bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Ethics Toolkit: A Computer Program for Teaching Ethics to Engineering Students
Authors: Shoup Terry E. , Shanks Thomas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper describes a new computer application known as the Ethics Toolkit that is useful in enabling engineering students to learn about ethical problem solving. The application runs in a Windows environment and implements five different approaches to ethical problem solving found in the literature. Although the application does not provide absolute answers to ethical problems, it does facilitate the automation, organization and prioritization of solution possibilities.
Exact Reduction by Group Theoretic Approach in Computational Nonlinear Structural Dynamics
Authors: To Cho W. S. , Li Lingchuan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The reduction method based on symmetry group or the so-called group theoretic approach (GTA) of Healey and associates for bifurcation analysis and free vibration analysis of geometrically nonlinear systems with symmetries is applied in the investigation reported here to the computations of responses of geometrically nonlinear systems under intensive transient excitations. A digital computer program written in Fortran language has also been developed for the work. Two space trusses discretized by the finite element method are chosen to illustrate the use of the GTA for cases undergoing large deflections. In the response computations for both the full space and reduced space or subspace problems the central difference method is employed. Numerical results are obtained. Comparisons of results for full space problems to subspace problems are made. It is concluded that the GTA is mathematically very elegant and rigorous. Computationally, the solution is exact and it is very efficient for geometrically nonlinear systems undergoing large deformation. The GTA is currently being developed for the response analysis of geometrically nonlinear systems with partial symmetries.
Plate Buckling Analysis Using the Linear Finite Element Method
Authors: Persson Thomas , Suchora Daniel H. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop new solutions for linear elastic buckling coefficients of rectangular flat plates with support conditions not previously found in the literature. Critical buckling coefficients were found for rectangular flat plates subjected to uniform compression on two opposite edges with one partially supported unloaded edge using the finite element method. Plates with different aspect ratios and with varying support length on the unloaded edges were analyzed. Currently, no solutions are available in the literature for plates subjected to uniform compression and with partially supported unloaded edges. The method developed in this work was verified on problems where closed form mathematical solutions exist.
An engineer will be able to use the solutions developed in this work in the design of components that are susceptible to instability failures.
Another benefit of this work is to demonstrate to practicing engineers that reliable instability results can be obtained by using standard finite element analysis (FEA) methods. This work considers a small subset of instability problems but the FEA method utilized herein can be effectively used to model a large class of practical instability problems.
Task-Based Design of Manipulators: An Agent-Based Approach
Authors: Paredis Christiaan J. J. , Khosla Pradeep K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper introduces a novel agent-based solution approach to Task Based Design (TBD) and illustrates it with a fault tolerant manipulator design problem for a satellite docking operation aboard the space shuttle. Task Based Design software is an important component of a rapidly deployable manipulator system. Such a system consists of interchangeable modular manipulator components and includes support software for design, control, and trajectory planning. The TBD software allows the user to determine the manipulator configuration optimally suited for a given task. After the user reconfigures the manipulator to this optimal configuration, the controller and trajectory planner automatically adapt themselves to the new configuration so that the manipulator is ready for immediate deployment.
Synthesis of a Large Oscillation Four-Bar Mechanism
Authors: Starns Gloria K. , Flugrad Donald R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper demonstrates procedures implemented for the synthesis of a four-bar mechanism that produces large angular oscillations of the output member while maintaining effective transmission angles. The mechanisms are modeled as being driven by a force applied at the coupler link. Additionally this force’s line of action is constrained to occur along an approximate straight line. This research was conducted out of the need for a device that is capable of retraction of the horizontal tool bar housed on the back of a tractor. The tool bars accommodate the implements required to accomplish the numerous tasks of the farmer, i.e. row markers, sprayer arms, planters, etc. Upon retraction of the tool bar so that it is parallel to ground, the appropriate tools are lowered to their working position. As the length of these bars increases, a savings of time and increased productivity is realized. Kurt Hain makes the following observation regarding large oscillation mechanisms in [1]: “It would be very difficult to solve this problem with one four-bar linkage, because it is difficult to design a four-bar linkage having such a large oscillation of a crank without running into problems of poor transmission angle characteristics; it might be possible to use linkages in combinations with gears, but this would make the mechanism more expensive, less efficient, and probably noisier.” In this study simulated annealing, a genetic algorithm and the generalized reduced gradient method are used to produce mechanisms with large angular oscillations of the output member and transmission angles that vary by as little as 20° from 90°. A comparative analysis of each of the optimization procedures is presented with observations regarding the efficacy of each method in the solution of the large oscillation mechanism.
Fuzzy Heuristics for Sequential Linear Programming
Authors: Mulkay Eric L. , Rao Singiresu S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Numerical implementations of optimization algorithms often use parameters whose values are not strictly determined by the derivation of the algorithm, but must fall in some appropriate range of values. This work describes how fuzzy logic can be used to “control” such parameters to improve algorithms performance. This concept is shown with the use of sequential linear programming (SLP) due to its simplicity in implementation. The algorithm presented in this paper implements heuristics to improve the behavior of SLP based on current iterate values of design constraints and changes in search direction. Fuzzy logic is used to implement the heuristics in a form similar to what a human observer would do. An efficient algorithm, known as the infeasible primal-dual path-following interior-point method, is used for solving the sequence of LP problems. Four numerical examples are presented to show that the proposed SLP algorithm consistently performs better than the standard SLP algorithm.
A Novel Finite Element Based Tool to Identify the Critical Parameters in Pavement Design
Authors: Bhattacharya Arun , Velinsky Steven A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
For many years, mathematical models have been employed to simulate pavement response to load, and these models have driven pavement design methods. However, based on the nature of the pavement’s constitutive materials and the complex interaction between the moving vehicle and the pavement, this formidable problem has been approached with many simplifying assumptions. Accordingly, these efforts have yet to result in a model capable of predicting damage accurately. This paper discusses work which implements a micromechanics based theory in an explicit finite element program to represent, for the first time, the response of pavement under cyclic loading. This micromechanics based approach is able to capture the complex nature of the pavement’s concrete material which includes such aspects as heterogeneity and nonlinear stress strain behavior. The Taguchi Method is then employed with this developed program to examine the critical design parameters, and the combination of these two methods provides a novel unified approach to pavement design capable of predicting pavement response under dynamic loading and identifying the sensitive design parameters.
NURBS-Based Variational Modeling As a Tool for the Analysis of Geometric Tolerances
Authors: Pierce Scott , Rosen David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this research is to investigate a computer-aided approach to tolerance analysis for assemblies and mechanisms. A CAD system which can generate NURBS surfaces is used to produce imperfect-form, variant models. A method is developed for simulating the mating of these imperfect-form components by formulating surface mating relationships as a nonlinear programming problem. Using this approach, tolerance analysis can be performed by generating a series of typical component variants, simulating the positioning of these imperfect-form components then measuring geometric attributes of the assembly or mechanism which correspond to functionality.
A Fast Algorithm for Planning Collision-Free Paths With Rotations
Authors: Chen Shiang-Fong , Oliver James H. , Fernandez-Baca David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Motion planning is a major problem in robotics. The objective is to plan a collision-free path for a robot moving through a workspace populated with obstacles. In this paper, we present a fast and practical algorithm for moving a convex polygonal robot among a set of polygonal obstacles with translations and rotations. The running time is O(c((n + k)N + nlogn)), where c is a parameter controlling the precision of the results, n is the total number of obstacle vertices, k is the number of intersections of configuration space obstacles, and N is the number of obstacles, decomposed into convex objects. This work builds upon the slabbing method proposed by Ahrikencheikh et al. (1994), which finds an optimal motion for a point among a set of non-overlapping obstacles. Here, we extend the slabbing method to the motion planning of a convex polygonal robot with translations and rotations, which also allows overlapping configuration space obstacles. This algorithm has been fully implemented and the experimental results show that it is more robust and faster than other approaches.
A Framework for Representing and Computing Tool Accessibility
Authors: Stage Roger , Roberts Chell , Henderson Mark 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
One of the criteria used to assess whether a particular tool can be feasibly used to machine all or a portion of a part is that of accessibility. This paper is the result of research efforts to develop a comprehensive view of accessibility that supports manufacturability evaluation (ME). Accessibility is defined here as a descriptive characteristic that is applied to a region of the surface of a part. It indicates the orientations that a tool can have so that the cutting portion of the tool can reach the entire region while avoiding collision between the part and the tool. An Accessibility Framework is presented that defines four forms of accessibility for an entity-tool pair: full section accessibility (FSA), partial section accessibility (PSA), full tool accessibility (FTA), and partial tool accessibility (PTA). For entities possessing FSA or FTA relative to a particular tool, there are two possible types of accessibility: open and controlled. An A-cone (accessibility cone) represents the set of all directions from which a face is openly accessible. Controlled accessibility uses an implicit form of representation.
A computational approach that uses the framework to assess accessibility in support of ME is also presented. The approach is based on the idea of analyzing the compatibility of an entity-tool section pairs in broader and broader contexts. From the narrowest to the broadest the contexts are: local compatibility (LC), neighborhood compatibility (NC), and global compatibility (GC). The rationale for multiple contexts is that it enables a partitioning of the accessibility problem which can reduce computation time by quickly discarding cases of inaccessibility. The approach was implemented in a module as a part of an integrated ME system.
Manufacturing Simulations Based on Integrated Product/Process Models
Authors: Sands Benjamin , Stephens Debra , Laliberty Thomas J. , Raja Naresh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Integrated Product Process Development is essential to the development of competitive products, with manufacturing considerations such as cost, quality and cycle times well understood early in the design cycle. In order to rapidly design and develop new products, diverse organizations, often separated by hundreds of miles, must find new ways of sharing ideas and knowledge and working together towards common goals. New tools must be inserted into the process to enable and facilitate a different way of doing business. This paper summarizes work performed as part of the DARPA sponsored Rapid Design Exploration and Optimization (RaDEO) program, specifically the development of the Manufacturing Simulation Driver (MSD) system which demonstrates the automatic generation and execution of distributed manufacturing simulations. The MSD system enables Integrated Process Teams (IPT’s) to quickly create detailed manufacturing simulations of new products. MSD driven simulations include modeling the flow of a product through a particular factory early in the design cycle to provide the insight to modify designs in order to alleviate manufacturing bottlenecks. This capability enables emerging virtual enterprises conducting collaborative design and manufacturing to simulate and prove out the manufacturing cycle of a product prior to launching production ramp-up.
The Manufacturing Simulation Driver (MSD) system automatically populates simulatable manufacturing templates enabling manufacturability assessments of alternative candidate designs and processes to be conducted throughout the product development cycle. This capability provides design teams with early insight into aspects of the evolving design which compromises product manufacturability.
A Framework for Evaluating Risk in Innovative Product Development
Authors: Sarbacker Shawn D. , Ishii Kosuke 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a novel framework for evaluating risk in innovative product design and development, and a product development methodology for risk identification and management. We define “risk” as the exposure to the chance of an unsuccessful product development outcome due to ambiguity and uncertainty. We examine uncertainties in the company’s ability to identify, design, develop, manufacture, and market products that customers desire resulting in an acceptable return for the company. Based on a basic model of innovative product development, our framework identifies three dimensions of risk in product development: Envisioning Risk, Design Risk, and Execution Risk. The risk framework points out the criticality of the engineering design activity and of the interdependencies between all facets of the organization in executing innovative product development. This paper also presents a qualitative methodology, based on the risk framework, that may be used by development teams for identification of risk and eliciting risk management solutions.
The Definition and Use of the Process Flexibility Index
Authors: Kapoor Deepak , Kazmer David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper introduces an index for assessing the flexibility of candidate engineering designs and manufacturing processes at various stages during product realization. Once the process flexibility index (Cf) is defined, several examples of its use are provided in metal cutting, metal forming, and injection molding. The definition of the process flexibility index: resembles the process capability index, Cp; embraces Taguchi’s loss function; and provides a simple and quantitative basis for practicing the principles of axiomatic design. A high Cp indicates that the product can be consistently manufactured within precisely defined design specifications. A high Cf indicates that the product can be easily manufactured even with inaccurate design specifications.
An Objective Approach to Design Configuration Selection
Authors: Goodrich Mark D. , Rinderle James R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Preliminary design is one of the most important stages of design but one of the least well understood. While complete designs can be analyzed in a number of ways, few methods exist to guide designers during the early stages of design. More objective, quantitative approaches to choosing from among configurational alternatives are preferable to current subjective methods of making preliminary design decisions. Design alternatives which are most worth investigating must be identified and then explored quickly and realistically.
Approaches to guiding configurational design are discussed, demonstrated, and evaluated in the context of the design of two-dimensional, pin-jointed, load-carrying truss structures. Specific methods used in the example problem illustrate the general need to select a representation which permits rapid screening and evaluation of design alternatives, to make use of reasonable approximations and estimates, to use information about the current design to guide design changes, and to take advantage of patterns found in the problem to update designs efficiently.
The proposed methods improve the initial design of a truss structure by a factor of 2.5 based on parametric optimization of the initial and final configurations. For large problems, the proposed methods involve fewer calculations than LU decomposition-based exhaustive evaluation methods of design by a factor in proportion to the number of vertices in the structure.
Evaluating Methodical Engineering Design Education
Authors: Rückert Carsten , Ahrens Gritt , Schroda Frauke , Gaedeke Oliver 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
At the Institute for Machine Design of the Technical University of Berlin, design methodology has been taught in industry-related engineering design projects for more than 20 years. In an interdisciplinary research study, different kinds of engineering design projects were evaluated. The aim was to identify factors which influence the acceptance and application of design methods, and thus optimize engineering design education and design methodology. The results suggest that the design work structure prescribed by design methodologies is a natural way to structure design work, at least for students. The separation of the basic machine elements education and the design methodology education seems to result in additional stress for the students.
A Method for the Evaluation of the Suitability of Specific Product Development Processes for Parallelization
Authors: Ahrens Gritt 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A method for the parallelization of the working steps of an existing product development process is discribed. The procedure which is based on the design methodology as described by Pahl and Beitz provides a framework of rules and guidelines which enable the project leader to judge in which phase of a development and design process the introduction of Simultaneous Engineering is profitable.
In a case study of a German manufacturer of tubomachines and its subcontractor the developed method is validated by the example of the development and design process of a geared compressors. The reorganized process was tested using a commercially available 3D-CAD-System in order to simulate the design tasks and a commercially available PDM-System for the handling of the data produced.
Multi-Perspective Information Projection: Structuring Hypermedia Information in Engineering Development Projects
Authors: Kannapan Srikanth , Taylor Dean 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Distributed enterprises are now collaborating closely with their suppliers and partners worldwide while continuously improving their response time to global markets. Such distributed enterprises demand greater levels of support for information sharing and collaborative workspaces among engineering development teams. While the use of Intranets for gathering and sharing information is expanding, the organization of the shared information is usually ad-hoc and is not designed to efficiently serve the diverse information needs of work-groups. Such ad-hoc organizations of information result information overload and hence information users have to resort to (syntactic) keyword search to access information. This paper proposes an Information Projection methodology that integrates the organization of the semantic content of shared information with the organization of syntactic content of documents in a way that is meaningful to specific work-groups so as to reduce information overload. The Information Projection methodology has been applied in three different engineering contexts to varied degrees of sophistication and has shown a significant degree of re-usability, although the information and document models that result are themselves very context specific. The information maps resulting from the context of a MEMS technology development project have also been implemented using basic Web technology (HTML, CGI scripts) and has provided several insights on the implications and limitations of such implementations.
A Neural Network Design Methodology for Structural Control
Authors: Yang S. M. , Lee G. S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
One of the major difficulties in neural network applications is the selection of the parameters in network configuration and the coefficients in learning rule for fast convergence as well as best system performance. This paper developed a network design methodology so that the optimal design parameters/coefficients can be determined in a systematic way thereby avoiding the lengthy trial-and-error. The methodology combines the Taguchi method of quality engineering and the back-propagation network with an adaptive learning rate for their advantages in implementation feasibility and performance robustness. Vibration suppression experiments of a composite smart structure with embedded piezoelectric sensor/actuator validate that the methodology provides an efficient neural controller design, including the plant order, the number of hidden layer neurons, the number of training patterns, and the coefficients of adaptive learning rate.
Revisiting Hrovat’s Semi-Active Tuned Mass Damper (SATMD)
Authors: Kuehn Jeffrey L. , Brock Gregory D. , Patten William N. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper examines the effects of actuator dynamics on the performance of a hydraulic semi-active tuned mass damper. The original semi-active tuned mass damper design proposed by Hrovat (1983) is recounted. A consistent model for the actuator dynamics is established. A practical bistate control strategy is then developed for the system. The performance of the SATMD is obtained using numerical simulations and compared to Hrovat’s results. While the work here suggests that a carefully designed semi-active tuned mass damper system can provide structural vibration mitigation for wind loads, seismic loads can saturate the tuned mass damper system.