Design sensitivities of fatigue performance and structural dynamic response in an automotive application

Direct accounting for durability rarely finds its way into multidisciplinary optimization. Though reduction of loads by some means can certainly have a beneficial influence on the fatigue performance of a structure, changes in load levels are not a direct measure of the influence of design changes on fatigue performance. In this paper, an assessment is made of an approach to the calculation of design sensitivities of a fatigue performance index namely, number of damaging cycles to failure. The approach makes use of analytical sensitivities of structural dynamic response, and a standard approach to the calculation of fatigue performance. The method is demonstrated using a simple nine degree-of-freedom structural model of an automobile in a conceptual representation of the industrial practice of road testing and road simulation. Results suggest that the estimates of changes in fatigue life are of sufficient quality for typical fatigue life evaluations, and open the door for the incorporation of a direct measure of fatigue performance in formal structural optimization. Received January 27, 2000 Communicated by J. Sobieski     

有限元在心脏瓣膜支架设计中的应用

通过SolidWorks建立某心脏瓣膜支架的三维模型,用Abaqus对瓣膜支架压握入鞘过程与疲劳情况进行分析,得到支架的应变分布和疲劳性能.结果可以判断支架设计的优劣,为支架优化设计提供参考.     

The effects of fatigue on performance in simulated nursing work

Fatigue is associated with increased rates of medical errors and healthcare worker injuries, yet existing research in this sector has not considered multiple dimensions of fatigue simultaneously. This study evaluated hypothesised causal relationships between mental and physical fatigue and performance. High and low levels of mental and physical fatigue were induced in 16 participants during simulated nursing work tasks in a laboratory setting. Task-induced changes in fatigue dimensions were quantified using both subjective and objective measures, as were changes in performance on physical and mental tasks. Completing the simulated work tasks increased total fatigue, mental fatigue and physical fatigue in all experimental conditions. Higher physical fatigue adversely affected measures of physical and mental performance, whereas higher mental fatigue had a positive effect on one measure of mental performance. Overall, these results suggest causal effects between manipulated levels of mental and physical fatigue and task-induced changes in mental and physical performance. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Nurse fatigue and performance has implications for patient and provider safety. Results from this study demonstrate the importance of a multidimensional view of fatigue in understanding the causal relationships between fatigue and performance. The findings can guide future work aimed at predicting fatigue-related performance decrements and designing interventions.     

The effects of fatigue on performance in simulated nursing work

Fatigue is associated with increased rates of medical errors and healthcare worker injuries, yet existing research in this sector has not considered multiple dimensions of fatigue simultaneously. This study evaluated hypothesised causal relationships between mental and physical fatigue and performance. High and low levels of mental and physical fatigue were induced in 16 participants during simulated nursing work tasks in a laboratory setting. Task-induced changes in fatigue dimensions were quantified using both subjective and objective measures, as were changes in performance on physical and mental tasks. Completing the simulated work tasks increased total fatigue, mental fatigue and physical fatigue in all experimental conditions. Higher physical fatigue adversely affected measures of physical and mental performance, whereas higher mental fatigue had a positive effect on one measure of mental performance. Overall, these results suggest causal effects between manipulated levels of mental and physical fatigue and task-induced changes in mental and physical performance.

Statement of Relevance: Nurse fatigue and performance has implications for patient and provider safety. Results from this study demonstrate the importance of a multidimensional view of fatigue in understanding the causal relationships between fatigue and performance. The findings can guide future work aimed at predicting fatigue-related performance decrements and designing interventions.     

Real-Time Optimal Reach-Posture Prediction in a New Interactive Virtual Environment

Human posture prediction is a key factor for the design and evaluation of workspaces, in a virtual environment using virtual humans. This work presents a new interface and virtual environment for the direct human optimized posture prediction （D-HOPP） approach to predicting realistic reach postures of digital humans, where reach postures entail the use of the torso, arms, and neck. D-HOPP is based on the contention where depending on what type of task is being completed, and human posture is governed by different human performance measures. A human performance measure is a physics-based metric, such as energy or discomfort, and serves as an objective function in an optimization formulation. The problem is formulated as a single-objective optimization （SO0） problem with a single performance measure and as multiobjective-optimization （MOO） problem with multiple combined performance measures. We use joint displacement, change in potential energy, and musculoskeletal discomfort as performance measures. D-HOPP is equipped with an extensive yet intuitive user-interface, and the results are presented in an interactive virtual environment.     

Optimization of the fatigue life of threaded connections by the positioning method

The presented paper addresses the problem of optimization of the fatigue life of threaded connections by the positioning method. This method presents a technique operating upon the periodic mutual change of nut and stud positions in order to increase the fatigue life. The modelling of the fatigue life of threaded connections using the positioning method is based on concept of damageability curve. A mathematical model is formulated in terms of mathematical programming taking into account technological and operation constraints. The performance and possibilities of the model are demonstrated by numerical experiments. The influence of weighting and constraints on the fatigue life of threaded connection, the influence of the heights of inter-turnings on threaded connection fatigue life and the influence of a number of positioning periods on threaded connection fatigue life when the height of inter-turnings is constant are presented.     

动态矩阵控制参数的满意优化

动态矩阵控制（DMC）算法是一种基于被控对象的阶跃响应、适用于渐进稳定的线性对象的 预测控制算法,它具有结构清晰、算法简单的特点．但由于其参数仅间接影响控制系统的性 能,与控制的快速性．稳定性、鲁棒性、抗干扰性等没有直接的解析关系可作为设计的定量 依据,给设计者造成很大的困难．本文提出了运用满意解原理,通过仿真进行参数优化的方 法,可为DMC算法的参数设计提供参考．     

Simultaneous parameter and tolerance optimization of structures via probability-interval mixed reliability model

Both structural sizes and dimensional tolerances strongly influence the manufacturing cost and the functional performance of a practical product. This paper presents an optimization method to simultaneously find the optimal combination of structural sizes and dimensional tolerances. Based on a probability-interval mixed reliability model, the imprecision of design parameters is modeled as interval uncertainties fluctuating within allowable tolerance bounds. The optimization model is defined as to minimize the total manufacturing cost under mixed reliability index constraints, which are further transformed into their equivalent formulations by using the performance measure approach. The optimization problem is then solved with the sequential approximate programming. Meanwhile, a numerically stable algorithm based on the trust region method is proposed to efficiently update the target performance points (TPPs) and the worst case points (WCPs), which shows better performance than traditional approaches for highly nonlinear problems. Numerical results reveal that reasonable dimensions and tolerances can be suggested for the minimum manufacturing cost and a desirable structural safety.     

迭代更新蚁群管路敷设系统参数的敏感性分析

通过应用在船舶管路优化布局上的迭代更新蚁群算法，对其中所涉及的各参数进行了大量系统的仿真实验，在整个迭代过程中，为了得到动态平衡，自适应调整参数是一个有效的方法，在实验基础上分析了各参数的不同设置对算法性能的影响，以利于蚁群算法的进一步拓展和推广。     

Reliability-based shape optimization of structures undergoing fluid–structure interaction phenomena

Fluid–structure interaction phenomena are often roughly approximated when the stochastic nature of a system is considered in the design optimization process, leading to potentially significant epistemic uncertainty. In this paper, after reviewing the state-of-the-art methods in robust and reliability-based design optimization of problems undergoing fluid–structure interaction phenomena, a computational framework is presented that integrates a high-fidelity aeroelastic model into reliability-based design optimization. The design optimization problem is formulated pursuant to the reliability index and performance measure approaches. The system reliability is evaluated by a first-order reliability analysis method. The steady-state aeroelastic problem is described by a three-field formulation and solved by a staggered procedure, coupling a potentially detailed structural finite element model and a finite volume discretization of the Euler flow. The design and imperfection sensitivities are computed by evaluating the analytically derived direct and adjoint coupled aeroelastic sensitivity equations. The computational framework is verified by the optimization of three-dimensional wing structures. The lift-to-drag ratio is maximized, subject to stress constraints, by varying shape, thickness, and material properties. Uncertainties in structural parameters, including design parameters, operating conditions, and modeling uncertainties are considered. The results demonstrate the need for reliability-based optimization methods, for the design of structures undergoing fluid–structure interaction phenomena, and the applicability of the proposed framework to realistic design problems. Comparing the optimization results for different levels of uncertainty shows the importance of accounting for uncertainties in a quantitative manner.     

Optimum design of locomotive frames using fuzzy goals and FE methods

Methods of optimum design and experimentation were used to ensure sufficient fatigue life in a series of locomotive steel frames having variable cross-sections. These were tested using resonance fatigue loading to establish the optimal fabrication methods for improving fatigue life. Dynamics simulation was used to adjust the system's natural frequency to exciter frequency by optimizing the mass distribution. Shape optimization was done by two methods. The shape was optimized using a nonlinear learning random search algorithm with both weighted and fuzzy goals and with constraints on fatigue life and with a mix of continuous, integer and discrete design variables. The goal was formulated to express customer satisfaction on the cost and technical performance. The shape was also optimized using FEM programs.     

A sequential approximate programming strategy for reliability-based structural optimization

Although reliability-based structural optimization (RBSO) is recognized as a rational structural design philosophy that is more advantageous to deterministic optimization, most common RBSO is based on straightforward two-level approach connecting algorithms of reliability calculation and that of design optimization. This is achieved usually with an outer loop for optimization of design variables and an inner loop for reliability analysis. A number of algorithms have been proposed to reduce the computational cost of such optimizations, such as performance measure approach, semi-infinite programming, and mono-level approach. Herein the sequential approximate programming approach, which is well known in structural optimization, is extended as an efficient methodology to solve RBSO problems. In this approach, the optimum design is obtained by solving a sequence of sub-programming problems that usually consist of an approximate objective function subjected to a set of approximate constraint functions. In each sub-programming, rather than direct Taylor expansion of reliability constraints, a new formulation is introduced for approximate reliability constraints at the current design point and its linearization. The approximate reliability index and its sensitivity are obtained from a recurrence formula based on the optimality conditions for the most probable failure point (MPP). It is shown that the approximate MPP, a key component of RBSO problems, is concurrently improved during each sub-programming solution step. Through analytical models and comparative studies over complex examples, it is illustrated that our approach is efficient and that a linearized reliability index is a good approximation of the accurate reliability index. These unique features and the concurrent convergence of design optimization and reliability calculation are demonstrated with several numerical examples.     

基于改进PSO算法的嵌套环式微陀螺结构优化设计

摘要：改变嵌套环陀螺的结构设计会引起陀螺性能发生很大的改变,但由于其结构复杂,参数众多,导致陀螺在仿真过程中计算量过大,难以探索陀螺多参数变量对陀螺性能的影响规律,针对这一问题提出了一种基于改进PSO算法的嵌套环陀螺结构优化设计方法。该方法在传统PSO算法寻优的基础上,引入极值扰动来避免算法陷入局部极值,并针对嵌套环陀螺进行了一定的条件约束,解决了多参数在总和固定情况下的优化问题。改进后的优化算法以机械热噪声为目标函数,在波音设计的陀螺模型基础上对其间隙分布进行了优化实验,并与未优化前进行了性能对比,结果表明,改进后的优化算法使嵌套环陀螺性能显著提高,结构优化设计更加高效简洁,适用于嵌套环陀螺进行各种多参数的优化问题。     

Employee stress and health complaints in jobs with and without electronic performance monitoring

Current applications of electronic performance monitoring based on job design theories that consider worker performance rather than stress issues are likely to generate unsatisfying and stressful jobs (Smith et al, 1986). This study examines critical job design elements that could influence worker stress responses in an electronic monitoring context. A questionnaire survey of employees in telecommunications companies representative of each region in the United States examined job stress in directory assistance, service representative and clerical jobs with specific emphasis on the influence of electronic monitoring of job performance, satisfaction and employee health. Useable surveys were received from 745 employees representing seven operating companies and AT & T; a response rate of about 25%. The results of this survey indicated that employees who had their performance electronically monitored perceived their working conditions as more stressful, and reported higher levels of job boredom, psychological tension, anxiety, depression, anger, health complaints and fatigue. It is postulated that these effects may be related to changes in job design due to electronic performance monitoring.     

A path analysis model of individual variables predicting safety behavior and human error: The mediating effect of situation awareness

Situation awareness is often argued to be an indicator of safety performance. Several factors may influence situation awareness that need to be identified and analyzed. This study investigated the influence of some variables on safety performance and examined the mediating effect of situation awareness. This study was conducted on 601 workers of different industries in Iran. All variables were measured via a multi-sectional questionnaire in a self-report manner. Path analysis modeling was used for data analysis. To measure the validity of the model, the RMSEA, CFI, and R² coefficients were employed. The results revealed that safety knowledge and sleepiness had significant direct and indirect effects on safety behavior and human error. Fatigue had only a mediating effect on safety behavior and error via situation awareness. Safety locus of control had only a mediating effect on human error through situation awareness. Whereas better safety knowledge and an internal safety locus of control could boost siaituation awareness, daily sleepiness and fatigue had significant, detrimental effects on situation awareness. These variables explained 38% of the variations in situation awareness. A proportion of the effect of personal variables on safety behavior and human error was mediated by situation awareness; thus, situation awareness is the direct cause of some safe behaviors and human errors.     

某车型发动机悬置后支架优化设计和疲劳分析

针对某车型发动机在振动强化试验中悬置后支架出现开裂的问题,建立悬置后支架有限元模型并进行应力分析,发现应力分析结果与试验结果一致,且原支架结构应力集中现象非常明显,主要分布在侧筋根部;用OptiStruct对悬置后支架进行拓扑优化设计,结果表明拓扑优化材料应主要布置在底部和侧筋.在此基础上,通过4种优化方案的对比得到质...     

Factor screening and multivariable crashworthiness optimization for vehicle side impact by factorial design

This paper demonstrates the application of factor screening to multivariable crashworthiness design of the vehicle body subjected to the side impact loading. Crashworthiness, influenced unequally by disparate factors such as the structural dimensions and material parameters, represents a natural benchmark criterion to judge the passive safety quality of the automobile design. In order to single out the active factors which pose a profound influence on the crashworthiness of vehicle bodies subjected to the side impact loading, the unreplicated saturated factorial design is adopted to tackle the obstacle from the factor screening due to its huge benefits in the efficiency and accuracy. In this paper, two different kinds of vehicles are analyzed by the unreplicated saturated factorial design for multivariable crashworthiness and the optimization results enhance the crashworthiness of vehicle. This method overcomes the limitations of design variables selection which depends on experience, and solves the in-efficiency problems caused by the direct optimization design without the selection of variables. It will shorten the design cycles, decrease the development costs and will have a certain reference value for the improvement of the vehicle’s crashworthiness performance.