Optimizing Bucket Elevator Performance through a Blend of Discrete Element Method, Response Surface Methodology, and Firefly Algorithm Approaches

This research introduces a novel approach to enhancing bucket elevator design and operation through the integration of discrete element method(DEM)simulation,design of experiments(DOE),and metaheuristic optimization algorithms.Specifically,the study employs the firefly algorithm(FA),a metaheuristic optimization technique,to optimize bucket elevator parameters for maximizing transport mass and mass flow rate discharge of granular materials under specified working conditions.The experimental methodology involves several key steps:screening experiments to identify significant factors affecting bucket elevator operation,central composite design(CCD)experiments to further explore these factors,and response surface methodology(RSM)to create predictive models for transport mass and mass flow rate discharge.The FA algorithm is then applied to optimize these models,and the results are validated through simulation and empirical experiments.The study validates the optimized parameters through simulation and empirical experiments,comparing results with DEM simulation.The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the FA algorithm in identifying optimal bucket parameters,showcasing less than 10%and 15%deviation for transport mass and mass flow rate discharge,respectively,between predicted and actual values.Overall,this research provides insights into the critical factors influencing bucket elevator operation and offers a systematic methodology for optimizing bucket parameters,contributing to more efficient material handling in various industrial applications.

Bamboo Fiber Modified Asphalt Mixture Proportion Design and Road Performances Based on Response Surface Method

In order to comprehensively utilize the remaining bamboo residue of bamboo products,this paper presents a research on recycling the bamboo fibers from bamboo residue for improving the performance of the asphalt mixtures.First of all,the basic performance parameters of sinocalamus affinis fiber,phyllostachys pubescens fiber,green bamboo fiber were tested and analyzed,and the optimal content and length were put forward.Then,the mix ratio design of the bamboo fiber modified asphalt mixture was further designed through the response surface method,and was verified the rationality of the mix ratio.Finally,the mixture specimens were made according to the experimental design mix ratio,and the high temperature,low temperature performance and moisture susceptibility of the bamboo fiber modified mixtures asphalt were tested.The results showed that the high temperature performance,low temperature performance and moisture susceptibility of bamboo fiber modified asphalt mixtures were improved compared with the performance of SBS modified asphalt mixture.When the length of bamboo fiber is 7.25 mm and the content of 0.22%,the road performance of the asphalt mixture was optimal.Consequentially,the decomposition of bamboo residue into bamboo fiber and its application in asphalt pavement can improve the reuse of bamboo waste,with remarkable environmental benefits and great promotion value.

Response Surface Methodology-Based SERS for Determination of Gymnodimine

Gymnodimine (GYM), a fast-acting marine toxin, is destructive to aquaculture and human health through contaminated shellfish. The current detection methods in GYM have definite drawbacks in operation, such as the demand for delicate instruments and the consumption of time. Therefore, silver colloid was utilized as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) desirable substrate for sensitive and rapid detection of GYM in lake and shellfish samples. The theoretical spectrum of GYM is calculated by density functional theory (DFT), and the substrate performance is evaluated by a rhodamine 6 G probe. Under the optimal SERS experimental condition calculated by the response surface methodology, the low limit of detection of 0.105 μM with R2 of 0.9873 and a broad linearity range of 0.1 - 10 μM was achieved for GYM detection. In addition, the substrate was satisfyingly applied to detect gymnodimine in the lake and shellfish matrix samples with LOD as low as 0.148 μM and 0.170 μM, respectively. These results demonstrated a promising SERS platform for detecting marine toxins in seafood for food safety and pharmaceutical research.

Optimal design of butterfly-shaped linear ultrasonic motor using finite element method and response surface methodology

A new method for optimizing a butterfly-shaped linear ultrasonic motor was proposed to maximize its mechanical output. The finite element analysis technology and response surface methodology were combined together to realize the optimal design of the butterfly-shaped linear ultrasonic motor. First, the operation principle of the motor was introduced. Second, the finite element parameterized model of the stator of the motor was built using ANSYS parametric design language and some structure parameters of the stator were selected as design variables. Third, the sample points were selected in design variable space using latin hypercube Design. Through modal analysis and harmonic response analysis of the stator based on these sample points, the target responses were obtained. These sample points and response values were combined together to build a response surface model. Finally, the simplex method was used to find the optimal solution. The experimental results showed that many aspects of the design requirements of the butterfly-shaped linear ultrasonic motor have been fulfilled. The prototype motor fabricated based on the optimal design result exhibited considerably high dynamic performance, such as no-load speed of 873 ram/s, maximal thrust of 27.5 N, maximal efficiency of 43%, and thrust-weight ratio of 45.8.

Reliability-based design optimization for flexible mechanism with particle swarm optimization and advanced extremum response surface method

To improve the computational efficiency of the reliability-based design optimization(RBDO) of flexible mechanism, particle swarm optimization-advanced extremum response surface method(PSO-AERSM) was proposed by integrating particle swarm optimization(PSO) algorithm and advanced extremum response surface method(AERSM). Firstly, the AERSM was developed and its mathematical model was established based on artificial neural network, and the PSO algorithm was investigated. And then the RBDO model of flexible mechanism was presented based on AERSM and PSO. Finally, regarding cross-sectional area as design variable, the reliability optimization of flexible mechanism was implemented subject to reliability degree and uncertainties based on the proposed approach. The optimization results show that the cross-section sizes obviously reduce by 22.96 mm^2 while keeping reliability degree. Through the comparison of methods, it is demonstrated that the AERSM holds high computational efficiency while keeping computational precision for the RBDO of flexible mechanism, and PSO algorithm minimizes the response of the objective function. The efforts of this work provide a useful sight for the reliability optimization of flexible mechanism, and enrich and develop the reliability theory as well.

Extraction Process Optimization of Total Flavonoids from Mallotus apelta Stems by Central Composite Design/Response Surface Method

[Objectives] To optimize the extraction process of total flavonoids in stems of Mallotus apelta. [Methods]On the basis of singlefactor test,with volume fraction of ethanol,extraction time and ratio of solvent as independent variables,the content of total flavonoids as dependent variables,the completely secondary response surface regression fitting was conducted on the independent and dependent variables,and the Response Surface Method was used to optimize the optimum extraction process of total flavonoids in Mallotus apelta stems and predict the optimum process. [Results] The optimum extraction process of total flavonoids in Mallotus apelta was determined as follows: ethanol concentration of 71. 5%; extraction time of 154. 6 min; solid-liquid ratio of 1∶19. 2; total flavonoids content of 7. 060 mg/g; fitted binomial squared correlation coefficient R^2= 0. 8751.[Conclusions]Composite Design/Response Surface Method could be used in the extraction process optimization of total flavonoids in Mallotus apelta stems,the mathematical model established had high prediction accuracy,the method was simple and operability was good.

EFFECTS OF REACTION AND PROCESSING PARAMETERS ON ETHYLENE POLYMERIZATION USING DIFFERENT ZIEGLER-NATTA CATALYSTS:EMPLOYMENT OF TAGUCHI EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESPONSE SURFACE METHOD

Different Ziegler-Natta catalysts were employed to polymerize ethylene. To investigate the influences of reaction parameters, namely Al/Ti molar ratio, hydrogen and processing parameters, i.e. ethylene pressure and temperature, a Taguchi experimental design was worked out. An L27 orthogonal array was chosen to take the above-mentioned parameters and relevant interactions into account. Response surface method was the tool used to analyze the experimental design results. Al/Ti, ethylene pressure and temperature were selected as experimental design factors, and catalyst activity and polymerization yield were the response parameters. Increasing pressure, due to an increment in monomer accessibility, and rising Al/Ti, because of higher reduction in the catalysts, cause an increase in both polymerization yield and catalyst activity. Nonetheless, a higher temperature, thanks to reducing ethylene solubility in the slurry medium and partially catalyst destruction, lead to a reduction in both response parameters. A synergistic effect was also observed between temperature and pressure. All catalyst activities will reduce in the presence of hydrogen. Molecular weight also shows a decline in the presence of hydrogen as a transfer agent. However, the polydispersity index remains approximately intact. Using SEM, various morphologies, owing to different catalyst morphologies, were seen for the polyethylene.

Ship Appearance Optimal Design on RCS Reduction Using Response Surface Method and Genetic Algorithms

Radar cross section (RCS) reduction technologies are very important in survivability of the military naval vessels. Ship appearance shaping as an effective countermeasure of RCS reduction redirects the scattered energy from one angular region of interest in space to another region of little interest. To decrease the scattering electromagnetic signals from ship scientifically, optimization methods should be introduced in shaping design. Based on the assumption of the characteristic section design method, mathematical formulations for optimal shaping design were established. Because of the computation-intensive analysis and singularity in shaping optimization, the response surface method (RSM) combined genetic algorithm (GA) was proposed. The poly-nomial response surface method was adopted in model approximation. Then genetic algorithms were employed to solve the surrogate optimization problem. By comparison RCS of the conventional and the optimal design, the superiority and effectiveness of proposed design methodology were verified.

Optimization of the extraction process of total flavonoids from Trichosanthis Fructus by Box-Behnken response surface method combined with differential spectrophotometry

Objective:To optimize the extraction process of total flavones in Trichosanthis Fructus(composed of Trichosanthis pericarpium and Trichosanthis semen in certain proportion).Methods:The effects of the mixture ratio of Trichosanthis pericarpium and Trichosanthis semen,ethanol concentration,ultrasonic extraction time and extraction temperature on the extraction rate of total flavonoids in Trichosanthis Fructus were investigated.The extraction process of total flavonoids in Trichosanthis Fructus was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method combined with differential spectrophotometry.Results:The optimum extraction conditions of total flavonoids in Trichosanthis Fructus were as follows:The mixture ratio of Trichosanthis pericarpium and Trichosanthis semen was 4:6,the ethanol concentration was 70%,the ultrasonic extraction time was 60min and the extraction temperature was 40℃.Conclusion:Box-Behnken response surface method combined with differential spectrophotometry can optimize the extraction process of total flavonoids from Trichosanthis Fructus,which can provide reference for the extraction and application of total flavonoids in Trichosanthis Fructus.

Box-Behnken response surface method combined with fingerprint to optimize the extraction process of total anthraquinone from Cassia seeds

Objective:The Box-Behnken response surface method combined with fingerprints was used to optimize the extraction process of total anthraquinone from Cassia seeds.Methods:A three-factor,three-level response surface test was conducted based on the single-factor test with comprehensive evaluation as the measurement index.The comprehensive evaluation indexes included the extraction rate of total anthraquinone of Cassia seeds or the equivalent amount of herbs per gram of total anthraquinone of Cassia seeds,the normalized value of peak areas of 5 index components such as aurantio obtusin in the fingerprint of each sample to 16 shared peaks and the similarity of fingerprints(the reference fingerprint was established by the extraction solvent for the determination of Cassia seeds content in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition)with the weights of 0.2,0.5 and 0.3,respectively.Results:The best extraction process was obtained:the liquid-to-material ratio was 20:1(mL·g-1),the extraction solvent was mixture of 60%ethanol-ethyl acetate(2:1),and the extraction time was 15.12 min.The results of five sets of validation experiments showed that the overall evaluation of total anthraquinone of cassia seeds by the best process was 0.528(RSD=0.45%),and the prediction result of response surface method model was 0.531,and the relative error with the prediction result was 0.531.The relative error of the predicted results was 0.56%,and the best extraction process was consistent with the model prediction,and the obtained best process could be used for the extraction of total anthraquinone from Cassia seeds.Conclusion:The Box-Behnken response surface method combined with the fingerprint technique can be used to find the best reaction conditions and examine the interactions among the factors in a comprehensive and accurate manner,which can provide reference for the optimization and evaluation of the extraction process of Chinese medicine.

Optimizing electrocoagulation process for the treatment of biodiesel wastewater using response surface methodology

The production of biodiesel through a transesterification method produces a large amount of wastewater that contains high levels of chemical oxygen demand （COD） and oil and grease （O＆G）. Currently, flotation is the conventional primary treatment for O＆G removal prior to biological treatments. In this study, electrocoagulation （EC） was adopted to treat the biodiesel wastewater. The effects of initial pH, applied voltage, and reaction time on the EC process for the removal of COD, O＆G, and suspended solids （SS） were investigated using one factor at a time experiment. Furthermore, the Box-Behnken design, an experimental design for response surface methodology （RSM）, was used to create a set of 15 experimental runs needed for optimizing of the operating conditions. Quadratic regression models with estimated coefficients were developed to describe the pollutant removals. The experimental results show that EC could effectively reduce COD, O＆G, and SS by 55.43%, 98.42%, and 96.59%, respectively, at the optimum conditions of pH 6.06, applied voltage 18.2 V, and reaction time 23.5 min. The experimental observations were in reasonable agreement with the modeled values.

Deformation prediction and analysis of underground mining during stacking of dry gangue in open-pit based on response surface methodology

Deformation prediction and the analysis of underground goaf are important to the safe and efficient recovery of residual ore when shifting from open-pit mining to underground mining.To address the comprehensive problem of stability in the double mined-out area of the Tong-Lv-Shan(TLS)mine,which employed the dry stacked gangue technology,this paper applies the function fitting theory and a regression analysis method to screen the sensitive interval of four influencing factors based on single-factor experiments and the numerical simulation software FLAC3D.The influencing factors of the TLS mine consist of the column thickness(d),gob area span(D),boundary pillar thickness(h)and height of tailing gangue(H).The fitting degree between the four factors and the displacement of the gob roof(W)is reasonable because the correlation coefficient(R2)is greater than0.9701.After establishing29groups that satisfy the principles of Box-Behnken design(BBD),the dry gangue tailings process was re-simulated for the selected sensitive interval.Using a combination of an analysis of variance(ANOVA),regression equations and a significance analysis,the prediction results of the response surface methodology(RSM)show that the significant degree for the stability of the mined-out area for the factors satisfies the relationship of h>D>d>H.The importance of the four factors cannot be disregarded in a comparison of the prediction results of the engineering test stope in the TLS mine.By comparing the data of monitoring points and function prediction,the proposed method has shown promising results,and the prediction accuracy of RSM model is acceptable.The relative errors of the two test stopes are1.67%and3.85%,respectively,which yield satisfactory reliability and reference values for the mines.

Multiple-response optimization for melting process of aluminum melting furnace based on response surface methodology with desirability function

To reduce the fuel consumption and emissions and also enhance the molten aluminum quality, a mathematical model with user-developed melting model and burning capacity model, were established according to the features of melting process of regenerative aluminum melting furnaces. Based on validating results by heat balance test for an aluminum melting furnace, CFD （computational fluid dynamics） technique, in association with statistical experimental design were used to optimize the melting process of the aluminum melting furnace. Four important factors influencing the melting time, such as horizontal angle between burners, height-to-radius ratio, natural gas mass flow and air preheated temperature, were identified by PLACKETT-BURMAN design. A steepest descent method was undertaken to determine the optimal regions of these factors. Response surface methodology with BOX-BEHNKEN design was adopted to further investigate the mutual interactions between these variables on RSD （relative standard deviation） of aluminum temperature, RSD of furnace temperature and melting time. Multiple-response optimization by desirability function approach was used to determine the optimum melting process parameters. The results indicate that the interaction between the height-to-radius ratio and horizontal angle between burners affects the response variables significantly. The predicted results show that the minimum RSD of aluminum temperature （12.13%）, RSD of furnace temperature （18.50%） and melting time （3.9 h） could be obtained under the optimum conditions of horizontal angle between burners as 64°, height-to-radius ratio as 0.3, natural gas mass flow as 599 m3/h, and air preheated temperature as 639 ℃. These predicted values were further verified by validation experiments. The excellent correlation between the predicted and experimental values confirms the validity and practicability of this statistical optimum strategy.

Comparison of Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network in Predicting the Microwave-Assisted Extraction Procedure to Determine Zinc in Fish Muscles

In this paper, the estimation capacities of the response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN), in a microwave-assisted extraction method to determine the amount of zinc in fish samples were investigated. The experiments were carried out based on a 3-level, 4-variable Box–Behnken design. The amount of zinc was considered as a function of four independent variables, namely irradiation power, irradiation time, nitric acid concentration, and temperature. The RSM results showed the quadratic polynomial model can be used to describe the relationship between the various factors and the response. Using the ANN analysis, the optimal configuration of the ANN model was found to be 4-10-1. After predicting the model using RSM and ANN, two methodologies were then compared for their predictive capabilities. The results showed that the ANN model is much more accurate in prediction as compared to the RSM.

Optimization of High-Gravity Chelated Iron Process for Removing H_2S Based on Response Surface Methodology

By using a mixture of N2 and H2S as the simulated APG(associated petroleum gas), the desulfurization experiment was performed in a cross-flow rotating packed bed(RPB) based on the chelated iron oxidation-reduction method. In order to determine the operating conditions of the system, the effects of the concentration of Fe3+ ions(ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 mol/L), the liquid-gas volume ratio(ranging from 15 to 25 L/m3) and the high gravity factor(ranging from 36 to 126) on the removal of H2 S were studied by means of the Box-Behnken design(BBD) under response surface methodology(RSM). The overall results have demonstrated that the BBD with an experimental design can be used effectively in the optimization of the desulfurization process. The optimal conditions based on both individualized and combined responses(at a Fe3+ ion concentration of 0.16 mol/L, a liquid-gas volume ratio of 20.67 L/m3 and a high gravity factor of 87) were found. Under this optimum condition, the desulfurization efficiency could reach 98.81% when the H2 S concentration was 7 g/m3 in APG. In this work, the sulfur product was analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer(EDX). The results of analysis show that the sulfur is made of the high-purity orthorhombic crystals, which are advantageous to environmental conservation.

Optimization of Rooting Medium for Tissue Culture Seedlings of Dendrobium officinale by Response Surface Methodology

[Objectives] To increase the survival rate of tissue culture seedlings of Dendrobium officinale,and optimize the conditions of rooting medium by the response surface methodology( RSM). [Methods]The effects of 6-BA concentration,NAA concentration,potato amount and the amount of mashed banana on the growth of seedlings were determined by single factor experiment and were analyzed by Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. [Results]The optimal culture conditions: rooting medium 1/2 MS + 6-BA 0. 24 mg/L + mashed banana 87. 63 g/L + potato 89. 30 g/L + NAA 0. 52 mg/L + sucrose 20. 0 g/L + activated carbon 4. 0 g/L + agar 7. 0 g/L,p H 5. 8,and light intensity 2 000 Lx. [Conclusions]The model established by response surface methodology has a good predictability and could be used to optimize the conditions of tissue culture and rooting medium of D. officinale.

Influence of Operating Parameters on Unbalance in Rotating Machinery Using Response Surface Method

Wide range of rotating machinery contains an inherent amount of unbalance which leads to increase in the vibration level and related faults.In this work,the effect of different operating conditions viz.the unbalanced weight,radius,speed and position of the rotor disc on the unbalance in rotating machine are studied experimentally and analyzed by using Response Surface Methodology(RSM).RSM is a technique which consists of mathematical and statistical methods to develop the relationship between the inputs and outputs of a system by distinct functions.L27 Orthogonal Array(OA)was developed by using Design of Experiments(DOE)according to which experimentation has been carried out.Three accelerometer sensors were mounted to record the vibration responses(accelerations)in radially vertical,horizontal and axial directions.The responses recorded as root mean square values are then analysed using RSM.The relationship between response and operating factors has been established by developing a second order,non-linear mathematical model.Analysis of variance(ANOVA)has been performed for verification of the developed mathematical models.Results obtained from the analysis show that the unbalance weight and speed are most significant operating conditions that contribute the most to the effect the unbalance has on the rotating spindle.

Removal of Mercury(Hg(Ⅱ)) from Seaweed Extracts by Electrodialysis and Process Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology

In this work,response surface methodology(RSM)was employed to model and optimize electrodialysis process for mercury(Hg(II))removal from seaweed extracts.Box-Behnken design(BBD)was utilized to evaluate the effects and the interaction of influential variables such as operating voltage,influent flow rate,initial concentration of Hg(II)on the removal rate of Hg(II).The developed regression model for removal rate response was validated by analysis of variance,and presented a good agreement of the experimental data with the quadratic equation with high value coefficient of determination value(R2=0.9913,RAdj 2=0.9678).The optimum operating parameters were determined as 7.17V operating voltage,72.54L h−1 influent flow rate and 5.04mgL−1 initial concentration of mercury.Hg(II)removal rate of 76.45%was acquired under the optimum conditions,which showed good agreement with model-predicted(75.81%)result.The results revealed that electrodialysis can be considered as a promising strategy for removal of Hg(II)from seaweed extracts.

Probabilistic assessment of rock slopes stability using the response surface approach——A case study

This paper examines the stability condition of a jointed rock slope in the south western region of Saudi Arabia using deterministic and probabilistic approaches,under both dry and wet conditions.The study area is characterized by complex geology in rugged terrains.The stability analysis is carried out using the code FLAC3D to generate a 3-dimensional,ubiquitous joint model,to determine the influence of the dominant,unfavourable discontinuity orientation with respect to the slope face.The deterministic analysis is first implemented using the mean values of the selected random variables,namely the dip,dip direction and friction angle of the dominant discontinuity set,and the stability condition is assessed with a factor of safety based on the classical frictional joint constitutive model.A Box-Behnken design(BBD)approach is then adopted to create the surface response function as a second order polynomial for the factor of safety.To do so,fifteen FLAC3D models are generated in accordance with the BBD.Based on this,10,000 simulations of different slope realizations are carried out using Monte-Carlo simulation technique,and the probability of unsatisfactory of performance of the rock slope is assessed.It is shown that the probabilistic approach provides more insight and confidence in the stability condition of the rock slope,both under dry and steady state heavy rainfall conditions.A discussion is presented on the significance of accepting lower safety factors when heavy rainfall conditions are encountered.

基于Box-Behnken设计-响应面法优化酒黄精炮制工艺

目的采用Box-Behnken设计-响应面法(Box-Behnken design-response surface method,BBD-RSM)对黄精炮制工艺进行优化,筛选最佳工艺参数。方法研究于2023年1—5月开展。以黄精外观性状、醇浸出物、多糖含量等为评价指标,基于单因素试验进行响应面综合实验,运用BBD-RSM,探索黄精饮片润制时间、蒸制时间、焖制时间等对其品质的影响,优选炮制工艺参数及炮制设备。结果通过拟合模型,外观性状评分、醇浸出物含量、黄精多糖含量预测值分别为72.31分、64.86%、12.96%,优选黄精最佳酒制工艺为润制时间1.5 h、蒸制时间5.5 h、焖制时间1.0 h;蒸制设备拟选用回转式蒸药机,干燥设备拟选用敞开式烘干箱。结论所优选酒黄精炮制工艺合理、可行,为酒黄精炮制生产工艺及设备选型提供了依据。