Showing papers on "Design tool published in 2011"

FPGAs in Industrial Control Applications

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to review the state-of-the-art of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technologies and their contribution to industrial control applications. Authors start by addressing various research fields which can exploit the advantages of FPGAs. The features of these devices are then presented, followed by their corresponding design tools. To illustrate the benefits of using FPGAs in the case of complex control applications, a sensorless motor controller has been treated. This controller is based on the Extended Kalman Filter. Its development has been made according to a dedicated design methodology, which is also discussed. The use of FPGAs to implement artificial intelligence-based industrial controllers is then briefly reviewed. The final section presents two short case studies of Neural Network control systems designs targeting FPGAs.

Cooperative Control Design: A Systematic, Passivity-Based Approach

Abstract: 1 Introduction.- 2 Passivity As a Design Tool for Cooperative Control.- 3 Adaptive Design for Reference Velocity Recovery: Internal Model Approach.- 4 Adaptive Design for Reference Velocity Recovery: Parameterization Approach.- 5 Attitude CoordinationWithout Inertial Frame Information.- 6 The Agreement of Euler-Lagrange Systems.- 7 Synchronized Path Following.- 8 Cooperative Load Transport.- 9 Caveats for Robustness.

Do predictions of visual perception aid design

Abstract: Understanding and exploiting the abilities of the human visual system is an important part of the design of usable user interfaces and information visualizations. Designers traditionally learn qualitative rules of thumb for how to enable quick, easy, and veridical perception of their design. More recently, work in human and computer vision has produced more quantitative models of human perception, which take as input arbitrary, complex images of a design. In this article, we ask whether models of perception aid the design process, using our tool DesignEye as a working example of a perceptual tool incorporating such models. Through a series of interactions with designers and design teams, we find that the models can help, but in somewhat unexpected ways. DesignEye was capable of facilitating A/B comparisons between designs, and judgments about the quality of a design. However, overall “goodness” values were not very useful, showed signs of interfering with a natural process of trading off perceptual vs. other design issues, and would likely interfere with acceptance of a perceptual tool by professional designers. Perhaps most surprisingly, DesignEye, by providing in essence a simple visualization of the design, seemed to facilitate communication about not only perceptual aspects of design, but also about design goals and how to achieve those goals. We discuss resulting design principles for making perceptual tools useful in general.

System and method for automated real-time design checking

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time design checking of an integrated circuit design, include the operations of receiving at a design tool, design elements of an integrated circuit design entered by an integrated circuit designer; the design tool performing real-time design checks on the design elements as they are entered by the integrated circuit designer to determine whether a design element violates a design rule; when the design tool detects a violation of a design rule based on the design checks alerting the integrated circuit designer; and the design tool presenting a correction to correct the violation of the design rule. The real-time design checks can include, comparing each design element to one or more known non-compliant design elements stored in a database to determine whether a non-compliant design element was entered or is being entered by the integrated circuit designer.

TOPFARM - next generation design tool for optimisation of wind farm topology and operation

Abstract: The present report is the publishable final activity report for the EU project TOPFARM. The project has been running from 1 December 2007 to 30 November 2010, and has successfully addressed optimization of wind farm topology and control strategy based on aero-elastic modeling of loads as well as of power production as seen in an economical perspective. Crucial factors in this regard are the overall wind climate at the wind farm site, the position of the individual wind turbines, the wind turbine characteristics, the internal wind farm wind climate, the wind turbine control/operation strategy for wind turbines interacting through wakes, various cost models, the optimization strategy and a priori defined constraints imposed on the wind farm topology. In TOPFARM, the object function used in the optimization platform is formulated in economical terms, thus ensuring the optimal balance between capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, cost of fatigue lifetime consumption and power production output throughout the design lifetime of the wind farm. The report describes the project consortium and the project activities, which has been organized in 9 Work Packages. A summary description of the results is given, and reference is made to a large number of publications resulting from the project. ISSN 0106-2840 ISBN 978-87-550-3964-3 Contract no.: TREN07/FP6EN/S07.73680/038641 Group's own reg. no.: 1110062-01 Sponsorship: European Commission in the framework of the NonNuclear Energy Programme Sixth Framework Pages: 94 Tables: 7 References: 147 Information Service Department Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy Technical University of Denmark P.O.Box 49 DK-4000 Roskilde Denmark Telephone +45 46774005 bibl@risoe.dtu.dk Fax +45 46774013 www.risoe.dtu.dk

Optimal Electromagnetic-Thermo-Mechanical Integrated Design Candidate Search and Selection for Surface-Mount Permanent-Magnet Machines Considering Load Profiles

Abstract: Most existing design and optimization methods treat the electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical designs separately. As a result, the effects of power supply, machine control, load profile, thermal effects, and materials are not fully integrated and accounted for, which often leads to over- or underdesign. This paper proposes an innovative and computationally efficient approach which integrates the electromagnetic and thermo-mechanical design for surface mount permanent magnet machines. Particle swarm optimization is part of this integrated process to efficiently find design candidates which optimize certain requirements, such as weight, efficiency, etc. The effects of power supplies, machine controls, load profiles, thermal effects, and materials can thus all be considered systematically in the proposed multiphysics design approach. This results in a multiphysics design tool that can rapidly locate an optimal design candidate for further consideration.

Reservoir Simulation and Modeling Based on Pattern Recognition

Abstract: In this paper a new class of reservoir models that are developed based on the pattern recognition technologies collectively known as Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining (AI&DM) is introduced. The workflows developed based on this new class of reservoir simulation and modeling tools break new ground in modeling fluid flow through porous media by providing a completely new and different angle on reservoir simulation and modeling. The philosophy behind this modeling approach and its major commonalities and differences with numerical and analytical models are explored and two different categories of such models are explained. Details of this technology are presented using examples of most recent applications to several prolific reservoirs in the Middle East and in the Gulf of Mexico. AI-Based reservoir models can be developed for green or brown fields. Since these models are developed based on spatio-temporal databases that are specifically developed for this purpose, they require the existence of a basic numerical reservoir simulator for the green fields while can be developed entirely based on historical data for brown fields. The run-time of AI-Based reservoir models that provide complete field responses is measured in seconds rather than minutes and hours (even for a multi-million grid block reservoir). Therefore, providing means for fast track reservoir analysis and AIassisted history matching are intrinsic characteristics of these models. AI-Based Reservoir Models can completely substitute numerical reservoir simulation models, work side by side but completely independent or be integrated with them in order to increase their productivity. Advantages associated with AI-Based Reservoir Models are short development time, low development cost, fast track analysis and have the practical capability to quantify the uncertainties associated with the static model. AI-Based Reservoir Model includes a novel design tool for comprehensive analysis of the full field and design of field development strategies to meet operational targets. They have open data requirement architecture that can accommodate a wide variety of data from pressure tests to seismic.

Agent-oriented modeling and development of a person-following mobile robot

Abstract: This paper introduces a multi-agent system (MAS) approach using the detailed process provided by Prometheus methodology for the design of a moving robot application for the detection and following of humans. Our conjecture is that complex autonomous robotic systems have to be fully modeled in their initial design stages by means of agent-based technology. The application has been completely modeled with the Prometheus Design Tool (PDT), which offers full support to Prometheus methodology. Code has been generated in the agent-oriented programming language JACK.

Insight, innovation, and the big picture in system design

Abstract: Systems architecting is the design phase where the top-level functions and performance of a system are distributed over the system's parts, its environment, and its users. Up till now, system architects had to largely learn the required skills in practice. Some courses exist that teach the right attitude and mindset for the system architect. However, methods for architecting that can be implemented in a computer tool are virtually nonexistent. Earlier we presented a method, FunKey Architecting, which may aid the system architect in the early phase of design. In combination with TRIZ a design tool is created, which can be used to simplify and improve system architectures. It aims at supporting both the system designer and the specialist designers working on systems. The main topic of the paper is the application of the method in two industrial cases. The one case is an environment where new technology has to be developed and state of the art physics have to meet machine construction principles. The other case is in an industry where well-proven technology is used in such a way that high-performance machines are created. A third application of the FunKey tool is performed by students at the University of Twente. The context of each case and the results will be described. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 14 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Particle swarm optimization for the design and characterization of silica-based photonic crystal fiber amplifiers

Abstract: In recent years, the development of photonic crystal fibers has allowed novel opportunities for enhancing optical amplifier characteristics. In this field, accurate numerical modeling is a significant need to predict the device behavior. Conventional approaches perform this task by using methods which could yield solutions characterized by divergent or unstably convergent algorithms. Global optimization methods can be considered as efficient tools to face this problem. In this paper, the application of particle swarm optimization to perform the design and characterization of photonic crystal fiber amplifiers is proposed. The employment of this technique shows different attractive features. In particular, solutions are found quickly and the implementation of the algorithm does not require complicated evolutionary operators. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the approach for both the design and characterization of a fiber amplifier. In fact, if considered as a design tool, the obtained numerical results are in good accordance with respect to the ones yielded by a conventional approach. If considered as a characterization tool, the algorithm performs a forecasting, allowing to determine parameters, such as homogeneous upconversion coefficients, whose computation could present difficulties when it is obtained via direct or indirect measurements.

An analytical complementary FEA tool for optimizing of axial-flux permanent-magnet machines

Abstract: This paper presents an analytical approach to calculate the magnetic field in a slotted axial-flux permanent-magnet machine. The method is modeled on a simple nonlinear magnetic analysis of an equivalent magnetic circuit with a saturationpossible magnetic-reluctance core in a slotted axial-flux permanent-magnet machine. It calculates flux distribution and torque characteristic in various operating conditions. Its accuracy and validity are verified by results that match those of a Finite Element Analysis model. This method serves as a complementary design tool to FEA especially in expediting design optimization of an electrical machine. The method is as accurate as FEA but betters FEA with its shorter computation time, making it the better alternative in initial estimations. After verification of the analysis, sensitivity to design variables by using the proposed model is presented. The sensitivity analysis through the proposed magnetic circuit of the AFPM machine provides an effective way for selection of design parameters. These parameters are iteratively adjusted through multi-objective optimal design in order to obtain maximum output torque and efficiency. Simulation results show AFPM machine efficiency to be affected the most by its diameter, followed by magnet fraction, and the least by back-iron thickness.

Computer-aided structural design of punches and dies for progressive die based on functional component

Abstract: Punches and dies are the real operating components and account for a large portion in the progressive die design procedure. This paper presents a structural design tool for punches and dies for progressive dies of motor core based on functional component. The descriptive model of punch and die component is established which contains three aspect of information, geometry information, assembly-related constraint attribute and hole-related information on plates. Based on the classification and 3D modeling method of punches and dies, the library of components for punches and dies is set up according to the descriptive model. Methods for modeling and data management for components of punches and dies are discussed in detail. The proposed tool for progressive die for motor cores can complete the design of five classes of punches and dies and generate holes on plates automatically. This design tool is constructed on a PC and integrated with a SolidWorks CAD system. The progressive die design for the motor core of house appliance is employed as a practical example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design tool. The results reveal that it can dramatically improve the design quality and can save both time and costs.

Evaluating Wikis as a Communicative Medium for Collaboration Within Colocated and Distributed Engineering Design Teams

Abstract: Wikis, freely editable collections of web pages, exhibit potential for a flexible documentation and communication tool for collaborative design tasks as well as support for team design thinking early in the design process. The purpose of this work is to analyze dimensions of wiki technologies from a communication perspective as applicable to design. A wiki was introduced in a globally distributed product development course, and the experiences and performance of colocated and distributed teams in the course were assessed through observations, surveys, and site usage analytics. With a focus on communication in design, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of using wikis in student engineering design teams. Our goal is to use wiki technologies to enhance support for design processes while exploiting the potential for increasing shared understanding among teams. Distributed teams used the wiki more as a design tool and were more supportive of its use in the course whereas colocated teams used it for documentation. The usage patterns, the number and type of files uploaded, and the wiki structure provided indicators of better performing teams. The findings also suggest ways to improve and inform students about best practices using the wiki for design and to transform the wiki as a support tool for communication during early design collaboration. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4004115]

Development of a Two-Dimensional Streamline Curvature Code

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) compressor flow simulation software has always been a very valuable tool in compressor preliminary design studies, as well as in compressor performance assessment operating under uniform and non-uniform inlet conditions. This type of software can also be used as a supplementary teaching tool. In this context, a new streamline curvature (SLC) software has been developed capable of analyzing the flow inside a compressor in two dimensions. The software was developed to provide great flexibility in the sense that it can be used as: (a) a performance prediction tool for compressors of a known design, (b) a development tool to assess the changes in performance of a known compressor after implementing small geometrical changes, (c) a design tool to verify and refine the outcome of a preliminary compressor design analysis, and (d) a teaching tool to provide the student with an insight of the 2D flow field inside a compressor and how this could be effectively predicted using the SLC method combined with various algorithms and cascade models. Apart from describing in detail the design, structure, and execution of the SLC software, this paper also stresses the importance of developing robust, well thought-out software and highlights the main areas a potential programmer should focus on in order to achieve this. This text also highlights the programming features incorporated into the development of the software in order to make it amenable for teaching purposes. The paper reviews in detail the set of cascade models incorporated for subsonic and supersonic flow, for design and off-design operating conditions. More-over, the methods used for the prediction of surge and choke are discussed in detail. The code has been validated against experimental results, which are presented in this paper together with the strong and weak points of this first version of the software and the potential for future development. Finally, an indicative case study is presented in which the shift of streamlines and radial velocity profiles is demonstrated under the influence of two sets of compressor inlet boundary conditions.

A Switching-Mode Power Supply Design Tool to Improve Learning in a Power Electronics Course

Abstract: The static design of ac/dc and dc/dc switching-mode power supplies (SMPS) relies on a simple but repetitive process. Although specific spreadsheets, available in various computer-aided design (CAD) programs, are widely used, they are difficult to use in educational applications. In this paper, a graphic tool programmed in MATLAB is presented, which allows students to apply and to reflect upon the knowledge acquired in theoretical classes. This tool has been successfully employed in the course “Sistemas Electronicos de Alimentacion” in the Telecommunications Engineering degree as part of a project in new education methods (University of Oviedo project PB-08-019). During practical sessions, the students used the tool to design a SMPS, achieving better learning results than was the case without the tool. In addition, the tool was successfully used to improve the students' theoretical knowledge of the subject.

AusZEH Design: software for low-emission and zero-emission house design in Australia

Abstract: A holistic strategy to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the residential housing sector will involve the design and delivery of new houses with low or zero emissions. This paper presents a new tool for the design of individual low-emission and zero-emission houses in Australia. Based on the engine of CSIRO's AccuRate house energy efficiency rating software but with new modules and capabilities, the AusZEH Design tool combines a whole house energy consumption tool with a supply-demand matching optimisation model. It deals with the technical and economic optimisation of the individual house energy demand and on-site renewable supply system. The tool enables evaluation of demand-reduction technologies and their integration given the building location, construction and occupancy scenarios.

A design tool for efficient mapping of multimedia applications onto heterogeneous platforms

Abstract: Development of multimedia systems on heterogeneous platforms is a challenging task with existing design tools due to a lack of rigorous integration between high level abstract modeling, and low level synthesis and analysis. In this paper, we present a new dataflow-based design tool, called the targeted dataflow interchange format (TDIF), for design, analysis, and implementation of embedded software for multimedia systems. Our approach provides novel capabilities, based on the principles of task-level dataflow analysis, for exploring and optimizing interactions across application behavior; operational context; heterogeneous platforms, including high performance embedded processing architectures; and implementation constraints.

Cooling system early-stage design tool for naval applications

Abstract: This research applies the principles of naval architecture and mechanical engineering to the early-stage design of cooling systems on surface warships. The primary research objective is to build a Cooling System Design Tool (CSDT) which can rapidly generate system visualizations, compute weight, dimensions and cost of system components, and analyze survivability characteristics of cooling systems onboard a warship. We demonstrate the efficacy of this tool by applying it to analyze several pertinent examples on variations of a notional destroyer-sized vessel.

Parabolic Leaf Spring Optimization and Fatigue Strength Evaluation on the Base of Road Load Data, Endurance Rig Tests and Non Linear Finite Element Analysis

Abstract: Parabolic leaf spring plays a vital role in the suspension systems, since it has an effect on ride comfort and vehicle dynamics. Primarily, leaf spring endurance must be ensured. Presently, there are two approaches to design a leaf spring. In traditional method, fatigue tests should be repeated for each case considering different material, geometry and suspension hard points. However, it takes a long time and requires heavy budget to get the optimized solution. In the recent method, numerical approach is used to obtain the fatigue life and the leaf geometry against the environmental condition on the base of material properties. This paper presents a more precise method based on non-linear finite element solutions by evaluating the effects of the production parameters, the geometrical tolerances and the variations in the characteristics of the material. In other words, it is a hybrid method, between the traditional and the recent ones, which correlates the real life conditions and the results of computer aided engineering. The leaf springs in different characteristics have been produced and tested in the plant of OlgunCelik plant. The design methodology of this paper brings also a practical approach to the professionals in the industry. It aims to create a design tool with 2D FEA which is well correlated with 3D.The correlation of 3D and simple 2D methods with experiments are validated through a design of experiment (DOE) study. INTRODUCTION Parabolic leaf springs are the components of the suspension system. They perform isolation task in transferring vibration due to road conditions to body. There are various versions of the parabolic leaf springs such as parabolic, multi-parabolic and z-leaf spring. Development of a leaf spring is a long process which requires lots of test to validate the design and manufacturing variables. We have used CAE to shorten this development cycle by implying CAE as much as possible to reduce the tests. A systematic procedure is obtained where CAE and tests are used together. LEAF SPRING HYBRID DESIGN METHODOLOGY Every design method having CAE in the process must be based on validated virtual models. We have validated our finite element analysis models by experimental studies. These studies were carried out by the controlled manufacturing processes, measured manufacturing variables and comparison of the test results and virtual model using real variables. Primary output obtained from both test or finite element analysis of leaf springs are spring rate (force, displacement) and fatigue strength. In order to understand the parameters affecting fatigue strength of the leaf spring we have carried out a series of experiments in varying conditions. We have determined 26 parameters affecting fatigue results (Table1) depending on our experience and leaf spring boundary diagram (Table 2). Some of the parameters are major and other are minor. Design process starts with conceptual phase w general dimensions and shape of the leaf spring are determined. Conceptual phase decisions are based on experience and in-house software. Then a finite element model with nominal parameters is created. Design is optimized initially with nominal parameters. to reach required force-displacement curve, hence spring rate and stress level which is one of the important factors defining the fatigue strength. Then factors affecting fatigue are selected from the list given in Table 1 depending on project type, known tolerances, supplier data etc. The effect of these variables are studied in CAE by means of 3D and 2D models. This step is known as Design of Experiment (DOE). As a result of this DOE study, not only the CAD models but also decisions that are taken given in Table 1 are optimized. Prototypes are after having been produced. Figure 1. Hybrid Design Process

A MILP based design tool for FTTH access networks with consideration of demand growth

Abstract: The requirement of high bandwidth services such as High Definition TV over IPTV, online gaming, high speed Internet, etc. makes the deployment of FTTx networks the best choice to deliver those services. However, an optimal design of FTTx access networks requires the consideration of many factors, such as the type, number, position of component, cabling paths, demand distribution and future growth. With the manual approach, quality of designs often varies based on the planners' experience. In addition, the pressure imposed on the planner makes it impossible to produce an optimal design. In this paper, based on a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) approach, a design tool is proposed to automate the FTTH designs with respect to future growth. Different planning scenarios have been considered in order to investigate the impact of the future growth and the planning methodology on the planning cost with respect to the cost of materials/installation.

Expanding the Scope: Interaction Design Perspectives for Visual Analytics

Abstract: In this paper, we explore the current state of interaction design in visual analytics. Current visual analytics design is heavily focused on interface issues like scalability and tool functionality; this focus is necessary, but it should not be exclusive. Further, most consideration of human cognition is done after tool development in the form of limited evaluation. We argue that, by definition, visual analytics is the science of analytical reasoning facilitated by visual interfaces, and as such, should consider complex human cognition in visual analytics design before and after tool development. We discuss two extant approaches to interaction design (Activity Theory and Participatory Design) and discuss how they might be applied, as well as the potential benefits to these approaches. We also introduce a design tool adapted for visual analytics, and provide an example of visual analytics interaction design in action. Future implications of this work are also discussed.

Evolutionary Design of a Robotic Manipulator for a Highly Constrained Environment

Abstract: This paper presents the design of a manipulator working in a highly constrained workspace. The difficulties implied by the geometry of the environment lead to resort to evolutionary-aided design techniques. As the solution space is likely to be shaped strangely due to the particular environment, a special attention is paid to support the algorithm exploration and avoid negative impacts from the problem formulation, the fitness function or the evaluation. In that respect, a specific genome able to encompass all cases is set up and a constraint compliant control law is used to avoid the arbitrary penalization of robots. The presented results illustrate the methodology adopted to work with the developed evolutionary-aided design tool.

Multi Agent System Architecture Oriented Prometheus Methodology Design to Facilitate Security of Cloud Data Storage

Abstract: Security plays an important role in the development of Multi Agent Systems (MAS). However, a careful analysis of software development processes shows that the definition of security requirements is, usually, considered after the design of the system. This is, mainly, due to the fact that agent oriented software engineering methodologies have not integrated security concerns throughout their developing stages. Designing a team of agents that can work together toward a common goal is one of the challenges in the research area of agent-oriented software engineering. Prometheus is an agent-oriented software engineering methodology. The Prometheus Design Tool (PDT) is a graphical editor which supports the design tasks specified within the Prometheus methodology for designing agent systems. The tool propagates information where possible and ensures consistency between various parts of the design. The main purpose of this paper is to design MAS architecture that can be used to facilitate confidentiality, correctness assurance, availability and integrity of Cloud Data Storage (CDS) or cloud data center. The proposed MAS architecture includes five types of agents: Cloud Service Provider Agent (CSPA), Cloud Data Confidentiality Agent (CDConA), Cloud Data Correctness Agent (CDCorA), Cloud Data Availability Agent (CDAA) and Cloud Data Integrity Agent (CDIA).