Software Module Development for the Parametric Generation of Truss Structure Geometry in a Two-Dimensional Setting

Introduction. Truss structures are widespread in construction due to a number of advantages, such as economy, versatility, and scalability. Accordingly, their modeling and calculation are urgent tasks in the design of building structures. Automatic solution to these problems causes an increase in design efficiency, calculation accuracy, and lower costs. The objective of the study is to examine the functionality and operation algorithm of the software module developed by the authors that generates the geometry of two-dimensional truss structures for subsequent modeling.Materials and Methods. Following the research of the widespread truss configurations, the classification of chords available in the software under consideration is given. The method of parameterizing a truss structure is provided. This method includes base geometric parameters of the structure such as dimensions, model construction rules, and additional features, as well as a comprehensive algorithm. The software is developed in JavaScript.Results. The software module has been integrated into a web application for calculating two-dimensional rod structures. To illustrate the functionality of the software, the examples of user interface are given as well as an example problem. The example includes configuration and calculation of an inclined truss structure. The results, such as support reactions and internal forces with axial force diagram, are provided.Discussion and Conclusions. Using this software module within the framework of the tool for calculating rod structures allows for the simplified process of modeling and calculating complex truss structures, design time, and resource reduction. The software module provides tools for specifying various types of structures, applying loads and assigning properties of a rod system, which makes it a useful instrument for design engineers.

Optical parametric generation in biaxial KTA crystal under pumping by YAG:Nd laser in arbitrary directions

Herein, on the basis of expressions for the refractive indices of isonormal waves, the possibility of performing collinear phase matching for optical parametric generation in arbitrary directions of a biaxial KTA crystal under pumping by radiation of a YAG:Nd laser is analyzed. The tuning curves that determine the tuning range of the signal and idler for type-I and II-type phase-matching and arbitrary angles θ and φ in cases where the tuning is carried out along the angle θ at a fixed angle φ and vice versa are calculated. The effective nonlinear coefficient is determined. It is shown that their maximum value is achieved аt a polar angle θ = 90° and type-II phase-matching. For the case of generation of eye-safe radiation the spectral and angular phase matching widths were estimated, as well as gain widths of KTA-OPO under monochromatic pumping.

Formalization of tasks generation for complex of interactive web-tests on math

The approach to the formalization of the generation of problem situations applicable to the development of tutoring programs consisting of many tasks is considered. The main errors arising during the software-based generation of parameters are specified. Mathematical modeling of parametrical generation algorithms examined by examples of tasks that make up complex tests on mathematics for secondary schools. The parametric generation method proposed in the article allows getting the large quantitative variations in task problem situations. Thereby, every learner will get a personal unique set of tasks. The structure and functionality of web-tests complex consisting of tasks generated via the proposed method are described. The subject of research in the article is the process of computer training in mathematics. The goal is to develop a method for task generation for mathematical disciplines. Tasks. Research and analysis of the set of mathematical problems. Parameterization of each task and development method and algorithms for automated generation parameters with the determination of incorrect combinations of parameters or problem situations that have no solution. Estimation of borders of admissible for approximate answers. Evaluation of the user solution of a single task and a sequence of tasks. The general objective of the work is to make the software product consisting of a sequence of mathematics tasks. The software should have an extended user interface for the graphical presentation of various problem situations in various mathematical topics. The program must be accessible via the Internet. The following results were obtained: developed methods and algorithms of task generation, which provide correct problem situations and unique parameter sets for each user; described the program complex structure and developed the software system of mathematical web-tests provides two levels of difficulty. Conclusion. The scientific novelty lies in the development of the method of task generation for interactive web tests on the mathematics and its computer implementation with the possibility of graphical representation of tasks and checking of tasks correctness.

Rapid Prototyping of Inertial MEMS Devices through Structural Optimization

In this paper, we propose a novel design and optimization environment for inertial MEMS devices based on a computationally efficient schematization of the structure at the a device level. This allows us to obtain a flexible and efficient design optimization tool, particularly useful for rapid device prototyping. The presented design environment—feMEMSlite—handles the parametric generation of the structure geometry, the simulation of its dynamic behavior, and a gradient-based layout optimization. The methodology addresses the design of general inertial MEMS devices employing suspended proof masses, in which the focus is typically on the dynamics associated with the first vibration modes. In particular, the proposed design tool is tested on a triaxial beating-heart MEMS gyroscope, an industrially relevant and adequately complex example. The sensor layout is schematized by treating the proof masses as rigid bodies, discretizing flexural springs by Timoshenko beam finite elements, and accounting for electrostatic softening effects by additional negative spring constants. The MEMS device is then optimized according to two possible formulations of the optimization problem, including typical design requirements from the MEMS industry, with particular focus on the tuning of the structural eigenfrequencies and on the maximization of the response to external angular rates. The validity of the proposed approach is then assessed through a comparison with full FEM schematizations: rapidly prototyped layouts at the device level show a good performance when simulated with more complex models and therefore require only minor adjustments to accomplish the subsequent physical-level design.

Novel End-End System for Combustor Design and Analysis

High quality geometry creation is a key step in the design process for complex modern turbomachinery subsystems such as an annular combustor assembly. In particular, parametric generation of 3D CAD geometry is an enabler for design studies and multi-disciplinary analysis. In a traditional approach, 3D CAD models are either created in a bespoke manner with respect to the engine of interest or if a parametric approach is used, the geometry is for one particular combustor configuration, which typically leads to insufficient flexibility for topological variations. In either of these cases for every combustor design, substantial manual efforts are involved in geometry creation as well as in geometry manipulation towards creation of a truncated sector model suitable for meshing and analysis. A more flexible and fully parametric approach in highly integrated and automated design processes during all product design phases is therefore necessary. The present paper focuses on the exploitation and integration of a novel geometry modelling approach into an existing and well-established combustor design and analysis system called Prometheus in order to achieve a massive step toward a fully End-to-End (E2E) system. The new system is enabling rapid combustor design and analysis by combining feature-based geometry modelling approach that enables automatic creation of an analysis compatible combustor assembly with a geometry-centric optimization system. The automated design system can manipulate 3D geometry, to create necessary script files for meshing, simulation and post-processing for a typical CFD analysis, and execute the process to analyze different designs with respect to defined design objectives and constraints. The improved system enables engineers to assess different design concepts quickly early in the design process by providing best trade-offs between design objectives but also allows the use of detailed simulation models and boundary conditions in later more mature designs stages. The paper will discuss the robustness and flexibility of the underlying parametric CAD approach, how it augments the downstream processes, which is able to handle and translate significant topological changes throughout the E2E system. It will also clearly demonstrate the efficiency gain of the automated combustor design process, which enables design engineers to make better decision faster.

PARAMETRIC GENERATION IN HBIM WORKFLOWS FOR SLAM-BASED DATA: DISCUSSING EXPECTATIONS ON SUITABILITY AND ACCURACY

In the wide framework of Scan-to-BIM 3D modelling procedures, the complexity of the architectural heritage and its components is evidencing a gap of best practices and specification in the HBIM-modeling and thus it is requiring important considerations about the modelling strategies and protocols between the requested level of detail (LOD), the expect accuracy and above all the actual use-oriented requirements. Several works are largely focusing on developing workflows for traditional static LiDAR scanning sensors. However, the chance to benefit from on-site faster data acquisition is needful at times, and procedures are directing toward rapid mapping 3D approaches, evolving from traditional static scanning toward MMS (Mobile Mapping Systems) based on SLAM technology (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithms implemented in portable devices. The potential of these solutions can contribute to increase a massive cost-effective documentation, and also in view of BIM-HBIM modelling generation, and this needs further researches. At the same time, the descriptive capabilities of this class of portable scanners do not reach the precision of the static solutions. Many time-cost balance evaluations towards an analysis of geometry, grade of generation (GOG) and details can be thus conducted. This paper presents a first comparison between TLS (Faro Focus 3D) and hand-held scanner Zeb Revo (by GeoSLAM) of the entire workflow (from raw data acquisition up to parametric modeling) focusing on the Bramante’s Canonica Court in the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. First, the two raw data are compared, considering geometric features (data density, precision, possibility to detect edges, details and accurate curvature). Then, some well-established modelling procedures developed for TLS data, as triangulation mesh and NURBS generation, are applied to MMS point cloud to identify their suitability. Different elements belonging to the architectural structure hierarchy are considered in a multi-scale perspective: the vaulted system of the porch, the columns and the arches of the porch with their different architectural elements.