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.

Optimization for Microbial Degumming of Ramie with Bacillus subtilis DZ_(5) in Submerged Fermentation by Orthogonal Array Design and Response Surface Methodology

As a kind of natural fiber,ramie fiber has distinctive advantages in textile application,but the application is limited due to the traditional degumming mode.Compared with the traditional degumming process,the microbial degumming process has many advantages.To obtain the optimal conditions for degumming ramie with Bacillus subtilis DZ_(5)(BS DZ_(5)),a combined statistical approach of orthogonal array design(OAD)and response surface methodology(RSM)was used.The influences of initial pH of the bacteria medium,culture temperature,shaking speed,degumming time and inoculum size on submerged fermentation degumming were evaluated by using fractional factorial design.The main factors in the analysis were culture temperature,shaking speed and initial pH.The residual gum mass fraction was used as the optimization index,and the optimal conditions for degumming were determined by central composite design and RSM.Thus with only a limited number of experiments,an optimal ramie microbial degumming condition was found as the culture temperature of 40℃,the initial pH in the culture medium of 8.5,the shaking speed of 205 r/min,the degumming time of 96 h and the inoculum size of 5%.After microbial degumming of ramie under the optimal conditions,there was only 10.6%residual gum by mass in the fiber.In addition,the effective degumming of BS DZ_(5)was also confirmed by a scanning electron microscope(SEM).

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.

Mechanical and Permeability Analysis and Optimization of Recycled Aggregate Pervious Concrete Based on Response Surface Method

In this paper,the effects of different influencing factors and factor interaction on the compressive strength and permeability of recycled aggregate pervious concrete(RAPC)were studied based on the response surface method(RSM).By selecting the maximum aggregate size,water cement ratio and target porosity as design variables,combined with laboratory tests and numerical analysis,the influences of three factors on the compressive strength and permeability coefficient of RAPC were revealed.The regression equation of compressive strength and permeability coefficient of recycled aggregate pervious concrete were established based on RSM,and the response surface model was optimized to determine the optimal ratio of RAPC under the conditions of meeting the mechanical and permeability properties.The results show that the mismatch item of the model is not significant,the model is credible,and the accuracy and reliability of the test are high,but the degree of uncorrelation between the test data and the model is not obvious.The sensitivity of the three factors to the compressive strength is water cement ratio>maximum coarse aggregate particle size>target porosity,and the sensitivity to the permeability coefficient is target porosity>maximum coarse aggregate particle size>water cement ratio.The absolute errors of the model prediction results and the model optimization results are 1.28 MPa and 0.19 mm/s,and the relative errors are 5.06%and 4.19%,respectively.With high accuracy,RSM can match the measured results of compressive strength and permeability coefficient of RAPC.

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.

Optimization of medium components using response surface methodology (RSM) for mycelium biomass and exopolysaccharide production by <i>Lentinus squarrosulus</i>

The interaction between sucrose, yeast extract and initial pH was investigated to optimize critical medium components for mycelium biomass and production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) of Lentinus squarrosulus using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was applied and a polynomial regression model with quadratic term was used to analyse the experimental data using analysis of variance (ANOVA). ANOVA analysis showed that the model was very significant (p Lentinus squarrosulus are as follows: sucrose concentration 114.61 g/L, yeast extract 1.62 g/L and initial pH of 5.81;sucrose concentration 115.8 g/L, yeast extract of 3.39 g/L and initial pH of 6.44 respectively.

Response surface methodology-based hybrid robust design optimization for complex product under mixed uncertainties

Minimizing the impact of the mixed uncertainties(i.e.,the aleatory uncertainty and the epistemic uncertainty) for a complex product of compliant mechanism(CPCM) quality improvement signifies a fascinating research topic to enhance the robustness.However, most of the existing works in the CPCM robust design optimization neglect the mixed uncertainties, which might result in an unstable design or even an infeasible design. To solve this issue, a response surface methodology-based hybrid robust design optimization(RSM-based HRDO) approach is proposed to improve the robustness of the quality characteristic for the CPCM via considering the mixed uncertainties in the robust design optimization. A bridge-type amplification mechanism is used to manifest the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The comparison results prove that the proposed approach can not only keep its superiority in the robustness, but also provide a robust scheme for optimizing the design parameters.

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.

Optimization of Extraction Process of Total Flavonoids from Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz. by Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology

[Objectives]To optimize extraction process of total flavonoids from Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.) Koidz.,so as to provide references for development and use of Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.) Koidz. [Methods]The extraction rate of total flavonoids of Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.)Koidz. was taken as observation indicator. On the basis of single factor experiment,central composite design( CCD) was used to evaluate the effects of the extraction temperature,extraction time,and ethanol concentration on the extraction process. Multiple linear regression and binomial fitting were used,and response surface methodology( RSM) was used to select the optimum extraction process. [Results] The optimum extraction process conditions for total flavonoids of Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.) Koidz. was extraction temperature: 83. 92 ℃; extraction time:96. 47 min; ethanol concentration: 63. 92%; extraction times: two times; solid to liquid ratio: 1 ∶ 20; extraction rate of total flavonoids:4. 55%. [Conclusions] The central composite design-response surface methodology( CCD-RSM) is simple,convenient,and feasible for extraction of total flavonoids from Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.) Koidz.,and the prediction results are reliable.

Optimization Scale Pasteurization of Baobab Juice Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

The Adansonia digitate L. known as Baobab is the only species present in West Africa and grows wild. All parts of the plant are used by humans. In Senegal, baobab pulp is widely consumed;it is used as raw material in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for making juices, concentrates, jams, powder. Drinks or juices from baobab are highly appreciated by consumers;however rapid fermentation can happen even after pasteurization that can shorten their shelf-life. A Doehlert experimental design was used to find a good scale of heat treatment ensuring a proper conservation of baobab juice. Results of the experimental design showed that a heat treatment of 80&deg;C for 10 min gives a baobab juice with good sanitary quality that meets the international standards.

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.

基于RSM-正交法的磁障式直线永磁游标电机的设计与优化

针对直线永磁游标电机的损耗问题,提出一种磁障式拓扑结构。通过在次级的凸极齿加入隔磁磁障,使次级对磁通的流动具有导向作用,减少涡流损耗,提高电机的磁场调制能力。在此基础上,设计一种磁障式直线永磁游标电机,采用响应面(RSM)-正交法对电机的推力性能进行优化。首先,通过对电机进行灵敏度分析,确定显著变量。其次,根据RSM法建立优化目标响应与显著变量之间的拟合模型,并对其拟合精度进行评估。最后,基于该模型进行正交试验,根据正交试验的数据进行极差分析,得到电机的最优结构参数。有限元实验结果表明,采用RSM-正交优化方法的电机性能得到大幅提高,并且可以节省优化时间,提高优化效率,对直线永磁游标电机的设计与优化有重要的参考价值。

Response surface method using grey relational analysis for decision making in weapon system selection

A proper weapon system is very important for a na- tional defense system. Generally, it means selecting the optimal weapon system among many alternatives, which is a multiple- attribute decision making （MADM） problem. This paper proposes a new mathematical model based on the response surface method （RSM） and the grey relational analysis （GRA）. RSM is used to obtain the experimental points and analyze the factors that have a significant impact on the selection results. GRA is used to an- alyze the trend relationship between alternatives and reference series. And then an RSM model is obtained, which can be used to calculate all alternatives and obtain ranking results. A real world application is introduced to illustrate the utilization of the model for the weapon selection problem. The results show that this model can be used to help decision-makers to make a quick comparison of alternatives and select a proper weapon system from multiple alternatives, which is an effective and adaptable method for solving the weapon system selection problem.

Improvement of xylanase production by Aspergillus niger XY-1 using response surface methodology for optimizing the medium composition

Objective: To study the optimal medium composition for xylanase production by Aspergillus niger XY-1 in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Methods: Statistical methodology including the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and the central composite design (CCD) was employed to investigate the individual crucial component of the medium that significantly affected the enzyme yield. Results: Firstly, NaNO3, yeast extract, urea, Na2CO3, MgSO4, peptone and (NH4)2SO4 were screened as the significant factors positively affecting the xylanase production by PBD. Secondly, by valuating the nitrogen sources effect, urea was proved to be the most effective and economic nitrogen source for xylanase production and used for further optimization. Finally, the CCD and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to determine the optimal concentration of each sig-nificant variable, which included urea, Na2CO3 and MgSO4. Subsequently a second-order polynomial was determined by multiple regression analysis. The optimum values of the critical components for maximum xylanase production were obtained as follows: x1 (urea)=0.163 (41.63 g/L), x2 (Na2CO3)=?1.68 (2.64 g/L), x3 (MgSO4)=1.338 (10.68 g/L) and the predicted xylanase value was 14374.6 U/g dry substrate. Using the optimized condition, xylanase production by Aspergillus niger XY-1 after 48 h fermentation reached 14637 U/g dry substrate with wheat bran in the shake flask. Conclusion: By using PBD and CCD, we obtained the optimal composition for xylanase production by Aspergillus niger XY-1 in SSF, and the results of no additional expensive medium and shortened fermentation time for higher xylanase production show the potential for industrial utilization.

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.

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.

Optimization of Culture Components for Laccase Activity from Pleurotus Ostreatus P40 Using Response Surface Methodology

High enzymatic activity is required for laccase applications.Central composite design （CCD）-based response surface methodology （RSM） can effectively increase the enzymatic activity of Pleurotus ostreatus P40 in liquid substrate fermentation.Initial screening of the nutritional components was performed using a Plackett-Burman design.The variables,namely,bran,bagasse,Tween 80,and yeast extract,were found to have statistically significant effects on laccase activity.These variables were further optimized using CCD-based RSM.Optimal concentrations for the maximum laccase activity were 8.144 2 g/L bran,50 g/L bagasse,0.424 1 mL/L Tween 80,and 2.832 5 g/L yeast extract.Under optimized conditions,the maximum measured laccase activity reached 96 480 U/L,which was close to the predicted value （104 830 U/L） by RSM.Therefore,RSM can be used to optimize culture components for laccase activity from Pieurotus ostreatus P40.