Effects of superstructure flexibility on strength of reinforced concrete bridge decks

This research studies the impact of the relative rigidity between the concrete bridge deck and the remaining structural components of the bridge superstructure on the behavior of the concrete deck. The study uses non-linear 3-D FEM models, which are developed using ANSYS 5.7 software package. Experimental data from one-span non-composite bridge superstructure are used to validate and calibrate the proposed FEM models. A series of parametric studies is conducted with respect to three parameters: (a) composite action, (b) slenderness ratio, and (c) presence of diaphragms. The analysis results are discussed in detail and conclusions on the behavior of the bridge deck are presented.     

任意复杂曲面曲线零件曲率半径的图解法

复杂曲面零件在机械设计中很广泛 ,本文根据微分几何的分析方法 ,研究了曲线在基本三面形上的投影特性 ,得出了空间曲线上某点的曲率等于该曲线在密切面的投影的曲率 ,从而用图解法求出空间曲线在密切平面上的投影及其曲率 ,即求出空间任意曲线的曲率。在实际工程中具有现实意义和较大的推广应用。     

Tool addition strategies for flexible manufacturing systems

The allocation of tools to machines determines potential part routes in flexible manufacturing systems. Given production requirements and a minimum feasible set of tools, the decision of how to fill vacant slots in tool magazines to maximize routing flexibility is shown to be a minimum cost network flow problem for the cases when routing flexibility is a function of the average workload per tool aggregated over tool types, or of the number of possible routes through the system. A linear programming model is then used to plan a set of routes for each part type so as to minimize either the material handling requirement or the maximum workload on any machine. The impact of these tool addition strategies on the material handling and workload equalization is investigated and computational results presented. The advantage of the overall approach is computational simplicity at each step and the ability to react to dynamic changes.This article is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. DMC 85–44993 and DDM 92–15432.This work was done by the author while visiting the SIE Department of the University of Arizona.     

柔性结构拓扑优化设计发展概况

论述了柔性结构的特点、拓扑优化设计的基本原理与方法、国内外研究发展现状 ,以及在工程设计中的应用等问题。最后 ,列出了柔性结构拓扑优化设计的发展方向、需要解决的问题 ,以及可能解决的方案等。     

广域曲率吻合原则与复杂曲面数控加工的全面优化

按广域曲率吻合原则考察刀具与工件曲面的接触状态，并在深入分析工件曲面特性的基础上，选择优化的加工方法、优化的刀具形状及参数、优化的走刀方案规划、优化的刀位等，使复杂曲面数控加工做到全面优化。最后对两篇文献的实例进行分析并加以优化。     

Towards 100% renewable energy systems: Uncapping power system flexibility

Relying almost entirely on energy from variable renewable resources such as wind and solar energy will require a transformation in the way power systems are planned and operated. This paper outlines the necessary steps in creating power systems with the flexibility needed to maintain stability and reliability while relying primarily on variable energy resources. These steps are provided in the form of a comprehensive overview of policies, technical changes, and institutional systems, organized in three development phases: an initial phase (penetration up to about 10%) characterized by relatively mild changes to conventional power system operations and structures; a dynamic middle phase (up to about 50% penetration) characterized by phasing out conventional generation and a concerted effort to wring flexibility from existing infrastructure; and the high penetration phase that inevitably addresses how power systems operate over longer periods of weeks or months when variable generation will be in either short supply, or in over-abundance. Although this transition is likely a decades-long and incremental process and depends on the specifics of each system, the needed policies, research, demonstration projects and institutional changes need to start now precisely because of the complexity of the transformation. The list of policy actions presented in this paper can serve as a guideline to policy makers on effectuating the transition and on tracking the preparedness of systems.     

Anticipation and flexibility in dynamic scheduling

Many real-world optimization problems change over time and require frequent re-optimization. We suggest that in such environments, an optimization algorithm should reflect the problem's dynamics and explicitly take into account that changes to the current solution are to be expected. We claim that this can be achieved by having the optimization algorithm search for solutions that are not only good, but also flexible, i.e. easily adjustable if necessary in the case of problem changes. For the example of a job-shop with jobs arriving non-deterministically over time, we demonstrate that avoiding early idle times increases flexibility, and thus that the incorporation of an early idle time penalty as secondary objective into the scheduling algorithm can greatly enhance the overall system performance.     

A general methodology for bearing design in non-symmetric T-shaped sections in extrusion process

In this study, a general methodology has been developed to design the proper bearing in order to eliminate the curvature of the final product in extrusion process. Three smooth curved (advanced-surface) dies with non-symmetric T-shaped sections and different off-centricities have been studied. For each die, the proper bearing has been designed and physical and numerical modeling have been performed to validate the design. The design procedure is as follows: A formulation, based on Bezier curves, has been used to determine the exit velocity profile. Since the result of Bezier method is different from the actual velocity profile, the Chitkara corrective function has been modified and applied to improve the velocity field. A deviation function has been developed to measure the curvature of the final product in terms of the exit velocity field. Considering the obtained velocity field, the friction effects, and the geometry of the dies, the proper bearing for each die has been designed. Finally, numerical and physical modeling have been performed on the die-bearing combination. According to the results, the curvature of the final product was eliminated to a great extent.     

Flexibility and binding affinity in protein–ligand,protein–protein and multi-component protein interactions: limitations of current computational approaches

The recognition process between a protein and a partner represents a significant theoretical challenge. In silico structure-based drug design carried out with nothing more than the three-dimensional structure of the protein has led to the introduction of many compounds into clinical trials and numerous drug approvals. Central to guiding the discovery process is to recognize active among non-active compounds. While large-scale computer simulations of compounds taken from a library (virtual screening) or designed de novo are highly desirable in the post-genomic area, many technical problems remain to be adequately addressed. This article presents an overview and discusses the limits of current computational methods for predicting the correct binding pose and accurate binding affinity. It also presents the performances of the most popular algorithms for exploring binary and multi-body protein interactions.     

A review of manufacturing flexibility: systematising the concept

The present work is an attempt to contribute to the conceptual systematisation of the manufacturing flexibility types by synthesising the vast literature available after a systematic review. We classified the papers in two perspectives (hierarchical and strategic), and engaged in a systematic process of standardisation of the definitions and names of various flexibility types leading to a better understanding of them. This process allowed us to clearly show: (a) the existence of a broader consensus in the field than expected; (b) that problems are limited to concrete aspects related to the level of analysis or the scope of certain flexibility types; (c) the possibility of a theoretical integration between the two perspectives which would permit a standardisation of the names and definitions for the flexibility types which make up the manufacturing flexibility construct.