This paper presents a stochastic direct search method for topology optimization of continuum structures. In a systematic approach requiring repeated evaluations of the objective function, the element exchange method (EEM) eliminates the less influential solid elements by switching them into void elements and converts the more influential void elements into solid resulting in an optimal 0–1 topo...

A new class of polymeric piezoelectric bimorph actuators, called C-blocks because of their curved shape, has been developed to overcome limitations of conventional bimorph and stack piezoelectric configurations. Design tradeoffs are investigated in the current research using various performance criteria such as maximum deflection, force, and strain energy. The set of design variables to optimiz...

In this paper, the solution of a moving Volterra-type screw dislocation in an orthotropic layer, bonded between two piezoelectric layers is obtained using complex Fourier transform. The dislocation solution is then employed as strain nuclei to derive singular integral equations for a medium weakened by multiple moving cracks. These equations, which are classified as, Cauchy singular equations, ...

This paper is concerned with a novel, fully variational formulation for finite deformation analysis of inelastic membranes with wrinkling. In contrast to conventional approaches, every aspect of the physical problem derives from minimization of suitable energy functionals. A variational formulation of finite strain plasticity theory, which leads to a minimization problem for the constitutive up...

Land leveling is one of the most important steps in soil preparation for consequent objectives.  Parallel policies need to take both energy and environmental subjects into the account as well as certain financial development and eco-friendly protection. Energy is one of the most important elements in agricultural sector. Nevertheless, pollution is linked with the usage of fossil fuels (particul...

concrete is one of the most widely used materials in construction industry. many large and important structures such as power plants, bridges, dams and buildings employ concrete as main material. propagation of crack is considered one of the main reasons in failure of concrete structures. the process of formation and crack growth is one of the major and complex issues in concrete, because concr...

The butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA) is a novel meta-heuristic algorithm, inspired by the intelligence foraging performance of butterflies. aim current research to minimize energy consumption an office building in Seattle using BOA. A heat transfer model was modeled EnergyPluse software and annual demand computed. two-way coupling established between takes into account non-linear interact...

the effect of feeding different protein profiles on growth performance, carcass components and nitrogen content of litter in cobb 500 broiler strain was evaluated using 800 chicks in a completely randomized design with four treatments, five replicates groups of 40 birds per each treatment. the treatments were consisted of four protein feeding profiles (based on cobb strain nutrition guide, reco...