Variation analysis driven by small-sample data for compliant aero-structure assembly

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Mei ◽  
Weidong Zhu ◽  
Yinglin Ke ◽  
Pengyu Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Production Volume ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Variation Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aircraft Manufacturing ◽  
Sample Data ◽  
Structure Assembly

Purpose Assembly variation analysis generally demands probability distributions of variation sources. However, due to small production volume in aircraft manufacturing, especially prototype manufacturing, the probability distributions are hard to obtain, and only the small-sample data of variation sources can be consulted. Thus, this paper aims to propose a variation analysis method driven by small-sample data for compliant aero-structure assembly. Design/methodology/approach First, a hybrid assembly variation model, integrating rigid effects with flexibility, is constructed based on the homogeneous transformation and elasticity mechanics. Then, the bootstrap approach is introduced to estimate a variation source based on small-sample data. The influences of bootstrap parameters on the estimation accuracy are analyzed to select suitable parameters for acceptable estimation performance. Finally, the process of assembly variation analysis driven by small-sample data is demonstrated. Findings A variation analysis method driven by small-sample data, considering both rigid effects and flexibility, is proposed for aero-structure assembly. The method provides a good complement to traditional variation analysis methods based on probability distributions of variation sources. Practical implications With the proposed method, even if probability distribution information of variation sources cannot be obtained, accurate estimation of the assembly variation could be achieved. The method is well suited for aircraft assembly, especially in the stage of prototype manufacturing. Originality/value A variation analysis method driven by small-sample data is proposed for aero-structure assembly, which can be extended to deal with other similar applications.

Variation modeling and analysis with interval approach for the assembly of compliant aeronautical structures

2018 ◽  
Vol 233 (3) ◽  
pp. 948-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Mei ◽  
Weidong Zhu ◽  
Pengyu Zheng ◽  
Yinglin Ke
Keyword(s):  
Interval Arithmetic ◽  
Assembly Systems ◽  
Influence Coefficient ◽  
Production Volume ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Variation Analysis ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Aircraft Manufacturing ◽  
Compliant Assembly ◽  
Interval Approach

Due to small production volume in aircraft industry, the available information of variation sources is often not enough to make assumptions on their probabilistic characteristics, especially in the stage of prototype manufacturing. To deal with the problem, an assembly variation modeling and analysis method based on the elasticity mechanics and interval approach is proposed for aircraft assembly. First, variation sources are modeled as bounded convex sets, which are defined as interval structural parameters in interval arithmetic. Then, variation modeling and analysis are successively implemented using the method of influence coefficient and interval arithmetic. After that, a uniform-splitting method is applied to achieve the refinement of the interval extension in variation analysis. To reduce the complexity of the finite element analysis and assembly variation computation, part deformation forms including warpage and torsion are concisely characterized with angle instead of the deviations of isolated key points on the part. The comparison of the assembly variations estimated with the proposed variation analysis method and actual experiment results verifies the effectiveness of the constructed assembly variation model and the proposed method. The interval approach–based assembly variation analysis method is a good complement to traditional probabilistic approach–based methods for compliant assembly systems, which is suited for linear and linearized nonlinear assembly systems. The proposed method provides an improved understanding of the application of compliant assembly variation analysis methods in aircraft manufacturing.

Rigid-compliant hybrid variation analysis using Monte Carlo interval approach for low-rigidity aircraft structure assembly

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Mei ◽  
Haijin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Rigid Body ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Production Volume ◽  
Geometric Errors ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Variation Analysis ◽  
Aircraft Structure ◽  
Aircraft Manufacturing ◽  
Interval Approach

Abstract To reduce downstream rework and design changes, variation modeling and analysis are indispensable in the assembly of complex products. In this paper, a rigid-compliant hybrid variation analysis method using the Monte Carlo interval approach is developed to assembly ladder structures, such as the skeleton of a horizontal stabilizer or a wing box. We first present the classical locating scheme of a low-rigidity aeronautical structure, and the contributors to the assembly variation of a ladder structure comprising locating errors and part geometric errors. Assembly variations induced by rigid-body locating errors and part geometric errors are mathematically modeled with rigid-body kinematics and the mechanistic method based on the Finite Element Analysis, respectively. And then, the two types of assembly variations are integrated into a rigid-compliant hybrid variation model. Probability distributions of the contributors are often unknown, especially in aircraft manufacturing with low production volume. Therefore, a novel variation analysis method using the Monte Carlo interval approach is proposed to compute the assembly variation, represented in the form of interval structural parameters. The assembly case of a scale wing skeleton shows the proposed rigid-compliant hybrid variation analysis method is efficient in the assembly variation analysis for low-rigidity aircraft structure.

Coordination error control for accurate positioning in movable robotic drilling

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Mei ◽  
Weidong Zhu ◽  
Huiyue Dong ◽  
Yinglin Ke
Keyword(s):  
Error Control ◽  
Vision System ◽  
Aviation Industry ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Positioning Accuracy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positioning Errors ◽  
Aircraft Manufacturing ◽  
Robotic Drilling ◽  
Drilling System

Purpose – This paper aims to propose a roadmap to control the robot–subassembly (R–S) coordination errors in movable robotic drilling. Fastener hole drilling for multi-station aircraft assembly demands a robotic drilling system with expanded working volume and high positioning accuracy. However, coordination errors often exist between the robot and the subassembly to be drilled because of disturbances. Design/methodology/approach – Mechanical pre-locating and vision-based robot base frame calibration are consecutively implemented to achieve in-process robot relocation after station transfer. Thus, coordination errors induced by robotic platform movements, inconsistent thermal effects, etc. are eliminated. The two-dimensional (2D) vision system is applied to measure the remainder of the R–S coordination errors, which is used to enhance the positioning accuracy of the robot. Accurate estimation of measured positioning errors is of great significance for evaluating the positioning accuracy. For well estimation of the positioning errors with small samples, a bootstrap approach is put forward. Findings – A roadmap for R–S coordination error control using a 2D vision system, composed of in-process relocation, coordination error measurement and drilled position correction, is developed for the movable robotic drilling. Practical implications – The proposed roadmap has been integrated into a drilling system for the assembly of flight control surfaces of a transport aircraft in Aviation Industry Corporation of China. The position accuracy of the drilled fastener holes is well ensured. Originality/value – A complete roadmap for controlling coordination errors and improving positioning accuracy is proposed, which makes the high accuracy and efficiency available in movable robotic drilling for aircraft manufacturing.

Positioning variation analysis and control for automated drilling in aircraft manufacturing

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 412-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Mei ◽  
Weidong Zhu ◽  
Yinglin Ke
Keyword(s):  
Vision System ◽  
Aviation Industry ◽  
Variation Analysis ◽  
Positioning Accuracy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Position ◽  
Position Errors ◽  
Aircraft Manufacturing ◽  
Drilling System ◽  
And Control

Purpose Aircraft assembly demands high position accuracy of drilled fastener holes. Automated drilling is a key technology to fulfill the requirement. The purpose of the paper is to conduct positioning variation analysis and control for an automated drilling to achieve a high positioning accuracy. Design/methodology/approach The nominal and varied connective models of automated drilling are constructed for positioning variation analysis regarding automated drilling. The principle of a strategy for reducing positioning variation in drilling, which shortens the positioning variation chain with the aid of an industrial camera-based vision system, is explored. Moreover, other strategies for positioning variation control are developed based on mathematical analysis to further reduce the position errors of the drilled fastener holes. Findings The propagation and accumulation of an automated drilling system’s positioning variation are explored. The principle of reducing positioning variation in an automated drilling using a monocular vision system is discussed from the view of variation chain. Practical implications The strategies for reducing positioning variation, rooted in the constructed positioning variation models, have been applied to a machine-tool based automated drilling system. The system is developed for a wing assembly of an aircraft in the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. Originality/value Propagation, accumulation and control of positioning variation in an automated drilling are comprehensively explored. Based on this, the positioning accuracy in an automated drilling is controlled below 0.13 mm, which can meet the requirement for the assembly of the aircraft.

Critical enablers of changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing and their industrial implementation

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 983-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Louise Andersen ◽  
Jesper Kranker Larsen ◽  
Thomas Ditlev Brunoe ◽  
Kjeld Nielsen ◽  
Christopher Ketelsen
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Current Level ◽  
Production Volume ◽  
Reconfigurable Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Make To Stock ◽  
The Right

Purpose During design of reconfigurable manufacturing systems, manufacturing companies need to select and implement the right enablers of reconfigurability in accordance with the specific requirements being present in the manufacturing setting. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate enablers of reconfigurability in terms of their importance in industry, current level of implementation in industry, and significant differences in their implementation and criticality across different manufacturing settings. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey is conducted, in order to provide generalizable empirical evidence across various industries and manufacturing types. Findings The findings indicate that the level of implementation of the reconfigurability enablers is rudimentary, while their criticality is perceived higher than the current level of implementation. Moreover, significant differences regarding implementation and criticality of mobility, scalability, and convertibility were found for companies with varying degrees of manual work, make-to-stock production, and varying production volume, industry type and organization size. Research limitations/implications Main limitations of the research cover the relatively small sample size and non-random sampling method applied, primarily limited to one country, which could be increased to further extent the findings reported in this paper. Practical implications The findings indicate that the importance and implementation of reconfigurability enablers is contingent on the manufacturing setting. Thus, the research presented in this paper provides valuable knowledge in regard to aiding a paradigm shift in industry and help companies design manufacturing systems with the right reconfigurability enablers. Originality/value This paper expands research on manufacturing system design for changeability and reconfigurability, by explicitly considering these as capabilities that can be enabled in various ways for various purposes in different manufacturing contexts.

When do job insecure employees adapt to change?

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristi N. Lavigne ◽  
Victoria L. Whitaker ◽  
Dustin K. Jundt ◽  
Mindy K. Shoss
Keyword(s):  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Adaptive Performance ◽  
Work Behaviors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between job insecurity and adaptive performance (AP), contingent on changes to core work tasks, which we position as a situational cue to employees regarding important work behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Employees and their supervisors were invited to participate in the study. Supervisors were asked to provide ratings of employees’ AP and changes to core tasks; employees reported on job insecurity. Findings As predicted, changes to core tasks moderated the relationship between job insecurity and AP. Job insecurity was negatively related to AP for those experiencing low levels of change, but was not related to AP for those experiencing high levels of change. Counter to expectations, no main effect of job insecurity was found. Research limitations/implications This study employed a fairly small sample of workers from two organizations, which could limit generalizability. Practical implications The study identifies changes to core tasks as a boundary condition for the job insecurity–AP relationship. Findings suggest that organizations may not observe deleterious consequences of job insecurity on AP when changes to core tasks are high. Originality/value Few researchers have examined boundary conditions of the impact of job insecurity on AP. Furthermore, inconsistent findings regarding the link between job insecurity and AP have emerged. This study fills the gap and expands upon previous research by examining changes to core tasks as a condition under which job insecurity does not pose an issue for AP.

The “Halalification” of tourism

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faiza Khan ◽  
Michelle Callanan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Market Segment ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the confusing use of terminology associated with tourism undertaken by Muslims and to identify key concerns associated with this type of tourism. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study and adopts a critical review of literature following the evolutionary concept analysis method. Content analysis of popular UK media, UK-based tour operators’ websites and tourism strategies of destinations popular with Muslim tourists were conducted to examine the use of terminology. Findings There is no clear difference between the various terms (halal, Muslim friendly, Islamic, etc.) used. Overall, academia uses the term Islamic tourism, while the industry and media use various terms. Among destinations, however, there is no clear and consistent use of terminology. A key concern of Islamic tourism is the role of certification in assuring travellers and the lack of standardisation of halal certification. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on literature review and secondary data analysis. It lacks primary research. Practical implications This study highlights the need for consistent use of terminology across industry. Another implication is the issue surrounding halal certification of food and the importance of trust in the seller/service provide. Another trend that industry providers need to consider is the growth of the Muslim millennial traveller and the needs of this market segment. Originality/value The paper highlights the importance of studying the Muslim tourist market and provides a starting point for further research. It highlights several issues such as the need to develop a typology of Muslim tourists. Of particular interest is the concern whether halal values in danger of being commodified in the absence of a universal agreed criterion for halal certification.

“There is still a perception that homelessness is a housing problem”: devolution, homelessness and health in the UK

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Whiteford ◽  
Glenn Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Issue Salience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Comparative Policy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an exploratory account of the links between devolution, homelessness and health in the UK. Specifically, it focusses on the policy context and governance structures that shape the systems of healthcare for homeless people in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach Empirically the paper draws on semi-structured interviews with a small sample of policy and practice actors from the devolved territories. Qualitative interviews were supplemented by a comparative policy analysis of the homelessness and health agenda within the devolved regions. Theoretically, it takes inspiration from Chaney’s concept of the “issue salience of homelessness” and explores the comparative character of healthcare as pertains to homeless people across the devolved territories. Findings The paper provides clear evidence of areas of divergence and convergence in policy and practice between the devolved regions. These features are shown to be strongly mediated by the interplay of two factors: first, the scope and scale of national and local homelessness prevention strategies; and second, intra-national variation in public health responses to homelessness. Originality/value The paper offers considerable insight from a comparative policy perspective into the nature of healthcare provision for homeless people in the devolved regions.

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