and only if there is output within the system; it is strictly convex if and only if all the three bilateral and the trilateral relationships have an output.

Practical implications

Convex games are competitive situations in which there are strong incentives towards the formation of large coalitions; therefore, innovation actors must cooperate to maximise their interests. Furthermore, a Triple Helix game may be split into subgames for comprehensive analyses and several Triple Helix games may be combined for a global study.

Originality/value

This paper extends the meaning of the Shapley value and the nucleolus for Triple Helix innovation actors: the Shapley value indicates the quantity a player wins because of the coalitions he involves in and the nucleolus the return for solidarity of an innovation actor.

Details

International Journal of Innovation Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-2223

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 August 2024

Zeyad M. Manaa and Naef A.A. Qasem

This study aims to validate the linear flow theory with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and to propose a novel shape for the airfoil that will improve supersonic…

48

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to validate the linear flow theory with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and to propose a novel shape for the airfoil that will improve supersonic aerodynamic performance compared to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 64a210 airfoil.

Design/methodology/approach

To design the new airfoil shape, this study uses a convex optimization approach to obtain a global optimal shape for an airfoil. First, modeling is conducted using linear flow theory, and then numerical verification is done by CFD simulations using ANSYS Fluent. The optimization process ensures that the new airfoil maintains the same cross-sectional area and thickness as the NACA 64a210 airfoil. This study found that an efficient way to obtain the ideal airfoil shape is by using linear flow theory, and the numerical simulations supported the assumptions inherent in the linear flow theory.

Findings

This study’s findings show notable improvements (from 4% to 200%) in the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil, especially in the supersonic range, which points to the suggested airfoil as a potential option for several fighter aircraft. Under various supersonic conditions, the optimized airfoil exhibits improved lift-over-drag ratios, leading to improved flight performance and lower fuel consumption.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted mainly for supersonic flow, whereas the subsonic flow is tested for a Mach number of 0.7. This study would be extended for both subsonic and supersonic flights.

Practical implications

Convex optimization and linear flow theory are combined in this work to create an airfoil that performs better in supersonic conditions than the NACA 64a210. By closely matching the CFD results, the linear flow theory's robustness is confirmed. This means that the initial design phase no longer requires extensive CFD simulations, and the linear flow theory can be used quickly and efficiently to obtain optimal airfoil shapes.

Social implications

The proposed airfoil can be used in different fighter aircraft to enhance performance and reduce fuel consumption. Thus, lower carbon emission is expected.

Originality/value

The unique aspect of this work is how convex optimization and linear flow theory were combined to create an airfoil that performs better in supersonic conditions than the NACA 64a210. Comprehensive CFD simulations were used for validation, highlighting the optimization approach's strength and usefulness in aerospace engineering.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

Yangmin Xie, Qiaoni Yang, Rui Zhou, Zhiyan Cao and Hang Shi

Fast obstacle avoidance path planning is a challenging task for multijoint robots navigating through cluttered workspaces. This paper aims to address this issue by proposing an…

13

Abstract

Purpose

Fast obstacle avoidance path planning is a challenging task for multijoint robots navigating through cluttered workspaces. This paper aims to address this issue by proposing an improved path-planning method based on the distorted space (DS) method, specifically designed for high-dimensional complex environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method, termed topology-preserved distorted space (TP-DS) method, mitigates the limitations of the original DS method by preserving space topology through elastic deformation. By applying distinct spring constants, the TP-DS autonomously shrinks obstacles to microscopic areas within the configuration space, maintaining consistent topology. This enhancement extends the application scope of the DS method to handle complex environments effectively.

Findings

Comparative analysis demonstrates that the proposed TP-DS method outperforms traditional methods regarding planning efficiency. Successful obstacle avoidance tasks in the cluttered workspace validate its applicability on a physical 6-DOF manipulator, highlighting its potential for industrial implementations.

Originality/value

The novel TP-DS method generates a topology-preserved collision-free space by leveraging elastic deformation and shows significant capability and efficiency in planning obstacle-avoidance paths in complex application scenarios.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Omid Mansourihanis, Mohammad Javad Maghsoodi Tilaki, Tahereh Kookhaei, Ayda Zaroujtaghi, Shiva Sheikhfarshi and Nastaran Abdoli

This study explores the spatial and temporal relationship between tourism activities and transportation-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States (US) from 2003…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the spatial and temporal relationship between tourism activities and transportation-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States (US) from 2003 to 2022 using advanced geospatial modeling techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The research integrated geographic information systems (GIS) to map tourist attractions against high-resolution annual emissions data. The analysis covered 3,108 US counties, focusing on county-level attraction densities and annual on-road CO2 emission patterns. Advanced spatial analysis techniques, including bivariate mapping and local bivariate relationship testing, were employed to assess potential correlations.

Findings

The findings reveal limited evidence of significant associations between tourism activities and transportation-based CO2 emissions around major urban centers, with decreases observed in Eastern states and the Midwest, particularly in non-coastal areas, from 2003 to 2022. Most counties (86.03%) show no statistically significant relationship between changes in tourism density and on-road CO2 emissions. However, 1.90% of counties show a positive linear relationship, 2.64% a negative linear relationship, 0.29% a concave relationship, 1.61% a convex relationship and 7.63% a complex, undefined relationship. Despite this, the 110% national growth in tourism output and resource consumption from 2003–2022 raises potential sustainability concerns.

Practical implications

To tackle sustainability issues in tourism, policymakers and stakeholders can integrate emissions accounting, climate modeling and sustainability governance. Effective interventions are vital for balancing tourism demands with climate resilience efforts promoting social equity and environmental justice.

Originality/value

This study’s innovative application of geospatial modeling and comprehensive spatial analysis provides new insights into the complex relationship between tourism activities and CO2 emissions. The research highlights the challenges in isolating tourism’s specific impacts on emissions and underscores the need for more granular geographic assessments or comprehensive emission inventories to fully understand tourism’s environmental footprint.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Patrice Gaillardetz and Saeb Hachem

By using higher moments, this paper extends the quadratic local risk-minimizing approach in a general discrete incomplete financial market. The local optimization subproblems are…

Abstract

Purpose

By using higher moments, this paper extends the quadratic local risk-minimizing approach in a general discrete incomplete financial market. The local optimization subproblems are convex or nonconvex, depending on the moment variants used in the modeling. Inspired by Lai et al. (2006), the authors propose a new multiobjective approach for the combination of moments that is transformed into a multigoal programming problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors evaluate financial derivatives with American features using local risk-minimizing strategies. The financial structure is in line with Schweizer (1988): the market is discrete, self-financing is not guaranteed, but deviations are controlled and reduced by minimizing the second moment. As for the quadratic approach, the algorithm proceeds backwardly.

Findings

In the context of evaluating American option, a transposition of this multigoal programming leads not only to nonconvex optimization subproblems but also to the undesirable fact that local zero deviations from self-financing are penalized. The analysis shows that issuers should consider some higher moments when evaluating contingent claims because they help reshape the distribution of global cumulative deviations from self-financing.

Practical implications

A detailed numerical analysis that compares all the moments or some combinations of them is performed.

Originality/value

The quadratic approach is extended by exploring other higher moments, positive combinations of moments and variants to enforce asymmetry. This study also investigates the impact of two types of exercise decisions and multiple assets.

Details

Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1086-7376

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 July 2024

Haoying Li and Ming Li

This study explores the spatial adaptive changes to different ancestral origins of Korean vernacular houses in Northeastern China and discusses the influence of changing family…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the spatial adaptive changes to different ancestral origins of Korean vernacular houses in Northeastern China and discusses the influence of changing family patterns on spatial capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative and comparative methods to explore changes to space arrangement, space area, and furniture forms in Korean vernacular houses. This study also explores the correlation between changes in family patterns and the changing characteristics of spatial capacity.

Findings

The results elucidate the changing characteristics of Korean houses' spatial capacity. While the changing individual needs of Korean family members have led to increased spatial accessibility, there is a weak correlation variability in remodelling outcomes and changes in individual needs. Moreover, the per capita living area of Korean vernacular houses has increased, and furniture forms tend to be simpler, smaller, and more integrated. These developments reflect the changes in the way of life, production, and family structure.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a unique perspective on the sociology and architecture of ethnic minority families in China. Its results can help architects and construction firms more intuitively understand Korean houses. This study also provides a reference for the future renewal of Korean houses in the region.

Originality/value

Although a growing number of studies have examined Korean vernacular houses and family patterns, none have explored the impact of changing family patterns on the spatial organisation of different ancestral origins of Korean vernacular houses. Therefore, this novel study addresses this gap, enriching the literature and providing practical insights.

Details

Open House International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Jiaqing Shen, Xu Bai, Xiaoguang Tu and Jianhua Liu

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known for their exceptional flexibility and maneuverability, have become an integral part of mobile edge computing systems in edge networks. This…

Abstract

Purpose

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known for their exceptional flexibility and maneuverability, have become an integral part of mobile edge computing systems in edge networks. This paper aims to minimize system costs within a communication cycle. To this end, this paper has developed a model for task offloading in UAV-assisted edge networks under dynamic channel conditions. This study seeks to efficiently execute task offloading while satisfying UAV energy constraints, and validates the effectiveness of the proposed method through performance comparisons with other similar algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this issue, this paper proposes a task offloading and trajectory optimization algorithm using deep deterministic policy gradient, which jointly optimizes Internet of Things (IoT) device scheduling, power distribution, task offloading and UAV flight trajectory to minimize system costs.

Findings

The analysis of simulation results indicates that this algorithm achieves lower redundancy compared to others, along with reductions in task size by 22.8%, flight time by 34.5%, number of IoT devices by 11.8%, UAV computing power by 25.35% and the required cycle for per-bit tasks by 33.6%.

Originality/value

A multi-objective optimization problem is established under dynamic channel conditions, and the effectiveness of this approach is validated.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2024

Pradipta Patra and Unni Krishnan Dinesh Kumar

Opportunistic and delayed maintenances are increasingly becoming important strategies for sustainable maintenance practices since they increase the lifetime of complex systems…

Abstract

Purpose

Opportunistic and delayed maintenances are increasingly becoming important strategies for sustainable maintenance practices since they increase the lifetime of complex systems like aircrafts and heavy equipment. The objective of the current study is to quantify the optimal time window for adopting these strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study considers the trade-offs between different costs involved in the opportunistic and delayed maintenances (of equipment) like the fixed cost of scheduled maintenances, the opportunistic rewards that may be earned and the cost of premature parts replacement. The probability of the opportunistic maintenance has been quantified under two different scenarios – Mission Reliability and Renewal Process. In the case of delayed maintenance, the cost of the delayed maintenance is also considered. The study uses optimization techniques to find the optimal maintenance time windows and also derive useful insights.

Findings

Apart from finding the optimal time window for the maintenance activities the study also shows that opportunistic maintenance is beneficial provided the opportunistic reward is significantly large; the cost of conducting scheduled maintenance in the pre-determined slot is significantly large. Similarly, the opportunistic maintenance may not be beneficial if the pre-mature equipment parts replacement cost is significantly high. The optimal opportunistic maintenance time is increasing function of Weibull failure rate parameter “beta” and decreasing function of Weibull failure rate parameter “theta.” In the case of optimal delayed maintenance time, these relationships reverse.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, very few studies exist that have used mission reliability to study opportunistic maintenance or considered the different cost trade-offs comprehensively.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Eduardo Werner Benvenuti, Andrea Cristiane Krause Bierhalz, Carlos Ernani Fries and Fernanda Steffens

The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-making protocol to meet the new requirements in an atypical panorama, such as the economic instability, in the textile industry.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-making protocol to meet the new requirements in an atypical panorama, such as the economic instability, in the textile industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists of analyzing technical criteria, costing parameters and efficiency scores of knitted fabrics using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and classification and regression (C&R) trees models, together with statistical techniques. From these tools, it is possible to guide the portfolio management of these products in a textile company, identifying those that are inefficient and require immediate management measures. The results are expected to be replicated in other companies because the DEA and C&R trees analytical procedures are applicable to different portfolios, whether in the same industry or not.

Findings

The results allowed identifying inefficient textile products regarding the input-output relationship and the main technical reasons related to the most significant inefficiencies, such as fiber composition and knitted fabrics rapports used in manufacturing.

Originality/value

DEA and C&R trees, in combination with the study of textile technical parameters, can be fundamental to investigating the efficiency and profitability of industries in periods of economic instability or other adverse situations. In addition, it is noteworthy that there are practically no studies in the literature on DEA applied in the textile industry, indicating excellent development potential.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

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