Search results

1 – 10 of 11
Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Soumen Kumar Roy, A K Sarkar and Biswajit Mahanty

The purpose of this paper is to evolve a guideline for scientists and development engineers to the failure behavior of electro-optical target tracker system (EOTTS) using fuzzy…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evolve a guideline for scientists and development engineers to the failure behavior of electro-optical target tracker system (EOTTS) using fuzzy methodology leading to success of short-range homing guided missile (SRHGM) in which this critical subsystems is exploited.

Design/methodology/approach

Technology index (TI) and fuzzy failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) are used to build an integrated framework to facilitate the system technology assessment and failure modes. Failure mode analysis is carried out for the system using data gathered from technical experts involved in design and realization of the EOTTS. In order to circumvent the limitations of the traditional failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA), fuzzy FMCEA is adopted for the prioritization of the risks. FMEA parameters – severity, occurrence and detection are fuzzifed with suitable membership functions. These membership functions are used to define failure modes. Open source linear programming solver is used to solve linear equations.

Findings

It is found that EOTTS has the highest TI among the major technologies used in the SRHGM. Fuzzy risk priority numbers (FRPN) for all important failure modes of the EOTTS are calculated and the failure modes are ranked to arrive at important monitoring points during design and development of the weapon system.

Originality/value

This paper integrates the use of TI, fuzzy logic and experts’ database with FMEA toward assisting the scientists and engineers while conducting failure mode and effect analysis to prioritize failures toward taking corrective measure during the design and development of EOTTS.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2015

Andrea Gatto, Elena Bassoli, Lucia Denti, Luca Iuliano and Paolo Minetola

The purpose of this paper is to report an interdisciplinary, cooperative-learning project in a second-year course within the “Enzo Ferrari” Master of Science Degree in Mechanical…

3584

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report an interdisciplinary, cooperative-learning project in a second-year course within the “Enzo Ferrari” Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. The work aims to raise awareness of the educational impact of additive manufacturing and reverse engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

Students are asked to develop, concurrently, the design and the manufacturing solution for an eye-tracker head mount. A digital head model is reverse engineered from an anatomical mannequin and used as an ergonomic mock-up. The project includes prototype testing and cost analysis. The device is produced using additive manufacturing techniques for hands-on evaluation by the students.

Findings

Results of the presented case study substantiate the authors’ belief in the tremendous potential of interdisciplinary project-based learning, relying on innovative technologies to encourage collaboration, motivation and dynamism.

Originality/value

The paper confirms a spreading conviction that the soon-to-be engineers will need new practice-oriented capabilities to cope with new competitive scenarios. Engineering education must adapt to the social, rather than industrial, revolution that is being brought about by additive fabrication.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2017

Xiaohong Lu, Zhenyuan Jia, Xiaochen Hu and Wentao Wang

The purpose of this paper is to achieve the trajectory tracking measurement of a moving target based on double position sensitive detectors (PSDs).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to achieve the trajectory tracking measurement of a moving target based on double position sensitive detectors (PSDs).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, first, a double PSD-based measurement system including hardware system and software system is built up. Then, the working principle is studied to calculate parameters, and calibration experience is conducted. Finally, this double PSD-based measurement system is used to test angular displacement and axial displacement on the tool magazine and automatic tool changer.

Findings

In the experiment, the maximum position error of a space point based on double PSD measurement system is 0.8566 mm, and the average error is 0.4716 mm. These results show that the built double PSD-based measurement system of trajectory tracking of a moving target is reasonable.

Originality/value

Combining the characteristics of the PSD and principles of binocular visual measurement, a non-contact three-dimensional measuring system based on double PSDs is developed. The designed double-based measurement system is quite suitable for measurement of a fast-changing illuminant or in the case that the tracking accuracy is not tight.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 February 2022

Abdellah Ferdjali, Momir Stanković, Stojadin Manojlović, Rafal Madonski, Dimitrije Bujaković and Abderraouf Djenadbia

A laser seeker is an important element in missile guidance and control systems, responsible for target detection and tracking. Its control is, however, a challenging problem due…

Abstract

Purpose

A laser seeker is an important element in missile guidance and control systems, responsible for target detection and tracking. Its control is, however, a challenging problem due to complex dynamics and various acting disturbances. Hence, the purpose of this study is to propose a systematic design, tuning, analysis and performance verification of a nonlinear active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) algorithm for the specific case of the laser seeker system.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed systematic approach of nonlinear ADRC application to the laser seeker system consists of the following steps. The complex laser seeker control problem is first expressed as a regulation problem. Then, a nonlinear extended state observer (ESO) with varying gains is used to improve the performance of a conventionally used linear ESO (LESO), which enables better control quality in both transient and steady-state periods. In the next step, a systematic observer tuning, based on a detailed analysis of the system disturbances, is proposed. The stability of the overall control system is then verified using a describing function method. Next, the implementation of the NESO-based ADRC solution is realized in a fixed-point format using MATLAB/Simulink and Xilinx System Generator. Finally, the considered laser seeker control system is implemented in discrete form and comprehensively tested through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) co-simulation.

Findings

Through the conducted comparative study of LESO-based and NESO-based ADRC algorithms for the laser seeker system, the advantages of the proposed nonlinear scheme are shown. It is concluded that the NESO-based ADRC scheme for the laser seeker system (with appropriate parameters tuning methodology) provides better control performance in both transient and steady-state periods. The conducted multicriteria study validates the efficacy of the proposed systematic approach of applying nonlinear ADRC to laser seeker systems.

Practical implications

In practice, the obtained results imply that the laser seeker system, governed by the studied nonlinear version of the ADRC algorithm, could potentially detect and track targets faster and more accurately than the system based on the common linear ADRC algorithm. In addition, the article presents the step-by-step procedure for the design, field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation and HIL-based co-simulation of the proposed nonlinear controller, which can be used by control practitioners as one of the last validation stages before experimental tests on a real guidance system.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is the systematic procedure of applying the ADRC scheme with NESO for the specific case of the laser seeker system. It includes its design, tuning, analysis and performance verification (with simulation and FPGA hardware). The novelty of the work is also the combination and practical realization of known theoretical elements (NESO structure, NESO parameter tuning, ADRC closed-loop stability analysis) in the specific case of the laser seeker system. The results of the conducted applied research increase the current state of the art related to robust control of laser seeker systems working in disturbed and uncertain conditions.

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2018

Clarice Inês Lorenzi and Joao Carlos Espindola Ferreira

The purpose of this paper is to improve the failure analysis and troubleshooting process in engineering to order (ETO) product development, and reduce the amount of parts with…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the failure analysis and troubleshooting process in engineering to order (ETO) product development, and reduce the amount of parts with failures. This is important because parts with failures are associated with the additional costs resulting from corrections of the product, reduced productivity due to the time waiting for the corrected part, delays in delivery and harm to the image of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

FMEA and A3 are combined in a document for failure analysis and recording of the generated knowledge. The method is applied to an industrial automation company that designs and manufactures ETO products. Initially, the failures identified in mechanical assembly products are mapped, and then FMEA and A3 are combined in a document template, and a checklist for reviewing the detailing is built. Then, the method is applied in the design phase, and also for solving conceptual failures in the mechanical assembly and testing phase and the knowledge generated is recorded.

Findings

The results show the feasibility of the proposed method for both failure analysis and knowledge generation. Moreover, the adoption of improvement practices in routine activities, for example, the checklist for reviewing the detailing, can reduce up to 10 percent the amount of parts with failures.

Practical implications

The integration of FMEA and A3 encourages group thinking and monitoring the implemented actions. Since the document contains minor changes in the layout from the design phase to the assembly and testing phase, it contributed to the understanding of the people who participated in performing each phase. It should be ensured that the participation of experienced individuals with a proactive assertiveness who encourage the exchange of knowledge, preventing recurring failures from occurring in the conceptual phase. The approach to ensure quality was well accepted by the personnel in the company, but the implementation requires changing habits and establishing new practices.

Originality/value

The method proposed in this paper was applied to a company that designs and manufactures ETO industrial automation products. Since such products have high variety, the company has different characteristics compared with the companies that were considered in the few publications that attempted to combine the FMEA and A3 methods for failure analysis. The proposed method provides convenience for queries and updates, since it allows the inclusion of different failures in a single A3 report, reducing the number of separate documents. Also, the method includes a checklist for detailing review, which contributed to the reduction of failures.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1980

The SBAC Show, now held bi‐annually, at Farnborough will take place from September 1st to the 7th, and the indications are that it will be bigger than ever. To this end new…

Abstract

The SBAC Show, now held bi‐annually, at Farnborough will take place from September 1st to the 7th, and the indications are that it will be bigger than ever. To this end new exhibition arrangements have been made and we hope to report further on these in subsequent issues.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 52 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1978

It was a good Farnborough Show … for those who went to see the flying displays and the weather was a great consolation. But it was an unusual Farnborough in some respects, first…

Abstract

It was a good Farnborough Show … for those who went to see the flying displays and the weather was a great consolation. But it was an unusual Farnborough in some respects, first because of the good weather and this does bear repetition, and it does make such a difference to setting up the Show to its progress through the week and to the mood of the people there.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 50 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1992

AEM will be exhibiting in Hall 4, Stand G1. The exhibit will illustrate AEM's comprehensive range of accessory repair and overhaul services for electrical, hydraulic, avionic and…

Abstract

AEM will be exhibiting in Hall 4, Stand G1. The exhibit will illustrate AEM's comprehensive range of accessory repair and overhaul services for electrical, hydraulic, avionic and safety equipment. Farnborough will also be used as the official launch of AEM's Boeing 737 Landing Gear Total Support Pro‐gramme, which encompasses a complete exchange and overhaul service. Copies of Aviation Accessory News will be available on the stand.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 64 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2019

Raja Sreedharan V., R. Raju, Vijaya Sunder M. and Jiju Antony

Many organizations have reported significant benefits after the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS). Embracing LSS requires asking some important questions: How Lean Six Sigma…

1389

Abstract

Purpose

Many organizations have reported significant benefits after the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS). Embracing LSS requires asking some important questions: How Lean Six Sigma Readiness (LESIRE) can be measured? How can an organization identify the barriers for LESIRE? Answers to these questions are critical to both academicians and practitioners. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study illustrates the development process of a Lean Six Sigma Readiness (LESIRE) evaluation model to assess an organization’s readiness for LSS deployment using the fuzzy approach. The model was developed from 4 enablers, 16 criteria and 46 attributes of LSS, identified through a literature review.

Findings

To demonstrate the efficiency of the model, this study testing the LESIRE evaluation model in three Indian SMEs. Using experts’ ratings and weight, the researchers calculated the Fuzzy Lean Six Sigma index (FLSS) which indicates the LESIRE level of an organization and the Fuzzy Performance Importance Index (FPII) that helps to identify the barriers for LESIRE.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study are that it did not consider the failure factors of LSS for model development and the LESIRE was only tested in manufacturing industries. Thus, future researchers could focus on developing a model with failure factors. The results obtained from the SMEs show that LESIRE is capable of assessing LESIRE in an industrial scenario and helps practitioners to measure LESIRE for the future decision making process.

Practical implications

The LESIRE model is easy to understand and use without much computation complexity. This simplicity makes the LESIRE evaluation model unique from other LSS models. Further, LESIRE was tested in three different SMEs, and it aided them to identify and improve their weak areas, thereby readying them for LSS deployment.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study it proposes a LESIRE model that evaluates the organization for FLSS and FPII for LESIRE, which is essential for the organization embarking on an LSS journey. Further, it improves the readiness of the organization that is already practicing LSS.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 August 2020

Barbara Gaudenzi and Abroon Qazi

Project-driven supply chain risks pose a significant threat to the success of complex development projects, in terms of achieving key performances such as quality, time and…

4236

Abstract

Purpose

Project-driven supply chain risks pose a significant threat to the success of complex development projects, in terms of achieving key performances such as quality, time and efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to adopt a supply chain quality perspective in order to explore and better understand the unique attributes of risks associated with project-driven supply chains for continuously improving the quality of both processes and products.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically grounded in the framework of Bayesian Belief Networks and Game theory, this paper develops a structured process for assessing and managing risks in project-driven supply chains. The application of the proposed approach is demonstrated through a simulation case study conducted on the development project of Boeing 787 aircraft.

Findings

The conflicting incentives amongst stakeholders in a supply chain can jeopardise the success of a project and therefore, assessment of this category of risks classified as “Game theoretic risks” needs special consideration. Project-driven supply chain risks pose a significant threat to the success of complex projects. The results of the study clearly revealed that without mitigating the game theoretic risks, the main objective of timely completion of the Boeing 787 project was not materialised. Further, the lack of management expertise was the major factor contributing to the overall project costs including cost of quality.

Originality/value

The proposed process and analyses present a significant and original insight in terms of capturing the key determinants of both product and service quality such as product performance, convenience and reliability of service, timeliness, ease of maintenance, flexibility, and customer satisfaction and comfort. Propositions are developed for ascertaining the significance of information sharing in a project-driven supply chain, and a fair sharing partnership is introduced to help supply chain managers in managing game theoretic risks in order to achieve the goals of quality, time and efficiency.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 11