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Keywords = iterative optimization

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22 pages, 2039 KB  
Article
A Machine Learning Framework for the Prediction of Propeller Blade Natural Frequencies
by Nícolas Lima Oliveira, Afonso Celso de Castro Lemonge, Patricia Habib Hallak, Konstantinos G. Kyprianidis and Stavros Vouros
Machines 2026, 14(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines14010124 - 21 Jan 2026
Abstract
Characterization of propeller blade vibrations is essential to ensure aerodynamic performance, minimize noise emissions, and maintain structural integrity in aerospace and unmanned aerial vehicle applications. Conventional high-fidelity finite-element and fluid–structure simulations yield precise modal predictions but incur prohibitive computational costs, limiting rapid design [...] Read more.
Characterization of propeller blade vibrations is essential to ensure aerodynamic performance, minimize noise emissions, and maintain structural integrity in aerospace and unmanned aerial vehicle applications. Conventional high-fidelity finite-element and fluid–structure simulations yield precise modal predictions but incur prohibitive computational costs, limiting rapid design exploration. This paper introduces a data-driven surrogate modeling framework based on a feedforward neural network to predict natural vibration frequencies of propeller blades with high accuracy and a dramatically reduced runtime. A dataset of 1364 airfoil geometries was parameterized, meshed, and analyzed in ANSYS 2024 R2 across a range of rotational speeds and boundary conditions to generate modal responses. A TensorFlow/Keras model was trained and optimized via randomized search cross-validation over network depth, neuron counts, learning rate, batch size, and optimizer selection. The resulting surrogate achieves R2>0.90 and NRMSE<0.08 for the second and higher-order modes, while reducing prediction time by several orders of magnitude compared to full finite-element workflows. The proposed approach seamlessly integrates with CAD/CAE pipelines and supports rapid, iterative optimization and real-time decision support in propeller design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Turbomachinery)
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21 pages, 1811 KB  
Article
Data-Driven Prediction of Tensile Strength in Heat-Treated Steels Using Random Forests for Sustainable Materials Design
by Yousef Alqurashi
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18021087 - 21 Jan 2026
Abstract
Accurate prediction of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is central to the design and optimization of heat-treated steels but is traditionally achieved through costly and iterative experimental trials. This study presents a transparent, physics-aware machine learning (ML) framework for predicting UTS using an open-access [...] Read more.
Accurate prediction of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is central to the design and optimization of heat-treated steels but is traditionally achieved through costly and iterative experimental trials. This study presents a transparent, physics-aware machine learning (ML) framework for predicting UTS using an open-access steel database. A curated dataset of 1255 steel samples was constructed by combining 18 chemical composition variables with 7 processing descriptors extracted from free-text heat-treatment records and filtering them using physically justified consistency criteria. To avoid information leakage arising from repeated measurements, model development and evaluation were conducted under a group-aware validation framework based on thermomechanical states. A Random Forest (RF) regression model achieved robust, conservative test-set performance (R2 ≈ 0.90, MAE ≈ 40 MPa), with unbiased residuals and realistic generalization across diverse composition–processing conditions. Performance robustness was further examined using repeated group-aware resampling and strength-stratified error analysis, highlighting increased uncertainty in sparsely populated high-strength regimes. Model interpretability was assessed using SHAP-based feature importance and partial dependence analysis, revealing that UTS is primarily governed by the overall alloying level, carbon content, and processing parameters controlling transformation kinetics, particularly bar diameter and tempering temperature. The results demonstrate that reliable predictions and physically meaningful insights can be obtained from publicly available data using a conservative, reproducible machine-learning workflow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Materials)
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17 pages, 1938 KB  
Article
Optimal Scheduling of a Park-Scale Virtual Power Plant Based on Thermoelectric Coupling and PV–EV Coordination
by Ruiguang Ma, Tiannan Ma, Yanqiu Hou, Hao Luo, Jieying Liu, Luoyi Li, Yueping Xiang, Liqing Liao and Dan Tang
Eng 2026, 7(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7010054 - 21 Jan 2026
Abstract
This paper presents a closed-loop price–dispatch framework for park-scale virtual power plants (VPPs) with coupled electric–thermal processes under high penetrations of photovoltaics (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The outer layer clears time-varying prices for operator electricity, operator heat, and user feed-in using an [...] Read more.
This paper presents a closed-loop price–dispatch framework for park-scale virtual power plants (VPPs) with coupled electric–thermal processes under high penetrations of photovoltaics (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The outer layer clears time-varying prices for operator electricity, operator heat, and user feed-in using an improved particle swarm optimizer with adaptive coefficients and velocity clamping. Given these prices, the inner layer executes a lightweight linear source decomposition with feasibility projection that enforces transformer limits, combined heat-and-power (CHP) and boiler constraints, ramping, energy balances, and EV state-of-charge requirements. PV uncertainty is represented by a small set of scenarios and a conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) term augments the welfare objective to control tail risk. On a typical winter day case, the coordinated setting aligns EV charging with solar hours, reduces evening grid imports, and improves a social welfare proxy while maintaining interpretable price signals. Measured outcomes include 99.17% PV utilization (95.14% self-consumption and 4.03% routed to EV charging) and a reduction in EV charging cost from CNY 304.18 to CNY 249.87 (−17.9%) compared with an all-from-operator benchmark; all transformer, CHP/boiler, and EV constraints are satisfied. The price loop converges within several dozen iterations without oscillation. Sensitivity studies show that increasing risk weight lowers CVaR with modest welfare trade-offs, while wider price bounds and higher EV availability raise welfare until physical limits bind. The results demonstrate an effective, interpretable, and reproducible pathway to integrate market signals with engineering constraints in park VPP operations. Full article
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22 pages, 5115 KB  
Article
Intelligent Detection Method of Defects in High-Rise Building Facades Using Infrared Thermography
by Daiming Liu, Yongqiang Jin, Yuan Yang, Zhenyang Xiao, Zeming Zhao, Changling Gao and Dingcheng Zhang
Sensors 2026, 26(2), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020694 - 20 Jan 2026
Abstract
High-rise building facades are prone to defects due to prolonged exposure to complex environments. Infrared detection, as a commonly employed method for facade defect inspection, often results in low accuracy owing to abundant interferences and blurred defect boundaries. In this work, an intelligent [...] Read more.
High-rise building facades are prone to defects due to prolonged exposure to complex environments. Infrared detection, as a commonly employed method for facade defect inspection, often results in low accuracy owing to abundant interferences and blurred defect boundaries. In this work, an intelligent defect detection method for high-rise building facades is proposed. In the first stage of the proposed method, a segmentation model based on DeepLabV3+ is proposed to remove interferences in infrared images using masks. The model incorporates a Post-Decoder Dual-Branch Boundary Refinement Module, which is subdivided into a boundary feature optimization branch and a boundary-guided attention branch. Sub-pixel-level contour refinement and boundary-adaptive weighting are hence achieved to mitigate edge blurring induced by thermal diffusion and to enhance the perception of slender cracks and cavity edges. A triple constraint mechanism is also introduced, combining cross-entropy, multi-scale Dice, and boundary-aware losses to address class imbalance and enhance segmentation performance for small targets. Furthermore, superpixel linear iterative clustering (SLIC) is utilized to enforce regional consistency, hence improving the smoothness and robustness of predictions. In the second stage of the proposed method, a defect detection model based on YOLOV11 is proposed to process masked infrared images for detecting hollow, seepage, cracks and detachment. This work validates the proposed method using 180 infrared images collected via unmanned aerial vehicles. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a detection precision of 89.7%, an mAP@0.5 of 87.9%, and a 57.8 mAP@50-95. surpassing other algorithms and confirming its effectiveness and superiority. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)
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17 pages, 1423 KB  
Article
Residual Motion Correction in Low-Dose Myocardial CT Perfusion Using CNN-Based Deformable Registration
by Mahmud Hasan, Aaron So and Mahmoud R. El-Sakka
Electronics 2026, 15(2), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15020450 - 20 Jan 2026
Abstract
Dynamic myocardial CT perfusion imaging enables functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis and myocardial microvascular disease. However, it is susceptible to residual motion artifacts arising from cardiac and respiratory activity. These artifacts introduce temporal misalignments, distorting Time-Enhancement Curves (TECs) and leading to inaccurate [...] Read more.
Dynamic myocardial CT perfusion imaging enables functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis and myocardial microvascular disease. However, it is susceptible to residual motion artifacts arising from cardiac and respiratory activity. These artifacts introduce temporal misalignments, distorting Time-Enhancement Curves (TECs) and leading to inaccurate myocardial perfusion measurements. Traditional nonrigid registration methods can address such motion but are often computationally expensive and less effective when applied to low-dose images, which are prone to increased noise and structural degradation. In this work, we present a CNN-based motion-correction framework specifically trained for low-dose cardiac CT perfusion imaging. The model leverages spatiotemporal patterns to estimate and correct residual motion between time frames, aligning anatomical structures while preserving dynamic contrast behaviour. Unlike conventional methods, our approach avoids iterative optimization and manually defined similarity metrics, enabling faster, more robust corrections. Quantitative evaluation demonstrates significant improvements in temporal alignment, with reduced Target Registration Error (TRE) and increased correlation between voxel-wise TECs and reference curves. These enhancements enable more accurate myocardial perfusion measurements. Noise from low-dose scans affects registration performance, but this remains an open challenge. This work emphasizes the potential of learning-based methods to perform effective residual motion correction under challenging acquisition conditions, thereby improving the reliability of myocardial perfusion assessment. Full article
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23 pages, 3992 KB  
Article
A Sparse Aperture ISAR Imaging Based on a Single-Layer Network Framework
by Haoxuan Song, Xin Zhang, Taonan Wu, Jialiang Xu, Yong Wang and Hongzhi Li
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(2), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18020335 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 41
Abstract
Under sparse aperture (SA) conditions, inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging becomes a severely ill-posed inverse problem due to undersampled and noisy measurements, leading to pronounced degradation in azimuth resolution and image quality. Although deep learning approaches have demonstrated promising performance for SA-ISAR [...] Read more.
Under sparse aperture (SA) conditions, inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging becomes a severely ill-posed inverse problem due to undersampled and noisy measurements, leading to pronounced degradation in azimuth resolution and image quality. Although deep learning approaches have demonstrated promising performance for SA-ISAR imaging, their practical deployment is often hindered by black-box behavior, fixed network depth, high computational cost, and limited robustness under extreme operating conditions. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an ADMM Denoising Deep Equilibrium Framework (ADnDEQ) for SA-ISAR imaging. The proposed method reformulates an ADMM-based unfolding process as an implicit deep equilibrium (DEQ) model, where ADMM provides an interpretable optimization structure and a lightweight DnCNN is embedded as a learned proximal operator to enhance robustness against noise and sparse sampling. By representing the reconstruction process as the equilibrium solution of a single-layer network with shared parameters, ADnDEQ decouples forward and backward propagation, achieves constant memory complexity, and enables flexible control of inference iterations. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ADnDEQ framework achieves superior reconstruction quality and robustness compared with conventional layer-stacked networks, particularly under low sampling ratios and low-SNR conditions, while maintaining significantly reduced computational cost. Full article
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14 pages, 2937 KB  
Article
Development of a Workflow for Topological Optimization of Cutting Tool Milling Bodies
by Bruno Rafael Cunha, Bruno Miguel Guimarães, Daniel Figueiredo, Manuel Fernando Vieira and José Manuel Costa
Metals 2026, 16(1), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16010116 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 84
Abstract
This study establishes a systematic and reproducible workflow for topology optimization (TO) of indexable face milling cutter bodies with integrated internal coolant channels, designed for Additive Manufacturing (AM) of metallic parts. Grounded in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles, the workflow combines displacement-based [...] Read more.
This study establishes a systematic and reproducible workflow for topology optimization (TO) of indexable face milling cutter bodies with integrated internal coolant channels, designed for Additive Manufacturing (AM) of metallic parts. Grounded in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles, the workflow combines displacement-based TO and computational fluid dynamics analysis to generate simulation-driven tool geometries tailored to the constraints of AM. By leveraging iterative design knowledge, the proposed methodology enhances the scalability and repeatability of the design process, reducing development time and supporting rapid adaptation across various tool geometries. AM is explicitly exploited to integrate support-free internal coolant channels directed toward the insert cutting edge, thereby achieving a 20% mass reduction relative to the initial milling tool designs, and improving material usage efficiency at the design stage. The workflow yields numerically optimized geometries that maintain simulated global stiffness under the considered loading conditions and exhibit coolant flow distributions that effectively target the exposed cutting edges. These simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of an AM oriented, workflow-based approach for the numerical design of milling tools with internal cooling, mass reduction and provide a focused basis for subsequent experimental validation and comparison with conventionally manufactured counterparts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Manufacturing and Machining Processes of Metals)
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10 pages, 452 KB  
Proceeding Paper
A Generic Model Integrating Machine Learning and Lean Six Sigma
by Fadwa Farchi, Chayma Farchi, Badr Touzi and Charif Mabrouki
Eng. Proc. 2025, 112(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025112081 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 40
Abstract
With rapid urbanization and population growth, efficient transportation systems are increasingly crucial, particularly in sectors like healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics, which face unique challenges. In Morocco, there is a lack of studies on pharmaceutical transport, especially regarding costs and delivery conditions, creating a [...] Read more.
With rapid urbanization and population growth, efficient transportation systems are increasingly crucial, particularly in sectors like healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics, which face unique challenges. In Morocco, there is a lack of studies on pharmaceutical transport, especially regarding costs and delivery conditions, creating a need for a specialized model. This research presents the development and validation of a predictive model for optimizing urban transport in Morocco. Tested across key sectors—pharmaceuticals, agri-food, electronics, and manufactured goods—the model demonstrated strong performance, though variations emerged based on product complexity. Notably, the agri-food sector presented greater logistical challenges, while the manufacturing and electronics sectors yielded higher prediction accuracy. By integrating statistical process control (SPC) and Lean Six Sigma principles, the model ensures ongoing performance monitoring and continuous improvement. It supports cost reduction, time optimization, and lower environmental impact through enhanced route planning and delivery efficiency. The pharmaceutical sector was selected as a case study due to its critical logistical constraints, such as cold chain requirements and the need for high reliability. Python was used for model development, enabling rapid iteration and collaborative validation. The results confirm the model’s adaptability and generalizability to similar urban environments across North and Sub-Saharan Africa. The study offers a robust and scalable framework for improving transport efficiency while aligning with sustainability and smart mobility goals. Full article
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22 pages, 1240 KB  
Article
An Iterative Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for Speed Drop Compensation in Rolling Mills
by Shengyue Zong, Jiwei Chen, Yanpeng Hu and Jinyan Li
Algorithms 2026, 19(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/a19010084 - 18 Jan 2026
Viewed by 48
Abstract
In the process of steel rolling production, the speed reduction compensation of the rolling mill is a key link to ensure the stability of slab rolling and product quality. This paper proposes a hybrid compensation method that integrates motor dynamic modeling with reinforcement [...] Read more.
In the process of steel rolling production, the speed reduction compensation of the rolling mill is a key link to ensure the stability of slab rolling and product quality. This paper proposes a hybrid compensation method that integrates motor dynamic modeling with reinforcement learning to minimize mass flow error between adjacent rolling mills during slab rolling. A two-stage compensation strategy is designed, consisting of a constant-gain compensation phase followed by a decaying compensation phase, which explicitly accounts for the repetitive and consistent rolling conditions in batch slab production. Based on a motor dynamics-based theoretical model, an initial estimation of compensation parameters is first obtained, providing a physically interpretable starting point for optimization. Subsequently, a Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm is employed to iteratively refine the compensation parameters by learning from the mass flow error of each rolled slab, enabling data-driven adaptation while preserving physical consistency. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid approach significantly reduces the mass flow error and achieves stable convergence, outperforming strategies with randomly initialized parameters. The results verify the effectiveness and novelty of the proposed method in combining model-based insight with reinforcement learning for intelligent and adaptive rolling mill speed drop compensation. Full article
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18 pages, 1784 KB  
Article
Multi-Stage Topology Optimization for Structural Redesign of Railway Motor Bogie Frames
by Alessio Cascino, Enrico Meli and Andrea Rindi
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020973 - 18 Jan 2026
Viewed by 98
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive structural optimization workflow for a railway motor bogie frame, aimed at developing an innovative and lightweight design compliant with the reference European standards. The methodology integrates a two-stage topology optimization process, supported by an extensive numerical simulation campaign [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive structural optimization workflow for a railway motor bogie frame, aimed at developing an innovative and lightweight design compliant with the reference European standards. The methodology integrates a two-stage topology optimization process, supported by an extensive numerical simulation campaign and a dedicated sensitivity analysis to identify the most critical load scenarios. In the first optimization stage, a global evaluation of the frame performance revealed that increasing the number of optimization parameters leads to a rise of approximately 50% in solver iterations. Symmetry constraints proved essential for simplifying both the optimization and the subsequent geometric reconstruction. The minimum feasible feature dimension strongly affected the final solution, modifying the material distribution and enabling a mass reduction of about 18%. The second optimization stage, focused on the cross beams, highlighted the relevance of manufacturing constraints in guiding the solver toward practical configurations. Static and fatigue assessments confirmed stress distributions consistent with the original frame, providing designers with a reliable basis for future material upgrades. Finally, the dynamic analysis showed a first natural frequency above 60 Hz, with variations in the first eigenvalue within 1% and preservation of the local flexural mode shape, ensuring full compatibility with the original frame interfaces and enabling seamless replacement with the optimized configuration. Full article
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24 pages, 8612 KB  
Article
Multi-Objective Hierarchical Optimization for Suppressing Zero-Order Radial Force Waves and Enhancing Acoustic-Vibration Performance of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
by Tianze Xu, Yanhui Zhang, Weiguang Zheng, Chengtao Zhang and Huawei Wu
Energies 2026, 19(2), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19020475 - 17 Jan 2026
Viewed by 185
Abstract
To address the significant vibration and noise problems caused by the zero-order radial electromagnetic force (REF) in integer-slot permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), while simultaneously improving the motor’s overall electromagnetic performance, this paper proposes a hierarchical iterative optimization strategy integrating Taguchi methods and [...] Read more.
To address the significant vibration and noise problems caused by the zero-order radial electromagnetic force (REF) in integer-slot permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), while simultaneously improving the motor’s overall electromagnetic performance, this paper proposes a hierarchical iterative optimization strategy integrating Taguchi methods and genetic algorithms. The optimization objectives include minimizing the zero-order REF amplitude, cogging torque, and torque ripple, while maximizing the average torque, with efficiency and back electromotive force total harmonic distortion (back-EMF THD) treated as constraints. First, an 8-pole 48-slot double-layer embedded PMSM model is constructed. An innovative parameter selection strategy, combining theoretical analysis with finite-element analysis, is employed to investigate the spatial order and frequency characteristics of the electromagnetic force. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis is performed to stratify parameters: highly sensitive parameters undergo first-round optimization via the Taguchi method, followed by second-round optimization using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The results demonstrate significant reductions in both the zero-order REF amplitude and cogging torque. Specifically, the motor’s peak vibration acceleration is reduced by 32.96%, and the peak sound pressure level (SPL) drops by 9.036 dB. Vibration acceleration and sound pressure across all frequency bands are significantly reduced to varying extents, validating the effectiveness of the proposed optimization approach. Full article
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32 pages, 8317 KB  
Article
Research Progress and Frontier Trends in Generative AI in Architectural Design
by Yingli Yang, Yanxi Li, Xuefei Bai, Wei Zhang and Siyu Chen
Buildings 2026, 16(2), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020388 - 17 Jan 2026
Viewed by 101
Abstract
In recent years, with the rapid advancement of science and technology, generative artificial intelligence has increasingly entered the public eye. Primarily through intelligent algorithms that simulate human logic and integrate vast amounts of network data, it provides designers with solutions that transcend traditional [...] Read more.
In recent years, with the rapid advancement of science and technology, generative artificial intelligence has increasingly entered the public eye. Primarily through intelligent algorithms that simulate human logic and integrate vast amounts of network data, it provides designers with solutions that transcend traditional thinking, enhancing both design efficiency and quality. Compared to traditional design methods reliant on human experience, generative design possesses robust data processing capabilities and the ability to refine design proposals, significantly reducing preliminary design time. This study employs the CiteSpace visualization tool to systematically organize and conduct knowledge map analysis of research literature related to generative AI in architectural design within the Web of Science database from 2005 to 2025. Findings reveal the following: (1) International research exhibits a trend toward interdisciplinary convergence. In recent years, research in this field has grown rapidly across nations, with continuously increasing academic influence; (2) Research primarily focuses on technological applications within architectural design, aiming to drive innovation and development by providing superior, more efficient technical support; (3) Generative AI in architectural design has emerged as a prominent international research focus, reflecting a shift from isolated design to industry-wide integration; (4) Generative AI has become a core global architectural design topic, with future research advancing toward full-process intelligent collaboration. High-quality knowledge graphs tailored for the architecture industry should be constructed to overcome data silos. Concurrently, a multidimensional evaluation system for generative quality must be established to deepen the symbiotic design paradigm of human–machine collaboration. This significantly enhances efficiency while reducing the iterative nature of traditional methods. This study aims to provide empirical support for theoretical and practical advancements, offering crucial references for practitioners to identify business opportunities and policymakers to optimize relevant strategies. Full article
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15 pages, 3512 KB  
Article
Design of a Robot Vacuum Gripper Manufactured with Additive Manufacturing Using DfAM Method
by Bálint Leon Seregi, Adrián Bognár and Péter Ficzere
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020935 - 16 Jan 2026
Viewed by 147
Abstract
This study presents a Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)–driven redesign of an industrial robot vacuum gripper for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), focusing on the systematic transformation of a multi-part, machined aluminum assembly into a lightweight, support-minimized polymer component suitable for continuous industrial operation. [...] Read more.
This study presents a Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)–driven redesign of an industrial robot vacuum gripper for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), focusing on the systematic transformation of a multi-part, machined aluminum assembly into a lightweight, support-minimized polymer component suitable for continuous industrial operation. Beyond a practical redesign, the work contributes a geometry-centered DfAM methodology that links internal channel topology, overhang control, and functional interfaces to manufacturability, vacuum performance, and cost efficiency. The development follows three iterative design revisions, progressing from a geometry-adapted baseline toward a fully DfAM-optimized solution. A key innovation is the introduction of support-free internal vacuum channels with triangular cross-sections, enabling complete elimination of soluble support material within enclosed cavities. This redesign reduces the internal vacuum volume by 44%, leading to faster vacuum response while maintaining functional suction performance. The optimized overhang angles, filleted load paths, and DfAM-compliant suction cup seats significantly reduce post-processing requirements and improve structural robustness. Experimental validation under industrial operating conditions confirms that the final design achieves reliable vacuum performance and mechanical durability. Compared to the original configuration, the optimized gripper demonstrates a substantial reduction in manufacturing complexity, with printing time reduced by approximately 50% and total part cost decreased by 26%, primarily due to eliminated tooling, reduced support material, and simplified post-processing. The presented results demonstrate that DfAM principles, when applied systematically at both global and internal geometry levels, can yield quantifiable functional and economic benefits. The findings provide transferable design guidelines for support-free internal channels and functional interfaces in FDM-manufactured vacuum components, offering practical reference points for researchers and practitioners developing end-use additive manufacturing solutions in industrial automation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimized Design and Analysis of Mechanical Structure)
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33 pages, 4974 KB  
Article
AI-Enabled Sustainable Landscape Design: A Decision-Support Framework Based on “Generative-Critical” Multi-Agent
by Li Li, Xuesong Yang, Sijia Liu and Feiyang Deng
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010056 - 16 Jan 2026
Viewed by 127
Abstract
Under the dual pressures of global climate change and accelerating urbanization, landscape design has been tasked with the critical mission of enhancing urban environmental resilience and ecological livability. However, conventional design practices often struggle to efficiently integrate complex sustainability norms with aesthetic creativity, [...] Read more.
Under the dual pressures of global climate change and accelerating urbanization, landscape design has been tasked with the critical mission of enhancing urban environmental resilience and ecological livability. However, conventional design practices often struggle to efficiently integrate complex sustainability norms with aesthetic creativity, leading to a disconnect between form and function. To address this issue, this study proposes and validates an AI-enabled sustainability decision-support framework. The framework is based on a “Generative-Critical” multi-agent workflow that enables “Self-Correcting” iterative optimization of design schemes through a built-in expert knowledge base and a quantitative scorecard. The framework’s effectiveness was validated through a cultural park case study and a blind evaluation by 10 experts. It guided a design from an initial concept with only aesthetic forms and lacking effective stormwater management, to an ecologically integrated scheme that strategically incorporated bioretention ponds at key nodes and converted hard plazas into permeable pavements. This transformation significantly elevated the scheme’s sustainability score from 59.3 to 88.0 (p < 0.001), while the framework itself achieved a high system usability scale (SUS) score of 85.5. These results confirm that the proposed “Generative-Critical” mechanism can effectively guide AIGC to adhere to ecological-technical norms and constraints while pursuing aesthetic innovation, thereby achieving a scientific integration of aesthetic form and ecological function at the early conceptual design stage. This study offers a scalable methodology for AI-assisted sustainable design and provides a novel intelligent tool for creating resilient urban landscapes that possess both environmental performance and aesthetic value. Full article
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15 pages, 2092 KB  
Article
Improved NB Model Analysis of Earthquake Recurrence Interval Coefficient of Variation for Major Active Faults in the Hetao Graben and Northern Marginal Region
by Jinchen Li and Xing Guo
Entropy 2026, 28(1), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28010107 - 16 Jan 2026
Viewed by 117
Abstract
This study presents an improved Nishenko–Buland (NB) model to address systematic biases in estimating the coefficient of variation for earthquake recurrence intervals based on a normalizing function TTave. Through Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that traditional NB methods [...] Read more.
This study presents an improved Nishenko–Buland (NB) model to address systematic biases in estimating the coefficient of variation for earthquake recurrence intervals based on a normalizing function TTave. Through Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that traditional NB methods significantly underestimate the coefficient of variation when applied to limited paleoseismic datasets, with deviations reaching between 30 and 40% for small sample sizes. We developed a linear transformation and iterative optimization approach that corrects these statistical biases by standardizing recurrence interval data from different sample sizes to conform to a common standardized distribution. Application to 26 fault segments across 15 major active faults in the Hetao graben system yields a corrected coefficient of variation of α = 0.381, representing a 24% increase over the traditional method (α0 = 0.307). This correction demonstrates that conventional approaches systematically underestimate earthquake recurrence variability, potentially compromising seismic hazard assessments. The improved model successfully eliminates sampling bias through iterative convergence, providing more reliable parameters for probability distributions in renewal-based earthquake forecasting. Full article
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