In order to improve the efficiency of cloud-based web services,an improved plant growth simulation algorithm scheduling model.This model first used mathematical methods to describe the relationships between cloud-base...In order to improve the efficiency of cloud-based web services,an improved plant growth simulation algorithm scheduling model.This model first used mathematical methods to describe the relationships between cloud-based web services and the constraints of system resources.Then,a light-induced plant growth simulation algorithm was established.The performance of the algorithm was compared through several plant types,and the best plant model was selected as the setting for the system.Experimental results show that when the number of test cloud-based web services reaches 2048,the model being 2.14 times faster than PSO,2.8 times faster than the ant colony algorithm,2.9 times faster than the bee colony algorithm,and a remarkable 8.38 times faster than the genetic algorithm.展开更多
This special issue focuses on simulation optimization(SO),which combines stochastic simulation with optimization techniques to address complex decisionmaking problems under uncertainty.SO has gained increasing importa...This special issue focuses on simulation optimization(SO),which combines stochastic simulation with optimization techniques to address complex decisionmaking problems under uncertainty.SO has gained increasing importance in areas such as transportation,supply chain and manufacturing,providing solutions where traditional analytical methods may fail.Recent advances in computing,data analytics,and artificial intelligence have significantly enhanced the efficiency and capability of SO methods,enabling the development of innovative techniques.This special issue aims to highlight recent theoretical and practical advancements in SO,showcasing its potential to solve real-world problems and inspiring further research and application in this dynamic field.展开更多
Simulation optimization is a widely used tool in the analysis and optimization of complex stochastic systems.The majority of the previous works on simulation optimization rely heavily on detailed system information,su...Simulation optimization is a widely used tool in the analysis and optimization of complex stochastic systems.The majority of the previous works on simulation optimization rely heavily on detailed system information,such as the distributions of input variables and the system dynamics.However,it is usually costly and even unrealistic to obtain such detailed information in practice.To overcome this difficulty,new methods are needed to solve stochastic optimization problems based on simulation outputs or real-world data and fairly limited knowledge of the underlying system,i.e.,in a blackbox setting.In this paper,we provide an up-to-date overview of the subject of blackbox simulation optimization,which has only been attracting attention from the simulation community in recent years.We discuss some of the new stochastic approximation algorithms developed recently for blackbox stochastic optimization.We also discuss challenges and potential future research opportunities.展开更多
In response to the deficiencies of commonly used optimization methods for assembly lines,a production demand-oriented optimization method for assembly lines is proposed.Taking a certain compressor assembly line as an ...In response to the deficiencies of commonly used optimization methods for assembly lines,a production demand-oriented optimization method for assembly lines is proposed.Taking a certain compressor assembly line as an example,the production rhythm and the number of workstations are calculated based on production requirements and working systems.With assembly rhythm and smoothing index as optimization goals,an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed for process allocation.Subsequently,Flexsim simulation is used to analyze the assembly line.The final results show that after optimization using the improved particle swarm algorithm,the assembly line balance rate increased from 71.1%to 85.9%,and the assembly line smoothing index decreased from 47.4 to 29.8,significantly enhancing assembly efficiency.This demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method for the assembly line and provides a reference for other products in the same industry.展开更多
A method for designing an X-ray flatness filter for medical electron linac is developed. It is used in the optimization process in the electron beam radiation system. Monte Carlo simulation method is used and two exam...A method for designing an X-ray flatness filter for medical electron linac is developed. It is used in the optimization process in the electron beam radiation system. Monte Carlo simulation method is used and two examples of real radiation system optimization processes for China-made medical electron linac are provided： 15 MV X- ray system of BJ-20 linac, and 12 MeV electron system of BJ-14. Results are verified by using the traditional method.展开更多
The physical and mathematical model of an operating electrowinning cell was established, and the flow of electrolyte was numerically simulated by the commercial software Fluent. The results indicate that there are two...The physical and mathematical model of an operating electrowinning cell was established, and the flow of electrolyte was numerically simulated by the commercial software Fluent. The results indicate that there are two circulations at the surface flow where part of electrolyte backflows to the inlet from the side of cell, and the rest flows directly to the outlet, and the separation of two circulations with opposite direction occurs at the 20th pair of anode-cathode. This phenomenon was observed in the real operation. The electrolyte flows into the space between anode and cathode from the side portion of the cell. Meanwhile, the interelectrode effective flow rate （IEFR） is put forward to describe quantitively the flow field characteristics and is defined as the ratio of electrolyte flow between the anode and cathode to the total flow area. The influences of structure parameters and operating conditions on IEFR, such as the inlet angle, the volumetric flow rate, the inlet position and the height of steel baffles were simulated. The inlet position has a significant influence on the IEFR and its optimal value is 0.9 m below free surface. The inlet angle should be in the range from -10° to 10°. IEFR is in linear proportion with the volumetric flow rate, and the height of the steel baffle has little influence on the flow field.展开更多
Directing to the high cost of computer simulation optimization problem, Kriging surrogate model is widely used to decrease the computation time. Since the sequential Kriging optimization is time consuming, this articl...Directing to the high cost of computer simulation optimization problem, Kriging surrogate model is widely used to decrease the computation time. Since the sequential Kriging optimization is time consuming, this article extends the expected improvement and put forwards a modified sequential Kriging optimization （MSKO）. This method changes the twice optimization problem into once by adding more than one point at the same time. Before re-fitting the Kriging model, the new sample points are verified to ensure that they do not overlap the previous one and the distance between two sample points is not too small. This article presents the double stopping criterion to keep the root mean square error （RMSE） of the final surrogate model at an acceptable level. The example shows that MSKO can approach the global optimization quickly and accurately. MSKO can ensure global optimization no matter where the initial point is. Application of active suspension indicates that the proposed method is effective.展开更多
To eliminate the shrinkage porosity in low pressure casting of an A356 aluminum alloy intake manifold casting, numerical simulation on fi lling and solidifi cation processes of the casting was carried out using the Pr...To eliminate the shrinkage porosity in low pressure casting of an A356 aluminum alloy intake manifold casting, numerical simulation on fi lling and solidifi cation processes of the casting was carried out using the ProCAST software. The gating system of the casting is optimized according to the simulation results. Results show that when the gating system consists of only one sprue, the fi lling of the molten metal is not stable; and the casting does not follow the sequence solidifi cation, and many shrinkage porosities are observed through the casting. After the gating system is improved by adding one runner and two in-gates, the fi lling time is prolonged from 4.0 s to 4.5 s, the fi lling of molten metal becomes stable, but this casting does not follow the sequence solidifi cation either. Some shrinkage porosity is also observed in the hot spots of the casting. When the gating system was further improved by adding risers and chill to the hot spots of the casting, the shrinkage porosity defects were eliminated completely. Finally, by using the optimized gating system the A356 aluminum alloy intake manifold casting with integrated shape and smooth surface as well as dense microstructure was successfully produced.展开更多
High pressure die casting(HPDC) is a kind of near net shape manufacturing method. However, air entrapment in HPDC parts has serious effects upon the casting quality. In order to reduce the air entrapment defects in a ...High pressure die casting(HPDC) is a kind of near net shape manufacturing method. However, air entrapment in HPDC parts has serious effects upon the casting quality. In order to reduce the air entrapment defects in a AlSi10 MnMg alloy thin-wall longitudinal load-bearing beam produced by HPDC, different gating systems were designed and simulated by software Flow-3D to evaluate the entrapped air. Simulation results showed that when the beam is produced by the original designed gating system with a middle ingate, there exist obvious air entrapments in the critical area; the volume of air entrapment was reduced by replacing the middle ingate to an overflow well, and the filling of molten metal became more stable. When the middle ingate was removed for further improvement, the volume of air entrapment was decreased drastically. The parts with glossy surface and good microstructure have been successfully produced by using the final optimized gating system based on simulation results.展开更多
Reliability model of a mechanical product system will be newly reconstructed and maintenance cost will increase because failed parts can be replaced with new components during service, which should be accounted for in...Reliability model of a mechanical product system will be newly reconstructed and maintenance cost will increase because failed parts can be replaced with new components during service, which should be accounted for in system design. In this paper, a reliability model and reliability-based design optimization methodology for maintenance are presented. First, based on the time-to-failure density function of the part of the system, the age distributions of all parts of the system during service are investigated, a reliability model of the mechanical system for maintenance is developed. Then, reliability simulations of the systems with WeibuU probability density functions are performed, the system minimum reliability and steady reliability for maintenance are defined based on reliability simulation during the life cycle of the system. Thirdly, a maintenance cost model is developed based on replacement rates of the parts, a reliability-based design optimization model for maintenance is presented, in which total life cycle cost is considered as design objective and system reliability as design constrain. Finally, the reliability-based design optimization methodology for maintenance is used to design of a link ring for the chain conveyor, which shows that optimal design with the lowest maintenance cost can be obtained, and minimum reliability and steady reliability of the system can satisfy requirement of system reliability during service of the chain conveyor.展开更多
A new 18-lump kinetic model for naphtha catalytic reforming reactions is discussed. By developing this model as a user module, a whole industrial continuous catalytic reforming process is simulated on Aspen plus plat-...A new 18-lump kinetic model for naphtha catalytic reforming reactions is discussed. By developing this model as a user module, a whole industrial continuous catalytic reforming process is simulated on Aspen plus plat-form. The technique utilizes the strong databases, complete sets of modules, and flexible simulation tools of the Aspen plus system and retains the characteristics of the proposed kinetic model. The calculated results are in fair agreement with the actual operating data. Based on the model of the whole reforming process, the process is opti-mized and the optimization results are tested in the actual industrial unit for about two months. The test shows that the process profit increases about 1000yuan·h-1 averagely, which is close to the calculated result.展开更多
In the present study, a great effort was made to improve the performance of an industrial liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) and natural gas liquid(NGL) production unit in one of the major gas refinery located at Pars speci...In the present study, a great effort was made to improve the performance of an industrial liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) and natural gas liquid(NGL) production unit in one of the major gas refinery located at Pars special economic zone in Iran. To demonstrate and obtain the optimal condition, the unit was simulated by using a steady-state flowsheet simulator, i.e. Aspen Plus, under different operational conditions. According to the simulation results,the unit was not operational under its optimal conditions due to some defects in the cooling system at top stage of the debutanizer tower(DBT) during hot and humid seasons. Additionally, the vapor pressure of produced LPG and accordingly the amount of its flaring were decreased by reducing the temperature of debutanizer tower at top stages. In the optimization section, the DBT condenser and reboiler heat duty, temperature, and pressure were regulated as adjustable parameters. The simulation results demonstrated that by applying the optimum suggestion in the hot months, the reflux stream temperature was reached about 55 ℃ which caused an efficient increment in LPG production(about 4%) with adjusting the propane component in LPG, based on the standard range as the plant criteria. Moreover, after applying modifications, about 750 t of LPG product was saved from flaring during five hot months of the year, which resulted in 360000 USD extra annual income for the company.Finally, from environmental point of view, this optimization caused to reduce 81 t of CO_2 emission to the environment. Therefore, the current investigation must be introduced as a friendly environmentally process.展开更多
Accuracy in predictions leads to better planning with a minimum of opportunity lost. In open pit mining,the complexity of operations, coupled with a highly uncertain and dynamic production environment,limit the accura...Accuracy in predictions leads to better planning with a minimum of opportunity lost. In open pit mining,the complexity of operations, coupled with a highly uncertain and dynamic production environment,limit the accuracy of predictions and force a reactive planning approach to mitigate deviations from original plans. A simulation optimization framework/tool is presented in this paper to account for uncertainties in mining operations for robust short-term production planning and proactive decision making. This framework/tool uses a discrete event simulation model of mine operations, which interacts with a goalprogramming based mine operational optimization tool to develop an uncertainty based short-term schedule. Using scenario analysis, this framework allows the planner to make proactive decisions to achieve the mine's operational and long-term objectives. This paper details the development of simulation and optimization models and presents the implementation of the framework on an iron ore mine case study for verification through scenario analysis.展开更多
Virtual product development (VPD) is essentially based on simulation. Due tocomputational inefficiency, traditional engineering simulation software and optimization methods areinadequate to analyze optimization proble...Virtual product development (VPD) is essentially based on simulation. Due tocomputational inefficiency, traditional engineering simulation software and optimization methods areinadequate to analyze optimization problems in VPD. Optimization method based on simulationmetamodel for virtual product development is proposed to satisfy the needs of complex optimaldesigns driven by VPD. This method extends the current design of experiments (DOE) by variousmetamodeling technologies. Simulation metamodels are built to approximate detailed simulation codes,so as to provide link between optimization and simulation, or serve as a bridge for simulationsoftware integration among different domains. An example of optimal design for composite materialstructure is used to demonstrate the newly introduced method.展开更多
Liquid-phase oxidation of toluene with air has become the main technology for producing benzoic acid in a reactor at present. Based on the kinetic model of the toluene oxidation process obtained from laboratory and ma...Liquid-phase oxidation of toluene with air has become the main technology for producing benzoic acid in a reactor at present. Based on the kinetic model of the toluene oxidation process obtained from laboratory and mass balance of key component, a novel model is established to simulate the industrial toluene oxidation process, in which the effects of benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol are considered and the kinetic parameters are revised by industrial data. The simulation results show that the error of benzoic acid yield is within 3.5%. Based on the simulation model, to maximize the benzoic acid yield, an optimization model is proposed to optimize the operating parameters, including toluene feed-in mass flux and temperature. The optimization result indicates that on the allowable operating conditions the maximum benzoic acid yield obtained with the reaction temperature at 167.2 C an the mass flux at 104.1 t·h^- 1 is greater than the current one, which can be used to guide industrial reactor s operation.展开更多
In order to reduce the shrinkage porosity of nickel-based superalloy castings in the investment casting process,the effects of different gating systems on mold filling,solidification process,and prediction of shrinkag...In order to reduce the shrinkage porosity of nickel-based superalloy castings in the investment casting process,the effects of different gating systems on mold filling,solidification process,and prediction of shrinkage porosity of aero-engine turbine nozzle castings were investigated by simulation and experimental methods.Results show that the design of the vertical runner would cause greater turbulence of the melt in the riser during the mold filling process,and the outer runner is not necessary.With the decrease in number of runners,the hot spot moves down towards the casting,and the shrinkage and porosity defects are formed in the casting below the riser.In the original designs,a certain tendency of shrinkage and porosity defect is found in the vanes,inner rings,and outer rings of the castings by both simulation prediction and experiment.Finally,based on the processing optimization,the aero-engine turbine nozzle casting with no shrinkage and porosity defects is obtained.展开更多
A novel sound quality simulation approach was proposed to optimize the acoustic performance of a four-cylinder diesel engine.Finite element analysis,single-input and multiple-output technology,flexible multi-body dyna...A novel sound quality simulation approach was proposed to optimize the acoustic performance of a four-cylinder diesel engine.Finite element analysis,single-input and multiple-output technology,flexible multi-body dynamics,and boundary element codes were used to acquire the hexahedron-element model,experimental modal frequencies,vibration velocities,and structurally radiated noise of the block,respectively.The simulated modal frequencies and vibration velocities agreed well with the experimental data,which validated the finite-element block.The acoustic response showed that considerable acoustic power levels existed in 1500-1900 Hz and 2300-2800 Hz as the main frequency ranges to optimize the block acoustics.Then,the optimal block is determined in accordance with the novel approach,which reduces the overall value,high-frequency amplitudes,and peak values of acoustic power;thus,the loudness,sharpness,and roughness decline to make the sound quieter,lower-pitched,and smoother,respectively.Finally,the optimal block was cast and bench-tested.The results reveal that the sound quality of the optimal-block engine is substantially improved as numerically expected,which verifies the effectiveness of the research approach.展开更多
Through separation of the hexane-heptane–octane system in a cross-wall adiabatic dividing wall column, the effects of feed position, side-draw position, liquid split ratio, vapor split ratio and their interactions on...Through separation of the hexane-heptane–octane system in a cross-wall adiabatic dividing wall column, the effects of feed position, side-draw position, liquid split ratio, vapor split ratio and their interactions on the energy consumption were analyzed by Aspen Plus under the constant product purity, and the response surface model for the energy consumption was regressed. Based on the restriction on the optimal operating zone, the comparison of different combinations of surrogate models and optimization methods showed that, the combination of the Kriging model and multi-island genetic algorithm(Kriging-MIGA) had better prediction ability than the combination of the response surface model and partial derivative method(RSM-PD), and RSM-PD had better optimization effect than Kriging-MIGA. With a self-made cross-wall adiabatic dividing wall column, the temperature at measuring points and the energy consumption were measured during experiments, the comparison between measured values and simulated ones demonstrated that the optimized values of variables searched by RSM-PD and Kriging-MIGA could be both used as the optimum technological conditions since the experimental reliability was ensured, with the optimum technological conditions shown below: The feed position is 6, the side-draw position is 7, the combinations of liquid split ratio and vapor split ratio are [0.14, 0.5] and [0.16, 0.52], respectively. RSM-PD and Kriging-MIGA can provide the appropriate optimization methods for the dividing wall column.展开更多
Shrinkage defects can be formed easily at critical location during low pressure die casting (LPDC) of aluminum alloy cylinder body. It has harmful effect on the products. Mold filling and solidification process of a c...Shrinkage defects can be formed easily at critical location during low pressure die casting (LPDC) of aluminum alloy cylinder body. It has harmful effect on the products. Mold filling and solidification process of a cylinder body was simulated by using of Z-CAST software. The casting method was improved based on the simulation results. In order to create effective feeding passage, the structure of casting was modified by changing the location of strengthening ribs at the bottom, without causing any adverse effect on the part's performance. Inserting copper billet at suitable location of the die is a valid way to create suitable solidification sequence that is beneficial to the feeding. Using these methods, the shrinkage defect was completely eliminated at the critical location.展开更多
To improve the dust removal performance of the wet electrostatic precipitator(WESP), a flow field optimization scheme was proposed via CFD simulation in different scales. The simplified models of perforated and collec...To improve the dust removal performance of the wet electrostatic precipitator(WESP), a flow field optimization scheme was proposed via CFD simulation in different scales. The simplified models of perforated and collection plates were determined firstly. Then the model parameters for the resistance of perforated and collection plates, obtained by small-scale flow simulation, were validated by medium-scale experiments. Through the comparison of the resistance and velocity distribution between simulation results and experimental data, the simplified model is proved to present the resistance characteristics of perforated and collection plates accurately. Numerical results show that after optimization, both the flow rate and the pressure drop in the upper room of electric field regions are basically equivalent to those of the lower room, and the velocity distribution in flue inlet of WESP becomes more uniform. Through the application in practice, the effectiveness and reliability of the optimization scheme are proved, which can provide valuable reference for further optimization of WESP.展开更多
基金Shanxi Province Higher Education Science and Technology Innovation Fund Project(2022-676)Shanxi Soft Science Program Research Fund Project(2016041008-6)。
文摘In order to improve the efficiency of cloud-based web services,an improved plant growth simulation algorithm scheduling model.This model first used mathematical methods to describe the relationships between cloud-based web services and the constraints of system resources.Then,a light-induced plant growth simulation algorithm was established.The performance of the algorithm was compared through several plant types,and the best plant model was selected as the setting for the system.Experimental results show that when the number of test cloud-based web services reaches 2048,the model being 2.14 times faster than PSO,2.8 times faster than the ant colony algorithm,2.9 times faster than the bee colony algorithm,and a remarkable 8.38 times faster than the genetic algorithm.
文摘This special issue focuses on simulation optimization(SO),which combines stochastic simulation with optimization techniques to address complex decisionmaking problems under uncertainty.SO has gained increasing importance in areas such as transportation,supply chain and manufacturing,providing solutions where traditional analytical methods may fail.Recent advances in computing,data analytics,and artificial intelligence have significantly enhanced the efficiency and capability of SO methods,enabling the development of innovative techniques.This special issue aims to highlight recent theoretical and practical advancements in SO,showcasing its potential to solve real-world problems and inspiring further research and application in this dynamic field.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.7203300372350710219).
文摘Simulation optimization is a widely used tool in the analysis and optimization of complex stochastic systems.The majority of the previous works on simulation optimization rely heavily on detailed system information,such as the distributions of input variables and the system dynamics.However,it is usually costly and even unrealistic to obtain such detailed information in practice.To overcome this difficulty,new methods are needed to solve stochastic optimization problems based on simulation outputs or real-world data and fairly limited knowledge of the underlying system,i.e.,in a blackbox setting.In this paper,we provide an up-to-date overview of the subject of blackbox simulation optimization,which has only been attracting attention from the simulation community in recent years.We discuss some of the new stochastic approximation algorithms developed recently for blackbox stochastic optimization.We also discuss challenges and potential future research opportunities.
文摘In response to the deficiencies of commonly used optimization methods for assembly lines,a production demand-oriented optimization method for assembly lines is proposed.Taking a certain compressor assembly line as an example,the production rhythm and the number of workstations are calculated based on production requirements and working systems.With assembly rhythm and smoothing index as optimization goals,an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed for process allocation.Subsequently,Flexsim simulation is used to analyze the assembly line.The final results show that after optimization using the improved particle swarm algorithm,the assembly line balance rate increased from 71.1%to 85.9%,and the assembly line smoothing index decreased from 47.4 to 29.8,significantly enhancing assembly efficiency.This demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method for the assembly line and provides a reference for other products in the same industry.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (60672104,10675013)the Na-tional Basic Research Program of China ("973"Program)(2006CB705705)+1 种基金the 10th Five-Year Plan of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2001BA706B-05)the Joint Research Foundation of Beijing Municipal Commissionof Education~~
文摘A method for designing an X-ray flatness filter for medical electron linac is developed. It is used in the optimization process in the electron beam radiation system. Monte Carlo simulation method is used and two examples of real radiation system optimization processes for China-made medical electron linac are provided： 15 MV X- ray system of BJ-20 linac, and 12 MeV electron system of BJ-14. Results are verified by using the traditional method.
基金Project(2011AA061003)supported by the National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China
文摘The physical and mathematical model of an operating electrowinning cell was established, and the flow of electrolyte was numerically simulated by the commercial software Fluent. The results indicate that there are two circulations at the surface flow where part of electrolyte backflows to the inlet from the side of cell, and the rest flows directly to the outlet, and the separation of two circulations with opposite direction occurs at the 20th pair of anode-cathode. This phenomenon was observed in the real operation. The electrolyte flows into the space between anode and cathode from the side portion of the cell. Meanwhile, the interelectrode effective flow rate （IEFR） is put forward to describe quantitively the flow field characteristics and is defined as the ratio of electrolyte flow between the anode and cathode to the total flow area. The influences of structure parameters and operating conditions on IEFR, such as the inlet angle, the volumetric flow rate, the inlet position and the height of steel baffles were simulated. The inlet position has a significant influence on the IEFR and its optimal value is 0.9 m below free surface. The inlet angle should be in the range from -10° to 10°. IEFR is in linear proportion with the volumetric flow rate, and the height of the steel baffle has little influence on the flow field.
基金Aeronautical Science Foundation of China (20080751017)Hi-tech Research and Development Program of China(2009AA04Z412)Program 111 of China
文摘Directing to the high cost of computer simulation optimization problem, Kriging surrogate model is widely used to decrease the computation time. Since the sequential Kriging optimization is time consuming, this article extends the expected improvement and put forwards a modified sequential Kriging optimization （MSKO）. This method changes the twice optimization problem into once by adding more than one point at the same time. Before re-fitting the Kriging model, the new sample points are verified to ensure that they do not overlap the previous one and the distance between two sample points is not too small. This article presents the double stopping criterion to keep the root mean square error （RMSE） of the final surrogate model at an acceptable level. The example shows that MSKO can approach the global optimization quickly and accurately. MSKO can ensure global optimization no matter where the initial point is. Application of active suspension indicates that the proposed method is effective.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51204124)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2012M511610)the Scientific Research Foundation of Wuhan Institute of Technology(No.14125041)
文摘To eliminate the shrinkage porosity in low pressure casting of an A356 aluminum alloy intake manifold casting, numerical simulation on fi lling and solidifi cation processes of the casting was carried out using the ProCAST software. The gating system of the casting is optimized according to the simulation results. Results show that when the gating system consists of only one sprue, the fi lling of the molten metal is not stable; and the casting does not follow the sequence solidifi cation, and many shrinkage porosities are observed through the casting. After the gating system is improved by adding one runner and two in-gates, the fi lling time is prolonged from 4.0 s to 4.5 s, the fi lling of molten metal becomes stable, but this casting does not follow the sequence solidifi cation either. Some shrinkage porosity is also observed in the hot spots of the casting. When the gating system was further improved by adding risers and chill to the hot spots of the casting, the shrinkage porosity defects were eliminated completely. Finally, by using the optimized gating system the A356 aluminum alloy intake manifold casting with integrated shape and smooth surface as well as dense microstructure was successfully produced.
基金supported by the Major Project of NSFC(51690161)the Student Innovation Program Major Project of Northeastern University(ZD1708)
文摘High pressure die casting(HPDC) is a kind of near net shape manufacturing method. However, air entrapment in HPDC parts has serious effects upon the casting quality. In order to reduce the air entrapment defects in a AlSi10 MnMg alloy thin-wall longitudinal load-bearing beam produced by HPDC, different gating systems were designed and simulated by software Flow-3D to evaluate the entrapped air. Simulation results showed that when the beam is produced by the original designed gating system with a middle ingate, there exist obvious air entrapments in the critical area; the volume of air entrapment was reduced by replacing the middle ingate to an overflow well, and the filling of molten metal became more stable. When the middle ingate was removed for further improvement, the volume of air entrapment was decreased drastically. The parts with glossy surface and good microstructure have been successfully produced by using the final optimized gating system based on simulation results.
基金supported by National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, Grant No. 2003CB317001)Scientific Research Fund of Hunan Provincial Education Department of China (Grant No. 07A018)+1 种基金Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 07JJ5074)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50875082)
文摘Reliability model of a mechanical product system will be newly reconstructed and maintenance cost will increase because failed parts can be replaced with new components during service, which should be accounted for in system design. In this paper, a reliability model and reliability-based design optimization methodology for maintenance are presented. First, based on the time-to-failure density function of the part of the system, the age distributions of all parts of the system during service are investigated, a reliability model of the mechanical system for maintenance is developed. Then, reliability simulations of the systems with WeibuU probability density functions are performed, the system minimum reliability and steady reliability for maintenance are defined based on reliability simulation during the life cycle of the system. Thirdly, a maintenance cost model is developed based on replacement rates of the parts, a reliability-based design optimization model for maintenance is presented, in which total life cycle cost is considered as design objective and system reliability as design constrain. Finally, the reliability-based design optimization methodology for maintenance is used to design of a link ring for the chain conveyor, which shows that optimal design with the lowest maintenance cost can be obtained, and minimum reliability and steady reliability of the system can satisfy requirement of system reliability during service of the chain conveyor.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.60421002).
文摘A new 18-lump kinetic model for naphtha catalytic reforming reactions is discussed. By developing this model as a user module, a whole industrial continuous catalytic reforming process is simulated on Aspen plus plat-form. The technique utilizes the strong databases, complete sets of modules, and flexible simulation tools of the Aspen plus system and retains the characteristics of the proposed kinetic model. The calculated results are in fair agreement with the actual operating data. Based on the model of the whole reforming process, the process is opti-mized and the optimization results are tested in the actual industrial unit for about two months. The test shows that the process profit increases about 1000yuan·h-1 averagely, which is close to the calculated result.
文摘In the present study, a great effort was made to improve the performance of an industrial liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) and natural gas liquid(NGL) production unit in one of the major gas refinery located at Pars special economic zone in Iran. To demonstrate and obtain the optimal condition, the unit was simulated by using a steady-state flowsheet simulator, i.e. Aspen Plus, under different operational conditions. According to the simulation results,the unit was not operational under its optimal conditions due to some defects in the cooling system at top stage of the debutanizer tower(DBT) during hot and humid seasons. Additionally, the vapor pressure of produced LPG and accordingly the amount of its flaring were decreased by reducing the temperature of debutanizer tower at top stages. In the optimization section, the DBT condenser and reboiler heat duty, temperature, and pressure were regulated as adjustable parameters. The simulation results demonstrated that by applying the optimum suggestion in the hot months, the reflux stream temperature was reached about 55 ℃ which caused an efficient increment in LPG production(about 4%) with adjusting the propane component in LPG, based on the standard range as the plant criteria. Moreover, after applying modifications, about 750 t of LPG product was saved from flaring during five hot months of the year, which resulted in 360000 USD extra annual income for the company.Finally, from environmental point of view, this optimization caused to reduce 81 t of CO_2 emission to the environment. Therefore, the current investigation must be introduced as a friendly environmentally process.
基金part of a PhD research, which was supported by Mine Optimization Laboratory, University of Alberta-Canada
文摘Accuracy in predictions leads to better planning with a minimum of opportunity lost. In open pit mining,the complexity of operations, coupled with a highly uncertain and dynamic production environment,limit the accuracy of predictions and force a reactive planning approach to mitigate deviations from original plans. A simulation optimization framework/tool is presented in this paper to account for uncertainties in mining operations for robust short-term production planning and proactive decision making. This framework/tool uses a discrete event simulation model of mine operations, which interacts with a goalprogramming based mine operational optimization tool to develop an uncertainty based short-term schedule. Using scenario analysis, this framework allows the planner to make proactive decisions to achieve the mine's operational and long-term objectives. This paper details the development of simulation and optimization models and presents the implementation of the framework on an iron ore mine case study for verification through scenario analysis.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.5988950)
文摘Virtual product development (VPD) is essentially based on simulation. Due tocomputational inefficiency, traditional engineering simulation software and optimization methods areinadequate to analyze optimization problems in VPD. Optimization method based on simulationmetamodel for virtual product development is proposed to satisfy the needs of complex optimaldesigns driven by VPD. This method extends the current design of experiments (DOE) by variousmetamodeling technologies. Simulation metamodels are built to approximate detailed simulation codes,so as to provide link between optimization and simulation, or serve as a bridge for simulationsoftware integration among different domains. An example of optimal design for composite materialstructure is used to demonstrate the newly introduced method.
文摘Liquid-phase oxidation of toluene with air has become the main technology for producing benzoic acid in a reactor at present. Based on the kinetic model of the toluene oxidation process obtained from laboratory and mass balance of key component, a novel model is established to simulate the industrial toluene oxidation process, in which the effects of benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol are considered and the kinetic parameters are revised by industrial data. The simulation results show that the error of benzoic acid yield is within 3.5%. Based on the simulation model, to maximize the benzoic acid yield, an optimization model is proposed to optimize the operating parameters, including toluene feed-in mass flux and temperature. The optimization result indicates that on the allowable operating conditions the maximum benzoic acid yield obtained with the reaction temperature at 167.2 C an the mass flux at 104.1 t·h^- 1 is greater than the current one, which can be used to guide industrial reactor s operation.
文摘In order to reduce the shrinkage porosity of nickel-based superalloy castings in the investment casting process,the effects of different gating systems on mold filling,solidification process,and prediction of shrinkage porosity of aero-engine turbine nozzle castings were investigated by simulation and experimental methods.Results show that the design of the vertical runner would cause greater turbulence of the melt in the riser during the mold filling process,and the outer runner is not necessary.With the decrease in number of runners,the hot spot moves down towards the casting,and the shrinkage and porosity defects are formed in the casting below the riser.In the original designs,a certain tendency of shrinkage and porosity defect is found in the vanes,inner rings,and outer rings of the castings by both simulation prediction and experiment.Finally,based on the processing optimization,the aero-engine turbine nozzle casting with no shrinkage and porosity defects is obtained.
文摘A novel sound quality simulation approach was proposed to optimize the acoustic performance of a four-cylinder diesel engine.Finite element analysis,single-input and multiple-output technology,flexible multi-body dynamics,and boundary element codes were used to acquire the hexahedron-element model,experimental modal frequencies,vibration velocities,and structurally radiated noise of the block,respectively.The simulated modal frequencies and vibration velocities agreed well with the experimental data,which validated the finite-element block.The acoustic response showed that considerable acoustic power levels existed in 1500-1900 Hz and 2300-2800 Hz as the main frequency ranges to optimize the block acoustics.Then,the optimal block is determined in accordance with the novel approach,which reduces the overall value,high-frequency amplitudes,and peak values of acoustic power;thus,the loudness,sharpness,and roughness decline to make the sound quieter,lower-pitched,and smoother,respectively.Finally,the optimal block was cast and bench-tested.The results reveal that the sound quality of the optimal-block engine is substantially improved as numerically expected,which verifies the effectiveness of the research approach.
基金the financial support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21306036)
文摘Through separation of the hexane-heptane–octane system in a cross-wall adiabatic dividing wall column, the effects of feed position, side-draw position, liquid split ratio, vapor split ratio and their interactions on the energy consumption were analyzed by Aspen Plus under the constant product purity, and the response surface model for the energy consumption was regressed. Based on the restriction on the optimal operating zone, the comparison of different combinations of surrogate models and optimization methods showed that, the combination of the Kriging model and multi-island genetic algorithm(Kriging-MIGA) had better prediction ability than the combination of the response surface model and partial derivative method(RSM-PD), and RSM-PD had better optimization effect than Kriging-MIGA. With a self-made cross-wall adiabatic dividing wall column, the temperature at measuring points and the energy consumption were measured during experiments, the comparison between measured values and simulated ones demonstrated that the optimized values of variables searched by RSM-PD and Kriging-MIGA could be both used as the optimum technological conditions since the experimental reliability was ensured, with the optimum technological conditions shown below: The feed position is 6, the side-draw position is 7, the combinations of liquid split ratio and vapor split ratio are [0.14, 0.5] and [0.16, 0.52], respectively. RSM-PD and Kriging-MIGA can provide the appropriate optimization methods for the dividing wall column.
基金the Innovation Fund for Outstanding Scholar of Henan Province (No.0621000700)
文摘Shrinkage defects can be formed easily at critical location during low pressure die casting (LPDC) of aluminum alloy cylinder body. It has harmful effect on the products. Mold filling and solidification process of a cylinder body was simulated by using of Z-CAST software. The casting method was improved based on the simulation results. In order to create effective feeding passage, the structure of casting was modified by changing the location of strengthening ribs at the bottom, without causing any adverse effect on the part's performance. Inserting copper billet at suitable location of the die is a valid way to create suitable solidification sequence that is beneficial to the feeding. Using these methods, the shrinkage defect was completely eliminated at the critical location.
文摘To improve the dust removal performance of the wet electrostatic precipitator(WESP), a flow field optimization scheme was proposed via CFD simulation in different scales. The simplified models of perforated and collection plates were determined firstly. Then the model parameters for the resistance of perforated and collection plates, obtained by small-scale flow simulation, were validated by medium-scale experiments. Through the comparison of the resistance and velocity distribution between simulation results and experimental data, the simplified model is proved to present the resistance characteristics of perforated and collection plates accurately. Numerical results show that after optimization, both the flow rate and the pressure drop in the upper room of electric field regions are basically equivalent to those of the lower room, and the velocity distribution in flue inlet of WESP becomes more uniform. Through the application in practice, the effectiveness and reliability of the optimization scheme are proved, which can provide valuable reference for further optimization of WESP.
