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Article
Publication date: 16 April 2018

Yan Zhao, L.T. Si and H. Ouyang

A novel frequency domain approach, which combines the pseudo excitation method modified by the authors and multi-domain Fourier transform (PEM-FT), is proposed for analyzing…

204

Abstract

Purpose

A novel frequency domain approach, which combines the pseudo excitation method modified by the authors and multi-domain Fourier transform (PEM-FT), is proposed for analyzing nonstationary random vibration in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

For a structure subjected to a nonstationary random excitation, the closed-form solution of evolutionary power spectral density of the response is derived in frequency domain.

Findings

The deterministic process and random process in an evolutionary spectrum are separated effectively using this method during the analysis of nonstationary random vibration of a linear damped system, only modulation function of the system needs to be estimated, which brings about a large saving in computational time.

Originality/value

The method is general and highly flexible as it can deal with various damping types and nonstationary random excitations with different modulation functions.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 13 February 2020

Haichao Cui, Qiang Gao, Xiaolan Li and Huajiang Ouyang

This paper aims to propose an efficient and accurate method to analyse the transient heat conduction in a periodic structure with moving heat sources.

153

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an efficient and accurate method to analyse the transient heat conduction in a periodic structure with moving heat sources.

Design/methodology/approach

The moving heat source is modelled as a localised Gaussian distribution in space. Based on the spatial distribution, the physical feature of transient heat conduction and the periodic property of structure, a special feature of temperature responses caused by the moving heat source is illustrated. Then, combined with the superposition principle of linear system, within a small time-step, computation of results corresponding to the whole structure excited by the Gaussian heat source is transformed into that of some small-scale structures. Lastly, the precise integration method (PIM) is used to solve the temperature responses of each small-scale structure efficiently and accurately.

Findings

Within a reasonable time-step, the heat source applied on a unit cell can only cause the temperature responses of a limited number of adjacent unit cells. According to the above feature and the periodic property of a structure, the contributions caused by the moving heat source for the most of time-steps are repeatable, and the temperature responses of the entire periodic structure can be obtained by some small-scale structures.

Originality/value

A novel numerical method is proposed for analysing moving heat source problems, and the numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method is much more efficient than the traditional methods, even for larger-scale problems and multiple moving heat source problems.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 19 June 2019

Xiaolong Wang, Aimin Wang, Kaixiang Wang and Yuebo Li

651

Abstract

Purpose

Traditional gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and GTAW-based wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) are notably different. These differences are crucial to the process stability and surface quality in GTAW WAAM. This paper addresses special characteristics and the process control method of GTAW WAAM. The purpose of this paper is to improve the process stability with sensor information fusion in omnidirectional GTAW WAAM process.

Design/methodology/approach

A wire feed strategy is proposed to achieve an omnidirectional GTAW WAAM process. Thus, a model of welding voltage with welding current and arc length is established. An automatic control system fit to the entire GTAW WAAM process is established using both welding voltage and welding current. The effect of several types of commonly used controllers is examined. To assess the validity of this system, an arc length step experiment, various wire feed speed experiments and a square sample experiment were performed.

Findings

The research findings show that the resented wire feed strategy and arc length control system can effectively guarantee the stability of the GTAW WAAM process.

Originality/value

This paper tries to make a foundation work to achieve omnidirectional welding and process stability of GTAW WAAM through wire feed geometry analysis and sensor information fusion control model. The proposed wire feed strategy is implementable and practical, and a novel sensor fusion control method has been developed in the study for varying current GTAW WAAM process.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Haibin Geng, Jinglong Li, Jiangtao Xiong, Xin Lin, Dan Huang and Fusheng Zhang

As known, the wire and arc additive manufacture technique can achieve stable process control, which is represented with periodic surface waviness, when using empirical methods or…

701

Abstract

Purpose

As known, the wire and arc additive manufacture technique can achieve stable process control, which is represented with periodic surface waviness, when using empirical methods or feedback control system. But it is usually a tedious work to further reduce it using trial and error method. The purpose of this paper is to unveil the formation mechanism of surface waviness and develop a method to diminish it.

Design/methodology/approach

Two forming mechanisms, wetting and spreading and remelting, are unveiled by cross-section observation. A discriminant is established to differentiate which mechanism is valid to dominate the forming process under the given process parameters.

Findings

Finally, a theoretical method is developed to optimize surface waviness, even forming a smooth surface by establishing a matching relation between heat input (line energy) and materials input (the ratio of wire feed speed to travel speed).

Originality/value

Formation mechanisms are revealed by observing cross-section morphology. A discriminant is established to differentiate which mechanism is valid to dominate the forming process under the given process parameters. A mathematical model is developed to optimize surface waviness, even forming a smooth surface through establishing a matching relation between heat input (line energy) and materials input (the ratio of wire feed speed to travel speed).

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 20 April 2010

S. Sarkar

The purpose of this article is to attempt to highlight various approaches for enhancing the viability of probiotics, with special emphasis on micro‐encapsulation.

2377

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to attempt to highlight various approaches for enhancing the viability of probiotics, with special emphasis on micro‐encapsulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Various techniques, such as selection of acid and bile resistant strains, use of oxygen impermeable packaging materials, two‐step fermentation, stress adaptation, inclusion of micro‐nutrient, sonication of bacteria and micro‐encapsulation, which could be employed for maintaining or enhancing probiotic viability are discussed, with special emphasis on micro‐encapsulation.

Findings

Probiotics lose their viability during gastro‐intestinal transit due to unfavorable intestinal environment. Amongst diverse techniques micro‐encapsulation could confer protection to the probiotics both in the product as well as in the gastro‐intestinal environment.

Originality/value

The paper shows that micro‐encapsulation of probiotics renders them stable both in the product as well as in the intestinal environment and application of encapsulated probiotics would result in a product with greater prophylactic activities.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 112 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 8 August 2023

Mengkai Liu and Meng Luo

The poor capacity of prefabricated construction cost estimation is the essential reason for the low profitability of the general contractor. Therefore, this study aims to focus on…

351

Abstract

Purpose

The poor capacity of prefabricated construction cost estimation is the essential reason for the low profitability of the general contractor. Therefore, this study aims to focus on the cost estimation of prefabricated construction as the research object. This research aims to enhance the accuracy of total project cost estimation for general contractors, ultimately leading to improved profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used Vensim PLE software to establish a system dynamics model. In the modeling process, a systematic research review was used to identify cost-influencing factors; ABC classification and the analytic hierarchy process were used to score and determine the weights of influencing factors.

Findings

The total cost error obtained by the model is less than 2% compared with the actual value. It can be used to cost estimation and analysis. The analysis results indicate that there are 7 key factors, among which the prefabrication rate has the most significant impact. Furthermore, the model can provide the extreme range cost; the minimum cost can reduce by 13% from the value in the case. The factor's value can compose a cost control strategy for general contractors.

Practical implications

The cost of prefabricated buildings can be estimated well, and deciding the prefabrication rate is crucial. The cost can be declined by correct cost control strategies when bidding and subcontracting are in process. The strategies can follow the direction of the model.

Originality/value

A systemic, quantitative and qualitative analysis of cost estimation of prefabricated buildings for general contractors has been conducted. A mathematical model has been developed and validated to facilitate more effective cost-control measures.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 25 July 2024

Wei-Chao Yang, Guo-Zhi Li, E Deng, De-Hui Ouyang and Zhi-Peng Lu

Sustainable urban rail transit requires noise barriers. However, these barriers’ durability varies due to the differing aerodynamic impacts they experience. The purpose of this…

77

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainable urban rail transit requires noise barriers. However, these barriers’ durability varies due to the differing aerodynamic impacts they experience. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the aerodynamic discrepancies of trains when they meet within two types of rectangular noise barriers: fully enclosed (FERNB) and semi-enclosed with vertical plates (SERNBVB). The research also considers the sensitivity of the scale ratio in these scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

A 1:16 scaled moving model test analyzed spatiotemporal patterns and discrepancies in aerodynamic pressures during train meetings. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics models, with scale ratios of 1:1, 1:8 and 1:16, used the improved delayed detached eddy simulation turbulence model and slip grid technique. Comparing scale ratios on aerodynamic pressure discrepancies between the two types of noise barriers and revealing the flow field mechanism were done. The goal is to establish the relationship between aerodynamic pressure at scale and in full scale.

Findings

The aerodynamic pressure on SERNBVB is influenced by the train’s head and tail waves, whereas for FERNB, it is affected by pressure wave and head-tail waves. Notably, SERNBVB's aerodynamic pressure is more sensitive to changes in scale ratio. As the scale ratio decreases, the aerodynamic pressure on the noise barrier gradually increases.

Originality/value

A train-meeting moving model test is conducted within the noise barrier. Comparison of aerodynamic discrepancies during train meets between two types of rectangular noise barriers and the relationship between the scale and the full scale are established considering the modeling scale ratio.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Hongya Niu, Chunmiao Wu, Xinyi Ma, Xiaoteng Ji, Yuting Tian and Jinxi Wang

This study aims to better understand the morphological characteristics of single particle and the health risk characteristics of heavy metals in PM2.5 in different functional…

50

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to better understand the morphological characteristics of single particle and the health risk characteristics of heavy metals in PM2.5 in different functional areas of Handan City.

Design/methodology/approach

High resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the aerosol samples collected from different functional areas of Handan City. The morphology and size distribution of the particles collected on hazy and clear days were compared. The health risk evaluation model was applied to evaluate the hazardous effects of particles on human health in different functional areas on hazy days.

Findings

The results show that the particulate matter in different functional areas is dominated by spherical particles in different weather conditions. In particular, the proportion of spherical particles exceeds 70% on the haze day, and the percentage of soot aggregates increases significantly on the clear day. The percentage of each type of particle in the teaching and living areas varied less under different weather conditions. Except for the industrial area, the size distribution of each type of particle in haze samples is larger than that on the clear day. Spherical particles contribute more to the small particle size segment. Soot aggregate and other shaped particles contribute more to the large size segment. The mass concentrations of hazardous elements (HEs) in PM2.5 in different functional areas on consecutive haze pollution days were illustrated as industrial area > traffic area > living area > teaching area. Compared with the other functional areas, the teaching area had the lowest noncarcinogenic risk of HEs. The lifetime carcinogenic risk values of Cr and As elements in each functional area have exceeded residents’ threshold levels and are at high risk of carcinogenicity. Among the four functional areas, the industrial area has the highest carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks. But the effects of HEs on human health in the other functional areas should also be taken seriously and continuously controlled.

Originality/value

The significance of the study is to further understand the morphological characteristics of single particles and the health risks of heavy metals in different functional areas of Handan City. the authors hope to provide a reference for other coal-burning industrial cities to develop plans to improve air quality and human respiratory health.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 17 July 2024

Jinal Shah, Ishfaq Hussain Bhat and Suma Gundugola

Hybrid learning has become a reality due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students world over had to switch to this new learning format. This study aims to analyze the…

45

Abstract

Purpose

Hybrid learning has become a reality due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students world over had to switch to this new learning format. This study aims to analyze the impact of innovation attributes of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and User Technology (UTAUT2) model and community of inquiry (COI) framework on the hybrid learning experience and the continued intention for it.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional research design, the study has adapted a scale from past studies and collected data using purposive sampling from the student community. The research has used the structural equation modeling technique using SMART-PLS to study the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The study’s findings are that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, teaching presence, cognitive presence and social presence influence hybrid learning experience and continued intention. Further hybrid learning experience mediates the continued intention.

Practical implications

This study has several academic and practical implications for improving the hybrid learning experience. Various stakeholders can get insights on improving the user’s desire to pursue learning in a hybrid environment.

Originality/value

Hybrid learner experience is an upcoming area of research and yet unexplored in India as well as in other countries. A new hybrid experience model was developed by extending the UTAUT2 to include the COI framework and learner experience frameworks.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 7 November 2019

Hanyang Ma, Zheming Liu, Saixing Zeng, Han Lin and Vivian W.Y. Tam

Since megaproject social responsibility (MSR) has received increasing attention in megaproject management and plays critical roles in megaproject practices, the purpose of this…

1261

Abstract

Purpose

Since megaproject social responsibility (MSR) has received increasing attention in megaproject management and plays critical roles in megaproject practices, the purpose of this paper is to explore how MSR facilitates an improved sustainability of the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating multiple theoretical perspectives of transaction cost theory, institutionalism and attention- and resource-based views, and by using survey data of Chinese megaprojects and construction enterprises, this paper offers a theoretical elaboration of and an empirical investigation into the impacts that MSR’s four dimensions exert on industrial improvement in economic sustainability and social responsibility.

Findings

The study’s empirical results indicate that MSR has positive impacts on improving the sustainability of the construction industry, and that such positive impacts are weakened by the interactions of primary stakeholders in the megaprojects but are strengthened by the interactions of secondary stakeholders.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that managers and policymakers make efforts to governmental guidance, media monitoring and public participation in megaprojects, so as to limit the potential unethical behaviors in megaproject management and enhance the sociopolitical legitimacy that are essential for the sustainability of the construction industry.

Originality/value

By analyzing the industrial outcomes of MSR, this paper extends studies on the topic beyond the current literature’s focus on the antecedents of MSR, and it enriches the research on MSR stakeholders by elaborating on the contingent roles of the various stakeholders in megaproject management.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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