Response Surface Analysis Research Articles

Design of an experimental approach based on the contrast-to-noise ratio measurement for X-ray computed tomography parameters optimization applied to a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer materials scan

This paper proposes a systematic approach for the optimization of scan parameters for industrial X-ray computed tomography (XCT), as regard its specific application as diagnostic tool on carbon fiber-reinforced polymer materials (CFRP). This procedure allows the system operator to overcome suboptimal scan results due to a subjective choice of XCT parameters. In this work, XCT scan quality has been measured in terms of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) metric, by calculating it on collected XCT 2D projection images. A four-factor five-level central composite design (CCD) was implemented to perform experiments, and a quadratic polynomial model was chosen to describe the effects of XCT scanning parameters combination on CNR measurement and finally to predict optimal results. Analysis of variance was carried out to evaluate the significance of the model on the response, reporting a R2 of 97.1%, and response surface analyses were also performed for CNR optimization purposes. In order to validate the CCD results, different XCT parameters combinations, coming from the CCD analysis on projection images, were used to run different scans, and, as result, the optimal CNR predicted from the model was also reflected in an optimal CNR measured on the reconstructed XCT images.

Research on Alkali-Activated Slag Stabilization of Dredged Silt Based on a Response Surface Method.

To improve the resource utilization of dredged silt and industrial waste, this study explores the efficacy of using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), active calcium oxide (CaO), and sodium silicate (Na2O·nSiO2) as alkali activators for silt stabilization. Through a combination of addition tests, response surface method experiments, and microscopic analyses, we identified key factors influencing the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized silt, optimized material ratios, and elucidated stabilization mechanisms. The results revealed the following: (1) CaO exhibited the most pronounced stabilization effect, succeeded by Na2O·nSiO2, whereas GGBS alone displayed marginal efficacy. CaO-stabilized silt demonstrated rapid strength augmentation within the initial 7 d, while Na2O·nSiO2-stabilized silt demonstrated a more gradual strength enhancement over time, attributable to the delayed hydration of GGBS in non-alkaline conditions, with strength increments noticeably during later curing phases. (2) Response surface analysis demonstrated substantial interactions among GGBS-CaO and GGBS-Na2O·nSiO2, with the optimal dosages identified as 11.5% for GGBS, 4.1% for CaO, and 5.9% for Na2O·nSiO2. (3) X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses clarified that the hydration reactions within the GGBS-Na2O·nSiO2 composite cementitious system synergistically enhanced one another, with hydration products wrapping, filling, and binding the silt particles, thereby rendering the microstructure denser and more stable. Based on these experimental outcomes, we propose a microstructural mechanism model for the stabilization of dredged silt employing GGBS-CaO-Na2O·nSiO2.

The effect of weighting on the color appearance of dyed silk fabric

The weighting process may change the color appearance of silk. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of weighting with methyl methacrylate (MMA) on the color appearance of silk fabric using the response surface method. For this purpose, a CCD design was used to investigate the effect of methyl methacrylate monomer concentration and dye concentration on color appearance and percentage of weight gain of silk fabric. Analysis of variance, response surface, and contour plots of the colorimetric characteristics of the weighted silk fabric show that the methyl methacrylate concentration has a significant effect on color parameters such as L*, a*, b*, C*, and hue angle of the weighted silk fabric. The results indicate that the weighting process changes the color of silk fabric.

The longitudinal study of the relationship between social participation pattern and depression symptoms in frail older adults.

Mental health challenges are encountered by frail older adults as the population ages. The extant literature is scant regarding the correlation between depressive symptoms and social participation among frail older adults. This study is based on an analysis of data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) participants aged 60 and older who are frail. A frailty index (FI) was developed for the purpose of assessing the frailty level of the participants. Additionally, latent class analysis (LCA) was employed to classify the participants' social engagement patterns in 2015 and 2018. The study used ordered logistic regression to examine the relationship between social participation type and depressive symptoms. We also used Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) methods to explore the impact of changes in social activity types on depressive symptoms after three years of follow-up in 2018. In addition, the response surface analysis (RSM) investigation explored the relationship among FI, depression, and social participation. A total of 4,384 participants completed the baseline survey; three years later, 3,483 were included in the follow-up cohort. The baseline survey indicates that female older adults in rural areas who are single, have lower incomes, shorter sleep durations, and lighter weights exhibited more severe depressive symptoms. Social participation patterns were categorized into five subgroups by LCA. The findings indicate that individuals classified as "board game enthusiasts" (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.47-0.82) and those as "extensive social interaction" (OR,0.67; 95% CI, 0.49-0.90) have a significantly lower likelihood of developing depressive symptoms compared to the "socially isolated" group. We also discovered that "socially isolated" baseline participants who transitioned to the "helpful individual" group after three years had significantly greater depressed symptoms (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.00-2.44). More social activity types and less FI are linked to lower depression in our study. The results of the study emphasize the importance of social participation patterns and the number of social participation types in relation to the severity of depression among frail older adults individuals. This study's findings may provide important insights for addressing depressive symptoms in frail older adults person.

基于蚯蚓运动特征的仿生筛清选性能试验研究

As the feeding mass of harvester continues to be increased, the accumulation of the maize mixture on the screen more serious, leading to a decrease in screening efficiency of the cleaning screen. The maize mixture on the screen was quickly transported backward through a bionic screen based on the motion characteristics of earthworms to reduce accumulation. However, the impact of the main operating parameters of this bionic screen on the cleaning performance was not yet clear. Therefore, the main operating parameters that affect the loss percentage and impurity percentage of maize grain in the cleaning device of bionic screen were simulated using CFD-DEM. Analysis of variance, regression and response surface were carried out on the test data, and the optimal parameter combination was obtained through parameter optimization: the concave depth of the screen surface was 25 mm, the installation angle of the screen surface was –5.5°, and the airflow velocity at the inlet of the cleaning device was 12.3 m/s. At this time, the lost percentage of maize grain was 1.56%, and the impurity percentage of maize grain was 1.85%, which met the requirements of national standards. The experiment provides reference and basis for the follow-up exploration of the screening mechanism of bionic screen.

Torsional vibration suppression of a gear-rotor system using an inerter magnet nonlinear energy sink

The novel inerter magnet nonlinear energy sink (IMNES) utilizes chiral compression-torsion coupling effects to achieve mass augmentation, effectively mitigating torsional vibrations in a gear-rotor system with gear meshing clearance. The positive stiffness generated by the piecewise linear beam combines with the negative stiffness produced by the permanent magnet pair, resulting in the establishment of the IMNES’s nonlinear stiffness. Subsequently, a dynamic model of the IMNES-gear-rotor system is developed. Optimal parameters for the IMNES are determined through analysis of vibrational response surfaces under both transient and steady-state conditions. The numerical calculation of torsional vibration in the IMNES-gear rotor system is conducted across various gear meshing clearances. The results demonstrate that across different gear mesh clearances, the IMNES effectively attenuates torsional vibrations in the gear-rotor system. Under transient excitation, implementation of the IMNES leads to an 87% reduction rate in displacement within the gear-rotor system. In terms of steady-state excitation, simulations show a significant enhancement with a 65% increase in vibration suppression percentage.

Optimization Analysis of Response Surface for Ultrasonic Welding of Battery Tabs

Abstract The response surface methodology was used to optimize the ultrasonic welding process parameters of battery tabs. The three process parameters of welding pressure, welding energy and welding amplitude were selected as the influencing factors, the peel strength and welding time were selected as the response variables, a three-factor and three-level experimental matrix was designed. The experimental results were analyzed by multiple regression fitting and the regression model was established. The optimal parameters derived from the model were verified. The optimum combination of process parameters is pressure (0.25Mpa), energy (649J) and amplitude (75%) with the goal of maximum peel strength and minimum welding time. The test results show that the relative error is within a reasonable range, and the established response surface model has a higher precision, which provides a certain reference for reasonable selection of ultrasonic welding process parameters for battery tabs.

Optimization of traditional market solid waste conversion process into hydrochar using hydrothermal carbonization technology

Abstract In this study, an analysis was carried out to determine the optimum conditions for the hydrothermal carbonization process of traditional market waste using response surface methodology central composite design. The hydrothermal carbonization process was carried out at temperatures (180, 215, 250°C), process times (30, 60, 90 minutes), and a ratio (waste: water media) of 0,5. The results of response surface analysis show that temperature and process time are parameters that significantly affect the quality of hydrochar. Increasing temperature and process time resulted in a decrease in hydrochar weight from 67,01 to 40,77 grams. Furthermore, there was an increasing heating value of hydrochar from 18,87 to 30,5 MJ/Kg. The optimization formulation of the hydrothermal carbonization process of traditional market waste was obtained at a temperature of 181,133°C and a process time of 30 minutes with a prediction value of weight and heating value obtained, namely 61,39 grams and 23 MJ/Kg.

Investigation of the failure behaviour of equiatomic AlCrCuNiFe based high entropy alloy TIG weld cladding

The present research focuses on the development of an equiatomic AlCrCuNiFe high entropy alloy (HEA) cladding using the TIG welding process. The influence and contribution of TIG cladding process parameters (welding current, welding speed, and SOD) on the microhardness and flexural stress have been investigated using the response surface methodology (RSM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), respectively. The indentation fracture toughness test has been conducted over the claddings exhibiting minimum, maximum, and optimum microhardness values. The result revealed that welding current has the highest effect on the mechanical performance of the HEA cladding. The FE-SEM, optical microscopy, XRD and EDS analysis were performed to characterize the claddings. The cladding deposited at the S12 test run offered the least flexural resistance, microhardness, and indentation fracture toughness which was about 812 MPa, 494.97 HV0.3, and 1.29 ± 0.04 MPa.m1/2, respectively. In contrast, the optimized S5 cladding specimen exhibited good flexural resistance, appreciable microhardness and indentation fracture toughness of about 1543.92 MPa, 712 HV0.3, and 1.63 ± 0.03 MPa.m1/2 respectively. The optimum cladding exhibited flexural stress, microhardness, and fracture toughness enhancement of 46.77 %, 30 %, and 26.35 % compared to the least resistance cladding (S12) due to the high-retained alloying elements leading to enhanced solid solution strengthening. The three-point bend-tested cladding specimens’ optical microscopy images revealed that the cladding failure was primarily due to cohesive failure, crack progression, and delamination.

Performance optimization of a neon turboexpander based on the Kriging model and genetic algorithm

The rapid development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technology has increased demand for stable and reliable cooling sources, with the neon refrigerator emerging as a favorable solution for HTS applications, among which neon turboexpander is the core component. This paper proposes an optimal design method tailored for the neon turboexpander, which combines a one-dimensional mean-line design, three-dimensional CFD analysis, adaptive Kriging surrogate model, and the genetic algorithm. The meridional contour of the turboexpander impeller is geometrically parameterized, and the three most critical structural parameters are selected through Sobol sensitivity analysis, and then the response surface analysis is carried out to analyze the coupling relationship between the structural parameters. After optimization, the total-to-static efficiency and output power of the neon turboexpander increased by 3.98% and 6.12%, respectively. Notably, the flow separation phenomenon within the optimized impeller is significantly improved, resulting in reduced flow loss. Furthermore, the optimized impeller demonstrates robust performance in a wide range of variable operating conditions. Therefore, the optimization design method has been proven effective, and the optimal turboexpander impeller structure can be obtained quickly and accurately.

Parameter optimisation of marine four-stroke engine EGR systems using RSM and NSGA-III

ABSTRACT To reduce NOx emission of marine engines, an engine parameter optimisation method combining response surface method (RSM), Bayesian neural network and non-dominated sequence genetic algorithm (NSGA-III) is proposed. First, a simulation model of a marine four-stroke engine with an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system was established and validated in AVL-BOOST software. Then, the five parameters of EGR valve opening, ignition advance angle, compression ratio (CR), intake valve opening (IVO) and exhaust valve closing (EVC) are selected as the decision parameters, and the three parameters of engine power, brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and NOx emission are taken as the target parameters to be optimised. In Design-Expert software, the response surface model is established by using the experimental design approach of central composite design (CCD), and the impact of decision parameters on target parameters are discussed by using response surface analysis. NSGA-III was used for the multi-objective optimisation of parameters, and the accuracy of NSGA-III was improved by the Bayesian neural network. The optimal solution is selected and verified by the technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach. The results show that when the EGR valve opening is 47.5%, ignition advance angle is −18.99°CA, CR is 14.995, IVO is 15.27°CA and EVC is 7.68°CA, compared with the standard setting, the optimised power is increased by 4.17%, BSFC is reduced by 4.27%, and NOx emissions are reduced by 12.37%. Therefore, the combination of the Bayesian neural network and NSGA-III multi-objective optimisation can improve engine performance while reducing fuel consumption and NOx emissions.

Use of mining effluents for the production of algal-based colorants

In this research, a mining effluent was used to produce microalgal and cyanobacterial biomass to obtain red (carotenoids) and blue pigments (phycocyanin). Two strains were isolated from a hydrothermal source in Norte de Santander and grown in mining wastewater mixed with 50% BG-11 medium for the Osci_UFPS01 cyanobacterium and 50% with Bold Basal medium for the Chlo_UFPS01 microalgae. A carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus experiment design was developed, and subsequent response surface analysis (RSM) was used to determine the optimal operating conditions for the formation of the products of interest. A notable decrease in pigment production was observed compared to that in the controls without mining wastewater. Overall, 45% of phycocyanin (C PC) per unit dry weight (DW) and 1,129% (w/w) of carotenoids were obtained in the cultures with a mining wastewater mixture in the final optimization processes.

Spring-Finger Motion Law Analysis and Cam Slide Optimal Design of Spring-Finger Cylinder Peanut Pickup Mechanism

Two-stage harvesting is the main method used for the mechanized harvesting of peanuts in China, in which the pickup device is a core part of the combine harvester. In order to solve the problem of pod loss caused by “stack” and “loss picking” from peanut plants when using a traditional spring-finger cylinder pickup device, an optimal spring-finger cylinder peanut pickup mechanism was designed and its picking properties were tested. Based on the picking characteristics and picking force analysis when considering a peanut plant windrow, the ideal picking attitude and swing rule of the spring-finger were determined, and the cam slide, as the core element of the spring-finger cylinder peanut pickup device, was optimized. A mathematical model of the cam cylinder center line was established according to the swing law of the four picking stations utilizing the spring-finger. MATLAB and ADAMS were used to establish a simulation of the pickup mechanism, and kinematics and dynamics simulation analyses of the pickup mechanism were carried out. According to the design results, a prototype was constructed and a running pickup test was carried out. The peanut plant picking experiments indicated that the phenomenon of peanut plant stacking had significantly disappeared. Furthermore, through response surface analysis, the optimal working parameters of the picking device were obtained as follows: the forward speed Vm was 48.0 m/min, the rotational speed N was 50 r/min, and the ground height H was −16.8 mm. The picking rate of peanut plants was 99.21% and the pod loss rate was 1.79% under two harvesting conditions, with a peanut plant moisture content of 15% to 17%. This study provides technical support for the future design of picking devices for two-stage peanut pickup harvesters.

Adjustment trade-offs and negative emotion reciprocation in adolescent-mother dyads during COVID-19

Adolescents may benefit socially from family members’ negative emotional reciprocation (e.g., having levels of concern about a certain thing that match with another family member), but excessive focus on their own anxiety can lead to negative outcomes. To date, implications of this ‘trade-off’ in adolescent-parent dyads (e.g., Rose in Child Development Perspectives 15(3):176–181 2021) for youth adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic remain largely unexplored. During the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong (September 2020 to April 2021), 349 first-year university students from varying socioeconomic backgrounds and following diverse study majors (T1 Madolescent age = 18.2 years, 60.3% female) and their mothers gave bi-weekly reports of COVID-related preoccupation, negative affect, and perceived relational support from their dyad partner (5183 observations over 16 assessments). Multilevel response surface analyses tested whether congruence in COVID preoccupation between mothers and adolescents predicted relationship quality and negative affect over time. Results suggested that negative emotion reciprocation had ‘trade-off’ effects for adolescents’ adjustment. Youth who matched high levels of COVID preoccupation with mothers reported the most relational support but also reported higher negative affect than youth with lower levels of COVID preoccupation. Mothers’ reported support from adolescents was not related to either mothers’ or adolescents’ preoccupation. Mothers’ negative affect was only associated with their own COVID preoccupation. Our findings suggest that adolescents may have derived some benefit from adolescent-mother negative emotion reciprocation, whereas mothers did not. The absence of trade-off effects in mothers may be linked to Chinese cultural norms of preserving the hierarchical family structure, such that the negative emotion reciprocation process in Chinese adolescent-mother dyads might be more adolescent-focused, i.e., revolving around the adolescents’ distress rather than the parents’.

Synthesis of suspension stabilizers for isolation fluids by response surface methodology and study of their properties

In order to solve the problem of unstable settling of isolation fluid at high temperatures, high-temperature-resistant suspension stabilizers for isolation fluids were prepared. Using the free radical aqueous solution method with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), YX-1 (a monomer containing an amide group) as the main chain of the molecule, and N-Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and DX-2 (monomer containing hydrophobic groups) as the side chains of the molecule. We innovate the suspension stabilizer synthesis process, the synthesis conditions of the suspension stabilizer were optimized by using the one-factor experimental design and response surface analysis. The elemental composition and structure of the polymer suspension stabilizers were tested and analyzed by using X-ray spectroscopy (XPS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (H NMR). The hydrophobic aggregation behaviour of the polymer molecular chains was demonstrated from a microscopic point of view using fluorescence spectroscopy tests and size analysis of polymer molecular aggregates. Oscillation experiments on the isolation solution with suspension stabiliser showed that the hydrophobic groups contained in the polymers can undergo the effect of joining and bridging, and can also form a strong spatial network structure at 220°C, leading to the enhanced elasticity of the isolation fluid, which helps to alleviate the sedimentation of barite. Sedimentation stability and compatibility were evaluated for the isolation fluid containing suspension stabilizers. It was found that the isolation solution suspension performance is good under the condition of 90–220℃, its density difference is less than 0.10 g/cm3. It can also effectively prevent the contact contamination of the drilling fluid cement slurry, which is conducive to the improvement of the quality of the deep well cementing.

The growth-promoting effect of water extract of Chuanminshen violaceum stem and leaf on broilers

Currently, developing non-antibiotic growth promoters is a broad consensus in broiler industry, which is one of the effective ways to reduce drug-resistant strains. Chuanminshen violaceum is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is commonly used for its roots, while the stems and leaves are often discarded, resulting in a huge amount of waste. This study optimized the preparation process of water extract of Chuanminshen violaceum stems and leaves (CVSLE) by response surface analysis based on the yields of polysaccharide and protein. The CVSLE and herbal powder (CVSL) were then processed into granules before being used as feed additives. The Macleaya cordata powder was used as positive control. The results showed that the addition of CVSLE (0.5% of the feed) showed the highest growth-promoting activity than other CVSLE groups (0.2% and 1%), 1% CVSL group and positive control (0.05%). CVSLE at the dosage of 0.5% could significantly increase the ADG and reduce the FCR from d 21 to 42, d 0 to 42. The HI antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and avian influenza virus were significantly enhanced at 21, 28 and 42d. CVSLE did not affect the slaughtering performances, but could significantly elevate the spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius indices and the transcriptional levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ in spleen. The intestinal barrier function of broilers was significantly enhanced by increased levels of immune barrier (sIgA), physical barrier (ZO-1, OCL and Muc-2) and flora barrier (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium). These results suggest that CVSLE was a promising herbal additive candidate for broilers.

Surface of Marital Harmony: Insights into Attachment Similarity Using Dyadic Response Surface Analysis

Surface of Marital Harmony: Insights into Attachment Similarity Using Dyadic Response Surface Analysis

Are we on the same page? Understanding value similarity and its impact on public trust in institutions of the energy sector

Value similarity – the extent to which people think institutions managing risks hold different or similar values to themselves, affects trust in those institutions and as such, plays a critical role in the public acceptability of energy projects and policies. Yet, we do not know what constitutes value similarity. How do people judge the level of similarity between their own values and the values of an institution? What role do different values play in theses judgments? And to what extent can these perceived similarities actually increase trust in institutions? To explore this, we decomposed the construct of value similarity into one's personal values and the perceived values of an institution, and explored if their congruence led to higher ratings of perceived value similarity and trust in institutions. We studied these relationships for three institutions playing important roles in the energy sector in the Netherlands, in current and future energy systems. Overall, response surface analyses (RSA) showed that people see their own values and the values of an institution as more similar and trust the institution more when they both endorse biospheric values more strongly. Further, perceived value similarity and trust in institutions are higher when people perceive institutions to have stronger biospheric values than themselves and when they expect institutions to be less egoistic than themselves. We discuss these findings reflecting on what they suggest regarding the role of shared values in increasing trust in relevant institutions and acceptability of energy risks.

Who can you trust? The curvilinear effects of producer-retailer trust (im)balance in organic food consumption – The moderation role of trust in blockchain technology

Little is known about the role of producer-retailer trust congruence in the organic food supply chain, while blockchain technology is considered a ‘trust machine’ in this supply chain. This research adopts the lens of the trust transfer theory to explore how trust in organic food producers can congruently and incongruently interact with trust in organic food retailers to trigger consumers’ trust in organic food products, which, in turn, interact with trust in blockchain technology to reinforce consumers’ purchase decisions. Using a purposive sample of 5326 Vietnamese consumers, the research employs an advanced method-polynomial regression with response surface analysis test the hypothesized model. The findings reveal that both trust in organic food producers and trust in organic food retailers significantly affect trust in organic food products, with trust in organic food products being higher when trust in organic food producers and trust in organic food retailers are balanced at a high level. These trusts also pose serial indirect effects on consumers’ purchase decisions through trust in organic food producers and purchase intentions. Trust in blockchain technology was found to positively moderate the impact of trust in organic food producers on consumers’ organic food purchase intentions. Based on the findings, some practical implications for stakeholders are released.

Design and Experiment of Planting Mechanism of Automatic Transplanter for Densely Planted Vegetables

The planting mechanism of existing transplanters cannot meet the agronomic requirements of planting densely planted vegetables with multiple rows, small plant spacing, and small row spacing. In order to solve this current problem, an eight-row duckbill planting mechanism driven by a motor and a cylinder was designed. According to the agronomic guidance and mechanism design requirements for transplanting densely planted vegetable seedlings, this paper analyzes the working principle of the planting mechanism, establishes its kinematic theoretical model, and determines the structural parameters of the driving device and opening and closing device in the planting mechanism. Aimed at the problem of large planting resistance when eight-row planting end effectors of the planting mechanism are planting at the same time, based on the existing research, three duckbill planting end effectors with double incisions, four incisions, and conical structures were selected, and the planting process was simulated using an EDEM 2022-RecurDyn 2024 coupling simulation. The single-factor analysis method and the interactive factor Box–Behnken response surface analysis method were used. It is concluded that the duckbill end effector with double incisions has the smallest planting resistance, and the rationality of the mechanism design is preliminarily verified. A planting resistance measurement platform was built based on the STM32 platform and HX711 module, and a planting resistance test of the duckbill planting end effector was carried out to verify the correctness of the planting mechanism simulation results. The planting mechanism performance test was carried out, and the test results showed that the planting qualification rate of the prototype reached 96.62%, the planting spacing variation coefficient was only 3.55%, and the planting efficiency reached about 7135 plants/h, which met the agronomic requirements of small plant spacing and small row spacing for densely planted vegetables and verified the feasibility and practicality of the planting mechanism.