One primary problem in shape optimization of structures is making a robust link between design model (geometric description) and analysis model. This paper investigates the potential of Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) for solving this problem. The generic framework of shape optimization of structures is presented based on Isogeometric analysis. By discretization of domain via NURBS functions, the analysis model will precisely demonstrate the geometry of structure. In this study Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used for Isogeometric shape optimization. The option of selecting the position and weight of control points as design variables, needless to sensitivity analysis relationships, is the superiority of the proposed method over gradient-based methods. The other advantages of this method are its straightforward implementation and acceptable accuracy. The numerical examples verify the authenticity of this method.

The Particles within the rock samples are present in extensive ranges of shapes and sizes, and their characterization and analysis exist with a considerable diversity. The prior research works have appraised the significance of the Particle shape types and their effects on the geotechnical structures and deficiencies by evaluating the uncertainty-related rock Particle shape descriptors (PSDs). In this work, the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is used in order to present a framework to integrate the inherent uncertainty associated with PSDs. A tabletop microscope is used to measure the primary Particle shape distribution for the sandstone samples. An open-source processing tool, ImageJ, is used in order to analyze PSDs. The probabilistic distribution of PSDs is acquired using MCS according to the relative frequency histogram of the input parameters. Additionally, a probabilistic sensitivity analysis is performed in order to evaluate the importance of the input parameters in PSDs. The sensitivity analysis results demonstrate that the major axis and area are the most influential parameters involved. The simulation results obtained have revealed that the proposed framework is capable of integrating the inherent uncertainties related to the Particle shape.

The effects of different fines with different shape and size of mechanical Pulp on Paper Properties in two fractions was investigated. Fines was classified in two categories including fibrils and flakes, and then effect of these Particles on pulp properties was studied .The fibril fraction was consist of fibrillar material, i.e., ribbons, fibrils, and thin lamella Particles. The flake fraction consist of flake like material i.e., fiber wall fragments and thick lamella. An advanced image analysis method was used to characterize the properties of fibrils and flakes. The results indicate that the fibrils and flake fractions have distinct characteristics and effect on sheet properties. The fibrils strongly affected the strength properties, while the flakes improved light scattering. Generally, the smaller size Particles afforded higher sheet density and strength. Fines content and fibrillar material are very important parameters in mechanical pulping and can also affect quality controlling of mechanical pulp and papermaking.

One of the most challenging quantities in analyzing the transfer of contaminant in the porous medium is the determination of longitudinal dispersivity. In this research, the effects of the porous media Particle shape on the longitudinal dispersivity were investigated by experiments on three column of soil (broken texture, river sand, spherical texture). Flow and contaminant (NaCl) were injected at five levels of velocities and the Breakthrough curve was extracted at five points along the column by Self-Potential Method, Then, by simulating the results with FEFLOW software and the inverse analysis with CXTFIT2 software, longitudinal dispersivity was determined. The results indicate that, for constant velocity, the medium with spherical texture has a longitudinal dispersivity greater than the other two medium and in the sandy medium it is more than the broken texture. Thiscan be due to the increase in the contact surface as well as the path’s tortuosity, with the Particle coming out of the spherical shape. With increasing velocity, the longitudinal dispersivity decreases in all three medium. Also, as the Particles are closer to the spherical shape, the scale effect will be greater, and with increasing velocity, the decrease in the longitudinal dispersivity in these medium will be less.

Ghanats are water structures of Iranian invention. Groundwater extraction is transferred by Ghanat, with the force of gravity and from underground and away from the evaporation. Structure of Ghanats created in Iran was changed from the used state to unused state, and the resistant structures or Kaval were used in order to prevent the destruction of structure of Kariz. The aim of this study is the optimal shape design of Ghanat Kaval using finite element method and Particle swarm optimization. For this purpose, first, 3D modelling of Kaval and it’s around element was implemented in ANSYS software. Then, optimal shape design of Kaval was achieved using Particle swarm optimization and linking it to ANSYS software. Weight of Kaval was considered as the objective of optimization problem, and the geometry parameters of Kaval were design variables. Also, stress of the body Kaval (compressive and tension stresses) was considered as constraint. The optimum results were shown that Particle swarm optimization had high performance in the optimal shape design of Kaval so that the weight of Kaval in comparison with the existent Kaval was considerably decreased.

Granular dampers installed at the foundation can effectively reduce vibration in the upper stories during an earthquake. Given that Particle shape is a crucial property influencing the mechanical behavior of granular materials, this study investigates the effect of Particle shape on energy components and the macroscopic response of granular media. The numerical model was analyzed using the discrete element method (PFC 2D), based on an existing laboratory model and subjected to cyclic loading. Following verification, clump elements were employed to simulate Particles in three shapes: a circle to represent rounded Particles and a square and triangle for angular Particles. Combined models featuring these three shapes were also utilized in the simulations. The results indicate that under confined conditions, over 80% of the total energy is stored as elastic strain energy or dissipated due to sliding between Particles. The contribution of kinetic and damping energy accounts for approximately 10 to 15% of the total energy. Angular square-shaped Particles enhance dissipated energy through damping, while triangular-shaped Particles increase energy dissipation due to sliding. For optimal energy dissipation in granular media, a mixed-use of rounded and angular Particles in equal proportions is recommended.