Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for a building is optimized while maximizing a comfort of occupants and minimizing energy consumption. The building is modeled as a network of nodes and edges, wherein the nodes represent rooms, and the edges represent walls. Dynamics of temperatures and humidity in the rooms and the temperature of the walls and the building are modeled using differential equations and the network. The comfort of the occupants is modeled by a predicted mean vote (PMV). The minimizing is formulated as an optimal control problem, which is discretized using an integration technique to obtain a finite dimensional optimization problem. Then, the finite dimensional optimization problem is solved using sparse linear algebra until convergence.

Abstract: A novel probabilistic method for analyzing high cycle fatigue (HCF) in a design of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The method may comprise identifying a component of the gas turbine engine for high cycle fatigue analysis, inputting parametric data of the component over a predetermined parameter space into at least one computer processor, using the at least one computer processor to build a plurality of flexible models of the component based on the parametric data of the component over the predetermined parameter space, using the at least one computer processor to build a plurality of emulators of the component based on the plurality of flexible models, and using the at least one computer processor to predict a probability of HCF based at least in part on the parametric data of the component over the predetermined parameter space and the plurality of emulators.

Abstract: A spindle with a composite material spindle housing insert and a composite material spindle shaft insert is disclosed where housing characteristics of the housing insert are calculated to match the spindle characteristics of the spindle shaft to provide optimum spindle performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating differential or difference equations that can govern a nonlinear, time-varying and parameter-varying dynamic process or system. The methods and systems for estimating the equations may be based upon estimations of observed outputs and, when desired, input data for the equations. The methods and systems can be utilized with any system or process that may be capable of being described with nonlinear, time-varying and parameter-varying difference equations and can used for automated extraction of the difference equations in describing detailed system or method behavior for use in system control, fault detection, state estimation and prediction and adaptation of the same to changes in a system or method.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a deformable object comprises modeling deformable elasticity for the object by defining an actual shape and a goal shape and pulling points in the goal shape towards corresponding points in the goal shape.

Abstract: Crashworthiness designing of a structure using a Hybrid Cellular Automata (HCA) algorithm where field states are computed using finite element analysis (FEA) and the material distribution of the structure is updated at each iteration using cellular automata method. The HCA algorithm optimizes the topology of the structures to achieve certain performance within the limits of various constraints applied to ensure crashworthiness of the structures. The HCA algorithm may also be applied to designing of structures to be fabricated by an extrusion method having the same cross section along the direction of extrusion or stamped structures having thickness varying across the structure.

Abstract: A multiple application automated test set (MAATS) system can simulate the operation of a power plant. To simulate the operation of the power plant, the MAATS system can be configured to “stand in” for the power plant by receiving the control signals from a controller and by generating electrical signals, readable by the controller, that represent the operating parameters and conditions of the power plant.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of designing a nuclear reactor of a given reactor plant, an initial, test reactor core design is generated for the given plant based on a plurality of limits input by a user. The limits include a plurality of transient licensing constraints to be satisfied for operating the given plant. The method includes selecting, from a set of automated tools, one or more automated tools to evaluate the test core design, and operating one of more of selected automated tools to output data for display to the user. The displayed data is related to a core design that satisfies the limits inclusive of the transient licensing constraints.

Abstract: Systems and methods for populating a design model for engineering, design, and construction projects are described. The design model contains a 3D representation of an assembled structure. Each structural component within the assembled structure has a set of physical attributes that are electronically stored as design model objects. Additional information about each structural component is electronically supplied by a detailer as detailing model objects. The detailing model objects are imported into the design model using a utility tool. The utility tool comprises a processor and executable code that is configured to: (i) correlate the design and detailing model objects; and (ii) recommend to a user which detailing objects should be imported into the design model. The utility tool correlates physical attributes (e.g., location, section size, section type) rather than unique identification numbers, thus allowing the design model to be populated without relying on identification numbers.

Abstract: A processing system, method, and program for a modeling system. A math equation including a differential equation is prepared. A CAS solves the differential equation normally and by using an interval coefficient in accordance with an interval analysis technique. A coefficient vector of the two solutions are compared to determine if a distance between the vectors is equal to or less than a preset value, and if so, the CAS solves the math equation including a differential equation with the target coefficient set to zero. The coefficient vectors of the solution thus obtained and the normally solved solution are compared to determine if the distance between the vectors is equal to or less than a preset value, and if so, the differential equation is simplified by omitting a term of the target coefficient from the differential equation.

Abstract: There is provided a motion-based design system and a method for use in producing a motion-based design of a mechanical object. In one implementation, such a method includes identifying a motion curve associated with a movement by an articulated structure corresponding to the mechanical object, and mapping the motion curve to a mechanical sub-assembly. The mapping is performed based on a previously characterized trajectory of the mechanical sub-assembly and the similarity of that trajectory to the motion curve. The method also includes utilizing the first mechanical sub-assembly to substantially replicate the motion curve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of monitoring performance of a process and of the condition of equipment units effecting such process is disclosed. A process model predicated upon mass and energy balancing is developed on the basis of a plurality of generally nonlinear models of the equipment units. At least one or more of such equipment models are characterized by one or more adjustable maintenance parameters. Data relating to mass and energy transfer within the process is collected and is reconciled with the mass and energy characteristics of the process predicted by the model. The condition of the equipment units and process performance may then be inferred by monitoring the values of the maintenance parameters over successive data reconciliation operations.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a computer implemented method includes: accepting a set of user input composite material properties, including a composite modulus in a first direction, a composite modulus in a second direction normal to the first direction, a composite shear modulus in a plane that includes the first direction and the second direction, and a composite Poisson ratio in a plane that includes the first direction and the second direction; accepting a user input composite microstructure; and automatically compute adjusted material properties of all constituents of the composite material, wherein a set of consistent fixed constituent property constraints are utilized to obtain the adjusted material property.

Abstract: A contact defining device includes: a component moving unit that moves a component represented by data of a surface region in a 3D model in a predetermined direction; an overlap determination unit that determines whether or not the surface region of the component moved by the component moving unit includes an overlapping area that overlaps the surface region of another component; and a contact defining unit that, when a determination is made by the overlap determination unit that the surface region of the component includes the overlapping area that overlaps the surface region of another component, defines the overlapping area as a contact area with the another component.

Abstract: A method for selecting a bottomhole assembly, including performing a first dynamic simulation of a first bottomhole assembly, performing at least a second dynamic simulation of the first bottomhole assembly, in which the at least a second dynamic simulation includes a different constraint than the first dynamic simulation, and outputting results for both the first dynamic simulation and the second dynamic simulation, in which the results include at least one output showing performance as a function of position along the bottomhole assembly.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented process modeling and simulating environment, an analyzer receives a process model with parameters in combination with data from previous or planned process performances. An analyzer receives a simulation target from a user, calculates evaluation results that represent the influence of the parameters in view of the simulation target, and presents the evaluation results as indicators to the user. Upon receiving modifications to the performance data, the process is simulated with modified performance data. Alternatively, the evaluation results are converted to computer instructions to automatically modify the process parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for developing an intrusion detection zone substantially surrounding mobile components of a robot, training a model of the robot to accept selected intrusions into the intrusion detection zone, and, during application operations, triggering an application interrupt upon detecting an unexpected intrusion.

Abstract: A simulation environment for running a process simulation used to validate an industrial control program. The simulation environment exposes the I/O module configurations defined in the control program and retrieves module configuration information therefrom. This I/O module configuration information is combined with generic, module-specific I/O module profiles to create a pool of available controller I/O points, which can be selectively associated with I/O points in the simulation to create an I/O point mapping. During control program validation, simulated I/O data is exchanged between the process simulation and the I/O module instances in the controller in accordance with the I/O point mapping.

Abstract: A prediction method according to the present invention is a method for predicting a modal damping ratio of a composite head including two or more kinds of materials including a first material and a second material. The method includes the steps of: presuming at least a coefficient Px of a generalized Maxwell model M1 in the first material using a known material damping ratio ?1; obtaining a calculation model of the head using the generalized Maxwell model M1; and calculating the modal damping ratio of the head based on analysis of the head using the calculation model. Preferably, the Maxwell model is further used also for the second material. Preferably, the method further includes the step of presuming a coefficient Py of a generalized Maxwell model M2 in the second material using a known material damping ratio ?2.

Abstract: An arrangement for verifying a real model by using a virtual model is provided. The arrangement comprises a real model which has a real coordinate system, a virtual model which has a virtual coordinate system, a first position determination element, which is applied in/on the real model in a defined manner, and a real tool element, which is arranged in the real model. A position and/or orientation of the real tool element in the real model can be determined relative to the first position determination element. An operation of the real tool element can be triggered in the real model, and the operation of the real tool element can be imaged in the virtual model. The operation of the real tool element in the real model and the imaged operation in the virtual model can be logically or functionally assigned to one another.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a volume of activation (VOA) may include a processor that displays via a display device a model of a portion of a patient anatomy that includes anatomical structures, displays via the display device and overlying the display of the model a VOA associated by the processor with a set of anatomical stimulation parameter settings, the display of the VOA, and graphically identifies interactions between the displayed VOA and a first subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation benefits and a second subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation side effects, where the graphical identifications differ depending on whether the interaction is with the first subset or the second subset.

Abstract: A method for model-based control of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. An operating point of the gas turbine engine is generated from measured parameters using a component-level model. The component-level model is analytically linearized by taking the first partial derivative of output parameters of each component with respect to input parameters of each component, and evaluating the result at the operating point. Components of the linearized component-level model are combined to form a combined perturbational model of the gas turbine engine, which is inverted to solve for control commands as a function of target parameters and measured parameters.

Abstract: A Modeling, Design, Analysis, Simulation, and Evaluation (MDASE) aspects of gyrocompassing in relation to Far-Target Location (FTL) systems include a Gyrocompass Modeling and Simulation System (GMSS). The GMSS is a modularized software system which has four major components: the 6DOF Motion Simulator, the IMU Sensor Simulator, the Gyrocompass System and Calibration Process Simulator, the Gyrocompass System Evaluation and Analysis Module. Each module has one or two graphic user interfaces (GUIs) as user interfaces for simulation components selection and parameter setting. The realization of the GMSS is based on any computer platforms, for it is written in high level language and tools and is portable. The stochastic signal analysis and sensor testing and modeling tools includes a suite of generic statistical analysis software, including Allan Variance and PSD analysis tools, which are available to every GMSS module and greatly enhanced the system functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for determining a time-to-failure of an asset. A probabilistic non-linear model of a limit state of the asset is simulated and approximated by a predetermined set of particles. A numerical scheme for computation of a conditional probability distribution of a size of the defect, based on a value of the limit state is evaluated. A set of future values of a weight factor of each particle is predicted based on an initial assigned value. The predicted set of future values can be updated on capturing a new set of inspection data. A probability of the time-failure of the asset is estimated by summing the weight factor of a set of particles, the set of particles comprising particles at which the limit state is less than a zero limit threshold.

Abstract: Tissue and vessel treatment devices and respective methods are provided. Devices comprise a flexible treatment layer that comprises a plurality of operable elements configured to be activated to apply the treatment to the obstruction upon bending of the flexible treatment layer beyond a specified curvature threshold and to be de-activated upon a specified decrease of the bending. The treatment layer may comprise optical fiber(s) with the operable elements as emission regions that emit electromagnetic radiation from the core upon bending the optical fiber beyond a specified bending threshold. Devices may be configured as vessel sealing tips for surgical forceps, in which the treatment layer is configured to yield vessel welding and vessel cutting effects.

Abstract: An electrical generation system. A floating vessel is anchored in flowing water. Inlets in the hull of the vessel capture flowing water and direct the water to one or more turbines. The system is designed so that all flows are two-dimensional to the extent possible. The latter feature greatly simplifies both design and construction.

Abstract: A device for synthesizing an electrical and electronic architecture (100) of a complete product (1) that is to satisfy given requirements. The device has first means (10) for representing said product to subdivide the product into a plurality of zones and to reserve a network of pathways allocated to said wired connections, second means (20) for drawing up a list of equipment (60) to be installed in said product (1), said list comprising, for each piece of equipment (60), the zones in which the equipment may be arranged, third means (500) for drawing up at least one functional scheme, including information relating to the wired connections (80) leaving the equipment (60) and to their destinations, fourth means (30) for placing each piece of equipment (60) in a zone (14) and for routing and fifth means (40) for evaluating said architecture (100) to determine whether it is compatible with said requirements, and to store the architecture and the evaluation in memory.

Abstract: A control device including a simulation unit to simulate behaviors of a virtual mechanical system, and a drive control unit to control driving of servomotors based on the simulation results, is provided. The virtual mechanical system includes a first drive module, a first main shaft module connected to the first drive module, and a plurality of power transmission subsystems, each of which is connected to the first main shaft module and is associated with one of the servomotors respectively. Each of the power transmission subsystems includes an output module. The servomotor associated with the power transmission subsystem is driven according to a simulated result of input into the output module.

Abstract: A system includes a host application configured to receive a component model representing a vehicle component. The component model includes a body having a concave portion and/or a convex portion that defines a fluid retainer. A detection tool in communication with the host application is configured to determine a size and location of the fluid retainer. The detection tool is further configured to associate the size of the fluid retainer to a design rule and calculate a value representing a minimum hole size that will allow fluid to flow into or out of the fluid retainer in accordance with the design rule.

Abstract: In order to be able to simulate a development system of a complex development environment, such as a test bench environment for motor, drive train, transmission, vehicle component, or vehicle development, utilizing an automation device and development tools in a continuous and reproducible manner, device models (7) generating development data (23) run in a simulation device (6), wherein the device models (7) at least partially process simulation data (24) from a test model (20), and a number of real development tools (5) are connected to an automation device (4) and/or to the simulation device (6) via real interfaces, and development tools (5) process the development data (23).

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and computer readable storage medium provide the ability to create a geometric model in a computer-aided design (CAD) application. Direct graphical manipulation via user interaction is used to create the geometric model in the CAD application. The direct graphical manipulation is captured, without additional user input, as one or more lines of script code as if the user is writing the script code. The captured script code is integrated into an environment hosted by the CAD application. The script code is then displayed where it can be modified. The modification of the script code acts to modify the geometric model.

Abstract: A piping analysis system capable of generating proposed piping support assemblies when off-the-self part is unavailable is presented. Contemplated analysis systems comprise a piping modeling system, which models a piping infrastructure as piping nodes having attributes describing the nature of the nodes. A piping support assembly design engine aggregates the attribute information from piping nodes and correlates the attributes with known materials that might be applicable for constructing the proposed assemblies. The design engine generates a proposed assembly and configures an output device to present the assembly along with a likelihood representing feasibility that the proposed assembly can in fact be designed or manufactured.

Abstract: Methods of designing an earth-boring tool are described, including calculating one or more performance parameters based on drilling conditions, a plurality of wear state values, and a set of values of other design variables. Methods of enhancing a performance parameter in the design of an earth-boring tool are also described, including calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a plurality of wear state values and a first set of values of other design variables, calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on the plurality of wear state values and a second set of values of design variables different than the first set, and comparing the calculated performance parameters to determine which of the first and the second set is closer to a target range or value across a range of the plurality of wear state values. Related methods of forming an earth-boring tool are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of conducting a drilling operation are provided. One embodiment of the method includes drilling a borehole, predicting a value of a first parameter relating to the drilling of the borehole using a geomechanical model, estimating a value of a second parameter from measurements taken by a sensor, updating the geomechanical model based at least in part on the estimated value of the second parameter, predicting a second value of the first parameter using the updated geomechanical model, and altering a drilling parameter for drilling the borehole based on the predicted second value of the first parameter.

Abstract: Virtual material handling systems can be used to drive the operation of real material handling systems for purposes such as testing and validation of the components of the real material handling systems. The real material handling system, in turn, can provide data regarding system operation which may be fed back to the virtual material handling system to control its function.

Abstract: A method for designing a secondary cutting structure for use in a bottom hole assembly, the method including defining initial design parameters for the secondary cutting structure and analyzing forces acting on the secondary cutting structure. Additionally, the method includes modifying at least one design element of the secondary cutting structure and simulating an effect of the modifying on both the secondary cutting structure and a primary cutting structure to determine if an improved condition is met. Also, a method for designing a drilling tool assembly, the method including defining initial drilling tool assembly design parameters including a primary cutting structure and a secondary cutting structure, and simulating a dynamic response of the drilling tool assembly.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for modeling movement of air underneath a floor of a data center. Embodiments include receiving, by a management system, from a plurality of environmental condition sensors, environmental condition information corresponding to an area underneath the floor of the data center; in dependence upon the environmental condition information, generating, by the management system, a model representing movement of air within the area underneath the floor of the data center; and indicating, by the management system, physical obstacles underneath the floor of the data center based on the model of the movement of air.

Abstract: A three-dimensional simulation apparatus includes a memory configured to store form information of a sheet flexible object model formed of first polygons and another object model, an interference determination unit configured to determine whether the sheet flexible object model formed of the first polygons in three-dimensional simulation space interferes with the other object model on the basis of the form information stored in the storage unit, a polygon creation unit configured to form second polygons by dividing the sheet flexible object model in a longitudinal direction when it is determined that the sheet flexible object model interferes with the other object model, and a shape computation unit configured to determine a shape of the sheet flexible object model using the formed second polygons in consideration of a shape of the other object model.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented method and system intended for designing an assembly of a plurality of objects. The assembly is modeled by a directed acyclic modeling graph having nodes and arcs. Each node represents an object of the assembly. Each arc represents the use of an end node by an origin node. At least one arc is uniquely identified by an identifier. The assembly is further modeled by at least one relation having at least one tuple containing a first chain of at least one identifier. The method comprises determining at least one mapping between the first chain and a second chain of at least one identifier as well as substituting at least one occurrence of the first chain in the tuple of the relation with the second chain. The invention provides a means to repair broken tuples automatically and thus to facilitate design.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless determining non-uniformities of a loaded wheel, comprising the steps of determining outer contour of at least a portion of the unloaded wheel; simulating loading of the wheel with a virtual loading element bearing against the tire tread for a plurality of rotary positions of the wheel on the basis of the determined outer contour, a displacement of the determined outer contour caused by the virtual loading element and a predetermined spring rate associated to the tire tread; and determining non-uniformities of the loaded wheel using the simulation results.

Abstract: A Modeling, Design, Analysis, Simulation, and Evaluation (MDASE) aspects of gyrocompassing in relation to Far-Target Location (FTL) systems include a Gyrocompass Modeling and Simulation System (GMSS). The GMSS has four major components: the 6 degree-of-freedom (6DOF) Motion Simulator, the IMU Sensor Simulator, the Gyrocompass System and Calibration Process Simulator, and the Gyrocompass System Evaluation and Analysis Module. The modular architecture of GMSS makes it very flexible for programming, testing, and system maintenance. The realization of the GMSS can be based on any computer platforms for the GMSS software is written in high level language and is portable. The stochastic signal analysis and sensor testing and modeling tools comprise a suite of generic statistical analysis software, including Allan Variance and power spectral density (PSD) analysis tools, which are available to every GMSS module and greatly enhanced the system functionality.

Abstract: An application operation simulation device including a specification section that specifies positions of nozzles with respect to a spray device and injection shapes of injected materials; an interference point calculation section that performs a working program of a robot including instructions for outputting the injected materials to operate a three-dimensional model of the robot by simulation and calculate interference points between three-dimensional models of the injection shapes and a three-dimensional model of an applied member; an interference number calculation section that calculates the number of interference at each interference point on a surface of the three-dimensional model of the applied member; an application time calculation section that calculates application time from the number of interference; and a display section that displays the color-coded surface of the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: A simulation device for generating an answer to a question inputted thereto. A communication unit is configured to input a selected question associated with a first criterion and a second criterion. A generating unit is configured to generate a copy of a continuously updated environment model. A generating unit is configured to generate a simulation scenario, depending upon the first criterion. A modifying unit is configured to modify the generated simulation scenario. An applying unit is configured to apply the modified generated simulation scenario to the generated copy of the continuously updated environment model. A simulating unit is configured to perform a simulation process in accordance with the second criterion. An answering unit is configured to answer information, depending upon a result of the simulation process.

Abstract: Provided is a method of estimating a load carrying capacity of a bridge. The load carrying capacity estimation method includes the steps of: estimating a mode coefficient of the bridge using an acceleration signal obtained from an accelerometer that is installed in the bridge; updating an analysis model of the bridge using the estimated mode coefficient; and estimating a rating factor of the bridge by applying a dead load and a design live load to the updated analysis model.

Abstract: A method for determining the orientation of a first object in space, wherein the first, object is interactive with a second object, the method, comprising the steps of: using kinematic action to generate a first data sot reflective of the current spatial relationship between the first object and the second object; and comparing the first data set with a database of known data sets reflective of known, spatial relationships between the first object and the second object, in space so as to identify the current orientation of the first object in space.

Abstract: A computerized method for creating a 2D or 3D finite element model of a rubber composite of a rubber matrix and fillers is disclosed. In the case of the 2D finite element model, a primary finite element model of the rubber composite is first created by defining a rubber matrix model of the rubber matrix and filler models of the fillers by the use of rectangular elements. Then, a second finite element model as the target 2D finite element model is created by moving boundary nodes positioned at boundaries between the rubber matrix model and filler models in the primary finite element model so that concavity and convexity of the surface of each filler model becomes less, whereby, in the second finite element model, some of the rectangular elements including the moved boundary nodes are deformed, but the rest of the rectangular elements are not deformed.

Abstract: A method for predicting time-lapse seismic timeshifts in a three-dimensional geomechanical system including defining physical boundaries for the geomechanical system. In addition, one or more reservoir characteristics such as pore pressure and/or temperature history are acquired from multiple wells within the physical boundaries. The method also includes determining whether a formation in the geomechanical system is in an elastic regime or a plastic regime. The method also includes obtaining first and second seismic data sets for the geomechanical system, taken at first and second times. The method also includes running a geomechanical simulation to simulate the effects of changes in pore pressure or other reservoir characteristic on time-lapse seismic timeshifts in the formation.

Abstract: A piston sensor data acquisition system is provided. The system includes a piston for an internal combustion engine, a data acquisition computer and a data telemetry system. The piston includes a crown and a sensor. The piston crown includes an upper surface defining a bowl region, a side portion and a lower surface. The sensor is at least partially coated by a visualization material, and is disposed at a location within the piston crown. The data acquisition computer includes a processor and a memory to store the sensor location, determined by a visualization process, and sensor data received from the sensor. The data telemetry system is coupled to the sensor and the data acquisition computer, and may be wired or wireless. A modeling computer may be coupled to the data acquisition computer over a network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer-aided design (CAD) application configured for generating interactive truss objects in a CAD model. In one embodiment, a truss creation tool allows the user to select a truss family and the endpoints of the truss. Based on these selections, the truss creation tool generates a layout and structural members of a truss. The truss may be maintained as an interactive object within the CAD model. Thus, a user may edit the truss object, resulting in the regeneration of the truss layout and the regeneration of the structural elements of the truss.

Abstract: A simulation environment for running a process simulation used to validate an industrial control program. The simulation environment exposes the I/O module configurations defined in the control program and retrieves module configuration information therefrom. This I/O module configuration information is combined with generic, module-specific I/O module profiles to create a pool of available controller I/O points, which can be selectively associated with I/O points in the simulation to create an I/O point mapping. During control program validation, simulated I/O data is exchanged between the process simulation and the I/O module instances in the controller in accordance with the I/O point mapping.