The impact of design development on the overall success of a business positions the area as an important performance improvement opportunity. However, design development is exemplified by novelty and non-repeatability, characteristics which provide particular challenges in the definition, measurement and management of performance with a view to improvement.

Design Performance scrutinizes the support for improvement in design development provided by research into general business processes and design in particular. The nature of design development in industrial practice is explored and requirements for its modelling and analysis are highlighted. The methods employed encapsulate a formalism composed of three models: E2 formalises and relates the effectiveness and efficiency of a design; Design Activity Management distinguishes design and design management in terms of the knowledge processed in each activity; Performance Measurement and Management describes how these activities relate to each other within the milieu of measurement and management. A computer-based tool that enables the industrial implementation of the PERFORM approach (analysing the influence of resources on an aspect of design performance) and the identification of appropriate means of design improvement is presented.

Design Performance illustrates its methodological principles with worked examples and details of industrial practice making it suitable for an academic teaching and research readership as well as for commercial designers and managers.

The impact of design development on the overall success of a business positions the area as an important performance improvement opportunity. However, designdevelopment is exemplified by novelty and non-repeatability, characteristics which provide particular challenges in the definition, measurement and management of performance with a view to improvement.

Design Performance scrutinizes the support for improvement in design development provided by research into general business processes and design in particular. The nature of design development in industrial practice is explored and requirements for its modelling and analysis are highlighted. The methods employed encapsulate a formalism composed of three models: E2 formalises and relates the effectiveness and efficiency of a design; Design Activity Management distinguishes design and design management in terms of the knowledge processed in each activity; Performance Measurement and Management describes how these activities relate to each other within the milieu of measurement and management. A computer-based tool that enables the industrial implementation of the PERFORM approach (analysing the influence of resources on an aspect of design performance) and the identification of appropriate means of design improvement is presented.

Design Performance illustrates its methodological principles with worked examples and details of industrial practice making it suitable for an academic teaching and research readership as well as for commercial designers and managers.

Evolutionary algorithms are sophisticated search methods that have been found to be very efficient and effective in solving complex real-world multi-objective problems where conventional optimization tools fail to work well. Despite the tremendous amount of work done in the development of these algorithms in the past decade, many researchers assume that the optimization problems are deterministic and uncertainties are rarely examined.

The primary motivation of this book is to provide a comprehensive introduction on the design and application of evolutionary algorithms for multi-objective optimization in the presence of uncertainties. In this book, we hope to expose the readers to a range of optimization issues and concepts, and to encourage a greater degree of appreciation of evolutionary computation techniques and the exploration of new ideas that can better handle uncertainties. "Evolutionary Multi-Objective Optimization in Uncertain Environments: Issues and Algorithms" is intended for a wide readership and will be a valuable reference for engineers, researchers, senior undergraduates and graduate students who are interested in the areas of evolutionary multi-objective optimization and uncertainties.

In the industrial design and engineering field, product lifecycle, product development, design process, Design for X, etc., constitute only a small sample of terms related to the generation of quality products. Current best practices cover widely different knowledge domains in trying to exploit them to the best advantage, individually and in synergy. Moreover, standards become increasingly more helpful in interfacing these domains and they are enlarging their coverage by going beyond the single domain boundary to connect closely different aspects of the product lifecycle. The degree of complexity of each domain makes impossible the presence of multipurpose competencies and skills; there is almost always the need for interacting and integrating people and resources in some effective way. These are the best conditions for the birth of theories, methodologies, models, architectures, systems, procedures, algorithms, software packages, etc., in order to help in some way the synergic work of all the actors involved in the product lifecycle. This brief introduction contains all the main themes developed in this book, starting from the analysis of the design and engineering scenarios to arrive at the development and adoption of a framework for product design and process reconfiguration. In fact, the core consists of the description of the Design GuideLines Collaborative Framework (DGLs-CF), a methodological approach that generates a collaborative environment where designers, manufacturers and inspectors can find the right and effective meeting point to share their knowledge and skills in order to contribute to the optimum generation of quality products.

This book addresses key design and computational issues related to radiators in hydronic heating installations. A historical outline is included to highlight the evolution of radiators and heating technologies. Further, the book includes a chapter on thermal comfort, which is the decisive factor in selecting the ideal heating system and radiator type. The majority of the book is devoted to an extensive discussion of the types and kinds of radiators currently in use, and to identifying the reasons for the remarkable diversity of design solutions. The differences between the solutions are also addressed, both in terms of the effects of operation and of the thermal comfort that needs to be ensured. The book then compares the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, as well as its potential applications. A detailed discussion, supported by an extensive theoretical and mathematical analysis, is presented of the computational relations that are used in selecting the radiator type. The dynamics of radiator heat output regulation are also covered, with particular emphasis on underfloor-surface radiators, for which this aspect is particularly important. The book closes with a chapter presenting computational examples. It includes numerous examples of calculations for all essential thermal parameters of radiator operation in heating installations.

Showcasing exemplars of how various aspects of design research were successfully transitioned into and influenced, design practice, this book features chapters written by eminent international researchers and practitioners from industry on the Impact of Design Research on Industrial Practice. Chapters written by internationally acclaimed researchers of design analyse the findings (guidelines, methods and tools), technologies/products and educational approaches that have been transferred as tools, technologies and people to transform industrial practice of engineering design, whilst the chapters that are written by industrial practitioners describe their experience of how various tools, technologies and training impacted design practice. The main benefit of this book, for educators, researchers and practitioners in (engineering) design, will be access to a comprehensive coverage of case studies of successful transfer of outcomes of design research into practice; as well as guidelines and platforms for successful transfer of research into practice.

The tremendous growth in the availability of inexpensive computing power and easy availability of computers have generated tremendous interest in the design and imp- mentation of Complex Systems. Computer-based solutions offer great support in the design of Complex Systems. Furthermore, Complex Systems are becoming incre- ingly complex themselves. This research book comprises a selection of state-of-the-art contributions to topics dealing with Complex Systems in a Knowledge-based En- ronment. Complex systems are ubiquitous. Examples comprise, but are not limited to System of Systems, Service-oriented Approaches, Agent-based Systems, and Complex Distributed Virtual Systems. These are application domains that require knowledge of engineering and management methods and are beyond the scope of traditional systems. The chapters in this book deal with a selection of topics which range from unc- tainty representation, management and the use of ontological means which support and are large-scale business integration. All contributions were invited and are based on the recognition of the expertise of the contributing authors in the field. By colle- ing these sources together in one volume, the intention was to present a variety of tools to the reader to assist in both study and work. The second intention was to show how the different facets presented in the chapters are complementary and contribute towards this emerging discipline designed to aid in the analysis of complex systems.

This book contains the papers included in the proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on High-speed and Intercity Railways (IWHIR 2011) held in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, China from July 19 to July 22, 2011, which is organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in collaboration with Southwest Jiaotong University, Beijing Jiaotong University, Dalian Jiaotong University, China Engineering Consultants, Inc., Zhejiang University, and Tsinghua University. Continuing the great initiatives and momentums of the rapid development in high-speed and intercity railways worldwide in recent years, IWHIR 2011 aims at providing a platform for academic scholars and practicing engineers to share knowledge and experience, to promote collaboration, and to strengthen R&D activities related to railway engineering. Engineers, scientists, professors, and students from universities, research institutes, and related industrial companies have been cordially invited to participate in the workshop. These papers have covered a wide range of issues concerning high-speed and intercity railways in the theoretical, numerical, and experimental work pertaining to high-speed and intercity railways. Showcasing diversity and quality, these papers report the state-of-the-art and point to future directions of research and development in this exciting area.

This open access book examines how the social sciences can be integrated into the praxis of engineering and science, presenting unique perspectives on the interplay between engineering and social science. Motivated by the report by the Commission on Humanities and Social Sciences of the American Association of Arts and Sciences, which emphasizes the importance of social sciences and Humanities in technical fields, the essays and papers collected in this book were presented at the NSF-funded workshop 'Engineering a Better Future: Interplay between Engineering, Social Sciences and Innovation', which brought together a singular collection of people, topics and disciplines. The book is split into three parts: A. Meeting at the Middle: Challenges to educating at the boundaries covers experiments in combining engineering education and the social sciences; B. Engineers Shaping Human Affairs: Investigating the interaction between social sciences and engineering, including the cult of innovation, politics of engineering, engineering design and future of societies; and C. Engineering the Engineers: Investigates thinking about design with papers on the art and science of science and engineering practice.

The topology optimization method solves the basic engineering problem of distributing a limited amount of material in a design space. The first edition of this book has become the standard text on optimal design, which is concerned with the optimization of structural topology, shape and material. This edition has been substantially revised and updated to reflect progress made in modelling and computational procedures. It also encompasses a comprehensive and unified description of the state of the art of the so-called material distribution method, based on the use of mathematical programming and finite elements. Applications treated include not only structures but also MEMS and materials.

ILC has been a major control design methodology for twenty years; numerous algorithms have been developed to solve real-time control problems, from MEMS to batch reactors, characterised by repetitive control operations.

Real-time Iterative Learning Control demonstrates how the latest advances in iterative learning control (ILC) can be applied to a number of plants widely encountered in practice. The authors provide a hitherto lacking systematic introduction to real-time ILC design and source of illustrative case studies for ILC problem solving; the fundamental concepts, schematics, configurations and generic guidelines for ILC design and implementation are enhanced by a well-selected group of representative, simple and easy-to-learn example applications. Key issues in ILC design and implementation in the linear and nonlinear plants that pervade mechatronics and batch processes are addressed. In particular, the book discusses:

ILC design in the continuous- and discrete-time domains;

design in the frequency and time domains;

design with problem-specific performance objectives including robustness and optimality;

design in a modular approach by integration with other control techniques; and

design by means of classical tools based on Bode plots and state space.

Real-time Iterative Learning Control will interest control engineers looking for examples of how this important control technique can be applied to a variety of real-life problems. With its systematic formulation and analysis of different system properties and performance and its exposition of open problems, academics and graduate students working in control will find it a useful reference to the current status of ILC.

Non destructive testing aimed at monitoring, structural identification and di- nostics is of strategic importance in many branches of civil and mechanical - gineering. This type of tests is widely practiced and directly affects topical issues regarding the design of new buildings and the repair and monitoring of existing ones. The load bearing capacity of a structure can now be evaluated using well established mechanical modelling methods aided by computing facilities of great capability. However, to ensure reliable results, models must be calibrated with - curate information on the characteristics of materials and structural components. To this end, non destructive techniques are a useful tool from several points of view. Particularly, by measuring structural response, they provide guidance on the validation of structural descriptions or of the mathematical models of material behaviour. Diagnostic engineering is a crucial area for the application of non destructive testing methods. Repeated tests over time can indicate the emergence of p- sible damage occurring during the structure's lifetime and provide quantitative estimates of the level of residual safety.

This book offers an advanced course on "Computational Geometry for Ships". It takes into account the recent rapid progress in this field by adapting modern computational methodology to ship geometric applications. Preliminary curve and surface techniques are included to educate engineers in the use of mathematical methods to assist in CAD and other design areas. In addition, there is a comprehensive study of interpolation and approximation techniques, which is reinforced by direct application to ship curve design, ship curve fairing techniques and other related disciplines. The design, evaluation and production of ship surface geometries are further demonstrated by including current and evolving CAD modelling systems.

This book discusses performance-based seismic and wind-resistant design for high-rise building structures, with a particular focus on establishing an integrated approach for performance-based wind engineering, which is currently less advanced than seismic engineering. This book also provides a state-of-the-art review of numerous methodologies, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD), extreme value analysis, structural optimization, vibration control, pushover analysis, response spectrum analysis, modal parameter identification for the assessment of the wind-resistant and seismic performance of tall buildings in the design stage and actual tall buildings in use. Several new structural optimization methods, including the augmented optimality criteria method, have been developed and employed in the context of performance-based design. This book is a valuable resource for students, researchers and engineers in the field of civil and structural engineering.

Kinetic energy harvesting converts movement or vibrations into electrical energy, enables battery free operation of wireless sensors and autonomous devices and facilitates their placement in locations where replacing a battery is not feasible or attractive. This book provides an introduction to operating principles and design methods of modern kinetic energy harvesting systems and explains the implications of harvested power on autonomous electronic systems design. It describes power conditioning circuits that maximize available energy and electronic systems design strategies that minimize power consumption and enable operation. The principles discussed in the book will be supported by real case studies such as battery-less monitoring sensors at water waste processing plants, embedded battery-less sensors in automotive electronics and sensor-networks built with ultra-low power wireless nodes suitable for battery-less applications.

The disproportionate aging of the population of working age in many nations around the world is a unique occurrence in the history of humankind. In the light of demographic change, it is becoming increasingly important to develop and use the potential of older employees.

This edited volume "Age-differentiated Work Systems" provides a final report on a six-year priority program funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and presents selected research findings of 17 interdisciplinary project teams. The idea is that it will serve both as a reference book and overview of the current state of research in ergonomics, occupational psychology and related disciplines. It provides new models, methods, and procedures for analyzing and designing age-differentiated work systems with the aim of supporting subject matter experts from different areas in their decisions on labor and employment policies. Therefore over 40 laboratory experiments involving 2,000 participants and 50 field studies involving over 25,000 employees were conducted.

Further objectives of the edited volume were to provide a pluridisciplinary compilation of the extensive information acquired over the six-year program period, to illustrate the range of the research field, and to convey an integrated understanding of age-differentiated work systems to readers.

This book contains a series of papers which were presented during the Fourth International Symposium on Human Factors in Organizational Design and Management, held in Stockholm. The symposium was primarily concerned with human organization in the development, introduction and use of new technology as a challenge for human resource development in a changing world. The focus of the symposium was on organizational and management issues (macroergonomics) rather then the more traditional microergonomic aspects of human factors. Particular attention was paid to the improvement of the quality of work life including human resource development and productivity.

A broad selection of papers on theory, methodology, research findings, reviews and case studies from leading scientists and professionals throughout the world. These papers provide the reader with a good insight into the ODAM field with special attention to the development, introduction and use of new technologies.

SMC COLOMBIER FONTAINE is a company in the AFE METAL group, which uses a sand casting process to manufacture steel primary parts. To reduce the "time to market", primary part producers need to reduce the time and cost of the industrialisation process. These factors, in addition to the global goal of improving process performance levels, brought SMC to develop numerical technologies and traceability from quotation to part delivery [1]. Nowadays, these improvements are incorporated into company culture. The next step in reducing the time and cost of the production process is to introduce a complete methodology of use and experience feedback of these new models and methods. To be able to generalise this approach, a CAD methodology is essential and thus becomes a step in the industrialisation process. The amount of improvements engendered by the numerical technologies largely justifies the time investment made to obtain a numerical definition of all the different elements in the sand casting process [2]. The objective of our approach is to optimise the product and its production process by generating a complete numerical reference, through the integration of quotation, CAD, simulation, new manufacturing technologies and effective production processes.

Automatic Performance Tuning is a new software paradigm which enables software to be high performance in any computing environment. Its methodologies have been developed over the past decade, and it is now rapidly growing in terms of its scope and applicability, as well as in its scientific knowledge and technological methods. Software developers and researchers in the area of scientific and technical computing, high performance database systems, optimized compilers, high performance systems software, and low-power computing will find this book to be an invaluable reference to this powerful new paradigm.

Building Safe Systems in Aviation provides a single source for those who need to progress beyond current models of Crew Resource Management (CRM) to developing safe systems in critical industries. Although the primary focus is on airline pilots, the principles apply to all sectors of aviation, particularly maintenance and cabin crew, as well as other high-risk industries. It systematically sets out the context of CRM and safe systems, the conduct of training, the resources needed by the facilitator and the processes required for the measurement of outcomes. Part One reviews the development of the human factors/CRM domain and examines the concepts of risk and safety. Part Two, primarily for new instructors, gives a guide to training delivery and also considers non-classroom situations, the role of debriefing, facilitation and the design of human factors courses. Part Three examines the measurement of training effectiveness, the design and implementation of behavioural markers and standardizing assessors. It concludes by looking at some of the broader issues associated with the management of CRM. The book's readership includes those who design, deliver or manage CRM and safety-related training within airlines and other companies.

This book presents the results of several years' research work on how to characterize complexity in engineering design with a specific regard to dependency modeling. The 52 complexity metrics that are presented show different facets of how complexity takes shape in design processes. The metrics are supported by a modeling method and a measurement framework to employ the metrics in a goal-oriented manner. The detailed description of all involved metrics and models makes it possible to apply the analysis approach to common process modeling methodologies. Three case studies from automotive process management illustrate the application to facilitate the transfer to other cases in an industrial context. The comprehensive appendix supplies additional details and checklists for structural analysis to generate a complete overview of current means of structural analysis.

In 2002, the International Conference on Computer Aided Design (ICCAD) celebrates its 20th anniversary. This book commemorates contributions made by ICCAD to the broad field of design automation during that time. The foundation of ICCAD in 1982 coincided with the growth of Large Scale Integration. The sharply increased functionality of board-level circuits led to a major demand for more powerful Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. At the same time, LSI grew quickly and advanced circuit integration became widely avail able. This, in turn, required new tools, using sophisticated modeling, analysis and optimization algorithms in order to manage the evermore complex design processes. Not surprisingly, during the same period, a number of start-up com panies began to commercialize EDA solutions, complementing various existing in-house efforts. The overall increased interest in Design Automation (DA) re quired a new forum for the emerging community of EDA professionals; one which would be focused on the publication of high-quality research results and provide a structure for the exchange of ideas on a broad scale. Many of the original ICCAD volunteers were also members of CANDE (Computer-Aided Network Design), a workshop of the IEEE Circuits and Sys tem Society. In fact, it was at a CANDE workshop that Bill McCalla suggested the creation of a conference for the EDA professional. (Bill later developed the name)."

The recent trend in user-customized product design requires the shape of products to be automatically adjusted according to the human body s shape, so that people will feel more comfortable when wearing these products. Geometric approaches can be used to design the freeform shape of products worn by people, which can greatly improve the efficiency of design processes in various industries involving customized products (e.g., garment design, toy design, jewel design, shoe design, and design of medical devices, etc.). These products are usually composed of very complex geometric shapes (represented by free-form surfaces), and are not driven by a parameter table but a digital human model with free-form shapes or part of human bodies (e.g., wrist, foot, and head models).

"Geometric Modeling and Reasoning of Human-Centered Freeform Products "introduces the algorithms of human body reconstruction, freeform product modeling, constraining and reconstructing freeform products, and shape optimization for improving the manufacturability of freeform products. Based on these techniques, the design automation problem for human-centered freeform products can be fundamentally solved.

Researchers and developers working on problems of automatic designing individually customized products can use this book as a reference, and it can also be used in courses in computer-aided product design at the graduate level."

Evolutionary computing paradigms offer robust and powerful adaptive search mechanisms for system design. This book's thirteen chapters cover a wide area of topics in evolutionary computing and applications, including an introduction to evolutionary computing in system design; evolutionary neuro-fuzzy systems; and evolution of fuzzy controllers. The book will be useful to researchers in intelligent systems with interest in evolutionary computing, as well as application engineers and system designers.

Proceedings of the 26th Symposium of the International Committee on Aeronautical Fatigue are a widely referenced summary of advances in aeronautical design against fatigue. This is a bi-annual event and the proceedings have been published in book form for over 35 years.