bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DSM-Based Product Representation for Design Process Modularity
Authors: Lai Xiaoxia , Gershenson John K.
Published: July 2009

An appropriate modularity representation is of critical importance in modular design. Without an appropriate representation, modular design cannot realize its benefits. In this paper, a representation for DSM-based modular product design is developed that facilitates product modularization with respect to the design process. The representation is based upon previous work presented in this venue that details representations for the assembly and manufacturing processes (Lai and Gershenson, 2007a; Lai and Gershenson, 2007b). The representation for the design process includes a design process similarity matrix and a design process dependency matrix. The definition of design process similarity uses information available in early stage design and is based on the similarity of the design tools and resources required for later stage design. Design process similarity within a module leads to increased design efficiency from the sharing of functional and geometric analyses and possibly the savings of not needing to “un-immerse” from a particular design task to “re-immerse” in the design of the next component. The definition of design process dependency is based on the connectivity caused by components’ design process attributes with the goal of fewer design interactions between different modules. With zero dependencies between modules, we hope to contain the cascade of design changes within each module, and prevent the need to redesign other modules. In this paper, we first present which design process elements we should consider for defining design process similarity and dependency, and then construct respective similarity and dependency factors tables. These tables include similarity and dependency factors, which, along with their values, are important in determining a product’s modular architecture at the early stages of design. Finally, a computer mouse is used to illustrate how to apply these factors tables to generate the similarity and dependency matrices that represent product modularity for the product design process. Using these representations as input to the DSM-based modular design methods, we can achieve a design with a modular architecture that improves design efficiency in the later stages of design. In the future, we hope to extend and generalize the process for developing product modularity representations so that it is applicable across all life-cycle processes.
System-Level Optimization Model for a Snake-Inspired Robot Based on a Rectilinear Gait
Authors: Hopkins James K. , Spranklin Brent W. , Gupta Satyandra K.
Published: July 2009

Physical parameters of modules and gait parameters affect the overall snake-inspired robot performance. Hence the system-level optimization model has to concurrently optimize the module parameters and the gait. The equations of motion associated with the rectilinear gait are quite complex due to the changing topology of the rectilinear gait. Embedding these equations in the system-level optimization model leads to a computationally challenging formulation. This paper presents a system-level optimization model that utilizes a hierarchical optimization approach and meta-models of the pre-computed optimal gaits to reduce the complexity of the optimization model. This approach enabled us to use an experimentally validated physics-based model of the rectilinear gait and yet at the same time enabled us to create a system-level optimization model with a manageable complexity. A detailed case study is presented to show the importance of concurrently optimizing the module parameters and the gait using our model to obtain the optimal performance for a given mission.
A Proposed Taxonomy for Physical Prototypes: Structure and Validation
Authors: Hannah Rachel , Michaelraj Ashwin , Summers Joshua D.
Published: July 2009

This paper introduces a taxonomy of physical prototypes, benchmarking it with existing classifications to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages. The proffered taxonomy is evaluated by three approaches: (i) checking the orthogonality of the individual elements of the taxonomy, (ii) benchmarking the proposed taxonomy with existing classifications of prototypes, and (iii) demonstrating its utility by applying it to classify different prototypes. The results show the proposed taxonomy is capable of distinguishing prototypes with greater precision than what is possible with current classifications. Further, the proposed classification is generally orthogonal, allowing for more consistent delineation between prototypes. However, the findings also reveal that some of the taxa are interdependent; exploring these interdependencies to develop a deeper understanding of how prototyping influences design thinking is the focus of future research.
Interpretive MPI for Parallel Computing
Authors: Chou Yu-Cheng , Cheng Harry H.
Published: July 2009

Message Passing Interface (MPI) is a standardized library specification designed for message-passing parallel programming on large-scale distributed systems. A number of MPI libraries have been implemented to allow users to develop portable programs using the scientific programming languages, Fortran, C and C++. Ch is an embeddable C/C++ interpreter that provides an interpretive environment for C/C++ based scripts and programs. Combining Ch with any MPI C/C++ library provides the functionality for rapid development of MPI C/C++ programs without compilation. In this article, the method of interfacing Ch scripts with MPI C implementations is introduced by using the MPICH2 C library as an example. The MPICH2-based Ch MPI package provides users with the ability to interpretively run MPI C program based on the MPICH2 C library. Running MPI programs through the MPICH2-based Ch MPI package across heterogeneous platforms consisting of Linux and Windows machines is illustrated. Comparisons for the bandwidth, latency, and parallel computation speedup between C MPI, Ch MPI, and MPI for Python in an Ethernet-based environment comprising identical Linux machines are presented. A Web-based example is given to demonstrate the use of Ch and MPICH2 in C based CGI scripting to facilitate the development of Web-based applications for parallel computing.
Planning on Mistakes: An Approach to Incorporate Error Checking Into the Design Process
Authors: Devendorf Erich , Lewis Kemper
Published: July 2009

Mistakes in the design process have been recognized as a major source of product quality loss. There are several methods currently used to identify and quantify these mistakes. However, these methods typically do not provide a useful context within which to quantitatively incorporate mistakes into the design process in a beneficial way. This paper presents an approach to determine when it is appropriate to perform error checking to eliminate a potential mistake. The proposed approach is intended to be used when time is a limited design resource and design goals are technically attainable. It is proposed that the cost of a mistake can be quantified as the amount of time a mistake adds or subtracts from the overall time required to achieve the design’s objectives. To determine this, an optimization problem is formulated which minimizes time spent in the design process. In this optimization problem the design variables are the binary choice whether or not to perform an error check. The approach is demonstrated in two case studies, one a simple theoretical design problem and the other the design of an I-beam. The results of these case studies demonstrate the approach’s effectiveness, and present several avenues for future work.
Robot-Assisted 3D Mapping of Search and Rescue Environments
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Nejat Goldie
Published: July 2009

In this paper a unique landmark identification method is proposed for identifying large distinguishable landmarks for 3D Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) in unknown cluttered urban search and rescue (USAR) environments. The novelty of the method is the utilization of both 3D (i.e., depth images) and 2D images. By utilizing a Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) -based approach and incorporating 3D depth imagery, we can achieve more reliable and robust recognition and matching of landmarks from multiple images for 3D mapping of the environment. Preliminary experiments utilizing the proposed methodology verify: (i) its ability to identify clusters of SIFT keypoints in both 3D and 2D images for representation of potential landmarks in the scene, and (ii) the use of the identified landmarks in constructing a 3D map of unknown cluttered USAR environments.
A Finite Element Approach for the Implementation of Magnetostrictive Material Terfenol-D in CNG Fuel Injection Actuation
Authors: Chowdhury H. A. , Olabi A. G.
Published: July 2009

In applications broadly defined for actuation, magnetostrictive materials possess intrinsic rapid response times while providing small and accurate displacements and high-energy efficiency, which are some of the essential parameters for fast control of fuel injector valves for decreased engine emissions and lower fuel consumption. This paper investigates the application of Terfenol-D as a magnetostrictive actuator material for CNG fuel injection actuation. A prototype fuel injector assembly, which includes Terfenol-D as the core actuator material, was modeled in Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) simulation software for 2D magnetics simulation. FEMM was used in order to determine the coil-circuit parameters and the required flux density or applied magnetic field to achieve the desired magnetostrictive strain, and consequently, the injector needle lift. The FEMM magnetic simulation was carried out with four different types of AWG coil wires and four different coil thicknesses of the entire injector assembly in order to evaluate the relationship between the different coil types and thicknesses against the achieved strain or injector lift.
Nanomechanical Peeling of Carbon Nanotubes and Nanocoils Studied Using the Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Strus Mark C. , Raman Arvind , Zalamea Luis , Pipes R. Byron
Published: July 2009

The physics of adhesion of one-dimensional nanostructures such as nanotubes, nanocoils, and nanowires is of great interest to the functioning and reliability of nanoelectronic devices and the development of high-strength, lightweight nanocomposites. Here, we extend previous work using the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to investigate quantitatively the physics of nanomechanical peeling of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanocoils on different substrates. We summarize previous modeling results which predict that an initially straight nanotube peeled from a surface may transition suddenly between different geometric configurations with vastly different interfacial energies. In contrast, nanocoils display a sawtooth peeling force curve indicating the sequential release of discrete pinning points. We resolve differences in nanotube peeling energies at attoJoule levels on different materials, thus opening up the possibility of sensitive screening of fiber coatings or material surfaces for improved adhesion in nanocomposites.
Drilling of Microholes on Silicon Wafer With Ultrasonic Workpiece Holder
Authors: Tsui Chuan-Yu , Wu Chia-Che , Lu Ming-Chyuan , Huang Chi-Feng
Published: July 2009

This paper presents a study to improve machining quality concerning the method of drilling ceramics and other hard and brittle materials such as silicon wafers. Instead of making the drill vibrate by the ultrasonic actuator, a new design of PZT-driving ultrasonic workpiece wafer holder is proposed to ensure the high quality, high efficiency and longer life for micro tools in drilling the silicon wafer. In this paper, ultrasonic workpiece holders are first designed by FEA and fabricated experimentally. Then, the ultrasonic holders is used for a series of experiments under different vibration conditions to examine the behavior of drilled hole accuracy, and edge chipping on the drilled hold surface. Also, the behavior of tool during ultrasonic vibration of holder is examined experimentally. The result demonstrates the ultrasonic workpiece holder could enhance the quality and efficiency for drilling silicon wafers.
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Simulation: How Battery Weight and Charging Patterns Impact Cost, Fuel Consumption, and CO2 Emissions
Authors: Hauffe Richard , Samaras Constantine , Michalek Jeremy J.
Published: July 2009

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology is receiving attention as an approach to reducing U.S. dependency on foreign oil and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the transportation sector. Because plug-in vehicles require large batteries for energy storage, battery weight can have a significant impact on vehicle performance: Additional storage capacity increases the range that a PHEV can travel on electricity from the grid; however, the associated increased weight causes reduced efficiency in transforming electricity and gasoline into miles driven. We examine vehicle simulation models for PHEVs and identify trends in fuel consumption, operating costs, and GHG emissions as battery capacity is increased. We find that PHEVs with large battery capacity consume less gasoline than small capacity PHEVs when charged every 200 miles or less. When charged frequently, small capacity PHEVs are less expensive to operate and release fewer GHGs, but medium and large capacity PHEVs are more efficient for drivers that charge every 25–100 miles. While statistics on average commute length suggest that frequent charges are possible, answering the question of which PHEV designs will best help to achieve national goals will require a realistic understanding of likely consumer driving and charging behavior as well as future trends in electricity generation.
Topology Synthesis of Multi-Component Structural Assemblies in Continuum Domains
Authors: Yıldız Ali R. , Saitou Kazuhiro
Published: July 2009

Most structural products have complex geometry to meet customer’s demand of high functionality. Since manufacturing those products in one piece is either impossible or uneconomical, most structural products are assemblies of components with simpler geometries. The conventional way to design structural assemblies is to design overall geometry first, and then decompose the geometry to determine the part boundary and joint locations. This two-step process, however, can lead to sub-optimal designs since the product geometry, even if optimized as one piece, would not be optimal after decomposition. This paper presents a method for synthesizing structural assemblies directly from the design specifications, without going through the two-step process. Given an extended design domain with boundary and loading conditions, the method simultaneously optimizes the topology and geometry of an entire structure and the location and configuration of joints, considering structural performance, manufacturability, and assembleability. As a relaxation of our previous work utilizing a beam-based ground structure [1], this paper presents a new formulation in a continuum design domain, which greatly enhances the ability to represent complex structural geometry observed in real-world products. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to obtain Pareto optimal solutions that exhibits trade-offs among stiffness, weight, manufacturability, and assembleability.
Elastic Kinematic and Geometric Model of Harmonic Gear Drives
Authors: Dong Huimin , Wang Delun , Ting Kwun-Lon
Published: July 2009

The paper presents the first elastic meshing law and spatial elastic conjugation tooth profile for harmonic gear drives. The kinematics and geometry of harmonic drives that have a cup-type flexible spline with an oval wave generator is investigated. The deformation function of the neutral layer of a flexspline is investigated and calculation example is taken by non-linear finite element software. The mathematic model of kinematics of harmonic drive is set up, in which the spatial deformation of a flexspline is separated into a set of deformed curves on the cross sections vertical to the axis. Thus, the spatial engagement in harmonic drive can be visualized as a set of planar engagement. The properties of the instant center and the centrodes of the flexspline tooth relative to the circular spline are studied. The phenomenon of twice engagement at one tooth point of circular spline is found for the first time. The planar gearing engagement and the instant center equation are analyzed and a vigorous spatial elastic conjugation theory is provided for harmonic gear drive.
Parametric Modeling and Optimization of Chemical Vapor Deposition Process
Authors: Lin Po Ting , Jaluria Yogesh , Gea Hae Chang
Published: July 2009

This paper focuses on the parametric modeling and optimization of the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process for the deposition of thin films of silicon from silane in a vertical impinging CVD reactor. The parametric modeling using Radial Basis Function (RBF) for various functions which are related to the deposition rate and uniformity of the thin films are studied. These models are compared and validated with additional sampling data. Based on the parametric models, different optimization formulations for maximizing the deposition rate and the working areas of thin film are performed.
Velocity and Acceleration Analyses of Lower Mobility Platforms via Screw Theory
Authors: Rico Jose´ M. , Cervantes-Sa´nchez J. Jesu´s , Gallardo Jaime , Aguilera Luis Daniel
Published: July 2009

In recent years there has been several contributions that approach the velocity and acceleration analyses of the so-called “lower mobility platforms” by employing kinematic influence co-efficients. The present contribution shows that, employing simple modifications, a method presented eight years ago for the velocity and acceleration analyses of Gough-Stewart platforms can be applied also to lower mobility platforms. Since the method is based on screw theory, it is simpler than that based on kinematic influence coefficients and it does not require the use of cumbersome three-dimensional arrays of real numbers.
A Study of Covariance Functions for Multi-Response Metamodeling for Simulation-Based Design and Optimization
Authors: Romero David A. , Amon Cristina H. , Finger Susan
Published: July 2009

The optimal design of complex systems in engineering requires the availability of mathematical models of system’s behavior as a function of a set of design variables; such models allow the designer to find the best solution to the design problem. However, system models (e.g. CFD analysis, physical prototypes) are usually time-consuming and expensive to evaluate, and thus unsuited for systematic use during design. Approximate models, or metamodels, of system behavior based on a limited set of data allow significant savings by reducing the resources devoted to modeling during the design process. In our work in engineering design based on multiple performance criteria, we propose the use of Multi-response Bayesian Surrogate Models (MRBSM) to model several aspects of system behavior jointly, instead of modeling each individually. By doing so, it is expected that the observed correlation among the response variables can be used to achieve better models with smaller data sets. In this work, we study the approximation capabilities of several covariance functions needed for multi-response metamodeling with MRBSM, performing a simulation study in which we compare MRBSM based on different covariance functions against metamodels built individually for each response. Our preliminary results indicate that MRBSM outperforms individual metamodels in 46% to 67% of the test cases, though the relative performance of the studied covariance functions is highly dependent on the sampling scheme used and the actual correlation among the observed response values.
Heat Compensation in Buildings Using Thermoelectric Windows: An Energy Efficient Window Technology
Authors: Birthwright Rhys-Sheffer , Messac Achille , Harren-Lewis Timothy , Rangavajhala Sirisha
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we explore the design of thermoelectric (TE) windows for applications in building structures. Thermoelectric windows are equipped with TE units in the window frame to provide a heat absorption power, given a direct current input. We explore the design performance of the TE window to compensate for its own heat gains. While existing energy efficient windows have made advances towards reducing the heat transfer through them, they still depend on the building’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to compensate for their heat gains. Our research explores the design of a window that can actively compensate for the passive heat flow through the window panes, and to do so with a better coefficient of performance (COP) than conventional HVAC systems. We also optimize the TE window design, and present results of the potential performance for practical applications in the building structure. For the geographic locations considered (Hawaii and Miami), the results are promising. Interestingly, the proposed TE window design actively compensates for the conduction heat gains with a COP greater than three, while that of conventional systems is typically less than three.
Engineering Search by Combining Shape and Ontology
Authors: Li Zhanjun , Peine William J. , Ramani Karthik
Published: July 2009

A significant amount of information generated during design and manufacturing contains textual and geometric descriptions such as CAD drawings. Solely text-based or geometry-based approaches have been prevalent in current engineering information retrieval techniques. In order to further enhance the retrieval performance and provide more cohesive engineering search environment, we developed a unified framework that combines text-based and geometry-based approaches. On the text side, we present a novel engineering ontology based retrieval that takes drawing annotations as input data. On the geometry side, we use a novel shape-based 2D drawing retrieval method with sketch query input. This multi-modal retrieval framework is applied on data obtained from an industry surgical robot design repository. The preliminary result is promising.
Modeling and Simulation of a Bio-Mimetic MEMS Actuator With Self-Sensing for Thrombus Retrieving
Authors: Chen Xi , Shi Yong , Mangla Sundeep , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2009

A new bio-mimetic MEMS actuator device with self-sensing used for thrombus retrieving is presented. The device contains four laterally apposed triangular teeth forming a square which is inspired by the jaws of an earthworm that has radial teeth around a circular mouth. Each tooth is fixed only at the perimeter of the square and consists of several layers including piezoelectric material (PZT) layers, electrode layers (Ti/Pt) and diffusion barrier layers. Due to mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients of different layers, each of the four triangular teeth would initially curve up after the micro fabrication opening the “jaws” of the device. The teeth can then be driven to a closed position by applying an electric field to the PZT layers. The self-sensing method of the piezoelectric device is used for detecting the external force exerted by the teeth and feedback control system in this bio-mimetic MEMS actuator device. The mathematic model which can be used to calculate and control the residual stress causing the curvature of these teeth is discussed. Additionally, residual stress coupled with the piezoelectric stress and external force is also considered. The materials and thickness are optimized by using the linear model developed in this paper. Moreover, with this mathematic model and geometry of these teeth, the motion tracks driven by two different modes are simulated.
An Expressive Socially Assistive Robot for Health-Care Applications
Authors: Allison Brian , Nejat Goldie
Published: July 2009

It is anticipated that the use of assistive robots will be one of the most important service applications of robotic systems of the future. In this paper, a unique non-contact socially assistive robot consisting of a human-like demeanor is presented for utilization in hospital wards and veteran homes to study its role and impact on the well-being of patients, addressing patient’s needs and its overall effect on the quality of patient care. The robot will be an embodied entity that will participate in hands-off non-contact social interaction with a patient during the convalescence, rehabilitation or end-of-life care stage. The robot has been designed as a platform to incorporate the three design parameters of embodiment, emotion and non-verbal communication to encourage natural interactions between a person and itself. In this paper, we present the mechanical design of the robot. The robot is able to communicate via: (i) a unique human-like face with artificial skin that utilizes the modeling of muscles of a human face to express facial expressions, (ii) a 3 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) neck capable of expressing head gestures, and (iii) an upper torso consisting of a 2 DOF waist and two 4 DOF arms designed to mimic human-like body language.
Predicting 5th and 95th Percentile Anthropometric Segment Lengths From Population Stature
Authors: Fromuth Robert C. , Parkinson Matthew B.
Published: July 2009

Designing for human variability frequently necessitates an estimation of the spatial requirements of the intended user population. These measures are often obtained from “proportionality constants” which predict the lengths of relevant anthropometry using stature. This approach is attractive because it is readily adapted to new populations—only knowledge of a single input, stature, is necessary to obtain the estimates. The most commonly used ratios are those presented in Drillis and Contini’s report from 1966 [1]. Despite the prevalence of their use, these particular values are limited because the size and diversity of the population from which these ratios were derived is not in the literature, and the actual body dimensions that each ratio represents are not clear. Furthermore, they are often misinterpreted and used inappropriately. This paper introduces a new approach, the “boundary ratio” which mitigates many of these issues. Boundary ratios improve on the traditional application of proportionality constants by: 1) explicitly defining the body dimensions, 2) defining constants for the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile measures, and 3) providing distinct constants for males and females when necessary. This approach is shown to better model the range of variability exhibited in population body dimensions.
Topology and Dimensional Synthesis of Linkage Mechanism Based on the Constrained Superposition Method
Authors: Chen Wei-Ju , Chang Ching-Jui , Gea Hae Chang
Published: July 2009

Gradient search methods for linkage synthesis have difficulty on the design convergence due to the non-convexity and non-uniqueness characteristics on linkage design. Although evolutionary optimization approach can solve non-convex problems and produce multiple optimal solutions, it cannot be applied to linkage synthesis easily because a general and efficient method for mechanism analysis is not available. In order to automate the linkage synthesis process, a novel linkage analysis method, called the Constrained Superposition Method (CSM), is presented in this paper. The CSM is based on the concept of Finite Element Analysis. The CSM can analyze any linkage mechanism with Single-Input-Single-Output (SISO). To further improve the efficiency of evolutionary optimization process, two feasibility checks are introduced to ensure the connectivity and mobility. Finally, four linkage synthesis examples are presented and discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method.
Engineering by Fundamental Elements of Evolution
Authors: Yogev Or , Shapiro Andrew A. , Antonsson Erik K.
Published: July 2009

The method presented in this note mimics two fundamental mechanisms from nature, growth, and development, for the synthesis of new three-dimensional structures. The structures were synthesized to support a load generated by a wind. Every structure grows from a single artificial cell following a set of genes, encoded in an artificial genome shared by all cells. Genes are a set of commands that control the growth process. Genes are regulated by interaction with the environment. The environment is both external and internal to the structure. The performance each structure is measured by its ability to hold the load and other additional engineering criteria. A population of structures is evolved using a genetic algorithm, which alters the genome of two mating individuals. We will present evolved phenotypes with high degrees of modularity and symmetry which evolved according to engineering criteria. Neither one of these two characteristics has been directly imposed as the fitness evaluation, but rather spontaneously emerge as a consequence of natural selection. We will argue that the types of rules we are using in this model are not biased toward any of these characteristics, but rather basic rules for growth and development.
Analyzing the Return on Investment Associated With Prognostics and Health Management of Electronic Products
Authors: Feldman Kiri , Sandborn Peter
Published: July 2009

Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) provides an opportunity for lowering sustainment costs, improving maintenance decision-making and providing product usage feedback into the product design and validation process. The adoption of PHM approaches requires consideration and planning for integration into new and existing systems, operations, and processes. However, PHM must provide a significant advantage in order to add value for the maintenance process and commitments to implement and support PHM approaches cannot be made without the development of supporting business cases. The realization of PHM requires implementation at different levels of scale and complexity. The maturity, robustness, and applicability of the underlying predictive algorithms impact the overall efficacy of PHM within an enterprise. The utility of PHM to inform decision-makers within tight scheduling constraints and under different operational profiles likewise affects the cost avoidance that can be realized. This paper presents a case study conducted using a stochastic discrete event simulation model to determine the benefits and potential cost avoidance offered by electronics PHM (e-PHM). The case study of a multifunctional display in a Boing 737 compared the life cycle costs of a system employing unscheduled maintenance approaches to the same system using a precursor to failure PHM approach.
Exploring Haptic Feedback Principles for Application in Airborne Virtual Reality Environments
Authors: de Smit Bram , Horva´th Imre
Published: July 2009

The goal of this paper is to explore the field of haptic feedback technologies, and give an overview on which principles are currently available for communicating different properties of virtual artifacts in a haptic/tactile manner to users. Secondly we evaluate this information from the aspect of a new virtual interaction environment that is being implemented in our research group, which aims at airborne representation of virtual objects without the need of body connected equipment, like for example goggles or exoskeletons. Based on this evaluation we try to discriminate which principles could be applied in order to create a realistic haptic feedback in this virtual interaction environment.
Development of Reverse Dynamic Optimization Methodology for Optimal Powertrain Integration and Control Design
Authors: Baglione Melody L. , Duty Mark J.
Published: July 2009

A reverse tractive road load demand model, dynamic optimization methodology, and Matlab®/Simulink® based tool are developed to address the challenge of matching the powertrain hardware and control strategy to specific vehicle attributes and driver applications for improved overall vehicle system efficiency. The reverse dynamic optimization methodology can be used to assess and develop transmission shift and lock-up control strategies, evaluate alternative powertrain hardware configurations, and establish design criteria. The advantages of the reverse dynamic optimization approach are demonstrated and key system integration concepts are revealed by performing vehicle attribute, engine, transmission, and axle sensitivity analyses.
Value Sensing by Data Based Meta Cognition
Authors: Ohsawa Yukio
Published: July 2009

Value sensing means to feel associated with something in one’s environment. This concept has been defined in the literature of education psychology, as a particular dimension of human’s sensitivity. It is meaningful to extend this concept to the aspect of creativity in business. The “value” here can be dealt with as a new variable which business workers create from their interaction with the dynamic social environment, on which they consciously or unconsciously redesign the market sustainably. Here I show how data mining and data visualization can provide useful tools for aiding marketers’/designers’ sensitivity of emerging values in the mind of consumers/users. Using these tools with communication about scenarios of business, due to the effect of meta cognition, human(s) can find relations between entities one has been explicitly or implicitly aware of, including the life of oneself. This leads to the finding of essential scenarios of business, which can be embodied into useful strategies for the designing and marketing of products.
Hydrodynamic Performance Evaluation of an Ice Class Podded Propeller Under Ice Interaction
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Akinturk Ayhan , He Moqin , Islam Mohammed Fakhrul , Veitch Brian
Published: July 2009

Fluid-structure interaction between an ice sheet on the water surface and a podded R-Class propeller was examined and analyzed in terms of numerical simulation using a newly enhanced unsteady time-domain, multiple body panel method model. The numerical model was validated and verified and also checked against various previous in-house experimental measurements. The simulation was performed in a real unsteady case, that is, the ice piece stands still and the podded propeller moves and approaches the ice piece until collision occurs. Experimental data were taken from a previous cavitation tunnel test program for a bare R-Class ice breaker propeller under open water conditions, for the R-Class propeller approaching a blade-leading-edge contoured large size ice block under the proximity condition, and from an ice tank test program for a tractor type podded/strutted R-Class propeller under open water conditions. Comparison between experimental and numerical results was made. A general agreement was obtained. The magnitude of force fluctuations during the interaction increased significantly at the instant immediately before the impact between the propeller blades and the ice piece.
Innovative Ice Protection for Shallow Water Drilling: Part II — SIB Model Testing in Ice
Authors: Gu¨rtner Arne , Gudmestad Ove Tobias
Published: July 2009

Model tests on the Shoulder Ice Barrier (SIB) were performed in the large ice tank of the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) during July 2007. The concept of the SIB has previously been presented in a companion paper under the same title at the OMAE 2006 (Gu¨rtner et al., 2006). Model tests were performed to investigate the conceptual design and force conditions under ice impact. Design conditions for the Northern Caspian Sea were assumed for the model tests. The characteristic shoulder sections’ inclination has been varied to investigate their contribution towards stabilizing broken ice and to prevent ice from over-riding. Ice up-riding onto the barrier contributes towards increased vertical forces. The global vertical forces showed to be higher than the global horizontal forces, and in particular when ice grounding was observed. Even under extreme rubble heights of up to 9.4 m (full scale), ice overtopping the structure was effectively prevented. The SIB showed the potential to be utilized as ice protection structure for future shallow water developments.
Engineering Aspects of Using HDPE Pipe for the Refinery Outfalls Running Into the Sea
Authors: Mazaheri Said , Ghafourian Mehrdad
Published: July 2009

Nowadays, many refineries are built close to the shorelines due to economical point of view. The operation of refineries requires the cooling system which, in many cases is based on the circulation of the water pumped from the sea into the water intake and distributed to the plants. The circulated water should be led back by a proper outfall system somewhere in the sea where the water depth is deep enough and environmental conditions are fully met. High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) pipes are one of the options which can be used as a proper outfall system. The bathymetry of the shoreline and coastal zone, outfall discharge, method of installation both in the sea and the shore area as well as HDPE materials and welding techniques should be considered for the selection of a proper outfall system. Fluid characteristics and hydraulic conditions are other issues which should be checked and controlled. Various loadings should be considered for the mechanical design of the pipeline in the sea. This paper attempts to highlight the main steps required to be taken for the design of an HDPE pipe in the sea. Furthermore, a design flowchart is recommended. At the end, the design of the outfall pipeline of the refineries phases 9 & 10 located in South Pars Field of Persian Gulf is discussed and the results are presented.
Hydro Thermodynamic Modeling of an Outfall System Discharging Into the Near Shore Area Considering the Environmental Conditions
Authors: Mazaheri Said
Published: July 2009

The outlet location of an outfall system usually depends on the location of the water intake chamber, discharge and temperature of the waste and cooling water, sea temperature, near shore hydrodynamics and environmental conditions. Sometime, when it is not possible to discharge the circulated water by an open channel to the shoreline due to environmental restrictions then finding the appropriate water depth where the water can be discharged will become more important. In this situation, the hydrodynamic conditions of worst scenarios should be simulated properly. Then, an advection-dissipation model should be set up in the region in order to find out the heat dissipation pattern of the discharged water for the defined scenarios. Having done the simulations, it is required to interpret the results considering the environmental restrictions. Finally, based on the interpretation of the results, decision about the proper water depth for jetting out the discharged water can be made. In this paper it is attempted to highlight the important issues which should be considered during the design procedure. In addition, as a case study the steps taken for the modeling of the outfall system of Phases 9 & 10 South Pars Refineries located in northern part of the Persian Gulf is explained. Finally, the results of the case study are discussed and consequently further recommendations are given.
Newman’s Manuscript and His Impact on Offshore Hydrodynamics
Authors: Baar Job J.
Published: July 2009

Prof. Nick Newman has spent an important part of his career researching the mathematical and numerical aspects of the radiation/diffraction Green’s function, i.e. the linearized potential of an oscillatory source submerged below the free surface [1–4]. The first part of the paper pays tribute to Newman’s accomplishments by presenting three thus far unpublished expansions of the oscillatory source potential. The first one is based on an unpublished manuscript by Newman himself [5] and in essence amounts to the backward recursive computation of a one-dimensional Taylor series expansion. The second expansion assumes the form of a remarkably simple Bessel series expansion and was inspired by a paper by Bessho [6]. The third expansion is another remarkably simple asymptotic series expansion in terms of incomplete Gamma functions and Legendre polynomials. The second part of the paper addresses the practical significance of some of Newman’s key accomplishments for the field of offshore hydrodynamics. Attention is focused on his ‘slow drift approximation’ [7], which has proved to be invaluable for the practical estimation of slow wave drift responses of floating structures. The diffraction program WAMIT [8] has by now matured into a de facto industry standard. The combined effectiveness of Newman’s slow-drift approximation and the WAMIT program will be illustrated by comparing some full-scaled measured and numerically hindcasted responses of Shell’s Mars Tension Leg Platform during hurricane Katrina [9].
SeaWolf: The Development Status of a Medium Sized HAUV
Authors: Hornfeld Willi
Published: July 2009

The SeaWolf is beside the UUV’s SeaFox and SeaOtter one of the core vehicles of the ATLAS UUV family. It is an HAUV (Hybrid Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) which can be used completely autonomous (AUV) or, equipped with a broadband fibre-optic cable connection to the surface, as an ROV respective as a semi AUV. Such a connection permits both, a total human control of the vehicle or solely an online data transfer from the vehicle to the control station and vice versa. The system is based on its general design philosophy on the small and very successful underwater vehicle SeaFox, which is sold over 2000 times. An outstanding SeaWolf characteristic is its ability to operate alone or in a team whereas its autonomy varies from fully autonomous, i.e. independently of the other team members, to an absolute dependency, i.e. under complete control of one or more team members. The level of the so called Adaptive Autonomy depends thereby on the mission complexity for the team or for the individual member. The SeaWolf is medium sized with 2m length and 50cm maximum diameter. Its weight is between 100kg and 110kg with 30kg payload included. The payload can be a customer specific configuration and will be integrated into the vehicle by plug and play. The quality of the navigation system is selectable by the customer as well. It reaches from a simple TCM based unit up to a DVL and GPS supported high performance inertial measurement unit. The vehicle’s maximum speed is 8kts and with the aid of 5 propulsion devices, not only operating in current but also a high manoeuvrability is guaranteed. The SeaWolf is designed for 300m diving depth, with an option for 600m. Its application scope extends from of all kinds of underwater inspection and monitoring, over scientific applications up to the use in the security area. The paper shows the SeaWolf involvement in the UUV family, deals with the used technologies and shows selected applications from the maritime security domain.
Embedded Suction Anchors for Mooring of a Floating Breakwater
Authors: Kwag D. J. , Cho I. H. , Bang S. , Cho Y.
Published: July 2009

A floating breakwater is currently being built in southern Korea. Four separate floating breakwater units will be moored to ten deeply embedded suction anchors. The embedded suction anchor is permanent offshore foundation installed by a suction pile. The cross-section of the embedded suction anchor is circular with its diameter being the same as that of the suction pile that is used to drive it into the seafloor. Vertical flanges are added along the circumference to increase its resistance. The design, construction, installation, and proof testing of embedded suction anchors are briefly described.
Risk Design for Stable ‘Thin-Walled’ Pipelines Subject to Global Buckling and Excessive Bending From Seabed and Pipelay Induced Out-of-Straightness
Authors: Maschner E. A. , Wang N. Y.
Published: July 2009

Relatively thin walled moderate water depth pipelines prone to lateral buckling can have very limited bending capacity in terms of their through-life load, strain and fatigue limit states. For such pipelines effective force mitigation schemes are often impracticable and the use of intermittent rock dump constraint if available, expensive. An alternative option is to design the pipeline to be stable along its length under operational and external loading. However a multitude of uncertainties can impact on such an assessment among them the concrete weight coat properties (stiffness and weight), residual lay tension, field joint SCF, corrosion rate, seabed topography, pipe embedment with associated non-linear pipe soil interactions and the size and frequency of external impacts. This paper reports on a methodology for achieving quantitatively low risk designs meeting regulatory approval through in-place 3D finite element sensitivity studies coupled with structural risk assessments. A current design project utilizing this approach is described along with analytical equations governing excessive seabed and pipelay induced out-of-straightness and lateral buckling initiations. Ultimately this enabled specification of practical limits on pipelay imposed out-of-straightness to safeguard the heavy weight coated pipeline and its field joints during operation.
Nonlinear Ship Motions in the Time-Domain Using a Body-Exact Strip Theory
Authors: Bandyk Piotr J. , Beck Robert F.
Published: July 2009

Modern offshore structure and ship design requires an understanding of responses in large seas. A nonlinear time-domain method may be used to perform computational analyses of these events. To be useful in preliminary design, the method must be computationally efficient and accurate. This paper presents a body-exact strip theory approach to compute wave-body interactions for large amplitude ship motions. The exact body boundary conditions and linearized free surface boundary conditions are used. At each time step, the body surface and free surface are regrided due to the changing wetted body geometry. Numerical and real hull forms are used in the computations. Validation and comparisons of hydrodynamic forces are presented. Selected results are shown illustrating the robustness and capabilities of the body-exact strip theory. Finally, an equation of motion solver is implemented to predict the motions of the vessel in a seaway.
Extreme Values of Total Water Level and Total Water Velocity in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Sproson Richard A.
Published: July 2009

PERGOS hindcast model data from the north-east coast of Qatar has been analysed in order to estimate extreme values of total water level (crest height + surge height) and total water velocity (wave orbital velocity + in-line current velocity) based on analysis of 103 storms that occurred between 1961 and 2002. The PERGOS hindcast includes significant wave height, peak period, mean wave direction, surge height, depth-mean current speed and depth-mean current direction. Crest height has been derived from the source parameters using Fugro GEOS’ proprietary EXWAN program. Wave orbital velocity has been derived using stream function theory. Extreme values of total water level and total water velocity were estimated by: (i) univariate extremal analysis of the structure variable components, (ii) univariate extremal analysis of the structure variable, and (iii) bivariate extremal analysis of the structure variable components using Fugro GEOS’ proprietary GTMFIT program. The effect of the lag between the peak wave, current and surge events on extreme values of total water level and total water velocity has also been assessed. A reduction in the 10,000-year extreme water velocity of 14–21% and a reduction in the 10,000-year extreme water level of 3–14% have been achieved using the structure variable methods.