Optimal operating points of PEM fuel cell model with RSM

The output power efficiency of the fuel cell system mainly depends on the required current, stack temperature, air excess ratio, hydrogen excess ratio, and inlet air humidity. Therefore, the operating conditions should be optimized to get maximum output power efficiency. In this paper, a dynamic model for the fuel cell stack was developed, which is comprised of a mass flow model, a gas diffusion layer model, a membrane hydration, and a stack voltage model. Experiments have been performed to calibrate the dynamic Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) stack model. To achieve the maximum output power and the minimum use of hydrogen in a certain power condition, optimization was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on the proposed PEMFC stack model. Using the developed method, optimal operating conditions can be effectively selected in order to obtain minimum hydrogen consumption. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Tong Seop Kim Dong-Ji Xuan received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Harbin Engineering University, China in 2000. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea in 2006. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, South Korea. His research interests include control and optimization of PEM fuel cell system, dynamics and control, and mechatronics. Zhen-Zhe Li received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yanbian University, China in 2002. He then received his M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Konkuk University, South Korea in 2005 and his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea in 2009. Dr. Li is currently a Researcher of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Chonnam National University, South Korea. Dr. Li’s research interests include applied heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and optimal design of thermal and fluid systems. Jin-Wan Kim received his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Chosun University, South Korea in 1990. He then received his M.S. degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from Korea Aerospace University, South Korea in 2003 and his Ph.D degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea in 2008. He is currently a Post Doctor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Chonnam National University, South Korea. His research interests include control of hydraulic systems, dynamics and control, and mechatronics. Young-Bae Kim received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Design from Seoul National University, South Korea in 1980. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea in 1982 and his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, USA in 1990. Dr. Kim is currently a Professor of the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering in Chonnam National University, South Korea. Dr. Kim’s research interests include mechatronics, dynamics and control, and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle (FCHEV) systems.     

A study on cooling efficiency using 1-d analysis code suitable for cooling system of thermoforming

Thermoforming is one of the most versatile and economical processes available for polymer products, but cycle time and production cost must be continuously reduced in order to improve the competitive power of products. In this study, water spray cooling was simulated to apply to a cooling system instead of compressed air cooling in order to shorten the cycle time and reduce the cost of compressed air used in the cooling process. At first, cooling time using compressed air was predicted in order to check the state of mass production. In the following step, the ratio of removed energy by air cooling or water spray cooling among the total removed energy was found by using 1-D analysis code of the cooling system under the condition of checking the possibility of conversion from 2-D to 1-D problem. The analysis results using water spray cooling show that cycle time can be reduced because of high cooling efficiency of water spray, and cost of production caused by using compressed air can be reduced by decreasing the amount of the used compressed air. The 1-D analysis code can be widely used in the design of a thermoforming cooling system, and parameters of the thermoforming process can be modified based on the recommended data suitable for a cooling system of thermoforming. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Dongsik Kim Zhen-Zhe Li received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yanbian University, China, in 2002. He then received his M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Konkuk University, South Korea, in 2005. He then received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea, in 2009. Dr. Li is currently a Researcher of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, South Korea. Dr. Li’s research interests include applied heat transfer, fluid mechanics and optimal design of thermal and fluid systems. Kwang-Su Heo received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea, in 1998. He then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea, in 2003 and 2008, respectively. Dr. Heo is currently a Post-doctorial Researcher of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST(Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), South Korea. Dr. Heo’s research interests include applied heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermal analysis of superconductor. Dong-Ji Xuan received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Harbin Engineering University, China, in 2000. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea, in 2006. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, South Korea. His research interests include control & optimization of PEM fuel cell system, dynamics & control, mechatronics. Seoung-Yun Seol received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Design from Seoul National University, South Korea, in 1983. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from KAIST(Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), South Korea, in 1985. He then received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University, USA, in 1993. Dr. Seol is currently a Professor of the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Chonnam National University, South Korea. Dr. Seol’s research interests include applied heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermal analysis of superconductor.     

Application of nonlinear integer programming for vibration reduction optimum design of ship structure

This paper presents a hybrid optimization algorithm which combines an external call type optimization method and a general stochastic iterative algorithm for the nonlinear integer programming with genetic algorithm (GA). GA can rapidly search the approximate global optimum under a complicated design environment such as a ship structure. Meanwhile it can handle optimization problems involving discrete design variables. In addition, there are many parameters that have to be set for GA which greatly affect the accuracy and calculation time of the optimum solution. However, the setting process is difficult for users, and there are no rules to decide these parameters. Therefore, to overcome these difficulties, the optimization of these parameters has been also conducted by using GA itself. It is proven using the trial function that the parameters are optimal. Finally, the verification of validity and usefulness of nonlinear integer programming is performed by applying this method to the compass deck of a ship where the vibration problem is frequently occurs. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Eung-Soo Shin YoungMo Kong received his B.S. degree, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Pukyong National University, Korea, in 1990, 1992 and 2006, respectively. Dr. Kong is currently a Principal Research Engineer at the Vibration & Noise R&D Team at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co.LTD, Korea. His research interests include vibration and noise analysis, optimum design of rotating machinery and structure. SuHyun Choi received his B.S. degree and M.S. degrees in Naval Architecture from Seoul National University, Korea, in 1982 and 1984, respectively and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in the USA in 1992. Dr. Choi is currently a Vice President at the Commercial Ship Business Management at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co.LTD, Korea. His research interests include vibration and noise analysis, optimum design of rotating machinery and structure. Jin Dae Song received his B.S. degree and M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pukyong National University, Korea, in 2000 and 2002, respectively. Mr. Song is currently a candidate for the Ph.D degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pukyong National University. His research interests include vibration analysis and optimum design of rotating machinery. Bo-Suk Yang is a professor at the Pukyong National University in Korea. He received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kobe University, Japan in 1985. His main research fields cover machine dynamics and vibration engineering, intelligent optimum design, and condition monitoring and diagnostics in rotating machinery. He has published well over 190 research papers on vibration analysis, intelligent optimum design and diagnosis of rotating machinery. He is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, among others. ByeongKeun Choi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Precision Mechanical Engineering at Gyeongsang National University in Korea. He received his Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Pukyong National University, Korea, in 1999. Dr. Choi worked at Arizona State University as an Academic Professional from 1999 to 2002. His research interests include vibration analysis and optimum design of rotating machinery, machine diagnosis and prognosis and acoustic emission. He is listed in Who’s Who in the World, among others.     

Optimal design of a variable stiffness joint in a robot manipulator using the response surface method

The response surface method combined with the design of experiment-based design optimization of a variable stiffness joint (VSJ) is presented in this article. A VSJ used in a manipulator of a robot arm to support 1 kg payload at the end is designed by considering the minimization of the total weight as the objective function. Owing to the requirement of large rotational stiffness of the VSJ, over 10 N · m, ring-type permanent magnets are adopted. First, a model composed of two permanent magnets was initially manufactured and tested for comparison with the analysis results. Then, a three-ring-type permanent magnet-based model is suggested and optimized to increase the torque of VSJ. The finite element method is used as a magnetic field analysis method to substitute for the expensive experimental process. Optimization results decrease the weight from 0.899 kg to 0.538 kg, still satisfying the requirement for the rotational stiffness. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Tae Hee Lee Jeonghoon Yoo received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Design and Production Engineering from Seoul National University, in 1989 and 1991, respectively. He then received his Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1999. Dr. Yoo is currently a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. Dr. Yoo’s research interests include analysis and design of electromagnetic field systems. Myung Wook Hyun received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, Korea, in 1995 and 1997, respectively. While studying for his M.S. degree, Mr. Hyun also studied variable stiffness unit design. He is now working at Samsung Electronics, Co. Ltd.. Jun Ho Choi received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Design from Hanyang University, Korea and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is currently a senior research scientist in the Korea Institute of Science and Technology. His research interests include nonlinear control, manipulator control, and safe-joint design. Sungchul Kang received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Design and Production Engineering from Seoul National University, Korea, in 1989, 1991, and 1998 respectively. Dr. Kang is currently a Principal Research Scientist in the Center for Cognitive Robotics Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, in Seoul, Korea. Dr. Kang’s research interests include mobility and manipulation of field and service robots and haptics. Seung-Jong Kim received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul University, Korea, in 1989, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from KAIST in 1991 and 1998, respectively. Dr. Kim is currently a Principal Research Scientist at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology in Seoul, Korea. Dr. Kim’s research interests include the design, control, and dynamic analysis of mechatronic systems.     

Approximate velocity scale for primary and secondary dual-inlet side-dump flows

Effects of the bulk inlet velocity on the characteristics of dual-inlet side-dump flows are numerically investigated. Non-reacting subsonic turbulent flow is solved by a preconditioned Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation system with low-Reynolds number k − ɛ turbulence model. The numerical method is properly validated with measured velocity distributions in the head dome and the combustor. With substantial increase in the bulk inlet velocity, general profiles of essential primary and secondary flows normalized by the bulk inlet velocity are quantitatively invariant to the changes in the bulk inlet velocity. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Do Hyung Lee Seung-chai Jung received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, Korea, in 2001. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, Korea, in 2005. Mr. Jung is currently a Ph. D. candidate at Yonsei University, where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Jung’s research interests include propulsion system and particle-surface collision dynamics. Byung-Hoon Park received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Design and Production Engineering from Yonsei University in 2003. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. His research interests include performance design of propulsion systems and nu-merical analysis of instability in multiphase turbulent reacting flow-fields. Hyun Ko received his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Chonbuk National University, Korea, in 1996. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Design from Chonbuk National University, Korea, in 1998. In 2005, he obtained his Ph.D. degree from Yonsei University, where he majored in mechanical engineering. Dr. Ko is currently a Principal Research Engineer of the MicroFriend Co., Ltd. in Seoul, Korea. His research interests include propulsion related systems and computational fluid dynamics. Woong-sup Yoon received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, Korea, in 1985. He then received his M.S. degree from University of Missouri-Rolla in 1989. In 1992, he obtained his Ph.D. degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he majored in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Dr. Yoon is currently a professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. His research interests include propulsion system and particle-related environmental/ thermal engineering.     

Optimization of the industrial guide-way vehicle to improve the running stability

This paper presents an optimization of the industrial guide-way vehicle that aims to improve running stability at increased speeds. A guide-way vehicle was used to transfer products in various manufacturing industries. Using Design Of Experiment(D.O.E.), the design prototype was optimized. The improved design prototype and its design parameters were obtained by a case study determined by the engineering discussion. The computational model for the optimization was validated by correlation with the test results. Through this procedure, the optimization method presented in this paper has been proven to be effective. This paper was presented at the 4th Asian Conference on Multibody Dynamics(ACMD2008), Jeju, Korea, August 20–23, 2008. Kab-Jin Jun received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ajou University in 2005. He is currently a Ph.D candidate at Ajou University in Suwon, Korea. His research interests are in the area of optimization, vehicle dynamics. Tae Won Park received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul University. He then went on to receive his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Iowa. Dr. Park is currently a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Ajou University in Suwon, Korea. Sung Pil Jung is currently a Ph.D candidate at Ajou University in Suwon, Korea. Mr. Jung’s research interests are in the area of multi-body & structural dynamics, optimization and computer aided engineering.     

Numerical simulation of displacement instabilities of surface grooves on an alumina forming alloy during thermal cycling oxidation

Displacement instability of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) is a fundamental source of failure in thermal barrier systems. In this work, a finite element analysis has been performed to analyze the displacement instability occurring at a heat resistant metal with superficial TGO subjected to thermal cycling. Lateral and in-plane growth of the TGO which happens during high temperature is simulated by means of material property change from the substrate metal to the TGO. Most of the material properties including the TGO growth are based on the results experimentally obtained in-house. Results of the finite element analyses agree well with the experimental observation, which proves the accuracy and validity of this simulation. The technique will be useful for future work on more complicated phenomena such as deformation under thermo-mechanical cycling. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Maenghyo Cho Jun Ding received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chongqing Institute of Technology, China, in 2000. He then received his M.S. degree from Chongqing University, China, in 2004. Currently a Ph. D candidate at the Graduate School of Mechanical Systems Engineering at Chonnam National University in Gwangju, Korea, he is mainly working on the theoretical and numerical analyses of mechanical behaviors of various materials. Feng-Xun Li received his B.S. degree from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Yanbian University, China, in 2005. He then received his M.S. degree from Chonnam National University, Korea, in 2007. He is currently a Ph. D candidate at the Graduate School of Mechanical Systems Engineering at Chonnam National University in Gwangju, Korea and is mainly working on the deformation mechanism of thermally grown oxide. Ki-Ju Kang received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, Korea, in 1981. He then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in 1983 and 1988, respectively. Dr. Kang is currently a Professor at the School of Mechanical Systems Engineering at Chonnam National University in Gwangju, Korea. His laboratory is designated as a national research laboratory. His research interests include the optimal designs and manufacturing technologies of various types of porous cellular metal and mechanical behaviors of a thermally grown oxide at high temperature.     

Characteristics of a transiently propagating crack in functionally graded materials

When a crack propagates with acceleration, deceleration and time rates of change of stress intensity factors, it is very important for us to understand the effects of acceleration, deceleration and time rates of change of stress intensity factors on the individual stresses and displacements at the crack tip. Therefore, the crack tip stress and displacement fields for a transiently propagating crack along gradient in functionally graded materials (FGMs) with an exponential variation of shear modulus and density are developed and the characteristics of a transiently propagating crack from the fields are analyzed. The effects of the rate of change of the stress intensity factor and the crack tip acceleration on the individual stresses at the crack tip are opposite each other. Specially, the isochromatics (constant maximum shear stress) of Mode I tilt backward around the crack tip with an increase of crack tip acceleration, and tilt forward around the crack tip with an increase of the rate of change of the dynamic mode I stress intensity factor. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Chongdu Cho Kwang-Ho Lee received a Ph.D. degree in Yeungnam University in 1993. Dr. Lee is currently a professor at the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at Kyungpook National University in Korea. He also had worked in KOMSCO as an engineer and researcher (1982.3–1996.2). He is interested in the fields of fracture and stress analysis on the composite, interface, nano and functionally graded materials by theoretical and experimental mechanics. Specially, his major interest is analysis of dynamic crack tip fields. Young-Jae Lee received his B.S degree in Agricultural Civil Engineering from Gyeongsang National University (GNU) in 1982. He then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from GNU in 1984 and 1995, respectively. Dr. Lee is currently a professor at the department of Civil Engineering at Kyungpook National University in Korea. From 2005 to 2006, he had served as an editor of Korea Institute for Structure Maintenance and Inspection. His research interests are in the area of evaluation, diagnosis and optimum design of structure. Sang-Bong Cho received a Ph. D. degree from Tokyo University in 1989. Dr. Cho is currently a professor at the division of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at Kyungnam University in Korea. His research interests are in the area of fracture mechanics, FEM stress analysis and fretting fatigue.     

Prediction of fatigue life distribution of marine propeller materials

Engineering materials have been studied and developed for a remarkably long time, but there are few reports about marine propeller materials. Recently, some researchers have studied the material strength of marine propellers. However, studies on parametric sensitivity and probabilistic distribution of fatigue life of propeller materials have not yet been carried out. In this study, we have evaluated strength characteristics of AlBC3 and HBsC1, both of which have been used for marine propellers using air jet chisel. Then a method to predict the probabilistic distributions of fatigue life of propeller materials is presented and the influence of several parameters on the life distribution is discussed. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Jooho Choi Han-Yong Yoon received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from DanKook University in Seoul, Korea, in 1981. He then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from The University of Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan in 1985 and 1988, respectively. Dr. Yoon is currently a Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Mokpo National University in Jeonnam, Korea. And, he serves concurrently as the director of Library at his University. His research interests include reliability, fatigue, and fracture mechanics. Jianwei Zhang received his B.E. degree from the School of Electro-Mechanical Automobile Engineering from Yantai University, China, in 2005. He then received his M.E. from the Department of Mechanical Engineering Graduate School of Mokpo National University, Korea, in 2008. Mr. Zhang is currently studying for his doctorate at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Mokpo National University, Jeonnam, Korea. His research interests include metal fatigue, weld residual stress, and composite materials fatigue.     

A study on the optimization method for a multi-body system using the response surface analysis

An optimization method, which minimizes the characteristic value of a system using response surface analysis, is presented. Plackett-Burman design is used as a screening method. Using the response surface analysis, second order recursive model function is estimated as an objective function. To verify the reliability of the model function, an F-test based on the analysis of variances table is used. Lastly, the sequential quadratic-programming method is used to find the value of design parameters. By applying the preceding procedure to a multi-body dynamic model, the optimization process presented in this study is verified. This paper was presented at the 4th Asian Conference on Multibody Dynamics(ACMD2008), Jeju, Korea, August 20–23, 2008. Sung Pil Jung received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ajou University in 2006. Currently he is a Ph.D candidate at Ajou University in Suwon, Korea. Mr. Jung’s research interests are in the area of multi-body & structural dynamics, optimization and computer aided engineering. Tae Won Park received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul University. He then went on to receive his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Iowa. Dr. Park is currently a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Ajou University in Suwon, Korea.     

The influence on the contact condition and initial fixation stability of the main design parameters of a self-expansion type anterior cruciate ligament fixation device

This paper proposes a self-expansion type anterior cruciate ligament fixation device. The proposed fixation device provides graft fixation force by maintaining contact with the bone tunnel. Since the device maintains contact with the bone tunnel by the force that expands by the self-driven elastic force of the device, the main design parameters that determine the performance of this device are the ring thickness and expansion angle. This paper develops the three-dimensional finite element models of the fixation device and bone. By simulation with the developed finite element model, this paper studies the influence of the main design parameters of the device on the maximum stress around the ring when grasping the fixation device. Through the analysis of the stress on the bone tunnel wall when the fixation device comes in contact with the bone tunnel, this paper shows the influence of the main design parameters of the fixation device on the contact condition. In addition, through the analysis of the migration that occur upon application of the pull-out force, this paper studies the influence of the main design parameters on the initial fixation stability of the fixation device. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Young Eun Kim Jong-Dae KIM received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Precision Mechanical Engineering from Chonbuk National University, Korea in 1993 and 1995, respectively. He then received his Ph.D. degree in Bionano System Engineering from Chonbuk National University, Korea in 2008. He worked at DAEWOO Electronic Components Co., Ltd., Korea for eight years from 1995. He is currently a full-time lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering in Jeonju University, Korea. Dr. Kim’s research interests are in the area of biomechanics and robotics for rehabilitation. Chae-Youn OH received the B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonbuk National University, Korea, in 1982. He then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University, U.S.A., in 1987 and 1990, respectively. He is currently a Professor at the Division of Mechanical System Engineering at Chonbuk National University in Jeonju, Korea. Dr. OH’s research interests are in the area of biomechanics and haptics. Cheol-Sang KIM received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Chonbuk National University in Korea in 1980 and 1982, respectively. He then received a Ph.D. degree in Material Science at Universite de Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France in 1988. He spent two years at the Department of Bioengineering at University of Pennsylvania (U.S.A) as a Post Doc. fellow. Dr. Kim is currently an Associate Professor at the Division of Mechanical Engineering at Chonbuk National University in Korea. Dr. Kim’s research interests are in the area of biomaterials for hard tissue replacements, design and analysis of implants and artificial organs, and anti-biofouling technology.     

Development of rapid mixing fuel nozzle for premixed combustion

Combustion in high-preheat and low oxygen concentration atmosphere is one of the attractive measures to reduce nitric oxide emission as well as greenhouse gases from combustion devices, and it is expected to be a key technology for the industrial applications in heating devices and furnaces. Before proceeding to the practical applications, we need to elucidate combustion characteristics of non-premixed and premixed flames in high-preheat and low oxygen concentration conditions from scientific point of view. For the purpose, we have developed a special mixing nozzle to create a homogeneous mixture of fuel and air by rapid mixing, and applied this rapidmixing nozzle to a Bunsen-type burner to observe combustion characteristics of the rapid-mixture. As a result, the combustion of rapid-mixture exhibited the same flame structure and combustion characteristics as the perfectly prepared premixed flame, even though the mixing time of the rapid-mixing nozzle was extremely short as a few milliseconds. Therefore, the rapid-mixing nozzle in this paper can be used to create preheated premixed flames as far as the mixing time is shorter than the ignition delay time of the fuel. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Ohchae Kwon Masashi Katsuki received his B.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Osaka University, Japan, in 1965. He received his Dr. Eng. from O. U. in 1985. Dr. Katsuki is currently a Visiting Professor at the Department of Environmental Engineering at Hoseo University in Chungnam, Korea. He was a Vice President of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. Dr. Katsuki’s research interests include combustion, computational thermo-fluid dynamics, and molecular dynamics. Jin-Do Chung received his B. S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Chungnam University, Korea in 1983, 1985 and 1990. He then received another Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Kanazawa University, Japan in 1996. After that he worked as Post-doc researcher for 1,6 year at KIMM and Senior researcher for 6years at KEPCO Research Center. Dr. Chung is currently a Professor at the Department of Environmental Engineering at Hoseo University in Asan, Korea. Dr. Chung’s research interests include thermal-fluid and environmental engineering. Jang-Woo Kim received his B. S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chungnam University, Korea, in 1990. He then received his M. S. and Ph. D. degrees from Kyushu University, Japan in 1994 and 1998, respectively. Dr. Kim is currently a Professor at the School of Display Engineering at Hoseo University in Asan, Korea. Dr. Kim’s research interests include CFD, aerodynamics, and display equipment technology. Seung-Min Hwang received the Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering at Osaka University in 2005. After that he worked as visiting researcher for 3 years at CRIEPI (central research institute of electric power industry) and Osaka University in Japan. He is currently a Professor at the Graduate School of Venture at Hoseo University in Korea. His major research is thermal-fluid, energy issue and environment. Seung-Mo Kim received his Ph. D. degrees in Mechanical engineering from Osaka University, Japan, in 2004. Dr. Kim is currently a research Professor at Pusan Clean Coal Center at Pusan National University in Pusan, South Korea. Dr. Kim’s research interests include coal combustion, oxy-fuel combustion, coal gasification, coal de-watering, power generation plant system and energy issues. Chul-Ju Ahn received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Hanyang University, Korea, in 1998. He then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Osaka University, Japan, in 2001 and 2006, respectively. Dr. Ahn is currently a Senior Research Engineer at Samsung Techwin CO. LTD. in Changwon, Korea. Dr. Ahn’s research interests include gas turbine engine, biomass gasification, and power system.     

Improved dimension reduction method (DRM) in uncertainty analysis using kriging interpolation

Uncertainty or reliability analysis is to investigate the stochastic behavior of response variables due to the randomness of input parameters, and evaluate the probabilistic values of the responses against the failure, which is known as reliability. While the major research for decades has been made on the most probable point (MPP) search methods, the dimension reduction method (DRM) has recently emerged as a new alternative in this field due to its sensitivity-free nature and efficiency. In the recent implementation of the DRM, however, the method was found to have some drawbacks which counteract its efficiency. It can be inaccurate for strong nonlinear response and is numerically instable when calculating integration points. In this study, the response function is approximated by the Kriging interpolation technique, which is known to be more accurate for nonlinear functions. The integration is carried out with this meta-model to prevent the numerical instability while improving the accuracy. The Kriging based DRM is applied and compared with the other methods in a number of mathematical examples. Effectiveness and accuracy of this method are discussed in comparison with the other existing methods. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Tae Hee Lee Junho Won received B.S. and M.S. degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Korea Aerospace University in 2004 and 2006, respectively. He is currently a doctoral course at the departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Korea Aerospace University in Gyeonggi, Korea. His research interests are in the area of reliability analysis, multidisciplinary design optimization, and fatigue analysis. Changhyun Choi received B.S. and M.S. degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Korea Aerospace University in 2006 and 2008, respectively. He is currently researcher at the SFA Engineering Corp. in kyungnam, Korea. His research interests are in the area of computer control system, high reliable product technology, and factory automation system. Jooho Choi received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Hanyang University in 1981. He then went on to receive his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from KAIST in 1983 and 1987, respectively. Dr. Choi is currently a Professor at the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Korea Aerospace University in Gyeonggi, Korea. He is currently serving as an Editor of the Journal of Mechanical Science &Technology. Dr. Choi’s research interests are in the area of reliability analysis, multidisciplinary design optimization, and design optimization using automation system integrated with CAD/CAE.     

Evaluation of elastic modulus for unidirectionally aligned short fiber composites

An analytical approach of to reinforcement for of short fiber reinforced composites has been extended to include the estimation of elastic modulus. The model is based on the theoretical development of shear lag theory developed by Cox for unidirectionally Aligned aligned Short short Fiber fiber Compositescomposites. Thus, the evolution of conventional models is described in detail along with the effect on the modulus of various parameters. Results are shown with experimental data as well as the comparison of other theories. It is found that the present model agrees well with experimental data and resolves some of the discrepancies among the previous models. It is also found that the present model is very accurate yet relatively simple to predict Young’s modulus of discontinuous composites and has the capability to correctly predict the effects of fiber aspect ratio, fiber volume fraction, and fiber/matrix modulus ratio. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Chongdu Cho Hong Gun Kim received a B.S. and M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Hanyang University in 1979 and 1984. He then went on to receive his Ph.D. degrees from University of Massachusetts in 1992, respectively. Dr. Kim is currently a Professor at the Department of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering at Jeonju University in jeonju, Korea. He is currently serving as an Editor of the KSAE and KSMTE. Dr. Kim’s research interests are in the area of fuel cell, FEM analysis, mechanical design, and composite mechanics. Lee Ku Kwac received a B.S. degree in Precision Mechanical Engineering from Chosun University in 1999. He then went on to receive his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Chosun University in 2001 and 2005, respectively. Dr. Kwac currently a Professor at the Department of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering at Jeonju University in jeonju, Korea. Dr. Kwac’s research interests are in the area of fuel cell, nano-mechanism, and micro-machining.     

Finite element analysis of piezoelectric underwater transducers for acoustic characteristics

This paper presents a simulation technique for analyzing acoustic characteristics of piezoelectric underwater transducers. A finite element method is adopted for modeling piezoelectric coupled problems including material damping and fluid-structure interaction problems by taking system matrices in complex form. For the finite element modeling of unbounded acoustic fluid, infinite wave envelope element (IWEE) is adopted to take into account the infinite domain. An in-house finite element program is developed and technical issues for implementing the program are explained. Using the simulation program, acoustic characteristics of tonpilz transducer are analyzed in terms of modal analysis, radiated pressure distribution, pressure spectrum, transmitting-voltage response and impedance analysis along with experimental comparison. The developed simulation technique can be used for designing ultrasonic transducers in the areas of nondestructive evaluation, underwater acoustics and bioengineering. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Maenghyo Cho Jaehwan Kim received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Inha University, in 1985. He received his M.S. degree from KAIST in 1987 and his Ph.D. degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 1995. Dr. Kim is currently a Professor of the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering at Inha University, Inchoen, Korea. He serves as an Associate Editor of Smart Materials and Structures. He is the director of Creative Research Center for EAPap Actuator supported by KOSEF. Dr. Kim’s research interests are smart materials such as piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers and their applications including sensors, actuators, motors and MEMS devices. Heung Soo Kim received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in the Department of Aerospace Engineering from Inha University, Korea in 1997 and 1999, respectively. He obtained his Ph. D degree in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University in 2003. He is now working as an assistant professor in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Catholic University of Daegu. His main research interests are in biomimetic actuators and sensors, structural health monitoring, smart materials and structures as applied to aerospace structures and vehicles.     

Dynamic analysis of fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolation structures

This paper presents an analysis of seismically isolated buildings using fiber-reinforced elastomeric structures that are subject to excitations caused by earthquakes. In analyzing the vibrations, the buildings are modeled by lumped mass systems. The fundamental equations of motion are derived for base isolated structures, and the hysteretic and nonlinear- elastic characteristics are included in the numerical calculations. The earthquake waves used as the excitation forces are those that have been recorded during strong earthquake motions in order to examine the dynamic stability of building structures. The seismic (nonlinear) responses of the building are compared for each restoring force type and, as a result, it is shown that the building’s motions are not so large from a seismic design standpoint. Isolating structures are shown to reduce the responses sufficiently allowing the building’s motions to be controlled to within a practical range. By increasing the acceleration of the earthquake, the yielding forces in the concrete and steel frames can be determined, which shows the advantages of performing nonlinear dynamic analysis in such applications. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Dae-Eun Kim Gyung-Ju Kang received a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Pusan National Univer-sity, Korea, in 1997, 1999 and 2005, respectively. Dr. Kang’s research interests are in the area of seismic bearing design, base isolation, cold forging, and steel structure. Beom-Soo Kang received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pusan National University, Busan, Korea in 1981. He then went on to receive his M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) Seoul, Korea, in 1983 and Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of California at Berkeley in 1990. Dr. Kang is currently a Professor at Department of Aero-space Engineering at Pusan National University. He is currently serving as the Director of ILIC (Industrial Liaison Innovation Cluster). Dr. Kang’s re-search interests include flexible forming, unmanned system design, multi-stage deep drawing, and cold forging.     

Tunnel ventilation control via an actor-critic algorithm employing nonparametric policy gradients

The appropriate operation of a tunnel ventilation system provides drivers passing through the tunnel with comfortable and safe driving conditions. Tunnel ventilation involves maintaining CO pollutant concentration and VI (visibility index) under an adequate level with operating highly energy-consuming facilities such as jet-fans. Therefore, it is significant to have an efficient operating algorithm in aspects of a safe driving environment as well as saving energy. In this research, a reinforcement learning (RL) method based on the actor-critic architecture and nonparametric policy gradients is applied as the control algorithm. The two objectives listed above, maintaining an adequate level of pollutants and minimizing power consumption, are included into a reward formulation that is a performance index to be maximized in the RL methodology. In this paper, a nonparametric approach is adopted as a promising route to perform a rigorous gradient search in a function space of policies to improve the efficacy of the actor module. Extensive simulation studies performed with real data collected from an existing tunnel system confirm that with the suggested algorithm, the control purposes were well accomplished and improved when compared to a previously developed RL-based control algorithm. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Hong Hee Yoo Baeksuk Chu received his B.S. degree in 1999, M.S. degree in 2001, and Ph.D. in 2006, respectively in Mechanical Engineering from Korea University. Dr. Chu is currently a Research Professor at the Division of Mechanical Engineering at Korea University in Seoul, Korea. Dr. Chu’s research interests are in the area of robotics, control engineering, and reinforcement learning. Daehie Hong received his B.S. degree in 1985 and M.S. degree in 1987, respectively in Mechanical Engineering from Korea University. He then went on to receive his Ph.D. degree from UC Davis in 1994. Dr. Hong is currently a Professor at the Division of Mechanical Engineering at Korea University in Seoul, Korea. He is currently serving as an Editor of the International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing. Dr. Hong’s research interests are in the area of mechatronics and field robotics. Jooyoung Park received his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Seoul National University in 1983, and his Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engi-neering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992. He joined Korea University in 1993, where he is currently a Professor in the Department of Control and Instrumentation Engineering. Dr. Park’s recent research interests are in the area of rein-forcement learning and kernel methods.     

Hygrothermal behavior of electro-active paper actuator

Mechanical properties of the electro-active paper (EAPap) actuator were tested to investigate its hygrothermal behavior. Tensile creep behavior was studied with constant load at 30–70% relative humidity ranges and 25–40°C temperature. Creep deformation showed typical trend of abrupt strain increase in a short period followed by steady increase of strain, which resulted from the breakdown of cellulose microfibrils. Dependence on the material orientation of EAPap was observed in the creep tests. As changing the orientation of EAPap samples, the creep resistances were varied. Creep strains and creep strain rates were increased as increasing the relative humidity level at 25°C. However, at the elevated temperature of 40°C, the creep strain rate at secondary creep was not significantly raised under increased relative humidity level from 30% to 50%. The hygrothermal effect by increasing the relative humidity level and temperature on the creep rate was reduced due to the saturated moisture at a higher temperature even with lower humidity level. The activation energy levels for creep were around 607–658 kJ/mol for 30% relative humidity level and 623–671 kJ/mol for 50% relative humidity level depending on the material orientation. Understanding of hygrothermal effect in conjunction with the humidity and temperature provides useful information for the potential nano-bio applications of the EAPap actuator. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Chongdu Cho Heung Soo Kim received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in the Department of Aerospace Engineering from Inha University, Korea in 1997 and 1999, respectively. He got his Ph. D degree in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University in 2003. He is now working as an assistant professor in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Catholic University of Daegu. His main research interests are in biomimetic actuators and sensors, structural health monitoring, smart materials and structures as applied to aerospace structures and vehicles. Chulho Yang received his B.S. and M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Inha University in 1991 and 1993, respectively. He also obtained M.S. and Ph. D degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Florida in 1995, and 1997, respectively. In March 2003, he joined the School of Mechanical Engineering at Andong National University, Korea, where he is now an Associate Professor. His main research interests are mechanical behavior of materials including smart materials both experimentally and computationally. Jaehwan Kim received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Inha University, in 1985. He received his M.S. degree from KAIST in 1987 and his Ph.D. degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 1995. Dr. Kim is currently a Professor of Dept. of Mechanical Engineering at Inha University, Inchoen, Korea. He serves as an Associate Editor of Smart Materials and Structures. He is the director of Creative Research Center for EAPap Actuator supported by KOSEF. Dr. Kim’s research interests are smart materials such as piezoelectric materials, electro-active polymers and their applications including sensors, actuators, motors and MEMS devices.     

Experimental study on heat transfer characteristics of internal heat exchangers for CO2 system under cooling condition

This paper presents the heat transfer characteristics of the internal heat exchanger (IHX) for CO₂ heat pump system. The influence on the IHX length, the mass flow rate, the shape of IHX, the operating condition, and the oil concentration was investigated under a cooling condition. Four kinds of IHX with a coaxial type and a micro-channel type, a mass flow meter, a pump, and a measurement system. With increasing of the IHX length, the capacity, the effectiveness, and the pressure drop increased. For the mass flow rate, the capacity of micro-channel IHX are higher about 2 times than those of coaxial IHX. The pressure drop was larger at cold-side than at hot-side. In the transcritical CO₂ cycle, system performance is very sensitive to the IHX design. Design parameters are closely related with the capacity and the pressure drop of CO₂ heat pump system. Along the operating condition, the performance of CO₂ IHXs is different remarkably. For oil concentration 1, 3, 5%, the capacity decreases and the pressure drop increased, as compared with oil concentration 0%. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Yong Tae Kang Prof. Young-Chul Kwon received his B.S. degree in Precision Mechanical Engineering from Pusan National University, Korea, in 1989. He then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from POSTECH, in 1991 and 1996, respectively. Dr. Kwon is currently a Professor at the Division of Mechanical Engineering at Sunmoon University in Chungnam, Korea. He serves as a chief of the Institute of Automation and Energy Technology. Dr. Kwon’s research interests include heat exchanger, CO₂ cycle, heat pump, and energy recovery ventilator for HVAC&R. Mr. Dae-Hoon Kim is currently Doctoral student at the Mechanical Engineering from Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea. His research topics include experimental and numerical of CO₂ heatpump system. He has conducted a study on the Analysis of Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Equipment Industry and Its Forecasting Supervising and Testing for Performance of Refrigerator, Freezer and Air-Conditioner. Prof. Jae-Heon Lee received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University, Korea, in 1971. He then received his M.S. and Ph. D. degree from Seoul National University in 1977 and 1980, respectively. Dr. Lee is currently a Professor at the school of Mechanical Engineering at Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea. Dr. Lee is currently a president at the Korea Institute research interests include simulation of thermal fluid and Plant engineering and construction. Dr. Jun-Young Choi received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, Republic of Korea, in 1989. He then received his M.S. and Ph. D. degrees from Yonsei University in 1991 and 1999, respectively. Dr. Choi is currently a chief researcher with the 18 years experience on the energy performance testing of HVAC/R product. He is now assigned to the Energy Technology Center at Basic Industry Division at Korea Testing Laboratory. He has been involved in the development of Design and Manufacturing Technology for Air-Conditioner E.E.R. and Performance Testing Equipment for Cooling and Heating System with Non-CFCs, and natural refrigerants. He has conducted a study on the Analysis of Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Equipment Industry and Its Forecasting Supervising and Testing for Performance of Refrigerator, Freezer and Air-Conditioner. Dr. Sang Jae Lee received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Hanyang University, KOREA, in 2008. Dr. Lee is currently a Researcher at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology in Cheonan, Korea. Dr. Lee’s research interests CO₂ heatpump system, liquid desiccant air conditioning system and Micro heat exchanger.     

Novel scan path generation method based on area division for SFFS

A solid freeform fabrication (SFF) system using selective laser sintering (SLS) is currently recognized as a leading process of fabrication using variable materials, and SLS extends the application to machinery and automobiles. Due to the time delay in the sintering process, shrinkage and warping often occur. Curling also occurs due to laser and scan delays. These problems affect not only the accuracy of the fabricated product but also the total system efficiency. These deficiencies can be overcome by reducing the total processing time of the SFF system. To accomplish this, the laser scanning time, from mark (laser on) to jump (laser off), must be reduced as it contributes the major part of the total processing time. This can be done by employing area division scan path generation, which promotes digital efficiency. A simulation and an experiment was carried out in this study to evaluate the developed scan path method. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Dae-Eun Kim Kyung-Hyun Choi received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Pusan National University, Korea, in 1983 and 1990,. He then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from University of Ottawa in 1995. Dr. Choi is currently a professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Cheju National University, Korea. His research interests include micro-machining, printed Electronics. Hyung-Chan Kim received his B. S. and M. S. degrees in Electronics Engineering from Cheju National University, Korea, in 2006 and 2008, respectively. Mr. Kim is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the School of Electronics Engineering at Cheju National University, Korea. His research interests include RP System, micro-machining, printed Electronics. Yang-Hoi Doh received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electronics Engineering from KyungBuk National University, Korea, in 1982 and 1984, respectively. He then received his Ph.D. degree from University of Kyung Buk National University, Korea, in 1988. Dr. Doh is currently a Professor at the School of Electronics Engineering at Cheju National University, Korea. His research interests include micro-machining, Digital signal processing. Dong-Soo Kim received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Yung Nam University, Korea, in 1991 and 2001, respectively. Dr. Kim is currently the general manager at Nano Mechanical System Research Division at Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials. His research interests include printed Electronics, R2R printing, RP system.