bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of some partitioned algorithms for fluid‐structure interaction
Authors: Rossi R. , Oñate E. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse algorithms for fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) from a purely algorithmic point of view.Design/methodology/approachFirst of all a 1D model problem is selected, for which both the fluid and structural behavior are represented through a minimum number of parameters. Different coupling algorithm and time integration schemes are then applied to the simplified model problem and their properties are discussed depending on the values assumed by the parameters. Both exact and approximate time integration schemes are considered in the same framework so to allow an assessment of the different sources of error.FindingsThe properties of staggered coupling schemes are confirmed. An insight on the convergence behavior of iterative coupling schemes is provided. A technique to improve such convergence is then discussed.Research limitations/implicationsAll the results are proved for a given family of time integration schemes. The technique proposed can be applied to other families of time integration techniques, but some of the analytical results need to be reworked under this assumption.Practical implicationsThe problems that are commonly encountered in FSI can be justified by simple arguments. It can also be shown that the limit at which trivial iterative schemes experience convergence difficulties is very close to that at which staggered schemes become unstable.Originality/valueAll the results shown are based on simple mathematics. The problems are presented so to be independent of the particular choice for the solution of the fluid flow.
Plastic‐damage analysis of reinforced concrete frames
Authors: Faleiro J. , Oller S. , Barbat A.H. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an improved analytical model for predicting the damage response of multi‐storey reinforced concrete frames modelled as an elastic beam‐column with two inelastic hinges at its ends.Design/methodology/approachThe damage is evaluated in the hinges, using the concentrated damage concepts and a new member damage evaluation method for frame members, which leads to a meaningful global damage index of the structure. A numerical procedure for predicting the damage indices of the structures using matrix structural analysis, plastic theory and continuum damage model is also developed. The method is adequate for the prediction of the failure mechanisms.FindingsUsing the proposed framework numerical examples are finally included. From the obtained results, the advantages and limitation of the proposed model are observed.Originality/valueThe numeric model presented is useful to solve multi‐storey reinforced concrete frames using an inexpensive procedure that combines structural finite elements (beams) of low execution cost, with the moment‐curvature constitutive models deriving from classic stress‐strain ones. The proposed techniques give an inexpensive and reliability procedure to model the frame structures.
Simulation and probabilistic failure prediction of grafts for aortic aneurysm
Authors: Layman Ron , Missoum Samy , Vande Geest Jonathan 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe use of stent‐grafts to canalize aortic blood flow for patients with aortic aneurysms is subject to serious failure mechanisms such as a leak between the stent‐graft and the aorta (Type I endoleak). The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel computational approach to understand the influence of relevant variables on the occurrence of stent‐graft failure and quantify the probability of failure for aneurysm patients.Design/methodology/approachA parameterized fluid‐structure interaction finite element model of aortic aneurysm is built based on a multi‐material formulation available in LS‐DYNA. Probabilities of failure are assessed using an explicit construction of limit state functions with support vector machines (SVM) and uniform designs of experiments. The probabilistic approach is applied to two aneurysm geometries to provide a map of probabilities of failure for various design parameter values.FindingsParametric studies conducted in the course of this research successfully identified intuitive failure regions in the parameter space, and failure probabilities were calculated using both a simplified and more complex aneurysmal geometry.Originality/valueThis research introduces the use of SVM‐based explicit design space decomposition for probabilistic assessment applied to bioengineering problems. This technique allows one to efficiently calculate probabilities of failure. It is particularly suited for problems where outcomes can only be classified as safe or failed (e.g. leak or no leak). Finally, the proposed fluid‐structure interaction simulation accounts for the initiation of Type I endoleak between the graft and the aneurysm due to simultaneous fluid and solid forces.
Computation of heat transfer and fluid flow in an obstructed channel using lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Amine Moussaoui Mohamed , Jami Mohamed , Mezrhab Ahmed , Naji Hassan 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the laminar flow and heat transfer characteristics in a two‐dimensional horizontal channel with two square blocks placed side‐by‐side using a numerical scheme based on a coupling between the lattice Boltzmann method and the finite difference method.Design/methodology/approachThe multiple‐relaxation‐time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann equation model coupled with the finite difference method are used to predict numerically the velocity and the temperature fields.FindingsA complex structure of the fluid flow was observed for various dimensionless block separation distance (G). An unsteady flow was found when the two blocks are placed side by side (G = 0). For G < 1.5, the presence of each block develops the street of Van Karman which generates complex binary vortex street. In the opposite case (G > 1.5), the effect of this parameter (G) on the fluid is reduced, whereas, the distance between the blocks and the nearest walls have a great influence on the fluid flow and the heat transfer. When the obstacles are posed on the walls (G = 3), an important heat exchange between the blocks and the nearest walls is noted.Originality/valueThis study offers more knowledge on natural convection in an obstructed channel. Furthermore, this work shows the effectiveness of the MRT lattice Boltzmann equation model for this kind of geometry.
A hybrid ant colony optimization algorithm for solving facility layout problems formulated as quadratic assignment problems
Authors: Yew Wong Kuan , Chiak See Phen 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to describe a new hybrid ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm developed to solve facility layout problems (FLPs) formulated as quadratic assignment problems (QAPs).Design/methodology/approachA hybrid ACO algorithm which combines max‐min ant system (MMAS) (i.e. a variant of ACO) with genetic algorithm (GA) has been developed. The hybrid algorithm is further improved with the use of a novel minimum pheromone threshold strategy (MPTS).FindingsThe hybrid algorithm shows satisfactory results in the experimental evaluation due to the synergy and collaboration between MMAS and GA. The results also show that the use of MPTS helps them to achieve such performance, by promoting search diversification.Research limitations/implicationsThe experimental evaluation presented emphasizes more on the search performance or pattern of the hybrid algorithm. Detailed computational work could reveal other strengths of the algorithm.Practical implicationsThe developmental work presented in this paper could be used by researchers and practitioners to solve QAPs. Its use may also be expanded to solve other combinatorial optimization and engineering problems.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful insights into the development of a hybrid ACO algorithm that combines MMAS with GA for solving QAPs.
Modelling of hydro‐fracture flow in porous media
Authors: Centeno Lobão Mauricio , Eve Rob , Owen D.R.J. , de Souza Neto Eduardo Alberto 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe mechanical response of the skeleton of a porous medium is highly dependent on its seepage behaviour as pore pressure modifications affect the in situ stress field. The purpose of this paper is to describe how u‐p formulation is employed using an explicit time integration scheme where fully saturated and single‐phase partially saturated analyse are incorporated for 2D and 3D cases.Design/methodology/approachOwing to their inherent simplicity, low‐order elements provide an excellent framework in which contact conditions coupled with crack propagation can be dealt with in an effective manner. For linear elements this implies single point integration which, however, can result in spurious zero‐energy modes which necessitates introduction of a stabilization technique to provide reliable results.FindingsThe success of the modelling strategy ultimately depends on the inter‐dependence of different phenomena. The linking between the displacements components, network and pore pressures represents an important role in the efficiency of the overall coupling procedure. Therefore, a master‐slave technique is proposed to link seepage and network fields, proving to be particularly attractive from a computational cost point of view. Another development that has provided substantial savings in CPU times is the use of an explicit‐explicit subcycling scheme.Originality/valueSignificant reduction in computational cost is achievable using a master‐slave procedure to link seepage and fracture network‐flows and an explicit‐explicit subcycling scheme. Special attention is focused on the investigation of the influence of plastic zones in oil production problems.
An improved ant colony optimization for constrained engineering design problems
Authors: Kaveh A. , Talatahari S. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe computational drawbacks of existing numerical methods have forced researchers to rely on heuristic algorithms. Heuristic methods are powerful in obtaining the solution of optimization problems. Although they are approximate methods (i.e. their solution are good, but not provably optimal), they do not require the derivatives of the objective function and constraints. Also, they use probabilistic transition rules instead of deterministic rules. The purpose of this paper is to present an improved ant colony optimization (IACO) for constrained engineering design problems.Design/methodology/approachIACO has the capacity to handle continuous and discrete problems by using sub‐optimization mechanism (SOM). SOM is based on the principles of finite element method working as a search‐space updating technique. Also, SOM can reduce the size of pheromone matrices, decision vectors and the number of evaluations. Though IACO decreases pheromone updating operations as well as optimization time, the probability of finding an optimum solution is not reduced.FindingsUtilizing SOM in the ACO algorithm causes a decrease in the size of the pheromone vectors, size of the decision vector, size of the search space, the number of function evaluations, and finally the required optimization time. SOM performs as a search‐space‐updating rule, and it can exchange discrete‐continuous search domain to each other.Originality/valueThe suitability of using ACO for constrained engineering design problems is presented, and applied to optimal design of different engineering problems.
Adoption of internet banking services in China: is it all about trust?
Authors: Lifen Zhao Anita , Koenig‐Lewis Nicole , Hanmer‐Lloyd Stuart , Ward Philippa 
Published: January 2010

PurposeNumerous empirical studies on internet banking services (IBS) adoption have focused either on perceived risk or trust; but rarely have they combined these concepts and used empirical evidence to investigate the relationship. This study aims to contribute to this field by looking simultaneously at the roles of trust and perceived risk on consumers' IBS usage intention.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated model explaining the interrelationships between trust, perceived risk and usage intention is developed. The research was conducted on a sample of 432 young Chinese consumers who can be classified as IBS early adopters. The quantitative findings are enhanced by the analysis of extensive qualitative data providing unique insights into this market.FindingsResults indicate that there is a significant relationship between trust and perceived risk and that both are crucial in explaining the internet banking usage intention. Furthermore, trust in the bank is fundamental not only to reducing risk perceptions of IBS in general but also to building trust in the banks' competence in terms of IBS activity.Originality/valueThis research adds value to existing studies of online banking, which largely focus on trust and risk separately. In addition, it enables us to contribute to the current literature on the emerging Chinese IBS market, which is largely under‐researched.
Offline and online banking – where to draw the line when building trust in e‐banking?
Authors: Yap Kenneth B. , Wong David H. , Loh Claire , Bak Randall 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of situation normality cues (online attributes of the e‐banking web site) and structural assurance cues (size and reputation of the bank, and quality of traditional service at the branch) in a consumer's evaluation of the trustworthiness of e‐banking and subsequent adoption behaviour.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a survey and a usable sample of 202 was obtained. Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was used to test the model.FindingsTraditional service quality builds customer trust in the e‐banking service. The size and reputation of the bank were found to provide structural assurance to the customer but not in the absence of traditional service quality. Web site features that give customers confidence are significant situation normality cues.Practical implicationsBank managers have to realise that good service at the branch is a necessary condition for the promotion of e‐banking. They cannot rely on bank size and reputation to “sell” e‐banking.Originality/valueThis is the first study that examines how traditional service quality and a bank's size and reputation influences trust in e‐banking.
Dimensional hierarchy of trustworthiness of financial service providers
Authors: Roy Sanjit Kumar , Shekhar Vaibhav 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the underlying dimensions of trustworthiness of financial service providers in the Indian retail banking sector and to model trustworthiness as a set of second‐order factors. The study replicates and extends the work of Ennew and Sekhon in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachUsing the trustworthiness scale developed by Ennew and Sekhon this study identifies six first‐order factors of trustworthiness for retail bankers in India using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Then the study modeled trustworthiness as a set of three second‐order factors using second‐order confirmatory factor analysis.FindingsThe first‐order factors obtained for trustworthiness of retail bankers are customer orientation, integrity and honesty, communication and similarity, shared values, expertise, and ability and consistency. The second‐order confirmatory factor analysis resulted in three higher order factors namely, competency, openness and benevolence.Practical implicationsThe various dimensions of trustworthiness should be viewed as levers for improving a bank's trustworthiness in the minds of its current customers. At the same time, these dimensions will help them in reflecting an image of trustworthiness in the minds of its potential customers. Establishment of trustworthiness as an element of corporate image will provide competitive advantage to the service firms and improve their financial performance.Originality/valueThe research tests for the reliability and validity of the trustworthiness scale of Ennew and Sekhon. This study provides a window to the dimensions on which retail bank customers in an emerging economy such as India perceive a retail bank's trustworthiness. Furthermore, this study is an attempt to model trustworthiness as a set of second‐order factors.
The impact of pre‐sale and post‐sale factors on online purchasing satisfaction: a survey
Authors: Melián Alzola Lucía , Padrón Robaina Víctor 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis work seeks to contribute a series of reflections and conclusions in response to the following questions: what variables determine satisfaction in the pre‐sale phase and post‐sale phase of B2C electronic commerce? How are the variables of the pre‐sale phase related to those of the post‐sale phase of B2C electronic commerce?Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop a theoretical scale that includes the important variables of quality in the pre‐sale and post‐sale phases of B2C electronic commerce. After the empirical validation of the theoretical scale, we measure the impact of the pre‐sale dimensions on the post‐sale dimensions.FindingsThe results confirm the principal hypotheses of the study, that is to say, the dimensions of the pre‐sale phase have a significant impact on the dimensions of the post‐sale phase of B2C electronic commerce.Research limitations/implicationsThis research shows that, in B2C electronic commerce, the organisation's actions in the pre‐sale phase will, to a great extent, condition its actions in the post‐sale phase.Practical implicationsThis paper highlights the importance of high‐performance in the pre‐sale phase in order to achieve success.Originality/valueThis paper bridges a gap in the empirical works in the field of quality in electronic commerce by studying the importance and implications of the different phases in the electronic purchase.
An empirical framework for selecting quality management and improvement initiatives
Authors: Thawesaengskulthai Natcha 
Published: January 2010

PurposeA growing number of publications have questioned and raised awareness of improvement fashions, especially in the area of quality management (QM), but rational decision‐making process has been promoted. Thus, this paper aims to address the selection issue and presents a holistic framework for selecting a QM and improvement initiative.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out in three phases. Phase One established a conceptual background for the adoption based on extensive literature review. Phase Two provided empirical studies of the QM approaches adopted in three leading case companies in Thailand and interviews with quality experts. Finally, Phase Three builds a theory of selection based on cross‐case analysis and a paradigm model.FindingsTriggers for the adoption are the internal factors (i.e. need to survive, sustain competitiveness, and increase operational effectiveness) and external factors (i.e. institutional push, trade barrier, and company image). The selection framework and the theory of selecting QM and improvement initiatives explain the four selection views of fashion setting, pay‐off, strategic fit, and organisation fit.Research limitations/implicationsSelection of quality and improvement initiatives is based on the managers' perceptions and past experiences of QM selecting decision, and upon on the information available.Originality/valueThe advancement in the theory of the adoption of improvement initiatives is the main contribution of this research. The selection framework, which was theoretically and empirically grounded, has attempted to surface the irrational influences on the adoption to provide a more rational and less ambiguous justification. It provides a holistic model incorporating comprehensive selection criteria aiming to assist managers undertaking selection decisions.
Understanding customer needs through quantitative analysis of Kano's model
Authors: Wang Ting , Ji Ping 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to help companies develop a better understanding of customer needs through quantitative analysis of Kano's model.Design/methodology/approachA novel approach is developed to measure and quantify the relationships between customer satisfaction and the fulfillment of customer requirements (S‐CR) as depicted in Kano's model. A case study concerning notebook computer design is conducted to illustrate the application of the proposed approach.FindingsBy implementing the proposed approach, S‐CR relationship functions have been identified from Kano's model to illustrate the impact of different customer requirements on customer satisfaction. The case study demonstrates that the proposed approach can be implemented successfully.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to identify the S‐CR relationship functions, several assumptions have been made in determining the shape of relationship curves in Kano's model. Future work could focus on improving the assumptions to derive the relationship functions more objectively.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach enables companies to develop a better understanding of customer requirements by visualizing the impact of customer requirements on customer satisfaction through S‐CR relationship functions. More importantly, it provides a way for companies to integrate Kano's model with other mathematical models or tools to support engineering design.Originality/valueThe proposed approach goes beyond the qualitative analysis in Kano's model by identifying S‐CR relationship functions, both linear and nonlinear, to measure the impact of different customer requirements on customer satisfaction, which is currently a new attempt in the analysis of Kano's model for quality improvement.
The effect of quality management on the service quality and business success of logistics service providers
Authors: Kersten Wolfgang , Koch Jan 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to analyse empirically the causal relationships between quality management, service quality and business success in German logistics companies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a measurement instrument of logistics service quality by combining conceptual approaches from service marketing with quality indicators from operations management. This measure is verified through factor analysis on a sample of 229 German logistics providers. Relationships between logistics service quality, quality management and business success are investigated in a structural equation model.FindingsThe results support measuring logistics service quality by the three dimensions: service potential, process and outcome. The effect of quality management on these constructs is confirmed. Likewise, the positive effect of service quality on business success is confirmed, with the notable exception of outcome quality.Research limitations/implicationsThis research only involves German logistics service providers. Further studies in other countries are needed to generalise the results.Practical implicationsLogistics service providers should devote more attention to quality management than they currently do. To enhance quality, they should focus their efforts on service potential and the service process. The paper offers them a way to measure these quality dimensions.Originality/valueResearch into logistics services has so far been mostly descriptive. The present study is the first to validate empirically a measure of logistics service quality and relate it to other phenomena. The relationship between quality management, service quality and business success found by structural modelling helps to understand the role of quality in logistics services.