Recent advances in cobalt phosphide-based materials for electrocatalytic water splitting:From catalytic mechanism and synthesis method to optimization design

Electrochemical water splitting has long been considered an effective energy conversion technology for trans-ferring intermittent renewable electricity into hydrogen fuel,and the exploration of cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts is crucial in making electrolyzed water technology commercially viable.Cobalt phosphide(Co-P)has emerged as a catalyst of high potential owing to its high catalytic activity and durability in water splitting.This paper systematically reviews the latest advances in the development of Co-P-based materials for use in water splitting.The essential effects of P in enhancing the catalytic performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction are first outlined.Then,versatile synthesis techniques for Co-P electrocatalysts are summarized,followed by advanced strategies to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of Co-P materials,including heteroatom doping,composite construction,integration with well-conductive sub-strates,and structure control from the viewpoint of experiment.Along with these optimization strategies,the understanding of the inherent mechanism of enhanced catalytic performance is also discussed.Finally,some existing challenges in the development of highly active and stable Co-P-based materials are clarified,and pro-spective directions for prompting the wide commercialization of water electrolysis technology are proposed.

A Hybrid Level Set Optimization Design Method of Functionally Graded Cellular Structures Considering Connectivity

With the continuous advancement in topology optimization and additive manufacturing(AM)technology,the capability to fabricate functionally graded materials and intricate cellular structures with spatially varying microstructures has grown significantly.However,a critical challenge is encountered in the design of these structures–the absence of robust interface connections between adjacent microstructures,potentially resulting in diminished efficiency or macroscopic failure.A Hybrid Level Set Method(HLSM)is proposed,specifically designed to enhance connectivity among non-uniform microstructures,contributing to the design of functionally graded cellular structures.The HLSM introduces a pioneering algorithm for effectively blending heterogeneous microstructure interfaces.Initially,an interpolation algorithm is presented to construct transition microstructures seamlessly connected on both sides.Subsequently,the algorithm enables the morphing of non-uniform unit cells to seamlessly adapt to interconnected adjacent microstructures.The method,seamlessly integrated into a multi-scale topology optimization framework using the level set method,exhibits its efficacy through numerical examples,showcasing its prowess in optimizing 2D and 3D functionally graded materials(FGM)and multi-scale topology optimization.In essence,the pressing issue of interface connections in complex structure design is not only addressed but also a robust methodology is introduced,substantiated by numerical evidence,advancing optimization capabilities in the realm of functionally graded materials and cellular structures.

Multi-Stage Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Method for Enhancing Complete Artillery Internal Ballistic Firing Performance

To enhance the comprehensive performance of artillery internal ballistics—encompassing power,accuracy,and service life—this study proposed a multi-stage multidisciplinary design optimization(MS-MDO)method.First,the comprehensive artillery internal ballistic dynamics(AIBD)model,based on propellant combustion,rotation band engraving,projectile axial motion,and rifling wear models,was established and validated.This model was systematically decomposed into subsystems from a system engineering perspective.The study then detailed the MS-MDO methodology,which included Stage I(MDO stage)employing an improved collaborative optimization method for consistent design variables,and Stage II(Performance Optimization)focusing on the independent optimization of local design variables and performance metrics.The methodology was applied to the AIBD problem.Results demonstrated that the MS-MDO method in Stage I effectively reduced iteration and evaluation counts,thereby accelerating system-level convergence.Meanwhile,Stage II optimization markedly enhanced overall performance.These comprehensive evaluation results affirmed the effectiveness of the MS-MDO method.

Random Forest-Based Fatigue Reliability-Based Design Optimization for Aeroengine Structures

Fatigue reliability-based design optimization of aeroengine structures involves multiple repeated calculations of reliability degree and large-scale calls of implicit high-nonlinearity limit state function,leading to the traditional direct Monte Claro and surrogate methods prone to unacceptable computing efficiency and accuracy.In this case,by fusing the random subspace strategy and weight allocation technology into bagging ensemble theory,a random forest(RF)model is presented to enhance the computing efficiency of reliability degree;moreover,by embedding the RF model into multilevel optimization model,an efficient RF-assisted fatigue reliability-based design optimization framework is developed.Regarding the low-cycle fatigue reliability-based design optimization of aeroengine turbine disc as a case,the effectiveness of the presented framework is validated.The reliabilitybased design optimization results exhibit that the proposed framework holds high computing accuracy and computing efficiency.The current efforts shed a light on the theory/method development of reliability-based design optimization of complex engineering structures.

A Blade Altering Toolbox for Automating Rotor Design Optimization

The Blade Altering Toolbox(BAT)described in this paper is a tool designed for fast reconstruction of an altered blade geometry for design optimization purposes.The BAT algorithm is capable of twisting a given rotor’s angle of attack and stretching the chord length along the span of the rotor.Several test cases were run using the BAT’s algorithm.The BAT code’s twisting,stretching,and mesh reconstruction capabilities proved to be able to handle reasonably large geometric alterations to a provided input rotor geometry.The test examples showed that the toolbox’s algorithm could handle any stretching of the blade’s chord as long as the blade remained within the original bounds of the unaltered mesh.The algorithm appears to fail when the net twist angle applied the geometry exceeds approximately 30 degrees,however this limitation is dependent on the initial geometry and other input parameters.Overall,the algorithm is a very powerful tool for automating a design optimization procedure.

A Multiscale Reliability-Based Design Optimization Method for Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Composite Drive Shafts

Carbon fiber composites,characterized by their high specific strength and low weight,are becoming increasingly crucial in automotive lightweighting.However,current research primarily emphasizes layer count and orientation,often neglecting the potential of microstructural design,constraints in the layup process,and performance reliability.This study,therefore,introduces a multiscale reliability-based design optimization method for carbon fiber-reinforced plastic(CFRP)drive shafts.Initially,parametric modeling of the microscale cell was performed,and its elastic performance parameters were predicted using two homogenization methods,examining the impact of fluctuations in microscale cell parameters on composite material performance.A finite element model of the CFRP drive shaft was then constructed,achieving parameter transfer between microscale and macroscale through Python programming.This enabled an investigation into the influence of both micro and macro design parameters on the CFRP drive shaft’s performance.The Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization(MOPSO)algorithm was enhanced for particle generation and updating strategies,facilitating the resolution of multi-objective reliability optimization problems,including composite material layup process constraints.Case studies demonstrated that this approach leads to over 30%weight reduction in CFRP drive shafts compared to metallic counterparts while satisfying reliability requirements and offering insights for the lightweight design of other vehicle components.

Reliability-based life-cycle cost seismic design optimization of coastal bridge piers with nonuniform corrosion using different materials

Reinforcement corrosion is the main cause of performance deterioration of reinforced concrete(RC)structures.Limited research has been performed to investigate the life-cycle cost(LCC)of coastal bridge piers with nonuniform corrosion using different materials.In this study,a reliability-based design optimization(RBDO)procedure is improved for the design of coastal bridge piers using six groups of commonly used materials,i.e.,normal performance concrete(NPC)with black steel(BS)rebar,high strength steel(HSS)rebar,epoxy coated(EC)rebar,and stainless steel(SS)rebar(named NPC-BS,NPC-HSS,NPC-EC,and NPC-SS,respectively),NPC with BS with silane soakage on the pier surface(named NPC-Silane),and high-performance concrete(HPC)with BS rebar(named HPC-BS).First,the RBDO procedure is improved for the design optimization of coastal bridge piers,and a bridge is selected to illustrate the procedure.Then,reliability analysis of the pier designed with each group of materials is carried out to obtain the time-dependent reliability in terms of the ultimate and serviceability performances.Next,the repair time of the pier is predicted based on the time-dependent reliability indices.Finally,the time-dependent LCCs for the pier are obtained for the selection of the optimal design.

Research on Adaptability Analysis of Environmental Space Demand and Design Optimization of Daycare Centers: Taking Chongqing’s Community F as an Example

Currently,there is a lack of research on the detailed environmental spatial design of community daycare centers at the micro level.This study focuses on Community F in Chongqing,using the elderly’s“willingness to demand”as a central aspect.It examines indoor and outdoor environmental space needs at a micro level,considering both functional requirements and spiritual needs based on existing research.The analysis incorporates three adaptive elements:current construction,surrounding environment,and operational management.It explores the feasibility of restructuring spatial layouts,utilizing local resources,and integrating Bayu cultural characteristics.Finally,through design optimization practices,the study proposes three strategies for aging optimization:functional integration and interaction,user-friendly facilities,and emotional connections to place.

Review of Design and Control Optimization of Axial Flux PMSM in Renewable-energy Applications

Axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motors(AFPMSMs)have been widely used in wind-power generation,electric vehicles,aircraft,and other renewable-energy applications owing to their high power density,operating efficiency,and integrability.To facilitate comprehensive research on AFPMSM,this article reviews the developments in the research on the design and control optimization of AFPMSMs.First,the basic topologies of AFPMSMs are introduced and classified.Second,the key points of the design optimization of core and coreless AFPMSMs are summarized from the aspects of parameter design,structure design,and material optimization.Third,because efficiency improvement is an issue that needs to be addressed when AFPMSMs are applied to electric or other vehicles,the development status of efficiency-optimization control strategies is reviewed.Moreover,control strategies proposed to suppress torque ripple caused by the small inductance of disc coreless permanent magnet synchronous motors(DCPMSMs)are summarized.An overview of the rotor-synchronization control strategies for disc contra-rotating permanent magnet synchronous motors(CRPMSMs)is presented.Finally,the current difficulties and development trends revealed in this review are discussed.

An Uncertainty Analysis and Reliability-Based Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Method Using Fourth-Moment Saddlepoint Approximation

In uncertainty analysis and reliability-based multidisciplinary design and optimization(RBMDO)of engineering structures,the saddlepoint approximation(SA)method can be utilized to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of reliability evaluation.However,the random variables involved in SA should be easy to handle.Additionally,the corresponding saddlepoint equation should not be complicated.Both of them limit the application of SA for engineering problems.The moment method can construct an approximate cumulative distribution function of the performance function based on the first few statistical moments.However,the traditional moment matching method is not very accurate generally.In order to take advantage of the SA method and the moment matching method to enhance the efficiency of design and optimization,a fourth-moment saddlepoint approximation(FMSA)method is introduced into RBMDO.In FMSA,the approximate cumulative generating functions are constructed based on the first four moments of the limit state function.The probability density function and cumulative distribution function are estimated based on this approximate cumulative generating function.Furthermore,the FMSA method is introduced and combined into RBMDO within the framework of sequence optimization and reliability assessment,which is based on the performance measure approach strategy.Two engineering examples are introduced to verify the effectiveness of proposed method.

Optimal design for rubber concrete layered periodic foundations based on the analytical approximations of band gaps and mapping relations

The seismic performance of rubber concrete-layered periodic foundations are significantly influenced by their design,in which the band gaps play a paramount role.Aiming at providing better designs for these foundations,this study first proposes and validates the analytical formulas to approximate the bounds of the first few band gaps.In addition,the mapping relations linking the frequencies of different band gaps are presented.Furthermore,an optimal design method for these foundations is developed,which is validated through an engineering example.It is demonstrated that ensuring the superstructure’s resonance zones are completely covered by the corresponding periodic foundation’s band gaps can achieve satisfactory vibration attenuation effects,which is a good strategy for the design of rubber concrete layered periodic foundations.

Seismic effectiveness evaluation and optimized design of tie up method for securing museum collections

To quantify the seismic effectiveness of the most commonly used fishing line tie up method for securing museum collections and optimize fixed strategies for exhibitions,shaking table tests of the seismic systems used for typical museum collection replicas have been carried out.The influence of body shape and fixed measure parameters on the seismic responses of replicas and the interaction behavior between replicas and fixed measures have been explored.Based on the results,seismic effectiveness evaluation indexes of the tie up method are proposed.Reasonable suggestions for fixed strategies are given,which provide a basis for the exhibition of delicate museum collections considering the principle of minimizing seismic responses and intervention.The analysis results show that a larger ratio of height of mass center to bottom diameter led to more intense rocking responses.Increasing the initial pretension of fishing lines was conducive to reducing the seismic responses and stress variation of the lines.Through comprehensive consideration of the interaction forces and effective securement,it is recommended to apply 20%of breaking stress as the initial pretension.For specific museum collections that cannot be effectively protected by the independent tie up method,an optimized strategy of a combination of fishing lines and fasteners is recommended.

Aerodynamic/stealth design of S-duct inlet based on discrete adjoint method

It is a major challenge for the airframe-inlet design of modern combat aircrafts,as the flow and electromagnetic wave propagation in the inlet of stealth aircraft are very complex.In this study,an aerodynamic/stealth optimization design method for an S-duct inlet is proposed.The upwind scheme is introduced to the aerodynamic adjoint equation to resolve the shock wave and flow separation.The multilevel fast multipole algorithm(MLFMA)is utilized for the stealth adjoint equation.A dorsal S-duct inlet of flying wing layout is optimized to improve the aerodynamic and stealth characteristics.Both the aerodynamic and stealth characteristics of the inlet are effectively improved.Finally,the optimization results are analyzed,and it shows that the main contradiction between aerodynamic characteristics and stealth characteristics is the centerline and crosssectional area.The S-duct is smoothed,and the cross-sectional area is increased to improve the aerodynamic characteristics,while it is completely opposite for the stealth design.The radar cross section(RCS)is reduced by phase cancelation for low frequency conditions.The method is suitable for the aerodynamic/stealth design of the aircraft airframe-inlet system.

Optimal Design of High-Speed Partial Flow Pumps using Orthogonal Tests and Numerical Simulations

To investigate the influence of structural parameters on the performances and internal flow characteristics of partial flow pumps at a low specific speed of 10000 rpm,special attention was paid to the first and second stage impeller guide vanes.Moreover,the impeller blade outlet width,impeller inlet diameter,blade inclination angle,and number of blades were considered for orthogonal tests.Accordingly,nine groups of design solutions were formed,and then used as a basis for the execution of numerical simulations(CFD)aimed at obtaining the efficiency values and heads for each design solution group.The influence of impeller geometric parameters on the efficiency and head was explored,and the“weight”of each factor was obtained via a range analysis.Optimal structural parameters were finally chosen on the basis of the numerical simulation results,and the performances of the optimized model were verified accordingly(yet by means of CFD).Evidence is provided that the increase in the efficiency and head of the optimized model was 12.11%and 23.5 m,respectively,compared with those of the original model.

A Full Simulation Study for the Design Optimization of Open-Graded Pavement

Water trapped within the HMA(Hot Mix Asphalt)layers of a flexible pavement causes the loss of strength and durability of the material producing surface damages and deteriorations such as stripping and ravelling.Open-graded pavements are considered potentially to be effective solutions to avoid these forms of infiltration-related distress.The main property that influences the performance of HMA is the hydraulic permeability.The permeability is a function of several properties of HMA which make the process of mix design very complex and uncertain.In this paper,starting from different grading curves,we evaluate the dependence of the permeability by the size distribution of aggregates using a full numerical model that has yet been validated through experimental tests and theoretical calculations.The correlation between the grain size distributions and the hydraulic permeability is very useful in order to simplify and optimize the design of open-graded pavements.

An Efficient Reliability-Based Optimization Method Utilizing High-Dimensional Model Representation and Weight-Point Estimation Method

The objective of reliability-based design optimization(RBDO)is to minimize the optimization objective while satisfying the corresponding reliability requirements.However,the nested loop characteristic reduces the efficiency of RBDO algorithm,which hinders their application to high-dimensional engineering problems.To address these issues,this paper proposes an efficient decoupled RBDO method combining high dimensional model representation(HDMR)and the weight-point estimation method(WPEM).First,we decouple the RBDO model using HDMR and WPEM.Second,Lagrange interpolation is used to approximate a univariate function.Finally,based on the results of the first two steps,the original nested loop reliability optimization model is completely transformed into a deterministic design optimization model that can be solved by a series of mature constrained optimization methods without any additional calculations.Two numerical examples of a planar 10-bar structure and an aviation hydraulic piping system with 28 design variables are analyzed to illustrate the performance and practicability of the proposed method.

Design methodology of a mini-missile considering flight performance and guidance precision

The design of mini-missiles(MMs)presents several novel challenges.The stringent mission requirement to reach a target with a certain precision imposes a high guidance precision.The miniaturization of the size of MMs makes the design of the guidance,navigation,and control(GNC)have a larger-thanbefore impact on the main-body design(shape,motor,and layout design)and its design objective,i.e.,flight performance.Pursuing a trade-off between flight performance and guidance precision,all the relevant interactions have to be accounted for in the design of the main body and the GNC system.Herein,a multi-objective and multidisciplinary design optimization(MDO)is proposed.Disciplines pertinent to motor,aerodynamics,layout,trajectory,flight dynamics,control,and guidance are included in the proposed MDO framework.The optimization problem seeks to maximize the range and minimize the guidance error.The problem is solved by using the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II.An optimum design that balances a longer range with a smaller guidance error is obtained.Finally,lessons learned about the design of the MM and insights into the trade-off between flight performance and guidance precision are given by comparing the optimum design to a design provided by the traditional approach.

OPTIMIZATION DESIGN OF HYDRAULIC MANIFOLD BLOCKS BASED ON HUMAN-COMPUTER COOPERATIVE GENETIC ALGORITHM

Optimization design of hydraulic manifold blocks (HMB) is studied as acomplex solid spatial layout problem. Based on comprehensive research into structure features anddesign rules of HMB, an optimal mathematical model for this problem is presented. Usinghuman-computer cooperative genetic algorithm (GA) and its hybrid optitation strategies, integratedlayout and connection design schemes of HMB can be automatically optimized. An example is given totestify it.

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of Vehicle Instrument Panel Based on Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm

Typical multidisciplinary design optimization（MDO） has gradually been proposed to balance performances of lightweight, noise, vibration and harshness（NVH） and safety for instrument panel（IP） structure in the automotive development. Nevertheless, plastic constitutive relation of Polypropylene（PP） under different strain rates, has not been taken into consideration in current reliability-based and collaborative IP MDO design. In this paper, based on tensile test under different strain rates, the constitutive relation of Polypropylene material is studied. Impact simulation tests for head and knee bolster are carried out to meet the regulation of FMVSS 201 and FMVSS 208, respectively. NVH analysis is performed to obtain mainly the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes, while the crashworthiness analysis is employed to examine the crash behavior of IP structure. With the consideration of lightweight, NVH, head and knee bolster impact performance, design of experiment（DOE）, response surface model（RSM）, and collaborative optimization（CO） are applied to realize the determined and reliability-based optimizations, respectively. Furthermore, based on multi-objective genetic algorithm（MOGA）, the optimal Pareto sets are completed to solve the multi-objective optimization（MOO） problem. The proposed research ensures the smoothness of Pareto set, enhances the ability of engineers to make a comprehensive decision about multi-objectives and choose the optimal design, and improves the quality and efficiency of MDO.

Optimization design of foundation excavation for Xiluodu super-high arch dam in China

With better understanding of the quality and physico-mechanical properties of rocks of dam foundation,and the physico-mechanical properties and structure design of arch dam in association with the foundation excavation of Xiluodu arch dam,the excavation optimization design was proposed for the foundation surface on the basis of feasibility study.Common analysis and numerical analysis results demonstrated the feasibility of using the weakly weathered rocks III1and III2as the foundation surface of super-high arch dam.In view of changes in the geological conditions at the dam foundation along the riverbed direction,the design of extending foundation surface excavation area and using consolidating grouting and optimizing structure of dam bottom was introduced,allowing for harmonization of the arch dam and foundation.Three-dimensional(3D)geomechanics model test and fi nite element analysis results indicated that the dam body and foundation have good overload stability and high bearing capacity.The monitoring data showed that the behaviors of dam and foundation correspond with the designed patterns in the construction period and the initial operation period.