Editorial

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3 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Introduction to Special Issue on Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering

by Grzegorz Krolczyk, Stanislaw Legutko, Zhixiong Li and Jose Alfonso Antonino Daviu

Symmetry 2020, 12(2), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12020245 - 05 Feb 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1586

Abstract

Recent advancements in mechanical engineering are an essential topic for discussion [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

Research

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14 pages, 4450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Surface Inset Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for Electric Vehicles

by Baojun Qu, Qingxin Yang, Yongjian Li, Miguel Angel Sotelo, Shilun Ma and Zhixiong Li

Symmetry 2020, 12(1), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12010179 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4535

Abstract

Aiming to successfully meet the requirements of a large output torque and a wide range of flux weakening speed expansion in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) for electric vehicles, a novel surface insert permanent magnet synchronous motor (SIPMSM) is developed. The method of [...] Read more.

Aiming to successfully meet the requirements of a large output torque and a wide range of flux weakening speed expansion in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) for electric vehicles, a novel surface insert permanent magnet synchronous motor (SIPMSM) is developed. The method of notching auxiliary slots between the magnetic poles in the rotor and unequal thickness magnetic poles is proposed to improve the performance of the motor. By analyzing the magnetic circuit characteristics of the novel SIPMSM, the notching auxiliary slots between the adjacent magnetic poles can affect the q-axis inductance, and the shape of magnetic pole effects the d-axis inductance of the motor. The combined action of the two factors not only weakens the cogging torque, but also improves the flux weakening capability of the motor. In this paper, the response surface methodology (RSM) is used to establish a mathematical model of the relationship between the structural parameters of the motor and the optimization objectives, and the optimal design of the motor is completed by solving the mathematical model. Experimental validation has been conducted to show the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed SIPMSM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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27 pages, 9995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling of Material Removal in Abrasive Belt Grinding Process: A Regression Approach

by Vigneashwara Pandiyan, Wahyu Caesarendra, Adam Glowacz and Tegoeh Tjahjowidodo

Symmetry 2020, 12(1), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12010099 - 05 Jan 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4298

Abstract

This article explores the effects of parameters such as cutting speed, force, polymer wheel hardness, feed, and grit size in the abrasive belt grinding process to model material removal. The process has high uncertainty during the interaction between the abrasives and the underneath [...] Read more.

This article explores the effects of parameters such as cutting speed, force, polymer wheel hardness, feed, and grit size in the abrasive belt grinding process to model material removal. The process has high uncertainty during the interaction between the abrasives and the underneath surface, therefore the theoretical material removal models developed in belt grinding involve assumptions. A conclusive material removal model can be developed in such a dynamic process involving multiple parameters using statistical regression techniques. Six different regression modelling methodologies, namely multiple linear regression, stepwise regression, artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), support vector regression (SVR) and random forests (RF) have been applied to the experimental data determined using the Taguchi design of experiments (DoE). The results obtained by the six models have been assessed and compared. All five models, except multiple linear regression, demonstrated a relatively low prediction error. Regarding the influence of the examined belt grinding parameters on the material removal, inference from some statistical models shows that the grit size has the most substantial effect. The proposed regression models can likely be applied for achieving desired material removal by defining process parameter levels without the need to conduct physical belt grinding experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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8 pages, 2594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid Mechanism for Helicopters

by Kevin Kuan-Shun Chiu, Jeou-Long Lee, Ming-Lang Tseng, Rosslyn Hsiu-Ling Hsu and Yen-Jen Chen

Symmetry 2020, 12(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12010033 - 22 Dec 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2694

Abstract

This study successfully provides the empirical practicability of a hybrid mechanism for helicopters. A turbine engine and a set of electricity power systems can operate simultaneously and/or independently as a symmetric structure. The latter power source works as an immediate supplementary device if [...] Read more.

This study successfully provides the empirical practicability of a hybrid mechanism for helicopters. A turbine engine and a set of electricity power systems can operate simultaneously and/or independently as a symmetric structure. The latter power source works as an immediate supplementary device if the former one has malfunction. We look forward to promoting this experimental evidence in the helicopter industry. The ultimate purpose of this manuscript is to decrease the incidents of crashes and save people’s lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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15 pages, 1797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Dynamical Behaviour of Systems with Fractional Damping for Mechanical Engineering Applications

by Ondiz Zarraga, Imanol Sarría, Jon García-Barruetabeña and Fernando Cortés

Symmetry 2019, 11(12), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11121499 - 11 Dec 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2352

Abstract

Fractional derivative models are widely used to easily characterise more complex damping behaviour than the viscous one, although the underlying properties are not trivial. Several studies about the mathematical properties can be found, but are usually far from the most daily applications. Thus, [...] Read more.

Fractional derivative models are widely used to easily characterise more complex damping behaviour than the viscous one, although the underlying properties are not trivial. Several studies about the mathematical properties can be found, but are usually far from the most daily applications. Thus, this paper studies the properties of structural systems whose damping is represented by a fractional model from the point of view of a mechanical engineer. First, a single-degree-of-freedom system with fractional damping is analysed. Specifically, the distribution of the poles and the dynamic response to several excitations is studied for different model parameter values highlighting dissimilarities from systems with conventional viscous damping. In fact, thanks to fractional models, particular behaviours are observed that cannot be reproduced by classical ones. Finally, the dynamics of a machine shaft supported by two bearings presenting fractional damping is analysed. The study is carried out by the Finite Element method, deriving in a system with symmetric matrices. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are obtained by means of an iterative method, and the effect of damping is visualised on the mode shapes. In addition, the response to a perturbation is computed, revealing the influence of the model parameters on the resulting vibration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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17 pages, 2387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complete Geometric Analysis Using the Study SE(3) Parameters for a Novel, Minimally Invasive Robot Used in Liver Cancer Treatment

by Iosif Birlescu, Manfred Husty, Calin Vaida, Nicolae Plitea, Abhilash Nayak and Doina Pisla

Symmetry 2019, 11(12), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11121491 - 07 Dec 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2534

Abstract

The paper presents a complete geometric analysis of a novel parallel medical robotic system designed for minimally invasive treatment of hepatic tumors using brachytherapy, ablation or targeted chemotherapy. An algebraic method based on the study parameters of the special Euclidean transformation Lie group [...] Read more.

The paper presents a complete geometric analysis of a novel parallel medical robotic system designed for minimally invasive treatment of hepatic tumors using brachytherapy, ablation or targeted chemotherapy. An algebraic method based on the study parameters of the special Euclidean transformation Lie group SE(3) was used to determine the mechanism kinematics singularities and workspace. Moreover, two particular medical tool manipulations for the minimally invasive medical procedures are defined in terms of the Study parameters. The first manipulation of the medical tool refers to the linear insertion (of e.g., needles) and the second one is the remote center of motion manipulation of specific medical instruments (e.g., ultrasound probes). The constraint equations of the robotic system are derived and then, the operational workspace is illustrated for the novel parallel robotic system. Lastly, a numerical simulation is presented showing the behavior of the robotic system manipulating the ultrasound probe constrained by the remote center of motion. The geometric analysis of the operational workspace and the numerical simulation show promising results that validate the novel robotic system (safe-wise) for the medical procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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17 pages, 7293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research of the Operator’s Advisory System Based on Fuzzy Logic for Pelletizing Equipment

by Darius Andriukaitis, Andrius Laucka, Algimantas Valinevicius, Mindaugas Zilys, Vytautas Markevicius, Dangirutis Navikas, Roman Sotner, Jiri Petrzela, Jan Jerabek, Norbert Herencsar and Dardan Klimenta

Symmetry 2019, 11(11), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11111396 - 12 Nov 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2704

Abstract

Fertilizer manufacturing in the chemical industry is closely related with agricultural production. More than a half of raw materials for food products are grown by fertilizing plants. The demand of fertilizers has been constantly increasing along the growth of human population. Fertilizer manufacturers [...] Read more.

Fertilizer manufacturing in the chemical industry is closely related with agricultural production. More than a half of raw materials for food products are grown by fertilizing plants. The demand of fertilizers has been constantly increasing along the growth of human population. Fertilizer manufacturers face millions of losses each year due to poor quality products. One of the most common reasons is wrong decisions in control of manufacturing processes. Operator’s experience has the highest influence on this. This paper analyzes the pellet measurement data, collected at the fertilizer plant by using indirect measurements. The results of these measurements are used to construct the model of equipment status control, based on the fuzzy logic. The proposed solution allows to respond to changes in production parameters in a 7–10 times faster manner. On average, a manufacturer with production volumes of up to 80 tonnes/hour could have lost about 8400 tonnes/year of high-quality production. The publication seeks symmetry between human and system decision making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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14 pages, 3078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Structural Symmetries of a U12 Engine in the Vibration Analysis of a Transmission

by Mircea Mihălcică, Sorin Vlase and Marius Păun

Symmetry 2019, 11(10), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11101296 - 15 Oct 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2307

Abstract

The paper focuses on the vibration analysis of a vehicle equipped with two identical engines. Such solutions are encountered in practice when less power is needed for a vehicle for a certain period of time and then greater power the rest of the [...] Read more.

The paper focuses on the vibration analysis of a vehicle equipped with two identical engines. Such solutions are encountered in practice when less power is needed for a vehicle for a certain period of time and then greater power the rest of the time. An example of this would be a mobile drilling rig. During transport (a relatively short period of time) only one engine operates and then, in service (most of the operating time), both engines operate. A characteristic of such an aggregate is the existence, within the transmission, of two identical engines. The existence of identical parts in mechanical systems leads to properties that allow the computations to be simplified in order to obtain suggestive and rapid results, with reduced computation effort. These properties refer to the eigenvalues and eigenmodes of vibration for these types of systems and have been stated and demonstrated in the paper. It also allows for a qualitative analysis of the behavior of the system in case of vibrations. The existence of these properties allows for easier calculation and shortening of the design time. The mechanical consequences of the existence of symmetries or identical parts have begun to be studied in more detail in the last decade (see references), and the work is part of these trends. The vibration properties of a transmission of a truck with two identical engines have been stated and proven and a real example is analyzed. Two 215 hp engines were used in the application. In order to establish a useful solution in practice, two constructive variants with a different clutch position in the transmission are analyzed in parallel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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18 pages, 5583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on a Real-Time Monitoring Method for the Wear State of a Tool Based on a Convolutional Bidirectional LSTM Model

by Qipeng Chen, Qingsheng Xie, Qingni Yuan, Haisong Huang and Yiting Li

Symmetry 2019, 11(10), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11101233 - 02 Oct 2019

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 4280

Abstract

To monitor the tool wear state of computerized numerical control (CNC) machining equipment in real time in a manufacturing workshop, this paper proposes a real-time monitoring method based on a fusion of a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a bidirectional long short-term memory [...] Read more.

To monitor the tool wear state of computerized numerical control (CNC) machining equipment in real time in a manufacturing workshop, this paper proposes a real-time monitoring method based on a fusion of a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network with an attention mechanism (CABLSTM). In this method, the CNN is used to extract deep features from the time-series signal as an input, and then the BiLSTM network with a symmetric structure is constructed to learn the time-series information between the feature vectors. The attention mechanism is introduced to self-adaptively perceive the network weights associated with the classification results of the wear state and distribute the weights reasonably. Finally, the signal features of different weights are sent to a Softmax classifier to classify the tool wear state. In addition, a data acquisition experiment platform is developed with a high-precision CNC milling machine and an acceleration sensor to collect the vibration signals generated during tool processing in real time. The original data are directly fed into the depth neural network of the model for analysis, which avoids the complexity and limitations caused by a manual feature extraction. The experimental results show that, compared with other deep learning neural networks and traditional machine learning network models, the model can predict the tool wear state accurately in real time from original data collected by sensors, and the recognition accuracy and generalization have been improved to a certain extent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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11 pages, 3203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of the Effect of Medium Viscosity on Breakage Parameters for Wet Grinding

by Adriana M. Osorio, Moisés O. Bustamante, Gloria M. Restrepo, Manuel M. M. López and Juan M. Menéndez-Aguado

Symmetry 2019, 11(10), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11101202 - 25 Sep 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2142

Abstract

The rheological behavior of mineral slurries shows the level of interaction or aggregation among particles, being a process control variable in processes such as slurry transportation, dehydration, and wet grinding systems. With the aim to analyze the effect of medium viscosity in wet [...] Read more.

The rheological behavior of mineral slurries shows the level of interaction or aggregation among particles, being a process control variable in processes such as slurry transportation, dehydration, and wet grinding systems. With the aim to analyze the effect of medium viscosity in wet grinding, a series of monosize grinding ball mill tests were performed to determine breakage parameters, according to the generally accepted kinetic approach of grinding processes. A rheological modifier (polyacrylamide, PAM) was used to modify solutions viscosity. A model was proposed by means of dimensional analysis (Buckingham’s Pi theorem) in order to determine the behavior of the specific breakage rate (S_j) for a ball grinding process in terms of the rheology of the system. In addition to this, a linear adjustment was established for the relationship between specific breakage rates with and without PAM addition, based on the reduced viscosity, μ_r. Furthermore, within a certain interval of viscosity, it was proved that an increment of viscosity can increase the specific breakage rate, and consequently the grinding degree. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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20 pages, 903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Butterfly Optimization Algorithm for Engineering Design Problems Using the Cross-Entropy Method

by Guocheng Li, Fei Shuang, Pan Zhao and Chengyi Le

Symmetry 2019, 11(8), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11081049 - 14 Aug 2019

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 5029

Abstract

Engineering design optimization in real life is a challenging global optimization problem, and many meta-heuristic algorithms have been proposed to obtain the global best solutions. An excellent meta-heuristic algorithm has two symmetric search capabilities: local search and global search. In this paper, an [...] Read more.

Engineering design optimization in real life is a challenging global optimization problem, and many meta-heuristic algorithms have been proposed to obtain the global best solutions. An excellent meta-heuristic algorithm has two symmetric search capabilities: local search and global search. In this paper, an improved Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA) is developed by embedding the cross-entropy (CE) method into the original BOA. Based on a co-evolution technique, this new method achieves a proper balance between exploration and exploitation to enhance its global search capability, and effectively avoid it falling into a local optimum. The performance of the proposed approach was evaluated on 19 well-known benchmark test functions and three classical engineering design problems. The results of the test functions show that the proposed algorithm can provide very competitive results in terms of improved exploration, local optima avoidance, exploitation, and convergence rate. The results of the engineering problems prove that the new approach is applicable to challenging problems with constrained and unknown search spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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15 pages, 4370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Second-Order Tristable Stochastic Resonance Method for Fault Diagnosis

by Lu Lu, Yu Yuan, Heng Wang, Xing Zhao and Jianjie Zheng

Symmetry 2019, 11(8), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11080965 - 01 Aug 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2621

Abstract

Vibration signals are used to diagnosis faults of the rolling bearing which is symmetric structure. Stochastic resonance (SR) has been widely applied in weak signal feature extraction in recent years. It can utilize noise and enhance weak signals. However, the traditional SR method [...] Read more.

Vibration signals are used to diagnosis faults of the rolling bearing which is symmetric structure. Stochastic resonance (SR) has been widely applied in weak signal feature extraction in recent years. It can utilize noise and enhance weak signals. However, the traditional SR method has poor performance, and it is difficult to determine parameters of SR. Therefore, a new second-order tristable SR method (STSR) based on a new potential combining the classical bistable potential with Woods-Saxon potential is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the envelope signal of rolling bearings is the input signal of STSR. Then, the output of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is used as the fitness function of the Seeker Optimization Algorithm (SOA) in order to optimize the parameters of SR. Finally, the optimal parameters are used to set the STSR system in order to enhance and extract weak signals of rolling bearings. Simulated and experimental signals are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of STSR. The diagnosis results show that the proposed STSR method can obtain higher output SNR and better filtering performance than the traditional SR methods. It provides a new idea for fault diagnosis of rotating machinery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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16 pages, 2640 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Research of the Equipment Self-Calibration Methods for Different Shape Fertilizers Particles Distribution by Size Using Image Processing Measurement Method

by Andrius Laucka, Vaida Adaskeviciute and Darius Andriukaitis

Symmetry 2019, 11(7), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11070838 - 27 Jun 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2827

Abstract

The fourth digital revolution of industry makes substantive changes to the rate and methodology of work performance. Machines and robots do the majority of work in robotized and automated factories, while people only supervise them. After an increase of production efficiency, quality control [...] Read more.

The fourth digital revolution of industry makes substantive changes to the rate and methodology of work performance. Machines and robots do the majority of work in robotized and automated factories, while people only supervise them. After an increase of production efficiency, quality control became a critical point. Therefore, quality control systems of computer visions are increasingly installed. The branch of chemical industry requires measurements of quality at as great a frequency as possible. Consequently, indirect measurements are effectively used at this point. This research presents the method of indirect particle measurement. Particles are measured using digital image processing. The algorithm is used for particle measurement to automatically adjust the measurement results. Numerical intelligence is added to the algorithm to increase the accuracy of correction results. The research deals with the problem of matching the results of indirect measurements and the results of the control equipment. For data analysis, fertilizer diameter, mean diameter, aspect ratio, symmetry, sphericity, convexity and some other parameters are used. The mismatch of the artificial neural network results with the control equipment results is slightly higher than 1%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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21 pages, 12384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Data-Driven Adaptive Iterative Learning Method for Active Vibration Control Based on Imprecise Probability

by Liang Bai, Yun-Wen Feng, Ning Li, Xiao-Feng Xue and Yong Cao

Symmetry 2019, 11(6), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11060746 - 02 Jun 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2203

Abstract

A data-driven adaptive iterative learning (IL) method is proposed for the active control of structural vibration. Considering the repeatability of structural dynamic responses in the vibration process, the time-varying proportional-type iterative learning (P-type IL) method was applied for the design of feedback controllers. [...] Read more.

A data-driven adaptive iterative learning (IL) method is proposed for the active control of structural vibration. Considering the repeatability of structural dynamic responses in the vibration process, the time-varying proportional-type iterative learning (P-type IL) method was applied for the design of feedback controllers. The model-free adaptive (MFA) control, a data-driven method, was used to self-tune the time-varying learning gains of the P-type IL method for improving the control precision of the system and the learning speed of the controllers. By using multi-source information, the state of the controlled system was detected and identified. The square root values of feedback gains can be considered as characteristic parameters and the theory of imprecise probability was investigated as a tool for designing the stopping criteria. The motion equation was driven from dynamic finite element (FE) formulation of piezoelectric material, and then was linearized and transformed properly to design the MFA controller. The proposed method was numerically and experimentally tested for a piezoelectric cantilever plate. The results demonstrate that the proposed method performs excellent in vibration suppression and the controllers had fast learning speeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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17 pages, 5117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method to Determine Core Design Problems and a Corresponding Solution Strategy

by Yuanming Xie, Wenqiang Li, Yin Luo, Yan Li and Song Li

Symmetry 2019, 11(4), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11040576 - 19 Apr 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2628

Abstract

The lack of information on the correlation between root causes and corresponding control criteria in the importance calculation of root causes of design problems results in less accurate determinations of core problems. Based on the interaction between customer needs, bad product parameters, and [...] Read more.

The lack of information on the correlation between root causes and corresponding control criteria in the importance calculation of root causes of design problems results in less accurate determinations of core problems. Based on the interaction between customer needs, bad product parameters, and root causes, a hierarchical representation model of the design problem is established in this paper. A network layer of bad parameters, including various types of correlations, and a control layer, including technical feasibility and cost, are constructed. Then, a method based on the network analytic hierarchy process is proposed to rank the importance of root causes of the design problem and determine the core problems. Finally, a product design process based on the core problem solving is established to assist designers with improving design quality and efficiency. The design for the coolant flow distribution device in the lower chamber of a third-generation pressurized water reactor is employed as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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12 pages, 2024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Generalised Bayesian Inference Method for Maritime Surveillance Using Historical Data

by Jia Li, Xiumin Chu, Wei He, Feng Ma, Reza Malekian and Zhixiong Li

Symmetry 2019, 11(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11020188 - 08 Feb 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2378

Abstract

In practice, maritime monitoring systems rely on manual work to identify the authenticities, risks, behaviours and importance of moving objects, which cannot be obtained directly through sensors, especially from marine radar. This paper proposes a generalised Bayesian inference-based artificial intelligence that is capable [...] Read more.

In practice, maritime monitoring systems rely on manual work to identify the authenticities, risks, behaviours and importance of moving objects, which cannot be obtained directly through sensors, especially from marine radar. This paper proposes a generalised Bayesian inference-based artificial intelligence that is capable of identifying these patterns of moving objects based on their dynamic attributes and historical data. First of all, based on dependable prior data, likelihood information about objects of interest is obtained in terms of dynamic attributes, such as speed, direction and position. Observations on these attributes of a new object can be obtained as pieces of evidence profiled as probability distributions or generally belief distributions if ambiguity appears in the observations. Using likelihood modelling, the observed pieces of evidence are independent of the prior distribution patterns. Subsequently, Dempster’s rule is used to combine the pieces of evidence under consideration of their weight and reliability to identify the moving object. A real world case study of maritime radar surveillance is conducted to validate and prove the efficiency of the proposed approach. Overall, this approach is capable of providing a probabilistic and rigorous recognition result for pattern recognition of moving objects, which is suitable for any other actively detecting applications in transportation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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29 pages, 11829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Matching Model of Dual Mass Flywheel and Power Transmission Based on the Structural Sensitivity Analysis Method

by Lei Chen, Xiao Zhang, Zhengfeng Yan and Rong Zeng

Symmetry 2019, 11(2), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11020187 - 07 Feb 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4954

Abstract

As a new torsional vibration absorber, the dual mass flywheel (DMF) contains a symmetric structure in which the damping element is a pair of springs symmetrically distributed along the circumference direction. Through reasonable matching parameters, the DMF functions in isolating torsional vibrations caused [...] Read more.

As a new torsional vibration absorber, the dual mass flywheel (DMF) contains a symmetric structure in which the damping element is a pair of springs symmetrically distributed along the circumference direction. Through reasonable matching parameters, the DMF functions in isolating torsional vibrations caused by the engine from the transmission system. Our work aims to solve the accuracy of matching models between the DMF and power transmission system. The critical structural parameters of each order modal are treated consecutively by two methods: Absolute sensitivity (e.g., under the idle condition and driving condition), and relative sensitivity. The operation achieves a separation of the parameters and diagnosis of the relationship between these parameters and the natural frequency in the system. In addition, the natural frequency range is determined based upon the area of the resonance speed. As a result, the matching model is established based on the sensitivity analysis method and the natural frequency range, which means the moment of inertia distribution (its coefficient should be used as one structural parameter in relative sensitivity analysis) and the torsional stiffness in multiple stages can be observed under the combined values. The effectiveness of the matching model is verified by experiments of a real vehicle test under the idling condition and driving condition. It is concluded that the analysis study can be applied to solve the parameters matching accuracy among certain multi-degree-of-freedom dynamic models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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22 pages, 11551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Identification of Sectional Deformation Modes of Thin-Walled Structures with Doubly Symmetric Cross-Sections Based on the Shell-Like Deformation

by Lei Zhang, Aimin Ji, Weidong Zhu and Liping Peng

Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym10120759 - 16 Dec 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4606

Abstract

In this paper, a new approach is proposed to identify sectional deformation modes of the doubly symmetric thin-walled cross-section, which are to be employed in formulating a one-dimensional model of thin-walled structures. The approach considers the three-dimensional displacement field of the structure as [...] Read more.

In this paper, a new approach is proposed to identify sectional deformation modes of the doubly symmetric thin-walled cross-section, which are to be employed in formulating a one-dimensional model of thin-walled structures. The approach considers the three-dimensional displacement field of the structure as the linear superposition of a set of sectional deformation modes. To retrieve these modes, the modal analysis of a thin-walled structure is carried out based on shell/plate theory, with the shell-like deformation shapes extracted. The components of classical modes are removed from these shapes based on a novel criterion, with residual deformation shapes left. By introducing benchmark points, these shapes are further classified into several deformation patterns, and within each pattern, higher-order deformation modes are derived by removing the components of identified ones. Considering the doubly symmetric cross-section, these modes are approximated with shape functions applying the interpolation method. The identified modes are finally used to deduce the governing equations of the thin-walled structure, applying Hamilton’s principle. Numerical examples are also presented to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the new model in reproducing three-dimensional behaviors of thin-walled structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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15 pages, 4484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Robust Adaptive Full-Order TSM Control Based on Neural Network

by Qianlei Cao, Chongzhen Cao, Fengqin Wang, Dan Liu and Hui Sun

Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym10120726 - 06 Dec 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

Existing full-order terminal sliding mode (FOTSM) control methods often require a priori knowledge of the system model. To tackle this problem, two novel neural-network-based FOTSM control methods were proposed. The first one was model based but did not require knowledge of the uncertainties’ [...] Read more.

Existing full-order terminal sliding mode (FOTSM) control methods often require a priori knowledge of the system model. To tackle this problem, two novel neural-network-based FOTSM control methods were proposed. The first one was model based but did not require knowledge of the uncertainties’ bounds. The second one was model free and did not require knowledge of the system model. Finite-time convergence of the two schemes was verified by theoretical analysis and simulation cases. Meanwhile, the designed methods avoided singularity as well as chattering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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24 pages, 4333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on an Adaptive Variational Mode Decomposition with Double Thresholds for Feature Extraction

by Wu Deng, Hailong Liu, Shengjie Zhang, Haodong Liu, Huimin Zhao and Jinzhao Wu

Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym10120684 - 01 Dec 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2862

Abstract

A motor bearing system is a nonlinear dynamics system with nonlinear support stiffness. It is an asymmetry system, which plays an extremely important role in rotating machinery. In this paper, a center frequency method of double thresholds is proposed to improve the variational [...] Read more.

A motor bearing system is a nonlinear dynamics system with nonlinear support stiffness. It is an asymmetry system, which plays an extremely important role in rotating machinery. In this paper, a center frequency method of double thresholds is proposed to improve the variational mode decomposition (VMD) method, then an adaptive VMD (called DTCFVMD) method is obtained to extract the fault feature. In the DTCFVMD method, a center frequency method of double thresholds is a symmetry method, which is used to determine the decomposed mode number of VMD according to the power spectrum of the signal. The proposed DTCFVMD method is used to decompose the nonlinear and non-stationary vibration signals of motor bearing in order to obtain a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) under different scales. Then, the Hilbert transform is used to analyze the envelope of each mode component and calculate the power spectrum of each mode component. Finally, the power spectrum is used to extract the fault feature frequency for determining the fault type of the motor bearing. To test and verify the effectiveness of the DTCFVMD method, the actual fault vibration signal of the motor bearing is selected in here. The experimental results show that the center frequency method of double thresholds can effectively determine the mode number of the VMD method, and the proposed DTCFVMD method can accurately extract the clear time frequency characteristics of each mode component, and obtain the fault characteristics of characteristics; frequency, rotating frequency, and frequency doubling and so on. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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Open AccessArticle

On the Existence of Self-Excited Vibration in Thin Spur Gears: A Theoretical Model for the Estimation of Damping by the Energy Method

by Yanrong Wang, Hang Ye, Long Yang and Aimei Tian

Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym10120664 - 22 Nov 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3077

Abstract

The gear is a cyclic symmetric structure, and each tooth is subjected to a periodic mesh force. These mesh forces have the same phase difference tooth by tooth, which can excite gear vibrations. The mechanism of additional axial force caused by gear bending [...] Read more.

The gear is a cyclic symmetric structure, and each tooth is subjected to a periodic mesh force. These mesh forces have the same phase difference tooth by tooth, which can excite gear vibrations. The mechanism of additional axial force caused by gear bending is shown and examined, which can significantly affect the stability of a self-excited thin spur gears vibration. A mechanical model based on energy balance is then developed to predict the contribution of additional axial force, leading to the proposed numerical integration method for vibration stability analysis. By analyzing the change in the system energy, the occurrence of the self-excited vibration is validated. A numerical simulation is carried out to verify the theoretical analysis. The impacts of modal damping, contact ratio, and the number of nodal diameters on the stability boundaries of the self-excited vibration are revealed. The results prove that the backward traveling wave of the driven gear as well as the forward traveling wave of the driving gear encounter self-excited vibration in the absence of sufficient damping. The model can be used to predict the stability of the gear self-excited vibration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Mechanical Engineering)

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