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This paper proposes sheet thickness determination in manufacturing of laminated dies as an optimization problem. The aim of this optimization procedure is finding the best set of thicknesses which minimizes the volume deviation between actual computer‐aided design (CAD) model and assembled slices.

This works uses a modified version of genetic algorithms for the optimization purpose. Each set of thicknesses that can cover the whole CAD model surface is considered as a chromosome. Genetic operators such as crossover and mutation have to be modified to be used in this application.

A new method for finding the total volume deviation between assembled slices and the actual CAD model was developed in this research. On the other hand, the results show how the program can automate the slice plane locations search process.

Premature convergence does not allow the algorithm to search the entire solution space before getting trapped in a local optimum. Even the mutation operator cannot postpone this untimely convergence.

The proposed method is a good substitute for the manual methods that are currently used in industry. These experience‐based methods are mostly based on the decision made by a well‐trained technician on picking up the thicknesses for a specific CAD model.

This is the first attempt at optimizing the slicing method in laminated tooling. Other methods are mostly based on rapid prototyping (RP) and they are not applicable in the laminated tooling process since, despite RP, here not all optimization outputs can be used in practical procedure.

Due to an uncertainty between actual model and assembled slices, there is always an extra material on assembled slices in laminated tooling. Therefore, a post processing, usually CNC machining, is required to remove this extra material and reach the near net shape surface for final product. One of the issues in laminated tooling is to minimize the amount of this extra material and reduce the cost of the post processing. Direction of slicing is an important parameter in this issue. This research aims to introduce a method to find the best slicing direction based on CAD model surface geometry and minimize the amount of the extra material in the assembled slices. Researches on the best slicing direction investigation so far were mostly based on the extra volume calculation for a number of candidate directions. Since the time needed for the extra volume calculation is proportionally high, the number of candidate directions to be investigated was usually limited, whereas, in the proposed method, the best slicing direction is found based on CAD model surface geometry and there is no need to find the actual amount of the extra volume. Moreover, the suggested method is developed to the cases where having more than one slicing direction is desirable for more reduction in the amount of the extra volume. The proposed optimization method can be used to find the best slicing direction in laminated tooling. Moreover, the ability to suggest multiple slicing directions can provide more reduction for the amount of the extra material. However, the number of candidate directions in the case of multiple slicing directions is limited due to joining problems in laminated tooling.

The investigation is based on the situation of normal vectors on CAD model surface. The CAD model surface is considered as a combination of planar tiles and all normal vectors of these tiles are considered as the candidate directions. This provides a number of candidates that can cover almost all possible slicing directions. The best slicing direction is then found by estimating the amount of the extra material produced on the tiles by each normal vector.

The proposed method applied to some examples. The case studies included the simple predictable models to qualify the reliability of the proposed method. Also more applicable examples were provided to show how the suggested method acts in real cases.

The proposed method can be applied to each and every CAD model. Therefore, there is no limitation with regard to the type of model which can be investigated by the proposed method. However, there is limitation on the number of times the building direction can be changed in laminated tooling.

The proposed method can be employed to reduce the post processing time in laminated tooling.

Following the prior study researchers conducted in optimization of laminated dies, another parameter, slicing direction, is considered in this research. This brings a new approach on laminated dies optimization to reduce the production cost.

In Iran, the frequent occurrence of disasters has always been a major problem. In recent decades, disasters have created considerable challenges, especially in cities. Hence, understanding the levels of urban resilience (UR) and planning for addressing vulnerabilities plays a key role in the era of increasing risks and uncertainties. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of resilience of Iranian cities.

A systematic literature review method was used to determine how resilient Iranian cities are. To find relevant studies, the authors searched Iranian and international databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, SID and Magiran. There was no restriction on the inclusion date, meaning that all papers published up until September 16, 2021 were considered for inclusion. The PRISMA framework was used for literature search and selection and, finally, 153 studies focused on 52 cities of Iran were selected for the systematic review.

In general, the results showed that the level of resilience was low in Iranian cities. Also, informal settlements, worn-out urban fabrics and the central parts of cities showed lower resilience than other parts.

The results of the study can be used to inform municipal authorities, urban planners and non-governmental organizations of the actions that need to be taken to enhance the resilience of Iranian cities.

Life experience in hot and arid areas of Iran has proved that in the transitional seasons (spring and autumn) in which the climate is not too hot, passive cooling systems such as windcatchers (baadgir) have functioned well. This paper intends to investigate the efficiency of a single-side windcatcher as a passive cooling strategy; the case study is the Bina House windcatcher, located in Khousf town, near Birjand city, Iran.

To achieve the aim, air temperature, relative humidity, wind data and mean radiant temperature were measured by the related tools over five days from September 23 to October 23. Then, the thermal performance of the windcatcher was examined by analyzing the effects of all these factors on human thermal comfort. Quantitative assessment of the indoor environment was estimated using DesignBuilder and its computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool, a thermal comfort simulation method to compare the cooling potential of the windcatcher. Windcatcher performance was then compared with two other common cooling systems in the area: single-side window, and evaporative cooler.

The results showed that both windcatcher and evaporative cooler can provide thermal comfort for Khousf residents in the transitional seasons; but the difference is that an evaporative cooler needs to consume water and electricity power, while a windcatcher is a passive cooling system that uses clean energy of wind.

The present study, by quantitative study of single-side windcatchers in a desert region, measured the climatic factors of a historical house and compared it with thermal comfort criteria. Therefore, the results of field measurements were analyzed, and the efficiency of the windcatcher was compared with two other cooling systems, namely single-side ventilation and evaporative cooler, in the two seasons of summer and autumn (transition seasons).