Reliability-Based Full-Life Cycle Optimum Design of Offshore Jacket Platform

Based on the consideration of operation environment and structural property, an optimum design model of offshore jacket platform is developed in this paper, namely, the reliability-based full-life cycle optimum design model. In this model, the time-dependent reliability assessment method for structural members is established by combination of the decrease of sectional size and performance deterioration of material. The initial investment, maintenance cost and failure loss cost are assembled into the model. The total cost of the platform structure system in its full service period is chosen as the objective function, and the initial reliabilities of the layer elements partitioned in advance are taken as the design variables. Different models are obtained, depending on whether the system reliability constraint is considered or not. This optimum design model can result in the lowest full-life cost and the optimal initial layer reliability of an offshore jacket platform in the design of marine structures. The feasibility of this model is illustrated with an actual jacket platform in the Liaodong Gulf as an example.

PRODUCT DATA PREDICTION WITH UNCERTAINTY IN PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE DESIGN

Various kinds of data are used in new product design and more accurate datamake the design results more reliable. Even though part of product data can be available directlyfrom the existing similar products, there still leaves a great deal of data unavailable. This makesdata prediction a valuable work. A method that can predict data of product under development basedon the existing similar products is proposed. Fuzzy theory is used to deal with the uncertainties indata prediction process. The proposed method can be used in life cycle design, life cycleassessment (LCA) etc. Case study on current refrigerator is used as a demonstration example.

Optimum Design of Movable Screen Jig Cycle

The basic method for designing and calculating reasonable jig cycle of movable screen jig was presented. The reasonabilityand reliability of designed jig cycle were verified by' means of the test on artificial mixed materials. An iron ore (12-100 mm) was treatedin tile TJD-75 model movable screen jig with the jig cycle. The good results were achieved. This would provide a reliable basis for designof commercial movable-screen jig.

Sustainable Design in Space Structures

The sustainable design approach presented in this paper supports an increased commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, and results in an optimal balance of cost, environmental, societal, and human benefits while meeting the mission and function of the intended space structure. The aim of this paper is to develop the guidelines that could be applied in the design of a space structure in order to achieve the optimal overall lifetime performance of the space structure. Space structures are more than inanimate hunks of metal, glass and fabric. Every space structure that we design as structural engineers is like a child - a child that is conceived with a passionate vision of its form, structure and purpose; nurtured through the schematic design phase and the development of construction documents; and cared for during the labor pains of plan check corrections, requests for information, shop drawing review, and construction observation. Like children, our space structures mature, perform necessary functions during their lives, and eventually, grow old and die. The design of a sustainable space structure is a much more challenging and cross-disciplinary process than in the past and therefore it is necessary that the space structure is viewed as an integrated system and that all members of the design team work in a fully integrated fashion.

New LCA Approach with Fuzzy Evaluation

A quantitative and comprehensive method of product life cycle assessment(LCA) with fuzzy theory is developed, which will help designers to select the optimum design scheme for product life cycle design(LCD). Based on the theory of multiple attribute decision making, an algorithm of comprehensive and comparative evaluation for product environmental adaptability is presented. A program is built and used in an example of design improvement. The result shows that the proposed method and algorithm are practical and effective to the development of green products.

Product Maintenance Oriented Remote Monitoring and Diagnosis System

A research on maintenance oriented remote monitoring and diagnosis modular as well as the data transportation technique is carried out. An opened and modularized data share framework integrated with virtual graphic transportation is presented to realize the data exchange. As a result, it implements a real-time monitoring, diagnosis and maintenance system based on WWW. An effective support technique for the real-time remote fault diagnosis, maintenance and entire life cycle design of products is supplied.

基于TLBO算法的不确定性条件下复杂产品协同设计的可靠性拓扑优化

复杂产品的拓扑优化设计可以显著节省材料和节能,有效地降低惯性力和机械振动。本研究以一种大吨位液压机作为典型的复杂产品,用于阐述该优化方法。本文提出了一种基于可靠性与优化解耦模型和基于教学学习的优化(TLBO)算法的可靠性拓扑优化方法。将由板结构形成的支撑物作为拓扑优化对象,重量轻、稳定性好。将不确定性下的可靠性优化和结构拓扑优化协同处理。首先,利用有限差分法将优化问题中的不确定性参数修正为确定性参数。然后,将不确定性可靠性分析和拓扑优化的复杂嵌套解耦。最后,利用TLBO算法求解解耦模型,该算法参数少,求解速度快。TLBO算法采用了自适应教学因子,在初始阶段实现了更快的收敛速度,并在后期进行了更精细的搜索。本文给出了一个液压机基板结构的数值实例,说明了该方法的有效性。

Real-time Life-cycle Modular Design Method Based on Game Theory for Jack-up

To study an entity the entire jack-up performs as a total system with close interdependency and high level of integration of a myriad of subsystems supporting each individual function. All subsystems should be arranged in regular geometric space with clear regional division according to their respective functions. The ＂building block＂ such as arrangement makes it feasible to apply modular design method while the integration and conflicts among subsystems offer an arena for game theoretic analysis. All the contradictions between subsystems should be resolved bye the designer. Here we present a game theoretic analysis methodology, which based on the basic principles of game theory, through the establishment of matrix-mode game models to describe and analyze engineering design tasks. By using this method the optimization process in various fields of expertise can be effectively coordinated and controlled, and the parallel design patterns can be achieved to some extent. Taking account of the impact of commercial or technical activities in platform＇s life cycle, time line is considered in the early stage of design process which provides more convenience for efficient upgrade and reconfiguration. Some second-hand three-legged jack-up upgrade design process is used as an example to illustrate the utility of the method.

Investigation of influential factors on the tensile strength of cold recycled mixture with bitumen emulsion due to moisture conditioning

The present study attempts to investigate the effect of moisture conditioning on the in- direct tensile strength （ITS） of cold recycled mixture with bitumen emulsion. Firstly, samples were prepared using a Superpave gyratory compactor. They were hence condi- tioned using moisture induced sensitivity tester （MIST） device. Factorial design was carried out considering four factors each at two different levels. These factors were specimen thickness, air voids content, pressure and number of cycles. In the MIST device, samples are cyclically subjected to water pressure through the sample pores. The MIST conditioned samples were tested for indirect tensile strength. The analysis of two-level full-factorial designed experiments revealed that all four factors have a negative effect on tensile strength of cold recycled mixture with bitumen emulsion. Specimen thickness was the most significant factor affecting the tensile strength followed by air voids content. In two- factor interaction, specimen thickness-number of cycles, air voids content-pressure, and pressure-number of cycles were significant. The most significant three-factor interaction was specimen thickness-pressure-number of cycles. The results from the study suggest that in measuring tensile strength, the appropriate specimen thickness and air voids content should be selected to quantify the representative tensile strength for in-situ conditions.