Dynamic parameters identification for sliding joints of surface grinder based on deep neural network modeling

Abstract

Dynamic parameters of joints are indispensable factors affecting performance of machine tools. In order to obtain the stiffness and damping of sliding joints between the working platform and the machine tool body of the surface grinder, a new method of dynamic parameters identification is proposed that based on deep neural network (DNN) modeling. Firstly, the DNN model of dynamic parameters for working platform-machine tool body sliding joints is established by taking the stiffness and damping parameters as the input and the natural frequencies as the output. Secondly, the number of hidden layers in DNN topology is optimally selected in order to the optimal training results. Thirdly, combining the predicted results by DNN model with experimental results by modal test, the stiffness and damping are identified via cuckoo search algorithm. Finally, the relative error between the predicted and experimental results is less than 2.2%, which achieves extremely high prediction precision; and thereby indicates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Keywords

Dynamic parameters identification deep neural network cuckoo search algorithm sliding joints surface grinder

Introduction

As a kind of machine tool used for finish machining, grinder plays a significant role in the field of precision manufacturing. Along with the technical development, higher speed, automation, and precision are the increasingly growing trend, thus, superior static and dynamic characteristics are required.^1–4 An accurate dynamic model is a prerequisite for improving the design level of machine tools.⁵ Joints are the important part of dynamic model and they always affect the partial stiffness of machine tools, thus the machining performance will be influenced. ^6–9 Some studies have manifested that 30%-50% of the static stiffness and 90% of the damping for machine tool depend on joints, moreover, 60% of the vibration problems occurring on the machine tool are related to the joints.^10–12 Consequently, it is of great significance to establish dynamic model and identify the dynamic parameters accurately.

Aiming at the dynamic modeling and parameters identification of joints for machine tools, many researchers have focused on three kinds of methods: theoretical calculation method, experimental method and the method combining theory with experiment.^6,13 However, due to the complexity and lower accuracy of the theoretical calculation method, and the experimental method has poor universality which can only identify a single dynamic parameter of the joint, therefore, the method combining theory with experiment is widely adopted at present. For this method, the dynamic model with joints’ parameters is established based on modeling theories; the experimental results of the joints-system are obtained under certain conditions; then the parameters of joints can be effectively identified by adopting the optimization algorithm. As the dynamic model of the machine tool joints with many parameters and it is of high nonlinear, besides, the intelligent optimization algorithms are being improved increasingly. During the parameters identification, the intelligent optimization algorithms are adopted more those with higher robustness and can approach the optimal solution in the range.¹⁴ Zhu et al.⁴ solved the identification equations of the rolling joints’ axial stiffness and damping parameters by using the genetic algorithm (GA). Li et al.¹⁵ identify the parameters of bolt joint by adopting the simulated annealing algorithm. Wang et al.¹⁶ adopted the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to identify the parameters at the tool-holder joint by minimizing the difference between predicted and tested tool point FRFs. Although such kind of method can reduce the complexity of theoretical derivation and improve the generality to some extent, modeling precision is still limited, resulting in the accuracy of parameters identification is not very high.^17,18 Summarily, some scholars choose the approximate model with high fitting precision to replace the theoretical model. Padmanabhan¹⁹ relatively early developed the predictive equations for damping in machine joints based on experiments through response surface methodology (RSM). However, limited by the technical conditions at that time, this research method is based on statistical analysis, which needs to be fitted repeatedly, leading to large amount of workload.²⁰ With the development of computer technology, it is more and more convenient to obtain statistical data. Wang et al.²¹ constructed the polynomial RSM based on the samples acquired by experimental design, then, they took the relative error between the RSM calculated results and tested results as the objective function, and employed an adaptive simulated annealing algorithm to optimize the dynamic parameters and the relative error is less than 5%.

Since the crux of the approximate model is approximation modeling of the optimization model based on computer aided engineering (CAE),²² and there exists exceedingly complex nonlinear mapping relationship among the dynamic parameters of the joints,²³ artificial neural network can be adopted as a general mathematical model of multi-dimensional nonlinear functions with its excellent nonlinear mapping ability.^24,25 Zhang et al.²⁶ proposed to establish the nonlinear relationship between the characteristic parameters of the joints including contact stiffness and many of its influencing factors by utilizing back propagation (BP) neural network for the first time. Thereupon then, the characteristic parameters can be predicted founded on the thoroughly trained BP network. Yang et al.²⁷ stated an algorithm model combining the modified particle swarm optimizer (MPSO) and BP neural network, which could achieve high accuracy of modeling and forecasting of the normal and tangential contact stiffness for joints under various affecting factors. Zhu et al.²⁸ put forward to a method that set up a simulation model of sliding joints by neural network and combined with cuckoo search algorithm for identify the dynamic parameters. The final relative error reduced to less than 3.5%, which improved the identification accuracy compared with the former research. Theoretically, neural network can approach any function. Nevertheless, neural network, as a kind of shallow network, its mapping ability for complex and high dimensional data is still limited as it is restricted by limited training samples and calculation units, which leads to weaker dynamic modeling accuracy of joints. Due to the complicated mechanical structure, the dynamic model of the surface grinder sliding joints features multi-inputs and multi-outputs, extreme nonlinearity and strong coupling. The current modeling methods based on shallow network cannot meet the characteristics very well. Some studies have indicated that modeling on complex problems by shallow network will not only cause a sharp increase of computational complexity, but also lead to generalization errors as the lack of network layers, which will not capture the statistical characteristics of data, and thus, it can not reflect the mapping relationship of the data accurately.^29,30

With the development of big data and the increase of computer capabilities, as a machine learning method with deeper layers, more complex structure and better modeling ability, deep neural network (DNN) has achieved breakthroughs in various big data processing problems.^31,32 In the field of speech processing, Microsoft researchers took advantages of the great learning ability of DNN to construct a speech recognition and translation system, via which simultaneous interpretation could be realized. IFLYTEK applied DNN to Chinese speech recognition, which was officially launched in May 2012.^33,34 In the field of image processing, DNN has played a great role in image recognition, image classification, image detection, etc. What’s more, the error of image processing has been constantly reducing and reached a very high accuracy.³⁵ In addition, DNN is widely used in many industrial fields, such as video processing,³⁶ intelligent robots.³⁷ With the in-depth study, DNN is indicated that suitable for processing high dimensional nonlinear data problems in machining issues because of its high abstract representation, data adaptability and complex modeling. Bai et al.³⁸ proposed a DNN consisting of a deep belief network in the bottom and a regression layer on the top to predict the product quality during a kind of multi-parameters complex manufacturing system. The experiments showed that the DNN had better prediction accuracy than the peer shallow models. Ren et al.³⁹ proposed a prediction framework for bearing remaining useful life (RUL) by using deep autoencoder and DNN, after comparison, the results showed that it was of higher prediction accuracy than other models. Fan et al.⁴⁰ had realized the prediction for surface roughness of wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) based on DNN and the Markov chain integrated with DNN (MC-DNN) respectively. The results showed that the prediction methods possessed comparatively fine performance.

Exactly as mentioned above, the surface grinder has very complex mechanical structure, therefrom, the dynamic model of sliding joints presents the characteristics of multi-inputs and multi-outputs, strong coupling etc. From the existing studies, DNN has played a very important role in the above-mentioned high dimensional nonlinear problems. Although it is not widely used in dynamic modeling and dynamic parameters identification for joints of the machine tool, it can be inferred that DNN has a good potential to solve such issues. Taking the self-developed M7120D/H surface grinder as the research object, in this paper, a new approach of dynamic parameters identification for sliding joints based on DNN modeling is presented, moreover, the number of hidden layers in the network topology is optimally selected so as to make the training results optimum. Then combining with the experimental results of modal test and the cuckoo research algorithm is used to identify the stiffness and damping parameters. Therefrom, higher identification precision can be achieved and a valuable reference to other joints may be provided.

The rest of this paper is organized as follows: Section 2 presents the basic principle of proposed research method. Parameters identification based on DNN modeling is discussed in Section 3. Finally, Section 4 concludes the paper and discusses some possible follow-up research ideas.

Proposed methodology

In this paper, the framework of the proposed study on identification for dynamic parameters of surface grinder sliding joints based on DNN modeling is shown in Figure 1, which mainly includes four parts: sliding joints modeling and theoretical modal analysis; DNN model designing and training; experimental modal test; dynamic parameters identification.

1. Sliding joints modeling and theoretical modal analysis

Figure 1.

The framework of the proposed method.

According to the above process, it is necessary to establish the equivalent dynamic model of the sliding joints. At present, commonly, several spring-damping elements are used to represent the contact characteristics of the joint. Then, the theoretical modal analysis will be conducted through finite element analysis (FEA) software to calculate the theoretical values of the corresponding natural frequencies with different stiffness and damping conditions. After obtaining large amount of data, furtherly, it can be used as the training datasets of the DNN model.

2. DNN model designing and training

During DNN model designing and training, stiffness and damping of the joint are defined as the input, and the corresponding required first several order natural frequencies by theoretical modal analysis are defined as output of the DNN model. Considering the complex structure of surface grinder sliding joints, the data model features multi-input and multi-output, moreover, the relationship of the inputs and outputs is strongly coupled and highly nonlinear.

3. Experimental modal test

In the process of modal test, the acceleration sensor is set in the reasonable position, the hammer test is carried out by the force hammer to excite the vibration, and the vibration signal is collected and analyzed by the test-analysis system, so as to obtain the experimental natural frequencies of the sliding joints.

4. Dynamic parameters identification

In the process of dynamic parameters identification, firstly, the optimization model is established, that is, the optimization variables and their ranges are determined, and the optimization objective function and constrain conditions are constructed; secondly, the predicted values are obtained by the DNN model, and the experimental values are obtained by modal test; furthermore, the optimization issue is calculated by the selected appropriate convergence conditions and the appropriate optimization algorithm. Consequently, the optimal solution, which is the dynamic parameters of joints can be calculated.

Sliding joints modeling and theoretical modal analysis

In the actual machining process, the joints of machine tools always act out both elasticity and damping. The equivalent dynamic model composed of spring-damping element can be adopted to approximate its contact characteristics. As shown in Figure 2, a sliding joint model is established in this paper. In this figure, the part A and part B are connected by a set of spring-damping element, which exists equivalent stiffness $(k_{x}, k_{y}, k_{z})$ and equivalent damping $(c_{x}, c_{y}, c_{z})$ in the three directions. The working platform-machine tool body FEA model is built by COMSOL Multiphysics. The equivalent total stiffness and damping of the joint in the three directions respectively are defined based on the calculation principle of the software. According to the contact area of the joint and the mesh element, the stiffness and damping parameters are automatically equally distributed. Thereby, the FEA calculation can be carried out.

Figure 2.

Equivalent dynamic model of the working platform-machine tool body sliding joint.

In this paper, as many N sets samples of stiffness $(k_{xi}, k_{yi}, k_{zi}, i = 1, 2, \dots, N)$ and damping $(c_{xi}, c_{yi}, c_{zi}, i = 1, 2, \dots, N)$ for the sliding joint as possible are randomly selected within the range. By the parametric analysis module of COMSOL Multiphysics, the theoretical modal analysis can be carried out, and then the theoretical value of the first n order natural frequencies $(f_{1 i}, f_{2 i}, \dots, f_{ni}, i = 1, 2, \dots, N)$ on all conditions with the selected parameters are obtained. Thus, the calculated theoretical modal analysis results will be used as the training datasets to train the DNN model.

DNN model design and training

Theoretical foundation of DNN

Figure 3 shows a typical DNN model with (h + 2) layers, where, h is the number of hidden layers. The first is the input layer with m inputs which is mainly used for receiving input signals without operation. The second to (h + 1) ones are the hidden layers, different each of them contains different nodes. The (h + 2)^th one, that is the last, is the output layer, containing n outputs, which is used for outputting the final result.⁴¹ In this paper, the nodes in the input layer are the stiffness and damping parameters $([k, c])$ of the sliding joints. The specific parameters and the number of the nodes depend on the actual structure of the joints and the selected spatial coordinate system. The nodes in the output layer are the first n order natural frequencies $(f_{1}, f_{2}, \dots, f_{n})$ , where, the n is usually taken as 6 according to experience or depends on the circumstances. The number of nodes for a certain hidden layer can be expressed in equation (1):

N_{H} = \sqrt{N_{H - 1} + N_{H + 1}} + α (α = 1 ~ 10)

(1)

Each node in the hidden and output layer represents a specific output function, which is called excitation function f; Each two nodes in the adjacent layers are connected through a certain weight w to transfer signal; In addition, the deviation b should be considered.⁴² Therefore, the output vector $Z^{(t)}$ of the t^th layer can be expressed as shown in equation (2):

Z^{(t)} = f_{t} (W^{(t)} Z^{(t - 1)} + B^{(t)}), t = 2, 3, \dots, h + 2

(2)

Where, $W^{(t)}$ is the weight matrix between the (t−1)^th and the t^th layer, $B^{(t)}$ and $f_{t}$ are respectively the deviation vector and the excitation function of the t^th layer. Common excitation functions include Sigmoid, ReLU, Tanh, Softmax,⁴³ etc. At present, error back propagation (BP) is usually widely used in network propagation. Firstly, the weight and deviation are initialized, and then, the error is calculated by a loss function, that is then backpropagated from the output layer to the hidden layer, until each node.^44–46 According to the characteristics of loss functions, in this paper, mean squared error (MSE) is selected as the loss function which is suitable for the model with the data-input. The formula is shown in equation (3):

MSE = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i = 1}^{n} (y_{i}^{'} - y_{i})^{2}

(3)

Where, $y_{i}^{'}$ is the predicted value and $y_{i}$ is the true value. Moreover, the smaller the MSE, the closer they are and the more convergent the model is. In practical research, it is usually necessary to assign the value of the loss function to control the training level. By taking advantage of gradient descent method, the DNN model can be continuously approximated to the correct trend through adjusting parameters during training. Besides, the learning rate determines the iterations when the loss function reaches the minimum.⁴⁷

Figure 3.

Structure of a DNN model with h hidden layers.

Developed on the basis of neural network, DNN is a deep network structure with multi-layer hidden layers, which can represent the mapping relationship for complex data. Compared with neural network, it can furtherly approximate the functions of more complex data which is higher dimensional and nonlinear, and it has the stronger mapping ability. However, the more hidden layers, that is, the deeper the network structure, will not only increase the calculation time, but also weaken the error feedback, thereby resulting in the disappearance of gradient and difficulty in updating. Therefore, when designing the DNN model, it is necessary to arrange the depth of network reasonably instead of blindly increasing the hidden layers, otherwise it may be counterproductive.

Model design and training

According to the principle of machine tool dynamics,⁶ there is a complex nonlinear mapping relationship between the natural frequencies and the stiffness, damping of the joints. In this work, a DNN model has been established that is between the dynamic parameters $([k, c])$ and the theoretical value of the first n order natural frequencies $(f_{1}, f_{2}, \dots, f_{n})$ . They are respectively input and output of the DNN model both in the form of vector. Because of that, the physical meaning of each dimensional data is always the same, so the order of the numerical natural frequencies can keep stable. Based on the theoretical foundation mentioned above, the corresponding variables are reasonably defined so as to design a suitable DNN model. The data sets are from the theoretical modal analysis results of the FEA model for the working platform-machine tool body sliding joint.

Figure 4 shows the process for DNN model training. For fully effectively training, the datasets is necessary to be as many as possible, that is, the N in the Figure 4 should be as large as possible. As shown from the data flow represented by the dotted line, the data of the DNN model is from the selected stiffness and damping within the parameters’ range and the corresponding calculated the first n order natural frequencies. In this paper, the stiffness and damping of the sliding joints are taken as the inputs of the DNN model, meanwhile, the first n order natural frequencies are taken as the outputs.

Figure 4.

Modeling of DNN and model training.

Experimental modal test

The principle of modal test conducted on the working platform-machine tool body sliding joints is shown in Figure 5. The accelerometer is set at the proper position, and the force hammer is adopted to excite the vibration, and the modal test-analysis system is utilized to collect and analyze the vibration signal. In this paper, LMS. Test Lab (LMS for short) is selected as the test-analysis system that is a complete set of vibration and noise test solution developed by LMS Company. Actually, the LMS is the integration of data acquisition, test, analysis and report with high-speed and multi-channels.

Figure 5.

The principle of experimental modal test.

Dynamic parameters identification

Theoretical foundation of cuckoo search algorithm

Cuckoo search algorithm is a kind of swarm intelligence optimization algorithm inspired by cuckoo’s behavior of flight, foraging and reproduction. Each individual’s movement is similar to the bird’s random movement, that is, Lévy-flight.^48,49 Compared with other algorithm, cuckoo search algorithm has the advantages of stronger ability for global search and problem solving, simple algorithm structure, and excellent searching path.⁵⁰ The formula of the updated optimal nest position is shown in equation (4):

x_{i}^{(t + 1)} = x_{i}^{(t)} + α \oplus L é vy (λ), i = 1, 2, \dots, n

(4)

Where, $x_{i}^{(t)}$ is the $i^{th}$ solution of the $t^{th}$ generation, $α$ is the control vector of step-size, $L é vy (λ)$ is the random search path, ⊕ means entrywise multiplication, by which the numbers of corresponding dimensions are multiplied dot-to-dot.⁵¹ The host discovers the eggs laid by a cuckoo with the probability $Pa \in [0, 1]$ , then the random number $r$ is generated within it and compared with $Pa$ . If $r < Pa$ , the nest should be rebuilt, namely $x_{i}^{(t + 1)}$ , otherwise, it remains. The process is expressed in equation (5):

x_{i}^{(t + 1)} = x_{i}^{(t)} + r (x_{j}^{(t)} - x_{k}^{(t)}), i = 1, 2, \dots, n

(5)

Where, $x_{j}^{(t)}$ and $x_{k}^{(t)}$ respectively represent the two random nest position for the $t^{th}$ generation. In this paper, the calculated value of the objective function is taken as the fitness, the range of the stiffness and damping parameters for the joints is taken as the area of nest location. The standard process of cuckoo search algorithm is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6.

The standard process of cuckoo search algorithm.

Optimization identification

Stiffness and damping are typical dynamic parameters of the joint, whose identification process includes: defining the stiffness and damping parameters $([k, c])$ as the optimization variables, determining the range of the variables by consulting the literatures. The constructed objective function and constrain conditions are shown in equation (6):

\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} \min g ([k, c]) = \sqrt{\sum_{j = 1}^{n} | \frac{f_{j}^{'} - f_{j}}{f_{j}} |} \\ s . t . k^{l} \leq k \leq k^{h} \\ c^{l} \leq c \leq c^{h} \end{matrix}} \end{matrix}

(6)

Where, $([k, c])$ means all the stiffness and damping parameters of different mechanical structures for the working platform-machine tool body in the three directions mentioned in this paper; $k^{l}$ and $k^{h}$ are respectively the lower and upper limits of each stiffness, meanwhile, $c^{l}$ and $c^{h}$ are respectively the lower and upper limits of each damping; $f_{j}^{'} (j = 1, 2, \dots, n)$ are the predicted values of the first n order natural frequencies by DNN model, and $f_{j} (j = 1, 2, \dots, n)$ are the experimental values of the first n order natural frequencies through modal test.

The cuckoo search algorithm is adopted to solve the above-mentioned optimization issue, and then the optimal solution for the dynamic performance parameters $([k, c])$ of the joint is obtained. The specific process for dynamic parameters identification is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7.

Process of optimization identification for dynamic parameters.

Case study and results discussion

As shown in Figure 8, the self-developed M7120D/H surface grinder as the research objective includes the machine tool body, working platform, grinding wheel box, sliding seat, column, etc. The working platform-machine tool body sliding joints of this grinder is shown in Figure 9, including one flat guide joint and two symmetrical V-guide joints. In this paper, the working platform-machine tool body sliding guide joints have been modeled, and the dynamic parameters are identified.

Figure 8.

The M7120D/H surface grinder.

Figure 9.

The sliding joints.

Sliding joints modeling and theoretical modal analysis

Theoretical model designing

Because of the parametric analysis module of COMSOL Multiphysics, the parametric sweep of stiffness and damping can be realized, and the modal analysis results under the different conditions can be obtained. During the FEA process, the key steps are following:

(1) Definition of material properties

According to the actual properties of the surface grinder, the material properties of the FEA model are defined as listed in Table 1.

(2) Mesh generation

Table 1.

The material properties of the joints.

Density $ρ / kg \cdot m^{- 3}$	Elastic modulus (E/Gpa)	Poisson ratio $μ$
7300	210	0.3

The physics-controlled mesh is chosen as the sequence type, and the tetrahedral element is adopted, moreover, the fine element size is selected. So, the generated FEA model is shown in Figure 10. Where, the highlighted parts are the sliding joints to be researched.

(3) Modeling the joints

Figure 10.

The FEA model of sliding joints.

For the flat guide, it is 1000 mm long and 60 mm wide, and the dynamic parameters are defined as $(k_{px}, k_{py}, k_{pz}, c_{px}, c_{py}, c_{pz})$ . For the V-guide, there are 2 same joints both are 1000 mm long and 38.77 wide; the dynamic parameters of each joint are assumed the equal and namely defined as $(k_{vx}, k_{vy}, k_{vz}, c_{vx}, c_{vy}, c_{vz})$ . N sets of total stiffness and total damping of flat guide joint and V-guide joints can be loaded through parametric sweep. According to research experience, in this work, the first six order natural frequencies are taken as the output results, those can be calculated by the FEA software.

Input parameters designing

In order to obtain the training sample data of the DNN, it is necessary to determine the input parameters, that is, the range of stiffness and damping of the joints. According to the literature survey,^6,28 the range of dynamic parameters is determined: $k \in [1 \times 10^{4}, 1 \times 10^{7}] N / m$ , $c \in [500, 2800] N \cdot s / m$ . For effectively and fully training the DNN, the selected sample data should be distributed as uniformly and densely as possible in the corresponding parameter range, moreover, the different sample points should be independent without interference.⁵² In this paper, among the above parameters space, 10,000 sets of incompletely repeated random arrays for stiffness and damping are generated by the rand function of Matlab, so as to generate the required inputs. The distributions of the stiffness and damping parameters for the two kinds of siding joints are shown in Figure 11, which can be seen random, dense and sufficient. Then the input parameters are extracted individually by the parametric analysis module of COMSOL Multiphysics, and the dynamic analysis is carried out one by one, so as to obtain the 10,000 sets of the first six order natural frequencies $(f_{1 i}, f_{2 i}, f_{3 i}, f_{4 i}, f_{5 i}, f_{6 i}, i = 1, 2, \dots, 10000)$ for the sliding joints, which are the outputs of the DNN model.

Figure 11.

The distribution of input sample parameters: (a) the distribution of the input stiffness for the flat guide joint, (b) the distribution of the input damping for the flat guide joint, (c) the distribution of the input stiffness for the V-guide joints, and (d) the distribution of the input damping for the V-guide joints.

DNN model designing and training

Model designing

According to the modeling principle shown in Figure 1, and chapter 2.2, the models with 3–12 layers of BP neural network are adopted respectively in this paper. The stiffness and damping parameters of the joints are taken as the input, namely $(k_{px}, k_{py}, k_{pz}, c_{px}, c_{py}, c_{pz}, k_{vx}, k_{vy}, k_{vz}, c_{vx}, c_{vy}, c_{vz})$ , so the amount of nodes for input layer is 12; and the first six order natural frequencies are taken as the output, namely $(f_{1}, f_{2}, f_{3}, f_{4}, f_{5}, f_{6})$ , so the amount of nodes for output layer is 6. The number of nodes for the neural network with different layers is listed in Table 2. The more layers, the structure of the network is more complex. In addition, “logsig” and “purelin” are respectively selected as the excitation function of the hidden layer and output layer. The minimum global mean square error (global MSE), the minimum gradient and the learning rate are respectively set to $1 \times 10^{- 10}$ , $1 \times 10^{- 20}$ , and 0.01.

Table 2.

The number of nodes for the DNN model with different layers.

Layers	Nodes setting
3	12-10-6
4	12-10-15-6
5	12-10-15-20-6
6	12-10-10-15-20-6
7	12-10-10-15-20-25-6
8	12-10-10-10-15-20-25-6
9	12-10-10-10-15-15-20-25-6
10	12-10-10-10-15-15-15-20-25-6
11	12-10-10-10-10-15-15-15-20-25-6
12	12-10-10-10-10-15-15-15-15-20-25-6

Model training

For the above sample data, where, 7500 sets of that are taken as the training datasets and 2500 sets are taken as the validating datasets, the DNN model shown in Figure 4 is respectively trained that the variables mentioned in chapter 3.2.1 are adopted. Before training, in order to eliminate the influence of dimension among the variables and the negative effect caused by the singular samples, normalization is necessary, and the input and output parameters are transformed into values within 0–1. In the range of input sample parameters, another 2500 sets of random data of non-training nor non-validating samples are taken as testing datasets. Then the global mean absolute error (the global MAE) and the global root mean squared error (the global RMSE) for the results of the DNN model with different layers are compared, shown in Figure 12, and the formulas of them are expressed in Table 3 (No. 1–No. 2). It can be seen from Figure 12 that from three to six layers, the two evaluation indicators decrease gradually as the layer increases, and when the seven-layers, they increase. Under the condition of eight-layers, the two evaluation indicators reach the minimum, after then, they increase somehow and present a state of fluctuation.

Figure 12.

The characteristics of the DNN model under different layers: (a) the global-MAE for the results of the DNN model with 3-12 layers, and (b) the global-RMSE for the results of the DNN model with 3-12 layers.

Table 3.

List of evaluation indicators.

No.	The evaluation indicator	Expression
1	The global mean absolute error	$y_{global - MAE} = \frac{1}{2500 \times 6} \sum_{i = 1}^{2500} \sum_{j = 1}^{6} \| f_{ij}^{'} - f_{ij} \|$
2	The global root mean squared error	$y_{global - RMSE} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{2500 \times 6} \sum_{i = 1}^{2500} \sum_{j = 1}^{6} {(f_{ij}^{'} - f_{ij})}^{2}}$
3	Mean absolute error	$y_{MAE} = \frac{1}{2500} \sum_{i = 1}^{2500} \| f_{i}^{'} - f_{i} \|$
4	Root mean square error	$y_{RMSE} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{2500} \sum_{i = 1}^{2500} {(f_{i}^{'} - f_{i})}^{2}}$

The output results of the DNN model with different BP layers are analyzed gradually by order, another two evaluation indicators listed in Table 3 (No. 3–No. 4): the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) of first–sixth order natural frequencies under the different layers conditions. As shown in Figure 13, the two evaluation indicators of the first and the second order natural frequencies under the eight-layers reach the minimum, and other orders natural frequencies’ evaluation indicators change little as the layer increases. Consequently, the DNN model with eight-layers BP neural network is selected to identify the dynamic performance of the sliding joints in this paper. The loss curves of eight-layers DNN model are shown in Figure 14, and it can be seen that the training error, the validating error and the test error are all convergent.

Figure 13.

The performance of natural frequencies for the DNN model with different layers: (a) the MAE of the first-sixth order natural frequencies for the DNN model with 3-12 layers, and (b) the RMSE of the first-sixth order natural frequencies for the DNN model with 3-12 layers.

Figure 14.

The loss curves of the DNN model with eight-layers.

Experimental modal test

Based on the principle shown in Figure 5, the modal test is conducted on the working platform-machine tool body sliding joints of the self-developed surface grinder, thus, its natural frequencies can be obtained. The experimental site is shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15.

The experimental site.

A three-dimensional model is set up in LMS analysis system, as shown in Figure 16, in which 37 measuring points are arranged. The test method that excitation at single point and response at multi-points is adopted to conduct the modal test on the working platform-machine tool body sliding joints. During experimental modal test, the BK4525B three-directions acceleration sensors are set at the measuring points and the Kistler9724A2000 force hammer is adopted to excite vibration. The experimental modal analysis result is shown in Table 4.

Figure 16.

The modal test model and the arrangement of the measuring points.

Table 4.

The experimental modal analysis result.

$f_{1}$ /Hz	$f_{2}$ /Hz	$f_{3}$ /Hz	$f_{4}$ /Hz	$f_{5}$ /Hz	$f_{6}$ /Hz
17.835	32.375	122.611	152.075	259.374	280.538

Dynamic parameters identification

The dynamic parameters of the surface grinder sliding joints, namely, the stiffness and damping $(k_{px}, k_{py}, k_{pz}, c_{px}, c_{py}, c_{pz}, k_{vx}, k_{vy}, k_{vz}, c_{vx}, c_{vy}, c_{vz})$ of the flat guide and V-guides, those affect the natural frequencies. On the basis of equation (6) and the actual model of sliding joints, in this work, the specific optimization model is shown in equation (7), and the cuckoo search algorithm is adopted for the optimal solution. After calculation, the convergence curve of the optimization identification process is shown in Figure 17, and the identified dynamic parameters are shown in Table 5.

\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} min g (k_{px}, k_{py}, k_{pz}, c_{px}, c_{py}, c_{pz}, k_{vx}, k_{vy}, k_{vz}, c_{vx}, c_{vy}, c_{vz}) \\ = \sqrt{\sum_{j = 1}^{6} | \frac{f_{j}^{'} - f_{j}}{f_{j}} |} \\ s . t . 1 \times 10^{4} \leq k_{px} \leq 1 \times 10^{7} \\ 1 \times 10^{4} \leq k_{py} \leq 1 \times 10^{7} \\ 1 \times 10^{4} \leq k_{pz} \leq 1 \times 10^{7} \\ 500 \leq c_{px} \leq 2800 \\ 500 \leq c_{py} \leq 2800 \\ 500 \leq c_{pz} \leq 2800 \\ 1 \times 10^{4} \leq k_{vx} \leq 1 \times 10^{7} \\ 1 \times 10^{4} \leq k_{vy} \leq 1 \times 10^{7} \\ 1 \times 10^{4} \leq k_{vz} \leq 1 \times 10^{7} \\ 500 \leq c_{vx} \leq 2800 \\ 500 \leq c_{vy} \leq 2800 \\ 500 \leq c_{vz} \leq 2800 \end{matrix}} \end{matrix}

(7)

Figure 17.

The convergence curve of the optimization identification.

Table 5.

The identification results of stiffness and damping.

Parameter	Flat guide	V-guide
stiffness in x-direction $k_{x} / (N \cdot m^{- 1})$	3,578,576.949	9,479,869.699
stiffness in y-direction $k_{y} / (N \cdot m^{- 1})$	2,149,706.320	5,795,691.075
stiffness in z-direction $k_{z} / (N \cdot m^{- 1})$	9,935,396.238	1,546,381.878
damping in x-direction $c_{x} / (N \cdot s \cdot m^{- 1})$	1158.676	2503.748
damping in y-direction $c_{y} / (N \cdot s \cdot m^{- 1})$	681.838	1329.480
damping in z-direction $c_{z} / (N \cdot s \cdot m^{- 1})$	1596.202	938.259

Result discussion

Taking the identified stiffness and damping parameters into the theoretical modal analysis, thus, the theoretical values of the first six order natural frequencies for working platform-machine tool body sliding joints can be obtained, moreover, compared with the experimental values by modal test. Furthermore, because the research method proposed in Zhu et al.²⁸ has already achieved very high modeling accuracy, and the relative error of dynamic parameters identification is less than other research, in this paper, as a further verification, dynamic parameters identification is also studied by this method, then, the first six order frequencies calculated through the identified parameters are compared with the experimental results too. These comparisons are shown in Table 6.

Table 6.

Comparison between the theoretical values and the experimental values of the first six order natural frequencies for the working platform-machine tool body sliding joints.

Order	Experimental value (Hz)	Theoretical value (Hz)		Absolute error (Hz)		Relative error (%)
Order	Experimental value (Hz)	Ref²⁸	Proposed method	Ref²⁸	Proposed method	Ref²⁸	Proposed method
1	17.835	17.250	17.896	−0.585	0.061	−3.278	0.340
2	32.375	33.431	32.294	1.056	−0.081	3.261	−0.250
3	122.611	120.094	120.326	−2.517	−2.285	−2.053	−1.863
4	152.075	151.767	152.271	−0.308	0.196	−0.203	0.129
5	259.374	253.541	253.810	−5.833	−5.564	−2.249	−2.145
6	280.538	282.614	282.984	2.076	2.450	0.740	0.872

As shown in the above table, it can be seen that the method proposed in this paper is of higher modeling accuracy. Theoretical modal analysis is conducted by adopting the parameters identified via this method, and the relative errors between the theoretical value and the experimental value of the first six order natural frequencies for the working-platform-machine tool body are all less than 2.2%, by contrast, the relative errors calculated by the method proposed in Zhu et al.²⁸ are all less than 3.3%. Besides, each of the relative error for the first five order natural frequencies obtained by the proposed method is lower than that obtained by the method proposed in Zhu et al.,²⁸ only the relative error of the sixth order natural frequency is slightly higher. However, due to in actual research and engineering, the dynamic performance under the low frequency conditions is more considered, it can be ignored. Thus, in brief, the correctness of research on identification for dynamic parameters of the sliding joints based on DNN modeling in this paper is verified.

Conclusions and future work

This paper presents a new method to study the dynamic parameters identification for sliding joints of surface grinder based on DNN modeling. Firstly, the theoretical modal analysis is conducted to obtain the datasets. Then, the DNN model of dynamic parameters is designed and trained adequately. Next, the experimental modal test is carried out by LMS. Lastly, combined the predicted values with the experimental results of the natural frequencies for sliding joints, the stiffness and damping parameters can be identified by cuckoo search algorithm. Additionally, the identified parameters are used to theoretical modal analysis, the final relative errors between the theoretical value and the experimental result are all less than 2.2%, which achieves high precision.

The main contribution of this paper is that the proposed method makes the effectiveness of modeling for surface grinder sliding joints realized which is of great modeling accuracy. Moreover, the designed DNN model is utilized to reflect the mapping relationship between the stiffness, damping and the first six order natural frequencies, so that the stiffness and damping can be identified accurately. Furthermore, it is of certain reference and promotion values for multi-input and multi-output, high nonlinear and strong coupled dynamic models.

The surface grinder is a complex mechanical system, which contains various types of joints affecting the dynamic performance of the machine tool jointly. Therefore, in future work, we will be devoted to the study on dynamic performance that with more types of more joints coupling. Besides, establishing more accurate theoretical model via better methods will be considered, such as refining mesh. In addition, we will try to solve the mechanical dynamic problems with higher-dimensional data by other deep learning models.

Footnotes

Handling Editor: James Baldwin

Declaration of conflicting interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This research is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51775323 and 51375289)

ORCID iD

Jianmin Zhu

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