A Novel Extension of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution Method with Objective Criteria Weights for Group Decision Making with Interval Numbers

This paper presents an extension of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method with objective criteria weights for Group Decision Making (GDM) with Interval Numbers (INs). The proposed method is an alternative to popular and often used methods that aggregate the decision matrices provided by the decision makers (DMs) into a single group matrix, which is the basis for determining objective criteria weights and ranking the alternatives. It does not use an aggregation operator, but a transformation of the decision matrices into criteria matrices, in the case of determining objective criteria weights, and into alternative matrices, in the case of the ranking of alternatives. This ensures that all the decision makers’ evaluations are taken into account instead of their certain average. The numerical example shows the ease of use of the proposed method, which can be implemented into common data analysis software such as Excel.     

Assessment model of classroom acoustics criteria for enhancing speech intelligibility and learning quality

In this paper, a new classroom acoustics assessment model (CAAM) based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for enhancing speech intelligibility and learning quality is proposed. The model is based on five main criteria that affect the learning process and related to classrooms acoustical properties. These include classroom specifications, noise sources inside and outside the classroom, teaching style, and vocal effort. The priority and weights of these major criteria along with their alternatives are identified using the views of students, staff, education consultants, and expertise by using a developed questionnaire, and the AHP methodology. This model can be considered as a helpful framework enabling universities decision makers to take effective decisions on classroom acoustics treatment issues. It also provides colleges’ higher authorities the suitable guidelines that help for determining necessary requirements that help to raise the quality and efficiency of the educational environment; in order to reach an excellent learning environment; and hence increasing students learning outcomes.     

Study to analyze the effects of vehicles and pavement surface types on noise

The effects of vehicles and pavement surface types on noise have been investigated at the Korea Highway Corporation’s Test Road along the southbound side of the Jungbu Inland Expressway, South Korea. The study was conducted in 2005 and 2006 through field measurements at nine surface sections of asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete pavements using eleven vehicles. For the road noise analysis, the sound power levels (PWLs) of combined noise (e.g., tire/pavement interaction noise and power-train noise together) and tire/pavement interaction noise using various vehicles were calculated based on the novel close proximity (NCPX) and pass-by methods. Then, the characteristics of the PWLs were evaluated according to surface type, vehicle type, and vehicle speed. The results show that the PWLs of vehicles are diversely affected by vehicle speed and the condition of the road surface.     

A Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach Based on ANP-Entropy TOPSIS for Building Materials Supplier Selection

This article will tell you how to combine “entropy” in the model to reduce the bias of multi-criteria evaluation. Subjective weights are usually determined by decision makers based on their professional background, experience and knowledge, and other factors. The objective weight is obtained by constructing an evaluation matrix of the information based on the actual information of the evaluation criteria of the scheme, and obtained through multi-step calculations. Different decision-making methods are based on different weight types. Considering only one of the two weights often leads to biased results. In addition, in order to establish an effective supply chain, buyers must find suitable merchants among suppliers that provide quality products and/or services. Based on the above factors, it is difficult to choose a suitable alternative. The main contribution of this paper is to combine analytic network process (ANP), entropy weight and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) to construct a suitable multi-criteria decision (MCDM) model. By means of ANP-entropy weights to extend the TOPSIS method, ANP-entropy weights are used to replace subjective weights. A supplier selection decision-making model based on ANP-entropy TOPSIS is proposed. At last, the sensitivity analysis shows that, taking the selection of building materials suppliers as an example, the hybrid ANP-entropy TOPSIS method can effectively select suitable suppliers.     

Application of the BASNEF Model in Safety Training in Automobile Manufacturing Plants

After controls, including engineering and management, the final way to control noise is to use hearing protection devices. Due to the lack of a standardized questionnaire regarding investigating workers’ use of hearing protection devices on the basis of the BASNEF behavioral model, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of health education based on the BASNEF model on the use of hearing protection devices in workers of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This quasi-experimental and prospective intervention study was performed on 80 workers at an automobile manufacturing plant who are exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels and do not use hearing protection devices. In this study, 40 people working in a cast iron foundry were selected as the intervention group, and 40 working in aluminum casting were chosen as the control group. Questionnaires were analyzed at the beginning of the intervention and three months after the intervention in the intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups before the intervention. There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups after the intervention in the area of knowledge. A significant correlation was observed between the intervention and control groups after the intervention program in all areas of the BASNEF educational model except behavioral intention. In this study, the effect of educational intervention on the use of hearing protection devices was investigated, and with the educational intervention, it was tried to get help from influential people and enabling factors in education based on the BASNEF model. The results showed that the educational intervention based on the BASNEF model can improve the knowledge of individuals in both the intervention and control groups.     

Study of the road surface properties that control the acoustic performance of a rubberised asphalt mixture

Simultaneously with the fact that vehicle industry has been able to lower the noise emission from driving vehicles, tire/pavement noise has become the most significant source of traffic noise. In order to reduce it, low noise surfaces are seen as a practical solution. One of these types of surfaces may be elaborated with bituminous mixtures with crumb tire rubber added to the binder in high content by a wet process. However, the generation mechanisms involved in the tire/pavement sound and the reasons of the noise attenuation achieved with these mixtures are not so clear. This study analyses the different generation mechanisms that take place in the tire/pavement sound generation in these crumb tire rubber pavements. The surface properties of the in-service pavement, which are most important in controlling the acoustic performance (texture, acoustic absorption and dynamic stiffness or mechanical impedance), have been measured for the characterization of a test track constructed with and without crumb tire rubber. After results correlation of these surface characteristics in a pavement with crumb tire rubber added by a wet process, it seems that the parameters of roughness and texture could have a relevant role in the global tire/pavement sound emission, whereas dynamic stiffness influence is relatively minor.     

An evaluation method for measuring SPL and mode shape of tire cavity resonance by using multi-microphone system

This paper presents an evaluation method for measuring the sound pressure level and mode shapes of tire cavity resonance by using a multi-microphone system. Two commercial tires were evaluated to compare abilities of noise suppression by means of this method in the range of the first resonance from 200 to 260 Hz. One tire was a special tire that suppresses tire cavity resonance with polyurethane foam mounted on the tire’s inner liner. The other tire was a normal tire with no polyurethane foam. The mode shape change from vertical to horizontal direction in both tires. However, the sound pressure level of the special tire was lower than the normal tire at all frequencies.     

Definition of road roughness parameters for tire vibration noise control

Road roughness plays an important role in the generation of tire vibration noise. However, it is unclear which kinds of road roughness parameters should be controlled to reduce the noise. In this paper, we define the essential road roughness parameters that govern tire tread vibration and provide information on tire/road noise abatement. The detailed effects of road roughness parameters on tire tread vibration are estimated using a tire/road contact model. The results reveal that pavement asperity height itself is not an essential parameter, but asperity height unevenness, asperity radius, and asperity spacing are important for the abatement of tire vibration noise.     

基于油液光谱分析的PCA-AHP综合传动健康状态评价研

油液光谱分析是研究综合传动运行状态的重要方法,以油液光谱分析数据为基础,运用主成分分析法(PCA)和层次分析法(AHP),建立了一种综合传动健康状态的评价模型。文章结合机械设备健康的概念,综合考虑油液光谱分析数据中各种磨损元素的影响,提出用健康值来定量描述综合传动运行状态的概念,并根据健康值对综合传动健康状态进行了等级划分;利用主成分分析法,对油液光谱分析数据进行主成分提取的研究分析;运用层次分析法研究主成分权重值,探讨判断矩阵的构造、一致性检验等问题;然后将二者有机的耦合,建立评价模型;实验研究表明,此方法具有很高的准确性,能够有效地判断综合传动的运行状态,对开展综合传动状态评估具有重要意义。     

Use of ultrasound for the determination of flour quality

Within the baking industry, the control of dough properties is required to achieve final product quality and consistency. Traditional methods for dough testing are slow and off-line and do not provide fundamental rheological information. There is therefore a need for the development of fast and on-line instruments capable of providing relevant data for baking. Ultrasonics provide a non-destructive, rapid and low cost technique for the measurement of physical food characteristics.In this work, the water content of dough is investigated using ultrasonic techniques. The capability of ultrasound measurements for discriminating flours for different purposes is also studied. Doughs from more than 30 flours were characterised rheologically using a Chopin Alveograph and a Brabender Extensograph. Ultrasound measurements on the doughs prepared from these flours were also performed. The measurements were correlated, showing that ultrasound was an alternative measurement method to discriminate types of flours for different purposes.     

Characterization of the road surfaces in real time

The main factor in the propagation of traffic noise is the road surface, where the vehicles generate noise due to the contact between tire and pavement, in addition to the noise produced by the engine.     

Measurement and analysis of rolling tire vibrations

This paper presents the measurement and analysis of rolling tire vibrations due to road impact excitations, such as from cobbled roads, junctions between concrete road surface plates, railroad crossings. Vibrations of the tire surface due to road impact excitations cause noise radiation in the frequency band typically below 500 Hz. Tire vibration measurements with a laser Doppler vibrometer are performed on a test set-up based on a tire-on-tire principle which allows highly repetitive and controllable impact excitation tests under various realistic operating conditions. The influence on the measured velocity of random noise, cross sensitivity and alignment errors is discussed. An operational modal analysis technique is applied on sequential vibration measurements to characterise the dynamic behaviour of the rolling tire. Comparison between the operational modal parameters of the rolling tire and the modal parameters of the non-rolling tire allows an assessment of the changes in dynamic behaviour due to rolling.     

矢量水听器垂直阵列数据融合高分辨方位估计算法

为了实现矢量水听器垂直阵列对目标的高分辨方位估计,提出了基于MUSIC子频带最优加权数据融合方法。该方法采用MUSIC算法对划分的各窄带信号进行方位估计,并在各子频带对多基元方位估计结果进行最优加权最小二乘融合处理,最后通过加权直方图统计法得到最终方位估计结果。对算法进行的仿真及海上试验数据处理结果表明:本文算法在方位估计精度、方位估计正确概率、多目标分辨以及对噪声子频带的抑制能力方面都优于单个基元MUSIC以及多基元复声强器融合算法。      

Vibration analysis of automobile tire due to bump impact

The improvement of car driving comfort is requested according to development of automobile manufacturing technology. Therefore, many experts have been studying automotive vibration of normally driving cars to improve automotive driving comfort. In this paper, vibration characteristics of an automobile tire that passes a cleat are analyzed. The model for automobile tire is verified through numerical analysis and experimental method. The automobile tire is assumed to 7-degree of freedom system, and the effect on the proposed tire design factor is considered. This analysis result proved that the proposed tire design factor reduced tire and wheel vibration energy.     

基于改进权值和TOPSIS质量评估方法

针对武器电子系统质量评估过程中客观性不强、实用度较差的问题,引入评估指标的区分度与重要度概念,提出基于DSmT改进权值的TOPSIS质量评估方法。首先,从主客观角度构建指标重要度和区分度作为广义信度赋值;然后采用DSmT(Dezert-Smarandache Theory)理论融合不同冲突证据源的广义信度赋值,消除证据源间的冲突,得到改进权值;接着构造基于改进权值的TOPSIS(Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution)法隶属贴近度。最后,以某型感应装定器为例进行实验验证,结果表明,该方法确定的指标权重具有更高可信度,对系统的质量评估更加准确,符合装备实际情况,具有较好的工程应用价值。     

Monitoring road surfaces by close proximity noise of the tire/road interaction

Applied acoustics is becoming an important field for civil infrastructure and environmental assessment, and road maintenance or rehabilitation strategies. In this research LA(2)IC has developed a GPS-based measurement techniques and apparatus on a test vehicle, for monitoring the acoustical properties of different road pavement surfaces with a reference tire. A field test on PA-12 Spanish porous pavement found in Ciudad Real is developed. The test procedure, a modification based upon the close-proximity method (CPX), relies on the use of three standard microphones situated very close to the tire/road contact patch. This procedure allows the simultaneous measurement of the sound emission synchronized to a GPS receiver, which permits tracking of the position of the sound emission. Geo-referenced sound spectra for every 10 m during individual passes of the test vehicle are analyzed to determine the tire/road noise emissions from tire/PA-12 pavement interaction. Noise levels of around 102 dB(A), with a variability of approximately 0.6 dB(A), are found at a reference vehicle speed of 85 kmh. The frequency spectrum analysis over the test section shows noticeable differences for frequencies above 1 kHz, where the tire/road noise generation mechanisms are dominated by air pumping.     

Acoustic field evaluation of asphalt mixtures with crumb rubber

The aim of this study is to characterize the acoustical behavior of bituminous mixtures fabricated with recycled rubber crumb. Acoustic field measurements of the tire/pavement interaction in close proximity to the contact patch were carried out with a trailer with a protective chamber (TiresonicMk4-LA²IC). The survey was conducted on a test track with several experimental sections paved with a gap-graded mixture. Different methods of incorporating crumb rubber in the mixture were used: (i) into binder and (ii) with the aggregate materials. Close proximity sound levels are assigned to the gap-graded mixtures containing rubber and compared to that of a reference mixture without rubber. It is shown that asphalt mixtures fabricated with the addition of crumb rubber to the aggregate material (dry process) managed to reduce the noise from the tire/pavement interaction up to 2 dB(A).