bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Big Data to Minimize Uncertainty Effects in Adaptable Product Design
Authors: Afshari Hamid , Peng Qingjin
Published: January 2016

One of the major concerns for adaptable products is to ensure the products to meet customer preferences. As customers may update their preferences over the product lifetime, designers need methods to measure those preferences. Lack of knowledge (uncertainty) in customer preferences could endanger the product success. If designers can update their views for customer requirements, a product can be designed to follow the user requirements. Huge data are generated continuously in product user behavior, product usage, manufacturing cost etc., now called as Big Data. Collecting, managing and applying such huge set of data in an innovative method can reduce uncertainties. In this paper, a method is discussed to minimize uncertainty effects on products to improve the product adaptability. Uncertainty is considered as changes of the customer preference. The proposed method uses Big Data (BD) in the analysis of uncertainty. The effect of quantified uncertainties on product adaptability is investigated. The method is concluded with the most affected parts and functional requirements to be updated to meet changing requirements. The proposed method is compared to a developed agent-based modeling (ABM) method in a case study. Although there are some differences between both methods in the uncertainty effect evaluation, The BD method provides more confidence for the design solution. The paper also proposes some future research directions for design of adaptable products using Big Data.
Pantograph/Catenary Contact Force Control
Authors: Pappalardo Carmine M. , Patel Mohil , Tinsley Brian , Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a new continuum-based pantograph/catenary model based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is proposed and used to develop an effective method to control the contact force which arises from the pantograph/catenary interaction. In the proposed new model, only one ANCF gradient vector is used in the formulation of the pantograph/catenary contact conditions, thereby allowing for using the proposed approach for both fully parameterized and gradient deficient ANCF finite elements. A three-dimensional multibody system (MBS) model of a pantograph mounted on a train is developed using a nonlinear augmented MBS formulation. In order to take into account the catenary large deformation, ANCF finite elements are used. The contact between the pantograph and the catenary system is ensured using a sliding joint constraint whereas the contact between the rail vehicle wheels and the train track is modelled using an elastic contact formulation. In addition to the use of the new MBS approach to model the pantograph/catenary interaction, the contact force between the pantograph and the catenary is computed using a simpler lumped parameter model which describes the pan-head and the plunger subsystem dynamics. In order to reduce the standard deviation of the contact force without affecting its mean value, a control actuator is used between the pan-head and the plunger. To this end, three types of control laws for the control action are designed to improve the contact quality both in the transient phase and in the steady state phase of the pantograph/catenary interaction. The first control law proposed features a feedback structure whereas the second and the third control strategies employ a feedback plus feed-forward architecture. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the results of a set of numerical simulations with and without the controllers are presented.
Measuring the Evoked Hardness of Design Problems Using Transient Microstates
Authors: Nguyen Philon , Nguyen Thanh An , Zeng Yong
Published: January 2016

Direct interfacing of computers with the human brain is one of the holy grails of computer science and has been in the computing folklore since the very beginning of computing history. The challenges researchers are facing are non-trivial and the breakthroughs are non-negligeable. Measuring the hardness of a mental task is a fundamental problem in design sciences. In this context, the relationship between electroencephalograms (EEG) signals and the design process is an area of research with applications to the understanding of the creative process and next generation CAD/E systems. Such systems are aiming at becoming more collaborative, conceptual, creative and cognitive. We posit that the relationship between EEG signals, cognitive states and the perceived hardness of design problems is non-trivial. Different problems typically have different levels of perceived hardness. To test this, we study the use of microstate analysis to the segmentation of videos of subjects submitted to creative tasks of various difficulty. Problems and subtasks of different perceived hardness can be shown to exhibit different levels of transient microstates, a measure we have defined on the complexity of the microstate segmentation. We show that the human brain seems to be using 1–20% of its transient microstate capacity.
Navigation and Cooperative Control for Nanorobots in the Bloodstream Environment Based on Swarm Intelligence
Authors: Ahmed S. , Amin S. E. , Elarif T.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, an innovative technique was tested to solve the path-planning problem of swarm nanorobots’ navigation within the human environment. Blood elements were treated as obstacles to nanorobot movement. Blood flow was also factored into the movement problem, as was the environment’s physical properties, including blood viscosity and density, both of which can potentially affect nanorobot behavior. To account for all these considerations in a human body environment, two algorithms were combined, yielding a single algorithm responsible for the self-organized control of nanorobots to avoid obstacles during their movement trajectory. The technique is based on modification of the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm, referred to as the MPSO algorithm which is classified as a swarm intelligence algorithm, and modification of the Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm, referred to as the MOA algorithm. The proposed MPSO algorithm generated the best locations in a given operational area enabling nanorobots to detect the target areas. The proposed MOA algorithm allowed nanorobots to efficiently avoid collision with blood elements. The simulation results show that the combined MPSO-MOA algorithm safely routes all nanorobots past blood elements while navigating within the human body.
Development of Advanced CNC Interpolation Algorithm With Consideration of Command and Dynamic Errors
Authors: Tsai Meng-Shiun , Huang Ying-Che
Published: January 2016

In this paper, an integrated acceleration/deceleration with dynamics interpolation scheme is proposed to confine the maximum contour error at the junction of linear junction. The dynamic contour error equation is derived analytically and then it is utilized for the interpolation design. Based on the derived formulations which could predict the command and dynamic errors, the advanced interpolation design could adjust the connecting velocity of the two blocks to confine the overall contour errors under the given tolerance. Simulation results validate the proposed algorithm can achieve higher accurate trajectory as compared to the other interpolation algorithm proposed in the past.
Method of Predicting Differential Case Bolt Behavior
Authors: Nukata Takanori , Arai Yasuo , Kamimura Mitsunori , Kido Taketoshi , Yamazaki Masahiko
Published: January 2016

This paper proposes a CAE-based method to predict the maximum load at which bolts start to loosen. The qualitative validity of this method was confirmed using the fastening bolts between the differential case and ring gear.

In general, the differential case and ring gear are fastened with bolts. Therefore, it is essential to estimate the maximum load of bolt loosening when designing these bolts. Moreover, prototypes found that tightening bolts are more likely to loosen as the thickness of the differential case or ring gear decreases and becomes easier to deform. This indicates that the deformation of the differential case and ring gear must be considered in bolt design. However, predicting the maximum load is relatively difficult because the behavior of both the screw and the contact surface between the differential case and ring gear is complicated.

In contrast, recent transmissions require further weight reduction without sacrificing reliability. Consequently, a method of predicting the maximum load of bolt loosening is required.

First, this paper describes a CAE model for estimating the pressure and friction generated at the contact surface between the differential case and ring gear, as well as at the screw surface and bolt seating surface. Furthermore, a method for determining bolt loosening is described that incorporates the pressure and friction on the bolt seating surface into friction circle theory. This method was used to derive the maximum load of bolt loosening. In addition, it was also confirmed that the results qualitatively agree with actual cases of bolt loosening.

Second, this paper identifies the relative sliding of the screw surface and contact surface when the load increases. In this case, it was verified that the sliding on the contact surface between the differential case and ring gear induces relative sliding of the screw, followed by sliding of the bolt bearing surface and loosening of the bolt.

Finally, this paper refers to design guidelines for reducing the weight of the differential case using an experimental design method. Certain ribs cause non-uniform bolt bearing surface pressure distribution, which likely affects bolt loosening.

Through this research, the validity of the method was confirmed and the bolt behavior was clarified when a differential case and ring gear are loaded in one direction. Based on these results, it should be possible to apply this method to more complicated load cases in the future.
Design of a Constant-Force Flexure Micropositioning Stage With Long Stroke
Authors: Xu Qingsong
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the design and analysis a flexure-guided compliant micropositioning stage with constant force and large stroke. The constant force output is achieved by combining a bistable flexure mechanism with a positive-stiffness flexure mechanism. In consideration of the constraint of conventional tilted beam-based bistable mechanism, a new type of bistable structure based on tilted-angle compound parallelogram flexure is proposed to achieve a larger range of constant force output while maintaining a compact physical size. To facilitate the parametric design of the flexure mechanism, analytical models are derived to quantify the stage performance. The models are verified by carrying out nonlinear finite-element analysis. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed ideas for a long-stroke, constant-force compliant mechanism dedicated to precision micropositioning applications.
D-Stability Based LMI Criteria of Stability and Stabilization for Fractional Order Systems
Authors: Zhang XueFeng , Chen YangQuan
Published: January 2016

This paper considers the stability and stabilization of fractional order systems (FOS) with the fractional order α: 0 < α < 1 case. The equivalence between stability of fractional order systems and D–stability of a matrix A in specific region is proven. The criteria of stability and stabilization of fractional order system are presented. The conditions are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) which can be easily calculated with standard feasible solution problem in MATLAB LMI toolbox. When α = 1, the results reduce to the conditions of stability and stabilization of integer order systems. Numerical examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the criteria. With the approach proposed in this paper, we can analyze and design fractional order systems in the same way as what we do to the integer order system state-space models.
A Numerical Algorithm to Initial Value Problem of Caputo Fractional-Order Differential Equation
Authors: Bai Lu , Xue Dingyü
Published: January 2016

A numerical algorithm is presented to solve the initial value problem of linear and nonlinear Caputo fractional-order differential equations. Firstly, nonzero initial value problem should be transformed into zero initial value problem. Error analysis has been done to polynomial algorithm, the reason has been found why the calculation error of the algorithm is large. A new algorithm called exponential function algorithm is proposed based on the analysis. The obtained fractional-order differential equation is transformed into difference equation. If the differential equation is linear, the obtained difference equation is explicit, the numerical solution can be solved directly; otherwise, the obtained difference equation is implicit, the predictor of the numerical solution can be obtained with extrapolation algorithm, substitute the predictor into the equation, the corrector can be solved. Error analysis has been done to the new algorithm, the algorithm is of first order.
An Enhanced Robust Fractional Order PID Controller for Electric Machinery System: Tuning Rules and Simulations
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Wu Meng , Cai Nianchun , Liu Xuelian , Tian Chengjun
Published: January 2016

A design method of enhanced robust fractional order PID controller is proposed to control electrical machinery system. Magnitude margin constraint, phase margin constraint and the gain robustness constraints of partly flat phase in specified dots around crossover frequency are adopted to design enhanced robust fractional order PID controller which has stronger robustness to open-loop gain variation compared with integer order PID controller. Besides, nonlinear optimization function is adopted to hunt for optimal parameter solutions of enhanced robust fractional order PID controller, so the five parameters of enhanced robust fractional order PID controller can be solved. The electrical machinery control system models are simulated and tested by MATLAB/SIMULINK, and the results show that the proposed fractional order PID controller has stronger robustness and smaller overshoot, compared with integer order PID controller.
Collaborative Environments, Knowledge Creation and Knowledge Reuse for Railway Industries
Authors: Di Gironimo Giuseppe , Lanzotti Antonio , Peluso Fabio , Balsamo Alessio
Published: January 2016

This paper deals with the development of a Knowledge Based Engineering (KBE) methodology for supporting a manufacturing company, in particular railway manufacturers, in their analyses for reusing existing products in new projects. The proposed methodology is based on the development of a Decision Support System (DSS) and the use of an analysis, called Adopt/Adapt/Innovate (AAI), aimed at identifying products already designed that fully or partly fit what required by new bids. The DSS is built within a PLM software and part of the research concentrated on comparing the PLM suites available in the market searching for the best tool able to act the role of a centralized management dashboard for knowledge reuse. DSS and AAI analysis are the base for future research activities for obtaining a KBE system that automatically models complex railway products starting from the customer requirements, drastically reducing the time to market.
Development of Integrated Roller Leveling System for Magnetic Encoding Medium Manufacturing
Authors: Chen Brian , Chang Jen-Yuan (James)
Published: January 2016

Magnetic linear encoder has been increasingly integrated in various position control system while demands for high precision machine tool to produce high precision products increase. During the manufacture of magnetic encoding medium, the medium is not expected to be flat due to packaging induced plastic deformation and residual stress. Medium deformation will result in damaging the performance of the medium such as the accuracy and magnetic flux density distribution. In this paper, the research efforts are devoted to develop a roller leveling system to flatten the curved magnetic medium, validated by parameter studies to investigate how roller leveling can be integrated into the manufacture of magnetic encoding medium in order to improve mechanical deflection and residual stress. The mechanical design of the roller leveling cycles has been completed. Experimental results demonstrate that roller leveling can significantly improve mechanical deflection of pre-stressed curve magnetic medium up to almost 60%.
Failure Based Design Process
Authors: Foster Chad R.
Published: January 2016

A modified design specification process was used to efficiently resolve field failures. The new process is focused on rapid experimentation to mitigate parameter interaction and facilitate quick field implementation. The change focuses on effectively using customer use data, material information, and manufacturing experience to create replication tests. The normal development process and the new specification processes were used on the same two field failure issues and are presented as case studies. The change yields design improvements in half the time and with increased effectiveness.
Analysis of the Novel Two-Speed Uninterrupted Transmission With Centrifugal Clutch for Electric Vehicle
Authors: Song Haijun , Song Jian , Fang Shengnan , Tai Yuzhuo , Li Fei , Nguyen Truong Sinh
Published: January 2016

Current research suggests that the performance of electric vehicle with a single-speed transmission can still be widely improved. The novel two-speed uninterrupted transmission consists of a single-row planetary, a centrifugal clutch, a brake, and two motor controlling clutch and brake. Changing the switch of clutch and brake can achieve two-speed uninterrupted gearshifts. Different from the traditional centrifugal clutch, a novel adjustable device is specifically designed to control the switch of clutch. Torque characteristics of clutch prototype are displayed. Some differences of the gearshift methodology are specifically designed to compensate for the characteristics of the electric traction motor and the adjustable centrifugal clutch. The specific simulation model is established according to the novel uninterrupted transmission prototype. The dynamic characteristics of the two-speed uninterrupted transmission system are analyzed. The higher utilization ratio of the traction motor power increases the efficiency of the traction motor with the novel two-speed uninterrupted transmission.
Design of a Rapid Inspection Machine for Automotive Gears Based on Gear Integrated Error
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Shi Zhaoyao , Lin Jiachun , Liu Jiangsheng
Published: January 2016

A new design of rapid inspection machine for automotive gears based on Gear Integrated Error (GIE) technology is introduced in this paper. The novel equipment can be used in production workshops to get analytical results such as profile deviations and pitch deviations of spur and helical cylindrical gears.

The distinguishing features of GIE are summarized by analyzing the principle of GIE method, the specific measuring master, and the curves of GIE measuring results. Then the design approach, system structure, procedure of inspection, key parameters, and specifications of the newly designed rapid inspection machine are introduced.

It is difficult and critical in the GIE technology to distinguish the involute meshing phase and to determine the exact coordinates of the starting and end points in a GIE curve. An innovative algorithm is also proposed to solve this problem.

The performance of the rapid inspection machine has been verified by experiments in two aspects, the accuracy and the efficiency. It can be seen that the accuracy of the rapid inspection machine for automotive gears is good enough to meet the design requirements and the efficiency is much higher than Gear Measuring Centers (GMCs).
Fractional Sturm-Liouville Problem and 1D Space-Time Fractional Diffusion With Mixed Boundary Conditions
Authors: Klimek Malgorzata
Published: January 2016

In the paper, we show a connection between a regular fractional Sturm-Liouville problem with left and right Caputo derivatives of order in the range (1/2, 1) and a 1D space-time fractional diffusion problem in a bounded domain. Both problems include mixed boundary conditions in a finite space interval. We prove that in the case of vanishing mixed boundary conditions, the Sturm-Liouville problem can be rewritten in terms of Riesz derivatives. Then, we apply earlier results on its eigenvalues and eigenfunctions to construct a weak solution of the 1D fractional diffusion equation with variable diffusivity. Adding an assumption on the summability of the eigenvalues’ inverses series, we formulate a theorem on a strong solution of the 1D fractional diffusion problem.
Conceptual Design of 2-DOF Flexure-Based Sensing Mechanisms for Superconductor Gravity Gradient
Authors: Jia M. , Jia R. P. , Yu J. J.
Published: January 2016

By employing screw theory and the freedom and constraint topology (FACT), the type synthesis for 2-DOF flexure-based sensing mechanism of superconductor gravity gradient was produced with the parameterized compliance approach. Six types of mechanism with 1R1T DOF were deduced with freedom and constraint pattern in parallel topologies. Based on the compliance analysis, one type was selected as preferred sensing mechanism with the comparison of freedom, main direction compliance, parasitic errors, precision and complexity. For reducing the parasitic and coupling errors, optimization was produced with the parameterized compliance approach. Then specific geometric properties were presented with compact structure for the measurement application. The simulations showed the results of analytical models were close to that of FEA (finite elements analysis) models and the maximum errors of compliance parameters were less than 6%. The conceptual design of 2-DOF flexure-based sensing mechanisms could reach the required functions.
A Scalpel Not a Sword: On the Role of Statistical Tests in Design Cognition
Authors: Fuge Mark
Published: January 2016

The number of design studies using statistical testing has increased dramatically over the past decade. While this has benefits, statistical testing requires scrutiny to protect against common errors and misconceptions. To illuminate how these issues affect design, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the past decade of studies within the DTM community. Specifically, the paper 1) reviews the background of statistical testing across multiple fields, highlighting recommended practices, 2) discusses its use in the Design community, and 3) provides concrete methods for authors and reviewers to evaluate statistical tests employed in Design Cognition studies.

The analysis identifies recurring issues with: ignoring multiple comparisons; deficiencies in study and result reporting; inadequate defense of modeling assumptions; unavailable plots, data, and analysis files for replication; and lack of interpretation of statistical results with respect to practical outcomes or alternate forms of scientific inquiry. Based upon practices already adopted in other research communities, we put forth: 1) checklists that help authors and reviewers verify data reporting, analysis, and statistical assumptions; and 2) design guidelines for creating more reproducible design experiments. Ultimately, we argue that design researchers, reviewers, and editors should view statistical testing less like a sword and more like a scalpel — a specialized tool best used in concert with other techniques — to gain a more complete picture of Design Cognition.
Using Randomized Algorithms to Quantify Uncertainty in the Optimal Design of Cable-Driven Manipulators
Authors: Bryson Joshua T. , Agrawal Sunil K.
Published: January 2016

Cable-driven robots are often considered an attractive solution for applications which require a low-inertia actuator capable of high accelerations, despite the added complexity of the system and increased challenges of the design. Previous research has developed various techniques for analyzing the workspace of a cable-driven robot and several methods of designing a cable routing have been demonstrated which enable a robot to perform a given task. In general, there are many choices of cable routing which satisfy the particular design requirements, and the problem is focused on how to select the best design from among the available choices.

Using techniques developed from statistical learning theory, the field of Randomized Algorithms offers explicit bounds on the estimation errors of an optimal solution, provided certain explicitly defined sample complexity requirements are satisfied. The main advantage of this approach is a quantitative understanding of the uncertainty of the result and the accuracy with respect to the true optimum to enable an informed decision regarding the sufficiency of the solution. The desired accuracy and confidence parameters for the optimal solution are tailored for the specific problem, allowing for balance between computational limitations and desire for solution quality. In this work, a summary of the randomized algorithm approach is presented, and an optimized solution to the design of a cable-driven manipulator is developed using a randomized algorithm according to specified accuracy, level and confidence parameters.
The Design of Crowd-Funded Products
Authors: Song Chaoyang , Luo Jianxi , Hölttä-Otto Katja , Otto Kevin , Seering Warren
Published: January 2016

Crowdfunding is an emerging phenomenon where entrepreneurs publicize their product concepts to raise development funding and collect design feedback directly from potential supporters. Many innovative products have raised a significant amount of crowdfunding. This paper analyzes the crowd-funded products to develop design guidelines for crowdfunding success. A database of 127 samples is collected in two different product categories from two different crowdfunding websites. They are evaluated using a design project assessment scorecard, the Real-Win-Worth framework, which focuses on the state of maturity on various customer, technical and supply chain dimensions. Our analysis identified key RWW factors that characterize successful design for crowd-funded products. For example, success at crowdfunding is attained through clear explanation of how the design operates technically and meets customer needs. Another recommendation is to not emphasize patent protection, for which crowd-funders are less concerned. Also, evidence of a strong startup financial plan is not necessary for crowdfunding success. These key RWW factors provide guidelines for designers and engineers to improve their design and validate their concepts early to improve their chances for success on crowdfunding platforms.
A Multi-Objective Path Planning Algorithm for Mobile Robots Based on Cellular Automata
Authors: Naranjani Yousef , Sun Jian-Qiao
Published: January 2016

Many real-world applications of robot path planning involves not only finding the shortest path, but also achieving some other objectives such as minimizing fuel consumption or avoiding danger areas. This paper introduces a 2D path planning scheme that solves a multi-objective path planning problem on a 3D terrain. This allows the controller to pick the most suitable path among a set of optimal paths. The algorithm generates a cellular automaton for the terrain based on the objectives by applying various weighting factors via an evolutionary algorithm and finds the optimal path between the start point and the goal for each set of parameters considering static obstacles and maximum slope constraints. All the final trajectories share the same characteristic that they are non-dominated with respect to the rest of the set in the Multi-Objective Optimization Problems (MOP) context. The objectives considered in this study includes the path length, the elevation changes and avoiding the radars. Testing the algorithm on several problems showed that the method is very promising for mobile robot path planning applications.
Discovery of Mental Metadata Used for Analogy Formation in Function-Based Design
Authors: Arlitt Ryan , Nix Anthony , Stone Robert , Sen Chiradeep
Published: January 2016

Applying previous solutions to solve new problems is a core aspect of design. In this context, analogies provide a mechanism to reapply previous solutions in new ways, but analogy formation is limited by a designer’s knowledge. One approach toward improving a designer’s analogy-forming capabilities is to provide an easy-to-use computational means of retrieving a wide breadth of relevant analogies. This work aims to answer what types of similarity are commonly used to draw design analogies, and whether some types of similarity are used more frequently in compound analogy versus single analogy. In this study, an experiment was performed to observe and document the types of information that designers found useful when forming analogies during conceptual design. A categorization of this information is sought in order to inform (1) the types of similarity data to store in an intuitive design-by-analogy database and (2) the form that a search query should take. The experiment consists of a design task and a follow up interview. Ten mechanical engineering graduate students specializing in design participated. These participants were interviewed, and their internal knowledge queries were encoded to reflect their objectives, thought process detail, direction of reasoning, and subject behavior type. Each conceptual design is cataloged according to whether it represents a compound analogy, a single analogy, or no analogy. The results show little difference between the types of information used in compound versus single analogy. Function, flow, and form information were all observed during analogy formation, indicating that all three types of information should play a role in a design-by-analogy database, regardless of generative goal. Notably, flow behavior was a commonly observed type of abstract similarity across domains. This points to the value of capturing flow behavior abstraction in engineering analogy databases.
Research on Image Matching Combining on Fractional Differential With Scale Invariant Feature Transform
Authors: Zhang Guimei , Chen Binbin , Chen YangQuan
Published: January 2016

Image matching is one of the most important problems in computer vision. Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm has been proved to be effective for detecting features for image matching. However SIFT algorithm has limitation to extract features in textile image or self-similar construction image. Fortunately fractional differentiation has advantage to strengthen and extract textural features of digital images. Aiming at the problem, this paper proposes a new method for image matching based on fractional differentiation and SIFT. The method calculates the image pyramid combining the Riemann-Liouville (R-L) fractional differentiation and the derivative of the Gaussian function. Thus image feature has been enhanced, and more feature points can be extracted. As a result the matching accuracy is improved. Additionally, a new feature detection mask based on fractional differential is constructed. The proposed method is a significant extension of SIFT algorithm. The experiments carried out with images in database and real images indicate that the proposed method can obtain good matching results. It can be used for matching textile image or some self-similar construct image.
Simulation Environment for the Real-Time Dynamic Analysis of Hybrid Mobile Machines
Authors: Baharudin Ezral , Nokka Jarkko , Montonen Henri , Immonen Paula , Rouvinen Asko , Laurila Lasse , Lindh Tuomo , Mikkola Aki , Sopanen Jussi , Pyrhönen Juha
Published: January 2016

The interest in using hybrid technology in Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) has increased significantly in the late 2000s due to tightening emission regulations (Tier 4). In general, utilization of hybrid technology can simplify the vehicle driveline compared to conventional mechanical and hydraulic power transmissions. On the other hand, hybrid technology and its different driving modes and multiple power sources creates new challenges in the design process. Many industries have used co-simulation and virtual prototyping approaches successfully as a development and diagnostic tool. However, it is still rarely used in the design of hybrid mobile machines. This is due to the fact, that the computer analysis of a mobile machine is a multidisciplinary task which requires a deep knowledge in several engineering areas. In this paper, a novel real-time co-simulation platform is presented that couples multi-body dynamics based physics modelling and Matlab/Simulink–based hybrid driveline modelling. The presented approach enables a fast and accurate virtual prototyping tool to calculate dimension hybrid driveline components and test various hybridization concepts.
Pinning Impulsive Synchronization of Fractional Complex Dynamical Networks
Authors: Ma Weiyuan , Li Changpin , Wu Yujiang
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a class of fractional complex dynamical networks is synchronized via pinning impulsive control. At first, a comparison principle is established for fractional impulsive differential equations. Then the synchronization criterion is obtained by using the derived comparison principle. Examples are given to illustrate the results.
Design of a Partially Compliant, Three-Phalanx Underactuated Prosthetic Finger
Authors: Groenewegen Marco W. M. , Aguirre Milton E. , Herder Just L.
Published: January 2016

Advanced robotic hand prostheses are praised for their impressive robust and fine grasping capabilities generated from intricate systems. Nevertheless, a high demand remains for grasping mechanisms that are mechanically simple, lightweight, and cheap to produce, easy to assemble and low in maintenance costs. This paper presents the design of a partially compliant underactuated finger to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving these rigorous requirements. The conceptual topology of the three phalanx finger is selected based on competitive analysis. Employing Pseudo-Rigid Body Model and Finite Element Analysis, a genetic optimization problem is formulated to minimize bending stresses within compliant flexures. The result is a fully functional demonstrator capable of flexing 180° in finger rotation. The prototype is fabricated from flexible high strength nylon and requires no assembly steps beyond 3D printing. Experimental testing verifies the design method with an acceptable error of < 5%.
Design and Control of a Three Finger Hand Exoskeleton for Translation and Rotation of a Slender Object
Authors: Nishad Shyam Sunder , Saxena Anupam , Dutta Ashish
Published: January 2016

A three-finger exoskeleton is designed and controlled to translate and or rotate a slender object held between the fingertips. Each finger exoskeleton comprises of three serially concatenated planar external four-bar linkages, all on one plane, except for the thumb exoskeleton, for which one linkage is out of plane. Linkages are constrained to be on the dorsal side (sagittal plane) of each finger. To design each linkage, when performing coordinated translation and rotation, trajectories of all phalanges of the index and middle fingers and the thumb are obtained through video capture and post-processing that involves coordinate transformation. Optimal kinematic synthesis for each linkage is then performed via the three accuracy point method coupled with a stochastic search algorithm. Post manufacturing, the exoskeleton is mounted on the dorsal side of the hand using Velcro bands. Fastening is accomplished on each phalanx, palm and forearm via a fixture designed to house all three exoskeletons. Nine micro-servo motors are employed for actuation. To perform coordinated translation and rotation tasks, trajectory following is accomplished using open loop position control, incorporating artificial neural network to convert known finger joint angles into the required driving link angles. Based on experimental tests conducted, the exoskeleton is found to be successful in reproducing the requisite finger motions involved in coordinated object manipulation.
A Cloud-Based Approach to Development of Embedded Systems Software
Authors: Hausladen Jürgen , Pohn Birgit , Horauer Martin
Published: January 2016

The complexity of modern embedded systems and tools to develop them is continuously growing. Although there are various efforts to address this issue (e.g., by raising the level of abstraction) it is rather challenging to keep pace with all relevant innovations in the field. For example, various collaboration and version management tools support the development process when multiple developers collaborate on the development of an embedded solution. In this paper, we present a cloud-based integrated development environment that supports the development of software for embedded systems where the entire tool-chain is in the cloud and provides debugging and flashing of hardware as usual. This approach avoids tool version conflicts, enables central upgrade as well as maintainability and provides a unique interface across multiple operating systems to the developers (the latter is often enforced in industrial settings by restricting the software setup and privileges of an individual developer). Furthermore, the cloud-approach enables ubiquitous access to the development platform.
Efficient Transient Analysis of the High-Speed Stage of a Wind Turbine Gearbox by Advanced Model Reduction Techniques and Memory-Effective Discretization
Authors: Tamarozzi Tommaso , Blockmans Bart , Desmet Wim
Published: January 2016

Modern wind turbines are designed to cope with their increased size and capacity. One of the most expensive components of these machines is the gearbox. Its design is more complex than a mere upscaling exercise from predecessors. The stress levels experienced by the different gear stages, the dynamic effects induced by their size and the unparalleled loads transmitted are some of the challenges that design engineers face. Moreover, unexpected events that load the wind turbines such as voltage dips, wind gusts or emergency breaking are expected to be major contributors to the premature failure of these gearboxes. The lack of engineering experience at this scale calls for accurate and efficient simulation tools thereby enabling reliable gearbox design.

Standard lumped-parameters models or rigid multibody approaches do not provide a sufficient level of details to study the dynamic effects induced by e.g. gear design modifications (micro-geometry) or to analyze local stress concentrations.

More advanced numerical tools are available such as flexible multibody or non-linear FE and allow to model complex contact interactions including all the relevant dynamic effects. Unfortunately the level of mesh refinement needed for an accurate analysis causes these simulations to be computationally expensive with time scales of several weeks to perform a single full rotation of a gear pair.

This work introduces a novel efficient simulation tool for dynamic analysis of transmissions. This tool adopts a flexible multibody paradigm but incorporates several advanced features that allows to run simulations up to two orders of magnitudes faster as compared to non-linear FE with the same level of accuracy. A unique non-linear parametric model order reduction technique is used to develop a simulation strategy that is quasi mesh-independent allowing the usage of very fine FE meshes.

Finally, in order to limit the memory consumption, a technique is developed to be able to finely mesh only a few of the gears teeth while the remaining gears are coarsely meshed. The main novelty of this approach lies in the possibility to perform full gear rotations without losing spatial resolution as compared to a finely meshed gear.

After an accuracy check performed with a sample pair of helical gears, the framework is used to simulate the high speed stage of a three-stage wind turbine gearbox. The combined efficiency and accuracy of the approach is demonstrated by performing a dynamic stress analysis of the high-speed stage with and without a tip-relief modification. Accuracy of the results, simulation time, and memory usage are assessed.
Service-Life Assessment of Complex Dynamic Systems Under Interval Uncertainty Based on Bayesian Networks
Authors: Mi Jinhua , Li Yan-Feng , Peng Weiwen , Yang Yuan-Jian , Huang Hong-Zhong
Published: January 2016

Service-life is a widely used reliability index in reliability engineering. For a complex dynamic system for which whole system tests are limited, and there is insufficient information to determine the distribution function of reliability models. Fortunately, the boundaries of lifetime variable can be obtained, which can be incorporated through the theory of interval uncertainty. In this study, a service-life assessment method for complex dynamic systems under interval uncertainty is introduced based on Bayesian networks (BN). Firstly, a dynamic fault tree (DFT) model is built for a system. Based on the comprehensive integration of test data, field data, design data and engineering experience, the lifetime of system units are expressed as interval numbers. Then, a coefficient of variation (COV) method is employed to determine the parameters of life distributions. Finally, the BN method is used to estimate the mean life of the example system, and the service-life of this system is assessed as well. The presented method can be easily used in engineering practice for service-life evaluation of complex dynamic systems under interval uncertainty, where lifetime data is limited.
Optimization of Tooth Bending Fatigue Characteristics of Spur Gear Pairs Using a Gear Dynamics-Based Approach
Authors: Öztürk Yalın , Ciğeroğlu Ender , Özgüven H. Nevzat
Published: January 2016

A gear tooth profile optimization study is performed with the target being defined as the maximization of tooth bending fatigue life for a selected operational range, where the operating torque and speed ranges are defined along with their corresponding durations. For this purpose, a nonlinear lumped gear dynamics model is combined with the S/N curve of the gear material in order to estimate tooth bending fatigue life of the spur gear pair. The differences between the predicted lives of the optimally modified and non-modified gear pairs are presented based on example spur gear pairs. The proposed tooth bending fatigue life estimation is compared with the standard AGMA procedure.
A Network of Type III Bricard Linkages
Authors: Lu Shengnan , Zlatanov Dimiter , Ding Xilun , Zoppi Matteo , Guest Simon D.
Published: January 2016

Among Bricard’s overconstrained 6R linkages, the third type has two collapsed configurations, where all joint axes are coplanar. The paper presents a one-degree-of-freedom network of such linkages. Using the two coplanar states of the constituent Bricard units, the network is able to cover a large surface with a specific outline when deployed, and can be folded compactly into a stack of much smaller planar shapes. Five geometric parameters describing each type III Bricard mechanism are introduced. Their influence on the outline of one collapsed configuration is discussed and inverse calculation to obtain the parameter values yielding a desired planar shape is performed. The network is built by linking the units, either using scissor linkage elements, if the thickness of the panels can be ignored, or with hinged parallelograms, for a thicker material. Two case studies, in which the Bricard network deploys as a rectangle and a regular hexagon, respectively, are presented, validating the analysis and design methods.
A Matlab Toolbox for Particle Transport Simulation in Fractal Media
Authors: Cui Jie , Sun HongGuang , Chang Ailian , Zhang Xu
Published: January 2016

Fractal property has been verified in the research of many kinds of complex media, such as soil, aquifer and concrete. Particle transport in fractal media often does not obey the classical Fickian law, and exhibits anomalous diffusion feature. Several promising physical models have been proposed to describe this kind of anomalous transport in the recent decades. This study will introduce a new Matlab toolbox to investigate three approaches including fractal theory, continuous time random walk (CTRW) model and fractional derivative diffusion equation model on characterizing anomalous transport.
Formulations of Viscoelastic Constitutive Laws for Beams in Flexible Multibody Dynamics
Authors: Bauchau Olivier A. , Lao Zijing , Linn Joachim
Published: January 2016

It is often necessary to consider material dissipation effects in structural dynamics analysis. A novel three-dimensional viscoelastic beam formulation is proposed. A systematic procedure is proposed to incorporate existing viscoelastic material models into beam theories. The generalized Maxwell model is used to demonstrate the procedure. Starting from a three-dimensional beam theory, classical material viscoelastic constitutive laws are used to develop viscoelastic beam models for flexible multibody dynamics. In contrast with classical beam theories, the proposed beam formulation captures three-dimensional stress and strains distributions based on a novel dimensional reduction method, and models dissipative phenomena at the same time. All cross-sectional deformation modes are considered in the formulation. With the generalized Maxwell model, the formulation is valid for a broad range of frequencies. Because it is based on a three-dimensional formulation, the proposed approach uses a decomposition of the strain tensor into bulk and deviatoric components, thereby eliminating Poisson locking effects. This is particularly important because many highly dissipative materials are also nearly incompressible. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate these characteristics. Because the formulation developed is a beam model, it is computationally efficient and can be used for the simulation of flexible multibody dynamics systems.
A Collaborative Decision Model for Low Energy Building Design Optimization
Authors: Chen Yang , Hu Mengqi , O’Neill Zheng
Published: January 2016

It is noted that improving energy efficiency in buildings is a major priority worldwide. The design groups from different disciplinary may have different design concepts to choose design variables and formulate constraints accordingly. Currently, the building design process treats different disciplines independently which overlooks the coupled relations between different disciplines. In order to bridge these research gaps, a collaborative decision process for an interdisciplinary low energy building design is proposed. Correspondingly, a collaborative decision model, with two disciplines at the subsystem level which focus on an initial envelope investment and total energy consumption respectively and one system agent at the system level assessing the overall energy performance, is developed. A case study is designed based on a residential building in Columbus, Mississippi. The experimental result demonstrates that the proposed decision model can fundamentally improve the existing building design process while reducing energy consumption and cost.
Maximum Power Point Tracking in Photovoltaic System Through Extremum Seeking Control With FO Switching Technique
Authors: Yin Chun , Chen YangQuan , Cheng Yuhua , Zhong Shou-ming , Tian Lulu
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a fractional-order sliding mode based extremum seeking controller (FO SM-ESC) is proposed as a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for a PV system. The FO SM-ESC combines extremum seeking controller with FO sliding mode dynamics, in which FO proportional-integral (PI) sliding surface is adopted. The FO SM-ESC can not only guarantee the output power stay around the maximum power point but also have a faster tracking performance and higher accuracy than integer-order (IO) SM-ESC with proportional (P) or PI sliding surface. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.