• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.1672-1678
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• 2024

We introduce a creative approach combining machine learning with optimization techniques to enhance the optimization of the loading pattern (LP). Finding the optimal LP is a critical decision that impacts both the reload safety and the economic feasibility of the nuclear fuel cycle. While simulated annealing (SA) is a widely accepted technique to solve the LP optimization problem, it suffers from the drawback of high computational cost since LP optimization requires three-dimensional depletion calculations. In this note, we introduce a technique to tackle this issue by leveraging neural networks to filter out inappropriate patterns, thereby reducing the number of SA evaluations. We demonstrate the efficacy of our novel approach by constructing a machine learning-based optimization model for the LP data of the Korea Standard Nuclear Power Plant (OPR-1000).

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.20 no.10
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• pp.1541-1547
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• 2006

An efficient procedure to obtain the optimal stacking sequence and the minimum weight of stiffened laminated composite curved panels under several loading conditions and stiffener layouts has been developed based on the finite element method and the genetic algorithm that is powerful for the problem with integer variables. Often, designing composite laminates ends up with a stacking sequence optimization that may be formulated as an integer programming problem. This procedure is applied for a problem to find the stacking sequence having a maximum critical buckling load factor and the minimum weight. The object function in this case is the weight of a stiffened laminated composite shell. Three different types of stiffener layouts with different loading conditions are investigated to see how these parameters influence on the stacking sequence optimization of the panel and the stiffeners. It is noticed from the results that the optimal stacking sequence and lay-up angles vary depending on the types. of loading and stiffener spacing.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.11
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• pp.3665-3674
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• 2021

One of the important parts of the in-core fuel management is loading pattern optimization (LPO). The loading pattern optimization as a reasonable design of the in-core fuel management can improve both economic and safe aspects of the nuclear reactor. This work proposes the hybrid of fuzzy logic controller with harmony search algorithm (HS) for loading pattern optimization in a pressurized water reactor. The music improvisation process to find a pleasing harmony is inspiring the harmony search algorithm. In this work, the adjustment of the harmony search algorithm parameters such as the bandwidth and the pitch adjustment rate are increasing performance of the proposed algorithm which is done through a fuzzy logic controller. Hence, membership functions and fuzzy rules are designed to improve the performance of the HS algorithm and achieve optimal results. The objective of the method is finding an optimum core arrangement according to safety and economic aspects such as reduction of power peaking factor (PPF) and increase of effective multiplication factor (Keff). The proposed approach effectiveness has been tried in two cases, Michalewicz's bivariate function problem and NEACRP LWR core. The results show that by using fuzzy harmony search algorithm the value of the fitness function is improved by 15.35%. Finally, with regard to the new solutions proposed in this research it could be used as a trustworthy method for other optimization issues of engineering field.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.3425-3434
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• 2024

The main features of the loading pattern optimization (LPO) problem, such as high-dimensionality, multi-modality, and non-linearity, make it difficult to achieve a truly optimal configuration. In recent years, metaheuristic methods have been successfully used to solve this problem. In this research, a discrete golden eagle optimization (DGEO) algorithm has been developed to solve the LPO problem in the first cycle of VVER-1000 reactor core. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, a linear multi-purpose fitness function has been used to improve the safety parameters of the reactor core by obtaining a flatter power distribution during the first cycle, and also to enhance the economic parameters by increasing the cycle length and reducing the cost of fuel recycling. For this purpose, a FORTRAN program has been written to map the DGEO algorithm for the LPO problem using the PMAX and PARCS core calculation code to compute the fitness function in each iteration. To speed up the calculations, parallel computing has been applied in the written program. The results demonstrated that the loading pattern, which is suggested by the DGEO algorithm, enhances all the safety and economic parameters in the fitness function. Thus, the DGEO algorithm is highly reliable for the LPO problems in the VVER 1000 reactor core.

• ETRI Journal
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.50-58
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• 2007

Robust adaptive beamforming based on worst-case performance optimization is investigated in this paper. It improves robustness against steering vector mismatches by the approach of diagonal loading. A closed-form solution to optimal loading is derived after some approximations. Besides reducing the computational complexity, it shows how different factors affect the optimal loading. Based on this solution, a performance analysis of the beamformer is carried out. As a consequence, approximated closed-form expressions of the source-of-interest power estimation and the output signalto-interference-plus-noise ratio are presented in order to predict its performance. Numerical examples show that the proposed closed-form expressions are very close to their actual values.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.1194-1202
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• 2002

A study on the topology optimization of a multi-spectral camera for space-use is presented. The optimization is carried out under self-weight and polishing pressure loading. A multi-spectral camera for space-use experiences degradation of optical image in the space, which can not be detected on the optical test bench on the earth. An optical surface deformation of a primary mirror, which is a principal component of the camera system, is an important factor affecting the optical performance of the whole camera system. In this study, topology optimization of the primary mirror of the camera is presented. As an objective function, a measure of Strehl ratio is used. Total mass of the primary mirror is given as a constraint to the optimization problem. The sensitivities of the objective function and constraint are calculated by direct differentiation method. Optimization procedure is carried out by an optimality criteria method. For the light-weight primary mirror design, a three dimensional model is treated. As a preliminary example, topology optimization considering a self-weight loading is treated. In the second example, the polishing pressure is also included as a loading in the topology optimization of the mirror. Results of the optimized design topology for the mirror with various mass constraints are presented.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.920-925
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• 2001

A study on the topology optimization of a multi-spectral camera for space-use is presented. A multi-spectral camera for space-use experiences degradation of optical image in the space, which can not be detected on the optical test bench on the earth. An optical surface deformation of a primary mirror, which is a principal component of the camera system, under the self-weight loading is an important factor affecting the optical performance of the whole camera system. In this study, topology optimization of the primary mirror of the camera is presented. Total mass of the primary mirror is given as a constraint to the optimization problem. The sensitivities of the objective function and constraint are calculated by direct differentiation method. Optimization procedure is carried out by an optimality criterion method using the sensitivities of the objective function and the constraint. As a preliminary example, topology optimization considering a self-weight loading is treated. For practical use, the polishing pressure is included as a loading in the topology optimization of the primary mirror. Results of the optimized design topology for the primary mirror with varying mass ratios are presented.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.489-508
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• 2015

In this paper, a novel methodology is proposed to obtain optimum location of outriggers. The method utilizes genetic algorithm (GA) for shape and size optimization of outrigger-braced tall structures. In spite of previous studies (simplified methods), current study is based on exact modeling of the structure in a computer program developed on Matlab in conjunction with OpenSees. In addition to that, exact wind loading distribution is calculated in accordance with ASCE 7-10. This is novel since in previous studies wind loading distributions were assumed to be uniform or triangular. Also, a new penalty coefficient is proposed which is suitable for optimization of tall buildings. Newly proposed penalty coefficient improves the performance of GA and results in a faster convergence. Optimum location and number of outriggers is investigated. Also, contribution of factors like central core and outrigger rigidity is assessed by analyzing several design examples. According to the results of analysis, exact wind load distribution and modeling of all structural elements, yields optimum designs which are in contrast of simplified methods results. For taller frames significant increase of wind pressure changes the optimum location of outriggers obtained by simplified methods. Ratio of optimum location to the height of the structure for minimizing weight and satisfying serviceability constraints is not a fixed value. Ratio highly depends on height of the structure, core and outriggers stiffness and lateral wind loading distribution.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.71 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

This study investigates optimum designs of steel space truss towers under seismic loading by using Jaya optimization algorithm. Turkish Earthquake Code (2007) specifications are applied on optimum designs of steel space truss towers under the seismic loading for different local site classes depending on different soil groups. The proposed novel algorithm does not have any algorithm-specific control parameters and depends only a simple revision equation. Therefore, it provides a practical solution for structural optimization problems. Optimum solutions of the different steel truss examples are carried out by selecting suitable W sections taken from American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). In order to obtain optimum solutions, a computer program is coded in MATLAB in corporated with SAP2000-OAPI (Open Application Programming Interface). The stress and displacement constraints are applied on the design problems according to AISC-ASD (Allowable Stress Design) specifications. Firstly, a benchmark truss problem is examined to see the efficiency of Jaya optimization algorithm. Then, two different multi-element truss towers previously solved with other methods without seismic loading in literature are designed by the proposed algorithm. The first space tower is a 582-member space truss with the height of 80 m and the second space tower is a 942-member space truss of about 95 m height. The minimum optimum designs obtained with this novel algorithm for the case without seismic loading are lighter than the ones previously attained in the literature studies. The results obtained in the study show that Jaya algorithm is a practical and robust optimization method for structural optimization problems. Moreover, incorporation of the seismic loading causes significant increase in the minimum design weight.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.277-298
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• 2019

Concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) column joints with composite beams have been widely used as lateral loading resisting elements in civil infrastructure. To better utilize these innovative joints for the application of structural seismic design and analysis, it is of great importance to investigate the dynamic behavior of the joint under cyclic loading. With this aim in mind, a novel phenomenal model has been put forward in this paper, in which a Bouc-Wen hysteresis component is employed to portray the strength and stiffness deterioration phenomenon caused by increment of loading cycle. Then, a modified chicken swarm optimization algorithm was used to estimate the optimal model parameters via solving a global minimum optimization problem. Finally, the experimental data tested from five specimens subjected to cyclic loadings were used to validate the performance of the proposed model. The results effectively demonstrate that the proposed model is an easy and more realistic tool that can be used for the pre-design of CFST column joints with reduced beam section (RBS) composite beams.