In this study, an optimized fuzzy controller was designed for a power–torque distribution in a hybrid passenger vehicle using the bees algorithm. For this purpose, a dynamic model for a parallel hybrid vehicle, including an internal-combustion engine, an electric motor and battery, a torque converter, a continuously variable transmission, torque–speed coupling and wheels (forward dynamic), is built. To simulate the driver’s skill and performance when facing different conditions, a fuzzy controller (which is called the first-layer controller) is used. On the one hand, decisions made by the first-layer controller are a function of the desired acceleration, the desired speed and the speed error and, on the other hand, they depend on the vehicle’s performance mode. The vehicle’s performance mode is determined with regard to the charged condition (the state of charge) of the batteries, the vehicle’s required power and the driver commands by another fuzzy controller which is called the second-layer controller. The necessary commands for the subsystems such as the throttle angle, the controller command for the electric motor and the appropriate speed ratio in the continuously variable transmission are determined by another controller, called the third-layer controller. Both the first layer and the second layer are optimized using the bees algorithm. According to the results, the optimized controller indicates an appropriate performance based on the defined rules in different situations. It also improves the vehicle’s performance parameter and decreases the fuel consumption and the pollutions produced by the engine.

Fixation of tibial plateau fractures with plate has been widely used. This prospective study was planned to compare locking plate fixation of tibial plateau fracture with nonlocking methods in terms of their functional outcomes. The subjects of the study were selected from consecutive patients suffering from tibial plateau fractures referred to Kashani Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, between 2012 and 2013 and were candidate for surgery. The final included patients were assigned to two groups, those who were treated with locking plate (n = 20) and those who were treated with nonlocking plates (N = 21). The mean duration of follow-up was 13.4 months (ranging between 10 and 17 months). The mean of knee scores was significantly higher in locking plate group than in nonlocking plate group at the follow-up time (80.20 ± 10.21 versus 72.52 ± 14.75, P = 0.039). Also, the mean VAS pain severity score was significantly lower in locking plate group compared with nonlocking plate group (4.45 ± 2.50 versus 6.00 ± 2.59, P = 0.046). This study confirmed superiority of the locking plate method over nonlocking plate method with regard to knee score as well as VAS pain score.

No abstract

This paper provides a method for optimal synthesis of the passenger cars suspension system to obtain the best road-holding as well as ride-comfort characteristics. The longitudinal vehicle model consists of sprung and unsprung masses, tire-ground interaction model, and suspension system kinematics. Defining the non-dimensional parameters the equations of motion of the system are derived in the non-dimensional form. Several objective functions are defined for the optimization of road-holding and ride comfort characteristics based on the transient and steady-state response of the sprung mass, respectively. The optimization variables are position of instant centers of rotation of the wheels with respect to the sprung mass. Bee’s algorithm is used to obtain the solutions of the problem. The best position for the instant centers of front and rear suspension linkages are obtained and compared with 100% anti-squat line.

Li-ion batteries are the preferred choice of energy storage in many applications. However, the potential for fire and explosion due to mechanical damage remains a safety concern. Currently, there are no criteria for the extent of the mechanical damage under which the batteries are safe to use. Here, we investigate the effects of bending damage to Li-ion cells on their impedance spectra. After the initial characterization of four Li-ion pouch cells, one of the cells underwent a three-point bending load. We measured the impedance spectra of this cell after each increment of loading. The impedance data of the control group cells were collected at the same intervals as the damaged cell. A distributed equivalent circuit model (dECM) was developed using the data from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) procedure. We observed that several model parameters such as the magnitude of constant phase elements had similar trends in the control cells and the bent cell. However, some model parameters such as resistances in parallel with constant phase elements, and the inductor showed dependency on the extent of the damage. These results suggest the potential for use of such parameters as an indicator of mechanical damage when visual inspection of cells is not possible in a battery pack setup. Future steps include investigation of similar trends for other commercial batteries and chemistries and form factors to verify the applicability of the current findings in a broader context.