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.

Comparative Study of Probabilistic and Least-Squares Methods for Developing Predictive Models

This article explores the comparison between the probability method and the least squares method in the design of linear predictive models. It points out that these two approaches have distinct theoretical foundations and can lead to varied or similar results in terms of precision and performance under certain assumptions. The article underlines the importance of comparing these two approaches to choose the one best suited to the context, available data and modeling objectives.

Stochastic Programming for Hub Energy Management Considering Uncertainty Using Two-Point Estimate Method and Optimization Algorithm

To maximize energy profit with the participation of electricity,natural gas,and district heating networks in the day-ahead market,stochastic scheduling of energy hubs taking into account the uncertainty of photovoltaic and wind resources,has been carried out.This has been done using a new meta-heuristic algorithm,improved artificial rabbits optimization(IARO).In this study,the uncertainty of solar and wind energy sources is modeled using Hang’s two-point estimating method(TPEM).The IARO algorithm is applied to calculate the best capacity of hub energy equipment,such as solar and wind renewable energy sources,combined heat and power(CHP)systems,steamboilers,energy storage,and electric cars in the day-aheadmarket.The standard ARO algorithmis developed to mimic the foraging behavior of rabbits,and in this work,the algorithm’s effectiveness in avoiding premature convergence is improved by using the dystudynamic inertia weight technique.The proposed IARO-based scheduling framework’s performance is evaluated against that of traditional ARO,particle swarm optimization(PSO),and salp swarm algorithm(SSA).The findings show that,in comparison to previous approaches,the suggested meta-heuristic scheduling framework based on the IARO has increased energy profit in day-ahead electricity,gas,and heating markets by satisfying the operational and energy hub limitations.Additionally,the results show that TPEM approach dependability consideration decreased hub energy’s profit by 8.995%as compared to deterministic planning.

The First Global Map of Atmospheric Ammonia(NH_(3)) as Observed by the HIRAS/FY-3D Satellite

Atmospheric ammonia(NH_(3)) is a chemically active trace gas that plays an important role in the atmospheric environment and climate change. Satellite remote sensing is a powerful technique to monitor NH_(3) concentration based on the absorption lines of NH_(3) in the thermal infrared region. In this study, we establish a retrieval algorithm to derive the NH_(3)column from the Hyperspectral Infrared Atmospheric Sounder(HIRAS) onboard the Chinese Feng Yun(FY)-3D satellite and present the first atmospheric NH_(3) column global map observed by the HIRAS instrument. The HIRAS observations can well capture NH_(3) hotspots around the world, e.g., India, West Africa, and East China, where large NH_(3) emissions exist. The HIRAS NH_(3) columns are also compared to the space-based Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer(IASI)measurements, and we find that the two instruments observe a consistent NH_(3) global distribution, with correlation coefficient(R) values of 0.28–0.73. Finally, some remaining issues about the HIRAS NH_(3) retrieval are discussed.

Seismic safety assessment with non-Gaussian random processes for train-bridge coupled systems

Extensive high-speed railway(HSR)network resembled the intricate vascular system of the human body,crisscrossing mainlands.Seismic events,known for their unpredictability,pose a significant threat to both trains and bridges,given the HSR’s extended operational duration.Therefore,ensuring the running safety of train-bridge coupled(TBC)system,primarily composed of simply supported beam bridges,is paramount.Traditional methods like the Monte Carlo method fall short in analyzing this intricate system efficiently.Instead,efficient algorithm like the new point estimate method combined with moment expansion approximation(NPEM-MEA)is applied to study random responses of numerical simulation TBC systems.Validation of the NPEM-MEA’s feasibility is conducted using the Monte Carlo method.Comparative analysis confirms the accuracy and efficiency of the method,with a recommended truncation order of four to six for the NPEM-MEA.Additionally,the influences of seismic magnitude and epicentral distance are discussed based on the random dynamic responses in the TBC system.This methodology not only facilitates seismic safety assessments for TBC systems but also contributes to standard-setting for these systems under earthquake conditions.

Direction finding of bistatic MIMO radar in strong impulse noise

For bistatic multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO)radar,this paper presents a robust and direction finding method in strong impulse noise environment.By means of a new lower order covariance,the method is effective in suppressing impulse noise and achieving superior direction finding performance using the maximum likelihood(ML)estimation method.A quantum equilibrium optimizer algorithm(QEOA)is devised to resolve the corresponding objective function for efficient and accurate direc-tion finding.The results of simulation reveal the capability of the presented method in success rate and root mean square error over existing direction-finding methods in different application situations,e.g.,locating coherent signal sources with very few snapshots in strong impulse noise.Other than that,the Cramér-Rao bound(CRB)under impulse noise environment has been drawn to test the capability of the presented method.

Method for array gain and phase uncertainties calibration based on ISM and ESPRIT

A new method for array calibration of array gain and phase uncertainties, which severely degrade the performance of spatial spectrum estimation, is presented. The method is based on the idea of the instrumental sensors method （ISM）, two well-calibrated sensors are added into the original array. By applying the principle of estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques （ESPRIT）, the direction-of-arrivals （DOAs） and uncertainties can be estimated simultaneously through eigen-decomposition. Compared with the conventional ones, this new method has less computational complexity while has higher estimation precision, what＇s more, it can overcome the problem of ambiguity. Both theoretical analysis and computer simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

WAVE CURRENT FORCE COEFFICIENTS ON INCLINED CYLINDER AND A NEW ESTIMATION METHOD

Based on the review of present force coefficients estimation methods, a new method in the frequency domain, revised cross-spectrum estimation method, is presented in this paper. Some experiments on the wave-current force on inclined cylinders are also described and the wave current force coefficients are estimated by the revised cross-spectrum estimation method. From the results, it is found that the wave and current directions have some regular effect on the coefficients. According to the results, some empirical formulas are obtained for converting the wave-current force coefficients on inclined cylinders into a unified coefficient. Comparisons show that the unified coefficients are in good agreement with other results.

Singularity of Some Software Reliability Models and Parameter Estimation Method

According to the principle, “The failure data is the basis of software reliability analysis”, we built a software reliability expert system (SRES) by adopting the artificial intelligence technology. By reasoning out the conclusion from the fitting results of failure data of a software project, the SRES can recommend users “the most suitable model” as a software reliability measurement model. We believe that the SRES can overcome the inconsistency in applications of software reliability models well. We report investigation results of singularity and parameter estimation methods of experimental models in SRES.

A Simple Method for Source Depth Estimation with Multi-path Time Delay in Deep Ocean

A method of source depth estimation based on the multi-path time delay difference is proposed. When the minimum time arrivals in all receiver depths are snapped to a certain time on time delay-depth plane, time delay arrivals of surface-bottom reflection and bottom-surface reflection intersect at the source depth. Two hydrophones deployed vertically with a certain interval are required at least. If the receiver depths are known, the pair of time delays can be used to estimate the source depth. With the proposed method the source depth can be estimated successfully in a moderate range in the deep ocean without complicated matched-field calculations in the simulations and experiments.

Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing and associated microseismicity using finite-discrete element method

Hydraulic fracturing （HF） technique has been extensively used for the exploitation of unconventional oiland gas reservoirs. HF enhances the connectivity of less permeable oil and gas-bearing rock formationsby fluid injection, which creates an interconnected fracture network and increases the hydrocarbonproduction. Meanwhile, microseismic （MS） monitoring is one of the most effective approaches to evaluatesuch stimulation process. In this paper, the combined finite-discrete element method （FDEM） isadopted to numerically simulate HF and associated MS. Several post-processing tools, includingfrequency-magnitude distribution （b-value）, fractal dimension （D-value）, and seismic events clustering,are utilized to interpret numerical results. A non-parametric clustering algorithm designed specificallyfor FDEM is used to reduce the mesh dependency and extract more realistic seismic information.Simulation results indicated that at the local scale, the HF process tends to propagate following the rockmass discontinuities; while at the reservoir scale, it tends to develop in the direction parallel to themaximum in-situ stress. 2014 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An analysis of four methodologies for estimating highway capacity from ITS data

With the recent advent of Intelligent Transporta- tion Systems （ITS）, and their associated data collection and archiving capabilities, there is now a rich data source for transportation professionals to develop capacity values for their own jurisdictions. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the best approach for estimating capacity from ITS data. The motivation of this paper is to compare and contrast four of the most popular capacity estimation techniques in terms of （1） data requirements, （2） modeling effort required, （3） esti- mated parameter values, （4） theoretical background, and （5） statistical differences across time and over geographically dispersed locations. Specifically, the first method is the maximum observed value, the second is a standard funda- mental diagram curve fitting approach using the popular Van Aerde model, the third method uses the breakdown identifi- cation approach, and the fourth method is the survival prob- ability based on product limit method. These four approaches were tested on two test beds： one is located in San Diego, California, U.S., and has data from 112 work days; the other is located in Shanghai, China, and consists of 81 work days. It was found that, irrespective of the estimation methodology and the definition of capacity, the estimated capacity can vary considerably over time. The second finding was that, as ex- pected, the different approaches yielded different capacity results. These estimated capacities varied by as much as 26 % at the San Diego test site and by 34 % at the Shanghai test site. It was also found that each of the methodologies has advantages and disadvantages, and the best method will be the function of the available data, the application, and the goals of the modeler. Consequently, it is critical for users of automatic capacity estimation techniques, which utilize ITS data, to understand the underlying assumptions of each of the different approaches.

Maximum likelihood spectrum estimation method and its application in seismo－magnet－icrelation

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Advances in Estimation Methods of Surface Solar Radiation

Based on the main research results of estimation methods of surface solar radiation at home and abroad in recent decades, three commonly used estimation models of surface solar radiation have been introduced, and their principles, advantages and disadvantages have been analyzed to provide scientific references for further study of surface solar radiation in future.

Generalized Method of Moments and Generalized Estimating Functions Using Characteristic Function

GMM inference procedures based on the square of the modulus of the model characteristic function are developed using sample moments selected using estimating function theory and bypassing the use of empirical characteristic function of other GMM procedures in the literature. The procedures are relatively simple to implement and are less simulation-oriented than simulated methods of inferences yet have the potential of good efficiencies for models with densities without closed form. The procedures also yield better estimators than method of moment estimators for models with more than three parameters as higher order sample moments tend to be unstable.

The Initial Guess Estimation Newton Method for Power Flow in Distribution Systems

With the increasing integration of distributed generations(DGs), there is a demand for DGs to play a more important role on the voltage regulation. Meanwhile, the high penetration of DGs could raise a technical problem that the distribution system may operate with bi-directional power flow, leading to the inadequacy of the traditional power flow. Considering this new scenario in distribution system power flow, the convergence theorem is proposed, which contributes to develop a novel selection method of the initial guess closed to the convergent solution.Moreover, to ensure the fast rate of power flow convergence, the theorem of the maximum iterations estimation is also proposed.Based on the two proposed theorems, an Initial Guess Estimation Newton method is proposed, considering different operational status of DGs and initial guess sensitivity simultaneously. Based on the standard node systems, Tongliao grid, and 69 system of USA, three simulation examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Using an Alternative Method to Estimate the Status of Iodine Nutrition in Pregnant Women

Iodine is an element that is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.Adequate intake of dietary iodine has been recognized as a critical factor for maintaining health.It is a well-known fact that iodine deficiency can impede the production of thyroid hormones in both the mother and fetus,which increases the risk of brain damage in the fetal stage.

Accuracy and Efficiency: The Comparison of Different RPC Parameters Solving Methods

As a generalized sensor, the RPC model with its accuracy equally matches the physical sensor model. Moreover, the accurate positioning combining with the flexibility in application leads the RPC model to be the priority in photogrammetry processing. Generally, the RPC model is calculated through a control grid. Different RPC parameters solving methods and the operation efficiency all serve as variables in the accuracy of the model. In this paper, the ridge estimation iterative method, spectrum correction iteration, and conjugate gradient method are employed to solve RPC parameters;the accuracy and efficiency of three solving methods are analyzed and compared. The results show that ridge estimation iterative method and spectrum correction iteration have obvious advantages in accuracy. The ridge estimation iterative method has fewer iteration times and time con-sumption, and spectrum correction iteration has more stable precision.

THE CONVERGENCE FOR NODAL EXPANSION METHOD

In this paper, we prove the convergence of the nodal expansion method, a new numerical method for partial differential equations and provide the error estimates of approximation solution.

Sources of China's Economic Growth:An Analysis Based on Nonparametric Accounting Method

This paper improves the slacks-based method for estimating inefficiency,derives the criteria for the selection of the weights of output and input inefficiencies in the objective function,and creates a new nonparametric method for accounting economic growth.Based on this method,the paper estimates the sources of China s economic growth from 1978 to 2013.Our findings suggest that factor input and especially capital is a major source of economic growth for China as a whole and its major regions,and that economic growth in recent years is increasingly dependent on capital.For a rather long period of time before 2005,China s northeast,central and western regions lagged behind the eastern region in terms of economic growth,and TFP and factor input are major reasons behind such regional growth disparities.Although other regions have narrowed their disparities with and even overtaken the eastern region in terms of economic growth,the key driver is the rapid increase in the contribution of factor input.Advanced technologies of eastern region should be utilized to promote TFP progress in other regions,which is vital to economic growth in these regions and China as a whole.