Topology optimization of modular structures with multiple assemblies and applications to airborne shelves

This work is devoted to the aeronautical application of topology optimization for modular structures with multiple assemblies that consist of repeated standard modules and optional reinforcements.These kinds of structures are widely used owing to their transportability,reconfigurability,low manufacturing and service costs.In this work,the design of airborne shelves with modular structures characterized by the standard module configuration is formulated for the first time as a topology optimization problem of multiple assemblies and multiple load cases subjected to the volume constraint.It is shown that the weighted compliance design of multiple assemblies is a compromising solution compared to the optimization result of each individual assembly of standard modules.Meanwhile,the performance of optimized airborne shelves with the modular structures can effectively be ameliorated with the help of reinforcements.

Detecting and describing the modular structures of weighted networks

In the functional properties of complex networks, modules play a central role. In this paper, we propose a new method to detect and describe the modular structures of weighted networks. In order to test the proposed method, as an example, we use our method to analyse the structural properties of the Chinese railway network. Here, the stations are regarded as the nodes and the track sections are regarded as the links. Rigorous analysis of the existing data shows that using the proposed algorithm, the nodes of network can be classified naturally. Moreover, there are several core nodes in each module. Remarkably, we introduce the correlation function Grs, and use it to distinguish the different modules in weighted networks.

Investigation on Effects of Mooring Line Fractures and Connector Failures for A Hybrid Modular Floating Structure System

The present work reports a Hybrid Modular Floating Structure(HMFS)system with typical malfunction conditions.The effects of both fractured mooring lines and failed connectors on main hydrodynamic responses(mooring line tensions,module motions,connector loads and wave power production)of the HMFS system under typical sea con-ditions are comparatively investigated.The results indicate that the mooring tension distribution,certain module motions(surge,sway and yaw)and connector loads(Mz)are significantly influenced by mooring line fractures.The adjacent mooring line of the fractured line on the upstream side suffers the largest tension among the remaining mooring lines,and the case with two fractured mooring lines in the same group on the upstream side is the most dangerous among all cases of two-line failures in view of mooring line tensions,module motions and connector loads.There-fore,one emergency strategy with appropriate relaxation of a proper mooring line has been proposed and proved effective to reduce the risk of more progressive mooring line fractures.In addition,connector failures substantially affect certain module motions(heave and pitch),certain connector loads(Fz and My)and wave power production.The present work can be helpful and instructive for studies on malfunction conditions of modular floating structure(MFS)systems.

Very long wave infrared quantum cascade detector based on modular band structure

The optoelectronic performance of quantum cascade detectors(QCDs)is highly sensitive to the design of the energy level structure,leading to the inability of a single structure to achieve broad wavelength tuning.To address this issue,we propose and demonstrate a modular concept for very long wave infrared(VLWIR)QCDs based on a miniband diagonal transition scheme.The modular design makes the wavelength tuning only need to be adjusted for the absorption quantum well module rather than for the whole active region.Theoretical simulation shows that the wavelength tuning range is 39.6 meV(~14–30μm).To prove the feasibility of the scheme,three samples with different absorption well widths were fabricated and characterized.At 10 K,the response wavelengths of the three QCDs are 14,16,and 18μm,respectively,corresponding to responsivities and detectivities exceeding 2 mA/W and 1×10^(10)Jones.

Identifying Functional Modules in Complex Networks

In this paper, we propose a new method that enables us to detect and describe the functional modules in complex networks. Using the proposed method, we can classify the nodes of networks into different modules according to their pattern of intra- and extra-module links. We use our method to analyze the modular structures of the ER random networks. We find that different modules of networks have different structure properties, such as the clustering coefficient. Moreover, at the same time, many nodes of networks participate different modules. Remarkably, we find that in the ER random networks, when the probability p is small, different modules or different roles of nodes can be Mentified by different regions in the c-p parameter space.

The Fundamental Relationship between Harmonic Quark Masses and Reduced Max Planck Constant

O. A. Teplov developed an approach to describe the meson quark model by establishing a mathematical quark series (harmonic quark series). With respect to the physical mesons, he made some basic hypotheses of his own and used the well-known theory of harmonic oscillation to construct a numerical mass series that obeys a rigid multiplicative pattern and allows the physical meson masses to be calculated accurately. We have found that his numerical quark series, i.e., their masses, has a fundamental relation to the reduced Max Planck constant ħand report on it in the present paper. This discovery is obviously a theoretical contribution to the correctness of Teplov’s harmonic quark model approach and at the same time a confirmation of the importance of this simple and powerful research work.

Quantitative Comparison of Modular Linear Permanent Magnet Vernier Machines with and without Partitioned Primary

A comparison of two modular linear permanent-magnet vernier(LPMV)machines is presented.A modular LPMV machine with a partitioned primary,which can significantly improve the modulation effect,is proposed.Benefitting from the partition design,the space conflict between the permanent magnet(PM)and the armature magnetic field is relieved.First,the topologies of modular LPMV machines with and without a partitioned primary are presented.Then,the effect of the partitioned primary on the modular LPMV machine is analyzed using flux modulation theory.Moreover,analytical expressions for the trapezoidal permeance are derived.In addition,the harmonic components,back electromotive forces,and thrust forces of the machines with and without the partitioned primary are comparatively analyzed.The results reveal that the thrust force density of the LPMV machine with a partitioned primary is increased by 32.3%.Finally,experiments are performed on a prototype machine for validation.

A fully automated framework for helicopter rotor blades design and analysis including aerodynamics,structure, and manufacturing

This study describes an integrated framework in which basic aerospace engineering aspects(performance, aerodynamics, and structure) and practical aspects(configuration visualization and manufacturing) are coupled and considered in one fully automated design optimization of rotor blades. A number of codes are developed to robustly perform estimation of helicopter configuration from sizing, performance analysis, trim analysis, to rotor blades configuration representation. These codes are then integrated with a two-dimensional airfoil analysis tool to fully design rotor blades configuration including rotor planform and airfoil shape for optimal aerodynamics in both hover and forward flights. A modular structure design methodology is developed for realistic composite rotor blades with a sophisticated cross-sectional geometry. A D-spar cross-sectional structure is chosen as a baseline. The framework is able to analyze all realistic inner configurations including thicknesses of D-spar, skin, web, number and ply angles of layers of each composite part,and materials. A number of codes and commercial software(ANSYS, Gridgen, VABS, Pre VABS,etc.) are implemented to automate the structural analysis from aerodynamic data processing to sectional properties and stress analysis. An integrated model for manufacturing cost estimation ofcomposite rotor blades developed at the Aerodynamic Analysis and Design Laboratory(AADL),Aerospace Information Engineering Department, Konkuk University is integrated into the framework to provide a rapid and dynamic feedback to configuration design. The integration of three modules has constructed a framework where the size of a helicopter, aerodynamic performance analysis, structure analysis, and manufacturing cost estimation could be quickly investigated. All aspects of a rotor blade including planform, airfoil shape, and inner structure are considered in a multidisciplinary design optimization without an exception of critical configuration.

Spatial Correlation Function in Modular Networks

Due to the complexity of the interactions among the nodes of the complex networks,the properties of the networkmodules,to a large extent,remain unknown or unexplored.In this paper,we introduce the spatial correlation function Grs to describe the correlations among the modules of the weighted networks.In order to test the proposedmethod,we use ourmethod to analyze and discuss themodular structures of the ER random networks,scale-free networks and the Chinese railway network.Rigorous analysis of the existing data shows that the spatial correlation function Grs is suitable for describing the correlations among different networkmodules.Remarkably,we find that different networks display different correlations,especially,the correlation function Grs with different networks meets different degree distribution,such as the linear and exponential distributions.

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL CONTROL IN PLANT DEVELOPMENT

Bodies of plants are modularly organized. Development proceeds by adding new modules to open endings with a potential for branching. Each module is autonomous to some extent. Development relies on the self-organized patterns that emerge from the interactions of individual modules. Interactions include both competition and cooperation,and several types of positive and negative feedback loops are involved. Development can be open to external influences, thus enabling the plant to adjust its form to the environment,for example, to the spatial distribution of ecological resources. This paper provides a review on adaptive plasticity in plants.