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