Journal Description
Designs
Designs
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of engineering designs published bimonthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High visibility: indexed within Scopus, Inspec, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Engineering (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Latest Articles
A Simplified Design Method for the Mechanical Stability of Slit-Shaped Additively Manufactured Reactor Modules
Designs 2024, 8(3), 41; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8030041 (registering DOI) - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Equipment integrity is an essential aspect of process engineering. Design guidelines facilitate the design and production of safe-to-operate and economic devices. Thin-walled, slit-shaped modules form a subgroup of process engineering devices made via additive manufacturing (AM). Being subject to internal pressure, they have
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Equipment integrity is an essential aspect of process engineering. Design guidelines facilitate the design and production of safe-to-operate and economic devices. Thin-walled, slit-shaped modules form a subgroup of process engineering devices made via additive manufacturing (AM). Being subject to internal pressure, they have lacked design guidelines until now. We derived a user-centered calculation model for such modules with regular internal structures. It was validated with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and practical pressure tests for which the modules were manufactured additively. The performance of the calculation could be confirmed, and a design graph was derived. Slit-shaped modules with appropriate internal structures can withstand high pressure at a minimum wall thickness, and they are efficiently fabricated. These structures, being pins, fins, lattice, or heat transfer enhancing fluid-guiding elements (FGEs), occupied approximately 10% of the modules’ internal volume.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing, Structural Materials Design and Mechanical Engineering)
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Scalable Compositional Digital Twin-Based Monitoring System for Production Management: Design and Development in an Experimental Open-Pit Mine
by
Nabil El Bazi, Oussama Laayati, Nouhaila Darkaoui, Adila El Maghraoui, Nasr Guennouni, Ahmed Chebak and Mustapha Mabrouki
Designs 2024, 8(3), 40; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8030040 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
While digital twins (DTs) have recently gained prominence as a viable option for creating reliable asset representations, many existing frameworks and architectures in the literature involve the integration of different technologies and paradigms, including the Internet of Things (IoTs), data modeling, and machine
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While digital twins (DTs) have recently gained prominence as a viable option for creating reliable asset representations, many existing frameworks and architectures in the literature involve the integration of different technologies and paradigms, including the Internet of Things (IoTs), data modeling, and machine learning (ML). This complexity requires the orchestration of these different technologies, often resulting in subsystems and composition frameworks that are difficult to seamlessly align. In this paper, we present a scalable compositional framework designed for the development of a DT-based production management system (PMS) with advanced production monitoring capabilities. The conducted approach used to design the compositional framework utilizes the Factory Design and Improvement (FDI) methodology. Furthermore, the validation of our proposed framework is illustrated through a case study conducted in a phosphate screening station within the context of the mining industry.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixture of Human and Machine Intelligence in Digital Manufacturing)
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Open AccessArticle
Computational Fluid Dynamics Heat Transfer Analysis of Double Pipe Heat Exchanger and Flow Characteristics Using Nanofluid TiO2 with Water
by
Abdulaziz S. Alhulaifi
Designs 2024, 8(3), 39; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8030039 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
A device called a heat exchanger is used to exchange heat transfer between two fluids with different temperatures. Because of its durability and ability to handle high-pressure application, the concentric double pipe heat exchangers are widely utilized for numerous industrial applications. To conserve
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A device called a heat exchanger is used to exchange heat transfer between two fluids with different temperatures. Because of its durability and ability to handle high-pressure application, the concentric double pipe heat exchangers are widely utilized for numerous industrial applications. To conserve pumping power energy, many researchers were involved in study of the nanoparticles to be embedded in the fluid, which will enrich the fluid thermal conductivity and surface area. This article demonstrates the flow characteristics and convective heat transfer of nanofluids containing 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 of vol% TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed in water under turbulent conditions, which mainly can be used for cooling nuclear reactors applications. Reynolds numbers varying from 4000 to 18,000 are examined numerically. The convective heat transfer coefficient results of the nanofluid agree well against experimental data, which are slightly more than that of base water at 1.94%. The results of the numerical model showed that the convective heat transfer coefficient of nanofluids will increase when the Reynolds and volume fraction increases. By increasing the temperature of the annular hot water, the heat transfer rate will increase, showing no major impact to the convective heat transfer coefficient of nanofluids. A generalised solution predicting the convective heat transfer coefficient for extensive nanoparticle materials is proposed. The conclusion of the empirical equation is tested among published data and the results are highly congruent, confirming the strength of the gamma equation.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Thermal Energy Transfer and Storage)
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The Impact of Utilizing Waste Sunflower Oil as a Biodiesel Blend on Four-Stroke Engine Performance and Emissions
by
Qais Hussein Hassan, Alaa Salahuddin Araibi, Akram Hatem Shather, Malik Mustafa Mohammed and Hayder Abdulkhaleq Alalwan
Designs 2024, 8(3), 38; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8030038 - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The blending of biodiesel with petroleum diesel attracts much attention due to its high potential in reducing emissions. In this work, waste sunflower oil was converted to biodiesel by the trans-esterification method, and it was blended with petroleum diesel in three ratios (10,
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The blending of biodiesel with petroleum diesel attracts much attention due to its high potential in reducing emissions. In this work, waste sunflower oil was converted to biodiesel by the trans-esterification method, and it was blended with petroleum diesel in three ratios (10, 30, and 50%). The impact of using these blended fuels in a four-stroke engine on engine performance and exhaust emissions at three engine loads (2, 4, and 6 N.m) was investigated and compared with the use of petroleum diesel and biodiesel. The engine performance was evaluated by determining the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), engine effective power (Ne), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and noise intensity. The evaluation of emissions from the engine exhaust was carried out by measuring the levels of carbon oxides (CO and CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), and particulate matter (PM). The results show that blending diesel with up to 30% biodiesel can reduce CO, HC, and PM emissions by 29.6 ± 1%, 26.0 ± 4%, and 31.0 ± 3%, respectively. However, this decrease is associated with increasing CO2 and NOx emissions by 18.5 ± 2.5% and 29.0 ± 6%, respectively. In addition, the engine showed acceptable performance when using up to 30% biodiesel, where the increase in fuel consumption was limited to 5.8 ± 0.3%. In addition, the engine’s effective power increased with the blending ratio of 10% by 2.0 ± 0.6%, but then decreased with the blending ratio of 30% by only 2.0 ± 0.6%. The noise intensity was also decreased by 2.4%, while BSEC and BTE were reduced by only 2.9 ± 0.9% and 3.5 ± 1%, respectively. The results of this work provide deep insights regarding the utilization of waste sunflower oil as biodiesel to be blended with petroleum diesel, which is a considerable novel approach in the energy and environmental sectors.
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(This article belongs to the Section Vehicle Engineering Design)
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Open AccessArticle
Investigation on the Microstructure and Micro-Mechanical Properties of Thermal-Sprayed NiCoCrAlY High Entropy Alloy Coating
by
Animesh Kumar Basak, Nachimuthu Radhika, Chander Prakash and Alokesh Pramanik
Designs 2024, 8(2), 37; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020037 - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
NiCoCrAlY high entropy alloy (HEA) coating (47.1 wt.% Ni, 23 wt.% Co, 17 wt.% Cr, 12.5 wt.% Al, and 0.4 wt.% Y) was deposited on a stainless steel subtract by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The as-deposited coating was about 300 μm thickness with
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NiCoCrAlY high entropy alloy (HEA) coating (47.1 wt.% Ni, 23 wt.% Co, 17 wt.% Cr, 12.5 wt.% Al, and 0.4 wt.% Y) was deposited on a stainless steel subtract by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The as-deposited coating was about 300 μm thickness with <1% porosity. The microstructure of the coating consisted of dispersed secondary phases/intermetallics in the solid solution. The stress–strain behaviour of this coating was investigated in micro-scale with the help of in situ micro-pillar compression. The experimental results show that yield and compressive stress in the cross-section of the coating was higher (1.27 ± 0.10 MPa and 2.19 ± 0.10 GPa, respectively) than that of the planar direction (0.85 ± 0.09 MPa and 1.20 ± 0.08 GPa, respectively). The various secondary/intermetallic phases (γ′–Ni3Al, β–NiAl) that were present in the coating microstructure hinder the lattice movement during compression, according to Orowan mechanism. In addition to that, the direction of the loading to that of the orientation of the phase/splat boundaries dictate the crack propagation architecture, which results in difference in the micro-mechanical properties.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing, Structural Materials Design and Mechanical Engineering)
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Predicting Quality of Modified Product Attributes to Achieve Customer Satisfaction
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Andrzej Pacana and Dominika Siwiec
Designs 2024, 8(2), 36; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020036 - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the era of the competitive environment, the improvement in current products is ensured through activities aimed at increasing a product’s quality level and, consequently, reducing the amount of waste. The dynamically changing production environment and sudden changes in customer expectations force us
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In the era of the competitive environment, the improvement in current products is ensured through activities aimed at increasing a product’s quality level and, consequently, reducing the amount of waste. The dynamically changing production environment and sudden changes in customer expectations force us to take precise and well-thought-out development steps. Furthermore, it is important to anticipate favourable product changes to prepare for market changes over time. This is still an open problem. The aim of this study was to develop a method to predict the quality of potential product prototypes resulting from the proposed modifications of the product features. This methodology takes into account current customer expectations. The method was created based on the principles of creating Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the context of taking into account current and future customer expectations regarding product features. This is a new approach to analysing product quality within the principles of the traditional QFD method. The originality of the study is the technique used in the method to estimate the expected values of product features and their importance (weights), taking into account current customer expectations. Its originality is also manifested in drawing conclusions supporting the decision-making process of product improvement, because it involves ensuring the pro-quality modification of selected features of current products in the order that is most advantageous from the customer’s point of view. The use of the proposed method allows for the analysis of the impact of modifying the current value of a product feature. The method is illustrated with an example of a vacuum cleaner for home use. However, the proposed method can be applied to the design of any product to predict products that will meet customer expectations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixture of Human and Machine Intelligence in Digital Manufacturing)
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Development of a Three-Finger Adaptive Robotic Gripper to Assist Activities of Daily Living
by
Md Mahbubur Rahman, Md Tanzil Shahria, Md Samiul Haque Sunny, Md Mahafuzur Rahaman Khan, Emroze Islam, Asif Al Zubayer Swapnil, David Bedolla-Martínez and Mohammad H Rahman
Designs 2024, 8(2), 35; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020035 - 14 Apr 2024
Abstract
A significant number of individuals in the United States use assistive devices to enhance their mobility, and a considerable portion of those who depend on such aids require assistance from another individual in performing daily living activities. The introduction of robotic grippers has
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A significant number of individuals in the United States use assistive devices to enhance their mobility, and a considerable portion of those who depend on such aids require assistance from another individual in performing daily living activities. The introduction of robotic grippers has emerged as a transformative intervention, significantly contributing to the cultivation of independence. However, there are few grippers in the fields, which help with mimicking human hand-like movements (mostly grasping and pinching, with adoptive force control) to grasp and carry objects. Additionally, the data are not available even on how many Activities of Daily Living (ADL) objects they can handle. The goal of the research is to offer a new three-fingered gripper for daily living assistance, which can both grasp and pinch with adaptive force, enabling the capabilities of handling wide-ranging ADL objects with a minimal footprint. It is designed to handle 90 selective essential ADL objects of different shapes (cylindrical, irregular, rectangular, and round), sizes, weights, and textures (smooth, rough, bumpy, and rubbery). The gripper boasts a meticulously engineered yet simple design, facilitating seamless manufacturing through 3D printing technology without compromising its operational efficacy. The gripper extends its functionality beyond conventional grasping, featuring the capability to pinch (such as holding a credit card) and securely hold lightweight objects. Moreover, the gripper is adaptable to grasping various objects with different shapes and weights with controlled forces. In evaluation, the developed gripper went through rigorous load tests and usability tests. The results demonstrated that the users picked and placed 75 objects out of 90 daily objects. The gripper held and manipulated objects with dimensions from 25 mm to 80 mm and up to 2.9 kg. For heavy-weight objects (like books) where the centroid is far apart from the grasping areas, it is difficult to hold them due to high torque. However, objects’ textures have no significant effect on grasping performance. Users perceived the simplicity of the gripper. Further investigation is required to assess the utility and longevity of grippers. This study contributes to developing assistive robots designed to enhance object manipulation, thereby improving individuals’ independence and overall quality of life.
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(This article belongs to the Section Mechanical Engineering Design)
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Open AccessEditorial
Additive Manufacturing—Process Optimisation
by
Muhannad Ahmed Obeidi
Designs 2024, 8(2), 34; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020034 - 10 Apr 2024
Abstract
The realm of Additive Manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, encompasses a broad spectrum of applications and methodologies, each contributing distinctively to the progress of this dynamic field [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing – Process Optimisation)
Open AccessArticle
Designs of Optomechanical Acceleration Sensors with the Natural Frequency from 5 Hz to 50 kHz
by
Marina Rezinkina and Claus Braxmaier
Designs 2024, 8(2), 33; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020033 - 07 Apr 2024
Abstract
In many applications, such as space navigation, metrology, testing, and geodesy, it is necessary to measure accelerations with frequencies ranging from fractions of a hertz to several kilohertz. For this purpose, optomechanical sensors are used. The natural frequency of such sensors should be
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In many applications, such as space navigation, metrology, testing, and geodesy, it is necessary to measure accelerations with frequencies ranging from fractions of a hertz to several kilohertz. For this purpose, optomechanical sensors are used. The natural frequency of such sensors should be approximately ten times greater than the frequency of the measured acceleration. In the case of triaxial acceleration measurements, a planar design with two sensors that measure accelerations in two perpendicular in-plane directions and a third sensor that measures out-of-plane acceleration is effective. The mechanical characteristics of the existing designs of both in-plane and out-of-plane types of sensors were analyzed, and the improved designs were elaborated. Using numerical simulation, the dependencies of the natural frequency level in the range from several hertz to tens of kilohertz on the designs and geometric parameters of opto-mechanical accelerometers were modeled. This allows one to select the accelerometer design and its parameters to measure the acceleration at the assigned frequency. It is shown that the opto-mechanical accelerometers of the proposed designs have reduced dissipation losses and crosstalk.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design Sensitivity Analysis and Engineering Optimization)
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From Generation to Reuse: A Circular Economy Strategy Applied to Wind Turbine Production
by
Ana Rita Caramelo, Paulo Santos and Tânia Miranda Lima
Designs 2024, 8(2), 32; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020032 - 03 Apr 2024
Abstract
The environmental impact of wind turbine rotor blades, both during manufacturing and at the end of their life cycle, can be significant. The aim of this study was to define and test a methodology for recycling the waste resulting from their production. Particles
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The environmental impact of wind turbine rotor blades, both during manufacturing and at the end of their life cycle, can be significant. The aim of this study was to define and test a methodology for recycling the waste resulting from their production. Particles of waste from the mechanical machining of rotor blades, which were made up of a glass fibre/epoxy matrix mixture, were used to produce toe caps for use by the footwear industry. The addition of 1 wt.% of particles improved the mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix, with a 5.50% improvement in tension and an 8% improvement in stiffness. Characterisation of the laminates, manufactured by hand lay-up technique, revealed that in the three-point bending tests, the additive laminates showed improvements of 18.60% in tension, 7.50% in stiffness, and 10% in deformation compared to the control laminate. The compression test showed that the additive glass fibre toe cap had greater resistance to compression than the control glass fibre toe cap, with a reduction in deformation of 23.10%. The toe caps are suitable for use in protective footwear according to European standard EN ISO 20346:2022. They guaranteed protection against low-velocity impacts at an energy level of at least 100 J and against compression when tested at a compression load of at least 10 kN.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Analysis of Offshore Wind Turbines)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Finite Element Analysis of Patient-Specific Cranial Implants under Different Design Parameters for Material Selection
by
Manuel Mejía Rodríguez, Octavio Andrés González-Estrada and Diego Fernando Villegas-Bermúdez
Designs 2024, 8(2), 31; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020031 - 27 Mar 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
This work presents the study of the thickness vs. stiffness relationship for different materials (PMMA and PEEK) in patient-specific cranial implants, as a criterion for the selection of biomaterials from a mechanical perspective. The geometry of the implant is constructed from the reconstruction
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This work presents the study of the thickness vs. stiffness relationship for different materials (PMMA and PEEK) in patient-specific cranial implants, as a criterion for the selection of biomaterials from a mechanical perspective. The geometry of the implant is constructed from the reconstruction of the cranial lesion using image segmentation obtained from computed axial tomography. Different design parameters such as thickness and perforations are considered to obtain displacement distributions under critical loading conditions using finite element analysis. The models consider quasi-static loads with linear elastic materials. The null hypothesis underlying this research asserts that both biomaterials exhibit the minimum mechanical characteristics necessary to withstand direct impact trauma at the implant center, effectively averting critical deformations higher than 2 mm. In this way, the use of PMMA cranioplasties is justified in most cases where a PEEK implant cannot be accessed.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Biomaterials Design)
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The Design of Earthquake Evacuation Spaces Based on Local Wisdom: A Case Study of Traditional Houses in South Sulawesi
by
Dany Perwita Sari, Mutmainnah Sudirman and Andi Asmuliany
Designs 2024, 8(2), 30; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020030 - 25 Mar 2024
Abstract
Indonesia is situated on the Ring of Fire, which causes a lot of earthquakes. On the 28 September 2018, there was an earthquake in Palu, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, which was one of the strongest shakings since 1980. Surprisingly, most traditional houses in Sulawesi
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Indonesia is situated on the Ring of Fire, which causes a lot of earthquakes. On the 28 September 2018, there was an earthquake in Palu, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, which was one of the strongest shakings since 1980. Surprisingly, most traditional houses in Sulawesi survived. There has been some research on adapting traditional house structures to modern residential buildings. The limited availability of wood and complicated construction make adapting wood structures to current conditions challenging. The purpose of this study is to analyze space organization in ten traditional South Sulawesi house designs. A possible evacuation route can be found through the analysis as the first space for expeditiously escaping from an earthquake. In addition, modernizing the layout of a traditional South Sulawesi house and introducing it to local people was easy since they were familiar with the design. A deep analysis of spatial organization and its interrelations can help develop realistic designs, plans, and knowledge, thus improving the quality of residential projects. A descriptive qualitative method was used as a research method. Data were collected from field observations, brief interviews, and literature reviews. In order to analyz thee data, ORA-LITE was used to redraw the data and create the charts. It was found that different cultures have different evacuation spaces, in this case the Bugis tribe and the Toraja tribe. A corridor and kitchen were the most strategically located areas that could possibly be used for evacuation. Considering the differences in culture among tribes, designing evacuation spaces based on local culture was important. A recommendation based on this finding can also be made to the government of South Sulawesi in the design of residential houses.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Infrastructures)
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Open AccessArticle
Aircraft Structural Design and Life-Cycle Assessment through Digital Twins
by
Sérgio M. O. Tavares, João A. Ribeiro, Bruno A. Ribeiro and Paulo M. S. T. de Castro
Designs 2024, 8(2), 29; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020029 - 22 Mar 2024
Abstract
Numerical modeling tools are essential in aircraft structural design, yet they face challenges in accurately reflecting real-world behavior due to factors like material properties scatter and manufacturing-induced deviations. This article addresses the potential impact of digital twins on overcoming these limitations and enhancing
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Numerical modeling tools are essential in aircraft structural design, yet they face challenges in accurately reflecting real-world behavior due to factors like material properties scatter and manufacturing-induced deviations. This article addresses the potential impact of digital twins on overcoming these limitations and enhancing model reliability through advanced updating techniques based on machine learning. Digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical systems, offer a promising solution by integrating sensor data, operational inputs, and historical records. Machine learning techniques enable the calibration and validation of models, combining experimental inputs with simulations through continuous updating processes that refine digital twins, improving their accuracy in predicting structural behavior and performance throughout an aircraft’s life cycle. These refined models enable real-time monitoring and precise damage assessment, supporting decision making in diverse contexts. By integrating sensor data and updating techniques, digital twins contribute to improved design and maintenance operations by providing valuable insights into structural health, safety, and reliability. Ultimately, this approach leads to more efficient and safer aviation operations, demonstrating the potential of digital twins to revolutionize aircraft structural analysis and design. This article explores various advancements and methodologies applicable to structural assessment, leveraging machine learning tools. These include the utilization of physics-informed neural networks, which enable the handling of diverse uncertainties. Such approaches empower a more informed and adaptive strategy, contributing to the assurance of structural integrity and safety in aircraft structures throughout their operational life.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Aircraft Propulsion System Modelling, Design and Simulation)
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Open AccessArticle
The Biomechanical Analysis of Tibial Implants Using Meshless Methods: Stress and Bone Tissue Remodeling Analysis
by
Ana Pais, Catarina Moreira and Jorge Belinha
Designs 2024, 8(2), 28; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020028 - 20 Mar 2024
Abstract
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) stands out as one of the most widely employed surgical procedures, establishing itself as the preferred method for addressing advanced osteoarthritis of the knee. However, current knee prostheses require refined design solutions. This research work focuses on a computational
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Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) stands out as one of the most widely employed surgical procedures, establishing itself as the preferred method for addressing advanced osteoarthritis of the knee. However, current knee prostheses require refined design solutions. This research work focuses on a computational analysis of both the mechanical behavior of a knee joint implant and the bone remodeling process in the tibia following implantation. This research study delves into how specific design parameters, particularly the stem geometry, impact the prosthesis’s performance. Utilizing a computed tomography scan of a tibia, various TKA configurations were simulated to conduct analyses employing advanced discretization techniques, such as the finite element method (FEM) and the radial point interpolation method (RPIM). The findings reveal that the introduction of the implant leads to a marginal increase in the stress values within the tibia, accompanied by a reduction in the displacement field values. The insertion of the longest tested implant increased the maximum stress from 5.0705 MPa to 6.1584 MPa, leading to a displacement reduction from 0.016 mm to 0.0142 mm. Finally, by combining the FEM with a bone remodeling algorithm, the bone remodeling process of the tibia due to an implant insertion was simulated.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Biomaterials Design)
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Open AccessArticle
Attention-Based DenseNet for Lung Cancer Classification Using CT Scan and Histopathological Images
by
Jia Uddin
Designs 2024, 8(2), 27; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020027 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Lung cancer is identified by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in lung tissues. The timely detection of malignant cells in the lungs, crucial for processes such as oxygen provision and carbon dioxide elimination in the human body, is imperative. The application of deep
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Lung cancer is identified by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in lung tissues. The timely detection of malignant cells in the lungs, crucial for processes such as oxygen provision and carbon dioxide elimination in the human body, is imperative. The application of deep learning for discerning lymph node involvement in CT scans and histopathological images has garnered widespread attention due to its potential impact on patient diagnosis and treatment. This paper suggests employing DenseNet for lung cancer detection, leveraging its ability to transmit learned features backward through each layer continuously. This characteristic not only reduces model parameters but also enhances the learning of local features, facilitating a better comprehension of the structural complexity and uneven distribution in CT scans and histopathological cancer images. Furthermore, DenseNet accompanied by an attention mechanism (ATT-DenseNet) allows the model to focus on specific parts of an image, giving more weight to relevant regions. Compared to existing algorithms, the ATT-DenseNet demonstrates a remarkable enhancement in accuracy, precision, recall, and the F1-Score. It achieves an average improvement of 20% in accuracy, 19.66% in precision, 24.33% in recall, and 22.33% in the F1-Score across these metrics. The motivation behind the research is to leverage deep learning technologies to enhance the precision and reliability of lung cancer diagnostics, thus addressing the gap in early detection and treatment. This pursuit is driven by the potential of deep learning models, like DenseNet, to provide significant improvements in analyzing complex medical images for better clinical outcomes.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Biomaterials Design)
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Open AccessReview
A Review of Game Theory Models to Support Production Planning, Scheduling, Cloud Manufacturing and Sustainable Production Systems
by
Paolo Renna
Designs 2024, 8(2), 26; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020026 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and big data play significant roles in shaping digital and automated landscape manufacturing. However, to fully realize the potential of these technologies and achieve tangible benefits, such as reduced manufacturing lead times, improved product quality,
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Cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and big data play significant roles in shaping digital and automated landscape manufacturing. However, to fully realize the potential of these technologies and achieve tangible benefits, such as reduced manufacturing lead times, improved product quality, and enhanced organizational performance, new decision support models need development. Game theory offers a promising approach to address multi-objective problems and streamline decision-making processes, thereby reducing computational time. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date systematic review of the literature on the application of game theory models in various areas of digital manufacturing, including production and capacity planning, scheduling, sustainable production systems, and cloud manufacturing. This review identifies key research themes that have been explored and examines the main research gaps that exist within these domains. Furthermore, this paper outlines potential future research directions to inspire both researchers and practitioners to further explore and develop game theory models that can effectively support the digital transformation of manufacturing systems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixture of Human and Machine Intelligence in Digital Manufacturing)
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Open AccessArticle
Electromagnetic Interaction Model between an Electric Motor and a Magnetorheological Brake
by
Sidorela Caushaj, Giovanni Imberti, Henrique de Carvalho Pinheiro and Massimiliana Carello
Designs 2024, 8(2), 25; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020025 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
This article focuses on modelling and validating a groundbreaking magnetorheological braking system. Addressing shortcomings in traditional automotive friction brake systems, including response delays, wear, and added mass from auxiliary components, the study employs a novel brake design combining mechanical and electrical elements for
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This article focuses on modelling and validating a groundbreaking magnetorheological braking system. Addressing shortcomings in traditional automotive friction brake systems, including response delays, wear, and added mass from auxiliary components, the study employs a novel brake design combining mechanical and electrical elements for enhanced efficiency. Utilizing magnetorheological (MR) technology within a motor–brake system, the investigation explores the influence of external magnetic flux from the nearby motor on MR fluid movement, particularly under high-flux conditions. The evaluation of a high-magnetic-field mitigator is guided by simulated findings with the objective of resolving potential issues. An alternative method of resolving an interaction between an electric motor and a magnetorheological brake is presented. In addition, to test four configurations, multiple absorber materials are reviewed.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Manufacture of Electric Vehicles)
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Open AccessArticle
Implementation of Simulation Modeling of Single and High-Volume Machine-Building Productions
by
Nadezhda Savelyeva, Tatyana Nikonova, Gulnara Zhetessova, Khrustaleva Irina, Vassiliy Yurchenko, Olegas Černašėjus, Olga Zharkevich, Essim Dandybaev, Andrey Berg, Sergey Vassenkin and Murat Baimuldin
Designs 2024, 8(2), 24; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020024 - 08 Mar 2024
Abstract
The authors of this article analyze the existing methods and models of technological preparation of machine-building industries. The structure of a three-level simulation model with network-centric control, the structures of individual elements of the simulation model, and the process of simulation modeling are
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The authors of this article analyze the existing methods and models of technological preparation of machine-building industries. The structure of a three-level simulation model with network-centric control, the structures of individual elements of the simulation model, and the process of simulation modeling are described. The criteria for choosing a rational option for the processing technological route have been determined. During this research, a simulation program was implemented in C++. It allows you to select the optimal scenario for the operation of a production site based on two criteria: time and cost. The volume of implementation is about 2 × 103 lines of code. A diagram of the modeling algorithm for the implemented program and a description of the classes and their interactions are given in the article. The developed simulation model was tested at a machine-building enterprise using the example of the “Pusher” part, manufactured under single-unit production conditions. The technological equipment used for the manufacture of this part was formed in the form of input data of the simulation model. The results of simulation modeling for the selected part are described. For each variant of the technological processing route, the values of variable costs and the duration of the production cycle were determined.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixture of Human and Machine Intelligence in Digital Manufacturing)
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Open AccessArticle
Collective Creativity and Complexity in Urban Laboratories: El Campo de Cebada
by
Amanda Martín-Mariscal and Luz Fernández-Valderrama
Designs 2024, 8(2), 23; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020023 - 05 Mar 2024
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Cities are complex systems requiring urban design models that balance order and disorder. Collective creativity initiatives engage citizens in these processes, empowering bottom-up approaches that prioritize people and social well-being within urban development. This paper investigates an ‘Urban Laboratory’ as a case study,
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Cities are complex systems requiring urban design models that balance order and disorder. Collective creativity initiatives engage citizens in these processes, empowering bottom-up approaches that prioritize people and social well-being within urban development. This paper investigates an ‘Urban Laboratory’ as a case study, examining the potential of collective creativity to address urban complexity. The successful and ongoing project ‘El Campo de Cebada’ in Madrid, Spain, demonstrates how a community transformed a vacant lot into a vibrant social hub. The phases of this study include case selection, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of the results. This study identifies key enabling factors, including agents, management, social dynamics, infrastructure, and actions. These insights offer a methodological framework for designing future collaborative, resilient, and inclusive urban spaces, addressing the complex needs of communities within our cities.
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Open AccessArticle
Discharge Coefficients of Standard Spillways at High Altitudes
by
Víctor Rendón, Martí Sánchez-Juny, Soledad Estrella, Marcos Sanz-Ramos, Percy Rucano and Alan Huarca Pulcha
Designs 2024, 8(2), 22; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/designs8020022 - 01 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper presents an experimental campaign conducted next to the Condoroma dam, in Perú, at 4075 m a.s.l. The tests carried out in this paper were conducted in a 21 m long channel located at the toe of Condoroma dam. The setup consisted
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This paper presents an experimental campaign conducted next to the Condoroma dam, in Perú, at 4075 m a.s.l. The tests carried out in this paper were conducted in a 21 m long channel located at the toe of Condoroma dam. The setup consisted of a series of standard profile spillways with a vertical upstream face of up to five different dimensionless heights (P/Hd) ranging from 0.5 to 2. The experimental results indicated that, the P/Hd ratio influences the discharge coefficients in Condoroma, and P/Hd ≥ 1 values are recommended for the design of the spillway profile. In addition, for all the P/Hd ratios studied, the discharge coefficients adjusted to the Condoroma altitude were lower than those reported by classical formulations used in conventional spillway designs. Finally, a generalized equation is proposed to estimate the discharge coefficient for standard spillways located in dams at similar elevations above sea level.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Resilient Civil Infrastructure)
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