Specific Design Research Articles

Investigation of the Items Prepared by Teachers Who Received Training on Item Preparation Measuring Higher-Order Thinking Skills

This study was conducted to determine how the in-service training program for science teachers affects teachers' competencies in preparing items measuring higher order learning levels. The study was conducted with the exploratory special case design, which is one of the special case study models. The study group consisted of 8 science teachers who participated in the training program implemented within the scope of the study. The training program is an 8-week question preparation training that measures higher-order thinking skills. The training was carried out theoretically and practically by science education, assessment and evaluation and curriculum experts. During the study, the teachers prepared items to measure higher order thinking skills related to the Earth and Universe learning area in the science curriculum for six months. A 21-item checklist developed by the researcher was used as a data collection tool in the study. The data obtained in the scope of the program were analyzed descriptively. The analyses were reported as frequency and percentage, and the results were visualised with graphs. At the end of the program, it was determined that 43% of the items prepared by the teachers measured higher-order thinking skills. This finding suggests that the training program positively affected the teachers' competence in writing items that measure higher-order thinking skills. At the end of the study, a fair number of suggestions were made, the most important being the widespread implementation of the training program.

Calorimetric Measurements of a High-Power RF Signal

Development of a high-power RF signal meter based on the method of calorimetric measurements, which in some cases is the only possible one is presented. The device is as a system of elements exchanging either energy or information, the operation and interconnection of which ensures the stability of its functioning. The main elements of the device are: a coordinated load and a two-circuit water-air cooling system that convert RF energy first into thermal electrical energy, and then into internal energy of the coolant (working fluid). The measurement and control system provides information display on the monitor and generation of internal control signals. The work focuses on the process of converting electromagnetic energy into internal energy of the coolant, since the matched RF load is integrated into the cooling system and requires special design and technological solutions to ensure efficient operation. A cooling and measurement system has been designed to test the developed RF absorber with a power of up to 5 kW. The parameters of the cooling system were determined based on minimizing the time to achieve thermal equilibrium (time to establish readings) and the set parameters (input temperature no more than 35 °С, temperature difference no more than 40 °С). Based on calculations of the electrodynamic model constructed by the partial domain method, the geometric dimensions were determined at which the voltage standing wave ratio of the load in the operating frequency range (from DC to 1300 MHz) will be the smallest. The article presents the results of designing a high-frequency wattmeter cooled by a liquid (water), examines the thermophysical processes occurring in it and the influence of the presence of a coolant in the cooling circuit.

Analysis of Shielding Performance in Double-Layered Enclosures with Integrated Absorbers

Generally, various technologies, including waveguide below cutoff (WBC), gasket sealing, and bonding, are employed in metallic enclosures to achieve the high electromagnetic shielding performance required for EMP protection and EMC countermeasures in shielding structures or facilities. While the shielding structure or facility is properly constructed and maintained according to design specifications, its electromagnetic shielding performance can remain at the required level, effectively protecting internal electrical and electronic equipment from external electromagnetic interference. However, unintended apertures often occur during the construction or maintenance of shielding facilities, compromising their shielding performance. Therefore, it is crucial to develop technologies that prevent shielding effectiveness degradation caused by both intentional and unintentional apertures. This paper proposes a structure incorporating a composite absorber (made of dielectric and magnetic absorber) within a double metal panel of enclosure featuring an aperture, aimed at maintaining and improving the facility’s shielding performance. The effectiveness of the proposed structure was validated through numerical simulation.

Reliability-based capacity safety factor for G20Mn5 cast steel joints

Cast steel joints have complex geometries and great load-carrying capacity, and hence their resistances are commonly determined through FE simulations. Considering the significant variability in the material mechanical properties (that in fracture strains, in particular) and the model uncertainty inevitably involved in the FE analysis, a large safety factor (γR) should be adopted for the FE simulation-based design of cast steel joints. However, the γR-values specified by the current design specifications, e.g. the Chinese standard CECS 235: 2008 in which γR = 3.0, are deemed to be overly conservative. This paper examined the structural reliability of G20Mn5 cast steel joints to provide a rational γR-value for the practical joint design. The above-mentioned uncertainty of the material and geometric properties as well as the model uncertainty related to FE simulations are evaluated, and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted on nine representative joints to obtain the statistical characteristics of cast steel joints’ ultimate resistance, allowing for both failure modes of material fracture and instability caused by large-scale yielding. FORM was adopted to calculate the reliability index β for the assumed γR-values and different loading scenarios, and the recommended values for γR under target reliability indices are proposed. For snow load-dominant and wind load-dominant load combinations, the recommended γR corresponding to β = 4.2 are 2.29 and 2.16, respectively, and the recommended γR corresponding to β = 3.7 are 2.01 and 1.90, respectively.

Research on Hybrid Heating System in Cold Oilfield Regions

Efficient and clean treatment of wastewater and energy recovery and utilization are important links to realize low-carbon development of oilfields. Therefore, this paper innovatively proposes a multi-energy complementary co-production heating system which fully and efficiently utilizes solar energy resources, oilfield waste heat resources, and biomass resources. At the same time, a typical dormitory building in the oil region was selected as the research object, the system equipment selection was calculated according to the relevant design specifications. On this basis, the simulation system model is established, and the evaluation index and operation control strategy suitable for the system are proposed. The energy utilization rate of the system and the economic, energy-saving, and environmental benefits of the system are simulated. The results show that, under the simulated conditions of two typical days and a heating season, the main heat load of the system is borne by the sewage source heat pump, the energy efficiency is relatively low in the cold period, and the energy-saving characteristics are not obvious. With the increase in heating temperature and anaerobic reactor volume, the energy consumption of the system also increases, and the energy efficiency ratio of each subsystem and the comprehensive energy efficiency ratio of the system gradually decrease. In addition, although the initial investment in cogeneration heating systems is high, the operating costs and environmental benefits are huge. Under the condition of maintaining 35 °C, the anaerobic reactor in the system can reduce carbon emissions by 12.15 t per year, reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 98.4 kg, reduce dust emissions by 49.2 kg, and treat up to 2700 t of sewage per year, which has broad application prospects.

Application of Taguchi Method in Design of Surface Eddy Current Probes for Diagnostics of Power Equipment

The article’s aim is to create a method of reducing the influence on the surface eddy current probes output signal of a number of interfering parameters without their elimination, to ensure its sta-bility, which is achieved as a result of computer search of design and operating values of probes Taguchi-parameters at the stage of their design. To achieve the goal the following tasks were carried out: software for calculating the output signal of surface probes, which is based on the electrodynamic model of the measurement process for the test object in the form of a conductive plate of infinite over-all dimensions and finite thickness; using the Taguchi method, a special design of experiments with the use of orthogonal arrays is constructed, the fulfillment of which makes it possible to determine the influence of each parameter and their complex nonlinear interaction on the output signal of the probe; by integrating the Taguchi method with computer numerical simulation, the optimal controllable pa-rameters of the probe were determined, minimizing the signal changes caused by noise factors. The most important research result is the method creation of providing the signals probes stability and re-ducing the influence of noise parameters on them simultaneously without their elimination. The meth-od effectiveness is demonstrated on the example of designing a thickness gauge, which allowed com-puter search for a set of its optimal parameters to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby reducing the signal variability. The significance of the obtained results lies in the creation of theoretical and practical approaches to the design of surface eddy current probes with new properties of interfering factors suppression, which provide the best conditions for reliable diagnostics of power equipment objects.

Ground tests for a future space experiment: Evaporation rates through a centimetric square chimney by vapor interferometry and simulation

In this paper, results of preparatory tests for a space experiment “Marangoni in Films” on board International Space Station are reported. The setup is thermalized at a setpoint temperature so that (thermal) Marangoni convection is exclusively a result of evaporative cooling of the film, here composed of a Hydrofluoroether (HFE)-7100, evaporating into nitrogen at a given setpoint pressure. The present paper is entirely devoted to the evaporation rates, whereas the Marangoni convection itself will be analyzed in future studies. Apart from the temperature and nitrogen pressure, various setpoints for the initial relative saturation in HFE-7100 vapor are explored. A special design of the test cell with a square chimney surrounding a square opening of the liquid layer permits to largely stabilize the evaporation rates during a longest-lasting middle stage (beyond the initial transients and the final film dry-out). In addition, it facilitates the use of vapor (digital-holographic) interferometry for measuring the evaporation rates, the results of which are compared with independent measurements by means of the pressure evolution within our sealed cell of a fixed volume. An excellent agreement is found before the final dry-out stage for all setpoint parameter combinations tested. The study is accompanied by numerical finite-element simulations in an axisymmetrized geometry, neglecting a possible influence of the Marangoni convection and verifying certain premises used in interferometric post-processing. Even if the simulation results might somewhat over-/underpredict in each particular case, the overall dependence of the evaporation rate on the setpoint parameters is well reproduced and the role of the buoyancy convection is thereby explored.

Design and modelling of a novel single-phase-driven piezoelectric actuator

Sandwich single-phase-driven piezoelectric actuators have attracted increasing interest owing to their simple control circuits, flexible designs, and high output forces. However, there are challenges in constructing a standing-wave driving mode for sandwich single-phase-driven rotary piezoelectric actuators and in achieving bidirectional driving as well as an integrated structural and functional design, which limit their applications. To address these issues and meet the demands of the joint drive, a novel sandwich single-phase-driven rotary piezoelectric actuator is proposed in this study. The actuator stator has a beam-ring configuration, with dual rotors effectively integrated with a preload adjustment mechanism to solve the contact-warping problem of the cantilever joint and achieve an integrated structural and functional design of the joint drive. The standing-wave rotation drive and steering functions are realized through the special design of modes and unique arrangement of the upper and lower driving teeth. To reveal the dynamic characteristics of the stator, a universal electromechanical coupling dynamic model for the torsional-bending composite vibration of sandwich piezoelectric actuators was developed for the first time using the transfer matrix method, and the correctness of the dynamic model was verified using a prototype of the proposed stator. Finally, the structural design feasibility of the proposed piezoelectric actuator was verified through performance evaluation experiments on the actuator prototype. The proposed sandwich single-phase-driven rotary piezoelectric actuator lays the technical and theoretical foundations for achieving simple, fast, efficient, and precise driving and control of robotic joints.

Effects of oncoming wind speed and turbulence intensity on wind characteristics of a simplified hill and ridge

Supertall buildings and long-span bridges are significantly affected by wind-induced vibrations, and the wind fields in mountainous areas are highly complex and influenced by the oncoming wind speed and turbulence intensity. To accurately determine the variation patterns of wind characteristics in mountainous areas under different oncoming wind speeds and turbulence intensities, large eddy simulation (LES) was employed to analyze wind fields over simplified hill and ridge models. By setting different basic wind speeds (5, 10, 15, and 20 m/s) and turbulence intensities (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) at the inlet, the variation patterns of wind characteristics over the simplified hill and ridge under atmospheric boundary layer inflow were studied, revealing wind field flow mechanisms. The results indicate that the wind characteristics on the leeward side of the simplified hill and ridge are significantly influenced by the oncoming wind speed and turbulence intensity. Increasing the oncoming wind speed and turbulence intensity leads to decreased wind profile deceleration, reduced changes in wind direction and attack angles, and increased wind speed amplification factor. In addition, the turbulence fluctuations, power spectra, and coherence function between two points on the leeward side increase with the oncoming wind speed and turbulence intensity. The turbulent integral scale decreases with an increase in the oncoming wind speed and turbulence intensity. As the wind speed and turbulence increase, the size of the recirculation bubble gradually decreases, with its center moving closer to the wall surface. In the vorticity field, the number of smaller-scale three-dimensional turbulent vortices near the hill and ridge increases. These differences in flow characteristics are the fundamental causes of the changes in wind characteristics. High wind speeds and turbulence intensities typically result in higher kurtosis and skewness, with significant non-Gaussian characteristics in the fluctuating wind. Traditional wind load design specifications for building architecture based on a Gaussian distribution may not be applicable to mountainous terrain. In practical engineering, the influences of the oncoming wind speed and turbulence intensity on wind characteristics should be fully considered.

Response and Reliability of Composite Post Insulators Under Random Earthquake

Abstract This article examines the stochastic response and seismic reliability of composite post-insulators under random seismic excitation. A random seismic motion model, tailored for power facility seismic research in China and compliant with the “Seismic Design Specification for Power Facilities” (GB50260-2013), is developed. This model accounts for both amplitude and frequency non-stationary. A nonlinear dynamic model for composite post insulators is then established, incorporating the nonlinearity at the multi-section insulator and flange connections. Numerical methods are employed for random seismic response analysis to address the non-stationary nature of seismic motion. The proposed model’s validity is confirmed by comparing it with the vibration table test results. Finally, the seismic reliability of composite post insulators, with root stress as the control criterion, is assessed using the probability density evolution method.

Numerical investigation of the simultaneous effect of twisted tape and nanofluid hybrid in shell and spiral tube heat exchanger with a special design

To increase thermal efficiency, the use of a carefully designed coil instead of a simple tube significantly increases the efficiency of heat exchangers. This is due to increased fluid dynamics and increased turbulence facilitated by the advanced coil design, making it ideal for space-constrained applications. This study performs a numerical evaluation of the fluid hydrodynamic properties of two separate shell and coil heat exchangers with specialized designs.The fluids analyzed include water-based hybrid nanofluids, specifically Water/MOS2_CuO and Ag-HEG/water, with results comparable to those obtained using pure water. This research comprises Reynolds numbers from 500 to 2000 and is divided into two parts. The first part examines the effect of helical coil geometry and fluid type on the endothermic performance of the heat exchanger, using nanoparticle volume concentrations of φ = 0.3. In the second part, the optimal geometric and fluid model is selected based on the findings of the first part. Following this, the effect of different hybrid nanofluids on thermal performance is evaluated and fluids with volume concentrations of φ = 0.3 are compared with pure water. The findings show that Design [A], with a unique geometry with Water/Ag_HEG nanofluid, achieves the highest efficiency at all investigated Reynolds numbers. The results showed that the thermal efficiency (η) of Designs [A], [B], and [C] has increased by 76, 70, and 50 %, respectively, compared to the Designs [D]. In addition, the second part of the study shows that the thermal efficiency of Water/MOS2_CuO and Water/Ag_HEG nanohybrid fluids have increased by 68 % and 21 %, respectively, at Reynolds number 1000.

Design and Development of Energy Particle Detector on China’s Chang’e-7

Particle radiation on the Moon is influenced by a combination of galactic cosmic rays, high-energy solar particles, and secondary particles interacting on the lunar surface. When China’s Chang’e-7 lander lands at the Moon’s South Pole, it will encounter this complex radiation environment. Therefore, a payload detection technology was developed to comprehensively measure the energy spectrum, direction, and radiation effects of medium- and high-energy charged particles on the lunar surface. During the ground development phase, the payload performance was tested against the design specifications. The verification results indicate that the energy measurement ranges are 30 keV to 300 MeV for protons, 30 keV to 12 MeV for electrons, and 8 to 400 MeV/n for heavy ions. The energy resolution is 10.81% for 200 keV electrons of the system facing the lunar surface; the dose rate measurement sensitivity is 7.48 µrad(Si)/h; and the LET spectrum measurement range extends from 0.001 to 37.014 MeV/(mg/cm2). These comprehensive measurements are instrumental in establishing a lunar surface particle radiation model, enhancing the understanding of the lunar radiation environment, and supporting human lunar activities.

Review of Bridge Structure Damping Model and Identification Method

Damping is a fundamental characteristic of bridge structures, reflecting their ability to dissipate energy during vibration. In the design and maintenance of bridges, the damping ratio has a direct impact on the safety and service life of the structure, thus affecting its sustainability. Currently, there is no suitable theoretical method for estimating structural damping at the design stage. Therefore, the modal damping ratio of a completed or under-construction bridge can only be obtained through field dynamic tests to ensure compliance with design specifications. To summarize the latest research findings on bridge structure damping models and identification methods, and to advance the development of damping identification techniques, this paper provides an in-depth review from several perspectives: Firstly, it offers a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical framework for structural damping. Secondly, it summarizes the damping models proposed by researchers from various countries. Thirdly, it reviews the research progress on identifying the modal damping ratio of bridge structures using time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain methods based on environmental excitation. It also summarizes the methods and current status of identifying the modal damping ratio using artificial excitation. Finally, the future prospects and conclusions are discussed from three aspects: damping theory, test and identification method and data processing. This research and summary provide a solid theoretical foundation for advancing bridge structural damping theory and identification methods and offer valuable references for bridge operation and maintenance, as well as damage identification. From the perspective of modal parameter identification, it provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of bridges.

A New Type of Dynamic Vibration Fiber Sensor.

A new-type vibration sensor based on a fiber Bragg grating combined with a special structure-packaged design is proposed for monitoring the mechanical vibration signals. Three different sensing structures, including the film squeeze type, new film squeeze type, and elastic tape squeeze type are proposed for measuring the vibration signals with the frequency range from tens to thousands of Hz. In the comparison to experimental results, the new film squeeze structure has a nice sensing performance in the range from 100 to 1000 Hz with a sensitivity of 0.302 mV/g. For the elastic tape squeeze structure, the elastic tape is designed to encapsulate the optical fiber with a good frequency response from 1100 to 3100 Hz. In addition, by using the new film squeeze structure to measure the steady-state and non-steady-state vibration signals, the spectral components of sensing signals are analyzed by using the wavelet transformation for confirming the testing signals. These vibration fiber sensors can be applied in the measurement of high-end manufacture-facility vibration or earthquake vibrations etc.

Bridge Structural Design Simulation: Case Study of Nongsa Pura Bridge

The influence of various components, including the deck, girders, trusses, cables, and other structural elements, plays a significant role in determining the long-term stability and service life of bridges. With the increasing demands of traffic loads, environmental factors, and material degradation, it is crucial to reassess and enhance the existing calculations for bridge superstructure designs. This paper aims to redesign and reanalyze the superstructure of the Nongsa Pura Bridge by using secondary data for calculations. The results of this study include updated design specifications, specifically WF 500x200x10x16 and WF 800x300x14x22 structural profiles. The research methodology involves a detailed re-evaluation of the bridge's structural elements, focusing on adapting to contemporary standards and ensuring the bridge’s resilience to evolving demands.

Axial buckling resistance of cold-formed steel built-up I-section wall panels with single- and double-layer sheathing configurations: experimental and analytical studies

ABSTRACT This paper presents experimental investigation of the axial behaviour of built-up (BU) (I-section) cold-formed steel doubly-symmetric channel with single-/double-layer sheathing on both sides configuration. Fifteen (15) monotonic concentric axial compression tests were performed on 7-BU sections with single-layer sheathing, 7-BU sections with double-layer sheathing, 1-BU section stud without sheathing. The experiments aim to enumerate ultimate axial strength, buckling interactions, failure pattern and strength enhancement due to sheathing for BU section stud members. The novelty of the study is that, for the first time an attempt is made to investigate the axial behaviour of single-/double-layer sheathed BU section panels using seven different sheathing boards. Results indicate large range of deformation behaviour, with local-global and distortional-global interaction buckling phenomena. Failure is also observed due to failing of screws in specimens with sheathing of thickness ≥ 9 mm and modulus of elasticity > 6400MPa. Also, for the first time, efficacies of four semi-analytical methods based on rational extension of direct strength method (DSM) are presented. Results suggest the insufficiency of current AISI design specifications, whereas predicted results obtained using the new modified DSM methodology are within the adequate variation range as the adopted methodology considers desired buckling interaction. The efficacy of the recommended design methodology is verified through reliability analysis.

Early-stage Testing of Thermal Power Dispatch Simulator for Subjective Mental Workload and Evolution Time

The excess thermal energy produced by nuclear power plants (NPPs) during low electricity demands can be utilized in industrial processes, such as hydrogen production, through a thermal power dispatch (TPD) system. Initial testing of the first iteration of a single-train TPD design with a manual control mode at the Idaho National Lab (INL) revealed a high operator workload and degraded control capability. The current study evaluated the impact of an enhanced dual-train TPD design on operators’ subjective mental workload and evolution task-time while completing two operating scenarios in manual and automatic control modes. The results showed no statistically significant difference between participants’ mental workload using both control modes. Evolution time in automatic control mode took a shorter time than in manual control, with participants completing all evolutions in less than the 10-min set as the design specification limit. The shorter evolution time is discussed within the context of plant safety and operational efficiency.

Research on the failure mechanisms and preventive actions of tunnels under butterfly load in loess regions

The results of surrounding rock pressure measurements from numerous loess tunnels exhibit a butterfly distribution pattern, subsequently referred to as ’butterfly load’. This pattern significantly deviates from the load distribution and magnitude—referred to as ’specification load’—calculated by current Chinese tunnel design specifications. By means of model experimental and numerical simulation, the mechanical behavior, failure cause, failure mechanism and preventive actions of tunnel structure under different load distribution are studied. The experimental results indicate that the ultimate bearing capacity of the tunnel structure under the butterfly load is significantly lower than that under the specification load, with the ultimate bearing capacity decreasing as load unevenness increases. The butterfly load increases the unevenness of the axial force distribution throughout the annular structure and also causes the structure to produce reverse moments in the vault and arch shoulder. Similarly, the morphological characteristics of the cracks show that the butterfly load most significantly influences the tunnel vault and arch shoulder. Under the influence of the butterfly load, the lining structure is prone to developing cracks at the arch shoulder and arch foot positions, with tensile cracks located at the vault position. Aiming at the failure mechanism of tunnel structure under butterfly load, it is suggested to implement advanced small conduit grouting at the tunnel arch to suppress the dislocation of the formation and to lay root piles at the arch foot to improve the bearing capacity of the tunnel bottom. The prevention effect of this technology in different loess regions is sandy loess > general loess > clay loess.

Design and Implementation of a Computer-Controlled Hybrid Oscillatory Ventilator.

During mechanical ventilation, lung function and gas exchange in structurally heterogeneous lungs may be improved when volume oscillations at the airway opening are applied at multiple frequencies simultaneously, a technique referred to as multifrequency oscillatory ventilation (MFOV). This is in contrast to conventional high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), for which oscillatory volumes are applied at a single frequency. In the present study, as a means of fully realizing the potential of MFOV, we designed and tested a computer-controlled hybrid oscillatory ventilator capable of generating the flows, tidal volumes, and airway pressures required for MFOV, HFOV, conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV), as well as oscillometric measurements of respiratory impedance. The device employs an iterative spectral feedback controller to generate a wide range of oscillatory waveforms. The performance of the device meets that of commercial mechanical ventilators in volume-controlled mode. Oscillatory modes of ventilation also meet design specifications in a mechanical test lung, over frequencies from 4 to 20 Hz and mean airway pressure from 5 to 30 cmH2O. In proof-of-concept experiments, the oscillatory ventilator maintained adequate gas exchange in a porcine model of acute lung injury, using combinations of conventional and oscillatory ventilation modalities. In summary, our novel device is capable of generating a wide range of conventional and oscillatory ventilation waveforms with potential to enhance gas exchange, while simultaneously providing less injurious ventilation.

Design And Build Project Risk Analysis at Tugu Pal 0 Stage II Project Construction

The implementation of the design and build method in the Phase II Pal Nol Monument construction project, managed by the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) of South Kalimantan Province, aims to analyze the risks associated with the design and construction processes. This project, which utilizes an integrated design and build construction method (multi-year), is located on Jl. Dharma Praja within the South Kalimantan Provincial Office Area and executed by the contractor KSO ADHI-PUTRA. A comprehensive risk mitigation strategy for the project includes detailed work planning, effective coordination, periodic evaluation, a thorough understanding of design specifications, continuous risk analysis, flexible contingency plans, and strong communication with government entities and stakeholders. Keywords: Risk Analysis, Design and Build, Construction, Tugu PAL 0 Stage II