Design Evaluation Tool Research Articles

Towards an Automated Design Evaluation Method for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

Freedom of design and the cost-effective production of structural parts have led to much research interest in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). Nevertheless, WAAM is subject to design constraints and fundamentally differs from other additive manufacturing processes. Consequently, design guidelines and supporting design evaluation tools adapted to WAAM are needed. One geometric approach to design evaluation is the use of a three-dimensional medial axis transformation (3D-MAT) to derive local geometry indicators. Previous works define the thickness and radius indicators. In this work, the angle between opposing faces and a mass gradient indicator are added. To apply the literature design rules regarding wall thickness, clearance, bead angle, and edge radius to specific geometry regions, features are classified by the indicators. Following a literature suggestion, wall and corner regions are differentiated by the angle indicator. An angle of 65° is identified as an effective separation limit. Additionally, the analogy of Heuvers’ spheres to the MAT helps estimate a limit of kH−1kH+1 for the mass gradient (kH: Heuvers’ factor). Finally, tests on example parts demonstrate the method’s effectiveness in verifying compliance to the specified rules. With a numerical complexity of O(n2), this method is more efficient than finite element analyses, providing early feedback in the design process.

Driving Behaviour Research for Autonomous Vehicle Interaction Design: A Comprehensive Review and Future Directions

Despite the crucial role of driving behaviour research in shaping autonomous vehicle interaction design, the current state of their deep integration remains unexplored, constraining the design innovative of autonomous vehicle. This study conducted a systematic review by analysing 320 publications from 2003 to 2023 following PRISMA guidelines. Initially, the research evolution trajectory was depicted through performance analysis, followed by exploring dynamic research themes using scientific mapping. The results reveal the pivotal role of driving behaviour research in fostering innovative practices within autonomous vehicle interaction design and the evolution of thematic content. Three future directions are identified: behaviour insights of diverse interactive entities, all-in-one design solutions, and mixed-reality design evaluation tools. These findings provide practical guidance for utilizing driving behaviour research to foster innovation in AV interaction design, thereby accelerating the socialization of AVs and the transformation towards intelligent mobility.

An improved frequency domain model for floating offshore wind turbines

Abstract A cost- and time-efficient design evaluation tool can assist the FOWT industry in evaluating many different concepts. An open source frequency domain model for FOWT applications shows promising results for the integral, coupled response, but clear differences to higher fidelity time-domain studies are observed. In this work, the hydrodynamic modelling is improved by using a potential flow diffraction code, and the implementation of the floating feedback mechanism has been improved. Attempts have been made to improve the mooring system modelling by implementing a lumped mass approach, and to include the excitation of a turbulent wind spectrum. A good match in the system’s motion responses is obtained in the wave frequent range when compared to time-domain results. At lower frequencies, the excitation from the turbulent wind spectrum remains to be improved on. At higher frequencies, the mooring line modelling is to be improved for reliable results. For both effects, a clear outline is set up to improve in future work. The current model is capable of accurately modelling fully coupled wave-frequent motions in combined wind-wave environments in an efficient manner. When the suggested improvements are incorporated in future work, it is expected that a good match in the low- and high-frequency ranges can be obtained as well, allowing to study the full motion- and mooring tension response. Finally the tool will give developers and designers the opportunity to evaluate a large amount of designs in a cost and time efficient manner.

Centralized exhaust system simulation and parameter optimization

With the increase in high-rise buildings in cities, public flue exhaust systems have a direct impact on residential air quality and the living environment. Although existing studies have analyzed the problems in public flue exhaust systems through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations and experimental tests, these studies often lack an in-depth exploration of the specific impacts of individual components in the system. To solve this problem, this study not only thoroughly analyzes the key components in the public flue system, such as branch pipes, check valves, and tee pipes, but also develops a parametric public flue simulation system software based on C# and verifies the accuracy of the simulation through experiments. The study first determines the key parameters affecting the comprehensive resistance coefficient of the branch pipe, check valve, tee pipe, and other components through CFD simulation and experimental testing. Subsequently, a visualization program is developed using the C# language, which can quickly simulate and visualize the flow changes in the flue according to different building parameters such as the number of floors, height of floors, and size of the flue. The results confirm that the program can efficiently predict the flow distribution under different design options, providing a practical tool for the optimal design and performance evaluation of public flues, which is important for improving the air quality of the living environment.

Anisotropic turbulence modeling for natural channel flow: A numerical approach with finite element method

In this study, we propose a numerical model aimed at improving the understanding and prediction of flow velocities in natural channels. This model specifically focuses on the challenges presented by anisotropic turbulence and bottom roughness. By incorporating the mixing length concept into an algebraic turbulence model and employing the finite element method with Streamline-Upwind/Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) stabilization, our model seeks to refine the simulation of axial velocity distribution and secondary motions. Validation was achieved through Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements in three sections of the Canal do Rodeador, showing our model’s predictions of discharge and average velocity to have a deviation of approximately 9.34% from experimental data. The results underline the significance of secondary currents and turbulence anisotropy in shaping channel flow behaviors, offering new insights into the interactions between flow characteristics and channel bed features. This model stands out as a robust tool for hydraulic structure design and hydrokinetic potential evaluation, providing a non-intrusive, cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

A CFD Methodology for the Modelling of Animal Thermal Welfare in Hybrid Ventilated Livestock Buildings

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) may aid the design of barn ventilation systems by simulating indoor cattle thermal welfare. In the literature, CFD models of mechanically and naturally ventilated barns are proposed separately. Hybrid ventilation relies on cross effects between air change mechanisms that cannot be studied using existing models. The objective of this study was to develop a CFD methodology for modelling animal thermal comfort in hybrid ventilated barns. To check the capability of CFD as a design evaluation tool, a real case study (with exhaust blowers) and an alternative roof layout (with ridge gaps) were simulated in summer and winter weather. Typical phenomena of natural and mechanical ventilation were considered: buoyancy, solar radiation, and wind together with high-speed fans and exhaust blowers. Cattle thermal load was determined from a daily animal energy balance, and the assessment of thermal welfare was performed using thermohygrometric indexes. Results highlight that the current ventilation layout ensures adequate thermal welfare on average, despite large nonuniformity between stalls. The predicted intensity of heat stress was successfully compared with experimental measurements of heavy breathing duration. Results show strong interactions between natural and mechanical ventilation, underlining the need for an integrated simulation methodology.

Finite element analysis and design optimization of composite T-joints for enhanced maritime and aerospace applications

Composite marine structures are crucial for maritime and aerospace applications due to their strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. To ensure their reliability and durability, a methodology to predict the damage criticality and service life of composite marine T-joints is essential. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has emerged as a powerful tool for preliminary design and structural evaluation of complex structures, reducing the need for extensive experimental work and leading to substantial cost savings. This research project aims to conduct a comprehensive FEA of composite T-joints, considering alternative skin, core, and infill materials. Structural analyses under various loading conditions will evaluate overall deflection and stress levels, aiming to enhance the design and reliability of composite marine constructions, ultimately improving their performance and extending their service life in demanding maritime and aerospace environments.

Creation and Assessment of a Novel Design Evaluation Tool for Additive Manufacturing

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing technology within the industry and education sectors. Despite this, there lacks a comprehensive tool to guide AM novices in evaluating the suitability of a given design for fabrication by the range of AM processes. Existing design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) evaluation tools tend to focus on only certain key process-dependent DfAM considerations. By contrast, the purpose of this research is to propose a tool that guides a user to comprehensively evaluate their chosen design and educates the user on an appropriate DfAM strategy. The tool incorporates both opportunistic and restrictive elements, integrates the seven major AM processes, outputs an evaluative score, and recommends processes and improvements for the input design. This paper presents a thorough framework for this evaluation tool and details the inclusion of features such as dual-DfAM consideration, process recommendations, and a weighting system for restrictive DfAM. The result is a detailed recommendation output that helps users to determine not only “Can you print your design?” but also “Should you print your design?” by combining several key research studies to build a comprehensive user design tool. This research also demonstrates the potential of the framework through a series of user-based studies, in which the opportunistic side of the tool was found to have significantly improved novice designers’ ability to evaluate designs. The preliminary framework presented in this paper establishes a foundation for future studies to refine the tool’s accuracy using more data and expert analysis.

A design evaluation tool for older adults using domestic information processing appliances

Domestic information processing appliances include embedded digital technologies with which users interact. The designs of such appliances tend to be technology oriented and not well-suited to the needs of older adults. This is problematic because these appliances are essential in many activities of daily living and so affect the ability of people to live independently. This paper introduces a coding scheme for the analysis of users' interactions with such appliances and uses it to inform recommendations for the design of operational interfaces and associated instructional materials. The efficacy of the coding scheme as a design evaluation tool is illustrated by its application in a microwave oven case study. The coding scheme considers four aspects of users' interactions with this type of device: information processing activities, including the gathering and interpretation of information from the appliance, its user manual and cooking instructions from food packaging; interactions with the device's user interface; concurrent verbalisation supporting problem-solving; and impediments to the user's workflow.

Incorporating User Experience Evaluation into Application Design for Optimal Usability

Forest and land fires have become a national issue every year, especially in West Kalimantan. From 2015 to 2020, around 331,268.35 hectares of forest and land were burned in West Kalimantan. As a result of forest and land fires, the haze disrupts public health, the economy, and river, land, sea, and air transportation. As anticipation and prevention, the community and government monitor forest and land fires using the Forest Fire Monitoring System Application. The purpose of this study was to the User Experience (UX) evaluation for design improvement in the Forest Fire Monitoring System Application (SIPONGI) inWest Kalimantan. The method used was User Centered Design (UCD) and Website Usability Evaluation Tool (WEBUSE) to provide new design solutions in the form of a website prototype. The research methodology included a literature study of the SIPONGI application. The study used a sample of 25 respondents with different work backgrounds to represent the population using the SIPONGI application. The results of this study showed that usability points per attribute and category are superior after making UI/UX improvements using the UCD process in prototype form. In conclusion, using the UCD method is better if it is accompanied by the WEBUSE method in improving the design of an application.

Optimization of wind off-grid system for remote area: Egyptian application

Due unexpected nature of renewable energy systems, the (Wind/Diesel/Battery) (W/D/B) off-grid system has initially been investigated at a South Sinai location in Egypt for home-scale consumption. Eight different systems, each of which consists of a small wind turbine, storage batteries, and diesel generator, are investigated in accordance with the varying needs of the power loads and seasonal weather data. The major goal is to investigate how adding wind power as an energy source will affect the price of electricity generated while taking into account the cost of reducing CO2 emissions as an external benefit of the wind turbine, which emits no pollutants during operation. In order to compare a Taguchi OA design to a two-level full factorial design to evaluate the systems at two separate sites (South Sinai and the Western Desert in Egypt), a design evaluation tool in DOE++ will be used. To pinpoint the crucial variables and analyze the impact of six different factors on eight different sets, Taguchi OA is used. The proportion of power shortfall is a production indicator, while the net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE) are used as economic indicators. The simulation results demonstrate that W/D/B systems are economically viable for the hypothetical community site when using HOMER software, with electricity generated at a cost of about 0.285$/kWh without accounting for external benefits and 0.221$/kWh if CO2 emissions are competitive with diesel-only systems, where COE is 0.432$/kWh. As a new evaluation approach, the Box-Cox transformation calculated the best λ is about −2 at the two locations, indicating similar technique behaviors, and the fitted probability shows, meaning that the significant impact of system components are wind turbines. Regression model of CO2 emission is demonstrated to be successful for estimates at the Western Desert location than the South Sinai region

Automated Accessibility Evaluation of Mobile Applications on Initial Stages of Design and Development

The growth of users' reliance on smartphones increases as new features and functions are continuously added to these technologies. Accessibility is an essential characteristic of information architecture in interface design research. There is a need to focus on accessibility to minimize the efforts, cost, and time during mobile application design and development. Most of the applications available on the App/Play Store lack the accessibility guidelines during development because implementing these aspects requires sufficient time and resources. Especially start-up companies normally ignore accessibility because it requires additional resources. However, perceivable design may increase profits, downloads, and reputation. Thus, the designer should ensure that their applications are perceivable and usable to satisfy the individuals. The underlying research intends to develop an automated accessibility analysis and design evaluation tool for mobile applications. Accordingly, the researchers developed a solution as a plugin for Figma. Further, the authors selected seven important techniques from the WCAG 2.1 success criterion. Finally, the proposed solution evaluates the designed screen (frame) and generates results in the report form. The proposed automated solution based on the success criterion helps the application's developers and is also useful for related stakeholders by filling the gap in the existing design related tools.

Dynamic impact constitutive relation of 6008-T6 aluminum alloy based on dislocation density and second-phase particle strengthening effects

To investigate the mechanical properties and constitutive relationship of 6008-T6 aluminum alloy under dynamic impact loading, dynamic impact and microscopic experiments were conducted on 6008-T6 aluminum alloy. The results demonstrated that 6008-T6 aluminum alloy exhibits strain hardening effects. As the loading strain rates increased, the grains became more refined, whereas the dislocation density and number of second-phase particles (mainly Mg2Si) increased. Several dislocations interacted with each other, thereby preventing further dislocation movement and improving the material's strength. The precipitation of second-phase particles impeded the motion of dislocations and increased the flow stress of the material. A constitutive model of dynamic impacts was developed based on the evolution of dislocation density and reinforcing effects of second-phase particles. Furthermore, based on the isotropic assumption, the damage evolution equation of 6008-T6 aluminum alloy was obtained by introducing the energy release rate. By combining the dynamic constitutive model of materials under dynamic impact compression conditions, the dynamic constitutive model of materials was obtained under dynamic impact tensile conditions. Moreover, the rationality of the model was confirmed by comparing the model's data with experimental data. In this study, we examined the macro mechanical response, microstructure, and dynamic mechanical behavior of the 6008-T6 aluminum alloy under dynamic impact conditions, which can serve as a theoretical basis and analytical tool for the structural design and safety evaluation of high-speed trains.

Joint Activity Design Evaluation Tools for Conducting Staged-World Studies

Intelligence analysis requires an analyst to search for meaningful events in vast amounts of distributed data and synthesize those events into insights to inform decision-making. Because of the complexity, dynamics of the ecology, and typical functions of work, analysis performance can be difficult to study in traditional laboratory environments. Staged-world studies, which maintain experimental control while preserving the complexity of the work domain, represent a promising approach to study analyst performance. To support an ongoing research program, we are developing the Joint Activity Design Evaluation (JADE) platform, a software tool for conducting staged-world studies within the intelligence analysis (IA) domain. Herein, we describe three of JADE’s core capabilities for presenting scenarios based on common challenges of cognitive work, eliciting participant responses, and storing and displaying pertinent data. As JADE continues to mature and add new features, we expect it to become a tool for researchers to conduct staged-world studies across a broader range of application domains.

A Conceptual Framework for Blockchain Enhanced Information Modeling for Healing and Therapeutic Design.

In the face of the health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, healing and therapeutic design (HTD) as interventions can help with improving people’s health. It is considered to have great potential to promote health in the forms of art, architecture, landscape, space, and environment. However, there are insufficient design approaches to address the challenges during the HTD process. An increased number of studies have shown that emerging information modeling (IM) such as building information modeling (BIM), landscape information modeling (LIM), and city information modeling (CIM) coupled with blockchain (BC) functionalities have the potential to enhance designers’ HTD by considering important design elements, namely design variables, design knowledge, and design decision. It can also address challenges during the design process, such as design changes, conflicts in design requirements, the lack of design evaluation tools and frameworks, and incomplete design information. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a conceptual BC enhanced IM for HTD (BC-HTD) framework that addresses the challenges in the HTD and promotes health and well-being. The structure of BC-HTD framework is twofold: (1) a conceptual high-level framework comprising three levels: user; system; and information, (2) a conceptual low-level framework of detailed content at the system level, which has been constructed using a mixed quantitative and qualitative method of literature analysis, and validated via a pre-interview questionnaire survey and follow-up interviews with industry experts and academics. This paper analyzes the process of BC enhanced HTD and the knowledge management of HTD to aid design decisions in managing design information. This paper is the first attempt to apply the advantages of BC enabled IM to enhance the HTD process. The results of this study can foster and propel new research pathways and knowledge on the value of design in the form of non-fungible token (NFT) based on the extended advantages of BC in the field of design, which can fully mobilize the healing and therapeutic behaviors of designers and the advantage potential of HTD to promote health, and realize the vision of Health Metaverse in the context of sustainable development.

Mesostructural characteristics and evaluation of asphalt mixture contact chain complex networks

The skeleton structure of asphalt mixture is the main carrier to resist load. At present, the identification and evaluation of skeleton contact chains need to be further investigated. This study quantitatively analyzes the mesostructural characteristics of asphalt mixture skeleton contact chains from the perspective of complex networks by using digital image processing (DIP) technique. A self-developed meso-structure intelligent identification software is developed, the evaluation parameters of the contact chain complex networks are proposed, and five types of asphalt mixture skeleton contact chains are compared. Additionally, the multi-scale relationship between the meso and macro parameters of the contact chains has been established, and a design flow chart of the asphalt mixture skeleton mesostructure based on rutting prediction has been proposed. The results indicate that the skeleton structure of the asphalt mixture has the characteristics of a scale-free network, and the degree distribution of each coarse aggregate is inhomogeneous, exhibiting a good power-law distribution; the length of the aggregate to aggregate contact chains conforms to the normal distribution, and the asphalt mixture skeleton clustering coefficient is close to zero; the smaller the skeleton modularity of the asphalt mixture, the greater the number of coarse aggregates within the longest contact chain and the fewer the modules, indicating that the asphalt mixture can form a more perfect skeleton structure. The measures to improve the skeleton performance of asphalt mixture include focusing on the passing rates of the 2.36 and 4.75 mm aggregates, obtaining a maximum amount of coarse aggregate in the contact chains, and achieving a smaller number of modules and modularity in the network. This study presents a fast and effective technical evaluation tool and detection method for asphalt mixture indoor design and pavement construction quality detection and also provides guidance for the fine design and performance improvement of asphalt mixtures.

Utilize Fuzzy Delphi and Analytic Network Process to Construct Consumer Product Design Evaluation Indicators

In the face of an ever-changing global market, companies able to launch new products meeting consumer needs faster than their competitors may not only gain a larger market share, but also shorten the development cycle to reduce costs. However, there are currently no universal design strategies and tools for evaluating the design of consumer products. Therefore, the purpose of this study is mainly to formulate a systematic and innovative product design strategy and evaluation tool, so that designers can use them to select the key factors when designing consumer products and design products that meet customer needs in the shortest development cycle. First of all, this study was designed to sort out general design methods and influencing factors in consumer product design based on theoretical analysis and expert interviews. Next, a questionnaire survey of 15 design-related experts and scholars was conducted, and the most important design methods and design factors were selected using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). After that, the analytical network process (ANP) method was used to obtain the priority weight of each design factor, and select the optimal product design strategy, QTPCP, and the deciding elements that affect consumer demand for products, including 2 dimensions, 11 design elements, and 38 design factors, making theoretical contributions to product design management. The design strategies and evaluation tools developed according to the conclusions are helpful in comprehensive planning and design selection for products of different natures, and make practical contributions, enabling product developers or designers to efficiently select the optimal product design when faced with different new product designs.

Towards a general design evaluation tool: The development and validation of a VPP for autonomous sailing monohulls

Sailing speed performance is a crucial indicator that significantly affects the trafficability, efficiency, and tracking capability of autonomous sailing monohulls during marine science missions. Considering that the design of the hull and keel of an autonomous sailing monohull is usually a task-orientated and creative process, estimating speed performance by traditional velocity prediction programs (VPPs) based on empirical formulas and gradient solvers will lead to errors. This paper proposes a generalized VPP for helping designers assess the speed performance of their autonomous sailing monohulls. We designed an enhanced genetic algorithm (GA) solver to help the VPP converge quickly without a priori performance estimation. Furthermore, we propose an innovative neighbourhood information-based optimization (NIBO) strategy to accelerate and refine the solutions using adjacent states (external conditions with the same true wind speed (TWS) or true wind angle (TWA)) instead of culminating prediction by solving each state independently. We provide an application of the proposed VPP on our prototype as an example. Moreover, the numerical and experimental results show that the proposed VPP can serve as a practical design evaluation tool, especially in the early stages of design.

Effects of Roughness and Texture on Surface Material Perception in Virtual Environments: The Psychophysics Approach

Effects of Roughness and Texture on Surface Material Perception in Virtual Environments: The Psychophysics Approach

Using Machine Learning to Predict Indoor Acoustic Indicators of Multi-Functional Activity Centers

In Taiwan, activity centers such as school auditoriums and gymnasiums are common multi-functional spaces that are often used for performances, singing, and speeches. However, most cases are designed using only Sabine’s equation for architectural acoustics. Although that estimation formula is simple and fast, the calculation process ignores many details. Furthermore, while more accurate analysis can be obtained through acoustics simulation software, it is more complicated and time-consuming and thus is rarely used in practical design. The purpose of this study is to use machine learning to propose a predictive model of acoustic indicators as a simple evaluation tool for the architectural design and interior decoration of multi-functional activity centers. We generated 800 spaces using parametric design, adopting Odeon to obtain acoustic indicators. The machine learning model was trained with basic information of the space. We found that through GBDT and ANN algorithms, almost all acoustic indicators could be predicted within JND ± 2, and the JND of C50, C80, STI, and the distribution of SPL could reach within ±1. Through machine learning methods, we established a convenient, fast, and accurate prediction model and were able to obtain various acoustic indicators of the space without 3D-modeling or simulation software.