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1 – 10 of over 10000
Article
Publication date: 7 July 2023

Vinayambika S. Bhat, Thirunavukkarasu Indiran, Shanmuga Priya Selvanathan and Shreeranga Bhat

The purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a robust industrial control system. The aim is to design a Multivariable Proportional Integral controller that accommodates…

92

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a robust industrial control system. The aim is to design a Multivariable Proportional Integral controller that accommodates multiple responses while considering the process's control and noise parameters. In addition, this paper intended to develop a multidisciplinary approach by combining computational science, control engineering and statistical methodologies to ensure a resilient process with the best use of available resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Taguchi's robust design methodology and multi-response optimisation approaches are adopted to meet the research aims. Two-Input-Two-Output transfer function model of the distillation column system is investigated. In designing the control system, the Steady State Gain Matrix and process factors such as time constant (t) and time delay (?) are also used. The unique methodology is implemented and validated using the pilot plant's distillation column. To determine the robustness of the proposed control system, a simulation study, statistical analysis and real-time experimentation are conducted. In addition, the outcomes are compared to different control algorithms.

Findings

Research indicates that integral control parameters (Ki) affect outputs substantially more than proportional control parameters (Kp). The results of this paper show that control and noise parameters must be considered to make the control system robust. In addition, Taguchi's approach, in conjunction with multi-response optimisation, ensures robust controller design with optimal use of resources. Eventually, this research shows that the best outcomes for all the performance indices are achieved when Kp11 = 1.6859, Kp12 = −2.061, Kp21 = 3.1846, Kp22 = −1.2176, Ki11 = 1.0628, Ki12 = −1.2989, Ki21 = 2.454 and Ki22 = −0.7676.

Originality/value

This paper provides a step-by-step strategy for designing and validating a multi-response control system that accommodates controllable and uncontrollable parameters (noise parameters). The methodology can be used in any industrial Multi-Input-Multi-Output system to ensure process robustness. In addition, this paper proposes a multidisciplinary approach to industrial controller design that academics and industry can refine and improve.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2023

Zhao Dong, Ziqiang Sheng, Yadong Zhao and Pengpeng Zhi

Mechanical products usually require deterministic finite element analysis in the design phase to determine whether their structures meet the requirements. However, deterministic…

Abstract

Purpose

Mechanical products usually require deterministic finite element analysis in the design phase to determine whether their structures meet the requirements. However, deterministic design ignores the influence of uncertainties in the design and manufacturing process of mechanical products, leading to the problem of a lack of design safety or excessive redundancy in the design. In order to improve the accuracy and rationality of the design results, a robust design method for structural reliability based on an active-learning marine predator algorithm (MPA)–backpropagation (BP) neural network is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The MPA was used to obtain the optimal weights and thresholds of a BP neural network, and an active-learning function applicable to neural networks was proposed to efficiently improve the prediction performance of the BP neural network. On this basis, a robust optimization design method for mechanical product reliability based on the active-learning MPA-BP model was proposed. Random moving quadrilateral sampling was used to obtain the sample points required for training and testing of the neural network, and the reliability sensitivity corresponding to each sample point was calculated by subset simulated significant sampling (SSIS). The total mass of the mechanical product and the structural reliability sensitivity of the trained active-learning MPA-BP model output were taken as the optimization objectives, and a multi-objective reliability-robust optimization design model was constructed, which was solved by the second-generation non-dominated ranking genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). Then, the dominance function was used in the obtained Pareto solution set to make a dominance-seeking decision to obtain the final reliability-robust optimization design solution. The feasibility of the proposed method was verified by a reliability-robust optimization design example of the bogie frame.

Findings

The prediction error of the active-learning MPA-BP neural network was smaller than those of the particle swarm optimization (PSO)-BP, marine predator algorithm (MPA)-BP and genetic algorithm (GA)-BP neural networks under the same basic parameter settings of the algorithm, which indicated that the improvement strategy proposed in this paper improved the prediction accuracy of the BP neural network. To ensure the reliability of the bogie frame, the reliability sensitivity and total mass of the bogie frame were reduced, which not only realized the lightweight design of the bogie frame, but also improved the reliability and robustness of the bogie.

Originality/value

The MPA algorithm with a higher optimization efficiency was introduced to find the weights and thresholds of the BP neural network. A new active-learning function was proposed to improve the prediction accuracy of the MPA-BP neural network.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2023

Zhifang Wang, Quanzhen Huang and Jianguo Yu

In this paper, the authors take an amorphous flattened air-ground wireless self-assembling network system as the research object and focus on solving the wireless self-assembling…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the authors take an amorphous flattened air-ground wireless self-assembling network system as the research object and focus on solving the wireless self-assembling network topology instability problem caused by unknown control communication faults during the operation of this system.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, the authors propose a neural network-based direct robust adaptive non-fragile fault-tolerant control algorithm suitable for the air-ground integrated wireless ad hoc network integrated system.

Findings

The simulation results show that the system eventually tends to be asymptotically stable, and the estimation error asymptotically tends to zero with the feedback adjustment of the designed controller. The system as a whole has good fault tolerance performance and autonomous learning approximation performance. The experimental results show that the wireless self-assembled network topology has good stability performance and can change flexibly and adaptively with scene changes. The stability performance of the wireless self-assembled network topology is improved by 66.7% at maximum.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may lack generalisability because of the chosen research approach. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Originality/value

This paper designs a direct, robust, non-fragile adaptive neural network fault-tolerant controller based on the Lyapunov stability principle and neural network learning capability. By directly optimizing the feedback matrix K to approximate the robust fault-tolerant correction factor, the neural network adaptive adjustment factor enables the system as a whole to resist unknown control and communication failures during operation, thus achieving the goal of stable wireless self-assembled network topology.

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2023

Xiongming Lai, Yuxin Chen, Yong Zhang and Cheng Wang

The paper proposed a fast procedure for solving the reliability-based robust design optimization (RBRDO) by modifying the RBRDO formulation and transforming it into a series of…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper proposed a fast procedure for solving the reliability-based robust design optimization (RBRDO) by modifying the RBRDO formulation and transforming it into a series of RBRDO subproblems. Then for each subproblem, the objective function, constraint function and reliability index are approximated using Taylor series expansion, and their approximate forms depend on the deterministic design vector rather than the random vector and the uncertain estimation in the inner loop of RBRDO can be avoided. In this way, it can greatly reduce the evaluation number of performance function. Lastly, the trust region method is used to manage the above sequential RBRDO subproblems for convergence.

Design/methodology/approach

As is known, RBRDO is nested optimization, where the outer loop updates the design vector and the inner loop estimate the uncertainties. When solving the RBRDO, a large evaluation number of performance functions are needed. Aiming at this issue, the paper proposed a fast integrated procedure for solving the RBRDO by reducing the evaluation number for the performance functions. First, it transforms the original RBRDO problem into a series of RBRDO subproblems. In each subproblem, the objective function, constraint function and reliability index caused are approximated using simple explicit functions that solely depend on the deterministic design vector rather than the random vector. In this way, the need for extensive sampling simulation in the inner loop is greatly reduced. As a result, the evaluation number for performance functions is significantly reduced, leading to a substantial reduction in computation cost. The trust region method is then employed to handle the sequential RBRDO subproblems, ensuring convergence to the optimal solutions. Finally, the engineering test and the application are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods.

Findings

The paper proposes a fast procedure of solving the RBRDO can greatly reduce the evaluation number of performance function within the RBRDO and the computation cost can be saved greatly, which makes it suitable for engineering applications.

Originality/value

The standard deviation of the original objective function of the RBRDO is replaced by the mean and the reliability index of the original objective function, which are further approximated by using Taylor series expansion and their approximate forms depend on the deterministic design vector rather than the random vector. Moreover, the constraint functions are also approximated by using Taylor series expansion. In this way, the uncertainty estimation of the performance functions (i.e. the mean of the objective function, the constraint functions) and the reliability index of the objective function are avoided within the inner loop of the RBRDO.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2022

Amir Yaqoubi, Fatemeh Sabouhi, Ali Bozorgi-Amiri and Mohsen Sadegh Amalnick

A growing body of evidence points to the influence of location and allocation decisions on the structure of healthcare networks. The authors introduced a three-level hierarchical…

Abstract

Purpose

A growing body of evidence points to the influence of location and allocation decisions on the structure of healthcare networks. The authors introduced a three-level hierarchical facility location model to minimize travel time in the healthcare system under uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Most healthcare networks are hierarchical and, as a result, the linkage between their levels makes it difficult to specify the location of the facilities. In this article, the authors present a hybrid approach according to data envelopment analysis and robust programming to design a healthcare network. In the first phase, the efficiency of each potential location is calculated based on the non-radial range-adjusted measure considering desirable and undesirable outputs based on a number of criteria such as the target area's population, proximity to earthquake faults, quality of urban life, urban decrepitude, etc. The locations deemed suitable are then used as candidate locations in the mathematical model. In the second phase, based on the proposed robust optimization model, called light robustness, the location and allocation decisions are adopted.

Findings

The developed model is evaluated using an actual-world case study in District 1 of Tehran, Iran and relevant results and different sensitivity analyses were presented as well. When the percentage of referral parameters changes, the value of the robust model's objective function increases.

Originality/value

The contributions of this article are listed as follows: Considering desirable and undesirable criteria to selecting candidate locations, providing a robust programming model for building a service network and applying the developed model to an actual-world case study.

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2023

Gokhan Agac, Birdogan Baki and Ilker Murat Ar

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the existing literature on the blood supply chain (BSC) from a network design perspective and highlight the research gaps in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the existing literature on the blood supply chain (BSC) from a network design perspective and highlight the research gaps in this area. Moreover, it also aims to pinpoint new research opportunities based on the recent innovative technologies for the BSC network design.

Design/methodology/approach

The study gives a comprehensive systematic review of the BSC network design studies until October 2021. This review was carried out in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). In the literature review, a total of 87 studies were analyzed under six main categories as model structure, application model, solution approach, problem type, the parties of the supply chain and innovative technologies.

Findings

The results of the study present the researchers’ tendencies and preferences when designing their BSC network models.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents a guide for researchers and practitioners on BSC from the point of view of network design and encourages adopting innovative technologies in their BSC network designs.

Originality/value

The study provides a comprehensive systematic review of related studies from the BSC network design perspective and explores research gaps in the collection and distribution processes. Furthermore, it addresses innovative research opportunities by using innovative technologies in the area of BSC network design.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2023

Shahbaz Khan, Abid Haleem, Abdul Hafaz Ngah and Mohd Imran Khan

Halal logistics play a crucial role in maintaining a product’s “halal integrity” from farm to fork. These logistics operations are exposed to risks during transportation, storage…

Abstract

Purpose

Halal logistics play a crucial role in maintaining a product’s “halal integrity” from farm to fork. These logistics operations are exposed to risks during transportation, storage and handling, that negatively affect the halal supply chain’s operational efficiency and integrity. Therefore, the main purpose of this research is to propose a risk assessment framework for halal logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the risks associated with halal logistics are identified through an extensive literature review, and then the significant ones are validated with the expert’s input. After that, an appropriate multicriteria decision-making method named best worst method (BWM) is used to prioritise the identified risks. Finally, the robustness of the obtained ranking is assessed with sensitivity analysis.

Findings

This research identifies 26 halal logistics risks and then categorises these risks into 6 significant dimensions and proposes a framework. The result obtained from the BWM analysis shows that organisational, transportation and design risks are the primary risks present in halal logistics. Among the halal logistics risks, partnership risk, risk of contamination during transportation and risks of unskilled workers are the top three halal logistics risks that need to be addressed on a priority basis for maintaining halal integrity. Furthermore, this study also suggests some valuable suggestions for mitigating these risks that the logistics providers could use.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework is helpful for the assessment of risks associated with halal logistics. The prioritisation of the identified risks supports the managers in formulating mitigation strategies that might reduce the effect of these associated risks in logistics operations.

Originality/value

This study focusses on halal logistics, and to the best of authors’ knowledge, this may be the first attempt to systematically examine the risks related to halal logistics.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2022

Shuang Hao, Guangming Song, Juzheng Mao, Yue Gu and Aiguo Song

This paper aims to present a fully actuated aerial manipulator (AM) with a robust motion/force hybrid controller for conducting contact-typed inspection tasks in industrial plants.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a fully actuated aerial manipulator (AM) with a robust motion/force hybrid controller for conducting contact-typed inspection tasks in industrial plants.

Design/methodology/approach

An AM is designed based on a hexarotor with tilted rotors and a rigidly attached end effector. By tilting the rotors, the position and attitude of the AM can be controlled independently, and the AM can actively exert forces on industrial facilities through the rigidly attached end effector. A motion/force hybrid controller is proposed to perform contact-typed inspection tasks. The contact-typed inspection task is divided into the approach phase and the contact phase. In the approach phase, the AM automatically approaches the contact surface. In the contact phase, a motion/force hybrid controller is used for contact-typed inspection. Finally, a disturbance observer (DOB) is used to estimate external disturbances and used as feedforward compensation.

Findings

The proposed AM can slowly approach the contact surface without significant impact in the contact phase. It can realize constant force control in the direction normal to the contact surface in the contact phase, whereas the motion of the remaining directions can be controlled by the operator. The use of the DOB ensures the robustness of the AM in the presence of external wind disturbances.

Originality/value

A fully actuated AM system with a robust motion/force hybrid controller is proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed AM system for conducting contact-typed industrial inspection tasks is validated by practical experiments.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 50 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2023

Scott Eacott

Education is a key institution of modern society, long recognized for its central role in the reproduction of inequities and with the potential to challenge them. Schools behave…

Abstract

Purpose

Education is a key institution of modern society, long recognized for its central role in the reproduction of inequities and with the potential to challenge them. Schools behave as their systems are designed. Achieving equity and excellence is not possible through attempts to fix “the school” or educators. Principles of systemic design that incorporate equity and excellence are needed to increase the likelihood of desirable outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the social contract as a design principle, this paper systematically builds an empirical model of school provision aimed at equitable excellence.

Findings

Equitable excellence in school provision is possible if choice is available across geolocation and socio-educational (dis)advantage, schools have autonomy over fiscal, personnel and curricular matters, public accountability is linked to academic outcomes and social impact, all moderated by the quality of teaching.

Research limitations/implications

Data-driven empirical modelling is particularly attractive to policy makers, systemic authorities and researchers when theory (of all varieties) does not yield the necessary insights to support the functionality and effectiveness of systems to deliver equitable outcomes at scale. Empirical examples can be used to test the explanatory power of the novel model – and refine it when necessary.

Practical implications

The empirical model and threshold question are the genesis of a common language for assessing relevant costs and benefits of initiatives for government and system designers. Significantly, establishing a threshold question and tests of legitimacy and strength to accompany the novel model provides a more principled way of prioritizing the competing demands on public investment in education.

Originality/value

Establishing a threshold question and tests for legitimacy and strength to accompany the novel model provides a more principled way of prioritizing the competing demands to accompany.

Details

Journal of Educational Administration, vol. 61 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-8234

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2024

Mouna Zerzeri, Intissar Moussa and Adel Khedher

The purpose of this paper aims to design a robust wind turbine emulator (WTE) based on a three-phase induction motor (3PIM).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper aims to design a robust wind turbine emulator (WTE) based on a three-phase induction motor (3PIM).

Design/methodology/approach

The 3PIM is driven by a soft voltage source inverter (VSI) controlled by a specific space vector modulation. By adjusting the appropriate vector sequence selection, the desired VSI output voltage allows a real wind turbine speed emulation in the laboratory, taking into account the wind profile, static and dynamic behaviors and parametric variations for theoretical and then experimental analysis. A Mexican hat profile and a sinusoidal profile are therefore used as the wind speed system input to highlight the electrical, mechanical and electromagnetic system response.

Findings

The simulation results, based on relative error data, show that the proposed reactive power control method effectively estimates the flux and the rotor time constant, thus ensuring an accurate trajectory tracking of the wind speed for the wind emulation application.

Originality/value

The proposed architecture achieves its results through the use of mathematical theory and WTE topology combine with an online adaptive estimator and Lyapunov stability adaptation control methods. These approaches are particularly relevant for low-cost or low-power alternative current (AC) motor drives in the field of renewable energy emulation. It has the advantage of eliminating the need for expensive and unreliable position transducers, thereby increasing the emulator drive life. A comparative analysis was also carried out to highlight the online adaptive estimator fast response time and accuracy.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 10000