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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Yonghua Li, Zhe Chen, Maorui Hou and Tao Guo

This study aims to reduce the redundant weight of the anti-roll torsion bar brought by the traditional empirical design and improving its strength and stiffness.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to reduce the redundant weight of the anti-roll torsion bar brought by the traditional empirical design and improving its strength and stiffness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the finite element approach coupled with the improved beluga whale optimization (IBWO) algorithm, a collaborative optimization method is suggested to optimize the design of the anti-roll torsion bar structure and weight. The dimensions and material properties of the torsion bar were defined as random variables, and the torsion bar's mass and strength were investigated using finite elements. Then, chaotic mapping and differential evolution (DE) operators are introduced to improve the beluga whale optimization (BWO) algorithm and run case studies.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the IBWO has superior solution set distribution uniformity, convergence speed, solution correctness and stability than the BWO. The IBWO algorithm is used to optimize the anti-roll torsion bar design. The error between the optimization and finite element simulation results was less than 1%. The weight of the optimized anti-roll torsion bar was lessened by 4%, the maximum stress was reduced by 35% and the stiffness was increased by 1.9%.

Originality/value

The study provides a methodological reference for the simulation optimization process of the lateral anti-roll torsion bar.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2023

Peng Wang and Renquan Dong

To improve the position tracking efficiency of the upper-limb rehabilitation robot for stroke hemiplegia patients, the optimization Learning rate of the membership function based…

Abstract

Purpose

To improve the position tracking efficiency of the upper-limb rehabilitation robot for stroke hemiplegia patients, the optimization Learning rate of the membership function based on the fuzzy impedance controller of the rehabilitation robot is propose.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the impaired limb’s damping and stiffness parameters for evaluating its physical recovery condition are online estimated by using weighted least squares method based on recursive algorithm. Second, the fuzzy impedance control with the rule has been designed with the optimal impedance parameters. Finally, the membership function learning rate online optimization strategy based on Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy impedance model was proposed to improve the position tracking speed of fuzzy impedance control.

Findings

This method provides a solution for improving the membership function learning rate of the fuzzy impedance controller of the upper limb rehabilitation robot. Compared with traditional TS fuzzy impedance controller in position control, the improved TS fuzzy impedance controller has reduced the overshoot stability time by 0.025 s, and the position error caused by simulating the thrust interference of the impaired limb has been reduced by 8.4%. This fact is verified by simulation and test.

Originality/value

The TS fuzzy impedance controller based on membership function online optimization learning strategy can effectively optimize control parameters and improve the position tracking speed of upper limb rehabilitation robots. This controller improves the auxiliary rehabilitation efficiency of the upper limb rehabilitation robot and ensures the stability of auxiliary rehabilitation training.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Chengguo Liu, Junyang Li, Zeyu Li and Xiutao Chen

The study aims to equip robots with the ability to precisely maintain interaction forces, which is crucial for tasks such as polishing in highly dynamic environments with unknown…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to equip robots with the ability to precisely maintain interaction forces, which is crucial for tasks such as polishing in highly dynamic environments with unknown and varying stiffness and geometry, including those found in airplane wings or thin, soft materials. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel adaptive force-tracking admittance control scheme aimed at achieving a faster response rate with higher tracking accuracy for robot force control.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed method, the traditional admittance model is improved by introducing a pre-proportional-derivative controller to accelerate parameter convergence. Subsequently, the authors design an adaptive law based on fuzzy logic systems (FLS) to compensate for uncertainties in the unknown environment. Stability conditions are established for the proposed method through Lyapunov analysis, which ensures the force tracking accuracy and the stability of the coupled system consisting of the robot and the interaction environment. Furthermore, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control algorithm are demonstrated by simulation and experiment.

Findings

A variety of unstructured simulations and experimental scenarios are designed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in force control. The outcomes demonstrate that this control strategy excels in providing fast response, precise tracking accuracy and robust performance.

Practical implications

In real-world applications spanning industrial, service and medical fields where accurate force control by robots is essential, the proposed method stands out as both practical and straightforward, delivering consistently satisfactory performance across various scenarios.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel adaptive force-tracking admittance controller based on FLS and validated through both simulations and experiments. The proposed controller demonstrates exceptional performance in force control within environments characterized by unknown and varying.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 December 2023

Noah Ray and Il Yong Kim

Fiber reinforced additive manufacturing (FRAM) is an emerging technology that combines additive manufacturing and composite materials. As a result, design freedom offered by the…

Abstract

Purpose

Fiber reinforced additive manufacturing (FRAM) is an emerging technology that combines additive manufacturing and composite materials. As a result, design freedom offered by the manufacturing process can be leveraged in design optimization. The purpose of the study is to propose a novel method that improves structural performance by optimizing 3D print orientation of FRAM components.

Design/methodology/approach

This work proposes a two-part design optimization method that optimizes 3D global print orientation and topology of a component to improve a structural objective function. The method considers two classes of design variables: (1) print orientation design variables and (2) density-based topology design variables. Print orientation design variables determine a unique 3D print orientation to influence anisotropic material properties. Topology optimization determines an optimal distribution of material within the optimized print orientation.

Findings

Two academic examples are used to demonstrate basic behavior of the method in tension and shear. Print orientation and sequential topology optimization improve structural compliance by 90% and 58%, respectively. An industry-level example, an aerospace component, is optimized. The proposed method is used to achieve an 11% and 15% reduction of structural compliance compared to alternative FRAM designs. In addition, compliance is reduced by 43% compared to an equal-mass aluminum design.

Originality/value

Current research surrounding FRAM focuses on the manufacturing process and neglects opportunities to leverage design freedom provided by FRAM. Previous FRAM optimization methods only optimize fiber orientation within a 2D plane and do not establish an optimized 3D print orientation, neglecting exploration of the entire orientation design space.

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2023

Diego Gabriel Metz, Roberto Dalledone Machado, Marcos Arndt and Carlos Eduardo Rossigali

Realistic composite vehicles with 2, 3, 5 and 9 axles, consisting of a truck with one or two trailers, are addressed in this paper by computational models for vehicle–bridge…

Abstract

Purpose

Realistic composite vehicles with 2, 3, 5 and 9 axles, consisting of a truck with one or two trailers, are addressed in this paper by computational models for vehicle–bridge interaction analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The vehicle–bridge interaction (VBI) models are formed by sets of 2-D rigid blocks interconnected by mass, damping and stiffness elements to simulate their suspension system. The passage of the vehicles is performed at different speeds. Several rolling surface profiles are admitted, considering the maintenance grade of the pavement. The spectral density functions are generated from an experimental database to form the longitudinal surface irregularity profiles. A computational code written in Phyton based on the finite element method was developed considering the Euler–Bernoulli beam model.

Findings

Several models of composite heavy vehicles are presented as manufactured and currently travel on major roads. Dynamic amplification factors are presented for each type of composite vehicle.

Research limitations/implications

The VBI models for compound heavy vehicles are 2-D.

Social implications

This work contributes to improving the safety and lifetime of the bridges, as well as the stability and comfort of the vehicles when passing over a bridge.

Originality/value

The structural response of the bridge is affected by the type and size of the compound vehicles, their speed and the conservative grade of the pavement. Moreover, one axle produces vibrations that can be superposed by the vibrations of the other axles. This effect can generate not usual dynamic responses.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Yasser M. Mater, Ahmed A. Elansary and Hany A. Abdalla

The use of recycled coarse aggregate in concrete structures promotes environmental sustainability; however, performance of these structures might be negatively impacted when it is…

Abstract

Purpose

The use of recycled coarse aggregate in concrete structures promotes environmental sustainability; however, performance of these structures might be negatively impacted when it is used as a replacement to traditional aggregate. This paper aims to simulate recycled concrete beams strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), to advance the modeling and use of recycled concrete structures.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the performance of beams with recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RCAC), finite element models (FEMs) were developed to simulate 12 preloaded RCAC beams, strengthened with two CFRP strengthening schemes. Details of the modeling are provided including the material models, boundary conditions, applied loads, analysis solver, mesh analysis and computational efficiency.

Findings

Using FEM, a parametric study was carried out to assess the influence of CFRP thickness on the strengthening efficiency. The FEM provided results in good agreement with those from the experiments with differences and standard deviation not exceeding 11.1% and 3.1%, respectively. It was found that increasing the CFRP laminate thickness improved the load-carrying capacity of the strengthened beams.

Originality/value

The developed models simulate the preloading and loading up to failure with/without CFRP strengthening for the investigated beams. Moreover, the models were validated against the experimental results of 12 beams in terms of crack pattern as well as load, deflection and strain.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2022

Md. Habibur Rahman Sobuz, Md. Montaseer Meraz, Ayan Saha, Abu Sayed Mohammad Akid, Noor Md. Sadiqul Hasan, Mizanoor Rahman and Md. Abu Safayet

This study aims to present the variations of optimal seismic control of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure using different structural systems. Different third-dimensional…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present the variations of optimal seismic control of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure using different structural systems. Different third-dimensional mathematical models are used to examine the responses of multistory flexibly connected frames subjected to earthquake excitations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examined a G + 50 multi-storied high-rise structure, which is analyzed using different combinations of moment resistant frames, shear walls, seismic outrigger systems and seismic dampers to observe the effectiveness during ground motion against soft soil conditions. The damping coefficients of added dampers, providing both upper and lower levels are taken into consideration. A finite element modeling and analysis is generated. Then the nature of the structure exposed to ground motion is captured with response spectrum analysis, using BNBC-2020 for four different seismic zones in Bangladesh.

Findings

The response of the structure is investigated according to the amplitude of the displacements, drifts, base shear, stiffness and torsion. The numerical results indicate that adding dampers at the base level can be the most effective against seismic control. However, placing an outrigger bracing system at the middle and top end with shear wall can be the most effective for controlling displacements and drifts.

Originality/value

The response of high-rise structures to seismic forces in Bangladesh’s soft soil conditions is examined at various levels in this study. This study is an original research which contributes to the knowledge to build earthquake resisting high-rises in Bangladesh.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 December 2023

Jingxiao Shu, Yao Lu and Yan Liang

To understand the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams confined by corroded stirrups, low-reversed cyclic loading tests were carried out on seven RC beam specimens…

Abstract

Purpose

To understand the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams confined by corroded stirrups, low-reversed cyclic loading tests were carried out on seven RC beam specimens with different stirrup corrosion levels and stirrup ratios to investigate their mechanical characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The failure mode, hysteresis behavior, skeleton curves, ductility, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation behavior of RC specimens are compared and discussed. The experimental results showed that the restraint of concrete provided by corroded stirrups is reduced, which leads to a decline in seismic performance.

Findings

For the specimens with the same ratios of stirrup, as the corrosion level increased, the load-carrying capacity, stiffness, plastic deformation capacity and energy-dissipation capacity dropped significantly. Compared with the uncorroded specimen, the failure modes of specimens with high corrosion level changed from ductile bending failure to brittle failure. For the specimens with the same levels of corrosion, the higher the stirrup ratio was, the stronger the restraint effect of the stirrups on the concrete, and the seismic behavior of the specimens was obviously improved.

Originality/value

In this paper, a total of seven full-size RC beam specimens at joints with different stirrup corrosion levels and stirrup ratios were designed and constructed to explore the influences of corrosion levels and stirrup ratios of stirrups on the seismic performances. The failure modes, strain of reinforcement, hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation and ductility factor of RC specimens are compared and discussed.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2024

Su Yong and Gong Wu-Qi

Abnormal vibrations often occur in the liquid oxygen kerosene transmission pipelines of rocket engines, which seriously threaten their safety. Improper handling can result in…

36

Abstract

Purpose

Abnormal vibrations often occur in the liquid oxygen kerosene transmission pipelines of rocket engines, which seriously threaten their safety. Improper handling can result in failed rocket launches and significant economic losses. Therefore, this paper aims to examine vibrations in transmission pipelines.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a three-dimensional high-pressure pipeline model composed of corrugated pipes, multi-section bent pipes, and other auxiliary structures was established. The fluid–solid coupling method was used to analyse vibration characteristics of the pipeline under various external excitations. The simulation results were visualised using MATLAB, and their validity was verified via a thermal test.

Findings

In this study, the vibration mechanism of a complex high-pressure pipeline was examined via a visualisation method. The results showed that the low-frequency vibration of the pipe was caused by fluid self-excited pressure pulsation, whereas the vibration of the engine system caused a high-frequency vibration of the pipeline. The excitation of external pressure pulses did not significantly affect the vibrations of the pipelines. The visualisation results indicated that the severe vibration position of the pipeline thermal test is mainly concentrated between the inlet and outlet and between the two bellows.

Practical implications

The results of this study aid in understanding the causes of abnormal vibrations in rocket engine pipelines.

Originality/value

The causes of different vibration frequencies in the complex pipelines of rocket engines and the propagation characteristics of external vibration excitation were obtained.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Yiwei Zhang, Daochun Li, Zi Kan, Zhuoer Yao and Jinwu Xiang

This paper aims to propose a novel control scheme and offer a control parameter optimizer to achieve better automatic carrier landing. Carrier landing is a challenging work…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a novel control scheme and offer a control parameter optimizer to achieve better automatic carrier landing. Carrier landing is a challenging work because of the severe sea conditions, high demand for accuracy and non-linearity and maneuvering coupling of the aircraft. Consequently, the automatic carrier landing system raises the need for a control scheme that combines high robustness, rapidity and accuracy. In addition, to exploit the capability of the proposed control scheme and alleviate the difficulty of manual parameter tuning, a control parameter optimizer is constructed.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel reference model is constructed by considering the desired state and the actual state as constrained generalized relative motion, which works as a virtual terminal spring-damper system. An improved particle swarm optimization algorithm with dynamic boundary adjustment and Pareto set analysis is introduced to optimize the control parameters.

Findings

The control parameter optimizer makes it efficient and effective to obtain well-tuned control parameters. Furthermore, the proposed control scheme with the optimized parameters can achieve safe carrier landings under various severe sea conditions.

Originality/value

The proposed control scheme shows stronger robustness, accuracy and rapidity than sliding-mode control and Proportion-integration-differentiation (PID). Also, the small number and efficiency of control parameters make this paper realize the first simultaneous optimization of all control parameters in the field of flight control.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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