Search results

To study the effects of velocity correction schemes for a temperature transforming model (TTM) for convection controlled solid‐liquid phase‐change problem.

The effects of three different solid velocity correction schemes, the ramped switch‐off method (RSOM), the ramped source term method (RSTM) and the variable viscosity method (VVM), on a TTM for numerical simulation of convection controlled solid‐liquid phase‐change problems are investigated in this paper. The comparison is accomplished by analyzing numerical simulation and experimental results of a convection/diffusion phase‐change problem in a rectangular cavity. Model consistency of the discretized TTM is also examined in this paper. The simulation results using RSOM, RSTM and VVM in TTM are compared with experimental results.

In order to efficiently use the discretized TTM model and obtain convergent and reasonable results, a grid size must be chosen with a suitable time step (which should not be too small). Applications of RSOM and RSTM‐TTM yield identical results which are more accurate than VVM.

This paper provides generalized guidelines about the solid velocity correction scheme and criteria for selection of time step/grid size for the convection controlled phase change problem.

The study aims to examine how different types of green brand ritual (GBR) influence customer engagement behavior and the mediation mechanisms and boundary conditions of the positive and negative pathways.

The study conducts two online experiments to collect data from a total of 940 consumers in China. Hypotheses are tested by independent samples t-test, two-way ANOVA and Hayes' PROCESS model.

Different kinds of GBR have different effects on customer engagement behavior. Internal GBR is more likely to play a positive role by inciting connectedness to nature. External GBR is more likely to play a negative role by inciting psychological resistance. This dual effect is especially pronounced for warm brands rather than competent brands.

The study pioneers the brand ritual into the field of interactive marketing and enriches its dual effect research. Additionally, the study figures out whether the category of brand ritual can trigger negative effect.

Inappropriate brand rituals are worse than no rituals at all. The results provide guidance for green companies to design effective brand rituals to strengthen the connection with consumers. Green brands should describe brand rituals in vivid detail and consciously lead consumers to immerse themselves in them.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid position/force control scheme using force and vision for docking task of a six degrees of freedom (6-dof) hydraulic parallel manipulator (HPM).

The vision system consisted of a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, and a laser distance sensor is used to provide globe relative position information. Also, a force plate is used to measure local contact forces. The proposed controller has an inner/outer loop structure. The inner loop takes charge of tracking command pose signals from outer loop as accurate as possible, while the outer loop generates the desired tracking trajectory according to force and vision feedback information to guarantee compliant docking. Several experiments have been performed to validate the performance of the proposed control scheme.

Experiment results show that the system has good performance of relative position tracking and compliant contact. In whole docking dynamic experiment, the amplitudes of contact forces are well controlled within 300 N, which can meet perfectly the requirement of the amplitude being not more than 1,000 N.

A hybrid position/force control scheme using force and vision is proposed to make a 6-dof HPM dock with a moving target object compliantly.

The purpose of this paper is to propose cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA)-based back propagation neural network (BPNN) to reduce the effect of the nonlinearities presented in laser triangulation displacement sensors. The 3D positioning and posture sensor allows access to the third dimension through depth measurement; the performance of the sensor varies according to the level of nonlinearities presented in the system, which leads to inaccuracies in measurement.

While applying optimization approach, the mathematical model and the relationship between the key parameters in the laser triangulation ranging and the indexes of the measuring system were analyzed.

Based on the performance of the parametric optimization method, the measurement repeatability reached 0.5 µm with an STD value within 0.17 µm, an expanded uncertainty of measurement was within 5 µm, the angle error variation of the object’s rotational plane was within 0.031 degrees and nonlinearity was recorded within 0.006 per cent in a full scale. The proposed approach reduced the effect of the nonlinearity presented in the sensor. Thus, the accuracy and speed of the sensor were greatly increased. The specifications of the optimized sensor meet the requirements for high-accuracy devices and allow wide range of industrial application.

In this paper, COA-based BPNN is proposed for laser triangulation displacement sensor optimization, on the basis of the mathematical model, clarifying the working space and working angle on the measurement system.

The purpose of this paper is to show how Tai Chi (or T’ai Chi ch’uan) philosophy might be used in global project development. Collected case studies support a Tai Chi-based framework for global project teams to reduce stress and improve decision making through exercises, storytelling, and martial arts practices. The authors first proposed a model or procedural framework based on experiential knowledge from practicing Tai Chi while managing projects.

Analyzing case studies from knowledge managers, project managers, and executive leaders, the researchers collected data on applying the framework from a retrospective case study and from two observational case studies during project development. Tai Chi-based communications and exercises were shown to support critical thinking, knowledge sharing, and problem solving. The proposed framework and four-step procedure build on a global perspective to cultural awareness, creativity, and motivation as well as specific Tai Chi-based tactics, techniques, and operations for knowledge management. This preliminary study looks at improving collaboration in a competitive environment while supporting health, wellness, and work-life enjoyment.

Early research results suggest that teams and individuals working on projects and practicing Tai Chi might develop more cohesive strategies and improve soft skills during their integration of Eastern and Western philosophies.

Used case studies methodology, which provided examples of using Tai Chi during projects. Qualitative data used to develop the proposed framework. Also, interviews and discussion reviews conducted for additional validation collected on framework.

It is a pioneering, preliminary study. Future research with outcomes-based data from project managers using Tai Chi recommended.

The integration of Eastern and Western philosophies into a framework for team project and knowledge management was shown to support cohesive strategies, improve soft skills, and strengthen decision making.

In preparing managers for the uncertainty, threats and opportunities posed by the challenge of frequent and unexpected changes in organizations and markets, an alternative to a traditional Western viewpoint is a holistic approach that embodies balance and harmony, sees more subtle relationships and avoids the tensions of opposites. The purpose of this paper is to report the derivation and application of six holistic principles for management development (quieting the mind, harmony and balance, relinquishing the desire to control, transcending the ego, centeredness, and the power of softness) derived from a non‐Western philosophy.

The six principles were implemented in a management development program in a small high‐tech company. The reported effects upon the managers' role perceptions and behaviors were captured in immediate and delayed evaluations by means of face‐to‐face interviews.

The analysis of the interview data identified four underlying values that managers reported emerging from their involvement in the program: emotional awareness, shared perspectives, interpersonal sensitivity and benevolence and fulfilment.

The research is an action‐based single case study which was evaluated longitudinally using participants' perceptions. Further work is now required to apply these principles more widely and assess them using pre‐ and post‐test measures of attitudes and behaviors and upward/360 degree assessments.

The broader impact of a holistic approach for management development in terms of personal and spiritual fulfilment as well as its significance of corporate issues is discussed.

The paper presents a challenging and innovative approach to developing managers holistically and provides a counterbalance to the predominant approach of much management education and development.

The periodically fully developed laminar heat transfer and fluid flow of an array of non‐uniform plate length, aligned at angles to air flow direction, have been investigated by numerical analysis in the Reynolds number range from 15 to 410. To implement the periodic boundary condition in both streamwise and spanwise directions and to confine the computation exactly within one cycle, proposes a linear interpolation technique, which has been proved successful by comparing the results with those obtained in an extended domain. It has been found that with an increase in the ratio of the long plate length to that of the short plate and with a decrease in the ratio of the transverse pitch to the streamwise cycle length, both the Nusselt number and friction factor decrease. Comparison of the numerical results of Nusselt number and friction factor with relevant experimental results have been performed. The agreement should be judged reasonably good.

Numerical computations were performed for the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of natural convection with an internal vertical channel composed by a pair of parallel plates in a rectangular enclosure. The inner plates and the bounding wall of the enclosure were maintained at uniform but different temperatures. The plates were symmetrically arranged. Unsteady computation was performed to simulate the evolution process of the natural convection developing from the zero initial field. The cases of Ra = 2 × 10⁴, 2 × 10⁵ and 10⁶ were studied. A symmetrical steady solution was achieved for the case of Ra = 2 × 10⁴. For Ra = 2 × 10⁵ and 10⁶, time dependent asymmetrical processes were observed. The flow oscillating process seemed to be more complex at Ra = 2 × 10⁵ than that at Ra = 10⁶, which is quasi‐periodic with two frequencies.

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.