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Article
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Francesco Romanò, Mario Stojanović and Hendrik C. Kuhlmann

This paper aims to derive a reduced-order model for the heat transfer across the interface between a millimetric thermocapillary liquid bridge from silicone oil and the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to derive a reduced-order model for the heat transfer across the interface between a millimetric thermocapillary liquid bridge from silicone oil and the surrounding ambient gas.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical solutions for the two-fluid model are computed covering a wide parametric space, making a total of 2,800 numerical flow simulations. Based on the computed data, a reduced single-fluid model for the liquid phase is devised, in which the heat transfer between the liquid and the gas is modeled by Newton’s heat transfer law, albeit with a space-dependent Biot function Bi(z), instead of a constant Biot number Bi.

Findings

An explicit robust fit of Bi(z) is obtained covering the whole range of parameters considered. The single-fluid model together with the Biot function derived yields very accurate results at much lesser computational cost than the corresponding two-phase fully-coupled simulation required for the two-fluid model.

Practical implications

Using this novel Biot function approach instead of a constant Biot number, the critical Reynolds number can be predicted much more accurately within single-phase linear stability solvers.

Originality/value

The Biot function for thermocapillary liquid bridges is derived from the full multiphase problem by a robust multi-stage fit procedure. The derived Biot function reproduces very well the theoretical boundary layer scalings.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2023

Han Sun, Song Tang, Xiaozhi Qi, Zhiyuan Ma and Jianxin Gao

This study aims to introduce a novel noise filter module designed for LiDAR simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) systems. The primary objective is to enhance pose…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a novel noise filter module designed for LiDAR simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) systems. The primary objective is to enhance pose estimation accuracy and improve the overall system performance in outdoor environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Distinct from traditional approaches, MCFilter emphasizes enhancing point cloud data quality at the pixel level. This framework hinges on two primary elements. First, the D-Tracker, a tracking algorithm, is grounded on multiresolution three-dimensional (3D) descriptors and adeptly maintains a balance between precision and efficiency. Second, the R-Filter introduces a pixel-level attribute named motion-correlation, which effectively identifies and removes dynamic points. Furthermore, designed as a modular component, MCFilter ensures seamless integration into existing LiDAR SLAM systems.

Findings

Based on rigorous testing with public data sets and real-world conditions, the MCFilter reported an increase in average accuracy of 12.39% and reduced processing time by 24.18%. These outcomes emphasize the method’s effectiveness in refining the performance of current LiDAR SLAM systems.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors present a novel 3D descriptor tracker designed for consistent feature point matching across successive frames. The authors also propose an innovative attribute to detect and eliminate noise points. Experimental results demonstrate that integrating this method into existing LiDAR SLAM systems yields state-of-the-art performance.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 September 2022

Johnny Kwok Wai Wong, Mojtaba Maghrebi, Alireza Ahmadian Fard Fini, Mohammad Amin Alizadeh Golestani, Mahdi Ahmadnia and Michael Er

Images taken from construction site interiors often suffer from low illumination and poor natural colors, which restrict their application for high-level site management purposes…

Abstract

Purpose

Images taken from construction site interiors often suffer from low illumination and poor natural colors, which restrict their application for high-level site management purposes. The state-of-the-art low-light image enhancement method provides promising image enhancement results. However, they generally require a longer execution time to complete the enhancement. This study aims to develop a refined image enhancement approach to improve execution efficiency and performance accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the refined illumination enhancement algorithm named enhanced illumination quality (EIQ), a quadratic expression was first added to the initial illumination map. Subsequently, an adjusted weight matrix was added to improve the smoothness of the illumination map. A coordinated descent optimization algorithm was then applied to minimize the processing time. Gamma correction was also applied to further enhance the illumination map. Finally, a frame comparing and averaging method was used to identify interior site progress.

Findings

The proposed refined approach took around 4.36–4.52 s to achieve the expected results while outperforming the current low-light image enhancement method. EIQ demonstrated a lower lightness-order error and provided higher object resolution in enhanced images. EIQ also has a higher structural similarity index and peak-signal-to-noise ratio, which indicated better image reconstruction performance.

Originality/value

The proposed approach provides an alternative to shorten the execution time, improve equalization of the illumination map and provide a better image reconstruction. The approach could be applied to low-light video enhancement tasks and other dark or poor jobsite images for object detection processes.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2023

Xiaojie Xu and Yun Zhang

The Chinese housing market has witnessed rapid growth during the past decade and the significance of housing price forecasting has undoubtedly elevated, becoming an important…

Abstract

Purpose

The Chinese housing market has witnessed rapid growth during the past decade and the significance of housing price forecasting has undoubtedly elevated, becoming an important issue to investors and policymakers. This study aims to examine neural networks (NNs) for office property price index forecasting from 10 major Chinese cities for July 2005–April 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors aim at building simple and accurate NNs to contribute to pure technical forecasts of the Chinese office property market. To facilitate the analysis, the authors explore different model settings over algorithms, delays, hidden neurons and data-spitting ratios.

Findings

The authors reach a simple NN with three delays and three hidden neurons, which leads to stable performance of about 1.45% average relative root mean square error across the 10 cities for the training, validation and testing phases.

Originality/value

The results could be used on a standalone basis or combined with fundamental forecasts to form perspectives of office property price trends and conduct policy analysis.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2024

Vipin Gupta, Barak M.S. and Soumik Das

This paper addresses a significant research gap in the study of Rayleigh surface wave propagation within a piezoelectric medium characterized by piezoelectric properties, thermal…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper addresses a significant research gap in the study of Rayleigh surface wave propagation within a piezoelectric medium characterized by piezoelectric properties, thermal effects and voids. Previous research has often overlooked the crucial aspects related to voids. This study aims to provide analytical solutions for Rayleigh waves propagating through a medium consisting of a nonlocal piezo-thermo-elastic material with voids under the Moore–Gibson–Thompson thermo-elasticity theory with memory dependencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical solutions are derived using a wave-mode method, and roots are computed from the characteristic equation using the Durand–Kerner method. These roots are then filtered based on the decay condition of surface waves. The analysis pertains to a medium subjected to stress-free and isothermal boundary conditions.

Findings

Computational simulations are performed to determine the attenuation coefficient and phase velocity of Rayleigh waves. This investigation goes beyond mere calculations and examines particle motion to gain deeper insights into Rayleigh wave propagation. Furthermore, this investigates how kernel function and nonlocal parameters influence these wave phenomena.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study reveal several unique cases that significantly contribute to the understanding of Rayleigh wave propagation within this intricate material system, particularly in the presence of voids.

Practical implications

This investigation provides valuable insights into the synergistic dynamics among piezoelectric constituents, void structures and Rayleigh wave propagation, enabling advancements in sensor technology, augmented energy harvesting methodologies and pioneering seismic monitoring approaches.

Originality/value

This study formulates a novel governing equation for a nonlocal piezo-thermo-elastic medium with voids, highlighting the significance of Rayleigh waves and investigating the impact of memory.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Nirmal K. Manna, Abhinav Saha, Nirmalendu Biswas and Koushik Ghosh

This paper aims to investigate the thermal performance of equivalent square and circular thermal systems and compare the heat transport and irreversibility of magnetohydrodynamic…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the thermal performance of equivalent square and circular thermal systems and compare the heat transport and irreversibility of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow within these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a constraint-based approach to analyze the impact of geometric shapes on heat transfer and irreversibility. Two equivalent systems, a square cavity and a circular cavity, are examined, considering identical heating/cooling lengths and fluid flow volume. The analysis includes parameters such as magnetic field strength, nanoparticle concentration and accompanying irreversibility.

Findings

This study reveals that circular geometry outperforms square geometry in terms of heat flow, fluid flow and heat transfer. The equivalent circular thermal system is more efficient, with heat transfer enhancements of approximately 17.7%. The corresponding irreversibility production rate is also higher, which is up to 17.6%. The total irreversibility production increases with Ra and decreases with a rise in Ha. However, the effect of magnetic field orientation (γ) on total EG is minor.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can explore additional geometric shapes, orientations and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of thermal performance in different configurations. Experimental validation can also complement the numerical analysis presented in this study.

Originality/value

This research introduces a constraint-based approach for evaluating heat transport and irreversibility in MHD nanofluid flow within square and circular thermal systems. The comparison of equivalent geometries and the consideration of constraint-based analysis contribute to the originality and value of this work. The findings provide insights for designing optimal thermal systems and advancing MHD nanofluid flow control mechanisms, offering potential for improved efficiency in various applications.

Graphical Abstract

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: 18 September 2023

Yu Wang, Daqing Zheng and Yulin Fang

The advancement of enterprise social networks (ESNs) facilitates information sharing but also presents the challenge of managing information boundaries. This study aims to explore…

Abstract

Purpose

The advancement of enterprise social networks (ESNs) facilitates information sharing but also presents the challenge of managing information boundaries. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the information-control behavior of ESN users when continuously sharing information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study specifies the information-control behaviors in the “wall posts” channel and applies communication privacy management (CPM) theory to analyze the effects of the individual-specific factor (disposition to value information), context-specific factors (work-relatedness and information richness) and risk-benefit ratio (public benefit and public risk). Data on actual information-control behaviors extracted from ESN logs are examined using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis.

Findings

The study's findings show the direct effects of the individual-specific factor, context-specific factors and risk-benefit ratio, highlighting interactions between the individual motivation factor and ESN context factors.

Originality/value

This study reshapes the relationship of CPM theory boundary rules in the ESN context, extending information-control research and providing insights into ESNs' information-control practices.

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Jungang Wang, Xincheng Bi and Ruina Mo

The electromechanical planetary transmission system has the advantages of high transmission power and fast running speed, which is one of the important development directions in…

Abstract

Purpose

The electromechanical planetary transmission system has the advantages of high transmission power and fast running speed, which is one of the important development directions in the future. However, during the operation of the electromechanical planetary transmission system, friction and other factors will lead to an increase in gear temperature and thermal deformation, which will affect the transmission performance of the system, and it is of great significance to study the influence of the temperature effect on the nonlinear dynamics of the electromechanical planetary system.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of temperature change, motor speed, time-varying meshing stiffness, meshing damping ratio and error amplitude on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of electromechanical planetary systems are studied by using bifurcation diagrams, time-domain diagrams, phase diagrams, Poincaré cross-sectional diagrams, spectra, etc.

Findings

The results show that when the temperature rise is less than 70 °C, the system will exhibit chaotic motion. When the motor speed is greater than 900r/min, the system enters a chaotic state. The changes in time-varying meshing stiffness, meshing damping ratio, and error amplitude will also make the system exhibit abundant bifurcation characteristics.

Originality/value

Based on the principle of thermal deformation, taking into account the temperature effect and nonlinear parameters, including time-varying meshing stiffness and tooth side clearance as well as comprehensive errors, a dynamic model of the electromechanical planetary gear system was established.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2024

Ruoxing Wang, Shoukun Wang, Junfeng Xue, Zhihua Chen and Jinge Si

This paper aims to investigate an autonomous obstacle-surmounting method based on a hybrid gait for the problem of crossing low-height obstacles autonomously by a six wheel-legged…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate an autonomous obstacle-surmounting method based on a hybrid gait for the problem of crossing low-height obstacles autonomously by a six wheel-legged robot. The autonomy of obstacle-surmounting is reflected in obstacle recognition based on multi-frame point cloud fusion.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, first, for the problem that the lidar on the robot cannot scan the point cloud of low-height obstacles, the lidar is driven to rotate by a 2D turntable to obtain the point cloud of low-height obstacles under the robot. Tightly-coupled Lidar Inertial Odometry via Smoothing and Mapping algorithm, fast ground segmentation algorithm and Euclidean clustering algorithm are used to recognize the point cloud of low-height obstacles and obtain low-height obstacle in-formation. Then, combined with the structural characteristics of the robot, the obstacle-surmounting action planning is carried out for two types of obstacle scenes. A segmented approach is used for action planning. Gait units are designed to describe each segment of the action. A gait matrix is used to describe the overall action. The paper also analyzes the stability and surmounting capability of the robot’s key pose and determines the robot’s surmounting capability and the value scheme of the surmounting control variables.

Findings

The experimental verification is carried out on the robot laboratory platform (BIT-6NAZA). The obstacle recognition method can accurately detect low-height obstacles. The robot can maintain a smooth posture to cross low-height obstacles, which verifies the feasibility of the adaptive obstacle-surmounting method.

Originality/value

The study can provide the theory and engineering foundation for the environmental perception of the unmanned platform. It provides environmental information to support follow-up work, for example, on the planning of obstacles and obstacles.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

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

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