Analysis of the HVAC system’s sound quality using the design of experiments

Human hearing is very sensitive to sound, so a subjective index of sound quality is required. Each situation of sound evaluation is composed of Sound Quality (SQ) metrics. When substituting the level of one frequency band, we could not see the tendency of substitution at the whole frequency band during SQ evaluation. In this study, the Design of Experiments (DOE) is used to analyze noise from an automotive Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. The frequency domain is divided into 12 equal parts, and each level of the domain is given an increase or decrease due to the change in frequency band based on the “loud” and “sharp” sound of the SQ analyzed. By using DOE, the number of tests is effectively reduced by the number of experiments, and the main result is a solution at each band. SQ in terms of the “loud” and “sharp” sound at each band, the change in band (increase or decrease in sound pressure) or no change in band will have the most effect on the identifiable characteristics of SQ. This will enable us to select the objective frequency band. Through the results obtained, the physical level changes in arbitrary frequency domain sensitivity can be determined.     

基于遗传算法的人工神经网络方法在激光切割工艺参数选取中的应用

针对激光切割过程中的主要参数，切割速度，版材厚度，辅助气压的大小以及激光器功率的选择，建立了一个基于遗传算法的人工神经网络结构。实验结果表明，该方法将遗传算法和神经网络的优点结合起来，克服了神经网络中容易陷于局部最优和遗传算法中收敛速度较慢的问题。从而解决了激光切割过程中选参难的问题。     

A computer-integrated framework for global quality chain management

Facing increasing pressure from customers to achieve greater responsiveness and reliability, as well as the current trend of globalization, many companies are considering global supply chain management as the core of their business strategy. This global tendency brings new challenges to traditional quality management approaches. It requires moving from the past focus of “my quality” to an emphasis on “our quality.” A new concept called global quality chain management (GQCM) is raised in this paper to figure out the principles, approaches, mechanisms, and processes involved in global quality management. In order to support GQCM, a computer-integrated and Internet-based system called the global quality chain management system (GQCMS) is proposed, with which the distributed partners in a global quality chain can cooperate as a whole. This paper outlines the overall framework of the GQCMS and presents the result of the Phase 1 development, known as the QQ-Enterprise system.     

Bridging the Gap Between the Atomic-Scale and Macroscopic Modeling of Friction

A short survey of a modern view on the problem of friction from the physical viewpoint is presented. An atomically thin lubricant film confined between two substrates in moving contact has been studied with the help of molecular dynamics (MD) based on Langevin equations with coordinate- and velocity-dependent damping coefficient. Depending on model parameters, the system may exhibit either the liquid sliding regime, when the lubricant film melts during sliding (the “melting-freezing” mechanism of stick-slip motion), the “layer-over-layer” sliding regime, when the film keeps a layered structure at sliding, or the solid sliding regime, which may provide an extremely low friction (“superlubricity”). Atomic-scale MD simulations of friction, however, lead to a “viscosity” of the thin film, as well as to the critical velocity of the transition from stick-slip to smooth sliding, which differ by many orders of magnitude from the values observed in macroscopic experiments. This contradiction can be resolved with the help of the earthquakelike (EQ) model with a continuous distribution of static thresholds. The evolution of the EQ model is reduced to a master equation which can be solved analytically. This approach describes stick-slip and smooth sliding regimes of tribological systems within a framework which separates the calculation of the friction force from the atomic-scale studies of contact properties.     

Road profile estimation using neural network algorithm

This paper more specifically focuses on the estimation of a road profile (i.e., along the “wheel track”). Road profile measurements have been performed to evaluate the ride quality of a newly constructed pavement, to monitor the condition of road networks in road management systems, as an input to vehicle dynamic systems, etc. The measurement may be conducted by a slow-moving apparatus directly measuring the elevation of the road or using a means that measures surface roughness at highway speeds by means of accelerometers coupled with high speed distance sensors, such as laser sensors or using a vehicle equipped with a response-type road roughness measuring system that indirectly indicate the user’s feelings of the ride quality. This paper proposes a solution to the road profile estimation using an artificial neural network (ANN) approach. The method incorporates an ANN which is trained using the data obtained from a validated vehicle model in the ADAMS software to approximate road profiles via the accelerations picked up from the vehicle. The study investigates the estimation capability of neural networks through comparison between some estimated and real road profiles in the form of actual road roughness and power spectral density.     

Atomic-scale finite-element model of tension in nanoscale thin film

In this paper, a 2D atomic-scale finite-element model of tension in nanoscale thin film is developed in which Morse’s potential energy function is used to model the interactive forces between atoms. The model is fed into the finite-element package LS-DYNA and both a single integration point and an explicit solution method are used for solving the tension process rapidly to investigate the size effect of different film thicknesses and the effect of different atomic vacancy ratios on nanoscale thin film under tension. The results show that since the applied displacement is exerted at both ends for different thickness of a perfect crystal, a neutral line is formed at the middle of the material. The material slides along the easiest slip direction to cause a “necking” feature on both sides. The stress initially increases with the gradual increase of strain and thicker film shows a larger tensile stress. After the film experiences the peak stress, the stress then decreases with the gradual increase of strain. While the applied displacement is applied at both ends for different vacancies, a neutral line is formed at the middle of material, but this is not apparent due to the random scattered vacancies. The material slides along the easiest slip direction from left to right, and the stress concentration areas near the constrained ends form “necking” features. Stresses are not zero at zero strain. Tension tests for different vacancy ratios show different maximum stresses. Film with a larger vacancy ratio shows a lower stress at the same strain. As the vacancy ratio of the film under tension increases, the strength and elastic modulus reduces.     

Design and static performance of high speed machining centre with “direct drive”

“Direct drive” is an ideal method for speeding machine tools. In the structure of a CNC machining centre with “direct drive”, the linear motor’s primary and secondary parts are assembled into the worktable and machine bed respectively to directly drive the worktable. The built-in rotary motor is assembled in the spindle to realize the main transmission system of the machine tool “direct drive”. All mechanical transmission elements in machine tools are eliminated. High speed, efficiency, and accuracy are easily obtained. However, in this type of “direct drive” machining centre, the magnetic attraction force between the primary and the secondary linear motors and the dynamic impact at acceleration and deceleration are directly imposed on the machine tool, and influence the performance of the machining centre. This paper analyzes the special demands of “direct drive” on the machine centre, and introduces a new structure of the machining tool. The worktable and machine bed are optimized to meet the special demands of “direct drive”. Static performance simulation on the machining centre is done to reveal an ideal result.     

A Further Discussion on Trends in the Development of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

This paper is a supplement to “Trends in the Development of Advanced Manufacturing Technology” (Yang and Wu in Chin. J. Mech. Eng., 39: 73, 2003) but delves deeper into it. It first points out the strategic status of manufacturing industry in state development. Then, a detailed analysis is given on the features and trends in the development of advanced manufacturing technology in a total of 12 points from three aspects: “precision,” “extreme,” and “culture” from the aspect of the product itself; “green,” “rapidness,” “saving,” and “efficiency” during the manufacturing process; and “digit,” “auto,” “integration,” “networking,” and “intelligence” in view of the manufacturing method. In addition, it emphasizes that all the above aspects should be based on two base points: “manufacture” and “machinery.” Finally, it puts forth the guiding ideologies for the development of advanced manufacturing technology and the aspects China should give priority to in development, while stressing on the principles of independence, innovation and “human orientation.”     

Proposal of new eco-manufacturing feature interaction-based methodology in CAD phase

Following the environmental crises of recent decades, a turning point in the awareness of the fragility of ecosystems has been marked, i.e., environmental awareness. This has contributed to the development of various environmental laws and regulations such as the “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment,” the “Restriction of Hazardous Substances,” and the “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals” regulations and the “Energy Using Products” Directives. Our work contributes to the development of eco-friendly product manufacturing processes. In order to estimate and optimize the environmental impacts of a product, most of the methodologies, concepts, and tools that integrate computer-aided design (CAD) and life cycle assessment systems generally exploit the feature technology at the level of each feature independently of the others, i.e., “microplanning.” The feature interaction technology (FIT) is treated only in few studies, but it is pivotal in the eco-manufacturing process. In this paper, we propose a new manufacturing-scenarios-based methodology by using FIT and a Multi-criteria Decision Support Method (MCDSM), which helps manufacturers maintain their marketplaces by producing goods in an eco-friendly way. In fact, this methodology helps designers choose from the CAD design phase the most ecological manufacturing process from possible existent scenarios in real time.     

Online qualitative nugget classification by using a linear vector quantization neural network for resistance spot welding

Real-time estimation of weld quality from process data is one of the key objectives in current weld control systems for resistance spot-welding processes. This task can be alleviated if the weld controller is equipped with a voltage sensor in the secondary circuit. Replacing the goal of quantifying the weld quality in terms of button size by the more modest objective of indirect estimation of the class of the weld, e.g., satisfactory (acceptable, “normal” button size), unsatisfactory (undersized, “cold” welds), and defects (“expulsion”), further improves the feasibility of the mission of indirect estimation of the weld quality. This paper proposes an algorithmic framework based on a linear vector quantization (LVQ) neural network for estimation of the button size class based on a small number of dynamic resistance patterns for cold, normal, and expulsion welds that are collected during the stabilization process. Nugget quality classification by using an LVQ network was tested on two types of controllers; medium-frequency direct current (MFDC) with constant current controller and alternating current (AC) with constant heat controller. In order to reduce the dimensionality of the input data vector, different sets of features are extracted from the dynamic resistance profile and are compared by using power of the test criteria. The results from all of these investigations are very promising and are reported here in detail.     

An Experimental Analysis and Optimisation of the CO2 Laser Cutting Process for Metallic Coated Sheet Steels

An experimental investigation is presented which analyses the CO2 laser cutting process for difficult-to-cut metallic coated sheet steels, which are called GALVABOND. It shows that by proper control of the cutting parameters, good quality cuts are possible at high cutting rates. Plausible trends of the energy efficiency (percentage of energy used in cutting) with respect to the various process parameters are analysed. Visual examination indicates that when increasing the cutting rate to up to 5000 mm min⁻¹ , kerfs of better quality than those produced using the parameters suggested in an early study can be achieved. Some kerf characteristics such as the width, heat affected zone and dross, in terms of the process parameters are also discussed. A statistical analysis has arrived at the relationships between the cutting speed, laser power and workpiece thickness, from which a recommendation is made for the selection of optimum cutting parameters for processing GALVABOND material.     

应用Nd∶YAG激光加工连杆初始裂解槽

为改善连杆裂解槽加工精度和质量,进而提高裂解连杆的成品率,通过试制两种连杆产品,确定了激光加工参数。采用Nd∶YAG固体激光器对两种类型的连杆进行了裂解槽激光加工试验,分析了采用不同切割参数加工的裂解槽质量,并对激光切割参数进行了优化。结果表明:激光峰值功率、离焦量、切割速度、脉冲频率、辅助气体压力、激光入射角等对裂解槽的加工质量均有很大的影响,其中激光峰值功率2.4kW,脉冲时间0.4ms时,切槽深度为0.453～0.457mm,当脉冲频率与切割速度比值约为3,在非正离焦量状态下,所加工的裂解槽对连杆的裂解非常有利,能够满足M0406连杆的裂解质量要求。     

Application of artificial neural network for the prediction of laser cladding process characteristics at Taguchi-based optimized condition

This paper presents an investigation on the optimization of multiple performance characteristics during CO₂ laser cladding process considering clad width and clad depth as performance characteristics. This optimization for multiple quality characteristics has been done using Taguchi’s quality loss function. The process model for laser cladding operation using various techniques like artificial neural network (ANN) has rarely been found in the literature review. In the present work, a number of experiments have been performed to establish the interrelationship between process variables and response variables using the back propagation method of ANN. The essential input process parameters are identified as laser power, scan speed of work table, and powder feed rate. Moreover, the analysis of variance is also employed to determine the contribution of each control parameter on clad bead quality. In order to validate the predicted result, an experiment as confirmatory test is carried out at the optimized cladding condition. It is observed that the confirmatory experimental result is showing a good agreement with the predicted one. However, it has been found that the optimum condition of the cladding parameters for multi-performance characteristics varies with the different combinations of weighting factors.     

基于Nd: YAG固体激光器预制连杆初始裂解槽研究

裂解槽的设计与加工是连杆裂解加工技术的核心和技术关键,将直接影响着连杆的裂解质量。为提高连杆裂解槽加工质量,采用Nd：YAG固体激光器对两种类型的连杆进行了裂解槽激光加工试验,分析了不同切割参数对裂解槽质量的影响,并对激光切割参数进行了优化。结果表明：激光峰值功率、离焦量、切割速度、脉冲频率、辅助气体压力、激光入射角等对裂解槽的加工质量都有很大的影响,其中激光峰值功率直接影响着裂解槽的加工深度,在切割速度与脉冲频率比值约为1：3以及非正离焦量状态下所加工的裂解槽对连杆的裂解都非常有利。     

Plant location selection based on fuzzy TOPSIS

The selection of plant location plays a very important role in minimizing cost and maximizing the use of resources for many companies. In this paper, a new TOPSIS approach for selecting plant location under linguistic environments is presented, where the ratings of various alternative locations under various criteria, and the weights of various criteria are assessed in linguistic terms represented by fuzzy numbers. To avoid complicated fuzzy arithmetic operations, the linguistic variables, which are represented by triangular fuzzy numbers, are transformed into crisp numbers based on graded mean representation. The canonical representation of multiplication operations on triangular fuzzy numbers is used to obtain the “positive ideal solution” and the “negative ideal solution”. The closeness efficient is defined to determine the ranking order of all alternatives by calculating the distance to both the “positive-ideal solution” and the “negative-ideal solution” simultaneously. Compared with existing fuzzy TOPSIS methods, the proposed method can deal with group decision-making problems in a more efficient manner. A numerical example of plant location selection is used to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.     

Ultrasonic testing of welded joints in pipelines. New techniques and instruments

The paper describes a technique for ultrasonic testing of welded joints in pipelines of small diameters (10 to 530 mm) with thin walls (2 to 10 mm). A highly efficient technique of ultrasonic testing using “chord” transducers with elastic protective covers in combination with general-or special-purpose flaw indicators is suggested. The technique has been practically tested for several years. Possibility of recording results of ultrasonic tests with the help of specialized portable instruments is discussed. Results of practical utilization of the developed techniques and instruments in detecting real defects are given.     

Modelling knowledge related to the allocation of modular jigs for part fixturing using fuzzy reasoning

One the problems a workholder designer faces in attempting to gain knowledge about the modelling of the “wear” in a positioning system by means of allocating positioning devices to each “virtual”locating point is that this knowledge is often verbalized by experts in an imprecise and uncertain way. Knowledge comes from technological know-how, and is developed through experience, personal habits and production-specific requirements. Nevertheless, current modelling of “expert knowledge” does not allow us to represent the different semantics (such as imprecision and uncertainty) that are related to it. In this paper, we present a method based on fuzzy reasoning that is able to support the modelling of these different knowledge semantics .     

Tube for obtaining crystals in a laboratory furnaces

A model of an air-cooled tube with a number of movable plugs, installed in a laboratory tube furnace is presented. The setup (modular “crystallization shelf-comb”) allows easy regulation and simultaneous crystallization tests of a series of crystallization parameters in crucible columns, enabling rapid acquisition of crystals. The relationship between the crystallization parameters has been derived and numerically analyzed. This method can also be applied in crucible or chamber furnaces.     

Estimating muscle fatigue of the biceps brachii using high to low band ratio in EMG during isotonic exercise

The principal objective of this study was to estimate biceps brachii muscle fatigue using the fatiguing time (FT) and the initial slope (S_init) of the high to low frequency band ratio (H/LFB) in EMG during isotonic exercise until the endurance time (ET) at which the subject could no longer follow the fixed speed. Surface EMG was measured on the biceps brachii muscle of ten subjects (5 males and 5 females) as the subject performed repetitive elbow contraction tasks. The first task was with no load (“no load” task). The other tasks were performed until exhaustion (“load” task) with a load weighted at 10%, 20% and 30% of the subject’s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). We extracted decreasing parameters of the EMG, such as median frequency (MDF) and three types of H/LFB (H1; 95∼500Hz, H2; 150∼350Hz, H3; 470∼500Hz and LFB; 15∼45Hz). Statistical analysis was conducted to select an appropriate parameter. The FT was defined as the time at which the selected H/LFB became smaller than the threshold (50% at 10% MVC, 60% at 20% MVC, and 65% at 30% MVC) with respect to the initial value, and S_init was defined as the slope of the linear regression line using H/LFB from the onset of exercise to FT. In order to predict ET, we proposed using an analytical method that employed a multiple linear regression model with two independent variables, FT and S_init. The results from this novel model were compared with those of previously established methods. In the “no load” task, there was no FT in the MDF and three H/LFBs. In the “load” task, the MDF and three H/LFBs gradually decreased, but the H3/LFB decreased most rapidly. A significant difference between the “no load” task and the “load” task at a 95% significant level was only observed in H3/LFB. ETs of all subjects were predicted at an error of approximately 30.4%. This error was better than that obtained using other methods (34.8% by Mathiassen’s method, 39.7% by Ma?setti’s method). FT detected from H3/LFB was a useful indicator to distinguish the EMG in the “load” task from that observed in the “no load” task, and the ET of a subject could be predicted using FT and S_init. Therefore, the H3/LFB provides more information on muscle fatigue than the other features under isotonic conditions, and may be suited to specific experimental protocols in workplace fatigue studies.     

Effects of Electrodouble Layer (EDL) and Surface Roughness on Lubrication Theory

The effects of surface roughness on the electrohydrodynamic lubrication with thin EDL are considered for the sliding of one charged body past another in an electrolyte solution. The apparent viscosity of the lubricating film with thin EDL and the average flow model are incorporated to derive the averaged Reynolds type equation as well as the related flow factors. The coupled effects of surface roughness and EDL on flow factors are discussed. The hydrodynamic pressure generated by the viscous force and electrokinetic force are discussed for an 1-D slider bearing. The results show that the existence of EDL resists the flow. The flow factors with EDL effects depart from those with no EDL effect significantly. As the EDL effect increases, the “enhanced flow” due to roughness is retarded, the “restricted flow” due to roughness is increased, and the load carrying capacities increase significantly. An erratum to this article is available at .