Configuration Tool Research Articles

Development of an algorithm for automatic elaboration, representation and dissemination of landslide monitoring data

ABSTRACTDespite the support of technological improvements in hazard monitoring and management, the aspect of dissemination of scientific data is still underestimated. Hazard monitoring systems are usually organized in complex networks, composed of automatized procedures in order to capture, pre-process, elaborate, transfer the monitoring result data and to generate warnings. However, a well-organized communication strategy leads to success in hazard management, especially concerning emergency conditions. In this paper, we present an approach for monitoring results dissemination in the form of single-page informative bulletin, composed of synthetic information dedicated to non-expert receivers. We developed an automatic methodology for fast and efficient data analysis and proper elaboration and dissemination, and we integrated all these elements into an algorithm for automatic bulletin generation. Our purpose was to construct a configurable tool that could be easily adapted to the hazard conditions under study. Afterwards, we applied the developed algorithm to landslide monitoring data-set. We validated the proposed approach by verifying the consistency of the model. Our methodology shows how to integrate a variety of information relative to landslide evolution, and it can be a convenient support for the management of natural hazards especially during critical situations.

Material stirring during FSW of Al–Cu: Effect of pin profile

ABSTRACTFriction stir welding (FSW) joins the material in solid state, and it gets evolved as a new and effective technique to join dissimilar materials such as aluminum and copper. FSW tool design and configuration critically affect the joint quality. This study has evaluated the effect of different pin profiles used during FSW of AA5754 Al alloy and commercially pure copper in a butt configuration on the microstructure, material movement, and microhardness for the different joints. The joining is performed through the different pin profiles of cylindrical, taper, cylindrical cam, taper cam, and square shape at the rotational and welding speed of 900 rpm and 40 mm/min respectively. Among all joints, the square pin profile provides good joining and microhardness. Square tool pin profile facilitates good amount of mixing at nugget zone, which consequently increases the hardness. The material movement in square tool pin profile joint is also studied on the longitudinal plane to understand the effect of pulsating and stirring action on the material mixing pattern in dissimilar FSW. It is evident that the softer material in the stir zone gets more stirring, and the flow lines are clearly visible for the stirred material.

A classification of variation control systems

Version control systems are an integral part of today's software and systems development processes. They facilitate the management of revisions (sequential versions) and variants (concurrent versions) of a system under development and enable collaboration between developers. Revisions are commonly maintained either per file or for the whole system. Variants are supported via branching or forking mechanisms that conceptually clone the whole system under development. It is known that such cloning practices come with disadvantages. In fact, while short-lived branches for isolated development of new functionality (a.k.a. feature branches) are well supported, dealing with long-term and fine-grained system variants currently requires employing additional mechanisms, such as preprocessors, build systems or custom configuration tools. Interestingly, the literature describes a number of variation control systems, which provide a richer set of capabilities for handling fine-grained system variants compared to the version control systems widely used today. In this paper we present a classification and comparison of selected variation control systems to get an understanding of their capabilities and the advantages they can offer. We discuss problems of variation control systems, which may explain their comparably low popularity. We also propose research activities we regard as important to change this situation.

A novel dynamic model for multiple configurations of machine tools using a coordinate transformation method

Virtual machine tools have been used widely for simulating designs in computer environments to determine optimal design parameters without the need for manufacturing prototypes. Machine tools include different multiple configurations that are designed to be suitable for the differing requirements of production. To date, studies on dynamic analysis have been limited to a few-axis machine tools of a specific configuration, such as a 3-axis milling machine or a 4-axis grinding machine. Here, we propose a novel method to focus on the dynamic analyses of multi-axis machines with differing multiple configurations. The motion equations for multiple degrees of freedom of linear and rotary axes are established by a Lagrange energy method, equilibrium equations, and Newton’s second law. This technique formulates the motion equations for each axis, and then further develops them for a multi-axis machine through a combination process and a transformation matrix. The library includes five dynamic model components, built to simulate 1236 different configurations of a machine tool. A dynamic analysis was applied to a control system to simulate the control signals of a virtual machine, which include stepped, ramped, curved, sinusoidal, and circular responses, and frequency response functions. The simulated and experimental results demonstrated that the method has high accuracy and reliability for one-, two-, and four-axis machine tools. Thus, this method can simulate the dynamic analyses of multi-axis machines and different multi-configurations without the need to build a specific configuration for each machine. It is recommended for selecting optimal motors, design parameters, and control parameters of the multiple configurations in a machine tool.

Improved performance of crystal structure solution from powder diffraction data through parameter tuning of a simulated annealing algorithm

Significant gains in the performance of the simulated annealing algorithm in theDASHsoftware package have been realized by using theiraceautomatic configuration tool to optimize the values of three key simulated annealing parameters. Specifically, the success rate in finding the global minimum in intensity χ2space is improved by up to an order of magnitude. The general applicability of these revised simulated annealing parameters is demonstrated using the crystal structure determinations of over 100 powder diffraction datasets.

Drilling reconfigurable machine tool selection and process parameters optimization as a function of product demand

Special purpose machines (SPMs) are customized machine tools that perform specific machining operations in a variety of production contexts, including drilling-related operations. This research investigates the effect of optimal process parameters and SPM configuration on the machine tool selection problem versus product demand changes. A review of previous studies suggests that the application of optimization in the feasibility analysis stage of machine tool selection has received less attention by researchers. In this study, a simulated model using genetic algorithm is proposed to find the optimal process parameters and machine tool configuration. During the decision-making phase of machine tool selection, unit profit is targeted as high as possible and is given by the value of the following variables: SPM configuration selection, machining unit assignment to each operation group, and feed and cutting speed of all operations. The newly developed model generates any random chromosome characterized by feasible values for process parameters. Having shown how the problem is formulated, the research presents a case study which exemplifies the operation of the proposed model. The results show that the optimization results can provide critical information for making logical, accurate, and reliable decisions when selecting SPMs.

Process optimization in the self-reacting friction stir welding of aluminum 6061-T6

Self-reacting friction stir welding (SR-FSW), also called bobbin-tool friction stir welding (BT-FSW), is a solid state welding process similar to friction stir welding (FSW) except that the tool has two opposing shoulders instead of the shoulder and a backing plate found in FSW. The tool configuration results in greater heat input and a symmetrical weld macrostructure. A significant amount of information has been published in the literature concerning traditional FSW while little has been published about SR-FSW. An optimization experiment was performed using a factorial design to evaluate the effect of process parameters on the weld temperature, surface and internal quality, and mechanical properties of self-reacting friction stir welded aluminum alloy 6061-T6 butt joints. The parameters evaluated were tool rotational speed, traverse speed, and tool plunge force. A correlation between weld temperature, defect formation (specifically galling and void formation), and mechanical properties was found. Optimum parameters were determined for the welding of 8-mm-thick 6061-T6 plate.

Salt, Sand, and Saddles: Exploring an Intriguing Work Face Configuration among Grinding Tools

ABSTRACTThe field of macrolithic use-wear analysis has developed dramatically in recent years, but the morphological evolution of surfaces resulting from use has not received much attention. To a large extent, this neglect is due to the substantial amount of time that experiments exploring this aspect would require. This article presents a time-saving experimental program that involves rock salt and sand, used in combination with archaeological data, ethnographic evidence, and an engineering perspective to investigate the so-called saddle work face configuration of grinding tools. This intriguing shape is found among both passive and active tools and includes a concave longitudinal axis and a convex transverse one. Our work uses a Greek Neolithic assemblage as its case study and suggests that the saddle shape can develop as a result of specific kinematics.

A model-based tool for reactor configuration of thermophilic biogas plants fed with Waste Activated Sludge

The aim of this study consists in the individuation of the most appropriate configuration for the thermophilic anaerobic digestion of Waste Activated Sludge (WAS); to this purpose, the Anaerobic Digestion Model n°1 (ADM1) was adopted. To enhance the energy production, the sludge underwent a thermal pre-treatment. Semi-continuous tests were performed for 281 days, both with raw and pre-treated WAS. The disintegration constant (k_dis) and the maximum acetate uptake rate (km_ac), were calibrated; the latter parameter was increased up to 2.2 KgCOD Kg−1COD d−1 by the pre-treatment. To evaluate the performances of different plant configurations, the specific methane yield and digester productivity were estimated for varying Hydraulic Retention Times (HRTs) and substrate concentrations. The pre-treatment impact on the substrate resulted in the 20% enhancement of the specific methane production for plants run with HRT <10 days; the most proper input concentration consisted in 30 g of Volatile Solids (VS) d−1. This procedure enabled to estimate the most appropriate HRT range for a) preventing the biomass washout (6/7 days for lower and 8 days for higher input concentration) and b) maximizing the methane and energy production for unit of digester volume (10/12 days).

A Reliable Turning Process by the Early Use of a Deep Simulation Model at Several Manufacturing Stages

The future of machine tools will be dominated by highly flexible and interconnected systems, in order to achieve the required productivity, accuracy, and reliability. Nowadays, distortion and vibration problems are easily solved in labs for the most common machining operations by using models based on the equations describing the physical laws of the machining processes; however, additional efforts are needed to overcome the gap between scientific research and real manufacturing problems. In fact, there is an increasing interest in developing simulation packages based on “deep-knowledge and models” that aid machine designers, production engineers, or machinists to get the most out of the machine-tools. This article proposes a methodology to reduce problems in machining by means of a simulation utility, which uses the main variables of the system and process as input data, and generates results that help in the proper decision-making and machining plan. Direct benefits can be found in (a) the fixture/clamping optimal design; (b) the machine tool configuration; (c) the definition of chatter-free optimum cutting conditions and (d) the right programming of cutting toolpaths at the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) stage. The information and knowledge-based approach showed successful results in several local manufacturing companies and are explained in the paper.

Vibrational Circular Dichroism: Recent Advances for the Assignment of the Absolute Configuration of Natural Products

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) emerged during the last decade as a reliable tool for the absolute configuration (AC) determination of organic compounds. The principles, instrumentation, and methodology applied prior to early 2013 were recently reviewed by us. Since VCD is a very dynamic field, the aim of this review is to update VCD advances for the AC assignment of terpenoids, aromatic compounds, alkaloids, and other natural products for the 2013-2014 period, when VCD was applied to the AC assignment of some 70 natural products. In addition, although discovered in 2012, a brief introduction to the VCD exciton coupling approach and its applications in natural products AC assignment is presented.

Machines Setup Reduction in Lean Manufacturing Environment

We aim to minimize of Total Idle Time for Tool Change (TITTC) in machines equipped with rotating tool magazines and un-buffered tool chain. The subject of this work consists in the optimization of TITTC that is the sum of the tool setup time and tool change time. The problem consists in determining the optimal tool configuration for each part type considering the transition between the current part type and the next one. We propose a Genetic Algorithm to solve the problem. A numerical real test study is performed in order to investigate the problem. We proposed different frameworks to evaluate the proposed approach advantages. First, we reduce TITTC considering the transition between the current part type production and the next one. Finally, we discuss the variation of the part program sequence, according to precedencies. Results show important time saving can be obtained with the proposed approach.

Experimental evaluation and comparison of two recent Network-on-Chip routers for FPGAs

Rapid growth in the number of Intellectual Property (IP) cores in System-on-Chip (SoC) resulted in the need for effective and scalable interconnect scheme for system components – Network-on-Chip (NoC). Router is a key component in an NoC design that impacts the overall area utilization. It is crucial to evaluate the area efficiency of NoC routers. In this paper, we evaluate and compare two recent NoC routers for Field Programmable Gated Arrays (FPGAs). The first one is generated using the automated NoC synthesis tool CONfigurable NEtwork Creation Tool (CONNECT). The second one is an NoC router manually designed using VHDL and synthesized Altera Quartus II CAD tool. Three NoC topologies namely ring, mesh and torus are used for evaluating the two routers based on area utilization metric. The routers are evaluated by varying the node sizes from 4 to 16 for each topology. For smaller NoC topologies, CONNECT router uses less area but as the NoC size increases manual router design provides up to 85% reduction in area utilization. The results presented in this paper will be useful to designers interested in NoC implementation on FPGAs.

PHOEBE: an automation framework for the effective usage of diagnosis tools in the performance testing of clustered systems

SummaryThe identification of performance issues and the diagnosis of their root causes are time‐consuming and complex tasks, especially in clustered environments. To simplify these tasks, researchers have been developing tools with built‐in expertise for practitioners. However, various limitations exist in these tools that prevent their efficient usage in the performance testing of clusters (e.g. the need of manually analysing huge volumes of distributed results). In a previous work, we introduced a policy‐based adaptive framework (PHOEBE) that automates the usage of diagnosis tools in the performance testing of clustered systems, in order to improve a tester's productivity, by decreasing the effort and expertise needed to effectively use such tools. This paper extends that work by broadening the set of policies available in PHOEBE, as well as by performing a comprehensive assessment of PHOEBE in terms of its benefits, costs and generality (with respect to the used diagnosis tool). The performed evaluation involved a set of experiments in assessing the different trade‐offs commonly experienced by a tester when using a performance diagnosis tool, as well as the time savings that PHOEBE can bring to the performance testing and analysis processes. Our results have shown that PHOEBE can drastically reduce the effort required by a tester to do performance testing and analysis in a cluster. PHOEBE also exhibited consistent behaviour (i.e. similar time‐savings and resource utilisations), when applied to a set of commonly used diagnosis tools, demonstrating its generality. Finally, PHOEBE proved to be capable of simplifying the configuration of a diagnosis tool. This was achieved by addressing the identified trade‐offs without the need for manual intervention from the tester. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Programs from Proofs

Today, software is traded worldwide on global markets, with apps being downloaded to smartphones within minutes or seconds. This poses, more than ever, the challenge of ensuring safety of software in the face of (1) unknown or untrusted software providers together with (2) resource-limited software consumers. The concept of Proof-Carrying Code (PCC), years ago suggested by Necula, provides one framework for securing the execution of untrusted code. PCC techniques attach safety proofs, constructed by software producers, to code. Based on the assumption that checking proofs is usually much simpler than constructing proofs, software consumers should thus be able to quickly check the safety of software. However, PCC techniques often suffer from the size of certificates (i.e., the attached proofs), making PCC techniques inefficient in practice. In this article, we introduce a new framework for the safe execution of untrusted code called Programs from Proofs (PfP). The basic assumption underlying the PfP technique is the fact that the structure of programs significantly influences the complexity of checking a specific safety property. Instead of attaching proofs to program code, the PfP technique transforms the program into an efficiently checkable form, thus guaranteeing quick safety checks for software consumers. For this transformation, the technique also uses a producer-side automatic proof of safety. More specifically, safety proving for the software producer proceeds via the construction of an abstract reachability graph (ARG) unfolding the control-flow automaton (CFA) up to the degree necessary for simple checking. To this end, we combine different sorts of software analysis: expensive analyses incrementally determining the degree of unfolding, and cheap analyses responsible for safety checking. Out of the abstract reachability graph we generate the new program. In its CFA structure, it is isomorphic to the graph and hence another, this time consumer-side, cheap analysis can quickly determine its safety. Like PCC, Programs from Proofs is a general framework instantiable with different sorts of (expensive and cheap) analysis. Here, we present the general framework and exemplify it by some concrete examples. We have implemented different instantiations on top of the configurable program analysis tool CPA checker and report on experiments, in particular on comparisons with PCC techniques.

Configuration and options management processes and tools: an automotive OEM case study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a three-staged approach to configuration change management that uses a combination of complexity analysis, data visualization, and algorithmic validation to assist in validating configuration changes.Design/methodology/approachIn order to accomplish the above purpose, the authors conducted a review of existing configuration management practices. This was followed by an in-depth case study of the configuration management practices of a major automotive OEM. The primary means of data collection for the case study were interviews, ethnographic study, and document analysis. Based on the results of the case study, a set of support tools is proposed to assist in the configuration management process.FindingsThrough the case study, the authors identified that the OEM used a configuration management method that largely represented the rule-based reasoning methods identified in the literature review. In addition, many of the associated challenges are present, primarily, the difficulty in making changes to the rule system and evaluating the changes.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary limitation is that the case study was based on a single OEM. However, the results are in line with other practices identified in the literature review. Therefore, it is expected that the findings and recommendations should hold true in other applications.Practical implicationsA set of configuration management tools and associated requirements are identified and defined that could be used to assist companies in the automotive industry, and perhaps others, in managing their option changes as they continue to move towards full mass customization of products.Originality/valueThe proposed approach for configuration management has not been seen in any other organization. The value of this paper is in the effectiveness of the proposed approach in assisting in the configuration change management process.

Validation results of satellite mock-up capturing experiment using nets

The PATENDER activity (Net parametric characterization and parabolic flight), funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) via its Clean Space initiative, was aiming to validate a simulation tool for designing nets for capturing space debris. This validation has been performed through a set of different experiments under microgravity conditions where a net was launched capturing and wrapping a satellite mock-up.This paper presents the architecture of the thrown-net dynamics simulator together with the set-up of the deployment experiment and its trajectory reconstruction results on a parabolic flight (Novespace A-310, June 2015). The simulator has been implemented within the Blender framework in order to provide a highly configurable tool, able to reproduce different scenarios for Active Debris Removal missions.The experiment has been performed over thirty parabolas offering around 22s of zero-g conditions. Flexible meshed fabric structure (the net) ejected from a container and propelled by corner masses (the bullets) arranged around its circumference have been launched at different initial velocities and launching angles using a pneumatic-based dedicated mechanism (representing the chaser satellite) against a target mock-up (the target satellite). High-speed motion cameras were recording the experiment allowing 3D reconstruction of the net motion. The net knots have been coloured to allow the images post-process using colour segmentation, stereo matching and iterative closest point (ICP) for knots tracking.The final objective of the activity was the validation of the net deployment and wrapping simulator using images recorded during the parabolic flight. The high-resolution images acquired have been post-processed to determine accurately the initial conditions and generate the reference data (position and velocity of all knots of the net along its deployment and wrapping of the target mock-up) for the simulator validation. The simulator has been properly configured according to the parabolic flight scenario, and executed in order to generate the validation data. Both datasets have been compared according to different metrics in order to perform the validation of the PATENDER simulator.

Optimal visual\u2013haptic integration with articulated tools

When we feel and see an object, the nervous system integrates visual and haptic information optimally, exploiting the redundancy in multiple signals to estimate properties more precisely than is possible from either signal alone. We examined whether optimal integration is similarly achieved when using articulated tools. Such tools (tongs, pliers, etc) are a defining characteristic of human hand function, but complicate the classical sensory ‘correspondence problem’ underlying multisensory integration. Optimal integration requires establishing the relationship between signals acquired by different sensors (hand and eye) and, therefore, in fundamentally unrelated units. The system must also determine when signals refer to the same property of the world—seeing and feeling the same thing—and only integrate those that do. This could be achieved by comparing the pattern of current visual and haptic input to known statistics of their normal relationship. Articulated tools disrupt this relationship, however, by altering the geometrical relationship between object properties and hand posture (the haptic signal). We examined whether different tool configurations are taken into account in visual–haptic integration. We indexed integration by measuring the precision of size estimates, and compared our results to optimal predictions from a maximum-likelihood integrator. Integration was near optimal, independent of tool configuration/hand posture, provided that visual and haptic signals referred to the same object in the world. Thus, sensory correspondence was determined correctly (trial-by-trial), taking tool configuration into account. This reveals highly flexible multisensory integration underlying tool use, consistent with the brain constructing internal models of tools’ properties.

Thermal analysis and simulation of a Li-ion battery pack for a lightweight commercial EV

The scope of the present research is the reduction of cost and time related to the design, prototyping and testing of a Li-ion battery pack, which is used in commercial full electric vehicles using tools for rapid product configuration and simulation. This objective is particularly important for small companies that produce many different batteries in small lots. To develop the product design support system, a preliminary study was necessary. A 3D model was analyzed to simulate real thermal behavior, reproducing a real electric load using a standard ECE-15 cycle. Experimental tests have been conducted on the vehicle and battery to validate the model. An analytical thermal model was developed to evaluate the heat generated by electrochemical reactions inside a Li-ion cell. The outcome of this analytical model was used as the boundary condition in the CFD simulation of the battery model to evaluate the cooling behavior. The rules and results deduced from these studies have allowed the implementation of an easy-to-use knowledge-based configuration tool that supports the designer in the definition of the layout of the battery pack to save time and evaluate costs. As a test case, the battery for an urban freight vehicle was designed using the proposed approach. The achieved results show good performance and robustness of the simplified approach in terms of temperature distribution evaluation and design process efficiency.

Multi-frequency Chatter Analysis Using the Shift Theorem

During machining, the use of variable helix tools can potentially improve the system's stability to regenerative chatter. However, this configuration of tool has a distributed time delay, which makes the stability analysis more complex. The analysis is further exacerbated by the time-periodic coefficients that occur during milling. The present contribution demonstrates how the Fourier transform and harmonic transfer function approach can be used to analyse the system stability. This provides new insight into the stability of these tools, based on a mathematically elegant approach that makes extensive use of the shift theorem.