Two Monte Carlo-based simulators for imaging-system modeling and projection simulation of flat-panel X-ray source

The advantages of a flat-panel X-ray source(FPXS)make it a promising candidate for imaging applications.Accurate imaging-system modeling and projection simulation are critical for analyzing imaging performance and resolving overlapping projection issues in FPXS.The conventional analytical ray-tracing approach is limited by the number of patterns and is not applicable to FPXS-projection calculations.However,the computation time of Monte Carlo(MC)simulation is independent of the size of the patterned arrays in FPXS.This study proposes two high-efficiency MC projection simulators for FPXS:a graphics processing unit(GPU)-based phase-space sampling MC(gPSMC)simulator and GPU-based fluence sampling MC(gFSMC)simulator.The two simulators comprise three components:imaging-system modeling,photon initialization,and physical-interaction simulations in the phantom.Imaging-system modeling was performed by modeling the FPXS,imaging geometry,and detector.The gPSMC simulator samples the initial photons from the phase space,whereas the gFSMC simulator performs photon initialization from the calculated energy spectrum and fluence map.The entire process of photon interaction with the geometry and arrival at the detector was simulated in parallel using multiple GPU kernels,and projections based on the two simulators were calculated.The accuracies of the two simulators were evaluated by comparing them with the conventional analytical ray-tracing approach and acquired projections,and the efficiencies were evaluated by comparing the computation time.The results of simulated and realistic experiments illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed gPSMC and gFSMC simulators in the projection calculation of various phantoms.

Application of Patient Simulators Combined with Internet plus Scenario Simulation Teaching Models on Intravenous Infusion Nursing Education in China

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of applying patient simulators combined with Internet Plus scenario simulation teaching models on intravenous (IV) infusion nursing education, and to provide scientific evidence for the implementation of advanced teaching models in future nursing education. Methods: Enrolled 60 nurses who took the IV infusion therapy training program in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 for research. 30 nurses who were trained in traditional teaching models from January to December 2022 were selected as the control group, and 30 nurses who were trained with simulation-based teaching models with methods including simulated patients, internet, online meetings which can be replayed and scenario simulation, etc. from January to December 2023 were selected as the experimental group. Evaluated the learning outcomes based on the Competency Inventory for Nursing Students (CINS), Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI), comprehensive learning ability, scientific research ability, and proficiency in the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of IV infusion therapy. Nursing quality, the incidence of IV infusion therapy complications and nurse satisfaction with different teaching models were also measured. Results: The scientific research ability, PSI scores, CINS scores, and comprehensive learning ability of the experimental group were better than those of the control group (P 0.05), and their assessment results of practical skills, nursing quality of IV infusion therapy during training, and satisfaction with teaching models were all better than those of the control group with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The incidence of IV infusion therapy complications in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, indicating statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Teaching models based on patient simulators combined with Internet Plus scenario simulation enable nursing students to learn more directly and practice at any time and in any place, and can improve their proficiency in IV infusion theoretical knowledge and skills (e.g. PICC catheterization), core competencies, problem-solving ability, comprehensive learning ability, scientific research ability and the ability to deal with complicated cases. Also, it helps provide high-quality nursing education, improve the nursing quality of IV therapy, reduce the incidence of related complications, and ensure the safety of patients with IV therapy.

Blast waveform tailoring using controlled venting in blast simulators and shock tubes

A critical challenge of any blast simulation facility is in producing the widest possible pressure-impulse range for matching against equivalent high-explosive events.Shock tubes and blast simulators are often constrained with the lack of effective ways to control blast wave profiles and as a result have a limited performance range.Some wave shaping techniques employed in some facilities are reviewed but often necessitate extensive geometric modifications,inadvertently cause flow anomalies,and/or are only applicable under very specific configurations.This paper investigates controlled venting as an expedient way for waveforms to be tuned without requiring extensive modifications to the driver or existing geometry and could be widely applied by existing and future blast simulation and shock tube facilities.The use of controlled venting is demonstrated experimentally using the Advanced Blast Simulator(shock tube)at the Australian National Facility of Physical Blast Simulation and via numerical flow simulations with Computational Fluid Dynamics.Controlled venting is determined as an effective method for mitigating the impact of re-reflected waves within the blast simulator.This control method also allows for the adjustment of parameters such as tuning the peak overpressure,the positive phase duration,and modifying the magnitude of the negative phase and the secondary shock of the blast waves.This paper is concluded with an illustration of the potential expanded performance range of the Australian blast simulation facility when controlled venting for blast waveform tailoring as presented in this paper is applied.

Virtual reality simulators for gastrointestinal endoscopy training

The use of simulators as educational tools for medical procedures is spreading rapidly and many efforts have been made for their implementation in gastrointestinal endoscopy training. Endoscopy simulation training has been suggested for ascertaining patient safety while positively influencing the trainees' learning curve. Virtual simulators are the most promising tool among all available types of simulators. These integrated modalities offer a human-like endoscopy experience by combining virtual images of the gastrointestinal tract and haptic realism with using a customized endoscope. From their first steps in the 1980s until today, research involving virtual endoscopic simulators can be divided in two categories: investigation of the impact of virtual simulator training in acquiring endoscopy skills and measuring competence. Emphasis should also be given to the financial impact of their implementation in endoscopy, including the cost of these state-of-theart simulators and the potential economic benefits from their usage. Advances in technology will contribute to the upgrade of existing models and the development of new ones; while further research should be carried out to discover new fields of application.

Formal safety assessment and application of the navigation simulators for preventing human error in ship operations

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has encouraged its member countries to introduce Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) for ship operations since the end of the last century. FSA can be used through certain formal assessing steps to generate effective recommendations and cautions to control marine risks and improve the safety of ships. On the basis of the brief introduction of FSA, this paper describes the ideas of applying FSA to the prevention of human error in ship operations. It especially discusses the investigation and analysis of the information and data using navigation simulators and puts forward some suggestions for the introduction and development of the FSA research work for safer ship operations.

Lessons learned from requirements gathering for virtual reality simulators

Background This paper shows how current collaborative virtual environments(VEs)such as Mozilla Hubs and AltspaceVR can aid in the task of requirements gathering in VR for simulation and training.Methods We performed a qualitative study on our use of these technologies in the requirements gathering of two projects.Results Our results show that requirements gathering in virtual reality has an impact on the process of requirements identification.We report advantages and shortcomings that will be of interest to future practitioners.For example,we found that VR sessions for requirements gathering in current VEs could benefit from better pointers and better sound quality.Conclusion Current VEs are useful for the requirements gathering task in the development of VR simulators and VR training environments.

Numerical simulation of a gas pipeline network using computational fluid dynamics simulators

This article describes numerical simulation of gas pipeline network operation using high-accuracy computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulators of the modes of gas mixture transmission through long, multi-line pipeline systems (CFD-simulator). The approach used in CFD-simulators for modeling gas mixture transmission through long, branched, multi-section pipelines is based on tailoring the full system of fluid dynamics equations to conditions of unsteady, non-isothermal processes of the gas mixture flow. Identification, in a CFD-simulator, of safe parameters for gas transmission through compressor stations amounts to finding the interior points of admissible sets described by systems of nonlinear algebraic equalities and inequalities. Such systems of equalities and inequalities comprise a formal statement of technological, design, operational and other constraints to which operation of the network equipment is subject. To illustrate the practicability of the method of numerical simulation of a gas transmission network, we compare computation results and gas flow parameters measured on-site at the gas transmission enter-prise.

Deterministic and Stochastic Simulators for Non-Isotropic V2V-MIMO Wideband Channels

In this paper, we consider a novel two-dimensional(2D) geometry-based stochastic model(GBSM) for multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) vehicle-to-vehicle(V2V) wideband fading channels. The proposed model employs the combination of a two-ring model and a multiple confocal ellipses model, where the signal is sum of the line-of-sight(Lo S) component, single-bounced(SB) rays, and double-bounced(DB) rays. Based on the reference model, we derive some expressions of channel statistical properties, including space-time correlation function(STCF), Doppler spectral power density(DPSD), envelope level crossing rate(LCR) and average fade duration(AFD). In addition, corresponding deterministic and stochastic simulation models are developed based on the reference model. Moreover, we compare the statistical properties of the reference model and the two simulation models in different scenarios and investigate the impact of different vehicular traffic densities(VTDs) on the channel statistical properties of the proposed model. Finally, the great agreement between simulation models and the reference model demonstrates not only the utility of simulation models, but also the correctness of theoretical derivations and simulations.

Practical Survey on Design and Testing of Flight Control Laws for Helicopter Engineering Simulators

A practical survey on engineering implementation of flight control laws on helicopter engineering simulators is proposed.Advances of helicopter engineering simulators are introduced.Practical flight control technologies are reviewed,with an emphasis on discussing the corresponding engineering simulation programs.Finally,the difficulties of implementing advanced control technologies are addressed,and the future development of helicopter engineering simulators are highlighted.

Harmonic amplitude-phase adaptive control and its application in three-axis simulators

This paper proposes a compensation method for using the Harmonic Amplitude-Phase Adaptive Control(HAPAC)to increase the precision of sinusoidal motion simulators. It also expounds on the HAPAC principle and structural disposition, develops the HAPAC control laws and analyzes the system stability in the HAPAC. A method for further improving the precision using online identification of the system’s frequency-response models is presented. The tested data and tracking errors of the simulator demonstrate that the HAPAC makes the sinusoidal motions achieve higher precision than the common classical controls. The HAPAC can also be used in other tracking systems of precision sinusoidal motions.

Design and Implementation of Virtual Experiments for Computer Architecture Based on Simulators

In china,many students are unable to do experiments in computer architecture courses,which is very important in helping them to understand many key points.The reason is that the cost of the hardware required is too much.Besides,it is very difficult to do research study in hardware experiments.In our course,we adopted an alternative way to deal with the problem: to use software simulators,and designed a set of virtual experiments based on these simulators,which are described in detail in this paper.

The Application of Moving Base Systems in Driving Simulators with Special Regard to the Sensation of Yaw Movements

Driving simulators involve the capability of simulating critical and dangerous driving situations up to the limits of active safety. They are employed for investigating the interactions of the driver-vehicle system under reproducible and non-dangerous conditions. Because of their flexibility they are well established in scientific research. They are mainly used in current automotive fields of research like driver assistance and autonomous driving systems. The development of assistance systems makes the human being as the directly concerned component irreplaceable in the development process. Here the use of driving simulators has become an essential element, because they offer the possibility to integrate the human being as a real part into the simulation environment. It must be considered that the circuit of information has to be the same as under real driving conditions. Otherwise the results are not transferable. This paper deals with the possibilities of presenting all information to the driver, which are necessary to give him a realistic impression of driving. A main subject is the sensation of yaw-movements, which could be of interest when novel kinds of moving base systems are designed.

Heart and Lung Mechanical Assist Devices are Comprehensively Tested by the New Hybrid Simulators

Two applications of the hybrid simulators have been presented as examples: nonpulsatile VAD interaction with lumped parameters cardiovascular system numerical model and respirator interacting with the Dubois numerical model of obstructive lung diseases. The results of simulations showed how the tested assist devices change biological system - assist device characteristics in the course of heart or lungs diseases and how it influences pressure and flow in a particular point of cardiovascular or respiratory system numerical model.

Exploration of Artificial-intelligence Oriented Power System Dynamic Simulators

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence(AI),it is foreseeable that the accuracy and efficiency of dynamic analysis for future power system will be greatly improved by the integration of dynamic simulators and AI.To explore the interaction mechanism of power system dynamic simulations and AI,a general design for AI-oriented power system dynamic simulators is proposed,which consists of a high-performance simulator with neural network supportability and flexible external and internal application programming interfaces(APIs).With the support of APIs,simulation-assisted AI and AIassisted simulation form a comprehensive interaction mechanism between power system dynamic simulations and AI.A prototype of this design is implemented and made public based on a highly efficient electromechanical simulator.Tests of this prototype are carried out in four scenarios including sample generation,AI-based stability prediction,data-driven dynamic component modeling,and AI-aided stability control,which prove the validity,flexibility,and efficiency of the design and implementation for AI-oriented power system dynamic simulators.

自动化生产线工业机器人的装调工艺仿真

在自动化生产线安装调试工作中,工业机器人的装调费时费力且难以迅速满足生产线工艺要求,提出了使用Process Simulate软件对自动化生产线中的工业机器人进行工艺仿真的解决方案。文章介绍了使用Process Simulate软件对自动化生产线中的工业机器人进行工艺仿真的基本方法和过程,从而实现工业机器人装调效率和自动化生产线生产效率的提高。

仿真技术在船舶舱室单元生产线设计中的应用

采用流水线模式生产船舶预制舱室单元正越来越受到关注,但目前针对其生产线设计方法的研究较少,为了改进流水生产线设计方案,提高生产力,本文开展仿真技术在舱室单元流水生产线设计不同阶段中的应用研究。首先在工序规划阶段运用遗传算法模块优化生产工序,其次在布局设计阶段基于仿真试验模块求解最佳库容,最后在方案比选阶段通过模拟复杂生产系统运行输出关键指标。研究结果表明,仿真技术在能为流水线工艺和布局设计提供有力支撑,对工程设计具有应用价值。

菠菜播种收割一体机结构设计与有限元分析

针对现有菠菜收割机留根、铲根深浅不一以及播种机撒播效率低、线绳播种成本高等问题,通过理论计算和SolidWorks建模分析,设计了一种犁地深度可调、整株收割、定量等距播种的菠菜播种收割一体机。采用Simulation模块对优化的机架和犁进行有限元分析发现,机架的大部分最大应力点位于机架前端的输料口处,在制造时需提高此处的焊接质量;犁须选用耐腐蚀性好的材料以减少其在腐蚀性土壤环境中的损坏。通过综合比较和有限元分析发现,机架所受最大应力均小于玻璃钢屈服极限,若通过合理成型设计弥补玻璃钢的成形性差等问题,有望使其成为未来农机具中犁制造的优选材料。研究结果可为菠菜播种收割一体机设计和关键部件优化提供一定理论参考。

无开挖电缆保护管道支护装置设计与仿真

针对地下管道放置要求,设计了一种无开挖电缆保护管道支护装置,可以实现多变地质中管道的自动安装。运用SOLIDWORKS软件进行建模,运用Simulation对重要零部件进行有限元分析,对强度进行校核,选择相应的材料,通过ADAMS软件对四杆机构进行运动仿真及分析,得到托板在质心处的运动情况,使整机结构和运动参数得到了优化,为样机制造奠定了基础。

基于Plant Simulation的化纤自动落丝系统仿真实验分析

基于Plant Simulation软件,构建一种化纤自动落丝系统的3D数字化模型,对系统效率关键输入因子进行参数化设置,将系统各工位三维数字模型导入软件中建立层次化运动机构图形结构,并运用Simltalk语言实现三维动作仿真,通过基础物理参数设置,保证了仿真数字化模型与现实系统更具一致性。通过多级实验设计分析了系统影响因子对于系统效率的影响特性曲线,并进一步通过动态参数化实验方法,计算出双输入因子对系统效能影响的敏感度。该实验结果可为化纤自动落丝系统的建设成本控制与可行性分析提供指导,具有较好的工程应用价值。

The Probability Density Function Related to Shallow Cumulus Entrainment Rate and Its Influencing Factors in a Large-Eddy Simulation

The process of entrainment-mixing between cumulus clouds and the ambient air is important for the development of cumulus clouds.Accurately obtaining the entrainment rate(λ)is particularly important for its parameterization within the overall cumulus parameterization scheme.In this study,an improved bulk-plume method is proposed by solving the equations of two conserved variables simultaneously to calculateλof cumulus clouds in a large-eddy simulation.The results demonstrate that the improved bulk-plume method is more reliable than the traditional bulk-plume method,becauseλ,as calculated from the improved method,falls within the range ofλvalues obtained from the traditional method using different conserved variables.The probability density functions ofλfor all data,different times,and different heights can be well-fitted by a log-normal distribution,which supports the assumed stochastic entrainment process in previous studies.Further analysis demonstrate that the relationship betweenλand the vertical velocity is better than other thermodynamic/dynamical properties;thus,the vertical velocity is recommended as the primary influencing factor for the parameterization ofλin the future.The results of this study enhance the theoretical understanding ofλand its influencing factors and shed new light on the development ofλparameterization.