Symmetry, Optima and Bifurcations in Structural Design

Motivated by optimization problems in structural engineering, we study the critical points of symmetric, ‘reflected', one-parameter family of potentials U(p, x) = max (f(p,x), f(p, −x)), yielding modest generalizations of classical bifurcations, predicted by elementary catastrophe theory. One such generalization is the ‘five-branch pitchfork’, where the symmetric optimum persists beyond the critical parameter value. Our theory may help to explain why symmetrical structures are often optimal.     

Chattering reduced sliding mode control for a class of chaotic systems

Nonlinear Dynamics - This paper presents a sliding mode control scheme for chaotic systems. Finite time stability of the system states is realized by implementing the proposed controller, which is...     

Wettability and surface energy of parylene F deposited on PDMS

For the first time, the wettability and surface energy of parylene F were investigated. The results showed that parylene F had a hydrophobic surface with an eigen water contact angle of 104.7 ± 0.6°. We found that 3.5 μl probe liquid was an optimal value for the contact angle measurement of parylene F. Moreover, we found that the Lifshitz–van der Waals/acid–base approach was unsuitable for determining the surface energy of parylene F, whereas the Owens–Wendt–Kaelble approach and the limitless liquid–solid interface wetting system were compatible. The surface energy of parylene F was estimated to be 27.06 mJ/m² (Owens–Wendt–Kaelble) and 40.41 mJ/m² (Limitless liquid-solid interface wetting system). Furthermore, this investigation also provided a reference for the applications of empirical and physics-based semi-empirical approaches for the estimation of surface energy.     

A novel rigid wheel for agricultural machinery applicable to paddy field with muddy soil

The working performance of agricultural machinery is largely determined by the walking performance of the wheel when driving in complex unstructured soil. However, the driving performance of existing wheels is not satisfactory for paddy field with muddy soil. The purpose of the current study is therefore to propose a novel rigid wheel for agricultural machinery which is applicable to paddy field with muddy soil. Firstly, a novel arc edge shaped wheel was designed based on the principles of mechanics on the ground. Then the driving performance of this arc edge shaped wheel was evaluated using FE modeling of interaction between rigid wheel and soil. Finally, the structure originally designed arc edge shaped wheel was improved according to FE modeling results, and this improved design was further evaluated by both FE simulation and prototype experiments. Both FE modeling and experimental results indicate that the improved arc edge shaped wheel proposed in this study has a good driving performance with regarding to wheel sinkage and soil reaction force. The proposed arc edge shaped wheel could be used as an effective component of rice harvester for paddy field with muddy soil.     

离子能量分析器测量特性的仿真研究

针对空间等离子体及其模拟环境、空间原子氧及其模拟环境对离子能谱测量的需要，利用仿真软件COMSOL，对离子能量分析器的低能离子测量特性进行了仿真研究。介绍了离子能量分析器的工作原理，对离子能谱测量过程进行了公式推导。通过对三种待选仪器设计方案进行离子透过率仿真分析，确定了一种较优的仪器设计方案。多种离子温度下的误差分析结果也表明，该设计方案能够较为准确地测量离子能量分布。分析了电场畸变、等离子鞘层、栅网对齐方式和离子温度对测量结果的影响，根据仿真结果对一些仿真实验现象做出了合理的解释。     

Evaluation of drawbar performance of winter tyres for special purpose vehicles

Driving on ice is still a risky activity. Research has investigated the factors contributing to the friction mechanism and has reported experimental studies of pneumatic tyres on ice in order to develop models that predict tractive and braking performance on ice/snow. Therefore, developing testing methods to obtain relevant experimental data for the validation of models is equally important.There are agricultural and industrial vehicles which are also designed for pulling but there are no specific studies reporting experimental tests on traction force of such machines in snowy conditions. However, this issue is very topical, as demonstrated by the appearance on the market of winter tyres for such vehicles.This study presents a method for testing winter tyres in outdoor test facilities with a focus on traction performance. The conclusions will serve in future investigations as a concise knowledge source to develop improved testing facilities and tyre–ice interaction models, aiding the development of better tyre designs and improved vehicle safety systems.The functional tests hereafter described have been carried out with the aim of evaluating the possibility of measuring the influences of different technique solutions on the performance of certain 17.5 R25 sized industrial tyres.     

Forecast analysis of the epidemics trend of COVID-19 in the USA by a generalized fractional-order SEIR model

Nonlinear Dynamics - In this paper, a generalized fractional-order SEIR model is proposed, denoted by SEIQRP model, which divided the population into susceptible, exposed, infectious, quarantined,...     

Advancements in subsea riser analysis using quasi-rotations and the Newton–Raphson method

Beam structures undergoing finite deflections and rotations in space have extensive application in the subsea industry particularly for the analysis of holistic systems with larger numbers of mooring and riser components. In using the finite element analysis approach, there is an increasing requirement for large element sizes which preserve accuracy with regard to the coupling of axial, bending and torsion response.The authors outline a method for improving the current state of practice for the analysis of riser systems. The approach draws on the convected coordinates method, Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, the principle of virtual work and the finite element method. Two quasi-rotation measures are developed including a quasi-material rotation definition for rotational deformation relative to the convected axis of a beam and a quasi-space rotation definition to deal with the path dependent nature of rotations in three dimensions.The novel aspect of this work is to relate the rate of change of the quasi-material rotation vector along the beam axis to a linear transformation of the beam axis rate-of-rotation vector through utilising the convected coordinates axes system. In this way, incremental values of quasi-material rotation are directly linked to incremental values of nodal quasi-space rotation and a global Newton–Raphson solution technique for interconnecting beam elements is straightforward to assemble.Furthermore, this leads to accurate definitions of coupled axial, bending and torque response for beams with significant deflection. The approach has particular advantages in the analysis of subsea riser sections. Also, the accuracy of the solution is preserved for a fewer number of elements compared to alternative solutions for computationally sensitive load cases with highly non-linear loading regimes.