Search

In recent times, origami-inspired deployable structures have received significant interest from the research community as a major area of research in the fields of science and technology. This paper deals with the geometry and the deformation behavior of deployable cones based on the four-fold line origami concept. First, a novel geometric design algorithm is presented to develop axially foldable conical structures based on generalized Miura-ori pattern, which is then utilized to investigate the influence of four design parameters on folding geometry. The foldability of thus obtained origami patterns is verified with the help of physical models. The geometric incompatibilities during the deployment are highlighted using a simple experiment, showing the unfolding sequence of a paper model. The deformations due to incompatibilities are analyzed by adopting the concept of pin-jointed truss modeling of the origami structures. A mathematical model of the deployment problem is formulated to capture the deployment deformations of the structure, on the basis of which an algorithm for deformation analyses is developed. One example is considered to characterize the deformation behavior of the conical origami structures as the design parameters of the folding pattern are varied. The analytical findings demonstrate that the fold line strains of the origami cone are very sensitive to the changes in three design parameters, number of origami units (m), fold angle (α 0), and angle θ 2 ; except the length ratio (l r 0). The variation in design parameters may induce bi-stability in the deployment path of the conical structure. The findings of the analytical investigation are verified numerically, demonstrating that the strain responses obtained from the numerical analyses are completely consistent with the analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a quasistatic problem of an elastic body in frictional contact with a moving foundation. The model takes into account wear of the contact surface of the body caused by the friction. We recall existence and uniqueness results obtained in Sofonea et al. (2017). The main aim of this paper is to present a fully discrete scheme for numerical approximation together with an error estimation of a solution to this problem. Finally, computational simulations are performed to illustrate the mathematical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The paper deals with refinement techniques suitable for application of finite element multigrid methods with cubic trial functions. The 27-refinement strategy by Edelsbrunner and Grayson has not been studied from computational point of view up to now. This refinement strategy is said to be dark red refinement strategy (DRRS) by analogy with the red refinement strategy in the quadratic case. A detail analysis of DRRS is an aim of this paper. The dependence of the DRRS on the numbering of vertex nodes requires an algorithm development. Freudenthal partition of the cube has been widely used by researchers for obtaining hierarchical tetrahedral triangulations. In the cubic case, the refinement of the first Sommerville tetrahedron is of considerable practical importance. Since the DRRS generates one class of similarity only with a particular numbering of nodes, we have developed a detailed algorithm for proper implementation of this numbering. The situation is much more complicated when an arbitrary tetrahedron is refined. A large volume of computations are necessary in order to be established a correct numbering of the vertex nodes. If the best numbering of nodes is not chosen for all elements in all levels, the measure of degeneracy tends to infinity when the number of levels grows up unlimited. To avoid these difficulties a new canonical refinement strategy (CRS) is obtained. The CRS is superior compared to the 27-partition technique with respect to the degeneracy measure. It generates only regular tetrahedra and canonical simplices in all levels and for all mixed domains. These two tetrahedra are the most convenient from a computational point of view. Moreover, for all mixed domains the CRS essentially reduces the number of congruence classes. The new refinement strategy does not need an algorithm for correct numbering of the vertex nodes. The DRRS generates a very complicated refinement tree and a higher measure of degeneracy in combination with the face centered partition of the cube. On the contrary the Z refinement strategy obtained by the authors is superior than the DRRS in regard to the number of congruence classes and the measure of degeneracy. Some results on boundary value problems in changing domains are discussed. The advantages of the CRS are demonstrated by solving an anisotropic diffusion problem in a shrinking domain. The behavior of discretization and truncation errors in approximate finite element solutions is illustrated by varying sequences of finite element triangulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The mathematical model of corrugated shells with special shapes is presented. • Effect of corrugation parameters on critical load is investigated. • Linear and nonlinear buckling analyses are conducted. • Critical load of corrugated shells is compared to smooth ones. • Specific range of corrugation parameters significantly increase the value of relative critical load. Abstract The problem of elastic stability of the shells with special shapes with corrugated middle surfaces under external pressure is debated in the presented paper. Solution of the problem is based on FEM study. Corrugated barrelled, pseudo-barrelled, and cylindrical shells of constant mass are considered. Geometrical modification of the middle surface geometry is based on sine wave along principal directions. Middle surface of the corrugated shells are described referring to differential geometry of surfaces by parametric functions in three-dimensional Euclidean space. Linear and nonlinear buckling analyses are conducted. Examples of buckling modes are presented, which differ significantly from those typical for shells of revolution with positive or zero Gaussian curvature. It is proven that corrugation may lead to serious increase or decrease of critical load for all types of presented shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a type of uncertain differential equations, uncertain spring vibration equation is driven by Liu process. This paper proposes a concept of α -path, and shows that the solution of an uncertain spring vibration equation can be expressed by a family of solutions of second-order ordinary differential equations. This paper also proves that the inverse uncertainty distribution of solution of uncertain spring vibration equation is just the α -path of uncertain spring vibration equation, and a numerical algorithm is designed. Moreover, a formula to calculate the expected value of solution of uncertain spring vibration equation is derived. Finally, several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency of the numerical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, a comprehensive review of experimental, numerical and artificial intelligence studies on the subject of cuttings settling velocity in drilling muds made by researchers over the last seven decades is brought to the fore. In this respect, 91 experimental, 13 numerical simulations and 7 artificial intelligence researches were isolated, reviewed, tabulated and discussed. A comparison of the three methods and the challenges facing each of these methods were also reviewed. The major outcomes of this review include: (1) the unanimity among experimental researchers that mud rheology, particle size and shape and wall effect are major parameters affecting the settling velocity of cuttings in wellbores; (2) the prevalence of cuttings settling velocity experiments done with the mud in static conditions and the wellbore in the vertical configuration; (3) the extensive use of rigid particles of spherical shape to represent drill cuttings due to their usefulness in experimental visualization, particle tracking, and numerical implementation; (4) the existence of an artificial intelligence technique - multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) which can provide an explicit equation that can help in predicting settling velocity; (5) the limited number of experimental studies factoring in the effect of pipe rotation and well inclination effects on the settling velocity of cuttings and (6) the most applied numerical method for determining settling velocity is the finite element method. Despite these facts, there is need to perform more experiments with real drill cuttings and factor in the effects of conditions such as drillstring rotation and well inclination and use data emanating therefrom to develop explicit models that would include the effects of these. It should be noted however, that the aim of this paper is not to create an encyclopaedia of particle settling velocity research, but to provide to the researcher with a basic, theoretical, experimental and numerical overview of what has so far been achieved in the area of cuttings settling velocity in drilling muds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nef cone volume appeared first in work of Peyre in a number-theoretic context on Fano varieties, and was then studied by Derenthal and co-authors in a series of papers on del Pezzo surfaces. The idea was subsequently extended to also measure the Zariski chambers of del Pezzo surfaces. We start in this paper to explore the possibility to use this attractive concept to effectively measure the size of the nef cone on algebraic surfaces in general. This provides an interesting way of measuring in how big a space an ample line bundle can be moved without destroying its positivity. We give here complete results for simple abelian surfaces that admit a principal polarization and for products of elliptic curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the problem of gain-scheduled controller design for parameter-varying discrete-time systems. In practice, the scheduling parameters are only available with limited accuracy due to the measurement errors. In the present paper, these uncertainties are systematically taken into account for the gain-scheduled controller synthesis to achieve improved performance in practical situations. It is assumed that all the matrices of the state-space model of the plant have a homogeneous polynomial dependency of arbitrary degree on the scheduling parameters. The merit of the proposed method is its capability in dealing with the measurement error less conservatively than available approaches while it can also encompass the traditional methods employing the exact scheduling parameters in a less conservative manner. A comprehensive numerical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analytical solution for the analysis of axially-loaded compressible floating piles embedded in a homogeneous elastic soil layer of finite thickness. The mathematical model is based on a Tajimi-type elastic continuum formulation, that allows deriving an accurate closed-form expression for the frictional stresses developing at the soil-pile interface. The pile and its underlying soil column are considered as one-dimensional axially deforming rods, and solution of their governing equations leads to closed-form expressions for pile and soil displacements and stresses. The proposed model provides results of similar accuracy to boundary integral solutions for the special case of floating piles in elastic half-space, and to numerical analyses for the general problem of floating piles embedded in a layer of finite thickness. As such, the model is used to prepare charts for the settlement analysis of floating piles in practice, based on a parametric analysis that unveils the sensitivity of the axial response of floating piles to the different problem parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a theoretical and numerical analysis based on a model of mangrove forests incorporating stems and roots to determine the nearshore wave angle and wave height for one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) problems. The shallow water equations are solved using the two-step Lax-Wendroff method. The resulting wave height and wave direction vectors are displayed and analyzed to assess the impact of mangrove effects on various bathymetries, including constant, sloping, and parabolic profiles. This procedure is also applied to actual bathymetric data obtained from the Hatiya channel to analyze the influence of mangrove forests and shoreline geometry on the amplitude and wave directionality of nearshore waves. The obtained numerical results demonstrate that both coastal geometry and vegetation exhibit non-linear characteristics in wave behavior. Furthermore, these factors significantly contribute to the directionality and attenuation of nearshore waves. • Mangrove models studied for nearshore wave angle and height via theoretical and numerical methods. • Wave vectors explore mangrove impact on various bathymetries: constant, sloping, parabolic, real. • Numerical results show nonlinear wave behavior due to coastal geometry and vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a theoretical and numerical analysis based on a model of mangrove forests incorporating stems and roots to determine the nearshore wave angle and wave height for one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) problems. The shallow water equations are solved using the two-step Lax-Wendroff method. The resulting wave height and wave direction vectors are displayed and analyzed to assess the impact of mangrove effects on various bathymetries, including constant, sloping, and parabolic profiles. This procedure is also applied to actual bathymetric data obtained from the Hatiya channel to analyze the influence of mangrove forests and shoreline geometry on the amplitude and wave directionality of nearshore waves. The obtained numerical results demonstrate that both coastal geometry and vegetation exhibit non-linear characteristics in wave behavior. Furthermore, these factors significantly contribute to the directionality and attenuation of nearshore waves. • Mangrove models studied for nearshore wave angle and height via theoretical and numerical methods. • Wave vectors explore mangrove impact on various bathymetries: constant, sloping, parabolic, real. • Numerical results show nonlinear wave behavior due to coastal geometry and vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical back analysis based on incomplete in situ stress measurements is widely used to estimate the three-dimensional (3D) in situ stress fields of large deep underground caverns. However, the variable collinearity caused by complex geological environments has rarely been considered. This paper proposes a numerical back analysis method for 3D in situ stress fields based on stepwise regression (BSSR). In BSSR, the collinearity between independent variables is associated with the surface topography, and insignificant variables caused by variable collinearity are eliminated through stepwise regression. BSSR was applied to the underground powerhouse of a hydropower station for validation, and the results showed that it can reliably estimate the 3D in situ stress field despite the complex geological environments. Multidimensional mathematical models of in situ stress fields were established with the improved predictive ability and clear physical meaning, which can quantify the contributions of six geological actions and three stress sources. The findings of this study can help with understanding the formation mechanism of in situ stress fields for large, deep underground caverns in complex geological environments and provide a useful reference for optimizing excavation schemes and support designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuronal synchronization plays important roles in information encoding and transmission in the brain. Mathematical models of neurons have been widely used to simulate synchronization behavior and analyze its mechanisms. Common stochastic inputs are considered to be effective in facilitating synchronization. However, the mechanisms of how partial reset affects neuronal synchronization are still not well understood. In this paper, the synchronization of Stein's model neurons with partial reset is studied. The differences in synchronization mechanisms between neurons with full reset and those with partial reset are analyzed, and the findings lead to the novel concept of transient synchronization. Furthermore, it is proven analytically that due to common stochastic inputs, Stein's model neurons with different initial membrane potentials and partial reset achieve transient synchronization with probability 1. Additionally, a systematic numerical analysis is performed to explore the similarities and differences between full reset and partial reset regarding model parameters, synchronization time, and desynchronization behavior. Thus, partial reset is a powerful and flexible tool that facilitates neuronal synchronization while reserving the possibility of desynchronization. Our analysis also provides an alternative approach to analyze neurons of the integrate-and-fire family and a theoretical complement implying possible information encoding mechanisms in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to make full use of the advantages of superheated steam (SHS), SHS injection in multi-point injection wells (MPIW) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a mathematical model comprised of SHS flow model in inner tubing (IT) or long tubing (LT) and annulus, transient heat transfer model in oil layer is established. Secondly, type curves of SHS flow in MPIW is obtained by finite difference method on space and the iteration technique. Then, the effect of injection temperature on distributions of thermophysical properties of SHS in MPIW is discussed in detail. Results show that: (a) When the heat exchange between IT and annulus is taken into consideration. SHS temperature in IT has a decrease while SHS temperature in annulus has an increase. (b) With the help of MPIW, heating effect at both heel and toe points of the horizontal wellbores can be enhanced. (c) While the increase of SHS temperature certainly benefits the formation heating effect through the increase of both SHS temperature and superheat degree, the following decrease of SHS pressure in annulus will lead to the decrease of SHS absorption rate. This paper unravels some intrinsic flow characteristics of SHS in MPIW, which has a significant impact on the optimization of SHS injection parameters and analysis of heat transfer law in MPIW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes Large Eddy Simulations of a turbulent premixed flame (the VOLVO rig) comparing Analytically Reduced Chemistry (ARC) with globally reduced chemistry for propane-air combustion, a dynamic Thickened Flame (TFLES) model with the usual non-dynamic TFLES model and a high-order Taylor Galerkin numerical scheme with a low-order Lax–Wendroff scheme. Comparisons with experimental data are presented for a stable case in terms of velocity and temperature fields. They show that going from two-step to ARC chemistry changes the flame stabilization zone. Compared to the usual non-dynamic TFLES model, the dynamic formulation allows to perform a parameter-free simulation. Finally, the order of accuracy of the numerical method is also found to play an important role. As a result, the high-order numerical method combined with the ARC chemistry and the dynamic TFLES model provides the best comparison with the experimental data. Since the VOLVO data base is used in various benchmarking exercises, this paper suggests that these three elements (precise chemistry description, dynamic parameter-free turbulent combustion model and high-order numerical methods) play important roles and must be considered carefully in any LES approach . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation numerical models need the implementation of an accurate method for determining cast shadows on the terrain or on solar collectors. The aim of this work is the development of a new methodology to detect the shadows on a particular terrain. The paper addresses the detection of self and cast shadows produced by the orography as well as those caused by clouds. The paper presents important enhancements on the methodology proposed by the authors in previous works, to detect the shadows caused by the orography. The domain is the terrain surface discretised using an adaptive mesh of triangles. A triangle of terrain will be under cast shadows when, looking at the mesh from the Sun, you can find another triangle that covers all or partially the first one. For each time step, all the triangles should be checked to see if there are cast or self shadows on it. The computational cost of this procedure eventually resulted unaffordable when dealing with complex topography such as that in Canary Islands thus, a new methodology was developed. This one includes a filtering system to identify which triangles are those likely to be shadowed. If there are no self shadowed triangles, the entire mesh will be illuminated and there will not be any shadows. Only triangles that have their backs towards the Sun will be able to cast shadows on other triangles. Detection of shadows generated by clouds is achieved by a shadow algorithm using satellite images. In this paper, Landsat 8 images have been used. The code was done in python programming language. Finally, the outputs of both approaches, shadows generated by the topography and generated by clouds, can be combined in one map. The whole problem has been tested in Gran Canaria and Tenerife Island (Canary Islands – Spain), and in the Tatra Mountains (Poland and Slovakia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with contact analysis of rolling bearings. A new mathematical model and numeric method are presented in this paper for the purpose of contact analysis of rolling bearings based on the principle of mathematical programming method. Three-dimensional (3D), finite element method (FEM) is introduced to calculate deformation influence coefficients and gaps of assumed pairs of contact points between the contact surfaces in the mathematical model. Special software is developed to realize numeric calculation procedures of the contact analysis. With the help of the developed software, loaded bearing contact analyses are conducted for a deep groove ball bearing and a cylindrical roller bearing. In the case of the ball bearing, it is found that calculated contact pressure on the ball surfaces is correct elliptical distribution (usually called contact ellipse). This result is more reasonable than the results obtained by commercial software SolidWorks and other researchers. In the case of the roller bearing, it is found that edge-loads (non-Hertz contact that cannot be analyzed with Hertz theory) on the roller surface are analyzed when the roller is not crowned. It is also found that the edge-loads disappear and contact pressure on the roller surface becomes uniform distribution when the roller is crowned with Johson-Gohar curve. Since the most important features (contact ellipse and edge-loads) of the bearing contacts are analyzed successfully by the developed software and these results cannot be obtained simply by general methods, the mathematical model and numeric method presented in this paper are of practical meaning in engineering design and the developed software can be used as a tool for contact strength and rigidity calculations of the rolling bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a multi-stage inventory model that allows different order quantities among the selected suppliers to obtain the optimal solutions. To achieve the objective of the study, the single-objective and multi-objective methods are adopted for suitable real-world applications. With respect to a single-objective method, this paper aims to minimize the total ordering costs, holding costs, and purchasing costs, subject to the price, quality, and capacity. With respect to a multi-objective method, it focuses on cost minimization, as well as quality and capacity maximization. The proposed model not only considers the allocation of different order quantities among the selected suppliers, but also incorporates the multi-stage inventory problem. Furthermore, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed model and a comparative understanding of various methods. In addition, a simulation test is performed to effectively validate the proposed model which outperforms the previous works. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the impact of supply chain cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facets shadowing test is time-consuming and inefficient in calculation of radar cross section utilizing physical optics (PO). A novel method is proposed in this paper by covering the target by overlapped spheres which divide the facets to several consistent groups. In order to ensure that every facet is included by at least one sphere, the adjacent spheres must have a common area and some facets may be included by more than one sphere. Spheres’ shadowing tests are conducted before the facets’ tests. If one sphere does not shadow the facet under testing, then the facet cannot be shadowed by any facet within the sphere. Otherwise, every facet within the sphere should be judged whether to shadow the facet. Numerical simulation is conducted to validate the efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm. The spheres’ size on performance of the algorithm is also discussed in this paper and an optional choice of the parameter is achieved resulting 89% time saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an extension of previous papers [1,2] on a raster-based fire spread model which combines a network model to represent vegetation distribution on land and a physical model of the heat transfer from burning to unburnt vegetation items, and takes into account local conditions of wind, topography, and vegetation. The physical model, still based on the unsteady energy conservation in every fuel element and detailed local and non-local heat transfer mechanisms (radiation from the flaming zone and embers, surface convection, and radiative cooling from the heated fuel element to the environment), now includes wind-driven convection through the fuel bed. To address the challenge of real-time fire spread simulations, the model is also extended in two ways. First, the Monte Carlo method is used in conjunction with a genetic algorithm to create a database of radiation view factors from the flame to the fuel surface for a wide variety of flame properties and environment conditions. Second, the front-tracking method, drafted in [2] , is extended to polydisperse networks and implemented in the new version of the model, called SWIFFT. Finally, the SWIFFT model is validated against data from different fire scenarios, showing it is capable of capturing the trends observed in experiments in terms of rate of spread, and area and shape of the burn, with reduced computational resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a novel density-based fuzzy clustering algorithm based on Active Learning Method (ALM), which is a methodology of soft computing inspired by some hypotheses claiming that human brain interprets information in pattern-like images rather than numerical quantities. The proposed clustering algorithm, Fuzzy Unsupervised Active Learning Method (FUALM), is performed in two main phases. First, each data point spreads in the feature space just like an ink drop that spreads on a sheet of paper. As a result of this process, densely connected ink patterns are formed that represent clusters. In the second phase, a fuzzifying process is applied in order to summarize the effects of all members of each cluster. Finding arbitrary shaped clusters, noise robustness and proposing fuzzy clusters are some of the advantages of our proposed clustering algorithm. The algorithm is described in full details and its performance is evaluated and compared with well-known clustering algorithms on synthetic and real-world datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plane wave theory has been used in predicting the acoustical performance of one-chamber straight mufflers. But, the acoustical effect of the mufflers at higher frequencies that are beyond the threshold of the cut-off frequency has been neglected. In addition, there is a need for a more compact muffler design for use inside a space-constrained working area. In order to improve the acoustical performance of straight mufflers, a space-constrained multi-chamber muffler using a more accurate predicting model in conjunction with an optimizer is proposed. In this paper, an eigen function that uses a three dimensional wave propagation to deduce the acoustical field as a four-pole matrix form is applied. An overall four-pole system matrix that multiplies individual matrices is adopted in evaluating the Transmission Loss (TL) for the hybrid mufflers. A circular and three-chamber straight muffler is introduced and optimized for various targeted tones using both Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Simulated Annealing (SA) Methods in conjunction with five objective functions (case A–case E). Before the optimization process is carried out, an accuracy check of the mathematical models for the circular one-chamber muffler is carried out. In order to verify the reliability of the GA and SA methods, a single-objective optimization of the three-chamber straight muffler at a targeted tone of 2000 Hz using GA method and SA method has been executed. Results reveal that the TL can be maximized at the targeted frequency when using either the GA method or the SA method. In addition, the noise reduction will increase if the number of chambers increases. Moreover, the acoustical performance of the mufflers will be reversely proportional to the diameter of the inlet/outlet tubes. Consequently, results reveal that the TL of the circular hybrid mufflers at targeted frequencies can be simultaneously improved by using the fourth and fifth strategies of objective functions in which the inverse of the summation summing up the individual target frequency's deviation square between the targeted transmission loss and the predicted transmission loss has been built. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure cartridge type separation devices which are widely used in fairing, stage separations of space launch systems, and many other aerospace fields generate much lower pyroshock and produce no high-speed debris compared to frangible explosive separation devices. However, because the operation is completed in a few milliseconds and the releasing mechanism is complicated, their separation behavior is difficult to experimentally identify. This paper presents a mathematical model to simulate the separation behaviors for a split-type separation bolt, one of the pressure cartridge type separation devices. The mathematical model includes a combustion model, buckling resisting model, split behavior model related to static and dynamic friction, O-ring friction model, contact force model, and slip angle model. Each composing models are obtained by mathematical formulation or numerical analysis. An efficient contact model is constructed by using virtual penetration model appropriately for complex contact phenomenon. To validate the established model, separation experiments were performed; the results are then compared with the mathematical model. Present study show that complex mechanical behaviors coupled with combustion of solid propellant charge can be efficiently simulated by the mathematical model. • Established a mathematical model for a low-shock separation device using pressure cartridge. • Analyzed complicated separation behavior of the low-shock separation device. • Simulation results were well compared with separation experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the cold alpha-type Stirling engine. The developed mathematical model comprises of Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) set of equations, i.e. continuity, momentum and energy equations. Moreover, the developed mathematical model comprises a non-equilibrium description of the regenerator, by the introduction of the energy conservation equation for the regenerator matrix. It was implemented in the framework of commercial CFD software ANSYS Fluent. The work presents an in-depth analysis of the influence of the numerical mesh and applied turbulence model on the obtained results. The model was used to analyse the influence of the regenerator on the performance of the cold Stirling engine at different operating conditions. It appeared that on an average application of the regenerator increased the engine specific work by 10 J/kg and this increase is significantly higher at a high rotational speed of the engine. At the same time, the engine efficiency averagely was increased by 10 percent points and again this increase was significantly higher at higher rotational speeds of the engine. Especially, the influence of the heat source and sink temperatures on the engine operation were analysed. It appears that the lower are temperatures of a heat source and sink the more pronounced is the presence of the regenerator in the engine. Finally, the influence of the elementary parameters: particle diameter and porosity of the solid matrix which constitute the regenerator filling was investigated. It was shown that for the analysed engine the optimal value of the regenerator packing porosity equals about 0.72 it results in the specific area of the regenerator equal around 1675 m2/m3. Obtained results can be used to analyse the possibility of application of Stirling engines to recover low-temperature exergy of regasified Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which for small regasification units can be alternative for commonly utilised Ambient Air Vaporizers (AAV) and it aside for regasification of LNG it could produce electric energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper expands the correspondence model of knowledge to a framework where there is an objective and many subjective state spaces, one for each player. At every objective state, each player lists the subset of her subjective states that she considers possible. In this context, the question of “self-consistency” arises: given beliefs of a player, is it possible that all of these beliefs come from a common prior via Bayesian updating? This paper provides necessary and sufficient conditions for self-consistency. If all players are self-consistent, the question of consistency arises: is there a common prior that rationalizes the beliefs of all players? Is it possible that self-consistency or consistency holds regardless of the numerical values of beliefs of the players? This paper provides necessary and sufficient conditions for consistency of beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the non-fragile H ∞ state estimation problem for a class of discrete-time networked system with probabilistic diverging disturbance and multiple missing measurements. The measurement missing phenomenon is assumed to occur randomly and the missing probability for each sensor is governed by an individual random variable satisfying a certain probabilistic distribution over the interval [ 0 , 1 ] . The aim of this paper is to estimate the networked system by designing a non-fragile H ∞ estimator such that the augmented estimation error system is asymptotically mean square stable with a prescribed H ∞ disturbance attention level γ . By using the Lyapunov method and stochastic analysis, we derive a sufficient condition for the existence of the desired estimator. By solving the linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), the estimator gain matrix is given. Two numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed design technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of transient fluid flow in porous media has several applications in geophysics/geotechnics and engineering. An in-depth evaluation of fluid flow behavior is critical in order to improve the understanding, and development of, laboratory measurement techniques in geo-mechanics, particularly permeability estimation. Given that considerable errors may be yielded in the derived permeabilities of sorptive rocks when using the conventional pressure-pulse decay method (PDM), this paper proposes a new experimental design, an optimized PDM, by creating dual pressure pulses to avoid the pressure disturbance due to compressive storage, ad-/de-sorption and thermal effect during the course of measurement. In this paper, the first of a two-part series, a mathematical model established for the conventional PDM was modified to closely represent the new experimental design, thereby extending the transient technique for permeability measurement of unconventional reservoir rocks, particularly ones with large sorption potential. Considering the complexity of analytical solutions of mathematical models, a comprehensive numerical investigation was established and a detailed comparison was carried out between the conventional and optimized PDMs. The results showed how the profiles of the decay curves change in space and time domain, and how pressure responses are influenced by various parameters in the experimental design for PDM. Combining the new design with numerical simulation results in an optimized technique for fast and accurate permeability measurement of sorptive rocks. In particular, Brace et al.’s solution, the most acknowledged and commonly-used permeability calculation method, was extended for permeability estimation of sorptive rocks. In Part 2, the experimental work under best-replicated in situ stress/strain conditions using the optimized method along with the numerical pressure response results obtained from computer simulation is presented. The results verified the practicality of the optimized PDM and the validity of Brace et al.’s solution for permeability measurement of sorptive rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an impulsive predator–prey model with communicable disease in the prey species only and investigate its interesting biological dynamics. By the Floquet theory of impulsive differential equation and small amplitude perturbation skills, we have deduced the sufficient conditions for the globally asymptotical stability of the semi-trivial periodic solution and the permanence of the proposed model. We also give the existences of the “infection-free” periodic solution and the “predator-free” solution. Finally, numerical results validate the effectiveness of theoretical analysis for the proposed model in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biofilm is usually defined as a layer of bacterial cells anchored to a surface. These cells are embedded into a polymer matrix that keeps them attached to each other and to a solid surface. Among a large variety of biofilms, in this paper we consider batch cultures. The mathematical model is formulated in terms of a quasilinear system of diffusion- reaction equations for biomass and nutrients concentrations, which exhibits possible degeneracy and singularities in the nonlinear diffusion coefficient. In the present paper, we propose a set of efficient numerical methods that speeds up the solution of the model. Mainly, Crank-Nicolson finite differences techniques for discretisation are combined with a Newton algorithm for the nonlinearities. Moreover, some numerical examples show the expected behaviour of the biomass and nutrients concentrations and also clearly illustrate some theoretically proved qualitative properties related to exponential decays or convergence to a critical biomass concentration depending on the values of the model parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the Kirchhoff type problem with radial potentials and locally L i p s c h i t z functional and there is no subcritical growth and no Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz type condition. This is in contrast with some recent papers concerning similar problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowd induced dynamic loading in large structures, such as gymnasiums or stadiums, is usually modelled as a series of harmonic loads which are defined in terms of their Fourier coefficients. Different values of these Fourier coefficients that were obtained from full scale measurements can be found in codes. Recently, an alternative has been proposed, based on random generation of load time histories that take into account phase lags among individuals inside the crowd. This paper presents the results of some studies carried out in order to compare the existing load models used to simulate periodic jumpings and develop a new load model. Generally the testing is performed on platforms or structures that can be considered rigid because their natural frequencies are higher than the excitation frequencies associated with crowd loading. But in this paper, to validate these load models test have been performed on a structure designed to be a gymnasium, which has natural frequencies within that range. Test results have been compared with predictions based on the load modelling alternatives with quite good agreement. A calibrated finite element model of the structure has been used for this purpose. The new model provides a clear improvement in the energy contained within higher frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present paper is to provide an efficient numerical technique to evaluate the linear elastic stress parameters to use in an existing fatigue model. The model allows to assess the tensile fatigue limit of components weakened by defects, cracks, sharp as well as blunt notches with an arbitrary notch opening angle. To apply the fatigue model, both the elastic stress concentration factor of the notch and the notch stress intensity factor of the corresponding sharp notch must be evaluated. Therefore, in principle two different linear elastic stress analyses should be performed. The novel technique proposed in the present paper involves only a single linear elastic stress analysis, consisting of a sharp and coarse finite element model: sharp because the notch tip radius is set to zero, and therefore a sharp V-shaped notch is modelled; coarse because coarse patterns of finite elements can be employed. Approximate values of the elastic stress concentration factor and of the notch stress intensity factor calculated from the sharp and coarse finite element model are compared with very accurate estimations obtained from dedicated analyses. To illustrate the fatigue assessment procedure, experimental notch fatigue limits taken from the literature and characterised by a variety of geometrical configurations are compared with theoretical estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, a novel Compton scattering tomography (CST) method using an annular detector for measuring density variations was proposed. The purpose of this study is to improve the collection efficiency of traditional CST and to significantly reduce the detection time down to minutes per voxel. The simulation setup was built in the GEANT4 software. Monte Carlo simulations were performed, revealing a depth positioning accuracy of ±0.5 mm for flaw and inclusion inspection and a tomographic resolution better than 2 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Dynamical analysis has been provided to describe nonlinear behavior of supercavitating vehicles. • Robust H∞ loop-shaping synthesis with modified PID algorithm is proposed to control the dive plane maneuver of the HSSV. • Multi-objective control problems are solved using BMI optimization of an equivalent Schur formula. • Control scheme has the low order structure and provides robustness against uncertainties. • Integrated robust controller can deal with high parametric uncertainties and suppress exogenous disturbances and sensor noises. Abstract The high-speed supercavitating vehicle (HSSV) utilizes advanced technology that enables an underwater vehicle to reach its unprecedented high speed. The vertical motion control of the HSSV is challenging problem because of its complex dynamics with nonlinear planing force, parametric uncertainties, external disturbances, actuator saturation, and sensor noises. This paper deals with dynamical analysis and a robust H∞ loop-shaping synthesis with modified PID (proportional-integral-derivative) algorithm to control the dive plane maneuver of the HSSV. Typically, the control scheme has the low order structure and provides robustness against dynamic uncertainties, which can be implemented using the bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) optimization of an equivalent Schur formula. Simulation results show that the controlled vehicle system provides good performance and high robustness against uncertainties, ensuring no-overshoot and fast in time-domain responses. In addition, the control algorithm can decouple the dynamic interactions in the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system, overcoming parametric uncertainty, planing force, and actuator saturation while minimizing the effect of the strong external disturbances and measurement noises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Sandwich composite propeller (SCMP) is lightweight and high-strength. • SCMP has higher efficiency than composite propeller at low advance coefficients. • The thinner facing of SCMP has a higher efficiency at low advance coefficients. • The bend–twist coupling characteristics of SCMP are more obvious. • Structural form of SCMP has a great influence on the intrinsic frequency. Abstract Studying the sandwich composite propeller (SCMP) is of great significance since the sandwich structure is lightweight and possesses high strength. This study proposes and verifies a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) method for a 3D underwater sandwich composite structure to calculate the performance of the propeller. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes formula-based computational fluid dynamics is adopted to solve for propeller loads, whereas the finite element method (FEM) is applied to solve for propeller deformations. ANSYS Workbench's system coupling is utilized to deliver the loads and deformations in the FSI. The paper also compares the propulsive performance and structural response of the SCMP and conventional composite propeller (CMP). The impact of the structural form and core material on the SCMP is explored. The results show that the weight reduction effect of the SCMP is better than that of the CMP, the propulsive efficiency of the SCMP is higher at low advance coefficients and lower at high advance coefficients, and the maximum pitch angles of the SCMP decrease at all conditions, unlike the case for the CMP. Moreover, the thinner the facing of the SCMP, the greater the influence of the higher twist–deformation ratio of the resulting structural form on the intrinsic frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper an improved mathematical model of a hydro-pneumatic tensioner (HPT) system for top tensioned riser (TTR) is derived by consideration of friction, mass of piston and piston rod, tension loss in hydraulic oil piping, and compressibility of hydraulic oil. The vertical motion of the riser string is also considered. Subsequently, the proposed detailed model and the conventional simplified model are comparatively studied. Finally, the tension characteristic and performance parameters of the HPT are analyzed based on the proposed model. Results show that the conventional simplified model indeed overestimates the tension of tensioner as it neglects some performance parameters resulting in tension loss. The diameters of piston and piston rod and the initial pressure of high pressure (HP) gas have the most significant influence on the tension of the tensioner. The initial volume of HP gas and the initial pressure of low pressure (LP) gas also have some impact. The influence of the initial volume of LP gas and the inner diameter and length of the piping is relatively small. The research has some reference value for HPT and TTR design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, we propose an approach of combination of asymptotic and numerical techniques to solve highly oscillatory second-order initial value problems. An asymptotic expansion of the solution is derived in inverse of powers of the oscillatory parameter, which develops on two time scales, a slow time t and a fast time τ = ω t. The truncation with the first few terms of the expansion results in a very effective method of discretizing the highly oscillatory differential equation and becomes more accurate when the oscillatory parameter increases. Numerical examples show that our proposed asymptotic-numerical solver is efficient and accurate for highly oscillatory problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The MHD equation has some applications in physics and engineering. The main aim of the current paper is to propose a new numerical algorithm for solving the MHD equation. At first, the temporal direction has been discretized by the Crank–Nicolson scheme. Also, the unconditional stability and convergence of the time-discrete scheme have been investigated by using the energy method. Then, an improvement of element free Galerkin (EFG) i.e. the interpolating element free Galerkin method has been employed to discrete the spatial direction. Furthermore, an error estimate is presented for the full discrete scheme based on the Crank–Nicolson scheme by using the energy method. We prove that convergence order of the numerical scheme based on the new numerical scheme is O (τ 2 + δ m). In the considered method the appeared integrals are approximated using Gauss Legendre quadrature formula. Numerical examples confirm the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The Constructal law is applied to thermochemical energy storage design. • Equipartition of imperfections leads to several layers of reacting salt. • The best design meets overall performance and compactness objectives. Abstract This paper documents an analytical and numerical study of thermochemical energy storage in an open reactor. The analysis of the pressure losses and temperature distributions allows to predict what the geometrical features of the reactor should be. A numerical model simulating the thermochemical process is then presented and validated. In accord with the Constructal design methodology, the module configuration is morphed following the trends obtained in the analytical part, to head for better overall performances. The results show that the ratio between the heat produced by the chemical reaction within the entire module and the overall pumping power necessary to blow the fluid through the module increases as the imperfections reach equipartition. In terms of module configuration, this means (i) an increase in the number of salt layers and (ii) aspect ratios moving the module volume towards more compactness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A novel spacetime meshless method for solving the backward heat conduction problem. • Numerical approximation using the Trefftz basis function of the heat equation. • Collocating the boundary points in the spacetime coordinate system in the Trefftz method. • Highly accurate numerical solutions can be obtained comparing to that from conventional time-marching scheme. • Boundary data on the inaccessible boundary can be recovered even the partial data on the final time boundary are absent. Abstract This paper presents a novel space–time meshless method for solving the backward heat conduction problem (BHCP). A numerical approximation is obtained using the Trefftz basis function of the heat equation. The Trefftz method, which differs from conventional collocation methods based on a set of unstructured points in space, is used in this study to collocate boundary points in the space–time coordinate system such that the initial and boundary conditions can both be treated as boundary conditions on the space–time domain boundary. Because the solution in time on the boundary of the domain is unknown, the BHCP can be transformed into an inverse boundary value problem. The numerical solution is obtained by superpositioning the Trefftz base functions that automatically satisfy the governing equation. The validity of the proposed method is established for several test problems, including the one-dimensional BHCP and two-dimensional BHCP. The accuracy of the proposed method is compared with that of a conventional time-marching scheme based on the finite difference method. The results demonstrate that highly accurate numerical solutions can be obtained and errors may not accumulate over the entire time domain. Moreover, the boundary data on the inaccessible boundary can be recovered even when the partial data on the final time boundary are absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • 1-D freezing behavior assessment of ice-rich sandy soil considering the phase change of water. • Numerical simulation model shows reliable prediction results for 1-D freezing test. • Freezing behavior of ice-rich sandy soil are dependent on various geotechnical properties. • The larger the porosity of the specimen, the greater the increase in the time for fully frozen. • Height of specimen has the greatest impact on the time for fully frozen. Abstract This paper evaluates a methodology that enables one-dimensional freezing to make a homogeneous frozen soil specimen. Numerical analyses that simulate one-dimensional freezing are conducted, considering the phase change of pore water. After evaluating the applicability of the numerical analysis model, the effects of geotechnical characteristics on the freezing behavior of ice-rich sandy soil are evaluated through parametric studies. In addition, a nonlinear regression model is proposed that can predict the time required for complete freezing of saturated soil. According to the results from nonlinear regression analysis, the model demonstrates reliable accuracy (R2 = 0.998) in predicting the amount of time required for complete freezing, even with data from testing datasets not used in the developing stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We study in this paper the accuracy and stability of partially and fully implicit schemes for phase field modeling. Through theoretical and numerical analysis of Allen–Cahn and Cahn–Hilliard models, we investigate the potential problems of using partially implicit schemes, demonstrate the importance of using fully implicit schemes and discuss the limitation of energy stability that are often used to evaluate the quality of a numerical scheme for phase-field modeling. In particular, we make the following observations: 1. a convex splitting scheme (CSS in short) can be equivalent to some fully implicit scheme (FIS in short) with a much different time scaling and thus it may lack numerical accuracy; 2. most implicit schemes are energy-stable if the time-step size is sufficiently small; 3. a traditionally known conditionally energy-stable scheme still possesses an unconditionally energy-stable physical solution; 4. an unconditionally energy-stable scheme is not necessarily better than a conditionally energy-stable scheme when the time step size is not small enough; 5. a first-order FIS for the Allen–Cahn model can be devised so that the maximum principle will be valid on the discrete level and hence the discrete phase variable satisfies | u h (x) | ≤ 1 for all x and, furthermore, the linearized discretized system can be effectively preconditioned by discrete Poisson operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Consider a standby system with working vacations and retrial of failed components. • We compute the steady-state availability using the matrix-analytic method. • We develop the reliability function and mean-time-to-failure. • Numerical examples are used to conduct sensitivity analysis. Abstract In this paper, we consider a repairable system consisting of M primary components, S spare components, and a repairman. In cases where none of the components in the system is failed, the repairman leaves the system for multiple vacations. During a vacation period, the repairman lowers the repair rate rather than halting repairs together. The system does not include a waiting space. If a failed component finds the repairman free upon arrival, then it immediately occupies the repairman and is being repaired. If a failed component does not find a free repairman upon arrival, then it leaves the service area to join the retrial group (orbit) to try again for a repair. For this system, the matrix-analytic method is used to compute the steady-state availability. We develop the reliability function and mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) based on the Laplace transform technique. Numerical examples are given to assess the effects of system parameters on the system reliability, MTTF, and steady-state availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Analytical and numerical study results of Y-type self-centering eccentrically braced frame (SCEBF-Y) are presented. • Post-gap opening stiffness of SCEBF-Y depend on PT cable properties. • Finite element model of the SCEBF-Y is verified with analytical and experimental test data. • Post-gap-opening stiffness and equivalent yield strength of SCEBF-Y is adjustable. Abstract This paper presents the results from both analytical and numerical study of a Y-type self-centering eccentrically braced frame (SCEBF-Y) subjected to earthquake loading. In this study, a three-story SCEBF-Y frame building has been designed along with a three-story conventional D-type eccentrically braced frame (EBF-D) for a site located in Los Angeles, California. The analytical results reveal that initial stiffness and post-gap opening stiffness of SCEBF-Y depend on brace section properties and PT strand properties respectively. The finite element model of the SCEBF-Y frame has been verified with analytical results as well as experimental test data from a similar one-story one-bay D-type self-centering eccentrically braced frame specimen. The study results demonstrate that SCEBF-Y frame can be designed to the same strength and stiffness as conventional EBFs while it can re-center itself after design basis earthquake (DBE). In the SCEBF-Y system, replaceable energy dissipation devices termed RHD devices are installed to dissipate seismic energy, and the primary structural members are intended to remain elastic under the DBE earthquakes. The nonlinear time history analysis results for the prototype SCEBF-Y buildings show that not only the SCEBF-Y building has negligible residual drift, but also it has its major damage confined to replaceable energy dissipation devices. In the parametric study, three different levels of PT strands' initial stress along with different PT cable length has been considered and the parametric study suggests that by properly choosing cable length and cable's initial post-tensioning stress level, key structural system properties such as the post-gap-opening stiffness and the equivalent yield strength of SCEBF-Y can be adjusted accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]