Successful Design Solutions Research Articles

СРАВНЕНИЕ ГИДРАВЛИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ПРЯМОТОЧНО-ЦЕНТРОБЕЖНЫХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ СЕПАРАТОРОВ ГАЗОКОНДЕНСАТНЫХ МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЙ

This article considers the hydraulic characteristics of direct flow elements of gas separators used in natural gas treatment. Despite the structural similarity and operation of elements on the same physical principle, these elements have different hydraulic characteristics. In this regard, there are a number of features that must be taken into account both in the design of equipment and in operation. To study this issue and to investigate the hydrodynamics in straight flow elements we have developed their CFD model. On the basis of the obtained model we were able to see the distribution of liquid flow in the element, flow stall zones and resistance values. The obtained results allowed us to give an answer to such a wide application of elements with tangential gas supply, as well as the basis for further study of elements based on centrifugal forces. The results provide evidence as to why the tangential gas inlet design has been so widely used in many gas fields. Elements with axial gas supply arouse interest from the scientific point of view and definitely their advantages in some cases make us think about a new design of elements, which would combine the most successful design solutions. Today, one of the urgent tasks of design institutes and operating organizations is modernization of separation equipment in order to improve the quality of the obtained products, as well as to increase the reliability of process equipment. The authors hope that the results obtained in this article will help in solving such an important problem.

The first with completely domestic design. The 85th anniversary of the STZ-NATI tractor

85 years ago, on 11 July 1937, the production of the STZ-NATI, the famous and deservedly popular tracked agricultural tractor, was launched at Stalingrad Tractor Plant. This tractor was the first which had completely domestic deisgn. Development of this tractor is an example of effective collaboration between the design engineers of STP and the scientists of All-soviet Scientific Research Tractor Insitute (NATI). In comparison with the predecessor, the STZ-1 wheeled tractor, the STZ-NATI was better suitable for soil, climate and road conditions of the USSR, 73% more powerful, much more productive and efficient. The production of this tractor was launched at Kharkiv Tractor Plant in the same year under the name of SKhTZ-NATI or KhTZ-NATI and at the newly-established Altay Tractor Plant in 1942, during the Great Patriotic War (ASKhTZ-NATI or ATZ-NATI). On the basis of the STZ-NATI and KhTZ-NATI agricultural tractors, the STZ-5 transport tractor and the STZ-8 swamp tractor were developed and produced at STP, the KhTZ-T2G gas generator tractor and the KhTZ-16 armoured tractor were developed and produced at KhTP. The ASKhTZ-NATI tractor production at STP and KhTP continued until 1949, the production at ATP continued until 1952, when the tractor was succeeded by the DT-54 diesel tractor. Three plants produced around 200,000 ASKhTZ-NATI tractors. Cutting-edge and successful design solutions, implemented in the tractors design, were used in tractors of STP/VgTD, KhTP and ATP for a long time and still find place in Chinese YTO tractors.

HUG: A Compassionate Approach to Designing for Wellbeing in Dementia Care.

Design can improve the quality of life of people living with dementia but creating successful design solutions is not simple, due to the complexity of the medical condition, and the ethical considerations of including those affected in design research and evaluation. This article describes research involving an interactive product, 'HUG', developed from academic research, to support the wellbeing of people living with advanced dementia, which is now commercially available. People affected by dementia were included at every stage in the design research process. The evaluation of HUG took place in both hospital and care home contexts with 40 participants living with dementia. In this paper, a qualitative hospital study is described, in which patients received a HUG on prescription. Findings reveal that although HUG was rejected by some, those patients who did accept it benefitted significantly. Not only did the device reduce distress, anxiety and agitation but it also helped with patient compliance in medical procedures, aspects of daily care and enhanced communication and socialisation. The Alzheimer's Society's accelerator partnership funding has enabled this product to be manufactured and made commercially available so that the benefits of this academic design research can be made more widely available to people living with dementia.

ANALYSIS OF WORLD EXPERIENCE IN DESIGNING PARKING IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

The article analyzes the world experience of parking design, examines examples of parking facilities in economically developed countries in Europe and the United States. Four parking buildings, which differ in design solutions and play different architectural roles in the environment, were analyzed in detail. This indicates the direct impact of the surrounding space and context on the design of new buildings and car parkings in particular. 
 The analysis was performed on the three-dimensional, architectural planning and compositional-aesthetic characteristics, resulting in features and successful design solutions were highlighted. These examples of foreign experience in parking design were considered in particular in the context of the existing urban environment: an analysis of the new buildings impact on the overall perception of space and the harmony of intervention in the environment is carried out. Generalizations were made on the basis of the analysis, as a result, the features of modern design of parking lots in the urban environment were highlighted. 
 The obtained results indicate broad perspectives and opportunities for the design of such facilities in Ukraine. In particular, the analysis of designing quality parkings is important for Lviv, where citizens face new problems every day due to growing urbanization and historical preconditions, such as constant lack of parking spaces, chaotic parked cars on streets and pedestrian zones, traffic congestion, reduction level of mobility of citizens and related. The analysis also highlighted the most important aspects to consider at the parking project stage. It will help Ukrainian architects to make the most relevant and harmonious spatial and architectural planning and compositional-aesthetic decisions, creating new parking facilities in Ukraine.

Public Spaces of Hotels in the Objects of Renovation Architecture: Methods of Integrating Production Equipment into Modern Interior Design.

In the modern hotel business, the process of adapting obsolete buildings and their interior spaces to the needs of the tourism industry is becoming increasingly important. The environment of such facilities provides its visitors not only with a comfortable stay, but also creates a special impression on guests. And not the least role in this process is played by objects and equipment that characterize the past production function of the building and remain in modern, already adapted interiors. The aim of the present study is to establish methods of integration of production equipment, which serves as a means of translating the identity of the place in the interiors, organized in the objects of renovation architecture, into the public spaces of hotels. The research is based on world examples of successful design solutions for hotels located in buildings that had production functions in the past. In particular, the Emma Hotel in San Antonio (Texas, USA), The Paper Factory Hotel in New York (USA), Vienna House Andel’s in Lodz (Poland), Gastwerk Hotel in Hamburg (Germany), The Singular Patagonia Hotel (Chile) and Tea Factory in Sri Lanka. It is established that the integration of equipment, as artifacts of the past, in the environment of public places in hotels can be carried out in several ways: the preservation of integral equipment or the use of its parts or elements. It is proved that the preserved industrial machines and mechanisms become important accents in the environment of the lobby areas and atriums. With a certain amount of preserved equipment, it is possible to create a museum exhibition within the hotel. At the same time, small artifacts are integrated mainly into the areas of bars and restaurants, without playing the role of significant accents.

Acoustical design for libraries in schools to comply with ANSI S12.60

In K-12 schools, the library functional space is now usually called the media center, as this space houses and disseminates information that is stored on both print and digital media. These spaces have fewer sound absorbent book stacks than were found in previous print-only libraries. Instead, computer workstations for student access to local and web-based material are provided. Often these facilities are used as group learning spaces, with several group classes occurring simultaneously. These changes to the traditional school library space present challenges to the acoustical design. Another challenge is that in a number of school districts across the US, a media center must be designed to meet the requirements of ANSI/ASA 12.60-2010/Part 1, “American National Standard Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements and Guidelines for Schools, Part 1: Permanent Schools,” also known as the “Classroom acoustics standard.” This is because a media center can be defined as a core learning space that is subject to that standard, with its requirements for low noise and reverberation, and for higher sound isolation from adjacent spaces. Several case studies are presented which highlight the design challenges for modern school media centers, and the successful design solutions.

Podium landscape of residential zones

The density of the population in big cities is so great today that it inevitably leads to a strong cramping of urban spaces and deterioration in the quality of the residential environment. Yard spaces are getting compacted, green areas are replaced by parking, shops, service enterprises, courtyards are crammed with cars, so pedestrian can hardly walk along the sidewalk through the parked cars. It is an extremely important task for both Russian cities and most major cities and megacities of other countries to find solutions to the organization of landscaping and greening of residential areas in such conditions. The article considers the organization of courtyard podium as a possible solution of the problem. With a similar organization of the adjacent space, the raised courtyard becomes a recreational zone. There is a possibility of its additional gardening, which contributes to the reduction of noise and air pollution, the formation of a cozy and chambered living space that improves the social living environment. The article contains the results of systematization and analytical review of the most successful design solutions of the world experience in the field of landscape design of residential yards on the podium level. At the same time, the economic and climatic features of the territories are analyzed, their architectural and planning specificity was considered, and the design options for both the podium itself and its upper part for planting are discussed. A number of recommendations on the architectural and planning organization of spaces of this type for residential areas of the Moscow metropolis with suggestions for the selection of plants corresponding to the climatic conditions of the central Russia are proposed. These recommendations could be useful for other cities and regions with similar social and climatic conditions. The results of the research described in the article can be useful for architects, constructors, landscape designers, public service workers, as well as representatives of the management team engaged in the formation of a set of architectural and building norms and rules for the design of objects of this type.

Virtual reality-based collaborative design method for designing customized garment for disabled people with scoliosis

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new collaborative design-based method for designing customized garments, aimed at the physically disabled people with scoliosis.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed method is based on the virtual human model created using a 3D body scanner, permitting to simulate the consumer’s morphological shape with atypical physical deformations. Next, customized 2D and 3D virtual garment prototyping tools will be used to create products through interactions between the consumer, designer and pattern maker. The general principle of the proposed design method is based on the following sequence: design-display-evaluation-adjustment. After running the sequence for a number of times, the final design solution, which will be approved by both the designer and consumer, can be easily identified.FindingsDesign knowledge, which is already applied to normal body shapes successfully can be applied to 3D garment design using the concept which is based on collaborative design. Through this process, the classical 2D garment design knowledge, especially 2D patterns and design rules, can be modified and applied according to a normalized virtual garment sensory evaluation procedure quantitatively. This evaluation procedure, interactively performed by the designer and consumer, can permit to adapt the finished product to disabled people afflicted with severe scoliosis. The proposed method is also validated to be more advanced compared to 2D-to-3D virtual CAD design method, especially for atypical morphologies.Originality/valueAs a co-design method, 3D virtual draping and sensory evaluation can fully satisfy the interaction between the garment design technical space and perceptual space of the finished garments ensuring desired 3D garment fit effect by adjustment of technical parameters. 3D scanning technology is used to generate a complete digitalized 3D human model, permitting to extract the main features of body shapes without accurate measurements. As a knowledge-based design process, both the fashion design knowledge and the pattern making knowledge will be extracted to provide inspirations and references. Successful design solutions will be incorporated into the fashion design knowledge base in order to generate new design rules and enhance professional design knowledge.

Multi-objective and multi-disciplinary design using evolutionary methods applied to aerospace design problems

The design of real complex objects or systems is characterised by a multi-disciplinary approach. This article presents the methodology of multi-objective and multi-disciplinary design of aerodynamic objects, using optimisation. The in-house software ParaDes using Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines is a key element for the parametric modelling of aerodynamic objects. A multi-objective Genetic Algorithm is used for optimisation. Selected examples of a successful design solution are: (i) the design of a forward swept wing with natural laminar flow; (ii) the design of wings for low-speed turbo-prop small aircraft and small business jet aircraft; (iii) the design of a helicopter fuselage with and without rotor influence. In each case, the definition of the design problem, the objectives and constraints and the basic properties of the evaluation tools are discussed.

A Robotic Solution for the Restoration of Fresco Paintings

In this paper, a service robot solution is presented for the analysis, surveying and restoration of fresco paintings. The proposed design approach integrates robot design and restoration operation. It aims to merge them into a feasible solution that can be both practical and feasible for restorers. The simulation results are reported to show a successful design solution, which has been conceived with the constraints of a low-cost user-oriented design and the consideration of cultural heritage.

Design oriented simulation for plasma arc cutting consumables and experimental validation of results

Electrode and nozzle erosion mechanisms in plasma arc cutting processes of mild steel have been studied while designing a prototype mono-gas plasma torch, operating in the range 25–160 A. The correlation between the distribution of different quantities inside the plasma chamber and the erosion mechanisms of the hafnium emitter surface and of the nozzle inner surfaces have been investigated by means of a 2D ANSYS FLUENT-based numerical model, with the final aim of optimizing the overall performances of the prototype. Modelling and numerical simulation have allowed better understanding of the physical phenomena evidenced by experimental results and have suggested successful design solutions for consumables (in particular nozzle, electrode and primary gas diffusers). The correlation between the results of experimental tests and numerical simulations has proven useful in overcoming the critical aspects initially pointed out, significantly improving the expected lifetime of consumables. Results have been analyzed with respect to plasma behaviour, and conclusions have been drawn, concerning the powerfulness of numerical simulation as a tool for designing plasma cutting torches.

Analysis of the impact of slight changes in product formal attributes on user's emotions and configuration of an emotional space for successful design

Despite virtual concept testing being widely used to evaluate users’ emotions elicited by products, prototypes tested in the early stages often undergo slight modifications before reaching the market. This study analyses how slight changes might affect users’ perception as well as influence their intention to purchase a product. Furthermore, this analysis opens the door to a new way of dealing with the users’ perceptual judgements by means of what has been defined as an emotional space for successful design (ESSD). This space integrates the users’ emotional reactions into a physical product solution space. Using a loudspeaker as a case study, eight virtual prototypes were obtained by slightly varying height, diameter and colour. The prototypes were then evaluated by 225 users employing the semantic differential method. The results showed that modifying certain attributes significantly influenced users’ responses, thus calling into question the consistency of the user's appraisal of virtual product concepts in the early stages of design. As such, the ESSD aids the identification of a subset of successful design solutions, so providing a clearly useful tool enabling designers to manage the users’ emotional needs throughout the product development process.

Method designs free-form optical devices

The simultaneous multiple surfaces (SMS) method was developed to calculate the surfaces of increasingly complex optical devices in nonimaging applications where the goal is efficient light transfer from a source to a target. It is primarily concerned with the design of devices such as waveguides, reflectors, and lenses. The method calculates all the optical surfaces (top, bottom, internal) of the lens or reflector simultaneously, starting from an initial area which has been pre-defined. Details of the early development of the method have been presented elsewhere.1–6 In this article, we give examples of our successful design solutions using SMS and outline the procedure by which subsequent parts of a device or optical system are calculated so that they meet the requirements of the application. The first applications of the SMS method were devoted to the problem of coupling two input sets of rays with two output sets of rays. The simplest design case is a lens that perfectly focuses two source points, P and P’, onto two image points, Q and Q’ (see Figure 1). Only when the distances PP’ and QQ’ approach zero does the lens tend to the aplanatic case (where the system is free of spherical aberrations and circular coma of all orders). The goal in the SMS method is to design a system that generates a sharp image over as broad a plane of incidence as possible (i.e., when the distances PP’ and QQ’ are not negligible).7 So while the aplanatic strategy is to improve the optical quality near the axis, the SMS strategy looks at improving image quality more evenly across the whole field. The result is that there is always a segment of design points such that the maximum spot size for any point in the field is smaller in the SMS case than the aplanatic one. In other words, the SMS case is better. For example, for a given maximum rms spot size (for instance 25a.u.), the SMS design will have a wider useful field (4.4 degrees versus 3.1 degrees) than the aplanatic case (see Figure 2). Figure 1. An SMS construction. The entire lens (right) is calculated from an initial pre-defined portion of the lens (left). With the SMS method, both surfaces of the lens are calculated simultaneously. P, P’: source points for optical rays. Q, Q’: image points.

OPTIMIZATION OF PLASMA ARC CUTTING OF MILD STEEL THIN PLATES

Summary form only given: Plasma arc cutting (PAC) is a widely used industrial process for the cutting of different types of metals in several operating conditions. PAC is considered a challenging technology compared to its main competitors: oxy-fuel and laser cutting, in particular for cutting of mild steel in the thickness range 8-40 mm. PAC of mild steel thin plates through a Cebora HQC Plasma Prof 164 plasma source, operating in the range 25-120 A, with a Cebora CP250G plasma torch have been studied. PAC of mild steel thin plates (thickness in the range 1-3 mm) is characterized by low current levels (25-45 A) and the use of O2 both as plasma gas and secondary gas. The aim of the work is the optimization of PAC of mild steel thin plates, both in terms of cut quality and performances of the consumables, to achieve cut quality standards and productivity levels usually obtainable through laser cutting processes. The first part of the work points out the main critical aspects of the considered cutting process, concerning both the obtained qualitative standards and the performances of the consumables, in particular of the nozzle, in terms of its service life. In the second part of the work, the optimization the process has been carried out through the simultaneous planning and analysis of experimental tests and numerical simulations. Experimental tests have allowed a better design of consumables, in particular nozzle, electrode and diffusers, and to optimize current profiles, in particular pilot arc current levels; while modelling and numerical simulation have allowed a better understanding of the physical phenomena concerning the critical aspects initially pointed out and to detect successful design solutions. The integration of the results of these two activities has allowed to overcome the critical aspects initially pointed out, improving plasma jet constriction and reducing plasma jet instabilities, leading to a better cut quality and performances of the consumables.

Design and performance of pedestrian subway lighting systems

Pedestrian subways can provide for safe and convenient movement of pedestrians across busy roads and similar obstacles. However, fear for personal safety may deter use, particularly at night. Good lighting is an important part of subway design, yet design guides and standards specify only limited criteria for performance, e.g. maintained horizontal illuminance. Various types and arrangements of luminaires are in common use, but as-installed lighting performance is variable. Lighting performance also deteriorates over time, not least due to prevailing environmental conditions. The Hong Kong Government is responsible for over 330 pedestrian subways distributed throughout the territory, making maintenance a significant ongoing commitment. A survey of subway lighting systems has been undertaken to evaluate the performance of the systems against design standards, and to ascertain the opinions of subway users on perceived lighting quality, with a view to identifying the most successful design solutions. Factors affecting the life cycle costs of the most common lighting systems installed in Government maintained subways are also discussed.

Genomic data modeling

Researchers face many challenges in representing biological data, including: (1) inherent complexity of biological data, (2) domain knowledge barrier, (3) constantly evolving knowledge, and (4) lack of expert data-modeling skills. We have studied how to represent biological sequences and sequence-related genomics concepts using logical data structure. From our multiple experiences in genomic data modeling, we present results in three areas: genomic schema elements, genomic schema fragments, and genomic data modeling lessons. A genomic schema element is a data model that contains only one basic biological sequence notion. Genomic schema elements provide biology data modelers with baseline thoughts in genomic data modeling. A genomic schema fragment is a data model that contains only one genomic topic area. Genomic schema fragments provide biology data modelers with successful design solutions that they can adapt to fit their own problem's needs. Genomic data modeling lessons address issues particularly important to genomic data modeling such as modeling contextual information, modeling intermediate and derived data, modeling inconsistent data, and modeling categorical rules. Genomic data modeling lessons provide novice biology data modelers with enriched principles from content-neutral data modeling techniques. In all, we have demonstrated how to manage evolving genomic knowledge concepts and discovery results using data modeling techniques extended into the genomics domain.

Ride Improvements to a Class 31 Locomotive

This paper reviews the approach adopted in overcoming rough riding on the Class 31 locomotives. It describes how the problem was defined, contains an explanation of the technical investigation, and resultant design modifications, on-track testing, and finally analysis of results, thus demonstrating achievement of a successful design solution. The paper describes how excessive hysteresis in the existing spring tended to degrade ride performance. The improvements in the ride have been achieved by reducing this friction level significantly, which has resulted in a corresponding reduction in amplitude of the body bending oscillations. This was achieved by replacing the existing bolster laminated spring with a ‘taperleaf’ spring.

Paper 9: Canned Motor Pump Design

The canned motor pump principle, its design and analysis techniques, as well as some manufacturing problems and problem analyses, are outlined in this paper. Types of operations that might have severe adverse effects on the life of the unit are also discussed. Particular attention is given to the detailed analytical evaluations of the design as to methods and criteria used in the thermal and stress analyses. Special emphasis is given to can fatigue evaluation in general, with descriptions of a successful design solution.

New Developments in Armature Winding Arrangements for Large Turbine Generators [includes discussion

The designer of electric machinery is continually challenged to obtain greater output from each pound of material. He is also challenged to further the search for successful design solutions to unsolved problems of long standing. Recent developments in armature winding design for turbine generators have made possible substantial progress in these directions. Two new classes of generators have been developed which make machines of a given rating physically smaller and which greatly extend the possible ratings of the largest machine. The first class, which this paper proposes to cover, increases the capability of the stator without altering cooling methods. This is accomplished by new electric arrangements of the armature windings. The second class, which will be discussed here briefly for comparison, deals with a stator design with improved means of heat removal. New methods of field winding ventilation have also been developed which make possible rotors which match the increased capability of the stator. Progress in this direction is discussed in a companion paper.1 In the design of double-winding generators, many restrictions of long standing have been removed by the development of new armature winding arrangements.