Geometry and topology optimization of geodesic domes using charged system search

Dome structures provide cost-effective solutions for covering large areas without intermediate supports. In this article, simple procedures are developed to reach the configuration of the geodesic domes. A new definition of dome optimization problems is given which consists of finding optimal sections for elements (size optimization), optimal height for the crown (geometry optimization) and the optimum number of elements (topology optimization) under determined loading conditions. In order to find the optimum design, the recently developed meta-heuristic algorithm, known as the Charged System Search (CSS), is applied to the optimum design of geodesic domes. The CSS takes into account the nonlinear response of the domes. Using CSS, the optimum design of the geodesic domes is efficiently performed.     

Margin-setting with hyperellipsoidal surfaces

In a number of prior papers we described and explored a new pattern recognition method called Margin-Setting that accomplishes excellent generalization using very few training samples. The result was a multi-round classifier with each round consisting of a set of hyperspheres such that if a datum fell within a certain hypersphere, it was labeled with one particular class. Margin-Setting achieves concurrent low Vapnik-Chervonenkis (VC) dimension and high accuracy which is a consequence of partitioning the training set into smaller sets that make this possible. This paper extends Margin-Setting from hyperspheres to hyperellipsoids resulting in improved performance.     

On the performance of distributed space-time coding systems with one and two non-regenerative relays

Spatial diversity can be induced by using wireless relay stations, which cooperate by amplifying and retransmitting the information received from a source to a destination station. In this context we propose a distributed space-time coding (DSTC) system based on the Alamouti codes. We characterize the symbol error rate of systems with one and two non-regenerative relays using bounds and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) approximations. The asymptotic (high SNR) symbol error probability formulas are used to optimize the power allocation in the DSTC system. Furthermore, using the asymptotic symbol error probability formulas we argue that the DSTC system has at least 1.5 times the diversity achieved by point-to-point transmissions with the same bandwidth. Simulations show not only that the DSTC outperforms the amplify-and-forward cooperative system with orthogonal transmissions, but also convolutional encoded one-hop transmissions with the same information rate as the DSTC system. Assuming full channel knowledge at the source and the relays, we find an optimum cooperative system by minimizing the bit error rate of the DSTC system with one and two non-regenerative relays subject to fixed transmit energy constraints at each radio. Numerical results show that the DSTC system with two relays performs very close to the optimum cooperative system.     

Calculation of maximum surface settlement induced by EPB shield tunnelling and introducing most effective parameter

This study aims to predict ground surface settlement due to shallow tunneling and introduce the most affecting parameters on this phenomenon.Based on data collected from Shanghai LRT Line 2 project undertaken by TBM-EPB method,this research has considered the tunnel's geometric,strength,and operational factors as the dependent variables.At first,multiple regression(MR) method was used to propose equations based on various parameters.The results indicated the dependency of surface settlement on many parameters so that the interactions among different parameters make it impossible to use MR method as it leads to equations of poor accuracy.As such,adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system(ANFIS),was used to evaluate its capabilities in terms of predicting surface settlement.Among generated ANFIS models,the model with all input parameters considered produced the best prediction,so as its associated R~2 in the test phase was obtained to be 0.957.The equations and models in which operational factors were taken into consideration gave better prediction results indicating larger relative effect of such factors.For sensitivity analysis of ANFIS model,cosine amplitude method(CAM) was employed; among other dependent variables,fill factor of grouting(n) and grouting pressure(P) were identified as the most affecting parameters.     

Charged system search for optimal design of frame structures

The charged system search (CSS) algorithm is utilized for design of frame structures. The algorithm is inspired by the laws in physics. The CSS utilizes a number of charged particles which influence each other based on their fitness values and their separation distances considering the governing law of Coulomb. A comparison between the characteristics of the CSS algorithm and other well-known meta-heuristics is performed to indicate their similarities and differences. Some benchmark frame examples are optimized with the CSS algorithm. Comparison of the results of CSS with some other meta-heuristic algorithms shows the robustness of the new algorithm.     

Cyclical parthenogenesis algorithm for layout optimization of truss structures with frequency constraints

Structural optimization with frequency constraints is seen as a challenging problem because it is associated with highly nonlinear, discontinuous and non-convex search spaces consisting of several local optima. Therefore, competent optimization algorithms are essential for addressing these problems. In this article, a newly developed metaheuristic method called the cyclical parthenogenesis algorithm (CPA) is used for layout optimization of truss structures subjected to frequency constraints. CPA is a nature-inspired, population-based metaheuristic algorithm, which imitates the reproductive and social behaviour of some animal species such as aphids, which alternate between sexual and asexual reproduction. The efficiency of the CPA is validated using four numerical examples.     

Optimal design of Schwedler and ribbed domes via hybrid Big Bang-Big Crunch algorithm

An optimum topology design algorithm based on the hybrid Big Bang-Big Crunch optimization (HBB-BC) method is developed for the Schwedler and ribbed domes. A simple procedure is defined to determine the Schwedler and ribbed dome configuration. This procedure includes calculating the joint coordinates and element constructions. The nonlinear response of the dome is considered during the optimization process. The effect of diagonal members on the results is investigated and the optimum results of Schwedler domes obtained by the HBB-BC method demonstrate the efficiency of these domes to cover large areas without intermediate supports.     

An efficient analysis of repetitive structures generated by graph products

In this paper, an efficient method is developed for the analysis of regular structures. A structure is called regular if its model can be formed by a graph product. Here, instead of direct solution of the equations corresponding to a regular structure or finding the inverse of the stiffness matrix directly, modal analysis is used, and eigenvectors are employed for calculating the displacements and then internal forces of the structures. For this purpose, first an efficient method is developed for calculating the eigenvectors of the product graphs, and then a method is presented for using these eigenvectors for evaluating the displacements of a structure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.