Search results

1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 17 April 2024

Bingwei Gao, Hongjian Zhao, Wenlong Han and Shilong Xue

This study proposes a predictive neural network model reference decoupling control method for the coupling problem between the leg joints of hydraulic quadruped robots, and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study proposes a predictive neural network model reference decoupling control method for the coupling problem between the leg joints of hydraulic quadruped robots, and verifies its decoupling effect..

Design/methodology/approach

The machine–hydraulic cross-linking coupling is studied as the coupling behavior of the hydraulically driven quadruped robot, and the mechanical dynamics coupling force of the robot system is controlled as the disturbance force of the hydraulic system through the Jacobian matrix transformation. According to the principle of multivariable decoupling, a prediction-based neural network model reference decoupling control method is proposed; each module of the control algorithm is designed one by one, and the stability of the system is analyzed by the Lyapunov stability theorem.

Findings

The simulation and experimental research on the robot joint decoupling control method is carried out, and the prediction-based neural network model reference decoupling control method is compared with the decoupling control method without any decoupling control method. The results show that taking the coupling effect experiment between the hip joint and knee joint as an example, after using the predictive neural network model reference decoupling control method, the phase lag of the hip joint response line was reduced from 20.3° to 14.8°, the amplitude attenuation was reduced from 1.82% to 0.21%, the maximum error of the knee joint coupling line was reduced from 0.67 mm to 0.16 mm and the coupling effect between the hip joint and knee joint was reduced from 1.9% to 0.48%, achieving good decoupling.

Originality/value

The prediction-based neural network model reference decoupling control method proposed in this paper can use the neural network model to predict the next output of the system according to the input and output. Finally, the weights of the neural network are corrected online according to the predicted output and the given reference output, so that the optimization index of the neural network decoupling controller is extremely small, and the purpose of decoupling control is achieved.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Dongsheng Wang, Xiaohan Sun, Yingchang Jiang, Xueting Chang and Xin Yonglei

Stainless-clad bimetallic steels (SCBS) are widely investigated in some extremely environmental applications areas, such as polar sailing area and tropical oil and gas platforms…

Abstract

Purpose

Stainless-clad bimetallic steels (SCBS) are widely investigated in some extremely environmental applications areas, such as polar sailing area and tropical oil and gas platforms areas, because of their excellent anticorrosion performance and relatively lower production costs. However, the properties of SCBS, including the mechanical strength, weldability and the anticorrosion behavior, have a direct relation with the manufacturing process and can affect their practical applications. This paper aims to review the application and the properties requirements of SCBS in marine environments to promote the application of this new material in more fields.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the manufacturing process, welding and corrosion-resistant properties of SCBS were introduced systematically by reviewing the related literatures, and some results of the authors’ research group were also introduced briefly.

Findings

Different preparation methods, such as rolling composite, casting rolling composite, explosive composite, laser cladding and plasma arc cladding, as well as the process parameters, including the vacuum degree, rolling temperature, rolling reduction ratio, volume ratios of liquid to solid, explosive ratio and the heat treatment, influenced a lot on the properties of the SCBS through changing the interface microstructures. Otherwise, the variations in rolling temperature, pass, reduction and the grain size of clad steel also brought the dissimilarities of the mechanical properties, microhardness, bonding strength and toughness. Another two new processes, clad teeming method and interlayer explosive welding, deserve more attention because of their excellent microstructure control ability. The superior corrosion resistance of SCBS can alleviate the corrosion problem in the marine environment and prolong the service life of the equipment, but the phenomenon of galvanic corrosion should be noted as much as possible. The high dilution rate, welding process specifications and heat treatment can weaken the intergranular corrosion resistance in the weld area.

Originality/value

This paper summarizes the application of SCBS in marine environments and provides an overview and reference for the research of stainless-clad bimetallic steel.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 71 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2023

Abdulla Al-Towfiq Hasan

This study aims to investigate factors and their impacts on halal tourism destinations revisit intentions among Muslim travelers, and explore the mediating effects of emotional…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate factors and their impacts on halal tourism destinations revisit intentions among Muslim travelers, and explore the mediating effects of emotional attachments between halal social environments, halal food and beverages, halal services and halal tourism destinations revisit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on review of literatures, and by distributing 500 questionnaires to Muslim respondents and subsequently collecting 387 usable responses, the study is conducted through partial least squares structural equation modeling using Smart PLS3.3.3.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that halal social environment, halal food and beverages, halal entertainments, halal staff clothing and emotional attachments significantly influence halal tourism destinations revisit intentions, whereas halal services has insignificant impact on halal tourism destinations revisit intentions, and halal social environment, halal food and beverages and halal services have positive significant impacts on emotional attachments toward halal tourism destinations. Moreover, emotional attachments partially mediate in the relationship between halal social environment, halal food and beverages, halal services and halal tourism destinations revisit intentions.

Practical implications

The current study findings uniquely contribute to the development of halal tourism destinations in Bangladesh by revealing the impactful factors and formulating marketing strategies that can increase Muslim travelers’ revisit intentions toward halal tourism destinations.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the pioneer research studies of halal tourism revisit intentions, providing new and unique theoretical and practical contributions to the enhancement of halal tourism industry in the world as well as Bangladesh. The findings could contribute to the halal tourism literature by identifying and evaluating factors influencing Muslim travelers’ revisit intentions toward halal tourism destinations. Moreover, the findings could help halal tourism operators in introducing halal attributes for creating Muslim travelers’ revisit intentions toward halal tourism destinations.

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2024

Fei Xu, Zheng Wang, Wei Hu, Caihao Yang, Xiaolong Li, Yaning Zhang, Bingxi Li and Gongnan Xie

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coupled lattice Boltzmann model for the simulation of the freezing process in unsaturated porous media.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coupled lattice Boltzmann model for the simulation of the freezing process in unsaturated porous media.

Design/methodology/approach

In the developed model, the porous structure with complexity and disorder was generated by using a stochastic growth method, and then the Shan-Chen multiphase model and enthalpy-based phase change model were coupled by introducing a freezing interface force to describe the variation of phase interface. The pore size of porous media in freezing process was considered as an influential factor to phase transition temperature, and the variation of the interfacial force formed with phase change on the interface was described.

Findings

The larger porosity (0.2 and 0.8) will enlarge the unfrozen area from 42 mm to 70 mm, and the rest space of porous medium was occupied by the solid particles. The larger specific surface area (0.168 and 0.315) has a more fluctuated volume fraction distribution.

Originality/value

The concept of interfacial force was first introduced in the solid–liquid phase transition to describe the freezing process of frozen soil, enabling the formulation of a distribution equation based on enthalpy to depict the changes in the water film. The increased interfacial force serves to diminish ice formation and effectively absorb air during the freezing process. A greater surface area enhances the ability to counteract liquid migration.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Lingfei Zhang, Longfeng Hou and Yihao Tao

Water jet propulsion is widely used in various military and civilian fields due to its advantages of simple structure and high propulsion efficiency. The process of mooring…

Abstract

Purpose

Water jet propulsion is widely used in various military and civilian fields due to its advantages of simple structure and high propulsion efficiency. The process of mooring involves utilizing specially designed equipment to secure a ship at a designated berth. During the process of water jet propulsion, the single propeller operates within a complex and turbulent three-dimensional flow. Hence, studying the coupling between the water jet propeller and the hull is critical to comprehending the characteristics of the device and the distribution of the flow field in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, we conducted computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based self-propulsion calculations to evaluate the interaction between the hull and the propeller. We subsequently analyzed the propeller's performance and the forces acting on the hull to understand how the presence or absence of the hull influenced the water jet propeller. Finally, we performed calculations and analysis of the cavitation characteristics of the coupling between the hull and the water jet propeller, considering different rotational speeds and water depths at the bottom of the pool.

Findings

The study demonstrated that the presence of the hull boundary layer under the hull-propeller coupling condition led to reduced uniformity of propeller inlet flow and lower efficiency of the propulsion pump. However, it also increased the bias toward low-flow conditions. Additionally, increasing the impeller speed led to a gradual increase in the cavitation volume within the water jet propeller, resulting in a gradual decrease in the propeller's performance.

Originality/value

This research provides the technical support required for effective design and operation of water jet propulsion systems. This paper involves studying and analyzing the performance and flow field of the coupling between the hull and propeller under mooring conditions with a specified hull model.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2023

Waqar Khan Usafzai, Emad H. Aly and Ioan Pop

This paper aims to study a non-Newtonian micropolar fluid flow over a bidirectional flexible surface for multiple exact solutions of momentum boundary layer and thermal transport…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study a non-Newtonian micropolar fluid flow over a bidirectional flexible surface for multiple exact solutions of momentum boundary layer and thermal transport phenomenon subject to wall mass flux, second-order slip and thermal jump conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The coupled equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity variables. Analytical and numerical techniques are used to solve the coupled equations for single, dual or multiple solutions.

Findings

The results show that the stretching flow, shrinking flow, the wall drag, thermal profile and temperature gradient manifest large changes when treated for special effects of the standard parameters. The role of critical numbers is definitive in locating the domains for the existence of exact solutions. The nondimensional parameters, such as mass transfer parameter, bidirectional moving parameter, plate deformation strength parameter, velocity slips, material parameter, thermal jump and Prandtl number, are considered, and their physical effects are presented graphically. The presence of governing parameters exhibits special effects on the flow, microrotation and temperature distributions, and various exact solutions are obtained for the special parametric cases.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this work lie in its exploration of non-Newtonian micropolar fluid flow over a bidirectional flexible surface, highlighting the multiple exact solutions for momentum boundary layers and thermal transport under various physical conditions. The study provides insights into the effects of key parameters on flow and thermal behavior, contributing to the understanding of complex fluid dynamics.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2023

Hamid Moradlou, Samuel Roscoe, Hendrik Reefke and Rob Handfield

This paper aims to seek answers to the question: What are the relevant factors that allow not-for-profit innovation networks to successfully transition new technologies from…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to seek answers to the question: What are the relevant factors that allow not-for-profit innovation networks to successfully transition new technologies from proof-of-concept to commercialisation?

Design/methodology/approach

This question is examined using the knowledge-based view and network orchestration theory. Data are collected from 35 interviews with managers and engineers working within seven centres that comprise the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC). These centres constitute a not-for-profit innovation network where suppliers, customers and competitors collaborate to help transition new technologies across the “Valley of Death” (the gap between establishing a proof of concept and commercialisation).

Findings

Network orchestration theory suggests that a hub firm facilitates the exchange of knowledge amongst network members (knowledge mobility), to enable these members to profit from innovation (innovation appropriability). The hub firm ensures positive network growth, and also allows for the entry and exit of network members (network stability). This study of not-for-profit innovation networks suggests the role of a network orchestrator is to help ensure that intellectual property becomes a public resource that enhances the productivity of the domestic economy. The authors observed how network stability was achieved by the HVMC's seven centres employing a loosely-coupled hybrid network configuration. This configuration however ensured that new technology development teams, comprised of suppliers, customers and competitors, remained tightly-coupled to enable co-development of innovative technologies. Matching internal technical and sectoral expertise with complementary experience from network members allowed knowledge to flow across organisational boundaries and throughout the network. Matrix organisational structures and distributed decision-making authority created opportunities for knowledge integration to occur. Actively moving individuals and teams between centres also helped to diffuse knowledge to network members, while regular meetings between senior management ensured network coordination and removed resource redundancies.

Originality/value

The study contributes to knowledge-based theory by moving beyond existing understanding of knowledge integration in firms, and identified how knowledge is exchanged and aggregated within not-for-profit innovation networks. The findings contribute to network orchestration theory by challenging the notion that network orchestrators should enact and enforce appropriability regimes (patents, licences, copyrights) to allow members to profit from innovations. Instead, the authors find that not-for-profit innovation networks can overcome the frictions that appropriability regimes often create when exchanging knowledge during new technology development. This is achieved by pre-defining the terms of network membership/partnership and setting out clear pathways for innovation scaling, which embodies newly generated intellectual property as a public resource. The findings inform a framework that is useful for policy makers, academics and managers interested in using not-for-profit networks to transition new technologies across the Valley of Death.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Stephanie Halbrügge, Paula Heess, Paul Schott and Martin Weibelzahl

The purpose of this paper is to examine how active consumers, i.e. consumers that can inter-temporally shift their load, can influence electricity prices. As demonstrated in this…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how active consumers, i.e. consumers that can inter-temporally shift their load, can influence electricity prices. As demonstrated in this paper, inter-temporal load shifting can induce negative electricity prices, a recurring phenomenon on power exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a novel electricity-market model assuming a nodal-pricing, energy-only spot market with active consumers. This study formulates an economic equilibrium problem as a linear program and uses an established six-node case study to compare equilibrium prices of a model with inflexible demand to a model with flexible demand of active consumers.

Findings

This study illustrates that temporal coupling of hourly market clearing through load shifting of active consumers can cause negative electricity prices that are not observed in a model with ceteris paribus inflexible demand. In such situations, where compared to the case of inflexible demand more flexibility is available in the system, negative electricity prices signal lower total system costs. These negative prices result from the use of demand flexibility, which, however, cannot be fully exploited due to limited transmission capacities, respectively, loop-flow restrictions.

Originality/value

Literature indicates that negative electricity prices result from lacking flexibility. The results illustrate that active consumers and their additional flexibility can lead to negative electricity prices in temporally coupled markets, which in general contributes to increased system efficiency as well as increased use of renewable energy sources. These findings extend existing research in both the area of energy flexibility and causes for negative electricity prices. Therefore, policymakers should be aware of such (temporal coupling) effects and, e.g. continue to allow negative electricity prices in the future that can serve as investment signals for active consumers.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2024

Yufeng Zhang and Lizhen Wang

Fractional Fokker-Planck equation (FFPE) and time fractional coupled Boussinesq-Burger equations (TFCBBEs) play important roles in the fields of solute transport, fluid dynamics…

Abstract

Purpose

Fractional Fokker-Planck equation (FFPE) and time fractional coupled Boussinesq-Burger equations (TFCBBEs) play important roles in the fields of solute transport, fluid dynamics, respectively. Although there are many methods for solving the approximate solution, simple and effective methods are more preferred. This paper aims to utilize Laplace Adomian decomposition method (LADM) to construct approximate solutions for these two types of equations and gives some examples of numerical calculations, which can prove the validity of LADM by comparing the error between the calculated results and the exact solution.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes and investigates the time-space fractional partial differential equations based on the LADM method in the sense of Caputo fractional derivative, which is a combination of the Laplace transform and the Adomian decomposition method. LADM method was first proposed by Khuri in 2001. Many partial differential equations which can describe the physical phenomena are solved by applying LADM and it has been used extensively to solve approximate solutions of partial differential and fractional partial differential equations.

Findings

This paper obtained an approximate solution to the FFPE and TFCBBEs by using the LADM. A number of numerical examples and graphs are used to compare the errors between the results and the exact solutions. The results show that LADM is a simple and effective mathematical technique to construct the approximate solutions of nonlinear time-space fractional equations in this work.

Originality/value

This paper verifies the effectiveness of this method by using the LADM to solve the FFPE and TFCBBEs. In addition, these two equations are very meaningful, and this paper will be helpful in the study of atmospheric diffusion, shallow water waves and other areas. And this paper also generalizes the drift and diffusion terms of the FFPE equation to the general form, which provides a great convenience for our future studies.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Sarah Heminger, Vishal Arghode and Som Sekhar Bhattacharyya

The purpose of this empirical investigation was to explore the interrelationship between psychological capital (PsyCaP) and impostor phenomenon (IP) experienced by entrepreneurs.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical investigation was to explore the interrelationship between psychological capital (PsyCaP) and impostor phenomenon (IP) experienced by entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers performed exploratory data analysis, using a correlation matrix that included the composite score of all PsyCap dimensions (psychological capital questionnaire [PCQ-24]) and the factor scores of hope, self-efficacy, resilience and optimism. The data analysis was conducted in relation to participants’ IP scores.

Findings

The study results demonstrated that a negative relationship was present between entrepreneurs’ Clance impostor phenomenon scale (CIPS) factor scores (consisting of hope, self-efficacy, resilience and optimism) and PsyCap dimensions (PCQ-24) composite subscales. This indicated that higher levels of PsyCaP were associated with lower levels of IP experience by entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, it must be noted that, based upon these study results, both “impostor phenomenon” and entrepreneurial identity formation occurred among entrepreneurs. It was known to be associated with external environmental, situational and societal factors. The researchers established the relationship between entrepreneurs’ “impostor phenomenon” and “psychological capital (PsyCap)”.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs and executives associated with business accelerators and incubators should comprehend the link between IP and PsyCap in entrepreneurs. This would enhance the well-being of entrepreneurs in their challenging context. Entrepreneurs and executives associated with business accelerators and incubators might explore the effectiveness of PsyCap-based interventions, along with IP-related considerations.

Originality/value

This was one of the first empirical studies investigating and establishing the relationship between entrepreneurs’ “impostor phenomenon” and “psychological capital (PsyCap)”.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000