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Review Article
Design Optimization in Structural Engineering: A Systematic Review of Computational Techniques and Real-World Applications
Girmay Mengesha Azanaw*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-19
Received:
15 November 2024
Accepted:
26 November 2024
Published:
7 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajmme.20250901.11
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Views:
Abstract: Design optimization is a cornerstone in the development of structural systems to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. In particular, this has become a key strategy for contemporary engineering challenges that involve the minimal use of materials with very stringent performance requirements. Advances in computational techniques revolutionized this field and enabled engineers to solve complex, multi-variable problems with unprecedented precision and creativity. This systematic review covers a range of optimization methodologies. While classical methods, such as linear and nonlinear programming, provide strong frameworks for constrained problems, they often struggle with high-dimensional or non-convex scenarios. Evolutionary algorithms, including genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization, are highly effective in global optimization tasks but can be computationally intensive. The incorporation of machine learning has further transformed the landscape, enabling predictive modeling, pattern recognition, and adaptive optimization strategies. Hybrid models, combining such techniques, allow for flexibility with appropriate balances between accuracy and computational efficiency. The integration of such methods along with state-of-the-art technologies is the future in the area of structural engineering. As digital twins allow real-time simulating and optimization of their physical counterparts, additive manufacturing brings up new opportunities both within material and geometric design issues. Artificial intelligence acts for the automation of the designing process and delivers to new, sometimes hardly intuitively predictable solutions. This review therefore emphasizes the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration in addition to continuous innovation toward these challenges and provides a roadmap for sustainable and resilient structural design solutions.
Abstract: Design optimization is a cornerstone in the development of structural systems to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. In particular, this has become a key strategy for contemporary engineering challenges that involve the minimal use of materials with very stringent performance requirements. Advances in computational techniques revolution...
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Research Article
Determination of the Effective Microstructural Unit in Relation to the Weld Metals Brittle Fracture Resistance
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
20-24
Received:
8 October 2024
Accepted:
30 October 2024
Published:
23 January 2025
Abstract: Metallographic studies of the high-strength, low-alloy steels weld metal structure show that the cracks in the structure can pass through several grains, or stop at the grain boundary or in the middle of the grain. Resistance to weld metal brittle fracture is usually associated with the grain size in its structure. Recently, works have appeared in the scientific and technical literature, in which instead of grain sizes, that is, the solid solution region delineated by the phase boundary, it is proposed to determine the influence of the solid solution region with a close orientation of ferrite formations. Purpose of the article: To clarify the grain size definition for the welds metal structure. Recently, works have appeared in the scientific and technical literature, in which instead of grain sizes, that is, the solid solution region delineated by the phase boundary, it is proposed to determine the influence of the solid solution region with a close orientation of ferrite formations. Key Idea: For weld metal, the structural grain size is determined by the disorientation index at the grain boundary. The article presents a critical analysis of the authors results concerning the point of view on the validity of such an approach to assessing the influence of microstructure on the metal of welds mechanical properties. Conclusion: When analyzing the weld metal structure influence on the mechanical properties, the grain size must be determined using the disorientation parameter at the grain boundary.
Abstract: Metallographic studies of the high-strength, low-alloy steels weld metal structure show that the cracks in the structure can pass through several grains, or stop at the grain boundary or in the middle of the grain. Resistance to weld metal brittle fracture is usually associated with the grain size in its structure. Recently, works have appeared in ...
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Research Article
Advanced Modeling and Optimization of Weldment Responses Using Statistical and Metaheuristic Techniques
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
25-36
Received:
29 January 2025
Accepted:
14 February 2025
Published:
26 February 2025
Abstract: Welding process optimization plays a crucial role in enhancing the material properties of weldments and ensuring high-quality outcomes in industrial applications. This study focuses on developing a robust framework for optimizing welding parameters to improve weldment properties, specifically carbon content. Understanding the effects of welding parameters — current, voltage, and gas flow rate — on carbon content is essential for reducing defects, improving weld quality, and achieving cost efficiency. The experiment was conducted at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Warri, utilizing a Central Composite Design (CCD) to systematically analyze the interactions and effects of the welding parameters. A total of 20 experimental runs, including factorial points, axial points, and central replicates, were performed to ensure comprehensive evaluation and error estimation. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to develop predictive models, while Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) was applied to refine the optimization process, leveraging its ability to identify global optima in complex solution spaces. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining RSM and PSO for advanced welding process optimization. RSM achieved a minimized predicted carbon content of 0.080 mole, with an experimental validation of 0.0518 mole. PSO further enhanced the optimization, predicting a carbon content of 0.0237 mole and achieving an experimental value of 0.0309 mole, demonstrating superior performance in minimizing carbon content. These findings underscore the potential of integrating statistical modeling with metaheuristic techniques to achieve precise control over welding parameters and deliver actionable insights for industrial applications.
Abstract: Welding process optimization plays a crucial role in enhancing the material properties of weldments and ensuring high-quality outcomes in industrial applications. This study focuses on developing a robust framework for optimizing welding parameters to improve weldment properties, specifically carbon content. Understanding the effects of welding par...
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Research Article
The Effect of Welding Parameter on the Tensile and Impact Properties of Weldments
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
37-42
Received:
23 January 2025
Accepted:
8 February 2025
Published:
6 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajmme.20250901.14
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Abstract: The mechanical performance of welded joints is significantly influenced by welding parameters, particularly welding current, which governs heat input, fusion quality, and metallurgical transformations. This study examines the effect of welding current on the tensile and impact properties of shielded metal arc welded (SMAW) mild steel joints. Standardized mild steel specimens were prepared and welded using E6016 electrodes at varying current levels (50A, 75A, 100A, 125A, 150A, 175A, and 200A) while maintaining a constant voltage of 220V. Mechanical tests, including tensile strength, impact resistance, and hardness evaluations, were conducted to assess the relationship between welding current and joint properties. The results reveal that moderate welding currents (125A–150A) produce weldments with superior mechanical properties, characterized by high ultimate tensile strength (UTS), favorable ductility, and balanced hardness. Lower currents (<75A) resulted in inadequate fusion, leading to weak joints with reduced strength and toughness. Conversely, excessively high currents (>175A) led to increased brittleness and reduced tensile strength due to grain coarsening and excessive heat input. The hardness test results further confirm that moderate current levels enhance both strength and wear resistance without compromising ductility. These findings emphasize the need for precise control of welding parameters to optimize joint integrity and mechanical performance. The study provides practical guidelines for selecting welding currents in industrial applications, ensuring enhanced weld quality and durability.
Abstract: The mechanical performance of welded joints is significantly influenced by welding parameters, particularly welding current, which governs heat input, fusion quality, and metallurgical transformations. This study examines the effect of welding current on the tensile and impact properties of shielded metal arc welded (SMAW) mild steel joints. Standa...
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