Optimization of correlated multi-response quality engineering by the upside-down normal loss function

Most of the published literature on robust design is basically concerned with a single response. However, the reality is that common industrial problems usually involve several quality characteristics, which are often correlated. Traditional approaches to multidimensional quality do not offer much information on how much better or worse a process is when finding optimal settings. Köksoy and Fan [Engineering Optimization 44 (8): 935–945] pointed out that the upside-down normal loss function provides a more reasonable risk assessment to the losses of being off-target in product engineering research. However, they only consider the single-response case. This article generalizes their idea to more than one response under possible correlations and co-movement effects of responses on the process loss. The response surface methodology has been adapted, estimating the expected multivariate upside-down normal loss function of a multidimensional system to find the optimal control factor settings of a given problem. The procedure and its merits are illustrated through an example.     

Topological derivative-based technique for imaging thin inhomogeneities with few incident directions

Many non-iterative imaging algorithms require a large number of incident directions. Topological derivative-based imaging techniques can alleviate this problem, but lacks a theoretical background and a definite means of selecting the optimal incident directions. In this paper, we rigorously analyse the mathematical structure of a topological derivative imaging function, confirm why a small number of incident directions is sufficient, and explore the optimal configuration of these directions. To this end, we represent the topological derivative-based imaging function as an infinite series of Bessel functions of integer order of the first kind. Our analysis is supported by the results of numerical simulations.     

基于LMD的PWM整流电路故障特征提取新方法

脉冲宽度调制(PWM)整流电路结构日益复杂,对其可靠运行提出了更高的要求;对局域均值分解(LMD)用于PWM整流电路的故障特征提取进行研究,提出一种基于LMD和加权频带能量法的特征提取新方法;该方法通过逐步抽取调频调幅成分将故障信号在频域上展开,然后基于信号能量的频带分布特点,充分考虑各频带成分与故障的相关性,构造故障特征向量,实现特征提取;最后以PWM整流电路为例进行仿真,相电压380V,仿真时间0.5s,0.1s时注入故障;结果表明,该方法能有效地提取故障信号的特征,并降低特征向量的维数。     

Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers for Inertial Fusion Energy

We have begun building the Mercury laser system as the first in a series of new generation diode-pumped solid-state lasers for inertial fusion research. Mercury will integrate three key technologies: diodes, crystals, and gas cooling, within a unique laser architecture that is scalable to kilojoule and megajoule energy levels for fusion energy applications. The primary near-term performance goals include 10% electrical efficiencies at 10 Hz and 100J with a 2–10 ns pulse length at 1.047 m wavelength. When completed, Mercury will allow rep-rated target experiments with multiple chambers for high energy density physics research.     

Inference for Weibull distribution under generalized order statistics

Based on generalized order statistics from Weibull distribution the approach of Bayesian and non-Bayesian estimation are discussed. We present a simple and efficient simulational algorithm for generating a generalized order statistics sample from any continuous distribution. Specializations to Bayesian and non-Bayesian estimators, some lifetime parameters and confidence intervals of progressive II censoring and record values are obtained and compared with the existing results. Two examples are given to illustrate the proposed estimators and the simulation algorithm.     

Integrating customer's preferences in the QFD planning process using a combined benchmarking and imprecise goal programming model

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a customer-oriented design tool for developing new or improved products to achieve higher customer satisfaction by integrating various functions of an organization. The engineering characteristics (ECs) affecting the product performances are designed to match the customer attributes (CAs). However, from the viewpoint of the QFD team, product design processes are performed in imprecise environments, and more than one factor must be taken into account in determining the target levels of ECs, especially the limited resources and increased market competition. This paper presents an imprecise goal programming (GP) approach to determine the optimum target levels of ECs in QFD for maximizing customer satisfaction under resource limitation and considerations of market competition. Based on benchmarking data of CAs, the concept of satisfaction functions is utilized to formulate explicitly the customer's preferences and to integrate the competitive analysis of target market into the modelling and solution process. In addition, the relationships linking CAs and ECs and the ECs to each other are integrated by functional relationships. The proposed approach will be illustrated through a car door design example.     

The structure of canalizing functions

The structure of a canalizing function is discussed. Using a new matrix product, namely semitensor product, the logical function is expressed in its matrix form. From its matrix expression, a criterion is obtained to test whether a logical function is a canalizing function. Then a formula is obtained to calculate the number of canalizing functions. Moreover, an algorithm is presented to generate canalizing functions. Finally, some results obtained are extended to seminested canalizing functions.