Design and optimization of fluid lubricated bearings operated with extreme working performances——a comprehensive review

Fluid lubricated bearings have been widely adopted as support components for high-end equipment in metrology,semiconductor devices,aviation,strategic defense,ultraprecision manufacturing,medical treatment,and power generation.In all these applications,the equipment must deliver extreme working performances such as ultraprecise movement,ultrahigh rotation speed,ultraheavy bearing loads,ultrahigh environmental temperatures,strong radiation resistance,and high vacuum operation,which have challenged the design and optimization of reliable fluid lubricated bearings.Breakthrough of any related bottlenecks will promote the development course of high-end equipment.To promote the advancement of high-end equipment,this paper reviews the design and optimization of fluid lubricated bearings operated at typical extreme working performances,targeting the realization of extreme working performances,current challenges and solutions,underlying deficiencies,and promising developmental directions.This paper can guide the selection of suitable fluid lubricated bearings and optimize their structures to meet their required working performances.

Optimal Design of the Modular Joint Drive Train for Enhancing Cobot Load Capacity and Dynamic Performance

Automation advancements prompts the extensive integration of collaborative robot(cobot)across a range of industries.Compared to the commonly used design approach of increasing the payload-to-weight ratio of cobot to enhance load capacity,equal attention should be paid to the dynamic response characteristics of cobot during the design process to make the cobot more flexible.In this paper,a new method for designing the drive train parameters of cobot is proposed.Firstly,based on the analysis of factors influencing the load capacity and dynamic response characteristics,design criteria for both aspects are established for cobot with all optimization design criteria normalized within the design domain.Secondly,with the cobot in the horizontal pose,the motor design scheme is discretized and it takes the joint motor diameter and gearbox speed ratio as optimization design variables.Finally,all the discrete values of the optimization objectives are obtained through the enumeration method and the Pareto front is used to select the optimal solution through multi-objective optimization.Base on the cobot design method proposed in this paper,a six-axis cobot is designed and compared with the commercial cobot.The result shows that the load capacity of the designed cobot in this paper reaches 8.4 kg,surpassing the 5 kg load capacity commercial cobot which is used as a benchmark.The minimum resonance frequency of the joints is 42.70 Hz.

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.

Design,preparation,application of advanced array structured materials and their action mechanism analyses for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur battery(LSB)has brought much attention and concern because of high theoretical specific capacity and energy density as one of main competitors for next-generation energy storage systems.The widely commercial application and development of LSB is mainly hindered by serious“shuttle effect”of lithium polysulfides(Li PSs),slow reaction kinetics,notorious lithium dendrites,etc.In various structures of LSB materials,array structured materials,possessing the composition of ordered micro units with the same or similar characteristics of each unit,present excellent application potential for various secondary cells due to some merits such as immobilization of active substances,high specific surface area,appropriate pore sizes,easy modification of functional material surface,accommodated huge volume change,enough facilitated transportation for electrons/lithium ions,and special functional groups strongly adsorbing Li PSs.Thus many novel array structured materials are applied to battery for tackling thorny problems mentioned above.In this review,recent progresses and developments on array structured materials applied in LSBs including preparation ways,collaborative structural designs based on array structures,and action mechanism analyses in improving electrochemical performance and safety are summarized.Meanwhile,we also have detailed discussion for array structured materials in LSBs and constructed the structure-function relationships between array structured materials and battery performances.Lastly,some directions and prospects about preparation ways,functional modifications,and practical applications of array structured materials in LSBs are generalized.We hope the review can attract more researchers'attention and bring more studying on array structured materials for other secondary batteries including LSB.

Role of End-ring Configuration in Shaping IE4 Induction Motor Performance

The performance characteristics,particularly the starting performance of direct line-fed induction motors,which are mainly influenced by the design of the rotor,are crucial considerations for end-users.It is quite a challenging issue for motor manufacturers to enhance the starting performance of existing mass-produced motors with minimal modifications and expenses.In this paper,a simple and cost-effective method to improve the starting performance of a commercial squirrel-cage induction motor(SCIM)is proposed.The influence of geometric parameters of the end-ring on the performance characteristics,including starting(locked rotor)torque,pull-up and break down torque,starting current,rotor electric parameters,current density,power losses,and efficiency have been comprehensively investigated.It has been revealed that among the other end-ring design parameters,the ring thickness has a significant effect on the performance characteristics.An optimal end-ring thickness is determined,and its performance characteristics have been compared to those of its initial counterpart.Numeric and parametric analyses have been conducted using a 2D time-stepping finite element method(FEM).The FEM results were validated using experimental measurements obtained from an 11 kW SCIM prototype.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND KINEMATIC DESIGN OF PURE TRANSLATIONAL PARALLEL MECHANISM WITH VERTICAL GUIDE-WAYS

Performance analysis and kinematic design of the 3-PUU pure translational parallel mechanism with vertical guide-ways are investigated. Two novel performance indices, the critical slider stroke and the main section area of workspace, are defined; The expressions of two other indices, i.e. the global dexterity and global force transfer ratio are revised based on the main section of workspace. Using these indices, performance changes versus the varieties of dimensional parameters of mechanism are investigated in detail and the graphic descriptions of change tendencies of the performance indices are illustrated. By means of these obtained graphic descriptions, kinematic parameters for the 3-PUU pure translational parallel mechanism with better characteristics can be directly acquired.

Performance analysis and optimal design for well patterns in anisotropic formations

The mechanism of the effects of anisotropic permeability on well patterns and reservoir development are investigated by coordinate transformation, fluid flow analysis, and reservoir development concepts. Anisotropy of permeability has reconstructive effects on well patterns. The originally designed flooding units are broken up, and new pattern units are made up of the wells that belong to different original units. The behavior possesses strong randomness, and leads to a complicated relationship among the injection and production wells, and unpredictable productivity of the formations. To prevent the break-up of well patterns, well lines should be either parallel or perpendicular to the maximum principal direction of the anisotropic permeability （i.e. the fracture direction）. To optimize the development effects ofanisotropic formations, the latitudinal and longitudinal well spacing of the well network are calculated from the principal values of the anisotropic permeability.

Design Method and Performance for Large Stone Porous Asphalt Mixtures

Design method for large stone porous asphalt mixtures （LSPM） was analyzed to avoid the early distresses of semi-rigid asphalt pavements. Based on stone-to-stone skeleton structure concept, processes of LSPM gradation design was given. The gradation composite design for LSPM shows that the LSPM nominal maximum size （ N MS） should be larger than 26.5 mm, and the NMS sieve passing percentage should be greater than 50%. Through experiments and calculations on the volume properties of the aggregate, the range of aggregate gradation curve of LSPM was given. In terms of asphalt binder＇s normalized test results, MAC-70 and SBS modified asphalt were selected as the asphalt binders. The applicability of large scale Marshall Method and gyratory compaction method to shape specimens was investigated. Based on the asphalt mixture performance evaluation, the optimum asphalt content range （3.1%-3.6%）, the bitumen film＇s thickness range （13-16 μm） and the air void range （13%-18 %） were recommended. Finally, LSPM was tested by the laboratory performance tests including rutting resistance test, fatigue test and water stability test. The theoretic and practical analysis shows that LSPM has a good performance on water permeability, rutting resistance and reflection crack resistance.

Influence of Design Margin on Operation Optimization and Control Performance of Chemical Processes

Operation optimization is an effective method to explore potential economic benefits for existing plants. The m.aximum potential benefit from operationoptimization is determined by the distances between current operating point and process constraints, which is related to the margins of design variables. Because of various ciisturbances in chemical processes, some distances must be reserved for fluctuations of process variables and the optimum operating point is not on some process constraints. Thus the benefit of steady-state optimization can not be fully achied（ed while that of dynamic optimization can be really achieved. In this study, the steady-state optimizationand dynamic optimization are used, and the potential benefit-is divided into achievable benefit for profit and unachievable benefit for control. The fluid catalytic cracking unit （FCCU） is used for case study. With the analysis on how the margins of design variables influence the economic benefit and control performance, the bottlenecks of process design are found and appropriate control structure can be selected.

Performance analysis and design of loitering munitions: A comprehensive technical survey of recent developments

Loitering munitions are increasingly used in armed conflicts.An extensive database of loitering munitions is developed based on information available in the public domain.This database includes dimensions,weights,and performance parameters such as flight endurance and communication range.Based upon this dataset,6 categories of loitering munitions are identified and statistical trends in the form of equations are provided for each category.The statistical trends are supported by aircraft performance theory tailored to loitering munitions applications.Altogether,the combination of the database,statistical trends and aircraft performance theory can be used to analyse the flight performance and design considerations of new loitering munitions of which only limited non-technical information is available in the public domain such as pictures and news articles.Based on the statistical trends and aircraft performance theory it is concluded that for long range applications,the preferred design solution is the conventional configuration.The cruciform configuration is beneficial in case precision flight path control is of prime importance.The tandem wing configuration combines the benefits of a canister launch and relatively high aspect ratio wings suitable for long range flight.Finally,the delta wing design provides a large internal volume and a high terminal attack airspeed.Two example case studies are included to illustrate the flight performance capabilities of two types of loitering munitions used in the current conflict in Yemen(a long range conventional design and a delta wing configuration).

Seismic performance analysis and design suggestion for frame buildings with cast-in-place staircases

Many staircases in reinforced concrete （RC） frame structures suffered severe damage during the Wenchuan earthquake. Elastic analyses for 18 RC structure models with and without staircases are conducted and compared to study the influence of the staircase on the stiffness, displacements and internal forces of the structures. To capture the yielding development and damage mechanism of frame structures, elasto-plastic analysis is carried out for one of the 18 models. Based on the features observed in the analyses, a new type of staircase design i.e., isolating them from the master structure to eliminate the effect of K-type struts, is proposed and discussed. It is concluded that the proposed method of staircase isolation is effective and feasible for engineering design, and does not significantly increase the construction cost.

Peak displacement patterns for the performance-based seismic design of steel eccentrically braced frames

Performance-based seismic design(PBSD) aims to assess structures at different damage states. Since damage can be directly associated to displacements, seismic design with consideration of displacement seems to be logical. In this study, simple formulae to estimate the peak floor displacement patterns of eccentrically braced frames(EBFs) at different performance levels subjected to earthquake ground motions are proposed. These formulae are applicable in a PBSD and especially in direct displacement-based design(DDBD). Parametric study is conducted on a group of 30 EBFs under a set of 15 far field and near field accelerograms which they scaled to different amplitudes to adapt various performance levels. The results of thousands of nonlinear dynamic analyses of EBFs have been post-processed by nonlinear regression analysis in order to recognize the major parameters that influence the peak displacement pattern of these frames. Results show that suggested displacement patterns have relatively good agreement with those acquired by an exact nonlinear dynamic analysis.

Ballistic performance of additive manufacturing 316l stainless steel projectiles based on topology optimization method

Material and structure made by additive manufacturing(AM)have received much attention lately due to their flexibility and ability to customize complex structures.This study first implements multiple objective topology optimization simulations based on a projectile perforation model,and a new topologic projectile is obtained.Then two types of 316L stainless steel projectiles(the solid and the topology)are printed in a selective laser melt(SLM)machine to evaluate the penetration performance of the projectiles by the ballistic test.The experiment results show that the dimensionless specific kinetic energy value of topologic projectiles is higher than that of solid projectiles,indicating the better penetration ability of the topologic projectiles.Finally,microscopic studies(scanning electron microscope and X-ray micro-CT)are performed on the remaining projectiles to investigate the failure mechanism of the internal structure of the topologic projectiles.An explicit dynamics simulation was also performed,and the failure locations of the residual topologic projectiles were in good agreement with the experimental results,which can better guide the design of new projectiles combining AM and topology optimization in the future.

Virtual design and performance prediction of a silencing air cleaner used in an I.C.engine intake system

This paper reports results of the authors’ studies on the virtual design method used in the development of low noise intake system of I.C. engine. The resulting high pass-by noise at level above the legislative target at full throttle when engine speed was around 5200 r/min necessitated a BEM-aided redesign task, following the typical process of design and development of an intake system. During the initial design, based on the acoustic theory and the requirements (1. The air flux of the redesigned should equal to or exceed the value of the original flux; 2. The filtering area must not be degraded), and considering the constraint of space in the engine compartment, total volume and rough internal dimensions were determined. During the detailed design, the exact internal dimensions of the air cleaner were determined, and an effective method was applied to improve the acoustic performance at low frequency. The predicted sound power of the intake system indicated that the objective of reducing the overall engine noise by minimizing intake system noise was achieved.

Light-Weight Design Method for Force-Performance-Structure of Complex Structural Part Based Co-operative Optimization

A light?weight design method of integrated structural topology and size co?optimization for the force?performance?structure of complex structural parts is presented in this paper. Firstly, the supporting function of a complex structural part is built to map the force transmission, where the force exerted areas and constraints are considered as connecting structure and the structural configuration, to determine the part performance as well as the force routines. Then the connecting structure design model, aiming to optimize the static and dynamic performances on connection configuration, is developed, and the optimum design of the characteristic parameters is carried out by means of the collaborative optimization method, namely, the integrated structural topology optimization and size optimization. In this design model, the objective is to maximize the connecting stiffness. Based on the relationship between the force and the structural configuration of a part, the optimal force transmission routine that can meet the performance requirements is obtained using the structural topology optimization technology. Accordingly, the light?weight design of conceptual configuration for complex parts under multi?objective and multi?condition can be realized. Finally, based on the proposed collaborative optimization design method, the optimal performance and optimal structure of the complex parts with light weight are realized, and the reasonable structural unit configuration and size charac?teristic parameters are obtained. A bed structure of gantry?type machining center is designed by using the proposed light?weight structure design method in this paper, as an illustrative example. The bed after the design optimization is lighter 8% than original one, and the rail deformation is reduced by 5%. Moreover, the lightweight design of the bed is achieved with enhanced performance to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Design of Small Stone Asphalt Mixture based on Anti-skidding Performance

Small stone asphalt mixture（SSAM） was designed by Bailey method and coarse aggregate voids-filling method.The optimum asphalt content was determined by Marshal test.Surface texture depth for SSAM with different voidage,and the BPN of SSAM and SMA before after wet track abrasion were measured.The experimental results indicate that the surface texture depth increases with the decreasing of asphalt aggregate ratio.The SSAM with the optimal asphalt content has a good skid resistance.BPN of asphalt mixture decreases with the increasing of wearing time,but the extent of reduction is different.The reduction rate of BPN for SSAM is smaller than that of SMA,indicating that SSAM has a good skid resistance attenuation capacity.Finally,the other properties of SSAM are also evaluated,showing that the splitting strength and modulus and SSAM are higher than those of SMA,and the other properties of SSAM,such as high-temperature performance and water stability can also satisfy the technical requirements.

Effect of seismic design details on hysteresis performance of SRC-RC transfer columns

Four types of seismic design details were tested using 11 transfer column specimens and one comparison specimen of RC under low cyclic reversed loading. Test results show that diagonal cracks control the failure pattern and damage occurs mainly in the RC section with weak shear capacity in the transfer columns. There is a large difference in the bearing capacity and ductility of the transfer columns according to the test results, which indicates that the strengthening effect of diverse structural measures is quite different. The section ratio of I-section-encased steel and the axial compression ratio also have a great influence on the bearing capacity and ductility. Although the bearing capacity of transfer columns with additional longitudinal bars and additional X bars is relatively large, they have poor deformation capacity. Setting more stirrups along the columns is the best structural measure to enhance the seismic performance. The studs on the I-sectionencased steel by welding can help to complete the stress transfer between the steel and concrete, and avoid performance degradation of the two materials due to bonding failure.

A Simple Mix Proportion Design Method Based on Frost Durability for Recycled High Performance Concrete Using Fully Coarse Recycled Aggregate

Durability design of recycled high performance concrete（RHPC） is fundamental for improving the use rate and level of concrete waste as coarse recycled aggregate（CRA）. We discussed a frostdurability-based mix proportion design method for RHPC using 100 % CRA and natural sand. Five groups of RHPC mixes with five strength grades（40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 MPa） were produced using CRA with four quality classes, and their workability, 28 d compressive strengths and frost resistances（measured by the compressive strength loss ratio and the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity） were tested. Relationships between the 28 d compressive strength, the frost resistance and the CRA quality characteristic parameter, water absorption, were then developed. The criterion of a CRA maximum water absorption limit value for RHPC was suggested, independent of its source and quality class. The results show that all RHPC mixes achieve the expected target workability, strength, and frost durability. The research results demonstrate that the application of the proposed method does not require trial testing prior to use.

Mechanical and Acoustic Performance Test of New Designed Metal Noise Barrier Unit Plate with No Riveted Connection

The modern transportation system is increasingly developed during recent years.It is an effective solution to set the noise barriers to reduce the traffic noise pollution caused by different kinds of transportation systems.Many deficiencies on concrete noise barriers and metal noise barriers with rivet structure can be eliminated by a new kind of noise barrier with no-riveted structure.The mechanical performance examination and acoustic performance test are conducted on the new-designed noise barrier with no-riveted structure.The results indicate that the maximum stress is 1.74 MPa and the maximum deformation is 1.04 mm with load acting on the unit plate.The noise reduction coefficient of this kind of no-riveted noise barrier unit plate is 0.75 and its noise insulation is 40 dB,which were conform to or superior to the standard requirements.Therefore,this new designed noise barrier meets the field application requirements of mechanical and acoustic performance,which demonstrates the noise barriers can be widely promoted.

New Zealand Advances in Performance-Based Seismic Design

This paper provides a summary of the objectives and principles which underpin the 2004 edition of the New Zealand earthquake design standard, AS/NZS 1170 Part 5. As with many modern earthquake design standards, the New Zealand earthquake design standard recognizes that earthquake resistant design that only addresses life safety goals without addressing both operational continuity of essential facilities and damage control, falls short of public expectations. Such standards not longer meet societal expectations. The paper outlines how these issues have been addressed within New Zealand, and some of the issues addressed when preparing appendices to the standard to provide guidance for materials standard writers to ensure consistency with the proposed approach. Recognizing the significance of non-structural components and parts of buildings in both damage control and operational continuity has been an important step forward in attaining the performance levels required.