In order to enhance the reliability of an uncertain structure with interval parameters and reduce its chance of function failure under potentially critical conditions, an interval reliability-based design optimization model is constructed. With the introduction of a unified formula for efficiently computing interval reliability, a new concept of the degree of interval reliability violation (DIRV) and the DIRV-based preferential guidelines are put forward for the direct ranking of various design vectors. A direct interval optimization algorithm integrating a nested genetic algorithm (GA) and the Kriging technique is proposed for solving the interval reliability-based design model, which avoids the complicated model transformation process in indirect ones and yields an interval solution that provides more insights into the optimization problem. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by a numeric example. Finally, the proposed direct reliability-based design optimization method is applied to the optimization of a press upper beam with interval uncertain parameters, the results of which demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness in engineering.

Symmetry breaking phenomena exist in many mechanical products. Based on an analysis of the variation in physical features in several design examples, mechanical symmetry breaking concept systems that consist of general requirements, working principles, and cross-scale mechanical structures are established from the macro to micro levels and in both machine assembly and the design of parts. The connection between symmetry breaking and product requirements is systematically studied. Eight design principles using symmetry breaking to achieve mechanical functions, performance, and constraints are proposed. The method and process of applying symmetry breaking in mechanical concept design are described. These principles, method, and process are then used in the concept design of a gear chain. With symmetry breaking characters, the transmission stability of the newly innovated gear chain is greatly improved, compared with traditional ones.

Chip morphology predictions in metal cutting have always been challenging because of the complexity of the various multiphysical phenomena that occur across the tool-chip interface. An accurate prediction of chip morphology is a key factor in the assessment of a particular machining operation with regard to both tool performance and workpiece quality. Although finite element (FE) models are being developed over the last two decades, their capabilities in modeling correct material flow around the tool tip with shear localization are very limited. FE models with an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian () approach are able to simulate correct material flow around the tool tip. However, these models are unable to predict any shear localization based on material flow criteria. On the other hand, FE models with a Lagrangian formulation can simulate shear localization in the chip segments; they need to make use of a mesh-based chip separation criterion that significantly affects material flow around the tool tip. In this study a mesh-free method viz. smoothed particles hydrodynamics (SPH) is implemented to simulate shear localization in the chip while machining hardened steel. Unlike other SPH models developed by some researchers, this model is based on a renormalized formulation that can consider frictional stresses along the tool-chip interface giving a realistic chip shape and material flow. SPH models with different cutting parameters are compared with the traditional FE models and it has been found that the SPH models are good for predicting shear localized chips and do not need any geometric or mesh-based chip separation criteria.

Tunnel face stability is important for safe tunneling and the protection of the surrounding environment. Upper bound analysis is a widely applied method to investigate tunnel face stability. In this paper, a tunnel face collapse of Guangzhou metro line 3 is presented. Accordingly, seepage is considered in the upper bound solutions for face stability in layered soils. Steady-state seepage is reached in the first 1200 s of each drilling step. In the crossed layer, the seepage flow is horizontal toward the tunnel face, whereas in the cover layer, the seepage vertically percolates into the crossed layer. By considering the seepage forces on the tunnel face and on the soil particles, the upper bound solution for the support pressure needed for face stability in layered soil with seepage is obtained. Under saturated conditions, the support pressure is influenced by the variation of the depth ratio due to the seepage effect. Moreover, the support pressure depends linearly on the groundwater level. This study provides estimations of the support pressure for face stability in tunnel design.

To fully take advantage of external charging conditions and reduce fuel consumption for extended-range electric vehicles, a charging management-based intelligent control strategy is proposed. The intelligent control strategy is applied to different driving patterns based on the various characteristics of urban roads. When the vehicle is driving on arterial roads, a constant power control strategy is applied. When the driver decides to go to a charging station, the extender-off time can be determined based on the current state of the vehicle and the distance to the charging station. When the vehicle is driving on an expressway, a power follower control strategy is applied. The range-extender engine is controlled to work over a wide variety of regions to obtain optimum fuel economy. The simulation results indicate that as the vehicle arrives at the charging station, the proposed charging management-based intelligent control strategy has made the state of charge reach the lowest permissible level after the driver made the decision to charge at the charging station. Therefore, the driver can charge the vehicle with as much clean electric energy as possible from the charging station.

The design philosophy, overall performance, safety, and economy of three typical generation III (GIII) pressurized water reactors, EPR, AES2006, and CAP1400, are analyzed comprehensively in this paper. Based on comparison with and the lessons learned from the Fukushima nuclear accident, we forecast a future reactor for China’s commercial nuclear power plant. Moreover, we put forward important technological fields of GIII nuclear power plants to which attention should be paid, including the enhancement of defense in depth, defense against extreme external events, severe accident mitigation, design simplification and standardization, improvement in economic competitiveness, load following capability, and adaptation to climate change.