Computer-aided Modeling Tools Research Articles

Analysis and Optimization of Composite Propeller Shaft for Automotive Applications

In the field of automotive engineering polymeric composites played vital role due to its outstanding properties such as high strength, low weight and high stiffness. The purpose of this research is to develop a single piece steel (Cr–Mo SCM440) drive shaft using computer aided modelling tool and finite element method was used for analysing static analysing and free vibration. These results were compared with the propeller shaft made by carbon and glass epoxy composites. ANSYS software is used for accomplish total deflection, natural frequency, and modal analyses. From this work it was noted that the propeller shaft made using carbon epoxy offered better results as compared with steel and glass epoxy composite propeller.

Cnicin as an Anti-SARS-CoV-2: An Integrated In Silico and In Vitro Approach for the Rapid Identification of Potential COVID-19 Therapeutics.

Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2019, it has remained a significant global threat, especially with the newly evolved variants. Despite the presence of different COVID-19 vaccines, the discovery of proper antiviral therapeutics is an urgent necessity. Nature is considered as a historical trove for drug discovery, especially in global crises. During our efforts to discover potential anti-SARS CoV-2 natural therapeutics, screening our in-house natural products and plant crude extracts library led to the identification of C. benedictus extract as a promising candidate. To find out the main chemical constituents responsible for the extract’s antiviral activity, we utilized recently reported SARS CoV-2 structural information in comprehensive in silico investigations (e.g., ensemble docking and physics-based molecular modeling). As a result, we constructed protein–protein and protein–compound interaction networks that suggest cnicin as the most promising anti-SARS CoV-2 hit that might inhibit viral multi-targets. The subsequent in vitro validation confirmed that cnicin could impede the viral replication of SARS CoV-2 in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 1.18 µg/mL. Furthermore, drug-like property calculations strongly recommended cnicin for further in vivo and clinical experiments. The present investigation highlighted natural products as crucial and readily available sources for developing antiviral therapeutics. Additionally, it revealed the key contributions of bioinformatics and computer-aided modeling tools in accelerating the discovery rate of potential therapeutics, particularly in emergency times like the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Optimized distillation coupled with state-of-the-art membranes for propylene purification

The growing production of polyolefins, mainly polyethylene and polypropylene, currently demands increasing outputs of polymer-grade light olefins. The most commonly adopted process for the separation of olefin/paraffin mixtures is performed by energy intensive high pressure or cryogenic distillation, which is considered the most expensive operation in the petrochemical industry. The use of membrane technology offers a compact and modular solution for capital and energy savings, thanks to process intensification. In this work, we move one step forward in the design of hybrid propane/propylene separation systems, using computer aided modeling tools to identify economically optimal combinations of distillation and state-of-the-art membranes. A model is proposed to optimize a hybrid configuration, whereby the membrane performs the bulk separation and the distillation column is intended for the final product polishing, accounting for membrane investment cost and process operating expenses. The decision variables are the membrane area and the column reflux ratio, and the model is able to calculate the optimal feed trays. The upper-bound properties of selected membranes, which define their performance and reliability criteria, have been studied, benchmarking the economic evaluation against conventional distillation in order to assess the expedience of a hybrid system implementation.

First-Order SPICE Modeling of Extreme-Temperature 4H-SiC JFET Integrated Circuits

Abstract A separate submission to this conference reports that 4H-SiC Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) digital and analog Integrated Circuits (ICs) with two levels of metal interconnect have reproducibly demonstrated electrical operation at 500 °C in excess of 1000 hours. While this progress expands the complexity and durability envelope of high temperature ICs, one important area for further technology maturation is the development of reasonably accurate and accessible computer-aided modeling and simulation tools for circuit design of these ICs. Towards this end, we report on development and verification of 25 °C to 500 °C SPICE simulation models of first-order accuracy for this extreme-temperature durable 4H-SiC JFET IC technology. For maximum availability, the JFET IC modeling is implemented using the baseline-version SPICE NMOS LEVEL 1 model that is common to other variations of SPICE software and importantly includes the body-bias effect. The first-order accuracy of these device models is verified by direct comparison with measured experimental device characteristics.

Computer aided modelling of variable angle tow composites manufactured by continuous tow shearing

A novel fibre placement method ‘continuous tow shearing (CTS)’ has recently been developed in order to minimise process-induced defects in a tow steering process for manufacturing variable angle tow (VAT) composites. As CTS utilises shear deformation of tow materials, it distinguishes itself from conventional automated fibre placement (AFP) processes that use in-plane bending deformation. In doing so, it produces distinct distributions of fibre angle and thickness in a tow steered panel even if the same reference tow trajectories are applied. In this work, a computer-aided modelling tool has been developed, which can create accurate ABAQUS finite element models reflecting the nonlinear fibre trajectories and thickness variations of VAT composites manufactured using the CTS by defining fibre paths with geometric features in a CAD software.

Modelling and Analysis of Extrusion Die and Bolt Ejector Pin

The computer aided tools and recent developments of engineering, emphasizes the importance of bringing manufacturing process into early stage for product and process design. The implied significance is that it becomes vital to reduce cost of product by extensive use of CAD tools for product formation without actually building the product. In this paper, CAD tools are used to design an extrusion die for bolt ejector pin. In this paper, the extrusion die used to produce the pin is modeled using Pro-E, a CAD tool. Then, the die is analyzed for the maximum extrusion load condition using ANSYS software, a Finite Element Analysis simulation (FEA) tool. The simulation results are compared with yield stress of material. After the die has been designed, the pin was extruded using the die. In order to evaluate the strength of extruded pin, the pin was also modeled and analyzed using ANSYS tool where it was found to be safe for its maximum ejection load condition.Keywords:Extrusiondiedesign,ejectorpin,Computeraidedmodelling(CAD),FiniteElementAnalysis(FEA).

Digital to Physical: Comparative Evaluation of Three Main CNC Fabrication Technologies Adopted for Physical Modelling in Architecture

The objective of this experimental study is to investigate and systematise data regarding the production issues and limitations of Computer Numerically Controlled fabrication technologies typically adopted for physical modelling in architecture. This study also aims to observe the value of potential feedback to the design process from different types of digitally fabricated architectural models. This experimental research systematically explores digital fabrication as a computer-aided modelling tool using two international architectural competition projects as case studies: the design of a skyscraper and relocatable schools. Developed by the authors especially for this research paper, each case study acts as a test bed to compare and evaluate digital production techniques adopted for physical modelling in architecture. Designs go through a process of refinement using CNC fabrication as an integral part of the design process. Each step in the process is closely evaluated as to its effectiveness according to a matrix of feedback criteria.

Plant Developmental Biology in the Post-Genomic Era

Plant Developmental Biology in the Post-Genomic Era

Computer-Aided Modeling and Manufacturing of Spherical Mechanisms via a Novel Web Tool

In this paper, we present a novel web-based computer-aided modeling and manufacturing software tool for spherical mechanisms. Our purpose is to facilitate the analysis, dynamic simulation, and manufacture of one degree of freedom spherical four-bar mechanisms. First, a brief review of some of the current computer-aided design software for spherical four-bar mechanisms is presented. These software packages provide the three-dimensional visualization and computational capabilities necessary to synthesize and analyze spherical four-bar mechanisms. However, to date, no readily available and effective tools exist to aid in the modeling and manufacture of spherical mechanisms. Next, the kinematics of spherical four-bar mechanisms are reviewed as they pertain to their geometric modeling and manufacture. Finally, we present our web-based implementation of a computer-aided modeling, simulation, and manufacturing methodology for spherical four-bar mechanisms called SFBDESIGNER (for spherical four-bar designer). SFBDESIGNER facilitates the design, dynamic simulation, prototyping, and manufacture of spherical four-bar mechanisms.

Computer-Aided Model Based Analysis for Design and Operation of a Copolymerization Process

The advances in computer science and computational algorithms for process modelling, process simulation, numerical methods and design/synthesis algorithms, makes it advantageous and helpful to employ computer-aided modelling systems and tools for integrated process analysis. This is illustrated through the study of a copolymerization process, where operational problems due to their complex nonlinear behaviour are usually encountered, indicating thereby, the need for the development of an appropriate process model that can describe the dynamic behaviour over the complete range of conversion. This will allow analysis of the process behaviour, contribute to a better understanding of the polymerization process, help to avoid unsafe conditions of operation, and to develop operational and optimizing control strategies. In this work, through a computer-aided modeling system ICAS-MoT, two first-principles models have been investigated with respect to design and operational issues for solution copolymerization reactors in general, and for the methyl methacrylate/vinyl acetate system in particular. The Model 1 is taken from literature and is commonly used for low conversion region, while the Model 2 has been derived in this work and covers the complete range of conversion. The performances of the two models are compared with respect to the steady state and dynamic behaviour of the polymerization process. The model analyses highlight the influence of the reaction mechanism, the transport phenomena, the process design and conditions of operation on the polymer grade and the production rate.

A network theory for the structured modelling of chemical processes

A structuring methodology for dynamic models of chemical engineering processes is presented. The main ideas of the methodology were outlined in a previous publication for the class of well-mixed systems. In this contribution, the methodology is extended to spatially distributed systems and to particulate processes. Furthermore, the structuring principle is used to make a conceptual link between the macroscopic world of process simulation and the microscopic world of molecular simulation. It is shown that a uniform structuring principle can be applied to the modularisation of most classes of chemical engineering models. The structuring principle can be used as a theoretical framework for the implementation of modular families of chemical engineering models in modern computer aided modelling tools.

A Survey of Computer-Aided Modeling Tools for Aesthetic Design

The goal of this paper is to discuss the key issues in the computer-aided surface modeling tools used in the industrial aesthetic design workflow and to highlight the problems that still make styling activities difficult. Based on the experience gained while working on two different European projects, with the collaboration of industrial designers of different fields, a general industrial design workflow is illustrated, pointing out the main differences between the automotive and non-automotive sectors. Among the emerged critical issues, particular emphasis is given to the high request of tools more suitable for the mentality of creative users; short research surveys aimed to meet this request are included, and finally authors indicate a branch of research in which they are investigating and they consider particularly worth exploring further.

Creating Signed Directed Graph Models for Process Plants

The concept of qualitative modeling is briefly described. This paper focuses on the use of signed directed graphs to model fault propagation in process plants. It is common to use a unit-based approach for modeling. Two kinds of problems, which arise when constructing unit-based qualitative models, are identified: (1) The models are difficult to construct. (2) Ambiguities due to multiple causal paths may occur when the models are combined. A method that allows models to be built simply and correctly is proposed. The method incorporates features from the knowledge acquisition field, and a computer-aided modeling tool, Equipment Model Builder, has been built to support this method. A new modular approach is presented which overcomes the problem of ambiguous inference when qualitative models are combined. Two case studies were used to evaluate the method developed and the support tool: (1) Benzene purification system which forms a part of a plant producing benzene by the catalytic dehydroalkylation of toluene; (2) Olefin dimerization plant.

Concept and design of Modeller, a computer-aided modelling tool

This paper presents the main ideas and design concepts behind Modeller, a computer-aided modelling tool which aims to effectively assist in the development of process models and to facilitate hierarchical modelling through a user friendly, graphical interface. The tool generates first principles based, mathematical models of (bio-)chemical processes in a quick and easy manner, based on a modelling methodology designed for such processes. Modeller is intended to be a component in a larger framework of modelling-assistant software tools and simulation packages. Its output can be transformed and interfaced with (or serve as input for) existing modelling languages and/or simulation packages (such as gProms, ASCEND, Omola, Modelica). Modeller has a graphical user interface, supports model reuse and is the result of an object oriented design.

Operating regime based process modeling and identification

This paper presents a non-linear modeling framework that supports model development in between empirical and mechanistic modeling. A model is composed of a number of local models valid in different operating regimes. The local models are combined by smooth interpolation into a complete global model. It is illustrated how different kinds of empirical and mechanistic knowledge and models can be combined with process data within this framework. Furthermore, we describe a flexible computer aided modeling tool that supports modeling within this framework. Simple but illustrative examples from chemical engineering are used to highlight the flexibility and power of the framework.

Automated reasoning about enterprise concepts

This paper outlines some relevant automatic deductive properties bound to the DD approach to information concepts modelling in the enterprise domain. The approach is thus regarded as a framework for the development of a new generation of computer-aided modelling tools endowed with automatic reasoning capabilities. The modelling characteristics of the approach are outlined in a companion paper, by way of a comparison with the CIM-OSA model. The examples introduced in this paper show the benefits of modelling enterprise domain knowledge in terms of a logic-based language which supports specialised deductive services.

On the systematization of the process of model development

The lack of adequate support for the development of mathematical process models confines the application of model-based techniques in the design and operation of complex chemical plants. One important issue in addressing this problem is the systematization of the process of model development (called modeling process in the following). In order to provide a basis for further investigations into the modeling process and to prepare the development of computer-aided modeling tools supporting the modeling process, this contribution deals with general properties of the modeling process and discusses to which degree of granularity the modeling process can be formalized. A modeling example will serve to suggest a first set of canonical modeling steps, which allow to classify and continuously extend procedural modeling knowledge.

Electronic Manufacturing Process Systems Cost Modeling and Simulation Tools

Recent National Science Foundation [1] and National Research Council [2] studies have discussed electronics industry needs in the areas of computer-aided process modeling and simulation tools to support the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) electronics-design-for-manufacturing process. In this paper, we present a summary of pioneering efforts in the modeling and simulation areas by Northern Telecom Ltd. (NTL) to support a technology/product leadership-setting-position with Companion Haudsfree Speakerphone, Electronic Telephone, Office products. The simple software tools to be discussed will cover printed wiring board assembly (PWBA) technology cost modeling, tolerance analysis and yield prediction including experiment design, impact of function complexity on optimum module size and component density, component sample plans and statistics and optimum component value selections. These tools are applicable to programmable calculators and PC's.