Showing papers in "Engineering Computations in 2019"

Boundary element analysis for elasticity problems using expanding element interpolation method

Abstract: This paper aims to propose a boundary element analysis of two-dimensional linear elasticity problems by a new expanding element interpolation method.,The expanding element is made up based on a traditional discontinuous element by adding virtual nodes along the perimeter of the element. The internal nodes of the original discontinuous element are referred to as source nodes and its shape function as raw shape function. The shape functions of the expanding element constructed on both source nodes and virtual nodes are referred as fine shape functions. Boundary variables are interpolated by the fine shape functions, while the boundary integral equations are collocated on source nodes.,The expanding element inherits the advantages of both the continuous and discontinuous elements while overcomes their disadvantages. The polynomial order of fine shape functions of the expanding elements increases by two compared with their corresponding raw shape functions, while the expanding elements still keep independence to each other as the original discontinuous elements. This feature makes the expanding elements able to naturally and accurately interpolate both continuous and discontinuous fields.,Numerical examples are presented to verify the proposed method. Results have demonstrated that the accuracy, efficiency and convergence rate of the expanding element method.

Fast tolerance-aware design optimization of miniaturized microstrip couplers using variable-fidelity EM simulations and re-sponse features

Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the strategy for low-cost yield optimization of miniaturized microstrip couplers using variable-fidelity electromagnetic (EM) simulations.,Usefulness of data-driven models constructed from structure frequency responses formulated in the form of suitably defined characteristic points for statistical analysis is investigated. Reformulation of the characteristics leads to a less nonlinear functional landscape and reduces the number of training samples required for accurate modeling. Further reduction of the cost associated with construction of the data-driven model, is achieved using variable-fidelity methods. Numerical case study is provided demonstrating feasibility of the feature-based modeling for low cost statistical analysis and yield optimization.,It is possible, through reformulation of the structure frequency responses in the form of suitably defined feature points, to reduce the number of training samples required for its data-driven modeling. The approximation model can be used as an accurate evaluation engine for a low-cost Monte Carlo analysis. Yield optimization can be realized through minimization of yield within the data-driven model bounds and subsequent model re-set around the optimized design.,The investigated technique exceeds capabilities of conventional Monte Carlo-based approaches for statistical analysis in terms of computational cost without compromising its accuracy with respect to the conventional EM-based Monte Carlo.,The proposed tolerance-aware design approach proved useful for rapid yield optimization of compact microstrip couplers represented using EM-simulation models, which is extremely challenging when using conventional approaches due to tremendous number of EM evaluations required for statistical analysis.

Analysis for center deviation of circular target under perspective projection

Abstract: Accurate feature localization is a fundamental problem in computer vision and visual measurement. In a perspective projection model of the camera, the projected center of a spatial circle and the center of the projection ellipse are not identical. This paper aims to show how to locate the real projection center precisely in the perspective projection of a space circle target.,By analyzing the center deviation caused by projection transformation, a novel method is presented to precisely locate the real projection center of a space circle using projective geometry. Solution distribution of the center deviation is analyzed, and the quadratic equation for determining the deviation is derived by locating vanishing points. Finally, the actual projected center of the circular target is achieved by solving the deviation quadratic equations.,The procedures of the author’s method are simple and easy to implement. Experimental data calculated that maximum deviation occurs at approximately between 3π/10 and 2π/5 of the angle between the projection surface and the space target plane. The absolute reduction in error is about 0.03 pixels; hence, it is very significant for a high-accuracy solution of the position of the space circle target by minimizing systematic measurement error of the perspective projection.,The center deviation caused by the space circle projection transformation is analyzed, and the detailed algorithm steps to locate the real projection center precisely are described.

Application of the particle finite element method for large deformation consolidation analysis

Abstract: Large deformation problems are frequently encountered in various fields of geotechnical engineering. The particle finite element method (PFEM) has been proven to be a promising method to solve large deformation problems. This study aims to develop a computational framework for modelling the hydro-mechanical coupled porous media at large deformation based on the PFEM.,The PFEM is extended by adopting the linear and quadratic triangular elements for pore water pressure and displacements. A six-node triangular element is used for modelling two-dimensional problems instead of the low-order three-node triangular element. Thus, the numerical instability induced by volumetric locking is avoided. The Modified Cam Clay (MCC) model is used to describe the elasto-plastic soil behaviour.,The proposed approach is used for analysing several consolidation problems. The numerical results have demonstrated that large deformation consolidation problems with the proposed approach can be accomplished without numerical difficulties and loss of accuracy. The coupled PFEM provides a stable and robust numerical tool in solving large deformation consolidation problems. It is demonstrated that the proposed approach is intrinsically stable.,The PFEM is extended to consider large deformation-coupled hydro-mechanical problem. PFEM is enhanced by using a six-node quadratic triangular element for displacement and this is coupled with a four-node quadrilateral element for modelling excess pore pressure.

A kind of new method of intelligent trust engineering metrics (ITEM) for application of mobile ad hoc network

Abstract: This paper aims to put forward a kind of new method of intelligent trust engineering metrics for application of mobile ad hoc network (MANET).,The new method calculates the communication trust by using the number of data packets among the nodes of MANET, predicts intelligently the trust and calculates the comprehensive trust based on the historical trust; then calculates the energy trust based on the residual energy of the nodes of MANET, calculates the direct trust based on the communication trust and energy trust. The new method calculates the recommendation trust based on the recommendation reliability; adopts the adaptive weighting to calculate the integrated direct trust by considering the direct trust with recommendation trust.,Based on the integrated direct trust and the factor of trust propagation distance, the indirect trust among the nodes of MANET is calculated. The above process can be optimized based on the dynamic machine learning presented in this study. The advantage of the new method is its intelligent ability to discover malicious nodes.,The advantage of the new method is its intelligent ability to discover malicious nodes which can partition the network by falsely reporting other nodes as misbehaving and proceeds to protect the network. The authors have done the experiments based on the tool kits such as NS3, QualNet, OMNET++ and MATLAB. The experimental results show that this study’s approach can effectively avoid the attacks of malicious nodes, and more conformable to the actual engineering application of MANET.

Estimation of equivalent permeability tensor for fractured porous rock masses using a coupled RPIM-FEM method

Abstract: Understanding the fluid flow through rock masses, which commonly consist of rock matrix and fractures, is a fundamental issue in many application areas of rock engineering. As the equivalent porous medium approach is the dominant approach for engineering applications, it is of great significance to estimate the equivalent permeability tensor of rock masses. This study aims to develop a novel numerical approach to estimate the equivalent permeability tensor for fractured porous rock masses.,The radial point interpolation method (RPIM) and finite element method (FEM) are coupled to simulate the seepage flow in fractured porous rock masses. The rock matrix is modeled by the RPIM, and the fractures are modeled explicitly by the FEM. A procedure for numerical experiments is then designed to determinate the equivalent permeability tensor directly on the basis of Darcy’s law.,The coupled RPIM-FEM method is a reliable numerical method to analyze the seepage flow in fractured porous rock masses, which can consider simultaneously the influences of fractures and rock matrix. As the meshes of rock matrix and fracture network are generated separately without considering the topology relationship between them, the mesh generation process can be greatly facilitated. Using the proposed procedure for numerical experiments, which is designed directly on the basis of Darcy’s law, the representative elementary volume and equivalent permeability tensor of fractured porous rock masses can be identified conveniently.,A novel numerical approach to estimate the equivalent permeability tensor for fractured porous rock masses is proposed. In the approach, the RPIM and FEM are coupled to simulate the seepage flow in fractured porous rock masses, and then a numerical experiment procedure directly based on Darcy’s law is introduced to estimate the equivalent permeability tensor.

On Minkowski difference-based contact detection in discrete/discontinuous modelling of convex polygons/polyhedra

Abstract: Contact detection for convex polygons/polyhedra has been a critical issue in discrete/discontinuous modelling, such as the discrete element method (DEM) and the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA). The recently developed 3D contact theory for polyhedra in DDA depends on the so-called entrance block of two polyhedra and reduces the contact to evaluate the distance between the reference point to the corresponding entrance block, but effective implementation is still lacking.,In this paper, the equivalence of the entrance block and the Minkowski difference of two polyhedra is emphasised and two well-known Minkowski difference-based contact detection and overlap computation algorithms, GJK and expanding polytope algorithm (EPA), are chosen as the possible numerical approaches to the 3D contact theory for DDA, and also as alternatives for computing polyhedral contact features in DEM. The key algorithmic issues are outlined and their important features are highlighted.,Numerical examples indicate that the average number of updates required in GJK for polyhedral contact is around 6, and only 1 or 2 iterations are needed in EPA to find the overlap and all the relevant contact features when the overlap between polyhedra is small.,The equivalence of the entrance block in DDA and the Minkowski difference of two polyhedra is emphasised; GJK- and EPA-based contact algorithms are applied to convex polyhedra in DEM; energy conservation is guaranteed for the contact theory used; and numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies.

New machine learning prediction models for compressive strength of concrete modified with glass cullet

Abstract: Recycled waste glasses have been widely used in Portland cement and concrete as aggregate or supplementary cementitious material. Compressive strength is one of the most important properties of concrete containing waste glasses, providing information about the loading capacity, pozzolanic reaction and porosity of the mixture. This study aims to propose highly nonlinear models to predict the compressive strength of concrete containing finely ground glass particles.,A robust machine leaning method called genetic programming is used the build the compressive strength prediction models. The models are developed using a number of test results on 50-mm mortar cubes containing glass powder according to ASTM C109. Parametric and sensitivity analyses are conducted to evaluate the effect of the predictor variables on the compressive strength. Furthermore, a comparative study is performed to benchmark the proposed models against classical regression models.,The derived design equations accurately characterize the compressive strength of concrete with ground glass fillers and remarkably outperform the regression models. A key feature of the proposed models as compared to the previous studies is that they include the simultaneous effect of various parameters such as glass compositions, size distributions, curing age and isothermal temperatures. Parametric and sensitivity analyses indicate that compressive strength is very sensitive to the curing age, curing temperature and particle surface area.,This study presents accurate machine learning models for the prediction of one of the most important mechanical properties of cementitious mixtures modified by waste glass, i.e. compressive strength. In addition, it provides an insight into the effect of several parameters influencing the compressive strength. From a computing perspective, a robust machine learning technique that overcomes the shortcomings of existing soft computing methods is introduced.

Stability of laminated composite and sandwich FGM shells using a novel isogeometric finite strip method

Abstract: This paper aims to analyze the stability of laminated shells subjected to axial loads or external pressure with considering various geometries and boundary conditions. The main aim of the present study is developing an efficient combined method which uses the advantages of different methods, such as finite element method (FEM) and isogeometric analysis (IGA), to achieve multipurpose targets. Two types of material including laminated composite and sandwich functionally graded material are considered.,A novel type of finite strip method called isogeometric B3-spline finite strip method (IG-SFSM) is used to solve the eigenvalue buckling problem. IG-SFSM uses B3-spline basis functions to interpolate the buckling displacements and mapping operations in the longitudinal direction of the strips, whereas the Lagrangian functions are used in transverse direction. The current presented IG-SFSM is formulated based on the degenerated shell method.,The buckling behavior of laminated shells is discussed by solving several examples corresponding to shells with various geometries, boundary conditions and material properties. The effects of mechanical and geometrical properties on critical loads of shells are investigated using the related results obtained by IG-SFSM.,This paper shows that the proposed IG-SFSM leads to the critical loads with an approved accuracy comparing with the same examples extracted from the literature. Moreover, it leads to a high level of convergence rate and low cost of solving the stability problems in comparison to the FEM.

Meshfree algorithms based on radial basis functions for numerical simulation and to capture shocks behavior of Burgers’ type problems

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop two meshfree algorithms based on multiquadric radial basis functions (RBFs) and differential quadrature (DQ) technique for numerical simulation and to capture the shocks behavior of Burgers’ type problems.,The algorithms convert the problems into a system of ordinary differential equations which are solved by the Runge–Kutta method.,Two meshfree algorithms are developed and their stability is discussed. Numerical experiment is done to check the efficiency of the algorithms, and some shock behaviors of the problems are presented. The proposed algorithms are found to be accurate, simple and fast.,The present algorithms LRBF-DQM and GRBF-DQM are based on radial basis functions, which are new for Burgers’ type problems. It is concluded from the numerical experiments that LRBF-DQM is better than GRBF-DQM. The algorithms give better results than available literature.

An improved genetic algorithm with variable neighborhood search to solve the assembly line balancing problem

Abstract: This study aims to propose an efficient optimization algorithm to solve the assembly line balancing problem (ALBP). The ALBP arises in high-volume, lean production systems when decision-makers aim to design an efficient assembly line while satisfying a set of constraints.,An improved genetic algorithm (IGA) is proposed in this study to deal with ALBP to optimize the number of stations and the workload smoothness.,To evaluate the performance of the IGA, it is used to solve a set of well-known benchmark problems and a real-life problem faced by an automobile manufacturer. The solutions obtained are compared against two existing algorithms in the literature and the basic genetic algorithm. The comparisons show the high efficiency and effectiveness of the IGA in dealing with ALBPs.,The proposed IGA benefits from a novel generation transfer mechanism that improves the diversification capability of the algorithm by allowing population transfer between different generations. In addition, an effective variable neighborhood search is used in the IGA to enhance its local search capability.

Expedited optimization of antenna input characteristics with adaptive Broyden updates

Abstract: A technique for accelerated design optimization of antenna input characteristics is developed and comprehensively validated using real-world wideband antenna structures. Comparative study using a conventional trust-region algorithm is provided. Investigations of the effects of the algorithm control parameters are also carried out.,An optimization methodology is introduced that replaces finite differentiation (FD) by a combination of FD and selectively used Broyden updating formula for antenna response Jacobian estimations. The updating formula is used for directions that are sufficiently well aligned with the design relocation that occurred in the most recent algorithm iteration. This allows for a significant reduction of the number of full-wave electromagnetic simulations necessary for the algorithm to converge; hence, it leads to the reduction of the overall design cost.,Incorporation of the updating formulas into the Jacobian estimation process in a selective manner considerably reduces the computational cost of the optimization process without compromising the design quality. The algorithm proposed in the study can be used to speed up direct optimization of the antenna structures as well as surrogate-assisted procedures involving variable-fidelity models.,This study sets a direction for further studies on accelerating procedures for the local optimization of antenna structures. Further investigations on the effects of the control parameters on the algorithm performance are necessary along with the development of means to automate the algorithm setup for a particular antenna structure, especially from the point of view of the search space dimensionality.,The proposed algorithm proved useful for a reduced-cost optimization of antennas and has been demonstrated to outperform conventional algorithms. To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to address the problem in this manner. In particular, it goes beyond traditional approaches, especially by combining various sensitivity estimation update measures in an adaptive fashion.

Expedited antenna optimization with numerical derivatives and gradient change tracking

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to propose a framework for expedited antenna optimization with numerical derivatives involving gradient variation monitoring throughout the optimization run and demonstrate it using a benchmark set of real-world wideband antennas. A comprehensive analysis of the algorithm performance involving multiple starting points is provided. The optimization results are compared with a conventional trust-region (TR) procedure, as well as the state-of-the-art accelerated TR algorithms.,The proposed algorithm is a modification of the TR gradient-based algorithm with numerical derivatives in which a monitoring of changes of the system response gradients is performed throughout the algorithm run. The gradient variations between consecutive iterations are quantified by an appropriately developed metric. Upon detecting stable patterns for particular parameter sensitivities, the costly finite differentiation (FD)-based gradient updates are suppressed; hence, the overall number of full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations is significantly reduced. This leads to considerable computational savings without compromising the design quality.,Monitoring of the antenna response sensitivity variations during the optimization process enables to detect the parameters for which updating the gradient information is not necessary at every iteration. When incorporated into the TR gradient-search procedures, the approach permits reduction of the computational cost of the optimization process. The proposed technique is dedicated to expedite direct optimization of antenna structures, but it can also be applied to speed up surrogate-assisted tasks, especially solving sub-problems that involve performing numerous evaluations of coarse-discretization models.,The introduced methodology opens up new possibilities for future developments of accelerated antenna optimization procedures. In particular, the presented routine can be combined with the previously reported techniques that involve replacing FD with the Broyden formula for directions that are satisfactorily well aligned with the most recent design relocation and/or performing FD in a sparse manner based on relative design relocation (with respect to the current search region) in consecutive algorithm iterations.,Benchmarking against a conventional TR procedure, as well as previously reported methods, confirms improved efficiency and reliability of the proposed approach. The applications of the framework include direct EM-driven design closure, along with surrogate-based optimization within variable-fidelity surrogate-assisted procedures. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no comparable approach to antenna optimization has been reported elsewhere. Particularly, it surmounts established methodology by carrying out constant supervision of the antenna response gradient throughout successive algorithm iterations and using gathered observations to properly guide the optimization routine.

Structure prediction of multi-principal element alloys using ensemble learning

Abstract: The purpose of this paper, is to predict the various phases and crystal structure from multi-component alloys. Nowadays, the concept and strategies of the development of multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) significantly increase the count of the potential candidate of alloy systems, which demand proper screening of large number of alloy systems based on the nature of their phase and structure. Experimentally obtained data linking elemental properties and their resulting phases for MPEAs is profused; hence, there is a strong scope for categorization/classification of MPEAs based on structural features of the resultant phase along with distinctive connections between elemental properties and phases.,In this paper, several machine-learning algorithms have been used to recognize the underlying data pattern using data sets to design MPEAs and classify them based on structural features of their resultant phase such as single-phase solid solution, amorphous and intermetallic compounds. Further classification of MPEAs having single-phase solid solution is performed based on crystal structure using an ensemble-based machine-learning algorithm known as random-forest algorithm.,The model developed by implementing random-forest algorithm has resulted in an accuracy of 91 per cent for phase prediction and 93 per cent for crystal structure prediction for single-phase solid solution class of MPEAs. Five input parameters are used in the prediction model namely, valence electron concentration, difference in the pauling negativeness, atomic size difference, mixing enthalpy and mixing entropy. It has been found that the valence electron concentration is the most important feature with respect to prediction of phases. To avoid overfitting problem, fivefold cross-validation has been performed. To understand the comparative performance, different algorithms such as K-nearest Neighbor, support vector machine, logistic regression, naive-based approach, decision tree and neural network have been used in the data set.,In this paper, the authors described the phase selection and crystal structure prediction mechanism in MPEA data set and have achieved better accuracy using machine learning.

Evaluation of gap influence on the dynamic response behavior of pump-turbine runner

Abstract: The gaps between runner and nearby structures play an important role in the dynamic response of runner, especially for pump-turbines. This paper aims to evaluate the gap influence on the added mass and dynamic stress of pump-turbine runner and provide an improved method to predict the resonance of runner.,Acoustic-structural coupling method was used to evaluate the added mass factors of a reduced scale pump-turbine with different axial and radial gap size between runner and nearby rigid walls. Improved one-way fluid-structural interaction (FSI) simulation was used to calculate the dynamic stress of the runner, which takes into account fluid added mass effect. The time-dependent hydraulic forces on the runner surfaces that were obtained from unsteady CFD simulation were transferred to the runner structure as a boundary condition, by using mesh-matching algorithm at the FSI surfaces.,The results show that the added mass factors increase as the gap size decreases. The axial gaps have greater influence on the added mass factors for the in-phase (IP) modes than the counter-phase (CP) and crown-dominant (CD) modes, while the CP and CD modes are very sensitive to the radial gaps. The largest added mass factor is observed in (2 + 4)ND-CP mode (resonance mode). The results reveal that the transient structural dynamic stress analysis, with the consideration of gaps and fluid added mass, can accurately predict the resonance phenomenon. Resonance curve of the pump-turbine has been obtained which agrees well with the test result. The gap fluid has great influence on the resonance condition, while for non-resonance operating points, the effect of gaps on the dynamic stress amplitude is quite small.,This paper provides an accurate method to analyze the dynamic response during runner design stage for safety assessment. The resonance curve prediction has more significance than previous methods which predict the resonance of runner by modal or harmonic analysis.

A rapid stress calculation method for short flexspline harmonic drive

Abstract: Because of the compact structure, short flexspline (FS) harmonic drive (HD) is increasingly used. The stress calculation of FS is very important in design and optimization of HD system. This paper aims to study the stress calculation methods for short FS, based on mechanics analysis and finite element method (FEM).,A rapid stress calculation method, based on mechanics analysis, is proposed for the short FS of HD. To verify the stress calculation precision of short FS, a complete finite element model of HD is established. The results of stress and deformation of short FS in different lengths are solved by FEM.,Through the rapid calculation method, the analytical relationship between circumferential stress and length of cylinder was obtained. And the circumferential stress has proportional relation with the reciprocal of squared length. The FEM results verified that the rapid stress calculation method could obtain accurate results.,The rapid mechanics analysis method is practiced to evaluate the strength of FS at the design stage of HD. And the complete model of HD could contribute to improving the accuracy of FEM results.,The rapid calculation method is developed based on mechanics analysis method of cylinder and equivalent additional bending moment model, through which the analytical relationship between circumferential stress and length of cylinder was obtained. The complete three-dimensional finite element model of HD takes the stiffness of bearing into consideration, which can be used in the numerical simulation in the future work to improve the accuracy.

Reliable data-driven modeling of high-frequency structures by means of nested kriging with enhanced design of experiments

Abstract: Purpose A framework for reliable modeling of high-frequency structures by nested kriging with an improved sampling procedure is developed and extensively validated. A comprehensive benchmarking including conventional kriging and previously reported design of experiments technique is provided. The proposed technique is also demonstrated in solving parameter optimization task. Design/methodology/approach The keystone of the proposed approach is to focus the modeling process on a small region of the parameter space (constrained domain containing high-quality designs with respect to the selected performance figures) instead of adopting traditional, hyper-cube-like domain defined by the lower and upper parameter bounds. A specific geometry of the domain is explored to improve a uniformity of the training data set. In consequence, the predictive power of the model is improved. Findings Building the model in a constrained domain allows for a considerable reduction of a training data set size without a necessity to either narrow down the parameter ranges or to reduce the parameter space dimensionality. Improving uniformity of training data set allocation permits further reduction of the computational cost of setting up the model. The proposed technique can be used to expedite the parameter optimization and enables locating good initial designs in a straightforward manner. Research limitations/implications The developed framework opens new possibilities inaccurate surrogate modeling of high-frequency structures described by a large number of geometry and/or material parameters. Further extensions can be investigated such as the inclusion of the sensitivity data into the model or exploration of the particular geometry of the model domain to further reduce the computational overhead of training data acquisition. Originality/value The efficiency of the proposed method has been demonstrated for modeling and parameter optimization of high-frequency structures. It has also been shown to outperform conventional kriging and previous constrained modeling approaches. To the authors’ knowledge, this approach to formulate and handle the modeling process is novel and permits the establishment of accurate surrogates in highly dimensional spaces and covering wide ranges of parameters.

Rapid multi-objective optimization of antennas using nested kriging surrogates and single-fidelity EM simulation models

Abstract: This study aims to propose a computationally efficient framework for multi-objective optimization (MO) of antennas involving nested kriging modeling technology. The technique is demonstrated through a two-objective optimization of a planar Yagi antenna and three-objective design of a compact wideband antenna.,The keystone of the proposed approach is the usage of recently introduced nested kriging modeling for identifying the design space region containing the Pareto front and constructing fast surrogate model for the MO algorithm. Surrogate-assisted design refinement is applied to improve the accuracy of Pareto set determination. Consequently, the Pareto set is obtained cost-efficiently, even though the optimization process uses solely high-fidelity electromagnetic (EM) analysis.,The optimization cost is dramatically reduced for the proposed framework as compared to other state-of-the-art frameworks. The initial Pareto set is identified more precisely (its span is wider and of better quality), which is a result of a considerably smaller domain of the nested kriging model and better predictive power of the surrogate.,The proposed technique can be generalized to accommodate low- and high-fidelity EM simulations in a straightforward manner. The future work will incorporate variable-fidelity simulations to further reduce the cost of the training data acquisition.,The fast MO optimization procedure with the use of the nested kriging modeling technology for approximation of the Pareto set has been proposed and its superiority over state-of-the-art surrogate-assisted procedures has been proved. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this approach to multi-objective antenna optimization is novel and enables obtaining optimal designs cost-effectively even in relatively high-dimensional spaces (considering typical antenna design setups) within wide parameter ranges.

A second order numerical method for singularly perturbed delay parabolic partial differential equation

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a robust second-order numerical scheme for singularly perturbed delay parabolic convection–diffusion initial boundary value problem. Design/methodology/approach For the parabolic convection-diffusion initial boundary value problem, the authors solve the problem numerically by discretizing the domain in the spatial direction using the Shishkin-type meshes (standard Shishkin mesh, Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh) and in temporal direction using the uniform mesh. The time derivative is discretized by the implicit-trapezoidal scheme, and the spatial derivatives are discretized by the hybrid scheme, which is a combination of the midpoint upwind scheme and central difference scheme. Findings The authors find a parameter-uniform convergent scheme which is of second-order accurate globally with respect to space and time for the singularly perturbed delay parabolic convection–diffusion initial boundary value problem. Also, the Thomas algorithm is used which takes much less computational time. Originality/value A singularly perturbed delay parabolic convection–diffusion initial boundary value problem is considered. The solution of the problem possesses a regular boundary layer. The authors solve this problem numerically using a hybrid scheme. The method is parameter-uniform convergent and is of second order accurate globally with respect to space and time. Numerical results are carried out to verify the theoretical estimates.

Multiscale concurrent topology optimization of structures and microscopic multi-phase materials for thermal conductivity

Abstract: Purpose The optimal material microstructures in pure material design are no longer efficient or optimal when accounting macroscopic structure performance with specific boundary conditions. Therefore, it is important to provide a novel multiscale topology optimization framework to tailor the topology of structure and the material to achieve specific applications. In comparison with porous materials, composites consisting of two or more phase materials are more attractive and advantageous from the perspective of engineering application. This paper aims to provide a novel concurrent topological design of structures and microscopic materials for thermal conductivity involving multi-material topology optimization (material distribution) at the lower scale. Design/methodology/approach In this work, the effective thermal conductivity properties of microscopic three or more phase materials are obtained via homogenization theory, which serves as a bridge of the macrostructure and the periodic material microstructures. The optimization problem, including the topological design of macrostructures and inverse homogenization of microscopic materials, are solved by bi-directional evolutionary structure optimization method. Findings As a result, the presented framework shows high stability during the optimization process and requires little iterations for convergence. A number of interesting and valid macrostructures and material microstructures are obtained in terms of optimal thermal conductive path, which verify the effectiveness of the proposed mutliscale topology optimization method. Numerical examples adequately consider effects of initial guesses of the representative unit cell and of the volume constraints of adopted base materials at the microscopic scale on the final design. The resultant structures at both the scales with clear and distinctive boundary between different phases, making the manufacturing straightforward. Originality/value This paper presents a novel multiscale concurrent topology optimization method for structures and the underlying multi-phase materials for thermal conductivity. The authors have carried out the concurrent multi-phase topology optimization for both 2D and 3D cases, which makes this work distinguished from existing references. In addition, some interesting and efficient multi-phase material microstructures and macrostructures have been obtained in terms of optimal thermal conductive path.

Some advances in high-performance finite element methods

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to give a review on the newest developments of high-performance finite element methods (FEMs), and exhibit the recent contributions achieved by the authors’ group, especially showing some breakthroughs against inherent difficulties existing in the traditional FEM for a long time.,Three kinds of new FEMs are emphasized and introduced, including the hybrid stress-function element method, the hybrid displacement-function element method for Mindlin–Reissner plate and the improved unsymmetric FEM. The distinguished feature of these three methods is that they all apply the fundamental analytical solutions of elasticity expressed in different coordinates as their trial functions.,The new FEMs show advantages from both analytical and numerical approaches. All the models exhibit outstanding capacity for resisting various severe mesh distortions, and even perform well when other models cannot work. Some difficulties in the history of FEM are also broken through, such as the limitations defined by MacNeal’s theorem and the edge-effect problems of Mindlin–Reissner plate.,These contributions possess high value for solving the difficulties in engineering computations, and promote the progress of FEM.

Static analysis of carbon nanotube-reinforced FG shells using an efficient solid-shell element with parabolic transverse shear strain

Abstract: This paper aims to study the static behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced functionally graded shells using an efficient solid-shell element with parabolic transverse shear strain. Four different types of reinforcement along the thickness are considered.,Furthermore, the developed solid-shell element allows an efficient and accurate analysis of CNT-reinforced functionally graded shells under linear static conditions.,The validity and accuracy of the developed solid-shell element are illustrated through the solution of deflection and stress distribution problems of shell structures taken from the literature. The influences of some geometrical and material parameters on the static behavior of shell structures are discussed.,The finite element formulation is based on a modified first-order enhanced solid-shell element formulation with an imposed parabolic shear strain distribution through the shell thickness in the compatible strain part. This formulation guarantees a zero transverse shear stress on the top and bottom surfaces of the shell and the shear correction factors is no longer needed.

An analytical solution for consolidation of PVD-installed deposit considering nonlinear distribution of hydraulic conductivity and compressibility

Abstract: Purpose It is well known that the prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) installation process generates a significant soil disturbance around PVD. This disturbed zone significantly affects the rate of settlement and excess pore pressure dissipation. However, the characteristics of these zones were still uncertain and difficult to quantify; there remains large discrepancy among researchers. This study aims to develop a simple analytical solution for radial consolidation analysis of PVD-installed deposit considering mandrel-induced disturbance. Design/methodology/approach The proposed solution takes into account the nonlinear distributions of both horizontal hydraulic conductivity and compressibility toward the drain. The proposed solution was applied to analyze field behavior of test embankment in New South Wales, Australia. Findings Both effects significantly increased the time required to achieve a certain degree of consolidation. The effect of hydraulic conductivity on the consolidation rate was more significant than the effect of compressibility variation. And, the increased compressibility in the soil-disturbed zone due to mandrel installation significantly increased vertical strain of the PVD-improved soil deposit. The predicted results using the proposed analytical solution were in good agreement with the field measurements. Practical implications A geotechnical engineer could use the proposed analytical solution to predict consolidation behavior of drainage-installed ground. Originality/value Consolidation behavior of PVD-installed ground could be reasonably predicted by using the proposed solution with considering variations of both hydraulic conductivity and compressibility due to PVD installation.

Refined bond-based peridynamics for thermal diffusion

Abstract: This paper aims to review the existing bond-based peridynamic (PD) and state-based PD heat conduction models, and further propose a refined bond-based PD thermal conduction model by using the PD differential operator.,The general refined bond-based PD is established by replacing the local spatial derivatives in the classical heat conduction equations with their corresponding nonlocal integral forms obtained by the PD differential operator. This modeling approach is representative of the state-based PD models, whereas the resulting governing equations appear as the bond-based PD models.,The refined model can be reduced to the existing bond-based PD heat conduction models by specifying particular influence functions. Also, the refined model does not require any calibration procedure unlike the bond-based PD. A systematic explicit dynamic solver is introduced to validate 1 D, 2 D and 3 D heat conduction in domains with and without a crack subjected to a combination of Dirichlet, Neumann and convection boundary conditions. All of the PD predictions are in excellent agreement with the classical solutions and demonstrate the nonlocal feature and advantage of PD in dealing with heat conduction in discontinuous domains.,The existing PD heat conduction models are reviewed. A refined bond-based PD thermal conduction model by using PD differential operator is proposed and 3 D thermal conduction in intact or cracked structures is simulated.

Reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation analysis of structural vibrations

Abstract: Although high-order smooth reproducing kernel mesh-free approximation enables the analysis of structural vibrations in an efficient collocation formulation, there is still a lack of systematic theoretical accuracy assessment for such approach. The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed accuracy analysis for the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation method regarding structural vibrations.,Both second-order problems such as one-dimensional (1D) rod and two-dimensional (2D) membrane and fourth-order problems such as Euler–Bernoulli beam and Kirchhoff plate are considered. Staring from a generic equation of motion deduced from the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation method, a frequency error measure is rationally attained through properly introducing the consistency conditions of reproducing kernel mesh-free shape functions.,This paper reveals that for the second-order structural vibration problems, the frequency accuracy orders are p and (p − 1) for even and odd degree basis functions; for the fourth-order structural vibration problems, the frequency accuracy orders are (p − 2) and (p − 3) for even and odd degree basis functions, respectively, where p denotes the degree of the basis function used in mesh-free approximation.,A frequency accuracy estimation is achieved for the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation analysis of structural vibrations, which can effectively underpin the practical applications of this method.

A virtual element method for frictional contact including large deformations

Abstract: This paper aims to describe the application of the virtual element method (VEM) to contact problems between elastic bodies.,Polygonal elements with arbitrary shape allow a stable node-to-node contact enforcement. By adaptively adjusting the polygonal mesh, this methodology is extended to problems undergoing large frictional sliding.,The virtual element is well suited for large deformation contact problems. The issue of element stability for this specific application is discussed, and the capability of the method is demonstrated by means of numerical examples.,This work is completely new as this is the first time, as per the authors’ knowledge, the VEM is applied to large deformation contact.

Stochastic natural frequency analysis of skewed sandwich plates

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the first three stochastic natural frequencies of skewed sandwich plates, considering uncertain system parameters. To conduct the sensitivity analysis for checking the criticality of input parameters.,The theoretical formulation is developed based on higher-order-zigzag theory in accordance with the radial basis function (RBF) and stochastic finite element (FE) model. A cubic function is considered for in-plane displacement over thickness while a quadratic function is considered for transverse displacement within the core and remains constant in the facesheet. RBF is used as a surrogate model to achieve computational efficiency and accuracy. In the present study, the individual and combined effect of ply-orientation angle, skew angle, number of lamina, core thickness and material properties are considered for natural frequency analysis of sandwich plates.,Results presented in this paper illustrates that the skewness in the sandwich plate significantly affects the global dynamic behaviour of the structure. RBF surrogate model coupled with stochastic FE approach significantly reduced the computational time (more than 1/18 times) compared to direct Monte Carlo simulation approach.,The stochastic results for dynamic stability of sandwich plates show that the inevitable source uncertainties present in the input parameters result in significant variation from the deterministic value demonstrates the need for inclusive design paradigm considering stochastic effects. The present paper comprehensively establishes a generalized new RBF-based FE approach for efficient stochastic analysis, which can be applicable to other complex structures too.

Free element method and its application in CFD

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose a new strong-form numerical method, called the free element method, for solving general boundary value problems governed by partial differential equations. The main idea of the method is to use a locally formed element for each point to set up the system of equations. The proposed method is used to solve the fluid mechanics problems.,The proposed free element method adopts the isoparametric elements as used in the finite element method (FEM) to represent the variation of coordinates and physical variables and collocates equations node-by-node based on the newly derived element differential formulations by the authors. The distinct feature of the method is that only one independently formed individual element is used at each point. The final system of equations is directly formed by collocating the governing equations at internal points and the boundary conditions at boundary points. The method can effectively capture phenomena of sharply jumped variables and discontinuities (e.g. the shock waves).,a) A new numerical method called the FEM is proposed; b) the proposed method is used to solve the compressible fluid mechanics problems for the first time, in which the shock wave can be naturally captured; and c) the method can directly set up the system of equations from the governing equations.,This paper presents a completely new numerical method for solving compressible fluid mechanics problems, which has not been submitted anywhere else for publication.

Modelling and simulation of the expansion of a shape memory polymer stent

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of using shape memory polymer (SMP) for developing vascular stent In particular, the expansion performance is analyzed through extensive modeling and simulation,Firstly, the authors construct the model geometry and propose a constitutive model to describe the deformation of the stent due to the expansion process The authors then simulate the expansion process under varying conditions, including different heating rates and recovery temperatures Finally, the authors analyze the radial strength of the SMP stent,A less invasive and stable expansion performance of the SMP stent is confirmed by the simulation method A fitting function of the expansion process is proposed based on the characteristics of the SMP,The effects of dynamic blood flow on the SMP stent is ignored A fluid-structure interaction analysis may need to be considered to give a more accurate description of the behaviour of the SMP stent,The findings will provide guidance for the rational design and application of SMP stents,The work will provide guidance for the new generation stent design,This is the first time that the expansion performance of a SMP stent has been analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively through modelling and simulation

A truck scheduling problem at a cross-docking facility with mixed service mode dock doors

Abstract: The purpose of this study is truck scheduling and assignment of trucks to the doors simultaneously since these issues were considered mainly separately in the previous research. Also, the door service time and its impact on truck scheduling were not taken into account, so this research endeavors to cover this gap.,In this research, a novel model has been presented for simultaneous truck scheduling and assignment problem with time window constraints for the arrival and departure of trucks, mixed service mode dock doors and truck queuing. To resolve the developed model, two meta-heuristic algorithms, namely, genetic and imperialist competitive algorithms, are presented.,The computational results indicate that the proposed framework leads to increased total costs, although it has a more accurate planning; moreover, these indicate that the proposed algorithms have different performances based on the criteria considered for the comparison.,There are some limitations in this research, which can be considered by other researchers to expand the current study, among them the specifications of uncertainty about arrival times of inbound and outbound trucks, number of merchandises which has been loaded on inbound trucks are the main factors. If so, by considering this situation, a realistic scheme about planning of cross docking system would be acquired. Moreover, the capacity of temporary storage has been considered unlimited, so relaxing this limitation can prepare a real and suitable situation for further study. Examining the capacity in the front of each type of doors of cross-dock and executive servers are the other aspects, which could be expanded in the future.,In this study, a mathematical programing model proposed for truck scheduling to minimize total costs including holding, truck tardiness and waiting time for queue of trucks caused by the interference of each carrier’s movement. At the operational levels, this research considered a multi-door cross-docking problem with mixed service mode dock doors and time window constraints for arrival and departure time of trucks. Moreover, M/G/C queue system was developed for truck arrival and servicing of carriers to trucks.