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1 – 10 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Chunliang Niu, BingZhuo Liu, Chunfei Bai, Liming Guo, Lei Chen and Jiwu Tang

In order to improve the efficiency and reliability of simulation analysis for composite riveting structures in engineering products, a comparative study was conducted on different…

Abstract

Purpose

In order to improve the efficiency and reliability of simulation analysis for composite riveting structures in engineering products, a comparative study was conducted on different forms of riveting simulation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Five different rivent simulation models were established using the finite element method, including rigid element CE, flexible element Rbe3 and beam element, and their results were future compared and analyzed.

Findings

Under the given technical parameters, the simulation method of Rbe3 (with holes) + beam can meet the analysis requirements of complex engineering products in terms of the rationality of rivet load distribution, calculation error and relatively efficient modeling.

Originality/value

This study proposes a simulation method for the riveting structure of carbon fiber composite materials for engineering applications. This method can satisfy the simulation analysis requirements of transportation vehicles in terms of modeling time, computational efficiency and accuracy. The research can provide technical support for the riveting process and mechanical analysis between carbon fiber composite components in transportation products.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 May 2024

Mohanad Rezeq, Tarik Aouam and Frederik Gailly

Authorities have set up numerous security checkpoints during times of armed conflict to control the flow of commercial and humanitarian trucks into and out of areas of conflict…

Abstract

Purpose

Authorities have set up numerous security checkpoints during times of armed conflict to control the flow of commercial and humanitarian trucks into and out of areas of conflict. These security checkpoints have become highly utilized because of the complex security procedures and increased truck traffic, which significantly slow the delivery of relief aid. This paper aims to improve the process at security checkpoints by redesigning the current process to reduce processing time and relieve congestion at checkpoint entrance gates.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision-support tool (clearing function distribution model [CFDM]) is used to minimize the effects of security checkpoint congestion on the entire humanitarian supply network using a hybrid simulation-optimization approach. By using a business process simulation, the current and reengineered processes are both simulated, and the simulation output was used to estimate the clearing function (capacity as a function of the workload). For both the AS-IS and TO-BE models, key performance indicators such as distribution costs, backordering and process cycle time were used to compare the results of the CFDM tool. For this, the Kerem Abu Salem security checkpoint south of Gaza was used as a case study.

Findings

The comparison results demonstrate that the CFDM tool performs better when the output of the TO-BE clearing function is used.

Originality/value

The efforts will contribute to improving the planning of any humanitarian network experiencing congestion at security checkpoints by minimizing the impact of congestion on the delivery lead time of relief aid to the final destination.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 June 2024

Gokce Tomrukcu, Hazal Kizildag, Gizem Avgan, Ozlem Dal, Nese Ganic Saglam, Ece Ozdemir and Touraj Ashrafian

This study aims to create an efficient approach to validate building energy simulation models amidst challenges from time-intensive data collection. Emphasizing precision in model…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to create an efficient approach to validate building energy simulation models amidst challenges from time-intensive data collection. Emphasizing precision in model calibration through strategic short-term data acquisition, the systematic framework targets critical adjustments using a strategically captured dataset. Leveraging metrics like Mean Bias Error (MBE) and Coefficient of Variation of Root Mean Square Error (CV(RMSE)), this methodology aims to heighten energy efficiency assessment accuracy without lengthy data collection periods.

Design/methodology/approach

A standalone school and a campus facility were selected as case studies. Field investigations enabled precise energy modeling, emphasizing user-dependent parameters and compliance with standards. Simulation outputs were compared to short-term actual measurements, utilizing MBE and CV(RMSE) metrics, focusing on internal temperature and CO2 levels. Energy bills and consumption data were scrutinized to verify natural gas and electricity usage against uncertain parameters.

Findings

Discrepancies between initial simulations and measurements were observed. Following adjustments, the standalone school 1’s average internal temperature increased from 19.5 °C to 21.3 °C, with MBE and CV(RMSE) aiding validation. Campus facilities exhibited complex variations, addressed by accounting for CO2 levels and occupancy patterns, with similar metrics aiding validation. Revisions in lighting and electrical equipment schedules improved electricity consumption predictions. Verification of natural gas usage and monthly error rate calculations refined the simulation model.

Originality/value

This paper tackles Building Energy Simulation validation challenges due to data scarcity and time constraints. It proposes a strategic, short-term data collection method. It uses MBE and CV(RMSE) metrics for a comprehensive evaluation to ensure reliable energy efficiency predictions without extensive data collection.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2024

Jinyao Nan, Pingfa Feng, Jie Xu and Feng Feng

The purpose of this study is to advance the computational modeling of liquid splashing dynamics, while balancing simulation accuracy and computational efficiency, a duality often…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance the computational modeling of liquid splashing dynamics, while balancing simulation accuracy and computational efficiency, a duality often compromised in high-fidelity fluid dynamics simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces the fluid efficient graph neural network simulator (FEGNS), an innovative framework that integrates an adaptive filtering layer and aggregator fusion strategy within a graph neural network architecture. FEGNS is designed to directly learn from extensive liquid splash data sets, capturing the intricate dynamics and intrinsically complex interactions.

Findings

FEGNS achieves a remarkable 30.3% improvement in simulation accuracy over traditional methods, coupled with a 51.6% enhancement in computational speed. It exhibits robust generalization capabilities across diverse materials, enabling realistic simulations of droplet effects. Comparative analyses and empirical validations demonstrate FEGNS’s superior performance against existing benchmark models.

Originality/value

The originality of FEGNS lies in its adaptive filtering layer, which independently adjusts filtering weights per node, and a novel aggregator fusion strategy that enriches the network’s expressive power by combining multiple aggregation functions. To facilitate further research and practical deployment, the FEGNS model has been made accessible on GitHub (https://github.com/nanjinyao/FEGNS/tree/main).

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 July 2024

Muhammad Adeel Zaffar, Ram Kumar and Kexin Zhao

The purpose of this research is to develop a comprehensive model to better understand competitive dynamics between mobile payment providers in a multi-sided market featuring…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a comprehensive model to better understand competitive dynamics between mobile payment providers in a multi-sided market featuring customers and merchants. This is undertaken by modeling customers performing financial transactions with merchants while two mobile payment systems (MPS) providers deploy different strategies to compete for market share.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed an agent-based simulation model using the NetLogo environment. The simulation featured two competing platform providers, 1,000 customer agents and 50 merchant agents. Past research, interviews and surveys were conducted to accurately model the behavior of the agents. Each simulation run lasted for 50 time periods. A total of 1,024 experimental conditions were designed to model different competitive environments, and 50 replications were conducted for a total of 51,200 experiments.

Findings

The simulation model provides insight into MPS platform providers’ competitive strategies by simultaneously modelling socioeconomic interactions between customers, merchants and MPS.

Research limitations/implications

From a methodological perspective, the paper contributes a comprehensive model that can be used to study competitive dynamics between competing platforms in a multi-sided market. From the perspective of competitive strategies, the results show that pricing alone is not sufficient to influence MPS diffusion. Interactions between pricing, customers’ risk perception, perceived security and ease of use of the platform create unexpected same-side and cross-side network effects, which affect MPS diffusion.

Practical implications

While pricing remains a crucial lever for MPS to compete for market share, they should focus on enhancing customers’ and merchants’ trust and reduce their risk perception. This can be done through the improvement of the user experience of their platform, development of educational materials and marketing campaigns that address concerns around security, data breaches and perceived risk.

Originality/value

The paper is a direct response to a recent call for action on studying competition between MPS platforms by simultaneously modelling the socio-economic behavior of heterogeneous consumers and merchants. The proposed agent-based simulation model can be used to provide insights into competitive strategies and as a building block for subsequent research in this area.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Baris Kirim, Emrecan Soylemez, Evren Tan and Evren Yasa

This study aims to develop a novel thermal modeling strategy to simulate electron beam powder bed fusion at part scale with machine-varying process parameters strategy…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a novel thermal modeling strategy to simulate electron beam powder bed fusion at part scale with machine-varying process parameters strategy. Single-bead and part-scale experiments and modeling were studied. Scanning strategies were described by the process controlling functions that enabled modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element analysis thermal model was used along with the powder bed fusion with electron beam experiments. The proposed strategy involves dividing a part into smaller sections and creating meso-scale models for each subsection. These meso-scale models take into consideration the variable process parameters, including power and velocity of the moving heat source, during part building. Subsequently, these models are integrated to perform partscale simulations, enabling more realistic predictions of thermal accumulation and resulting distortions. The model was built and validated with single-bead experiments and bulky parts with different features.

Findings

Single-bead experiments demonstrated an average error rate of 6%–24% for melt pool dimension prediction using the proposed meso-scale models with different scanning control functions. Part-scale simulations for three different geometries (cantilever beams with supports, bulk artifact and topology-optimized transfer arm) showed good agreement between modeled temperature changes and experimental deformation values.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach for electron beam powder bed fusion modeling that leverages meso-scale models to capture the influence of variable process parameters on part quality. This strategy offers improved accuracy for predicting part geometry and identifying potential defects, leading to a more efficient additive manufacturing process.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 May 2024

Ayşe Tuğba Dosdoğru, Yeliz Buruk Sahin, Mustafa Göçken and Aslı Boru İpek

This study aims to optimize the levels of factors for a green supply chain (GSC) while concurrently gaining valuable insights into the dynamic interrelationships among several…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to optimize the levels of factors for a green supply chain (GSC) while concurrently gaining valuable insights into the dynamic interrelationships among several factors, leading to reductions in CO2 emissions and the maximization of the average service level, thereby enhancing overall supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Response surface methodology (RSM) is employed as a technique for multiple response optimization. This study uses a supply chain simulation model that includes decision variables related to the level of inventory control parameters and vehicle capacity. The desirability approach is adopted to achieve optimization objectives by focusing on minimizing CO2 emissions and maximizing service levels while simultaneously determining the optimum levels of considered decision variables.

Findings

The high R2 values of 97.38% for CO2 and 97.28% for service level, along with adjusted R2 values reasonably close to predicted values, affirm the models' capability to predict responses accurately. Key significant model terms for CO2 encompassed reorder point, order up to quantity, vehicle capacity, and their interaction effects, while service level is notably influenced by reorder point, order up to quantity, and their interaction effects. The study successfully achieved a high level of desirability value of %99.1 and the validated performance levels confirmed that the results fall within the prediction interval.

Originality/value

This study introduces a metamodel framework designed to optimize various design parameters for a GSC combining discrete event simulation (DES) and RSM in the form of a simulation optimization model. In contrast to the literature, the current study offers an exhaustive and in-depth analysis of the structural elements of the supply chain, particularly the inventory control parameters and vehicle capacity, which are crucial for comprehending its performance and environmental impact.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Damianos P. Sakas, Nikolaos T. Giannakopoulos and Panagiotis Trivellas

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of affiliate marketing strategies as a tool for increasing customers' engagement and vulnerability over financial services. This…

1053

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of affiliate marketing strategies as a tool for increasing customers' engagement and vulnerability over financial services. This is attempted by examining the connection between affiliate marketing factors and customers' brand engagement and vulnerability metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a three-staged methodological context, based on the 7 most known centralized payment network (CPN) firms' website analytical data, which begins with linear regression analysis, followed by hybrid modeling (agent-based and dynamic models), so as to simulate brand engagement and vulnerability factors' variation in a 180-day period. The deployed context ends by applying the cognitive modeling method of producing heatmaps and facial analysis of CPN websites to the selected 47 vulnerable website customers, for gathering more insights into their brand engagement.

Findings

Throughout the simulation results of the study, it becomes clear that a higher number of backlinks and referral domains tend to increase CPN firms' brand-engaged and vulnerable customers.

Research limitations/implications

From the simulation modeling process, the implication for backlinks and referral domains as factors that enhance website customers' brand engagement and vulnerability has been highlighted. A higher number of brand-engaged website customers could mean that vulnerable categories of customers would be impacted by CPNs' affiliate marketing. Improving those customers' knowledge of the financial services utility is of utmost importance.

Practical implications

The outcomes of the research indicate that online banking service providers can increase their customers' engagement with their brands by adopting affiliate marketing techniques. To avoid the increase in customers' vulnerability, marketers should aim to apply affiliate marketing strategies to domains relevant to the provided financial services.

Originality/value

The paper's outcomes provide a new approach to the literature, where the website customer's brand engagement comes out as a valuable metric for estimating online banking sector customers' vulnerability.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 42 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Koorosh Gharehbaghi, Ken Farnes and Neville Hurst

This paper aims to trial a novel method of improving the performance of rail systems. Accordingly, an evaluation of rail system dynamics (SD) using discrete event simulation (DES…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to trial a novel method of improving the performance of rail systems. Accordingly, an evaluation of rail system dynamics (SD) using discrete event simulation (DES) will be undertaken. Globally, cities and their transportation systems face ongoing challenges with many of these resulting from complicated rail SD. To evaluate these challenges, this study utilized DES as the basis of the analysis of Melbourne Metro Rail's SD. The transportation SD processes including efficiency and reliability were also developed.

Design/methodology/approach

Using DES, this research examines and determines the Melbourne Metro Rail's SD. Although the Melbourne Metro Rail is still in progress, the DES developed in this research examined the system requirements of functionality, performance and integration. As the basis of this examination, the Melbourne Metro Rail's optimization was simulated using the developed DES. As the basis of the experiment, a total of 50 trials were simulated. This included 25 samples for each of efficiency and reliability. The simulation not only scrutinized the SD but also underlined some of its shortfalls.

Findings

This study found that information and communication technology (ICT) was the pinnacle of system application. The DES development highlighted that both efficiency and reliability rates are the essential SD and thus fundamental for Melbourne Metro Rail system functionality. Specifically, the three elements of SD, capacity, continuity and integration are considered critical in improving the system functionality of Melbourne Metro Rail.

Research limitations/implications

This particular mega rail infrastructure system was carefully analyzed, and subsequently, the DES was developed. However, since the DES is at its inception, the results are relatively limited without inclusive system calibration or validation process. Nonetheless, with some modifications, such as using different KPIs to evaluate additional systems variables and setting appropriate parameters to test the system reliability measures at different intensities, the developed DES can be modified to examine and evaluate other rail systems. However, if a broader system analysis is required, the DES model subsequently needs to be modified to specific system parameters.

Practical implications

Through evaluation of Melbourne's Metro Rail in the manner described above, this research has shown the developed DES is a useful platform to understand and evaluate system efficiency and reliability. Such an evaluation is considered important when implementing new transport systems, particularly when they are being integrated into existing networks.

Social implications

Efficient rail networks are critical for modern cities and such systems, while inherently complex, aid local economies and societal cohesion through predictable and reliable movement of people. Through improved system functionality and greater efficiencies, plus improved passenger safety, security and comfort, the traveling public will benefit from the enhanced reliability of the transportation network that results from research as that provided in this paper.

Originality/value

This research paper is the first of its kind specifically focusing on the application of DES on the Melbourne Metro Rail System. The developed model aligns with the efficiency optimization framework, which is central to rail systems. The model shows the relationship between increased efficiency and optimizing system reliability. In comparison with more advanced mathematical modeling, the DES presented in this research provides robust, but yet rapid and uncomplicated system enhancements. These findings can better prepare rail professionals to adequately plan and devise appropriate system measures.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Aymen Khadr

This paper focuses on the application of a robotic technique for modeling a three-wheeled mobile robot (WMR), considering it as a multibody polyarticulated system. Then the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper focuses on the application of a robotic technique for modeling a three-wheeled mobile robot (WMR), considering it as a multibody polyarticulated system. Then the dynamic behavior of the developed model is verified using a physical model obtained by Simscape Multibody.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a geometric model is developed using the modified Denavit–Hartenberg method. Then the dynamic model is derived using the algorithm of Newton–Euler. The developed model is performed for a three-wheeled differentially driven robot, which incorporates the slippage of wheels by including the Kiencke tire model to take into account the interaction of wheels with the ground. For the physical model, the mobile robot is designed using Solidworks. Then it is exported to Matlab using Simscape Multibody. The control of the WMR for both models is realized using Matlab/Simulink and aims to ensure efficient tracking of the desired trajectory.

Findings

Simulation results show a good similarity between the two models and verify both longitudinal and lateral behaviors of the WMR. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the developed model using the robotic approach and proves that it is sufficiently precise for the design of control schemes.

Originality/value

The motivation to adopt this robotic approach compared to conventional methods is the fact that it makes it possible to obtain models with a reduced number of operations. Furthermore, it allows the facility of implementation by numerical or symbolical programming. This work serves as a reference link for extending this methodology to other types of mobile robots.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 3000