The Optimum Shape

This book contains the papers presented at the International Symposium, "The Optimum Shape: Automated Structural Design," held at the General Motors Research Laboratories on September 3D-October 1, 1985. This was the 30th symposium in a series which the Research Laboratories began sponsoring in 1957. Each symposium has focused on a topic that is both under active study at the Research Laboratories and is also of interest to the larger technical community. While attempts to produce a structure which performs a certain task with the minimum amount of resources probably predates recorded civilization, the idea of coupling formal optimization techniques with computer-based structural analysis techniques was first proposed in the early 1960s. Although it was recognized at this time that the most fundamental description of the problem would be in terms of the shape or contours of the structure, much of the early work described the problem in terms of structural sizing parameters instead of geometrical descriptions. Within the past few years, several research groups have started to explore this more fundamental area of shape design. Initial research has raised many new questions about appropriate selection of design variables, methods of calculating derivatives, and generation of the underlying analysis problem.

The variations of parameters method was used to determine the optimum nose shape for a reentry vehicle having a transpiration-cooled nosetip (TCNT). Three families of nose shapes were considered - The oblate ellipsoid, the flat face - round shoulder, and the spherical arc - round shoulder. These families are bounded by the flat face - sharp corner at one extreme and the hemisphere at the other extreme. The amount of coolant required by each nose shape during reentry was determined by using a high speed computer to couple the aerodynamic equations with the trajectory equations. The optimum shape is the shape which requires the least amount of coolant for reentry. The flat face - sharp corner shape was found to require the least amount of coolant, about 60 percent less water than the hemisphere. Although the time to impact is longer for the flat face, the smaller surface area and lower heating intensity more than offsets the increased reentry time. The possibility of an optimum flat face height was also investigated; no face height was found that minimized the total heating to the vehicle during reentry. (Author).

Fitness expert Glenn Marcella shows adults how to get in the best shape of their lives by simply acting like a child. Readers will quickly learn that the solution to weight gain, declining physical fitness and depression is so completely uncomplicated that not only would a child understand it, but children themselves, provide the solution. Without a gym membership or the use of equipment, adults of all fitness levels will be guided through a demanding and fun, head-to-toe workout inspired by simple games, activities and movements thought to be reserved only for children. The no-nonsense workouts are broken down in to 10, 20 and 30 minute options and can be performed outdoors, indoors, solo or with partners.

This book contains the papers presented at the International Symposium, "The Optimum Shape: Automated Structural Design," held at the General Motors Research Laboratories on September 3D-October 1, 1985. This was the 30th symposium in a series which the Research Laboratories began sponsoring in 1957. Each symposium has focused on a topic that is both under active study at the Research Laboratories and is also of interest to the larger technical community. While attempts to produce a structure which performs a certain task with the minimum amount of resources probably predates recorded civilization, the idea of coupling formal optimization techniques with computer-based structural analysis techniques was first proposed in the early 1960s. Although it was recognized at this time that the most fundamental description of the problem would be in terms of the shape or contours of the structure, much of the early work described the problem in terms of structural sizing parameters instead of geometrical descriptions. Within the past few years, several research groups have started to explore this more fundamental area of shape design. Initial research has raised many new questions about appropriate selection of design variables, methods of calculating derivatives, and generation of the underlying analysis problem.

Optimization methodologies are fundamental instruments to tackle the complexity of today's engineering processes. Engineering Optimization 2014 is dedicated to optimization methods in engineering, and contains the papers presented at the 4th International Conference on Engineering Optimization (ENGOPT2014, Lisbon, Portugal, 8-11 September 2014). The book will be of interest to engineers, applied mathematicians, and computer scientists working on research, development and practical applications of optimization methods in engineering.

The Intelligent Systems Series comprises titles that present state-of-the-art knowledge and the latest advances in intelligent systems. Its scope includes theoretical studies, design methods, and real-world implementations and applications. Flexible manipulators play a critical role in applications in a diverse range of fields, such as construction automation, environmental applications, and space engineering. Due to the complexity of the link deformation and dynamics, the research effort on accurate modeling and high performance control of flexible manipulators has increased dramatically in recent years. This book presents analysis, data and insights that will of particular use for researchers and engineers working on the optimization and control of robotic manipulators and automation systems. Government and industry groups have specifically stressed the importance of innovation in robotics, manufacturing automation, and control systems for maintaining innovation and high-value-added manufacturing Discusses the latest research on the quantitative effects of size, shape, mass distribution, tip load, on the dynamics and operational performance of flexible manipulators Presents unique analyses critical to the effective modeling and optimization of manipulators: hard to find data unavailable elsewhere

Fluid mechanics is a core component of many undergraduate engineering courses. It is essential for both students and lecturers to have a comprehensive, highly illustrated textbook, full of exercises, problems and practical applications to guide them through their study and teaching. Engineering Fluid Mechanics By William P. Grabel is that book The ISE version of this comprehensive text is especially priced for the student market and is an essential textbook for undergraduates (particularly those on mechanical and civil engineering courses) designed to emphasis the physical aspects of fluid mechanics and to develop the analytical skills and attitudes of the engineering student. Example problems follow most of the theory to ensure that students easily grasp the calculations, step by step processes outline the procedure used, so as to improve the students' problem solving skills. An Appendix is included to present some of the more general considerations involved in the design process. The author also links fluid mechanics to other core engineering courses an undergraduate must take (heat transfer, thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, statistics and dynamics) wherever possible, to build on previously learned knowledge.