Proposed Simulation Tool Research Articles

Frequency combs in a MEMS resonator featuring 1:2 internal resonance: ab initio reduced order modelling and experimental validation

This paper is devoted to a detailed analysis of the appearance of frequency combs in the dynamics of a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) resonator featuring 1:2 internal resonance. To that purpose, both experiments and numerical predictions are reported and analysed to predict and follow the appearance of the phononic frequency comb arising as a quasi-periodic regime between two Neimark-Sacker bifurcations. Numerical predictions are based on a reduced-order model built thanks to an implicit condensation method, where both mechanical nonlinearities and electrostatic forces are taken into account. The reduced order model is able to predict a priori, i.e. without the need of experimental calibration of parameters, and in real time, i.e. by solving one or two degrees-of-freedom system of equations, the nonlinear behaviour of the MEMS resonator. Numerical predictions show a good agreement with experiments under different operating conditions, thus proving the great potentiality of the proposed simulation tool. In particular, the bifurcation points and frequency content of the frequency comb are carefully predicted by the model, and the main features of the periodic and quasi-periodic regimes are given with accuracy, underlining that the complex dynamics of such MEMS device is effectively driven by the characteristics of the 1:2 internal resonance.

Simulation of Transit Signal Priority Using the NTCIP Architecture

Transit Signal Priority (TSP) is an important element of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) that involves coordinated efforts between transit vehicle detection systems, traffic signal control systems, and communication technologies. Successful deployment of TSP requires thorough laboratory evaluation through simulation before field implementation. This paper presents the development and application of a simulation model specifically designed for the design and evaluation of TSP systems. The proposed simulation tool models in detail all the TSP components in accordance with the National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) standard for TSP systems. The study is intended to shed light on how the variety of TSP elements can be addressed in microscopic simulation in a structured and systematic fashion. Sample applications of the model on a real-life arterial corridor in California demonstrate its capabilities and features.

Computer simulation of processes of changing the reliability characteristics of systems with recoverable and non-recoverable elements based on the Simulink Dynamic Simulation Package

The paper presents a methodology and software package of mathematical and computer simulation of changes in the reliability characteristics and integrated indicators of system reliability during operation using Simulink. The software package is an application (Toolbox) to the standard Simulink package. The theoretical basis of the proposed algorithms is the method of analyzing structural diagrams of system reliability. The author proposes an original diagram of building a mathematical model of reliability with both non-recoverable and recoverable elements. The diagram involves a broad interpretation of the concepts of a “recoverable element” and a “recoverable element failure”. This approach found reflection in the wide range of proposed simulation tools. The advantage of the proposed products is the unification and relative ease of building models of systems of a sufficiently high level of complexity, and a wide range of intermediate simulation results available for analysis. The methodology and software package can be used during the system design stage to predict their reliability performance. The paper presents some simulation results.

Developing a Practical Teaching Simulation Software for Ability Certification of Microcontroller Applications

This paper proposes an effective educational training tool used to help students passing the professional competence certification examinations held by TEMI (Taiwan Embedded Microcontroller Development Institute) association. In order to help students passing the certificate qualification examinations, the developed educational training tool allows users to simulate both discipline and technical subjects of three types of microcontroller application professional competence certification examinations, including microcontroller, digital logical circuitry design, and welding circuitry certificates. The proposed simulation platform can allow students to learn wireless remote-control robots, tracking self-propelled vehicles, digital circuit design, and electronic component de-soldering/soldering related technology, respectively. In this paper, the developed practical educational training tool utilizes Visual Basic and C# programming languages as the development tools for developing three types of main control circuit board ability certifications and the discipline ability certification training simulation platform. In addition, the designed teaching tool aims at guiding students on their hands-on experience to inspire students' interest in microcontroller related application technology and enhance students' learning effects. The proposed simulation tool has been used as the learning exploration with the students at Kao Yuan University in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. According to the experimental results, this paper can provide three contributions. First, it can increase the passing rates of obtaining three types of microcontroller application professional competence certification examinations. Second, it can assist teachers in understanding students' learning performance, thereby proposing related effective and efficient teaching strategies. Third, it can increase students' professional skills and employment competitiveness, thereby cultivating more professional and technical talents to meet the needs of the microcontroller application industry.

A Practical Learning Simulation Software with Specific Applications for Printed Circuit Board Soldering/De-soldering Ability Certifications

This paper mainly develops a practical learning printed circuit board (PCB) soldering/de-soldering simulation software to be the reference of the specialized characteristic curriculum for a school. The proposed learning simulation software can train students with the soldering knowledge, the soldering technology, the electronic component identification, and the usage of the instruments. The research aims at inspiring students to be interested in circuitry soldering technology and have different thoughts on electronic/information/mechanical related technology applications. In this paper, the developed practical learning simulation software utilizes Visual Basic programming language as the developing tool and adopts the Bluetooth voice- activated tracking self-propelled vehicle and the number guessing game main control PCBs as the circuitry soldering training targets which was developed by Taiwan Embedded Microcontroller Development Institution (TEMI). The proposed simulation tool has been used as the learning exploration with the students at Kao Yuan University in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. According to the experimental results, the developed simulation tool could provide three contributions. First, it can be an interactive- and interesting-oriented learning tool. Second, it can cultivate and inspire students learning soldering technology efficiently and effectively to meet the needs in the industry. Third, it can cultivate more professional and technical students actively participate in seeking solutions to problems.

Modeling and Performance Analysis of Planar Fractal Inductors

Limited available space and some other system requirements for the integration of magnetic components address the importance to improve their overall performance and reduce losses. This article evaluates the performance of planar inductor with Moore fractal design. The inductor is modeled using partial inductance method, where each segment is divided into a certain number of elementary filaments, and then, mutual inductances between filaments are calculated. A developed simulation tool is used for the analysis of high-frequency parameters (equivalent inductance, equivalent resistance, and quality factor), taking into account parasitic effects. The proposed model is verified by measurements and electromagnetic simulations. Two planar fractal inductors, with different segment widths, 2.9 and 3.6 mm, are examined. A good agreement between the results obtained by modeling, measurements, and electromagnetic simulations is achieved. The main advantage of the proposed simulation tool is that it can be easily modified and applied for the modeling and optimization of various inductor geometries, which will be useful in future research.

Operational Simulation Environment for SCADA Integration of Renewable Resources

The complexity of power systems is rising mainly due to the expansion of renewable energy generation. Due to the enormous variability and uncertainty associated with these types of resources, they require sophisticated planning tools so that they can be used appropriately. In this sense, several tools for the simulation of renewable energy assets have been proposed. However, they are traditionally focused on the simulation of the generation process, leaving the operation of these systems in the background. Conversely, more expert SCADA operators for the management of renewable power plants are required, but their training is not an easy task. SCADA operation is usually complex, due to the wide set of information available. In this sense, simulation or co-simulation tools can clearly help to reduce the learning curve and improve their skills. Therefore, this paper proposes a useful simulator based on a JavaScript engine that can be easily connected to any renewable SCADAs, making it possible to perform different simulated scenarios for novel operator training, as if it were a real facility. Using this tool, the administrators can easily program those scenarios allowing them to sort out the lack of support found in setting up facilities and training of novel operator tasks. Additionally, different renewable energy generation models that can be implemented in the proposed simulator are described. Later, as a use example of this tool, a study case is also performed. It proposes three different wind farm generation facility models, based on different turbine models: one with the essential generation turbine function obtained from the manufacturer curve, another with an empirical model using monotonic splines, and the last one adding the most important operational states, making it possible to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed simulation tool.

Monte Carlo Simulation of γ − γ Correlation Functions

γ − γ correlation functions are mathematical expressions that describe the angular distribution of cascade γ -rays emitted from an atomic nucleus. Cascade transitions may occur in either a two-step deexcitation or through an excitation-deexcitation process of a particular energy level inside the nucleus. In both cases, the nucleus returns to its ground energy state. Spin and parity of the excited state can be determined experimentally using the asymmetry of the angular distribution of the emitted radiation. γ − γ correlation functions are only valid for point-like targets and detectors. In the real experiments, however, neither the target nor the detector is point-like. Thus, misassignment of the spin-parity of energy levels may easily take place if only the analytical equations are considered. Here, we develop a new Monte Carlo simulation method of the γ − γ correlation functions to account for the extended target and detector involved in spin-parity measurements using nuclear resonance fluorescence of nuclei. The proposed simulation tool can handle arbitrary geometries and spin sequences. Additionally, we provide numerical calculations of a parametric study on the influence of the detection geometry on the angular distribution of the emitted γ -rays. Finally, we benchmark our simulation by comparing the simulation-estimated asymmetry ratios with those measured experimentally. The present simulation can be employed as a kernel of an implementation that simulates the nuclear resonance fluorescence process.

温度差換気を採用する高層建物の自然換気制御効果の推定法

As natural ventilation significantly contributes to energy savings and enhances comfort, it has been adopted in many buildings. However, to maintain a comfortable room environment, including the lower limit control for room temperature, it is necessary to control the natural ventilation rate by adjusting the opening area or opening time (referred to as opening ratio). Thus, we proposed a new airflow balance simulation tool, based on Proportional-Integral-Derivative (referred to as PID) control theory, to evaluate the performance of natural ventilation control in office buildings. The proposed tool can approximately solve the thermal and airflow balance by simply adding to the existing thermal load calculations. We focused on buoyancy driven ventilation, and analyzed the following parameters using the proposed simulation tool: change in neutral pressure level, thermal load reduction, and room environment.

Simulación de la dinámica del motor de inducción trifásico en una tarjeta de desarrollo

In this paper, the simulation of the highly non-linear dynamics of a Three-Phase Induction Motor in both: the a-b-c phase coordinates and \alpha-\beta stator fixed reference frame has been developed, by the use of the GNU-Octave free software on a development board or minicomputer, Raspberry Pi. The results of this approach have been compared with those attained by taking out the same simulations on the commercial software MatlabTM, which is executed on a personal computer with great hardware capacity. The performance of the proposed simulation tool has shown that it is possible to take out simulations of non-linear dynamics, owing to this fact, the use of this approach might achieve a major access to the information and communication technologies to encourage the engineering teaching in marginal zones.

Thermal Analysis Approach for Predicting Power Device Lifetime

The purpose of this paper is to predict the device lifetime under a power cycling test by a simulation method that is based on a distributed self-heating SPICE model. Correlation between numeric extrapolation and experimental data is done by considering the Repetitive Avalanche test, a particular active temperature cycling that evaluates the ruggedness of a power device. The considered failure mechanism is due to front metal aging that produces contact resistance degradation. This phenomenon is strongly dependent on temperature, and by the proposed simulation tool, validated with experimental data, it is possible to evaluate the accurate temperature map and, consequently, predict the lifetime.

Simulation tool of the Calais Canal implementing Logic Control based regulation

Abstract The Calais canal is located in the north of the France. It is used for navigation but mainly to discharge the excess water volumes that are issued from the Wateringues. The Wateringues are lowlands in maritime plains below high sea level (polders). The water in excess in the Wateringues are pumped to the canal, routed to the sea outlet and then discharged by gates during low tide and by outlet pumps during high tide. The management of the Calais canal is based on a Logic Control (LC) based regulation. It consists in keeping its water close to an objective by discharging water in excess to the sea and by limiting the use of outlet pumps. This management mode can be compared to more elaborate methods coming from the Automatic Control domain. This paper aims at presenting the current state of a simulation tool dedicated to the design of these control methods. The simulation tool aims at reproducing the dynamics of the Calais canal keeping the required properties for the design of control methods. The proposed simulation tool implements the LC approach allowing to better understand the management rules, to replay scenarios and in a close future to compare these methods with more elaborate control approaches.

Modeling and analysis of the on-demand spare parts supply using additive manufacturing

PurposeDespite the widespread expectation that additive manufacturing (AM) will become a disruptive technology to transform the spare parts supply chain, very limited research has been devoted to the quantitative modeling and analysis on how AM could fulfill the on-demand spare parts supply. On the other hand, the choice of using AM as a spare parts supply strategy over traditional inventory is a rising decision faced by manufacturers and requires quantitative analysis for their AM-or-stock decisions. The purpose of this paper is to develop a quantitative performance model for a generic powder bed fusion AM system in a spare parts supply chain, thus providing insights into this less-explored area in the literature.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, analysis based on a discrete event simulation was carried out for the use of AM in replacement of traditional warehouse inventory for an on-demand spare parts supply system. Generic powder bed fusion AM system was used in the model, and the same modeling approach could be applied to other types of AM processes. Using this model, the impact of both spare parts demand characteristics (e.g. part size attributes, demand rates) and the AM operations characteristics (e.g. machine size and postpone strategy) on the performance of using AM to supply spare parts was studied.FindingsThe simulation results show that in many cases the AM operation is not as cost competitive compared to the traditional warehouse-based spare parts supply operation, and that the spare parts size characteristics could significantly affect the overall performance of the AM operations. For some scenarios of the arrival process of spare parts demand, the use of the batched AM production could potentially result in significant delay in parts delivery, which necessitates further investigations of production optimization strategies.Originality/valueThe findings demonstrate that the proposed simulation tool can not only provide insights on the performance characteristics of using AM in the spare parts supply chain, especially in comparison to the traditional warehousing system, but also can be used toward decision making for both the AM manufacturers and the spare parts service providers.

A generalized model of human body radiative heat exchanges for optimal design of indoor thermal comfort conditions

Human thermal sensation depends heavily on radiative exchanges between the human body and the surrounding environment. Because these exchanges play a crucial role in the thermal balance of the human body, about 35% of the process, human thermal sensation should draw the attention of planners when designing both indoor environments and equipment.The present study aims to contribute to this field by proposing a procedure for delineating the optimal comfort conditions for occupants in most of the articulate and realistic configurations of actual indoor environments. Specifically, this procedure enables accurate assessment of the radiant field surrounding a subject in a given indoor realistic environment and considers its variability with space and time along with the presence of high-intensity radiant sources. The proposed simulation tool contains a set of algorithms in which the degree of complexity depends on the level of accuracy for modelling the radiative heat transfer between the occupants and surrounding environment.The feasibility of these algorithms for designers and researchers has also been checked for a single room characterised by the presence of windows in two different exposures. This configuration implies a complex pattern of the sun entering the room, which in turn determines relevant spatial modifications of the indoor comfort thermal conditions. Such complex situations are effectively interpreted by the proposed model.This analysis provides useful indications for suitable design of layouts of the confined space and the size of an effective heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system to limit the discomfort felt inside the room.

Development of a Behavior Maps Tool to Evaluate Drive Operational Boundaries and Optimization Assessment of PMa-SynRMs

The trend in traction motor design and optimization is to achieve high torque and power densities, wider speed range, and high efficiency within the area defining the most frequent operating points. A fast tool to evaluate different variables within the torque-speed map is convenient for this purpose. In this context, starting from a preliminary motor design, and taking into account motor cross-coupling effects and power losses, this paper presents a new tool for evaluating the behavior of permanent magnet machines, such as synchronous reluctance machines, and permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machines, in all operational points. Apart from the torque and efficiency, many other electrical variables can be obtained, such as the current space vector angle, power factor or electrical power among others. The proposed tool also allows optimizing the design of the machine under a pre-established control law, thus obtaining the current set point trajectory in the dq frame and allowing a fast and accurate evaluation of motor performance. The results obtained by means of the proposed simulation tool are compared against finite element analysis simulations and experimental data, thus validating the usefulness and accuracy of the proposed methodology.

Simulation of Discrete-Time Controlled Cable-Driven Parallel Robots on a Trajectory

This paper addresses the simulation of the state of a discrete-time controlled cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) with nondeformable or elastic cables over a given trajectory. Being given a CDPR, an arbitrary model for the coiling system and for the control strategy, we exhibit a simulation algorithm that allows one to determine, in a guaranteed way, the platform pose and the cable tensions at any time. We show that such a simulation may require a computing accuracy that imposes to use extended arithmetic and that discrete-time control may lead to drastic differences in the cable tensions as compared to usual continuous time simulation. Hence, the proposed simulation tool allows for a better estimation of the positioning accuracy together with safer estimation of the maximum of the cable tensions.

The performance of paving block structures with mortar filled joints under temperature loading, accessed by means of numerical simulations

Paving block structures with mortar filled vertical joints can exhibit a significantly higher load capacity as comparable structures with sand filled joints. For this reason, this pavement construction method is increasingly being used or would be used, respectively, if its performance could be estimated reliably. Specifically, the exact cause of cracks due to cooling in winter has not been fully understood yet and appropriate prediction tools do not exist. This motivated the development of a numerical simulation tool for such paving block structures under temperature loading, which is able to take the brittle failure mechanisms in-between paving blocks and paving blocks and the underlying mortar bed into account. By means of the proposed simulation tool in this paper, basic structural failure mechanisms of such paving block structures, due to different temperature events, could be identified and relationships between crack widths and different bonding strengths as well as installation temperatures were obtained. Finally, estimates for necessary bonding strengths between paving blocks and mortar bed to prevent large (visible) cracks due to temperature loads are given.

Multi-Time-Scale Simulation Tool for Renewable Energy Integration Analysis in Distribution Circuits

This paper develops a distribution circuit multi-time-scale simulation tool for applications in wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) integration analysis. The proposed simulation tool developed in MATLAB™ includes several distribution circuit components, such as voltage sources, distribution lines, transformers, loads, capacitor banks, wind turbines and PVs. Each equipment consists of three models for simulations in three different time scales, i.e., steady-state, electromechanical transient and electromagnetic transient models. Therefore, the proposed tool is able to perform a long-term simulation involving power system phenomena spreading across time scales. The test circuits employed to perform multi-time-scale simulation in this paper are modified from the IEEE four-node test feeder. The simulation scenarios include wind speed and solar irradiance ramp up and down; a capacitor bank is energized and de-energized; and a single-line-to-ground fault occurs and clears itself. The simulation results show that the proposed tool is capable of evaluating power system phenomena spread across time scales.

Simulation of anisoplanatic imaging through optical turbulence using numerical wave propagation with new validation analysis

We present a numerical wave propagation method for simulating imaging of an extended scene under anisoplanatic conditions. While isoplanatic simulation is relatively common, few tools are specifically designed for simulating the imaging of extended scenes under anisoplanatic conditions. We provide a complete description of the proposed simulation tool, including the wave propagation method used. Our approach computes an array of point spread functions (PSFs) for a two-dimensional grid on the object plane. The PSFs are then used in a spatially varying weighted sum operation, with an ideal image, to produce a simulated image with realistic optical turbulence degradation. The degradation includes spatially varying warping and blurring. To produce the PSF array, we generate a series of extended phase screens. Simulated point sources are numerically propagated from an array of positions on the object plane, through the phase screens, and ultimately to the focal plane of the simulated camera. Note that the optical path for each PSF will be different, and thus, pass through a different portion of the extended phase screens. These different paths give rise to a spatially varying PSF to produce anisoplanatic effects. We use a method for defining the individual phase screen statistics that we have not seen used in previous anisoplanatic simulations. We also present a validation analysis. In particular, we compare simulated outputs with the theoretical anisoplanatic tilt correlation and a derived differential tilt variance statistic. This is in addition to comparing the long- and short-exposure PSFs and isoplanatic angle. We believe this analysis represents the most thorough validation of an anisoplanatic simulation to date. The current work is also unique that we simulate and validate both constant and varying Cn2(z) profiles. Furthermore, we simulate sequences with both temporally independent and temporally correlated turbulence effects. Temporal correlation is introduced by generating even larger extended phase screens and translating this block of screens in front of the propagation area. Our validation analysis shows an excellent match between the simulation statistics and the theoretical predictions. Thus, we think this tool can be used effectively to study optical anisoplanatic turbulence and to aid in the development of image restoration methods.

A Simulation Tool for Exploring the Evolution of Temporal Interbank Networks

The topology of the interbank market plays a crucial role during a crisis, affecting the spreading or absorption of financial shock. The structure of an interbank network changes in the process of its evolution because of the interbank interactions and the interactions between banks and customers. To simulate a temporal interbank network, it is necessary to set an initial state and an evolution law for the topology and system entities. Because of the complex interplay between the network topology and the bank states, the stability of a temporal interbank network is generally unpredictable, even if all parameters and rules of interactions are known. In this paper, we present a simulation tool for temporal interbank networks aimed at exploring the different drivers contributing to evolutionary dynamics of banking networks. We describe a general-simulation scheme for temporal interbank networks and incorporate the creation and rewiring of edges because of the counter-party choices with the deletion of nodes and edges in case of a bank default. An example of the implementation of the general scheme is also presented and include models of banks and customers, strategies of counter-party choice, and clearing algorithms. To perform a qualitative and quantitative study of the evolutionary process, the proposed simulation tool supports the calculation of different topological and stability metrics and visualization of network evolution. The experimental study demonstrates (i) an illustrative example of the application of the simulation tool for synthetic networks while varying the counter-party choice policies and parameters of nodes and edges, and (ii) an investigation of the computational complexity and scalability of the simulation scheme.