Current situation and development trend of design methods for subgrade structure of high speed railways

Purpose–This method will become a new development trend in subgrade structure design for high speed railways.Design/methodology/approach–This paper summarizes the structural types and design methods of subgrade bed for high speed railways in China,Japan,France,Germany,the United States and other countries based on the study and analysis of existing literature and combined with the research results and practices of high speed railway subgrade engineering at home and abroad.Findings–It is found that in foreign countries,the layered reinforced structure is generally adopted for the subgrade bed of high speed railways,and the unified double-layer or multi-layer structure is adopted for the surface layer of subgrade bed,while the simple structure is adopted in China;in foreign countries,different inspection parameters are adopted to evaluate the compaction state of fillers according to their respective understanding and practice,while in China,compaction coefficient,subsoil coefficient and dynamic deformation modulus are adopted for such evaluation;in foreign countries,the subgrade top deformation control method,the subgrade bottom deformation control method,the subsurface fill strength control method are mainly adopted in subgrade bed structure design of high speed railways,while in China,dynamic deformation control of subgrade surface and dynamic strain control of subgrade bed bottom layer is adopted in the design.However,the cumulative deformation of subgrade caused by train cyclic vibration load is not considered in the existing design methods.Originality/value–This paper introduces a new subgrade structure design method based on whole-process dynamics analysis that meets subgrade functional requirements and is established on the basis of the existing research at home and abroad on prediction methods for cumulative deformation of subgrade soil.

Some Views on the Contribution of Design Theory to Engineering Education

This paper aims at presenting the organisation,the findings and the lessons learnt of a design casestudy workshop organized in the context of UB1-HIT joint master programme.After presenting the content and the evolution of this workshop over the years,findings and lessons learnt are discussed and final conclusions and perspectives are being proposed at the end of the paper.

Kansei Engineering Applied to the Form Design of Injection Molding Machines

This study investigated the relationship between a subject’s evaluation of injection molding machines (IMMs) and formal design features using Kansei engineering. This investigation used 12 word pairs to evaluate the IMM configurations and employed the semantic differential method to explore the perception of 60 interviewees of 12 examples. The relationship between product feature design and corresponding words was derived by multiple regression analysis. Factor analysis reveals that the 12 examples can be categorized as two styles—advanced style and succinct style. For the advanced style, an IMM should use a rectangular form for the clamping-unit cover and a full-cover for the injection-unit. For the succinct style, the IMM configuration should use a beveled form for the safety cover and a vertical rectangular form for the clamping-unit cover. Quantitative data and suggested guidelines for the relationship between design features and interviewee evaluations are useful to product designers when formulating design strategies.

Analysis on the development of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering

Purpose-Explore the development trend of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering.Design/methodology/approach–In this paper,the technical standards home and abroad were analyzed.Laboratory test,field test and monitoring were carried out.Findings–The performance design system of the chemically-improved soil should be established.Originality/value–On the basis of the performance design,the test methods and standards for various properties of chemically-improved soil should be established to evaluate the improvement effect and control the engineering quality.

Innovative Techniques Unveiled in Advanced Sheet Pile Curtain Design

This thorough review explores the complexities of geotechnical engineering, emphasizing soil-structure interaction (SSI). The investigation centers on sheet pile design, examining two primary methodologies: Limit Equilibrium Methods (LEM) and Soil-Structure Interaction Methods (SSIM). While LEM methods, grounded in classical principles, provide valuable insights for preliminary design considerations, they may encounter limitations in addressing real-world complexities. In contrast, SSIM methods, including the SSI-SR approach, introduce precision and depth to the field. By employing numerical techniques such as Finite Element (FE) and Finite Difference (FD) analyses, these methods enable engineers to navigate the dynamics of soil-structure interaction. The exploration extends to SSI-FE, highlighting its essential role in civil engineering. By integrating Finite Element analysis with considerations for soil-structure interaction, the SSI-FE method offers a holistic understanding of how structures dynamically interact with their geotechnical environment. Throughout this exploration, the study dissects critical components governing SSIM methods, providing engineers with tools to navigate the intricate landscape of geotechnical design. The study acknowledges the significance of the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model while recognizing its limitations, and guiding practitioners toward informed decision-making in geotechnical analyses. As the article concludes, it underscores the importance of continuous learning and innovation for the future of geotechnical engineering. With advancing technology and an evolving understanding of soil-structure interaction, the study remains committed to ensuring the safety, stability, and efficiency of geotechnical structures through cutting-edge design and analysis techniques.

Optimization design of anti-seismic engineering measures for intake tower based on non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-Ⅱ

High-rise intake towers in high-intensity seismic areas are prone to structural safety problems under vibration.Therefore,effective and low-cost anti-seismic engineering measures must be designed for protection.An intake tower in northwest China was considered the research object,and its natural vibration characteristics and dynamic response were first analyzed using the mode decomposition response spectrum method based on a three-dimensional finite element model.The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II(NSGA-II)was adopted to optimize the anti-seismic scheme combination by comprehensively considering the dynamic tower response and variable project cost.Finally,the rationality of the original intake tower antiseismic design scheme was evaluated according to the obtained optimal solution set,and recommendations for improvement were proposed.The method adopted in this study may provide significant references for designing anti-seismic measures for high-rise structures such as intake towers located in high-intensity earthquake areas.

Design and modeling of a free-piston engine generator

Free-piston engine generators (FPEGs) can be applied as decarbonized range extenders for electric vehicles because of their high thermal efficiency, low friction loss, and ultimate fuel flexibility. In this paper, a parameter-decoupling approach is proposed to model the design of an FPEG. The parameter-decoupling approach first divides the FPEG into three parts: a two-stroke engine, an integrated scavenging pump, and a linear permanent magnet synchronous machine (LPMSM). Then, each of these is designed according to predefined specifications and performance targets. Using this decoupling approach, a numerical model of the FPEG, including the three aforementioned parts, was developed. Empirical equations were adopted to design the engine and scavenging pump, while special considerations were applied for the LPMSM. A finite element model with a multi-objective genetic algorithm was adopted for its design. The finite element model results were fed back to the numerical model to update the LPMSM with increased fidelity. The designed FPEG produced 10.2 kW of electric power with an overall system efficiency of 38.5% in a stable manner. The model provides a solid foundation for the manufacturing of related FPEG prototypes.

Sequential ensemble optimization based on general surrogate model prediction variance and its application on engine acceleration schedule design

The Efficient Global Optimization(EGO)algorithm has been widely used in the numerical design optimization of engineering systems.However,the need for an uncertainty estimator limits the selection of a surrogate model.In this paper,a Sequential Ensemble Optimization(SEO)algorithm based on the ensemble model is proposed.In the proposed algorithm,there is no limitation on the selection of an individual surrogate model.Specifically,the SEO is built based on the EGO by extending the EGO algorithm so that it can be used in combination with the ensemble model.Also,a new uncertainty estimator for any surrogate model named the General Uncertainty Estimator(GUE)is proposed.The performance of the proposed SEO algorithm is verified by the simulations using ten well-known mathematical functions with varying dimensions.The results show that the proposed SEO algorithm performs better than the traditional EGO algorithm in terms of both the final optimization results and the convergence rate.Further,the proposed algorithm is applied to the global optimization control for turbo-fan engine acceleration schedule design.

基于Pro/Engineer塑料注射模浇注系统的研究与开发

注塑成型其浇注系统设计是否合理直接影响注塑产品的质量、材料的消耗和生产效率.目前的注射模设计主流软件是P ro/Eng ineer,它的设计数据往往是基于经验,因此成功率比较低.利用V isua l C++6.0和M icrosoft A ccess 2000,开发了基于P ro/Eng ineer塑料注射模浇注系统.结果表明:该系统具有较高的智能化水平.

An integrated turbocharger design approach to improve engine performance

Turbocharging technology is today considered as a promising way for internal combustion engine energy saving and CO2 reduction.Turbocharger design is a major challenge for turbocharged engine performance improvement.The turbocharger designer must draw upon the information of engine operation conditions,and an appropriate link between the engine requirements and design features must be carefully developed to generate the most suitable design recommendation.The objective of this research is to develop a turbocharger design approach for better turbocharger matching to an internal combustion engine.The development of the approach is based on the concept of turbocharger design and interaction links between engine cycle requirements and design parameter values.A turbocharger through flow model is then used to generate the design alternatives.This integrated method has been applied with success to a gasoline engine turbocharger assembly.

Design method of optimal control schedule for the adaptive cycle engine steady-state performance

The alternative working modes and flexible working states are the outstanding features of an adaptive cycle engine, with a proper control schedule design being the only way to exploit the performance of such an engine. However, unreasonable design in the control schedule causes not only performance deterioration but also serious aerodynamic stability problems. Thus, in this work,a hybrid optimization method that automatically chooses the working modes and identifies the optimal and smooth control schedules is proposed, by combining the differential evolution algorithm and the Latin hypercube sampling method. The control schedule architecture does not only optimize the engine steady-state performance under different working modes but also solves the control-schedule discontinuity problem, especially during mode transition. The optimal control schedules are continuous and almost monotonic, and hence are strongly suitable for a control system, and are designed for two different working conditions, i.e., supersonic and subsonic throttling,which proves that the proposed hybrid method applies to various working conditions. The evaluation demonstrates that the proposed control method optimizes the engine performance, the surge margin of the compression components, and the range of the thrust during throttling.

Containership Structural Design and Optimization Based on Knowledge-Based Engineering and Gaussian Process

Knowledge-based engineering(KBE) has made success in automobile and molding design industry, and it is introduced into the ship structural design in this paper. From the implementation of KBE, the deterministic design solutions for both rules design method(RDM) and interpolation design method(IDM) are generated. The corresponding finite element model is generated. Gaussian process(GP) is then employed to build the surrogate model for finite element analysis, in order to increase efficiency and maintain accuracy at the same time, and the multi-modal adaptive importance sampling method is adopted to calculate the corresponding structural reliability.An example is given to validate the proposed method. Finally, the reliabilities of the structures' strength caused by uncertainty lying in water corrosion, static and wave moments are calculated, and the ship structures are optimized to resist the water corrosion by multi-island genetic algorithm. Deterministic design results from the RDM and IDM are compared with each separate robust design result. The proposed method shows great efficiency and accuracy.

A method to calculate design tide levels on the basis of numerical model of tidal current and its application

In order to determine the design tide levels in the areas without measured tide level data, especially in the areas where it is difficult to measure tidal levels, a calculation method based on a numerical model of tidal current is proposed. The essentials of the method are described, and its application is illustrated with an example. The results of the application show that the design tide levels calculated by the method are close to those determined by long-time measured tide level data, and its calculation precision is high, so it is feasible to use the method to determine the design tide levels in the areas.

An alternative practical design method for structures with viscoelastic dampers

Viscoelastic dampers（VEDs） are one of the most common passive control devices used in new and retrofit building projects which reduce the structure responses and dissipate seismic energy during an earthquake.Various methods to design this kind of dampers have been proposed based on the desired level of additional damping,eigenvalue assignment,modal strain energy,linear quadratic regulator control theories,and other approaches.In the current engineering practice,the popular method is the one based on the modal strain energy that uses the inter-story lateral stiffness as one of the main variables for damper design.However,depending on the configuration of the structure,in some cases the resulting interstory lateral stiffness can be very large.Consequently,the dampers size would also be large producing much more damping than that effectively necessary,resulting in an increase of the overall cost of the supplemental damping system and causing excessive stress on the structural elements connected to the dampers.In this paper an alternative practical design method for structures with VEDs is proposed.This method uses the inter-story shear forces as one of the main variables to accomplish the damper design compared to what was done in previous studies.Nonlinear time-history analyses were conducted on a 7-story reinforced concrete（RC） structure to check the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed method.Comparisons on the seismic performance between the structure without dampers and that equipped with VEDs were carried out.It is concluded that the proposed method results in a very suitable size of dampers,which are able to improve the performance of the structure at all levels of earthquake ground motions and satisfying the drift requirement prescribed in the codes.

Application of Grey System Theory in Design For Cost (DFC)

Design For Cost (DFC) is a branch of Design For X (DFX). In this paper, wedefined DFC as a design method that analyzed and evaluated the product's life cycle cost (LCC), thenmodified the design to reduce the LCC. Nowadays it is a very difficult thing to obtain LCC data inChina or in developing countries. Statistical methods can not be used because available LCC data arefew. In order to solve this problem, we used grey system theory. Then relations of cost factorswere analyzed in LCC using grey relevant methods, and a GM(1,1) model between design parameters andLCC was established. Using this model, we can estimate and control LCC by changing design parametersat the beginning of the design stage.

A Study on Conceptual Design of Mechatronic System

The conceptual design of mechatronic systems is addressed under the thrust of concurrent engineering and an enhanced conceptual design methodology describing the early design stage of mechatronic systems is presented through an example illustration of a pick and place robot.This methodology treats each feasible solution as a solution strategy.In the methodology,Quality Function Deployment(QFD)is used as a baseline for the analysis of the mapping from customers to engineering requirements,Axiomatic Design(AD)is adopted as a guideline to generate feasible,good design solution alternatives,and Theory of Inventive Problem Solving(TRIZ)is applied to deal with domain conflicts in design.

Novel Aspects of Constructal Law: Four Distinct and Competing Goals in Flow Channels Design

Constructal law explains the sense of evolution (morphing to get access to flows) of finite size systems, but paradoxes do exist as not all vegetables have a tree form. Also, nature does not improve all animals for displacement. This work aims at creating a model to explain those paradoxes about constructal law. It adopted the system engineering technique of segregation between functions (abstract goals) and solutions (physical entities). Further, this work introduced the assumptions of flow under external threats and imperfect channels (subject to leakages and suboptimal form). Results showed that there are always elements doing four functions in all types of channels: to reduce entropy, to protect channel, to retain integrity and to drive flow. Although the four functions are always present, natural systems typically privilege one function over others, depending on environmental demands. As a solution to improve flows, animal brains also fit in the model of four functions. Human mind seems to have groups of instincts associated with each of the four channel design functions, leading to four behavior phenotypes and four motivations (prominence, inclusiveness, negativity prevention and tradition). Finally, this model (channels need to meet four goals) unified physics and animal psychology and extended applications of Constructal law to the fields of systems engineering methods, management, and psychological science.

IUID Method-Mix: Towards a Systematic Approach for Intercultural User Interface Design (IUID)

A method-mix for intercultural user interface design (IUID) is explained and exemplified by application examples based on a hybrid approach covering cultural contexts in human-computer interaction (HCI) design using a model of culturally influenced HCI. Cultural influence on HCI is described using cultural variables for user interface design. Assumptions and empirical results regarding the influence of culture on HCI, considering the path of the information processing and the interaction style between Chinese and German users are explained based on cultural models. Subsequent indicators represent the relationship between culture and HCI (culturally imprinted by the user). Correlations adopted theoretically between cultural dimensions and variables for HCI design were investigated. These correlations represent relevant constituents of a model for culturally influenced HCI. Considerations applying this model and evidence for the proper application of the IUID method-mix are presented elucidating why and how cultural aspects play a role in HCI design and usability/UX engineering. The IUID method-mix serves to inspire HCI engineers in the requirement analysis phase as well as HCI designers in the design phase. The readers are thereby sensitized to the challenges of intercultural usability/UX engineering and intercultural HCI design and will be equipped with methodological knowledge relevant to the derivation of design recommendations for user interface design for and in their desired cultural contexts. Finally, implications for practitioners are shown, including HCI style scores and practical design recommendations, to prognosticate the effort and the expenditures for considering the cultural context in IUID.

The Conceptual Design Method for a Pumping Unit Based on QFD and TRIZ

Quality function deployment （QFD） is a quality system, that can help to design novel products that meet customers＇ needs. Theory of inventive problem solving （TRIZ） is a very powerful tool in helping to solve difficult technical problems encountered in the design process. Introducing QFD and TRIZ into the conceptual design of the pumping unit combines advantages of these two theories, therefore meeting different demands of different users. It can tell us “What should we do it” with QFD and “How should we do it” with TRIZ. The conceptual design method, which is based on QFD and TRIZ, is introduced andused to analyze and evaluate the conceptual design project of a pumping unit.

RHOMBUS THINKING METHOD AND ITS APPLICATION IN SCHEME DESIGN

Rhombus thinking, a new creative thinking method,is the combination of divergent thinking process and convergent thinking process,in which qualitative analysis is carried out before quantitative analysis This method tries to solve the bottle neck problem in intelligent CAD based on the extension theory The rhombus thinking method to the scheme design of new products is applied In this process, firstly, the matter element expression for the know information are set up, and then a set of matter elements are opened up by matter elements extension method; Finally,the useful information are got by appraisal method of dependent degree It has been successfully applied to the scheme design for the cutter store of machining center Theoretical and experimental results demonstrated fhat the method is much more accurate,objective and efficient than the traditional one