Optimal Position Research Articles

Efficient and stable Pd catalyst confined in microporous carbon shells for phenol hydrogenation

In this article, Pd@CS nanosphere reactor with well-define core–shell structures were successfully synthesized using glucose and potassium tetrachloropalladium as C and Pd sources, respectively, through one-step hydrothermal methods. Obtained Pd@CS nanospheres exhibit excellent activity and stability for hydrogenation reaction of phenol to cyclohexanone. Under the conditions of 150 °C and 2 MPa H2, phenol was converted to cyclohexanone with a conversion of 99.9 % and a selectivity of 98.6 % within 3 h. In addition, Pd@CS has good stability and reusability, and the activity loss is not obvious, after 5 cycles, the selectivity is still above 95.0 %. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results in the mechanism exploration revealed the synthesis pathway of Pd@CS nanospheres. Finally, based on the density functional theory (DFT) results of the adsorption configuration of phenol on the surface of Pd clusters, the optimum adsorption position and the first hydrogenation site of phenol were investigated, and the reaction path of hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone was summarized

Hysteresis Compensation and Trajectory Tracking Control Model for Pneumatic Artificial Muscles

The optimum performance position control of pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM) is restricted by their in-built hysteresis and nonlinearity. The hysteresis is usually depicted by a phenomenological model, while the model mentioned above always only describes the hysteresis phenomenon under certain conditions. Thus, the universality of the compensator is due to its weakness in handling disparate outside conditions. Our research employs the FN–QUPI (feedforward neural network–quadratic unparallel Prandtl–Ishlinskii) model to depict the phenomenon of pressure-displacement hysteresis in PAMs. This model has high-precision expression and generalization ability for the PAM hysteresis phenomenon. According to this, an inverse model of the QUPI operator is established as a feedforward control while combining with the feedback control of incremental PID-type iterative learning. The results show that due to the hysteresis of PAM, the compound control of feedforward control and iterative learning has better tracking performance than the ordinary PID compound control in terms of convergence rate and stability. According to the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of the tracking process, it can be seen that the control model can achieve accurate nonlinear compensation, and the control system shows excellent robustness to different input signals.

Design optimization of a new cavity receiver for a parabolic trough solar collector

The most important parameter affecting the optical efficiency, the upper limit for an overall efficiency of parabolic trough solar collector (PTC), is the net absorbed heat rate by receiver on which solar beam radiation is concentrated. The objective of this study is to propose and optimize a new cavity receiver used in PTC for increasing optical efficiency. Three different geometries (triangle, rectangle and polygon), aperture widths, heights and positions of cavity receiver are taken as optimization parameters. A design of experiments (DoE) approach is used to evaluate the effects of these parameters on the absorbed radiation heat rate by receiver at the same time. SolTrace is used to investigate the effects of these parameters by optical analysis. The results indicate that the optimum cavity geometry is polygonal, and the cavity depth and aperture both are equal to 0.05 m. Moreover, it is found that the most effective parameter is the position of the cavity receiver, and the optimum position is at the focal line of the parabolic concentrator. The highest absorbed radiation rate by the cavity receiver and the optical efficiency of the PTC are equal to 3241.99 W and 81.05 % respectively for the optimum cavity receiver design.

Kinematic bearing capacity analysis of strip footings on reinforced soils using discretisation technique

The kinematic discretisation technique of upper bound limit analysis is adopted in this study to evaluate the limit load of a strip footing located on the soils reinforced with different geosynthetic layers. The reinforcement is assumed to withstand the tension but not bending moment. The failure model of the reinforced foundation soil is generated using the discretisation method, a ‘point by point’ technique. Two failure modes of the reinforcement, the tensile rupture and sliding, are considered in the analysis. This article proposed the formulas for the first time to evaluate the effect of soil friction angle φ on the ultimate bearing capacity and on the failure mechanism of foundation. The calculation results are given considering different reinforcement layers, which describe the impact of different reinforcement depth and length on the ultimate bearing capacity. The optimum positions of different reinforcement layers and the optimum reinforcement length are obtained. The bearing capacity ratios are also presented in figures combing impact of reinforcement depths, soil cohesion and friction angle. The present method was verified by the results reported in literature. The present method can provide a reference for the footing design on the reinforced soils.

Template for positioning miniplates (PUNPLAPOT-M) on mandibular symphysis: Novel innovation

Purpose: This study was conducted to check the efficacy of PUNPLAPOT-innovative Template for positioning of the bone miniplate for fracture fixation. Material and Methods: Twenty dried mandible specimens were used in this study. The specimens were then divided into two groups using random sampling. Each group consisted of ten mandibles each. The mandibles were fractured in mandibular symphysis region. Study group mandibles were subjected to fixation using 2.5 mm titanium miniplate using PUNPLAPOT plate positioning template. Control group specimens were subjected to fracture fixation without the use of template. All the 20 specimens were then subjected to dial gauge test of parallelism. Plate orientation with respect to lower border of mandible was checked for both the groups. PUNPLAPOT 2.0 is developed to be used in extremely oblique fractures. Results: Significant difference was noted in review parameters -plate parallelism and distance of screws from fracture line within study and control group. Results obtained with this template were statistically significant. Conclusion: PUNPLAPOT definitely provides the maxillofacial surgeons a reliable template to position the miniplate at an optimum position. The template has few limitations like comminuted lower border fractures and severely oblique fractures. Further device development is aimed towards overcoming these.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Effect of graft tunnel position on early to mid-term clinical outcomes.

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be used to assess knee function following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Intra-operatively, femoral and tibial tunnels are created to accommodate the new ACL graft. It is postulated that there is an optimum position and orientation of these tunnels and that outcomes from this procedure are affected by their position. To evaluate the influence of graft tunnel position on early to mid-term clinical outcomes following ACL reconstruction. Six PROMs were collected following ACL reconstruction which included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, Tegner, EuroQol-5 Dimension-5 level, and Short Form 12-item Health Survey. A total of 8 radiological parameters were measured from post-operative X-rays relating to graft tunnel positions. This data was analysed to assess for any correlations between graft tunnel position and post-operative PROMs. A total of 87 patients were included in the study with a mean post-operative follow-up of 2.3 years (range 1 to 7 years). Posterior position of tibial tunnel was associated with improved KOOS quality of life (rho = 0.43, P = 0.002) and EQ-5D VAS (rho = 0.36, P = 0.010). Anterior position of EndoButton femoral tunnel was associated with an improved EQ-5D index (rho = -0.38, P = 0.028). There were no other significant correlations between any of the other radiological parameters and PROM scores. Overall, graft tunnel position had very little correlation with clinical outcomes following ACL reconstruction. A few (posterior) tibial tunnel and (anterior) EndoButton femoral tunnel measurements were associated with better PROMs.

Mechanical strain effect on the optoelectronic properties and photocatalysis applications of layered AlN/GaN nanoheterostructure.

The aim of this work is to use first principles calculations to examine the effects of different mechanical strains on the optoelectronic and photocatalytic capabilities of the 2D/2D nanoheterostructure of AlN/GaN. By utilizing the lmBJ (Meta-GGA) and PBEsol (GGA) functional, the bandgap of the nanoheterostructure is calculated and found to be 4.89eV and 3.24eV. Simulated 2D AlN/GaN nanoheterostructure exhibits exceptional optical and electronic characteristics under applied biaxial tensile and compressive strains. The band gap changes from 4.89 to 3.77eV, while the energy gap nature transitions from direct to indirect during tensile strain fluctuations of 0% to 8%. Strain is also found to have a significant effect on the optical absorption peaks. And a 0-8% rise in tensile strain causes the initial absorption peak of the 2D AlN/GaN nanoheterostructure to shift from 4.88 to 4.20eV, which results in a 14% red shift in photon energy for every 2% change in strain. Furthermore, the optimum bandgap and band edge positions of the 2D AlN/GaN nanoheterostructure enable the water redox process to produce hydrogen and oxygen for wide range of pH. Thus, modification via strain may be an effective method for altering the optical as well as electronic characteristics of a 2D AlN/GaN nanoheterostructure, and this study may pave the way for new applications of this material in optoelectronic devices in the future. In the current work, density functional theory is used to explore every attribute of the 2D AlN/GaN nanoheterostructure. To characterize the electronic exchange-correlation, we used the PBEsol functional. In order to prevent any interlayer contact between periodicity of images, a vacuum is produced along the z-direction of approximately 10 Å. To increase the precision of bandgap prediction, the electronic and optical characteristics were computed using the meta-GGA lmBJ functional. To account for interlayer van der Waals interactions, nanoheterostructure computations were performed using the DFT-D3 functional.

Aerodynamic Analysis of Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Moving in Swarm

This paper presents a close-formation flight of two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the aim of the study is to improve the understanding of the vortex effects between fixed-wing UAVs in a swarm using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. To validate the numerical method, results of a variable-density wind tunnel test from the literature were used. This numerical CFD analysis was used to determine the lift coefficient (CL) and the drag coefficient (CD) values for a single UAV at various angles of attack. When examining the aerodynamic impact areas behind the UAV, the longitudinal distance between the two UAVs is not particularly effective for close flight. Therefore, CFD analyses were carried out on the two UAVs for both vertical and lateral distances. The optimum position for close-formation flight was identified using CL/CD ratios. The results of the analysis indicate that the most effective flights, across all lateral positions, occur when the two UAVs are vertically at the same height. In terms of aerodynamic efficiency, the most effective points for close-formation flight for wingspan b are at lateral distances of 0.875 b and 1 b. At these positions, flight efficiency can be increased by approximately 11.5%.

Development of an Arduino-based Control and Sensor System for a Robotic Laparoscopic Surgical Unit

The LAPARA System, a Philippine-made robotic surgical system, tested its control system in this paper. Three types of tests are then done to the system: PID Optimization Test, Position Checking, and Data Transfer Rate and Memory Bandwidth Testing. Results from the PID resulted in the values 2.32 for the P, 0.4 for the I, and 1.5 for the D to be chosen to ensure the system runs smoothly. The system was also able to run properly during Position Checking, though movement in the Pitch and Yaw required refinement due to the constraints. Also, the data transfer rate for the PC to Arduino Due connection yielded a 128kb/s speed, slower than the 480 Mbps rating, while the memory bandwidth testing yielded results that allowed for storage of 23,040 32_bit values. In conclusion, although minor adjustments were needed to refine the system, the LAPARA system was able to perform as intended.

Analytical design and computational fluid dynamics analysis for optimizing fixed ventilation systems for power transformer: Numerical study and experimental validation

Despite the recognized fact that power transformers (PT) are highly efficient technology, part of their electrical energy is counted as heat losses. Therefore, the cooling system is a critical factor in the life span and performance of the PTs, and hence the adopted thermal energy design can be strongly effective. This study revolves around the innovative development of a novel generation of fixed ventilation fans for PTs, achieved through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and practical experiments. The proposed CFD model was developed adopting ANSYS FLUENT 19.2. The proposed CFD model was verified by comparing the numerical and experimental results of the cooling air temperature and velocity. A standard k-ε model was used to simulate the airflow of the investigated cooling system numerically. A thermal analysis of a four-sided power transformer was performed, and an analysis of the optimum position to install the cooling fan on the radiator was presented. The most effective number of used fans was also determined. The main results showed that two fans were found to be the best performance among the tested candidate alternatives. The two cooling fans’ size, material, and cover shape were also studied and added to the proposed model. Besides, the utilization of a thermoelectric generator was considered in this study in order to recycle some of the lost heat into output power. An experimental prototype mimicking the actual cooling system for the power transformer was designed and fabricated. Results showed that the selected material has achieved a high Calculated Factor of Safety (FoS) equal to 237, indicating that the utilization of the designed parts is of high safety.

Comparative analysis for optimal placement of piezoelectric actuators on smart thin plate

In contemporary smart structures, piezoelectric ceramic (PZT) actuators serve a crucial structural function. To construct a smart thin plate that integrates structural health monitoring (SHM) and active vibration control objectives, many placement methodologies were discussed. In current research, two positioning strategies of the attached PZT actuators are compared. The first strategy is a well-known controllability concept where PZT actuators’ optimum positions are obtained by maximizing the eigenvalues of the controllability Grammian matrix. The second strategy employs the energy concept to strategically position PZT actuators so that the utmost amount of exerted work is accomplished by the actuators. Thus, the optimal performance of actuators to provide energy for mitigating unwanted vibrations is maintained, as is the optimal excitation required for SHM in the designated modes. Kirchoff’s classical laminate plate theory (CLPT) is used to define displacements as well as the normal strains of this coupled electro-mechanical system, and then, using the Ritz solution, the modal eigenvalue problem is solved, and mode shapes are obtained. Consequently, normal strains are transformed into spatially dependent functions used to define both the virtual work and the controllability of the Grammian matrix for the PZT actuators as a function of their locations. Finally, iterative optimization based on a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to find the optimum actuator locations in the desired modes. The best location for the PZT actuator or actuators is explored for two specimen plates with different boundary conditions. The results for the two studied positioning strategies are then compared, showing the superiority of the proposed energy-based strategy. Further, a quantitative variance-based uncertainty analysis reveals a low variance of the output results for the proposed strategy.

User-centred design, validation and clinical testing of an anti-choking mug for people with Parkinson’s disease

Oropharyngeal dysphagia, or difficulty initiating swallowing, is a frequent problem in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can lead to aspiration pneumonia. The efficacy of pharmacological options is limited. Postural strategies, such as a chin-down manoeuvre when drinking, have had some degree of success but may be difficult for people who have other limitations such as dementia or neck rigidity, to reproduce consistently. Using a user-centred design approach and a multidisciplinary team, we developed and tested an anti-choking mug for people with PD that helps angle the head in the optimum position for drinking. The design reflected anthropometric and ergonomic aspects of user needs with features including regulation of water flow rate and sip volume, an inner slope, a thickened handle and a wide base, which promoted a chin-down posture when used. Prototype testing using digital technology to compare neck flexion angles (the primary outcome), plus clinical outcomes assessed using standard tools (Swallowing Clinical Assessment Score in Parkinson’s Disease (SCAS-PD) and Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Parts II and III), found significant improvements in a range of parameters related to efficient swallowing and safe drinking when using the anti-choking mug versus a sham mug.

Hexagon MXene based heterojunction interface with high ion adsorption and electron transfer efficiency for soft-package potassium-ions aqueous supercapacitors

Potassium-ion hybrid capacitors (PIHC) are considered as ideal large-scale rechargeable energy storage devices due to their low-cost, high-power density and environmental protection. However, a low energy density is the main factor restricting the practical application of PIHC. The interface is formed on the surface of electrode material of PIHC through strong correlation to construct heterojunction, which can significantly improve the performance of ion energy storage. However, how to reveal the influence of the interfacial state of the heterojunction on the adsorption and electron transmission of energy storage ions at the atomic level is still one of the key scientific problems in this field. In this work, metal ion intercalation and microwave-assisted in-situ etching are used to construct the Hexagon MXene Ti3C2 heterojunction with TiOHO strong correlation. At the interface of heterojunction, TiOHO highway for electron transmission is developed to improve the rate performance of PIHC. Through experimental and theoretical calculation, the optimum adsorption position and maximum adsorption amount of potassium-ion at the single interface of heterojunction are obtained, and the specific energy density of PIHC is increased. This lays a foundation for the practical application of high-performance soft-package PIHC.

Study on the design of short blade offset for the long and short blade runner of 1000 MW hydraulic turbine units

Abstract For such complex rotating machinery as hydraulic turbine, the hydraulic operation characteristics of the hydraulic turbine unit are significantly impacted by the short blade of the runner used as the splitter blade. To find the optimum position of the short blade, the study object is the 1000 MW hydraulic turbine, selects three circumferential offset positions of the short blade for numerical simulation calculation, obtains the runner flow pattern at different offsets, and explores the impact on the short blade offset on the vortex and pressure pulsation in the runner. The results show that the counterclockwise offset of the short blade will improve the flow pattern of the runner, reduce the scale of vortex in the runner and enhance the efficiency of the hydraulic turbine. The counterclockwise offset will increase the interference while decreasing the pressure pulsation in the vaneless region, at the runner’s inlet, and downstream of the short blade. When the offset δ=0.6, the peak-valley difference of pressure fluctuation in the vaneless zone is the smallest, accounting for only 1.38 % of the rated head. The main frequency of the vaneless zone gradually changes from 15fn to 30fn , and the main frequency of the runner inlet and the short blade downstream is 24fn . Due to the different weakening effects of short blades on the interference, low-frequency pulsation components of 4fn and 8fn appear.

Wave drag and wave patterns by ships moving in a single-file formation

To minimize energy expenditure for each individual, animals adopt distinctive formations, such as fish schooling, “V” formation by flying birds, and single-file formation by waterfowls. The phenomenon of ducklings following their mothers in a single-file configuration has been revealed by the mechanisms of wave-riding and wave-passing. Drawing inspiration from this phenomenon, an investigation is undertaken on ships moving in a single-file formation. The objective is to quantify how much energy can be saved in different configurations. In this study, a three-dimensional boundary element method incorporating linear free-surface boundary conditions is used to obtain the wave drag and wave patterns. It is found that when constructive wave interference occurs in a two-ship formation, the wave resistance of the trailing ship increases and the leading ship experiences a decrease in its wave drags, especially when the two ships are in close proximity. Mutual benefit arises when destructive wave interference occurs between two ships. In addition, increasing the size of the trailing vessel facilitates the effect of wave-riding by the leading ship, but this effect becomes less pronounced as the speed increases. In a multi-ship formation configuration, changing the size of the leading ship will have a localized effect on the wave-passing, but the fleet will eventually tend to a dynamic equilibrium. When the position of the first trailing vessel is changed, there is similarly a localized effect on the wave-passing. Adjusting the first trailing ship to the position of the constructive wave interference is not favorable to reducing its own drag but enhances the wave-riding effect of its close follower. Finally, to achieve wave-passing, the trailing ship does not necessarily have to occupy an optimum position. This can still be accomplished if the trailing ship moves backward by an integer multiple of wavelength.

Distributed Cooperative Quantum Learning for Discrete-Time Multiagent Source Exploration With Information Prompts.

In light of optimization theory and swarm evolutionary schemes, under multiple single-integrator mobile agents equipped with sensors and prompters, this article addresses a discrete-time multiagent source exploration problem with information prompts. Regarding information prompts as constraints on the unknown target, by virtue of penalty function skills (PFSs) and sequential unconstrained minimization techniques (SUMTs), the agents are driven toward the source under the guidance of the control strategy. In two cases of available and unavailable gradient information, a quantum potential well, an average optimal position estimator (AOPE), and a global optimal position estimator (GOPE) are introduced into swarm evolutionary schemes with a periodically oscillating weight, such that distributed cooperative quantum learning (DCQL) policy is proposed as a control strategy under communication restrictions, where AOPE and GOPE are developed relying on distributed consensus theory. In particular, when the gradient is unavailable, we put forth an adaptive generalized Bernstein neural network (AGBNN) to replace it based on excellent properties of Bernstein polynomials and adaptive approaches. Further, a performance analysis for the proposed policy is executed on the convergence and computational complexity, which ensures the accuracy and efficiency of the source exploration in theory. Ultimately, a simulation test is carried out, and the results validate the practicability and effectiveness of the offered method.

A simple new approach for mapping an ultrasonic tank for sonochemistry

The most used piece of equipment for sonochemistry is the ultrasonic cleaning bath. However, what is sometimes forgotten by scientists new to sonochemistry is the vital importance of the shape and positioning of any reaction vessel in the bath to obtain the most efficient and reproducible results. In experiments using an ultrasonic bath, a glass vessel (reactor) is inserted into the water contained in the bath. The water acts as the coupling medium for the transfer of acoustic energy from the transducer to the vessel (termed indirect sonication). The position of the reaction vessel above the base of the US bath can change the energy transmitted into it over a wide range of values (in our system between 100–500 J). We have carried out a study of the vertical distribution of the ultrasound field in a common type of ultrasound bath, comparing conventional sonochemistry dosimeters with a new and very simple approach using the Ultrasonic Capillary Effect (UCE) which can be performed in any laboratory. The technique involves the use of a capillary tube, to locate the vertical positions of acoustic pressure maxima above a single transducer on the base of the bath. The results are compared with those obtained using calorimetry, iodimetry, a cavitometer and the perforation of aluminium foil. The results show that the optimum position for the reaction vessel can be located very simply using UCE.

Optimization of stepped hole drilling for consistent aperture in BCF/PEEK and PEEK stacks

To ensure the aperture consistency of the stepped hole in the drilling of braided carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (BCF/PEEK) and PEEK stacks, a step variation parameter method is proposed to obtain the optimum process parameters in this study. Initially, the lay-up sequence is determined by analyzing diameter differences in drilled sequences of BCF/PEEK and PEEK stacks. Concurrently, hole-wall surface morphology and damage are observed under traditional drilling conditions to define stepped hole phenomena. Subsequently, optimum step position is identified by analyzing diameter differences at various positions with variable parameters. Moreover, the influence weight of drilling parameters on diameter difference is assessed using Taguchi orthogonal array. An optimization process scheme is proposed for minimum diameter difference control. Results suggest spindle speed of 2000 r/min and feed rate of 40 mm/min for BCF/PEEK, and 5000 r/min and 30 mm/min for PEEK are optimum parameters. This method holds promise for achieving consistent apertures in other laminated composites during drilling.

Meta Heuristic Technique with Reinforcement Learning for Node Deployment in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are vital in applications like environmental monitoring, smart homes, and battlefield surveillance. Comprising small devices with limited resources, WSNs require efficient node deployment for power optimization and prolonged network lifetime, ensuring sufficient coverage and connectivity. This study introduces an Intelligent Satin Bower Bird Optimizer augmented with reinforcement learning (ISBO-RL), enhancing coverage and connectivity. ISBO-RL focuses on optimal sensor placement for improved coverage and connectivity, using an Optimum Position Finding (OPF) method to identify key sensor node locations. Reinforcement learning is integrated into the ISBO algorithm, allowing nodes to adapt based on performance and changing conditions. Experimental results on diverse platforms highlight ISBO-RL’s efficacy and its superior coverage and connectivity performance as compared to other algorithms. ISBO-RL represents a significant advancement in the field of Wireless Sensor Networks, offering a promising solution to address the challenges of efficient node deployment and network optimization in various critical applications.

Dynamic coupling effects of injection on spray and mixture formation in an asymmetrically vibrating combustion engine

Enhanced methods of energy conversion present a viable solution for addressing energy load challenges. This study introduces a vibrating combustion engine designed to enhance energy conversion efficiency by harnessing flexible dynamics and variable asymmetric motion. However, the consideration of its unique dynamic effects has emerged as a pivotal challenge in fuel-air mixing and combustion research. This study introduces a fuel spray and mixing simulation method that facilitates the reciprocal exchange of coupling parameters between the combustion and dynamics models. It iterates the simulation outcomes of motion and combustion to predict mixture formation. Subsequently, the method is employed to explore the impact of injection position on fuel spray and mixture formation. Results show that there is an optimum injection position for the operation frequency, and retarding or advancing leads to slow compression and weak gas motion for fuel spray and mixing, although retarded injection provides high in-cylinder gas pressure and temperature. The early injection generally causes long penetration, small droplet diameter, slight impingement, and fast evaporation, unless it is too early. The results further indicate that when IAP = 6 mm, a more uniform mixture can be attained at the beginning of combustion, leading to a thermal efficiency of up to 42.9% for the engine.