Constitutive modeling for mechanical behaviors of geomaterials, newdesigns and techniques in geotechnical engineering

This Special Issue of the Journal of Rock Mechanics and GeotechnicalEngineering （JRMGE） contains 13 papers prepared by internationalexperts on various general topics in geomechanics, rockmechanics and geotechnical engineering. It represents a usefulmix of theoretical developments, testing and practical applications.We present in the following brief details in the papers, alphabeticallyin accordance with the last name of the first author.Barla presents a review of tunneling techniques with emphasison the full-face method combining full-face excavation and facereinforcement by means of fiber-glass elements with a yieldcontrolsupport. This method has been used successfully in difficultgeologic conditions, and for a wide spectrum of ground situations.The validation of the method with respect to the Saint Martin LaPorte access adit along the LyoneTurin Base tunnel experiencingseverely squeezing conditions during excavation is also includedin the paper. The numerical modeling with consideration of therock mass time-dependent behavior showed a satisfactory agreementwith monitoring results.

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.

The design and engineering strategies of metal tellurides for advanced metal-ion batteries

Owning various crystal structures and high theoretical capacity,metal tellurides are emerging as promising electrode materials for high-performance metal-ion batteries(MBs).Since metal telluride-based MBs are quite new,fundamental issues raise regarding the energy storage mechanism and other aspects affecting electrochemical performance.Severe volume expansion,low intrinsic conductivity and slow ion diffusion kinetics jeopardize the performance of metal tellurides,so that rational design and engineering are crucial to circumvent these disadvantages.Herein,this review provides an in-depth discussion of recent investigations and progresses of metal tellurides,beginning with a critical discussion on the energy storage mechanisms of metal tellurides in various MBs.In the following,recent design and engineering strategies of metal tellurides,including morphology engineering,compositing,defect engineering and heterostructure construction,for high-performance MBs are summarized.The primary focus is to present a comprehensive understanding of the structural evolution based on the mechanism and corresponding effects of dimension control,composition,electron configuration and structural complexity on the electrochemical performance.In closing,outlooks and prospects for future development of metal tellurides are proposed.This work also highlights the promising directions of design and engineering strategies of metal tellurides with high performance and low cost.

Multiobjective extremal optimization with applications to engineering design

In this paper, we extend a novel unconstrained multiobjective optimization algorithm, so-called multiobjective extremal optimization （MOEO）, to solve the constrained multiobjective optimization problems （MOPs）. The proposed approach is validated by three constrained benchmark problems and successfully applied to handling three multiobjective engineering design problems reported in literature. Simulation results indicate that the proposed approach is highly competitive with three state-of-the-art multiobjective evolutionary algorithms, i.e., NSGA-11, SPEA2 and PAES. Thus MOEO can be considered a good alternative to solve constrained multiobjective optimization problems.

An Improved Elite Slime Mould Algorithm for Engineering Design

The Swarm intelligence algorithm is a very prevalent field in which some scholars have made outstanding achievements.As a representative,Slime mould algorithm(SMA)is widely used because of its superior initial performance.Therefore,this paper focuses on the improvement of the SMA and the mitigation of its stagnation problems.For this aim,the structure of SMA is adjusted to develop the efficiency of the original method.As a stochastic optimizer,SMA mainly stimulates the behavior of slime mold in nature.For the harmony of the exploration and exploitation of SMA,the paper proposed an enhanced algorithm of SMA called ECSMA,in which two mechanisms are embedded into the structure:elite strategy,and chaotic stochastic strategy.The details of the original SMA and the two introduced strategies are given in this paper.Then,the advantages of the improved SMA through mechanism comparison,balance-diversity analysis,and contrasts with other counterparts are validated.The experimental results demonstrate that both mechanisms have a significant enhancing effect on SMA.Also,SMA is applied to four structural design issues of the welded beam design problem,PV design problem,I-beam design problem,and cantilever beam design problem with excellent results.

Preliminary Engineering Design of Toroidal Field Magnet System for Superconducting Tokamak HT-7U

HT7U is a large fusion experimental device. It will be built in the Institute of Plasma Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences. The mission of HT-7U is to develop the scientific basis for a continuously operating tokama-k fusion reactor. This paper describes only a toroidal field (TF) superconducting magnet system of HT7U. In this paper, design criteria of conductor and stability analysis, coil winding and support structure design of magnet system, mechanical calculation and stress analysis, heat load evaluation are given.

The Application of NURBS Modeling Method to Visualization in Engineering Design

A modeling method is proposed, which combines texture mapping, LOD and geometric modeling. The theory and the application of NURBS in geometric modeling are presented. The methods of NURBS commonly used in the visualization in engineering design are discussed. Some examples are presented.

Development of Sustainable Solutions for Zebra Mussel Control Through Chemical Product Engineering

The zebra mussel is an important aquatic pest that causes great damage to freshwater-dependent industries, due to biofouling. The main goal of the project discussed here is to develop improved solutions to control this species. Three approaches have been explored in an attempt to design innovative application strategies for existing biocides： （i） encapsulation of toxins; （ii） combination of toxins; （iii） investigation of the seasonal variation of the species＇ tolerance to toxins. In this paper, the principles behind these approaches and the major results on each topic are presented. The benefits of adopting a chemical product engineering approach in conducting this project are also discussed.

Application of Monte-Carlo statistical experiments in design of ocean engineering - Estimating the parameters, models and probabilities

Recently, some results have been acquired with the Monte- Carlo statistical experiments in the design of ocean en gineering. The results show that Monte-Carlo statistical experiments can be widely used in estimating the parameters of wave statistical distributions, checking the probability model of the long- term wave extreme value distribution under a typhoon condition and calculating the failure probability of the ocean platforms.

CREATIVE DESIGN BASED ON KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN ENGINEERING DESIGN

To support and serve engineering design, creative design based on knowledge management is proposed. The key knowledge factors of creative design are analyzed and discussed, and knowledge extraction tools are utilized to distill the important knowledge to serve for knowledge resource of creative design. The implementation of creative design mode is described and executed, which can promote the intelligent asset of the enterprise and shorten the period of creative design. With this study, design afflatus and conceptual design can be achieved expediently and effectively.

EDCMS:A Content Management System for Engineering Documents

Engineers often need to look for the right pieces of information by sifting through long engineering documents, It is a very tiring and time-consuming job. To address this issue, researchers are increasingly devoting their attention to new ways to help information users, including engineers, to access and retrieve document content. The research reported in this paper explores how to use the key technologies of document decomposition （study of document structure）, document mark-up （with EXtensible Mark- up Language （XML）, HyperText Mark-up Language （HTML）, and Scalable Vector Graphics （SVG））, and a facetted classification mechanism. Document content extraction is implemented via computer programming （with Java）. An Engineering Document Content Management System （EDCMS） developed in this research demonstrates that as information providers we can make document content in a more accessible manner for information users including engineers.The main features of the EDCMS system are： 1） EDCMS is a system that enables users, especially engineers, to access and retrieve information at content rather than document level. In other words, it provides the right pieces of information that answer specific questions so that engineers don＇t need to waste time sifting through the whole document to obtain the required piece of information. 2） Users can use the EDCMS via both the data and metadata of a document to access engineering document content. 3） Users can use the EDCMS to access and retrieve content objects, i.e. text, images and graphics （including engineering drawings） via multiple views and at different granularities based on decomposition schemes. Experiments with the EDCMS have been conducted on semi-structured documents, a textbook of CADCAM, and a set of project posters in the Engineering Design domain. Experimental results show that the system provides information users with a powerful solution to access document content.

Process-oriented knowledge-sharing platform for chemical engineering design projects

A process-oriented knowledge-sharing platform is studied to improve knowledge sharing and project management of chemical engineering design enterprises. First, problems and characteristics of knowledge sharing in multi-projects of chemical engineering design are analyzed. Then based on theories of project management, process management, and knowledge management, a process-oriented knowledge-sharing platform is proposed. The platform has three characteristics: knowledge is divided into professional knowledge and project management knowledge; knowledge sharing is integrated with the project process, which makes knowledge sharing a necessary part of the project process and ensures the quantity of knowledge shared; the platform provides quantitative measurements of incentive mechanisms for knowledge providers and users which ensures the quality of knowledge shared. This knowledge-sharing platform uses two knowledge management tools, a knowledge map and a knowledge base, to support the platform.

Investigation into precision engineering design and development of the next-generation brake discs using Al/SiC metal matrix composites

Substantially lightweight brake discs with high wear resistance are highly desirable in the automotive industry.This paper presents an investigation of the precision-engineering design and development of automotive brake discs using nonhomogeneous Al/SiC metal-matrixcomposite materials.The design and development are based on modeling and analysis following stringent precision-engineering principles,i.e.,brake-disc systems that operate repeatably and stably over time as enabled by precision-engineering design.The design and development are further supported by tribological experimental testing and finite-element simulations.The results show the industrial feasibility of the innovative design approach and the application merits of using advanced metal-matrix-composite materials for next-generation automotive and electric vehicles.

Analysis of the Development Strategy of China Petroleum Design ＆ Engineering Company

China Petroleum Design & Engineering Company (CPDEC) is a new corporation established in the year 2001. The company puts forward its development objectives for becoming a first-class national and international desigh firm within 5 to 10 years. In this paper, the theories and techniques related to the business environment and strategy are used to make an analysis of the companys development objectives. According to the analysis of the environment and internal conditions of CPDEC, we suggest adoping the strategic measures for reaching the development objectives on the basis of the SWOT (the acronym of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis method. Some conclusions and recommendations on the companys situation and strategies are given.

A Structured Methodology for Local Network Design Engineering

This paper presents a structured methodology for local network design engineering (SMLNDE). A complex and fuzzy project for local network design can be decomposed into a set of simple and particular activities using the SMLNDE. The SMLNDE allows rigorous requirements definition and permits the exhaustive consideration of the large number of factors influencing local network design engineering. The complete and clear design documentations and an optimal design can also be provided by the methodology. The SMLNDE has been implemented using the structured analysis and design technique. The study shows that the SMLNDE is an effective design methodology for the large and complex local networks.

Basic Problems in Design and Inverse Engineering Solution for Outer Characteristic of Vehicle Suspension Shock Absorbers

Based on the theory and the practical experiences of linearity design of feasible design area and inverse solution of non linear outer characteristic of suspension shock absorber, in accordance with non linearity outer characteristic formed by open up damping coefficient, full open damping coefficient and smoothness to safety ratio of suspension shock absorber, a method and a research conclusion of the feasible design and inverse solution for the basic problems of designing and inverse solution of non linear outer characteristic of suspension damping components are provided.

Mechanism for Integrating Sustainability in Engineering Design

This paper proposes an integration mechanism to help the owners and designers to integrate sustainability issues into design process, communicate with stakeholders and achieve consensus. Literature concerning engineering design, decision making and environment assessment were reviewed. Sustainability disputes in construction projects were analyzed and owners and designers were interviewed to understand the evolvement of these issues. Key success factors of other successful integration projects were also referenced. An integration mechanism including procedures was established along with traditional design process. Four integration steps were developed： organize integration team, propose integration issues, determine acceptance criteria, and evaluate alternatives; and four integration dimensions were also identified： appeals, decision making and execution, stakeholders, and experts. A matrix was formed by the four integration steps and four dimensions. A rigor index was proposed to measure the quality of the integration process. Finally, the mechanism was tested on a construction project with sustainability controversy to check its validity. The study results show that the integration mechanism can help incorporate sustainability issues and achieve consensus if followed rigorously. The integration matrix systematically examines the eight key integration factors under the four dimensions. The rigor index can explain the quality in integrating sustainability issues into engineering design. The mechanism provides a useful tool for the owners and designers to cope with the sustainability decision making difficulties.

China's Chemical Engineering Design Capability

During the early days of New China, to support the domestic construction of those projects aided by the former Soviet Union, the design institution formed a chemical engineering production installation design team. During the 1950s, this team designed an ammonia synthesis unit with an annual capacity of 75000 tons, set up the Sichuan Chemical Plant and worked out a

Improvement of the Life Cycle Costing Method in DesignStage Using KBIMS Library

With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution,the construction industry has undergone a paradigm shift.The smart construction technology market is expected to grow 12%annually in developed countries due to advanced technology investments.It is expected that businesses requiring highly sophisticated technology,for instance companies that need their old facilities upgraded,will become the main focus of the market.As building information modeling(BIM)design is becoming mandatory,such as in the Korea Public Procurement Service,researches regarding building automation,construction,and operation integration management systems based on BIM are conducted.In addition,for construction projects of over 10 billion won,design value engineering(Design VE)implementation,including life cycle cost(LCC)analysis,is mandatory at the design stage to improve quality and reduce the lifetime costs of buildings.In this study,we propose an improvement plan for LCC analysis at the design stage using the KBIMS library,which is an open BIM library developed by the Korean government and research groups.We analyze the existing LCC method,KBIMS library,and attribute information,and model the process that is applied in the LCC analysis system.This is expected to complement the LCC analysis system and improve work productivity.

Systems engineering optimization of Omid-2 in the conceptual design phase

Due to the importance and role of systems engineering in space mission developments, optimization of Omid＇s systems engineering as a milestone to its current and future generations is focused. In this regard systems engineering management organization as the basis of optimization work flow in the conceptual design phase is proposed for improvement. To improve the systems engineering management, an agile enhanced organization chart is developed that defines various system duties. This is a type of concurrent engineering approach that promotes direct communication and data interchange between the team members. Due to the importance of decision making in the conceptual design phase, two design matrices are constructed that portray merits of various design options in terms of improved satellite life as well as specific choices of remote sensing capability for the Omid second generation（Omid-2）. Conceptual design optimization is explored considering several structural objectives as well as optimal solar energy absorption utilizing a multiple criteria decision making approach. The Eigenvector method is utilized to formulate the objective function via expert judgment. This approach is robust with respect to designer probable miss-judgment. The optimized version of Omid-2 turned out to be a passive Z-axis spin stabilized satellite made of hexagonal honeycomb configuration with carbon-epoxy side panels and Aluminum bottom plate.