Topology optimization of gas flow channel routes in an automotive fuel cell

An efficient topology optimization method for fluid-structure problems was developed in an effort to determine the optimum flow channel route in a fuel cell bipolar plate from first principles. This study describes the derivation and solution of new mathematical equations for topology optimization combining a density-based algorithm, the interpolation method of moving asymptotes (MMA), and the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation with a term representing the chemical reaction between hydrogen and the catalyst. The present method is based on the finite element method with a newly developed reaction rate equation. In this model, a topology variable of 0 represents viscous flow, whereas a value of 1 indicates porous flow. The flow velocity and pressure were obtained from the Navier-Stokes equation and constraints and element matrices for sensitivity analyses during the optimization. MMA was utilized to calculate the optimum flow routes in the design domain. The influence of the key design parameter q and the pressure drop on the optimum topology were also investigated. The channel topology became smoother with decreasing q, and the number of channels increased with increasing pressure drop.     

Prediction of the dimensional deformation of the addendum and dedendum after the warm shrink fitting process using a correction coefficient

The warm shrink fitting process is generally used to assemble automobile transmission parts (shafts/gears). However, this process causes a deformation in the addendum and dedendum of the gear depending on the fitting interference and gear profile, and this deformation causes additional noise and vibration between the gears. To address these problems, the warm shrink fitting process is analyzed by considering the error in the dimensional deformation of the addendum and dedendum found when comparing the results of a theoretical analysis and finite element analysis (FEA). A correction coefficient that reduces this error is derived through an analysis of the difference in the cross-sectional area between the shapes used for the theoretical analysis and that of the actual gear, and a closed-form equation to predict the dimensional deformation of the addendum and dedendum is proposed. The FEA method is proposed to analyze the thermal-structural-thermal coupled field analysis of the warm shrink fitting process (heating-fitting-cooling process). To verify the closed-form equation using the correction coefficient, measurements are made of actual helical gears used in automobile transmissions. The results are in good agreement with those given by the closed-form equation.     

考虑不确定性因素的路径优化(英文)

A route optimization methodology in the frame of an onboard decision support/guidance system for the ship’s master has been developed and is presented in this paper.The method aims at the minimization of the fuel voyage cost and the risks related to the ship’s seakeeping performance expected to be within acceptable limits of voyage duration.Parts of this methodology were implemented by interfacing alternative probability assessment methods,such as Monte Carlo,first order reliability method(FORM) and second order reliability method(SORM),and a 3-D seakeeping code,including a software tool for the calculation of the added resistance in waves of NTUA-SDL.The entire system was integrated within the probabilistic analysis software PROBAN.Two of the main modules for the calculation of added resistance and the probabilistic assessment for the considered seakeeping hazards with respect to exceedance levels of predefined threshold values are herein elaborated and validation studies proved their efficiency in view of their implementation into an on-board optimization system.     

Development of a time domain prediction method for hull pressure fluctuation induced by marine propeller sheet cavitation with consideration of scattering effects

Using a time domain acoustic analogy, we develop a method to predict the sound field and hull pressure fluctuation generated by unsteady sheet cavitation on marine propellers. Formulation 1A of Farassat is introduced to enhance theoretical understanding of this work, and it is applied to modeling the scattered sound field created by the fuselage boundary. To express the direct sound field resulting from sheet cavitation, a new solution is studied which considers the Doppler effect and also separately expresses the near and far fields. A small cube model is used to verify the method. Computed acoustic field pressures around the cube are compared with the boundary element method, and the numerical results show good agreement. Finally, the pressure fluctuation on a ship stern model is calculated.     

Research progress and application of computational method for hydrodynamic noise from air-water interface北大核心CSCD

含水气界面水动力噪声是船海工程结构物经常遇到的一类典型重要噪声,具有机理复杂、声源形式多样、传播影响因素众多等特点。含水气界面水动力噪声与自由面相互作用,受空化、水气泡混合流等影响,对舰船的隐蔽性造成很多负面影响,具有重要的研究意义。分别从自由面噪声、空化噪声和水气泡混合流噪声3个方面进行介绍,并阐述相应噪声的计算方法以及在噪声计算时需要考虑的关键问题和目前所采用的解决方案。最后,展望未来的研究发展方向。     

Double parking in New York city: a comparison between commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles

Transportation - Commercial vehicles are more likely to park close to their destinations than passenger vehicles even though sometimes parking violations are inevitable for their freight or service...     

Assessing network vulnerability of heavy rail systems with the impact of partial node failures

Much of the literature in recent years has examined the vulnerability of transportation networks. To identify appropriate and operational measures of nodal centrality using connectivity in the case of heavy rail systems, this paper presents a set of comprehensive measures in the form of a Degree of Nodal Connection (DNC) index. The DNC index facilitates a reevaluation of nodal criticality among distinct types of transfer stations in heavy rail networks that present a number of multiple lines between stations. Specifically, a new classification of transfer stations—mandatory transfer, non-mandatory transfer, and end transfer—and a new measure for linkages—link degree and total link degree—introduces the characteristics of heavy rail networks when we accurately expose the vulnerability of a node. The concept of partial node failure is also introduced and compare the results of complete node failure scenarios. Four local and global indicators of network vulnerability are derived from the DNC index to assess the vulnerability of major heavy rail networks in the United States. Results indicate that the proposed DNC indexes can inform decision makers or network planners as they explore and compare the resilience of multi-hubs and multi-line networks in a comprehensive but accurate manner regardless of their network sizes.

     

Turn taking behavior in dual earner households with children: a focus on escorting routines

Transportation - This article discusses results of a study on turn taking behavior in escorting children in dual-earner households. Using a multinomial logit model, the probability of different...     

The role of children’s independent mobility and social media use for face-to-face social interaction with friends

Transportation - Social interaction with friends is an important contributor to children’s well-being, but how transport affects this is rarely studied. For two or more children (not of the...