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 Comparative Study of Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms for Solving Real-World Engineering Design Problems

Real-world engineering design problems with complex objective functions under some constraints are relatively difficult problems to solve.Such design problems are widely experienced in many engineering fields,such as industry,automotive,construction,machinery,and interdisciplinary research.However,there are established optimization techniques that have shown effectiveness in addressing these types of issues.This research paper gives a comparative study of the implementation of seventeen new metaheuristic methods in order to optimize twelve distinct engineering design issues.The algorithms used in the study are listed as:transient search optimization(TSO),equilibrium optimizer(EO),grey wolf optimizer(GWO),moth-flame optimization(MFO),whale optimization algorithm(WOA),slimemould algorithm(SMA),harris hawks optimization(HHO),chimp optimization algorithm(COA),coot optimization algorithm(COOT),multi-verse optimization(MVO),arithmetic optimization algorithm(AOA),aquila optimizer(AO),sine cosine algorithm(SCA),smell agent optimization(SAO),and seagull optimization algorithm(SOA),pelican optimization algorithm(POA),and coati optimization algorithm(CA).As far as we know,there is no comparative analysis of recent and popular methods against the concrete conditions of real-world engineering problems.Hence,a remarkable research guideline is presented in the study for researchersworking in the fields of engineering and artificial intelligence,especiallywhen applying the optimization methods that have emerged recently.Future research can rely on this work for a literature search on comparisons of metaheuristic optimization methods in real-world problems under similar conditions.

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.

Web Layout Design of Large Cavity Structures Based on Topology Optimization

Large cavity structures are widely employed in aerospace engineering, such as thin-walled cylinders, blades andwings. Enhancing performance of aerial vehicles while reducing manufacturing costs and fuel consumptionhas become a focal point for contemporary researchers. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the topologyoptimization of large cavity structures as a means to enhance their performance, safety, and efficiency. By usingthe variable density method, lightweight design is achieved without compromising structural strength. Theoptimization model considers both concentrated and distributed loads, and utilizes techniques like sensitivityfiltering and projection to obtain a robust optimized configuration. The mechanical properties are checked bycomparing the stress distribution and displacement of the unoptimized and optimized structures under the sameload. The results confirm that the optimized structures exhibit improved mechanical properties, thus offering keyinsights for engineering lightweight, high-strength large cavity structures.

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.

Accelerated design of high-performance Mg-Mn-based magnesium alloys based on novel bayesian optimization

Magnesium(Mg),being the lightest structural metal,holds immense potential for widespread applications in various fields.The development of high-performance and cost-effective Mg alloys is crucial to further advancing their commercial utilization.With the rapid advancement of machine learning(ML)technology in recent years,the“data-driven''approach for alloy design has provided new perspectives and opportunities for enhancing the performance of Mg alloys.This paper introduces a novel regression-based Bayesian optimization active learning model(RBOALM)for the development of high-performance Mg-Mn-based wrought alloys.RBOALM employs active learning to automatically explore optimal alloy compositions and process parameters within predefined ranges,facilitating the discovery of superior alloy combinations.This model further integrates pre-established regression models as surrogate functions in Bayesian optimization,significantly enhancing the precision of the design process.Leveraging RBOALM,several new high-performance alloys have been successfully designed and prepared.Notably,after mechanical property testing of the designed alloys,the Mg-2.1Zn-2.0Mn-0.5Sn-0.1Ca alloy demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties,including an ultimate tensile strength of 406 MPa,a yield strength of 287 MPa,and a 23%fracture elongation.Furthermore,the Mg-2.7Mn-0.5Al-0.1Ca alloy exhibits an ultimate tensile strength of 211 MPa,coupled with a remarkable 41%fracture elongation.

Multidisciplinary design optimization of a dual-spin guided vehicle

In this research,a Multidisciplinary Design Optimization approach is proposed for the dual-spin guided flying projectile design considering external and internal parts of the body as design variables.In this way,a parametric formulation is developed.All related disciplines,including structure,aerodynamics,guidance,and control are considered.Minimum total mass,maximum aerodynamic control effectiveness,minimum miss distance,maximum yield stress in all subsystems,controllability and gyroscopic stability constraints are some of objectives/constraints taken into account.The problem is formulated in All-At-Ones Multidisciplinary Design Optimization approach structure and solved by Simulated Annealing and minimax algorithms.The optimal configurations are evaluated in various aspects.The resulted optimal configurations have met all design objectives and constraints.

Vibration Control of the Rail Grinding Vehicle with Abrasive Belt Based on Structural Optimization and Lightweight Design

As a new grinding and maintenance technology,rail belt grinding shows significant advantages in many applications The dynamic characteristics of the rail belt grinding vehicle largely determines its grinding performance and service life.In order to explore the vibration control method of the rail grinding vehicle with abrasive belt,the vibration response changes in structural optimization and lightweight design are respectively analyzed through transient response and random vibration simulations in this paper.Firstly,the transient response simulation analysis of the rail grinding vehicle with abrasive belt is carried out under operating conditions and non-operating conditions.Secondly,the vibration control of the grinding vehicle is implemented by setting vibration isolation elements,optimizing the structure,and increasing damping.Thirdly,in order to further explore the dynamic characteristics of the rail grinding vehicle,the random vibration simulation analysis of the grinding vehicle is carried out under the condition of the horizontal irregularity of the American AAR6 track.Finally,by replacing the Q235 steel frame material with 7075 aluminum alloy and LA43M magnesium alloy,both vibration control and lightweight design can be achieved simultaneously.The results of transient dynamic response analysis show that the acceleration of most positions in the two working conditions exceeds the standard value in GB/T 17426-1998 standard.By optimizing the structure of the grinding vehicle in three ways,the average vibration acceleration of the whole car is reduced by about 55.1%from 15.6 m/s^(2) to 7.0 m/s^(2).The results of random vibration analysis show that the grinding vehicle with Q235 steel frame does not meet the safety conditions of 3σ.By changing frame material,the maximum vibration stress of the vehicle can be reduced from 240.7 MPa to 160.0 MPa and the weight of the grinding vehicle is reduced by about 21.7%from 1500 kg to 1175 kg.The modal analysis results indicate that the vibration control of the grinding vehicle can be realized by optimizing the structure and replacing the materials with lower stiffness under the premise of ensuring the overall strength.The study provides the basis for the development of lightweight,diversified and efficient rail grinding equipment.

Process design and intensification of multicomponent azeotropes special distillation separation via molecular simulation and system optimization

This work provides an overview of distillation processes,including process design for different distillation processes,selection of entrainers for special distillation processes,system integration and intensification of distillation processes,optimization of process parameters for distillation processes and recent research progress in dynamic control strategies.Firstly,the feasibility of using thermodynamic topological theories such as residual curve,phase equilibrium line and distillation boundary line to analyze different separation regions is discussed,and the rationality of distillation process design is discussed by using its feasibility.Secondly,the application of molecular simulation methods such as molecular dynamics simulation and quantum chemical calculation in the screening of entrainer is discussed for the extractive distillation process.The thermal coupling mechanism of different distillation processes is used to explore the process of different process intensifications.Next,a mixed integer nonlinear optimization strategy for the distillation process based on different algorithms is introduced.Finally,the improvement of dynamic control strategies for different distillation processes in recent years is summarized.This work focuses on the application of process intensification and system optimization in the design of distillation process,and analyzes the challenges,prospects,and development trends of distillation technology in the separation of multicomponent azeotropes.

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.

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.

Advancements in machine learning for material design and process optimization in the field of additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing technology is highly regarded due to its advantages,such as high precision and the ability to address complex geometric challenges.However,the development of additive manufacturing process is constrained by issues like unclear fundamental principles,complex experimental cycles,and high costs.Machine learning,as a novel artificial intelligence technology,has the potential to deeply engage in the development of additive manufacturing process,assisting engineers in learning and developing new techniques.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the research and applications of machine learning in the field of additive manufacturing,particularly in model design and process development.Firstly,it introduces the background and significance of machine learning-assisted design in additive manufacturing process.It then further delves into the application of machine learning in additive manufacturing,focusing on model design and process guidance.Finally,it concludes by summarizing and forecasting the development trends of machine learning technology in the field of additive manufacturing.

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-Scale Design and Optimization of Composite Material Structure for Heavy-Duty Truck Protection Device

In this paper,to present a lightweight-developed front underrun protection device(FUPD)for heavy-duty trucks,plain weave carbon fiber reinforced plastic(CFRP)is used instead of the original high-strength steel.First,the mechanical and structural properties of plain carbon fiber composite anti-collision beams are comparatively analyzed from a multi-scale perspective.For studying the design capability of carbon fiber composite materials,we investigate the effects of TC-33 carbon fiber diameter(D),fiber yarn width(W)and height(H),and fiber yarn density(N)on the front underrun protective beam of carbon fiber compositematerials.Based on the investigation,a material-structure matching strategy suitable for the front underrun protective beam of heavy-duty trucks is proposed.Next,the composite material structure is optimized by applying size optimization and stack sequence optimization methods to obtain the higher performance carbon fiber composite front underrun protection beam of commercial vehicles.The results show that the fiber yarn height(H)has the greatest influence on the protective beam,and theH1matching scheme for the front underrun protective beamwith a carbon fiber composite structure exhibits superior performance.The proposed method achieves a weight reduction of 55.21% while still meeting regulatory requirements,which demonstrates its remarkable weight reduction effect.

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.

Optimization of Biofuel Formulation by Mixture Design

With the full growth of energy needs in the world, several studies are now focused on finding renewable sources. The aim of this work is to optimise biofuel formulation from a mixture design by studying physical properties, such as specific gravity and kinematic viscosity of various formulated mixtures. Optimization from the mixture plan revealed that in the chosen experimental domain, the optimal conditions are: 40% for used frying oil (UFO), 50% for bioethanol and 10% for diesel. These experimental conditions lead to a biofuel with a density of 0.84 and a kinematic viscosity of 2.97 cSt. These parameters are compliant with the diesel quality certificate in tropical areas. These density and viscosity values were determined according to respective desirability values of 0.68 and 0.75.

The Key Path of the Shape Optimization Design of Isotropic Material Pressure Vessels

An optimization design was conducted for the shape of the pressure vessel with a thin-shell shell. During this process, the optimization calculation was performed with the aid of the genetic algorithm toolbox included in Matlab. Firstly, through the parametric modeling function of APDL, models such as arc-shaped, parabolic, elliptical, and those generated by the fitting curve command were successfully constructed. Meanwhile, the relevant settings of material properties were accomplished, and the static analysis was conducted. Secondly, the optimization calculation process was initiated using the genetic algorithm toolbox in Matlab. Eventually, through analysis and judgment, the model generated by the fitting curve command was relatively superior within the category of the best shape.

Research on the Application of Intelligent Optimization Algorithm in Mechanical Design

Intelligent optimization algorithm belongs to a kind of emerging technology,show good characteristics,such as high performance,applicability,its algorithm includes many contents,including genetic,particle swarm and artificial neural network algorithm,compared with the traditional optimization way,these algorithms can be applied to a variety of situations,meet the demand of solution,in the mechanical design industry has wide application prospects.This paper analyzes the application of the algorithm in mechanical design and the comparison of the results to verify the significance of the intelligent optimization algorithm in mechanical design.