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Article
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Heping Liu, Jinxin Lu, Fusheng Zhu and Ani Luo

This study proposes a tensegrity-based traction structure with D-bar dual cable units. It is used to connect the airship and the ground to stabilize the airship.

48

Abstract

Purpose

This study proposes a tensegrity-based traction structure with D-bar dual cable units. It is used to connect the airship and the ground to stabilize the airship.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical models and dynamic models of the D-bar dual cable (hereafter referred to as DD cable) unit of the tensegrity-based traction structure are established. Based on the minimum mass method, the mass of the DD cable unit in the critical state (cable member is yielding, or bar member is buckling or yielding) is analyzed. Then, the tensile strength of the DD cable unit and single cable unit under the same condition is compared using the control variate method. Finally, based on ANSYS dynamic simulation, the stability of the two structures under the same external force disturbance was tested.

Findings

Expressions for the minimum mass of the DD cable unit under different failure conditions are solved. Dynamic simulation results show that the capacity of resisting disturbance of the DD cable unit is much better than that of the single cable unit under the same wind speed. So, we find a structure more suitable for the fixed connection of an airship.

Originality/value

This study helps to provide theoretical reference and thinking for the practical application of the traction structure with a D-bar dual cable unit.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 4 January 2021

Angelo Vumiliya, Ani Luo, Heping Liu and Andrés González

This paper aims to propose a study on the static behavior of prismatic tensegrity structures and an innovative form for determining the effect of mechanical properties and…

220

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a study on the static behavior of prismatic tensegrity structures and an innovative form for determining the effect of mechanical properties and geometric parameters on the minimal mass design of these structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The minimal mass design in this paper considers a stable class-two tensegrity tower built through stable models. Using the proposed structures, comprehensive parametric studies are performed to examine the mass (in which the masses of joints are ignored), the mass ratio between a class-two tensegrity tower and a single element, both having the same diameter and length and afterward determine a reliable mass saving structure under various circumstances.

Findings

The simulations show that the mass ratio versus the number of units is a nonlinear regressive curve and predicts that the proposed model outperforms the standard model when the variation parameter considered is a vertical force. The difference in mass between these structures is visible when the gap gradually decreases while the number of units increases. On the geometrical aspect, the gap between the masses is not significant.

Originality/value

This paper helps to understand the influences of geometric parameters and the mechanical properties on the design of cylinder tensegrity structures dealing with a compressive force.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Heping Liu, Sanaullah, Angelo Vumiliya and Ani Luo

The aim of this article is to obtain a stable tensegrity structure by using the minimum knowledge of the structure.

140

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this article is to obtain a stable tensegrity structure by using the minimum knowledge of the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Three methods have been formulated based on the eigen value decomposition (EVD) and singular value decomposition theorems. These two theorems are being implemented on the matrices, which are computed from the minimal data of the structure. The required minimum data for the structure is the dimension of the structure, the connectivity matrix of the structure and the initial force density matrix computed from the type of elements. The stability of the structure is analyzed based on the rank deficiency of the force density matrix and equilibrium matrix.

Findings

The main purpose of this article is to use the defined methods to find (1) the nodal coordinates of the structure, (2) the final force density values of the structure, (3) single self-stress from multiple self-stresses and (4) the stable structure.

Originality/value

By using the defined approaches, one can understand the difference of each method, which includes, (1) the selection of eigenvalues, (2) the selection of nodal coordinates from the first decomposition theorem, (3) the selection of mechanism mode and force density values further and (4) the solution of single feasible self-stress from multiple self-stresses.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 29 June 2023

Ziying Cao, Ani Luo, Yaming Feng and Heping Liu

This paper is contributed to find the minimal mass prismatic tensegrity structures.

225

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is contributed to find the minimal mass prismatic tensegrity structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In the stable state of the structure with any given external force, the internal forces of the structure members are taken as the critical force to calculate the cross-sectional area, and the total mass of the structure can be obtained. Firstly, the mathematical model of prismatic tensegrity was built. Secondly, the stability of the tensegrity was analyzed based on the force equilibrium of one node, the force density relationship of elements was obtained. The deformation of p-bar tensegrity prism unit was studied with the same mass. The force of the structure under external force was analyzed.

Findings

(1) The length of bar and the structural radius are almost invariant, and the mechanical properties of 3-bar tensegrity prism is more outstanding; (2) theoretically, the mass of the structure is minimal while the projection of bar passes the center of the circle. Under the circumstances, the force of diagonal cable is 0 N, the vertical force component of bar cancels the axial external force.

Originality/value

(1) By analyzing the deformation of p-bar tensegrity prism with the same mass, the length of bar and the structural radius are proved be almost invariant and the mechanical properties of 3-bar tensegrity prism is more outstanding; (2) theoretically, the mass of the structure is minimal while the projection of bar passes the center of the circle. Under the circumstances, the force of diagonal cable is 0 N, the vertical force component of bar cancels the axial external force.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2023

Ani Luo, Ziying Cao, Heping Liu and Yaming Feng

In this paper, the main factors influencing the structure stiffness will be analyzed by studying the tangent stiffness matrix based on different requirement in engineering…

447

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the main factors influencing the structure stiffness will be analyzed by studying the tangent stiffness matrix based on different requirement in engineering practice. The authors can obtain the deformation of three-bar tensegrity basic unit in different load, and gain the primary factor by comparing the deformation, which will provide reference to concrete structure design in the engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model of tensegrity structure was built by establishing generalized node coordinates and connective matrix. Three main factors that affect the structure deformation can be obtained by analyzing the stiffness matrix, which is preload, Young's modulus, and cross-sectional area, the thinking of deformation also be sorted out. The deformation analysis of the concrete structure is carried out, and it is concluded that increasing the cross-sectional area can quickly improve the stiffness of the structure, which provides a reference for the structural variable stiffness design in practical engineering.

Findings

(1) When the axial external force is applied to the structure, the torsion-angle deformation of the structure is the largest, and the radial deformation of the structure is the smallest. (2) The structure stiffness can be rapidly enhanced by increasing the cross-sectional area. But the cross-sectional area can't be increased indefinitely. Because the mass will be increased once increasing the cross-sectional area, which will destroy the structure of the advantages of light weight in engineering practice.

Originality/value

The deformation analysis of the concrete structure is carried out, and it is concluded that increasing the cross-sectional area can quickly improve the stiffness of the structure, which provides a reference for the structural variable stiffness design in practical engineering.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 2 October 2019

Heping He, Yanni Liu and Zhimin Zhou

With the rapid development of social media in the past few years, some dark aspects of usage have appeared, e.g., Weibo addiction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to…

575

Abstract

Purpose

With the rapid development of social media in the past few years, some dark aspects of usage have appeared, e.g., Weibo addiction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to address the question of how Weibo keeps users hooked.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes the netnography method to explore the symptoms of Weibo addiction and how it is formed.

Findings

First, some Weibo users have typical symptoms of addictive behavior, such as withdrawal, loss of control and general living problems; second, narcissism plays an important role in the process of Weibo addiction and has a stronger effect on content generation than content consumption; third, some users use Weibo as a means to alleviate anxiety, but they can then become more anxious owing to addiction; and fourth, the effect of comments has two sides – on the one hand, comments are one kind of feedback to posts, satisfying posters’ social needs, while on the other hand, a storytelling system consists of one post and its comments, upon which some Weibo users become more dependent.

Research limitations/implications

This research is only a preliminary, exploratory study. Therefore, care should be taken when interpreting these findings.

Practical implications

This study should help social media service providers and users to pay attention to the risk of social media addiction. Social media service providers should take social responsibility, design more user-oriented guidelines for marketing ethics and launch more responsible marketing activities. Users should enhance self-control and better balance social media use and offline real life.

Originality/value

Netnography has not been widely used as an addictive behavior research technique. This study is further bolstered because it has also noticed the difference of addiction mechanisms between addictive micro-bloggers and their followers.

Details

Journal of Contemporary Marketing Science, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2516-7480

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Article
Publication date: 5 April 2011

Heping Liu, Yanli Chen, Fred L. Strickland, Ran Dai and Bing Qi

The purpose of this paper is to develop an application software interpolation system based on Taylor Kriging (TK) metamodeling, and apply the developed software system to…

433

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an application software interpolation system based on Taylor Kriging (TK) metamodeling, and apply the developed software system to addressing some engineering interpolation problems.

Design/methodology/approach

TK is a novel Kriging model where Taylor expansion is used to identify the base functions of drift function in Kriging. The paper explains the methodology of TK, illustrates the development of software, and reports the results of two case studies by comparing TK with several regression methods.

Findings

TK has the advantage of interpolation accuracy, and the developed Kriging software system is useful and can be conveniently manipulated by users.

Practical implications

The developed software system can benefit practical engineering applications that need accurate interpolations under limited observations.

Originality/value

This paper develops an application software interpolation system based on a novel TK metamodel, and the practical engineering applications show that it can provide accurate interpolations under limited observations.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2019

Yuan Gao, Hu Liu, Jie Chen and Heping Peng

The purpose of this paper is to present a priority evaluation method for data module (DM) modification tasks based on the thoughts of real-time systems. Tasks in practical cases…

150

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a priority evaluation method for data module (DM) modification tasks based on the thoughts of real-time systems. Tasks in practical cases can be sorted by this method after analyzing their time records. Civil aircraft technical publications (CATPs) are the key technical guarantee for aircraft companies to efficiently operate and service aircraft. Orienting the maintenance business of CATPs, this method regards DM as the research object to help DM editors efficiently finish their time-consuming work.

Design/methodology/approach

This method provides a priority order of modification tasks for DM editors by calculating two indicators: priority value (PV) and priority level (PL). Table of task priority must be first designed for certain evaluation work followed by generating PLs and PVs of modification tasks. Then editors can fully understand the urgency of these tasks using the rank orders of these two indicators.

Findings

This method can be applied into a software system used by CATPs department of aircraft manufacturers. According to the engineers’ opinions from a manufacturer in China, it is convenient for the practical application.

Originality/value

Availability and rationality are verified by the practical case and a software system. In addition, the originality characterized by a thinking for engineers to quantify the evaluation work of DM modification task priority, and they could also customize this method by taking modification difficulty and other factors into account.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2024

Weijiang Wu, Heping Tan and Yifeng Zheng

Community detection is a key factor in analyzing the structural features of complex networks. However, traditional dynamic community detection methods often fail to effectively…

94

Abstract

Purpose

Community detection is a key factor in analyzing the structural features of complex networks. However, traditional dynamic community detection methods often fail to effectively solve the problems of deep network information loss and computational complexity in hyperbolic space. To address this challenge, a hyperbolic space-based dynamic graph neural network community detection model (HSDCDM) is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

HSDCDM first projects the node features into the hyperbolic space and then utilizes the hyperbolic graph convolution module on the Poincaré and Lorentz models to realize feature fusion and information transfer. In addition, the parallel optimized temporal memory module ensures fast and accurate capture of time domain information over extended periods. Finally, the community clustering module divides the community structure by combining the node characteristics of the space domain and the time domain. To evaluate the performance of HSDCDM, experiments are conducted on both artificial and real datasets.

Findings

Experimental results on complex networks demonstrate that HSDCDM significantly enhances the quality of community detection in hierarchical networks. It shows an average improvement of 7.29% in NMI and a 9.07% increase in ARI across datasets compared to traditional methods. For complex networks with non-Euclidean geometric structures, the HSDCDM model incorporating hyperbolic geometry can better handle the discontinuity of the metric space, provides a more compact embedding that preserves the data structure, and offers advantages over methods based on Euclidean geometry methods.

Originality/value

This model aggregates the potential information of nodes in space through manifold-preserving distribution mapping and hyperbolic graph topology modules. Moreover, it optimizes the Simple Recurrent Unit (SRU) on the hyperbolic space Lorentz model to effectively extract time series data in hyperbolic space, thereby enhancing computing efficiency by eliminating the reliance on tangent space.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

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Article
Publication date: 13 May 2020

Xianhe Wen and Heping Chen

Human assembly process recognition in human–robot collaboration (HRC) has been studied recently. However, most research works do not cover high-precision and long-timespan…

417

Abstract

Purpose

Human assembly process recognition in human–robot collaboration (HRC) has been studied recently. However, most research works do not cover high-precision and long-timespan sub-assembly recognition. Hence this paper aims to deal with this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

To deal with the above-mentioned problem, the authors propose a 3D long-term recurrent convolutional networks (LRCN) by combining 3D convolutional neural networks (CNN) with long short-term memory (LSTM). 3D CNN behaves well in human action recognition. But when it comes to human sub-assembly recognition, the accuracy of 3D CNN is very low and the number of model parameters is huge, which limits its application in human sub-assembly recognition. Meanwhile, LSTM has the incomparable superiority of long-time memory and time dimensionality compression ability. Hence, by combining 3D CNN with LSTM, the new approach can greatly improve the recognition accuracy and reduce the number of model parameters.

Findings

Experiments were performed to validate the proposed method and preferable results have been obtained, where the recognition accuracy increases from 82% to 99%, recall ratio increases from 95% to 100% and the number of model parameters is reduced more than 8 times.

Originality/value

The authors focus on a new problem of high-precision and long-timespan sub-assembly recognition in the area of human assembly process recognition. Then, the 3D LRCN method is a new method with high-precision and long-timespan recognition ability for human sub-assembly recognition compared to 3D CNN method. It is extraordinarily valuable for the robot in HRC. It can help the robot understand what the sub-assembly human cooperator has done in HRC.

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