A proposed mathematical model for closed-loop network configuration based on product life cycle

Products may be returned over their life cycle. Industrial experiences show that there are three main return–recovery pairs. Commercial returns are repaired. End-of-use returns often are remanufactured. In addition, end-of-life returns are recycled. However, up to now, no optimization model is proposed for closed-loop configuration based on three return–recovery pairs. The repaired and remanufactured products can be sold in the same or secondary market. In this paper, we design and configure a general closed-loop supply chain network based on product life cycle. The network includes a manufacturer, collection, repair, disassembly, recycling, and disposal sites. The returned products are collected in a collection site. Commercial returns go to a repair site. End-of-use and end-of-life returns are disassembled. Then, end-of-life returns are recycled. The manufacturer uses recycled and end-of-use parts and new parts to manufacture new products. The new parts are purchased from external suppliers. A mixed-integer linear programming model is proposed to configure the network. The objective is to maximize profit by determining quantity of parts and products in the network. We also extend the model for the condition that the remanufactured products are sent to the secondary market. The mathematical models are validated through computational testing and sensitivity analysis.     

Adaptive clustering algorithm for recycling cell formation: An Application of fuzzy ART neural networks

The recycling cell formation problem means that disposal products are classified into recycling part families using group technology in their end-of-life phase. Disposal products have the uncertainties of product status by usage influences during product use phase, and recycling cells are formed design, process and usage attributes. In order to deal with the uncertainties, fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic-based neural network model are applied to recycling cell formation problem for disposal products. Fuzzy C-mean algorithm and a heuristic approach based on fuzzyART neural network is suggested. Especially, the modified FuzzyART neural network is shown that it has a good clustering results and gives an extension for systematically generating alternative solutions in the recycling cell formation problem. Disposal refrigerators are shown as examples.     

Improved design of constrained model predictive tracking control for batch processes against unknown uncertainties

In this paper, an improved constrained tracking control design is proposed for batch processes under uncertainties. A new process model that facilitates process state and tracking error augmentation with further additional tuning is first proposed. Then a subsequent controller design is formulated using robust stable constrained MPC optimization. Unlike conventional robust model predictive control (MPC), the proposed method enables the controller design to bear more degrees of tuning so that improved tracking control can be acquired, which is very important since uncertainties exist inevitably in practice and cause model/plant mismatches. An injection molding process is introduced to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed MPC approach in comparison with conventional robust MPC.     

A moment-matching robust collaborative optimization method

Robust collaborative optimization (RCO) is a widely used approach to design multidisciplinary system under uncertainty. In most of the existing RCO frameworks, the mean of the state variable is considered as auxiliary design variable and the implicit uncertainty propagation method is employed for estimating their uncertainties (interval or standard deviation), which are then used to calculate uncertainties in the ending performances. However, as repeated calculation of the global sensitivity equations (GSE) is demanded during the optimization process of the existing approaches, it is typically very cumbersome or even impossible to obtain GSE for many practical engineering problems due to the non-smoothness and discontinuity of the black-box-type analysis models. To address this issue, a new RCO method is proposed in this paper, in which the standard deviation of the state variable is introduced as auxiliary design variable in addition to the mean. Accordingly, interdisciplinary compatibility constraint on the standard deviation of state variable is added to enhance the design compatibility between various disciplines. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through two mathematical examples. The results generated by the conventional robust all-in-one (RAIO) approach are used as benchmarks for comparison. Our study shows that the optimal solutions produced by the proposed RCO method are highly close to those of RAIO while exhibiting good interdisciplinary compatibility.     

Taguchi method for analyzing the tactical planning model in a closed-loop supply chain considering remanufacturing option

Recent years, there has been a growing interest in reverse logistics, recycling, remanufacturing, and reusing due to the environmental concerns, economical issues, and legal obligations. Companies should take into account the recovery options such as recycling, remanufacturing, etc. while preparing their tactical plans. In this paper, a mixed integer linear programming model is proposed for tactical planning in a conceptual closed-loop supply chain with remanufacturing option. In the model, both forward and reverse flows are involved and two production alternatives are considered: either production of new products directly in manufacturing plants or bringing the returned products back to “as new condition” in the remanufacturing facilities. The proposed model attempts to optimize all of the consecutive stages in the closed-loop supply chain. Hence, the purpose of this research is to formulate a mathematical programming model to focus primarily on integrating remanufacturing as a recovery option into tactical planning process. The proposed model is applied to an illustrative case and solved by LINGO 9.0 optimization solver. In order to obtain the best objective function value that is targeted, the effects of the major factors regarding reverse flows and remanufacturing system are examined with the help of Taguchi experimental design technique at the end of the study. Analysis of variance, Taguchi's signal/noise ratios, analysis of means graphs and interaction graphs are provided by MINITAB 14 software and interpreted for the evaluation of experimental results and effects of related factors.     

摆动活齿减速器的多目标模糊优化设计

将模糊优化理论引入活齿传动的设计中,在充分考虑影响摆动活齿传动的各种模糊因素的基础上,建立了摆动活齿减速器的多目标模糊优化数学模型,提出了模糊优化的约束条件、设计变量以及求解此模型的方法,并给出应用实例。     

A new model of the antifriction effect on wiredrawing with ultrasound

In this paper, two different evolutionary algorithm-based neural network models were developed to optimise the unit production cost. The hybrid neural network models are, namely, genetic algorithm-based neural network (GA-NN) model and particle swarm optimization-based neural network (PSO-NN) model. These hybrid neural network models were used to find the optimal cutting conditions of Ti[C,N] mixed alumina-based ceramic cutting tool (CC650) and SiC whisker-reinforced alumina-based ceramic cutting tool (CC670) on machining glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite. The objective considered was the minimization of unit production cost subjected to various machine constraints. An orthogonal design and analysis of variance was employed to determine the effective cutting parameters on the tool life. Neural network helps obtain a fairly accurate prediction, even when enough and adequate information is not available. The GA-NN and PSO-NN models were compared for their performance. Optimal cutting conditions obtained with the PSO-NN model are the best possible compromise compared with the GA-NN model during machining GFRP composite using alumina cutting tool. This model also proved that neural networks are capable of reducing uncertainties related to the optimization and estimation of unit production cost.     

随机与区间不确定下基于近似灵敏度的序列

为解决复杂系统多学科可靠性设计优化过程中由于存在多源不确定性和多层嵌套而导致的计算效率低的问题,将近似灵敏度技术与两级集成系统综合策略(Bi-level integrated system synthesis,BLISS)和功能测度法集成,提出一种能同时处理随机和区间不确定性的序列化多学科可靠性设计优化方法。基于概率论和凸模型对混合不确定性进行量化,提出一种随机和区间不确定性下的混合可靠性评价指标,并基于功能测度法建立多学科可靠性设计优化模型。采用近似灵敏度信息替代实际灵敏度值,将近似灵敏度技术同时嵌入多级多学科设计优化策略和多学科可靠性分析方法中,避免每轮循环都进行全局灵敏度信息的分析与迭代,提高了计算效率。基于序列化思想同时将四层嵌套的多学科可靠性设计优化循环和三层嵌套的多学科可靠性分析过程进行解耦,形成一个单循环顺序执行的多学科可靠性设计优化过程,避免了每轮循环对整个可靠性分析模型进行迭代分析的过程,减少灵敏度分析和多学科分析次数。以汽车侧撞工程设计为例,验证了该法具有同时处理随机和区间不确定性的能力,并且计算效率较传统方法分别提高了10.98%和23.63%,表明该法具有一定工程实用价值。     

A fuzzy bi-objective mixed-integer programming method for solving supply chain network design problems under ambiguous and vague conditions

Supply chain (SC) network design problems are complex problems with multi-layer levels and dynamic relationships which involve a considerable amount of uncertainty concerning customer demand, facility capacity, or lead times, among others. A large number of optimization methods (i.e., fuzzy mathematical programming, stochastic programming, and interval mathematical programming) have been proposed to cope with the uncertainties in SC network design problems. We propose a fuzzy bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to enhance the material flow in dual-channel, multi-item, and multi-objective SCs with multiple echelons under both ambiguous and vague conditions, concurrently. We use a computationally efficient ranking method to resolve the ambiguity of the parameters and propose two methods for resolving the vagueness of the objective functions in the proposed fuzzy MILP model. The preferences of the decision makers (DMs) on the priority of the fuzzy goals are represented with crisp importance weights in the first method and fuzzy preference relations in the second method. The fuzzy preference relations in the second method present a unique practical application of type-II fuzzy sets. The performance of the two methods is compared using comprehensive statistical analysis. The results show the perspicuous dominance of the method which uses fuzzy preference relations (i.e., type-II fuzzy sets). We present a case study in the food industry to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and exhibit the efficacy of the procedures and algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, a concurrent interpretation of both ambiguous and vague uncertainties, which is applicable to many real-life problems, is novel and has not been reported in the literature.     

Stochastic multi-objective model for optimal energy exchange optimization of networked microgrids with presence of renewable generation under risk-based strategies

The inherent volatility and unpredictable nature of renewable generations and load demand pose considerable challenges for energy exchange optimization of microgrids (MG). To address these challenges, this paper proposes a new risk-based multi-objective energy exchange optimization for networked MGs from economic and reliability standpoints under load consumption and renewable power generation uncertainties. In so doing, three various risk-based strategies are distinguished by using conditional value at risk (CVaR) approach. The proposed model is specified as a two-distinct objective function. The first function minimizes the operation and maintenance costs, cost of power transaction between upstream network and MGs as well as power loss cost, whereas the second function minimizes the energy not supplied (ENS) value. Furthermore, the stochastic scenario-based approach is incorporated into the approach in order to handle the uncertainty. Also, Kantorovich distance scenario reduction method has been implemented to reduce the computational burden. Finally, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGAII) is applied to minimize the objective functions simultaneously and the best solution is extracted by fuzzy satisfying method with respect to risk-based strategies. To indicate the performance of the proposed model, it is performed on the modified IEEE 33-bus distribution system and the obtained results show that the presented approach can be considered as an efficient tool for optimal energy exchange optimization of MGs.     

2Z-V型电动潜油螺杆泵采油系统用行星减速器优化设计

电动潜油螺杆泵采油系统(ESPCPS)的设计关键是要解决螺杆泵低转速、高扭矩的动力输入要求,研究实验结果发现机械减速器是整个机组系统的难点所在。根据胜利油田某油井工况对电动潜油螺杆泵采油系统用减速器的设计要求,采用2Z-V型少齿差行星齿轮传动进行优化设计。根据所建立的数学模型,选用可靠性高、搜索速度较快的分层网络法进行寻优,性能参数良好、优化效果明显。首次提出了潜油螺杆泵减速器综合性能系数R,解决了不同机组、不同工况下、不同结构潜油螺杆泵减速器的性能比较问题。     

考虑不确定性的柔性机构拓扑优化设计

柔性机构在制造和运行过程中会存在各种不确定因素。基于多椭球凸模型描述,考虑荷载及材料属性的不确定性,采用人工弹簧方法和几何非线性有限元分析手段,提出以输出端位移最大化为目标、具有最小输入端性能约束的柔性机构拓扑优化数学模型。采用伴随法给出设计变量灵敏度计算公式,提出数值计算不稳定性的简易处理方法,利用数学规划法实现优化问题的求解。反向器机构和微夹钳机构的设计算例验证了所提出优化模型的正确性及算法的有效性,并通过与确定性设计结果的比较,说明了在柔性机构拓扑设计阶段考虑不确定性的重要意义。     

基于遗传算法的摆动活齿传动多目标优化设计

本文建立了摆动活齿传动的优化设计数学模型,提出了优化设计方法。为求得全局最优解,引进了遗传算法。文中对遗传算法提出了一些改进,并用改进前、后的遗传算法分别对该模型进行了优化仿真计算,结果表明改进后的遗传算法优于改进前的遗传算法。     

Intelligent modified internal model control for speed control of nonlinear uncertain heavy duty vehicles

The objective of this paper is to control the speed of heavy duty vehicle (HDV) through angular position of throttle valve. Modified internal model control (IMC) schemes with fuzzy supervisor as an adaptive tuning are proposed to control the speed of HDV. Internal model (IM) plays a key role in design of various IMC structures with robust and adaptive features. The motivation to design an IM is to produce nearly stable performance as of the system itself. Clustering algorithm and Hankel approximation based model order reduction techniques are used for the design of suitable IM. The time domain performance specifications such as overshoot, settling time, rise time and integral error performance indices such as the integral of the absolute error and the integral of the square of error are taken into consideration for performance analysis of HDV for various uncertainties.     

基于相容决策支持问题法的稳健优化设计方法

稳健优化设计本质上是多目标的优化问题,相容决策支持问题法是一种有效的多目标优化设计方法,其实质是一种包含数学规划和目标规划的混合方法。将相容决策支持问题法应用到稳健优化设计中,建立了稳健优化设计的相容决策支持问题法模型。通过对起重机变幅机构的补偿滑轮组系统的稳健优化设计,给出了具体的分析求解过程。实例表明,相容决策支持问题法对解决工程多目标优化设计的问题是有效的。     

Optimization of a driver-side airbag using kriging based approximation model

The performance of an occupant protection system in the proto-design stage of a new car is often evaluated by CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) instead of the real test. CAE predicts and recommends the appropriate design values; hence reducing a number of the real tests. In this research, the optimization procedure of a protection system, such as airbag and load limiter, is suggested for frontal collisions. The DACE modeling, known as one of the kriging interpolations, is introduced to obtain the surrogate approximation model of the system, followed by the tabu search method to determine the global optimum. A mathematical problem is solved to check the usefulness of the suggested method. To overcome the limitation of existing CAE method having uncertainties of parameters, a distribution of combined injury probability is investigated using the Monte-Carlo simulation on the optimum design obtained from the suggested method.     

Fuzzy model predictive control of non-linear processes using convolution models and foraging algorithms

In this paper, a fuzzy model predictive control (FMPC) approach is introduced to design a control system for nonlinear processes. The proposed control strategy has been successfully employed for representative, benchmark chemical processes. Each nonlinear process system is described by fuzzy convolution models, which comprise a number of quasi-linear fuzzy implications (FIs). Each FI is employed to describe a fuzzy-set based relation between control input and model output. A quadratic optimization problem is then formulated, which minimizes the difference between the model predictions and the desired trajectory over a predefined predictive horizon and the requirement of control energy over a shorter control horizon. The present work proposes to solve this optimization problem by employing a contemporary population-based evolutionary optimization strategy, called the Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) algorithm. The solution of this optimization problem is utilized to determine optimal controller parameters. The utility of the proposed controller is demonstrated by applying it to two non-linear chemical processes, where this controller could achieve better performances than those achieved by similar competing controller, under various operating conditions and design considerations. Further comparisons between various stochastic optimization algorithms have been reported and the efficacy of the proposed approach over similar optimization based algorithms has been concluded employing suitable performance indices.     

Optimization of injection molding process parameters using integrated artificial neural network model and expected improvement function method

In this study, an adaptive optimization method based on artificial neural network model is proposed to optimize the injection molding process. The optimization process aims at minimizing the warpage of the injection molding parts in which process parameters are design variables. Moldflow Plastic Insight software is used to analyze the warpage of the injection molding parts. The mold temperature, melt temperature, injection time, packing pressure, packing time, and cooling time are regarded as process parameters. A combination of artificial neural network and design of experiment (DOE) method is used to build an approximate function relationship between warpage and the process parameters, replacing the expensive simulation analysis in the optimization iterations. The adaptive process is implemented by expected improvement which is an infilling sampling criterion. Although the DOE size is small, this criterion can balance local and global search and tend to the global optimal solution. As examples, a cellular phone cover and a scanner are investigated. The results show that the proposed adaptive optimization method can effectively reduce the warpage of the injection molding parts.     

具有状态约束的电液伺服系统模型参考鲁棒自适应控制

针对电液伺服系统中的模型不确定性和状态约束问题,设计了一种模型参考鲁棒自适应控制(MRRAC)方法。将电液伺服系统的近似模型作为模型预测控制(MPC)的设计对象,在设计过程中考虑状态约束,并生成受约束的状态期望,作为后续伺服控制方法的参考指令。为了克服液压系统中的模型不确定性,基于反步法设计了鲁棒自适应控制器(RAC),实现了兼顾模型不确定性和状态约束的伺服控制。基于Lyapunov稳定性理论证明了所设计控制策略的闭环渐近稳定性,且系统所有信号均有界。仿真结果表明,控制器对于系统模型不确定性具有较强的鲁棒性,且可实现对指定状态的有效约束,充分验证了该控制策略的有效性。     

Neural network adaptive sliding mode control for omnidirectional vehicle with uncertainties

This paper presents a novel neural network adaptive sliding mode control (NNASMC) method to design the dynamic control system for an omnidirectional vehicle. The omnidirectional vehicle is equipped with four Mecanum wheels that are actuated by separate motors, and thus has the omnidirectional mobility and excellent athletic ability in a narrow space. Considering various uncertainties and unknown external disturbances, kinematic and dynamic models of the omnidirectional vehicle are established. The inner-loop controller is designed based the sliding mode control (SMC) method, while the out-loop controller uses the proportion integral derivative (PID) method. In order to achieve the stable and robust performance, the artificial neural network (ANN) based adaptive law is introduced to model and estimated the various uncertainties disturbances. Stability and robustness of the proposed control method are analyzed using the Lyapunov theory. The performance of the proposed NNASMC method is verified and compared with the classical PID controller and SMC controller through both the computer simulation and the platform experiment. Results validate the effectiveness and robustness of the NNASMC method in presence of uncertainties and unknown external disturbances.