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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Weida Xu and Tianyuan Xiao

The purpose of this paper is to introduce robust optimization approaches to balance mixed model assembly lines with uncertain task times and daily model mix changes.

788

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce robust optimization approaches to balance mixed model assembly lines with uncertain task times and daily model mix changes.

Design/methodology/approach

Scenario planning approach is used to represent the input data uncertainty in the decision model. Two kinds of robust criteria are provided: one is min‐max related; and the other is α‐worst scenario based. Corresponding optimization models are formulated, respectively. A genetic algorithm‐based robust optimization framework is designed. Comprehensive computational experiments are done to study the effect of these robust approaches.

Findings

With min‐max related robust criteria, the solutions can provide an optimal worst‐case hedge against uncertainties without a significant sacrifice in the long‐run performance; α‐worst scenario‐based criteria can generate flexible robust solutions: through rationally tuning the value of α, the decision maker can obtain a balance between robustness and conservatism of an assembly line task elements assignment.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is an attempt to robust mixed model assembly line balancing. Some more efficient and effective robust approaches – including robust criteria and optimization algorithms – may be designed in the future.

Practical implications

In an assembly line with significant uncertainty, the robust approaches proposed in this paper can hedge against the risk of poor system performance in bad scenarios.

Originality/value

Using robust optimization approaches to balance mixed model assembly line.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Song Xiao, Zhang Lin, Gong Guang‐hong, Di Yan‐Qiang and Yu Peng‐fei

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new method of ontology‐based digital product data exchange. The digital product data are enriched with virtual prototype (VP) model…

384

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new method of ontology‐based digital product data exchange. The digital product data are enriched with virtual prototype (VP) model information and the designed exchange process is discussed. Additionally, an algorithm enabling the ontology‐based data exchange method among missile guide systems is proposed and analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Semantic sevice‐oriented architecture (SSOA) is an innovative integration architecture for digital product information integration and process integration. In digital product ontology layer of SSOA, a new method of ontology‐based product data exchange is proposed. Compared with traditional information exchange, the method adds the VP's information to general digital products' information. The VP's information is described by building VP static structure ontology and dynamic behavior ontology. The exchange process of the novel method is discussed in detail. Finally, an example illustrating the data exchange among missile guide systems is given and the merits of the proposed method is analyzed.

Findings

Simulation information, especially VP information, is not always well defined and taken into account by product data exchange systems such as product data management or product lifecycle management. A formal description of VP information is often required in efficient and effective product data exchange. The goal is to define VP structure and behavior ontologies to enable ontology‐based digital product data exchange.

Originality/value

Using VP information including structure information and behavior information, the paper provides a new method of digital product data exchange.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Zhang Ming, Nie Hong, Wei Xiao‐hui, Qian Xiaomei and Zhou Enzhi

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a co‐simulation method to study the ground maneuvers of aircraft anti‐skid braking and steering.

6825

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a co‐simulation method to study the ground maneuvers of aircraft anti‐skid braking and steering.

Design/methodology/approach

A virtual prototype of aircraft is established in the multibody system dynamics software MSC.ADAMS/Aircraft. The anti‐skid braking control model, which adopts the multi‐threshold PID control method with a slip‐velocity‐controlled, pressure‐bias‐modulated (PBM) system, is established in MATLAB/Simulink. EASY5 is used to establish the hydraulic system of nose wheel steering. The ADAMS model is connected to block diagrams of the anti‐skid braking control model in MATLAB/Simulink, and is also connected to the block diagrams of nose wheel steering system model in EASY5, so that the ground maneuvers of aircraft anti‐skid braking and steering are simulated separately.

Findings

Results are presented to investigate the performance of anti‐skid braking system in aircraft anti‐skid simulation. In aircraft steering simulation, the influence of two important parameters on the forces acting on the tires is discussed in detail, and the safe area to prevent aircraft sideslip is obtained.

Originality/value

This paper presents an advanced method to study the ground maneuvers of aircraft anti‐skid braking and steering, and establishes an integrated aircraft model of airframe, landing gear, steering system, and anti‐skid braking system to investigate the interaction of each subsystem via simulation.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

M.R. Pagnola, F.D. Saccone, A. Ozols and H. Sirkin

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a simplified method, based on an improvement to the actual second‐order approximation to magnetic hysteresis curves, to calculate an…

277

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a simplified method, based on an improvement to the actual second‐order approximation to magnetic hysteresis curves, to calculate an estimation of quasi‐static hysteresis loops of ferromagnetic materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The addition of a new dB(B) function is proposed to second‐order rational approximation for the upward and downward magnetic quasi‐static hysteresis loop. The new semi‐empirical approach is tested with typical cycles of commercial Ni‐ferrites (ferroxcube) and Ni standards using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM).

Findings

The model is simple and a fast tool to reproduce with reasonable accuracy the hysteresis loops based on appropriate parameters of materials under analysis. The proposed extension to the Rivas model has reduced the maximum difference between experimental and modeled values from 19 to 0.08 per cent in the approximation to different hysteresis cycles of the magnetic materials studied here.

Originality/value

This paper presents an improvement to second‐order rational functions approach for fitting of hysteresis loops with simple added functions.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Weijian Mi, Wei Yan, Junliang He and Daofang Chang

The purpose of this paper is to propose a yard allocation model via objective programming. This is initially postulated based on a rolling‐horizon strategy, which aims at…

599

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a yard allocation model via objective programming. This is initially postulated based on a rolling‐horizon strategy, which aims at allotting outbound containers into yard.

Design/methodology/approach

To resolve the NP‐hard problem regarding the yard allocation model, a hybrid algorithm, which applies heuristic rules and distributed genetic algorithm (DGA), is then employed.

Findings

It could be observed from the case study that this proposed approach is proven effective for resolving the container yard allocation problem. The total loading time onto vessels, the total horizontal transportation distance and the imbalance among blocks are improved.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not deal with equipment scheduling.

Practical implications

This approach helps to minimize turnaround time; handling cost of vessels; the workloads among blocks are balanced for each vessel; and the total distance of container transportation.

Originality/value

This paper designs a hybrid algorithm, which integrates heuristic rules and DGA. In details, the heuristic rules are developed for generating feasible solutions, while the DGA was applied for optimizing these solutions.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Guofeng Zhang, Yuxin Zhang and Hengfei Ding

The purpose of this paper is to present a new family of iterative methods with eighth‐order convergence for solving the nonlinear equation.

215

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new family of iterative methods with eighth‐order convergence for solving the nonlinear equation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a family of eighth‐order iterative methods for solving nonlinear equation based on Kou's seventh‐order method.

Findings

This family of methods is preferable to Ostrowski's, Grau's and Kou's methods in high‐precision computations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only deals with the nonlinear equations.

Practical implications

This paper is concerned with the iterative methods for finding a simple root of the nonlinear equation f(x)=0. One of the reasons for discussing the solution of nonlinear equation is that many methods for high‐dimensional optimization problems involve solving a sub‐problem which is a one‐dimensional search problem. And the nonlinear finite element problem, the boundary‐value problems appearing in Kinetic theory of gases, elasticity and other applied areas are also reduced to solving such an equation.

Originality/value

New methods of this family require three evaluations of the function and one evaluation of its first derivative and without using the second derivatives per iteration. This new family of methods as a new example agrees with Kung‐Traub's conjecture for n=4 and achieves its optimal convergence order 2n−1.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Marissa Condon, Alfredo Deaño, Arieh Iserles, Kornel Maczyński and Tao Xu

The purpose of this paper is to analyse a novel technique for an efficient numerical approximation of systems of highly oscillatory ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that…

286

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse a novel technique for an efficient numerical approximation of systems of highly oscillatory ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that arise in electronic systems subject to modulated signals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines a Filon‐type method with waveform relaxation techniques for nonlinear systems of ODEs.

Findings

The analysis includes numerical examples to compare with traditional methods such as the trapezoidal rule and Runge‐Kutta methods. This comparison shows that the proposed approach can be very effective when dealing with systems of highly oscillatory differential equations.

Research limitations/implications

The present paper constitutes a preliminary study of Filon‐type methods applied to highly oscillatory ODEs in the context of electronic systems, and it is a starting point for future research that will address more general cases.

Originality/value

The proposed method makes use of novel and recent techniques in the area of highly oscillatory problems, and it proves to be particularly useful in cases where standard methods become expensive to implement.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Zbigniew Gmyrek

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a new method of iron loss estimation under pulse width modulation (PWM) converter supply. The proposed method concerns the longitudinal…

341

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a new method of iron loss estimation under pulse width modulation (PWM) converter supply. The proposed method concerns the longitudinal magnetisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel method of iron loss estimation applies values of iron losses that come from a single higher harmonic coexisting with a DC‐bias field. This method considers non‐linearity of ferromagnetic. Results of estimation are validated using experimental results.

Findings

The paper formulates that the dependence of iron losses come from harmonics, on DC‐bias field. Moreover, it formulates possibilities of their utilization to iron loss estimation in case of deformed flux. On the other hand, it discusses the influence of DC‐bias field on static hysteresis and classical eddy current losses.

Research limitations/implications

Experimental verification will still be needed as to the accuracy of the proposed model and applicability to various magnetic materials.

Practical implications

The paper provides an easy mathematical method of iron loss estimation, under PWM voltage supply.

Originality/value

The paper explains how to use an analytical method and results of iron losses come from single harmonics, obtained under coexistence with DC‐bias field, to iron loss estimation in case of longitudinal magnetisation where deformed magnetic flux occurs.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Ling Xuqiang, Huang Xiaodong, Li Bohu and Chai Xudong

Complex system modeling requires not only understanding of modeling framework but also domain knowledge of the system. The purpose of this paper is to present an approach which…

398

Abstract

Purpose

Complex system modeling requires not only understanding of modeling framework but also domain knowledge of the system. The purpose of this paper is to present an approach which separates the domain knowledge from the modeling framework with different views.

Design/methodology/approach

By establishing the mechanism of association and fusion among the views, the description and characterization of system from different aspect and point of view can form a complete system model. Based on the approach, a modeling and simulation (M&S) platform named SimFaster is developed. Modeling environment and simulation engine are the most important parts of the platform. The modeling environment provides multi‐views and multi‐layers to help the developers to modeling the structure, layers, composition, behavior, and interactions of an application system. The simulation engine provides mechanism of integration and interaction for components and objects, and provides runtime support for the concepts and terms from modeling environment. The simulation engine organizes the objects in the memory of distributed system as reflective object database system, so it is repository centered architecturally.

Findings

Based on the approach of multi‐views modeling, the platform is a flexible framework and supports top‐down design, model reuse and interoperation, dynamic refinement of models, corporative design among different users in different stages, and the rebuilt of application rapidly.

Research limitations/implications

This paper deals with high‐level models of the complex systems.

Practical implications

This platform helps to design, modeling, and simulation complex system (especially for weapon combat system). It can participate into all the stages of the development of complex product/system, and can support the validation, refinement, optimization of models, and systems.

Originality/value

This paper presents a multi‐views modeling approach for the modeling of complex system.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2009

Ayman M. EL‐Refaie, Z.Q. Zhu, Thomas M. Jahns and David Howe

Permanent magnet (PM) brushless machines equipped with fractional‐slot concentrated‐windings (FSCW) have been receiving considerable attention over the past few years, due to the…

1297

Abstract

Purpose

Permanent magnet (PM) brushless machines equipped with fractional‐slot concentrated‐windings (FSCW) have been receiving considerable attention over the past few years, due to the fact that they have short end‐windings, a high‐slot fill factor, a high efficiency and power density, and good flux‐weakening and fault‐tolerance capabilities. A key design parameter for such machines is the phase winding inductance since this has a significant impact on the performance, as well as on the magnitude of any reluctance torque. The purpose of this paper is to describe a detailed investigation of the various components of the winding inductance in machines equipped with both overlapping and non‐overlapping windings and different slot/pole number combinations. It also examines the influence of key design parameters, which affect the inductance components, with particular reference to the inductances of machines in which all the teeth are wound and those in which only alternate teeth are wound.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes and compares various inductance components which result from different winding configurations.

Findings

It is shown that the main component of the winding inductance is the relatively large slot‐leakage component. Both analytical and finite element models are employed and predicted results are validated on several prototype machines.

Originality/value

Such a thorough investigation of the various inductance components for these type of machines has not been presented before. The paper will serve as a good reference for engineers and researchers designing PM machines equipped with FECW.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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