On the Application of Mixed Models of Probability and Convex Set for Time-Variant Reliability Analysis

In time-variant reliability problems,there are a lot of uncertain variables from different sources.Therefore,it is important to consider these uncertainties in engineering.In addition,time-variant reliability problems typically involve a complexmultilevel nested optimization problem,which can result in an enormous amount of computation.To this end,this paper studies the time-variant reliability evaluation of structures with stochastic and bounded uncertainties using a mixed probability and convex set model.In this method,the stochastic process of a limit-state function with mixed uncertain parameters is first discretized and then converted into a timeindependent reliability problem.Further,to solve the double nested optimization problem in hybrid reliability calculation,an efficient iterative scheme is designed in standard uncertainty space to determine the most probable point(MPP).The limit state function is linearized at these points,and an innovative random variable is defined to solve the equivalent static reliability analysis model.The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by two benchmark numerical examples and a practical engineering problem.

Simulation of spatially coupling dynamic response of train-track time-variant system

There exist three problems in the calculation of lateral vibration of the train-track time-variant system athome and abroad and the method to solve them is presented. Spatially coupling vibration analysis model of train-track time-variant system is put forward. Each vehicle is modeled as a multi-body system with 26 degrees of freedomand the action of coupler is also considered. The track structure is modeled as an assembly of track elements with 30degrees of freedom, then the spatially coupling vibration matrix equation of the train-track time-variant system is es-tablished on the basis of the principle of total potential energy with stationary value and the "set-in-right-position"rule. The track vertical geometric irregularity is considered as the excitation source of the vertical vibration of thesystem, and the hunting wave of car bogie frame is taken as the excitation source of lateral vibration of the system.The spatially coupling vibration matrix equation of the system is solved by Wilson-θ direct integration method. Theapproximation of the calculated results to the spot test results demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of thepresented analysis method. Finally, some other vibration responses of the system are also obtained.

Time-variant fragility analysis of the bridge system considering time-varying dependence among typical component seismic demands

This paper presents a copula technique to develop time-variant seismic fragility curves for corroded bridges at the system level and considers the realistic time-varying dependence among component seismic demands. Based on material deterioration mechanisms and incremental dynamic analysis, the time-evolving seismic demands of components were obtained in the form of marginal probability distributions. The time-varying dependences among bridge components were then captured with the best fitting copula function, which was selected from the commonly used copula classes by the empirical distribution based analysis method. The system time-variant fragility curves at different damage states were developed and the effects of time-varying dependences among components on the bridge system fragility were investigated. The results indicate the time-varying dependence among components significantly affects the time-variant fragility of the bridge system. The copula technique captures the nonlinear dependence among component seismic demands accurately and easily by separating the marginal distributions and the dependence among them.

Time-Variant Reliability-Based Multi-Objective Fuzzy Design Optimization for Anti-Roll Torsion Bar of EMU

Although various types of anti-roll torsion bars have been developed to inhibit excessive roll angle of the electric multiple unit(EMU)car body,it is critical to ensure the reliability of structural design due to the complexity of the problems involving time and uncertainties.To address this issue,amulti-objective fuzzy design optimization model is constructed considering time-variant stiffness and strength reliability constraints for the anti-roll torsion bar.A hybrid optimization strategy combining the design of experiment(DoE)sampling and non-linear programming by quadratic lagrangian(NLPQL)is presented to deal with the design optimization model.To characterize the effect of time on the structural performance of the torsion bar,the continuous-time model combined with Ito lemma is proposed to establish the time-variant stiffness and strength reliability constraints.Fuzzy mathematics is employed to conduct uncertainty quantification for the design parameters of the torsion bar.A physical programming approach is used to improve the designer’s preference and to make the optimization results more consistent with engineering practices.Moreover,the effectiveness of the proposed method has been validated by comparing with current methods in a practical engineering case.

Time-variant reliability analysis of three-dimensional slopes based on Support Vector Machine method

In the reliability analysis of slope, the performance functions derived from the most available stability analysis procedures of slopes are usually implicit and cannot be solved by first-order second-moment approach. A new reliability analysis approach was presented based on three-dimensional Morgenstem-Price method to investigate three-dimensional effect of landslide in stability analyses. To obtain the reliability index, Support Vector Machine （SVM） was applied to approximate the performance function. The time-consuming of this approach is only 0.028% of that using Monte-Carlo method at the same computation accuracy. Also, the influence of time effect of shearing strength parameters of slope soils on the long-term reliability of three-dimensional slopes was investigated by this new approach. It is found that the reliability index of the slope would decrease by 52.54% and the failure probability would increase from 0.000 705% to 1.966%. In the end, the impact of variation coefficients of c andfon reliability index of slopes was taken into discussion and the changing trend was observed.

Time-Variant Reliability Analysis of FPSO Hull Girder Considering Corrosion Based on Statistics

FPSO is a kind of important exploitation platform used in ocean oil and gas industry, which has the unique character of mooring at outsea for a long time. Since it can not be inspected and maintained thoronghly at dock like other kinds of ships, the reliability of FPSO hull girder during the whole service should be focused. Based on latest corrosion database and rational corrosion model, the ultimate strength of one FPSO is calculated under the conditions of slight, moderate and severe corrosion. The results not only provide the reliabihty under different corrosion conditions, but also do well for further inspection and maintenance research. The results provide necessary foundation for deciding inspection intervals and maintenance measure, which has practical sense to improve the general safety level of ocean engineering.

A review of linear friction welding of Ni -based superalloys

Ni-based superalloys are one of the most important materials employed in high-temperature applications within the aerospace and nuclear energy industries and in gas turbines due to their excellent corrosion,radiation,fatigue resistance,and high-temperature strength.Linear friction welding(LFW)is a new joining technology with near-net-forming characteristics that can be used for the manu-facture and repair of a wide range of aerospace components.This paper reviews published works on LFW of Ni-based superalloys with the aim of understanding the characteristics of frictional heat generation and extrusion deformation,microstructures,mechanical proper-ties,flash morphology,residual stresses,creep,and fatigue of Ni-based superalloy weldments produced with LFW to enable future optim-um utilization of the LFW process.

Complex Modal Analysis for the Time-Variant Dynamical Problem of Rotating Pipe Conveying Fluid

A semi-analytical form of complex modal analysis is proposed for the time-variant dynamical problem of rotating pipe conveying fluid system.The complex mode superposition method is introduced for the dynamic analysis in the time and frequency domains,in which appropriate orthogonality conditions are constructed to decouple the time-variant equation of motion.Consequently,complex frequencies and modes of vibration are analytically formulated and the variations of frequencies and damping of the system are evaluated.Numerical time-variant example of rotating pipe conveying fluid illustrates the effectiveness and accuracy of this method.Furthermore,the proposed solution scheme is also applicable to other similar time-variant dynamical problems.

Flow field, sedimentation, and erosion characteristics around folded linear HDPE sheet sand fence: Numerical simulation study

Wind and sand hazards are serious in the Milan Gobi area of the Xinjiang section of the Korla Railway. In order to ensure the safe operation of railroads, there is a need for wind and sand protection in heavily sandy areas. The wind and sand flow in the region is notably bi-directional. To shield railroads from sand, a unique sand fence made of folded linear high-density polyethylene(HDPE) is used, aligning with the principle that the dominant wind direction is perpendicular to the fence. This study employed field observations and numerical simulations to investigate the effectiveness of these HDPE sand fences in altering flow field distribution and offering protection. It also explored how these fences affect the deposition and erosion of sand particles. Findings revealed a significant reduction in wind speed near the fence corner;the minimum horizontal wind speed on the leeward side of the first sand fence(LSF) decreased dramatically from 3 m/s to 0.64 m/s. The vortex area on the LSF markedly impacted horizontal wind speeds. Within the LSF, sand deposition was a primary occurrence. As wind speeds increased, the deposition zone shrank, whereas the positive erosion zone expanded. Close to the folded corners of the HDPE sand fence, there was a notable shift from the positive erosion zone to a deposition zone. Field tests and numerical simulations confirmed the high windproof efficiency(WE) and sand resistance efficiency(SE) in the HDPE sand fence. Folded linear HDPE sheet sand fence can effectively slow down the incoming flow and reduce the sand content, thus achieving good wind and sand protection. This study provides essential theoretical guidance for the design and improvement of wind and sand protection systems in railroad engineering.

Optimization Algorithms of PERT/CPM Network Diagrams in Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Environment

The idea of linear Diophantine fuzzy set(LDFS)theory with its control parameters is a strong model for machine learning and optimization under uncertainty.The activity times in the critical path method(CPM)representation procedures approach are initially static,but in the Project Evaluation and Review Technique(PERT)approach,they are probabilistic.This study proposes a novel way of project review and assessment methodology for a project network in a linear Diophantine fuzzy(LDF)environment.The LDF expected task time,LDF variance,LDF critical path,and LDF total expected time for determining the project network are all computed using LDF numbers as the time of each activity in the project network.The primary premise of the LDF-PERT approach is to address ambiguities in project network activity timesmore simply than other approaches such as conventional PERT,Fuzzy PERT,and so on.The LDF-PERT is an efficient approach to analyzing symmetries in fuzzy control systems to seek an optimal decision.We also present a new approach for locating LDF-CPM in a project network with uncertain and erroneous activity timings.When the available resources and activity times are imprecise and unpredictable,this strategy can help decision-makers make better judgments in a project.A comparison analysis of the proposed technique with the existing techniques has also been discussed.The suggested techniques are demonstrated with two suitable numerical examples.

Docking of Human Band 3 Anion Transporter Proteins with Their Plasmodium falciparum Interactors Based on Short Linear Motifs

Plasmodium (P.) falciparum is a pathogen that causes severe forms of malaria. Protein interactions have been shown to occur between P. falciparum and human erythrocytes in human blood. The Band 3 Anion Transporter (B3AT) protein is considered the main invasive pathway for the parasite in erythrocytes that causes clinical symptoms for malaria in humans. The interactions between P. falciparum parasites and erythrocytes along this receptor have previously been explored. Short linear motifs (SLIMs) are short linear mediator sequences that involve several biological processes, acting as mediators of protein interactions identifiable by computational tools such as SLiMFinder. For a given protein, the identification of SLIMs allows predicting its interactors. Using the SLIMs approach, protein-protein interaction network analyses between P. falciparum and its human host, were used to identify a tryptophan-rich protein, A5K5E5_PLAVS as an essential interactor of B3AT. To better understand the interaction mechanism, a guided protein-protein docking approach based on SLIM motifs was performed for human B3AT and A5K5E5_PLAVS. The highlights of this important interaction between P. falciparum and its human host have the potential to pave the way to identify new therapeutic candidates.

Numerical studies for plasmas of a linear plasma device HIT-PSI with geometry modified SOLPS-ITER

The HIT-PSI is a linear plasma device built for physically simulating the high heat flux environment of future reactor divertors to test/develop advanced target plate materials.In this study,the geometry-modified SOLPS-ITER program is employed to examine the effects of the magnetic field strength and neutral pressure in the device on the heat flux experienced by the target plate of the HIT-PSI device.The findings of the numerical simulation indicate a positive correlation between the magnetic field strength and the heat flux density.Conversely,there is a negative correlation observed between the heat flux density and the neutral pressure.When the magnetic field strength at the axis exceeds 1 tesla and the neutral pressure falls below 10 Pa,the HIT-PSI has the capability to attain a heat flux of 10 MW·m-2 at the target plate.The simulation results offer a valuable point of reference for subsequent experiments at HIT-PSI.

A Study of the TPS Based Beam-Matching Concept for Medical Linear Accelerators at a Tertiary Hospital

The flexibility in radiotherapy can be improved if patients can be moved between any one of the department’s medical linear accelerators (LINACs) without the need to change anything in the patient’s treatment plan. For this to be possible, the dosimetric characteristics of the various accelerators must be the same, or nearly the same. The purpose of this work is to describe further and compare measurements and parameters after the initial vendor-recommended beam matching of the five LINACs. Deviations related to dose calculations and to beam matched accelerators may compromise treatment accuracy. The safest and most practical way to ensure that all accelerators are within clinical acceptable accuracy is to include TPS calculations in the LINACs matching evaluation. Treatment planning system (TPS) was used to create three photons plans with different field sizes 3 × 3 cm, 10 × 10 cm and 25 × 25 cm at a depth of 4.5 cm in Perspex. Calculated TPS plans were sent to Mosaiq to be delivered by five LINACs. TPS plans were compared with five LINACs measurements data using Gamma analyses of 2% and 2 mm. The results suggest that for four out of the five LINACs, there was generally good agreement, less than a 2% deviation between the planned dose distribution and the measured dose distribution. However, one specific LINAC named “Asterix” exhibited a deviation of 2.121% from the planned dose. The results show that all of the LINACs’ performance were within the acceptable deviation and delivering radiation dose consistently and accurately.

Linear dichroism transition and polarization-sensitive photodetector of quasi-one-dimensional palladium bromide

Perpendicular optical reversal of the linear dichroism transition has promising applications in polarization-sensitive optoelectronic devices. We perform a systematical study on the in-plane optical anisotropy of quasi-one-dimensional PdBr_(2) by using combined measurements of the angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy(ARPRS) and anisotropic optical absorption spectrum. The analyses of ARPRS data validate the anisotropic Raman properties of the PdBr_(2) flake.And anisotropic optical absorption spectrum of PdBr_(2) nanoflake demonstrates distinct optical linear dichroism reversal. Photodetector constructed by PdBr_(2) nanowire exhibits high responsivity of 747 A·W^(-1) and specific detectivity of 5.8×10^(12) Jones. And the photodetector demonstrates prominent polarization-sensitive photoresponsivity under 405-nm light irradiation with large photocurrent anisotropy ratio of 1.56, which is superior to those of most of previously reported quasi-one-dimensional counterparts. Our study offers fundamental insights into the strong optical anisotropy exhibited by PdBr_(2), establishing it as a promising candidate for miniaturization and integration trends of polarization-related applications.

Feedback linearization and equivalent-disturbance compensation control strategy for piezoelectric stage

Piezoelectric stages use piezoelectric actuators and flexure hinges as driving and amplifying mechanisms,respectively.These systems have high positioning accuracy and high-frequency responses,and they are widely used in various precision/ultra-precision positioning fields.However,the main challenge with these devices is the inherent hysteresis nonlinearity of piezoelectric actuators,which seriously affects the tracking accuracy of a piezoelectric stage.Inspired by this challenge,in this work,we developed a Hammerstein model to describe the hysteresis nonlinearity of a piezoelectric stage.In particular,in our proposed scheme,a feedback-linearization algorithm is used to eliminate the static hysteresis nonlinearity.In addition,a composite controller based on equivalent-disturbance compensation was designed to counteract model uncertainties and external disturbances.An analysis of the stability of a closed-loop system based on this feedback-linearization algorithm and composite controller was performed,and this was followed by extensive comparative experiments using a piezoelectric stage developed in the laboratory.The experimental results confirmed that the feedback-linearization algorithm and the composite controller offer improved linearization and trajectory-tracking performance.

Linear magnetoresistance and structural distortion in layered SrCu_(4-x)P_(2) single crystals

We report a systematic study on layered metal SrCu_(4-x)P_(2) single crystals via transport, magnetization, thermodynamic measurements and structural characterization. We find that the crystals show large linear magnetoresistance without any sign of saturation with a magnetic field up to 30T. We also observe a phase transition with significant anomalies in resistivity and heat capacity at T_(p)~140 K. Thermal expansion measurement reveals a subtle lattice parameter variation near Tp, i.e.,?L_(c)/L_(c)~0.062%. The structural characterization confines that there is no structure transition below and above T_(p). All these results suggest that the nonmagnetic transition of SrCu_(4-x)P_(2) could be associated with structural distortion.

Equivalent linear model for seismic damage evaluation of single-degree-of-freedom systems representing reinforced concrete structures considering cyclic degradation behavior

In this study,a novel equivalent damping ratio model that is suitable for reinforced concrete(RC)structures considering cyclic degradation behavior is developed,and a new equivalent linearization analysis method for implementing the proposed equivalent damping ratio model for use in seismic damage evaluation is presented.To this end,Ibarra’s peak-oriented model,which incorporates an energy-based degradation rule,is selected for representing hysteretic behavior of RC structure,and the optimized equivalent damping for predicting the maximum displacement response is presented by using the empirical method,in which the effect of cyclic degradation is considered.Moreover,the relationship between the hysteretic energy dissipation of the inelastic system and the elastic strain energy of the equivalent linear system is established so that the proposed equivalent linear system can be directly integrated with the Park-Ang seismic model to implement seismic damage evaluation.Due to the simplicity of the equivalent linearization method,the proposed method provides an efficient and reliable way of obtaining comprehensive insight into the seismic performance of RC structures.The verification demonstrates the validity of the proposed method.

Effects of the initiation position on the damage and fracture characteristics of linear-charge blasting in rock

To study the effects of the initiation position on the damage and fracture characteristics of linear-charge blasting, blasting model experiments were conducted in this study using computed tomography scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction methods. The fractal damage theory was used to quantify the crack distribution and damage degree of sandstone specimens after blasting. The results showed that regardless of an inverse or top initiation, due to compression deformation and sliding frictional resistance, the plugging medium of the borehole is effective. The energy of the explosive gas near the top of the borehole is consumed. This affects the effective crushing of rocks near the top of the borehole, where the extent of damage to Sections Ⅰ and Ⅱ is less than that of Sections Ⅲ and Ⅳ. In addition, the analysis revealed that under conditions of top initiation, the reflected tensile damage of the rock at the free face of the top of the borehole and the compression deformation of the plug and friction consume more blasting energy, resulting in lower blasting energy efficiency for top initiation. As a result, the overall damage degree of the specimens in the top-initiation group was significantly smaller than that in the inverse-initiation group. Under conditions of inverse initiation, the blasting energy efficiency is greater, causing the specimen to experience greater damage. Therefore, in the engineering practice of rock tunnel cut blasting, to utilize blasting energy effectively and enhance the effects of rock fragmentation, using the inverse-initiation method is recommended. In addition, in three-dimensional(3D) rock blasting, the bottom of the borehole has obvious end effects under the conditions of inverse initiation, and the crack distribution at the bottom of the borehole is trumpet-shaped. The occurrence of an end effect in the 3D linear-charge blasting model experiment is related to the initiation position and the blocking condition.

Underdetermined direction of arrival estimation with nonuniform linear motion sampling based on a small unmanned aerial vehicle platform

Uniform linear array(ULA)radars are widely used in the collision-avoidance radar systems of small unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs).In practice,a ULA's multi-target direction of arrival(DOA)estimation performance suffers from significant performance degradation owing to the limited number of physical elements.To improve the underdetermined DOA estimation performance of a ULA radar mounted on a small UAV platform,we propose a nonuniform linear motion sampling underdetermined DOA estimation method.Using the motion of the UAV platform,the echo signal is sampled at different positions.Then,according to the concept of difference co-array,a virtual ULA with multiple array elements and a large aperture is synthesized to increase the degrees of freedom(DOFs).Through position analysis of the original and motion arrays,we propose a nonuniform linear motion sampling method based on ULA for determining the optimal DOFs.Under the condition of no increase in the aperture of the physical array,the proposed method obtains a high DOF with fewer sampling runs and greatly improves the underdetermined DOA estimation performance of ULA.The results of numerical simulations conducted herein verify the superior performance of the proposed method.

Linear paired electrolysis of furfural to furoic acid at both anode and cathode in a multiple redox mediated system

Implementing a new energy-saving electrochemical synthesis system with high commercial value is a strategy of the sustainable development for upgrading the bulk chemicals preparation technology in the future.Here,we report a multiple redox-mediated linear paired electrolysis system,combining the hydrogen peroxide mediated cathode process with the I2 mediated anode process,and realize the conversion of furfural to furoic acid in both side of the dividedflow cell simultaneously.By reasonably controlling the cathode potential,the undesired water splitting reaction and furfural reduction side reactions are avoided.Under the galvanostatic electrolysis,the two-mediated electrode processes have good compatibility,which reduce the energy consumption by about 22%while improving the electronic efficiency by about 125%.This system provides a green electrochemical synthesis route with commercial prospects.