Abstract: New advancement of technology and never satisfying demands of the civilization are putting huge pressure on the natural fuel resources and these resources are at a constant threat to its sustainability. To get the best out of the automobile, the optimum balance between performance and fuel economy is important. In the present state of art, either of the above two aspects are taken into mind while designing and development process which puts the other in the loss as increase in fuel economy leads to decrement in performance and vice-versa. In-depth observation of the vehicle dynamics apparently shows that large amount of energy is lost during braking and likewise large amount of fuel is consumed to reclaim the initial state, this leads to lower fuel efficiency to gain the same performance. Current use of Kinetic Energy Recovery System is only limited to sports vehicles only because of the higher cost of this system. They are also temporary in nature as power can be squeezed only during a small time duration and use of superior parts leads to high cost, which results on concentration on performance only and neglecting the fuel economy. In this paper Kinetic Energy Recovery System for storing the power and then using the same while accelerating has been discussed. The major storing element in this system is a Flat Spiral Spring that will store energy by compression and torsion.
The use of spring ensure the permanent storage of energy until used by the driver unlike present mechanical regeneration system in which the energy stored decreases with time and is eventually lost. A combination of internal gears and spur gears will be used in order to make the energy release uniform which will lead to safe usage. The system can be used to improve the fuel efficiency by assisting in overcoming the vehicle’s inertia after braking or to provide instant acceleration whenever required by the driver. The performance characteristics of the system including response time, mechanical efficiency and overall increase in efficiency are demonstrated. This technology makes the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) more flexible and economical allowing specific application while at the same time increasing the time frame and ease of usage.
Abstract: A new automatic system for the recognition and re¬construction of resealed and/or rotated partially occluded objects is presented. The objects to be recognized are described by 2D views and each view is occluded by several half-planes. The whole object views and their visible parts (linear cuts) are then stored in a database. To establish if a region R of an input image represents an object possibly occluded, the system generates a set of linear cuts of R and compare them with the elements in the database. Each linear cut of R is associated to the most similar database linear cut. R is recognized as an instance of the object 0 if the majority of the linear cuts of R are associated to a linear cut of views of 0. In the case of recognition, the system reconstructs the occluded part of R and determines the scale factor and the orientation in the image plane of the recognized object view. The system has been tested on two different datasets of objects, showing good performance both in terms of recognition and reconstruction accuracy.
Abstract: IPN and IPE sections, which are commonly used European I shapes, are widely used in steel structures as cantilever beams to support overhangs. A considerable number of studies exist on calculating lateral torsional buckling load of I sections. However, most of them provide series solutions or complex closed-form equations. In this paper, a simple equation is presented to calculate lateral torsional buckling load of IPN and IPE section cantilever beams. First, differential equation of lateral torsional buckling is solved numerically for various loading cases. Then a parametric study is conducted on results to present an equation for lateral torsional buckling load of European IPN and IPE beams. Finally, results obtained by presented equation are compared to differential equation solutions and finite element model results. ABAQUS software is utilized to generate finite element models of beams. It is seen that the results obtained from presented equation coincide with differential equation solutions and ABAQUS software results. It can be suggested that presented formula can be safely used to calculate critical lateral torsional buckling load of European IPN and IPE section cantilevers.
Abstract: Pressure vessels are usually operating at temperatures
where the conditions of linear elastic fracture mechanics are no
longer met because massive plasticity precedes crack propagation. In
this work the development of a surface crack in a pressure vessel
subject to bending and tension under elastic-plastic fracture
mechanics conditions was investigated. Finite element analysis was
used to evaluate the hydrostatic stress, the J-integral and crack
growth for semi-elliptical surface-breaking cracks. The results
showed non-uniform stress triaxiality and crack driving force around
the crack front at large deformation levels. Different ductile crack
extensions were observed which emphasis the dependent of ductile
tearing on crack geometry and type of loading. In bending the crack
grew only beneath the surface, and growth was suppressed at the
deepest segment. This contrasts to tension where the crack breaks
through the thickness with uniform growth along the entire crack
front except at the free surface. Current investigations showed that
the crack growth developed under linear elastic fracture mechanics
conditions will no longer be applicable under ductile tearing
scenarios.
Abstract: In this paper back-propagation artificial neural network
(BPANN )with Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is employed to
predict the deformation of the upsetting process. To prepare a
training set for BPANN, some finite element simulations were
carried out. The input data for the artificial neural network are a set
of parameters generated randomly (aspect ratio d/h, material
properties, temperature and coefficient of friction). The output data
are the coefficient of polynomial that fitted on barreling curves.
Neural network was trained using barreling curves generated by
finite element simulations of the upsetting and the corresponding
material parameters. This technique was tested for three different
specimens and can be successfully employed to predict the
deformation of the upsetting process
Abstract: Tomato nutrition value, color, flavor of their fruits and products depends mainly on lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, sugars and their ratio. The two most important carotenoids in fruits of tomato are lycopene, which determined fruits red color, and β- carotene, which accounts for approximately 7% of the tomato carotenoids. Therefore, tomato products and their quality can be well characterized by the content of these elements.Maturity at harvest is very important to composition and quality of tomatoes. This is especially a problem with tomatoes picked green since it is difficult to differentiate between mature and immature-green fruits. Typical and advanced mature-green tomatoes will usually attain a much better flavor than those picked at the immature or partially mature stages.To better understand the synthesis of biochemical compounds, their concentration should be compared not only at the last stage of maturity, but also during all fruit ripening period in different varieties.
Abstract: GFRG(Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum) wall is a green product which can erect a building fast in prefabricated method, but its application to high-rise residential buildings is limited for its poor lateral stiffness. This paper has proposed a modification to GFRG walls structure to increase its lateral stiffness, which aiming to erect small high-rise residential buildings as load-bearing walls. The elastic finite element analysis to it has shown the lateral deformation feature and the distributions of the axial force and the shear force. The analysis results show that the new GFRG reinforced concrete wall can be used for small high-rise residential buildings.
Abstract: This paper describes the development of a numerical finite element algorithm used for the analysis of reinforced concrete structure equipped with shakes energy absorbing device subjected to earthquake excitation. For this purpose a finite element program code for analysis of reinforced concrete frame buildings is developed. The performance of developed program code is evaluated by analyzing of a reinforced concrete frame buildings model. The results are show that using damper device as seismic energy dissipation system effectively can reduce the structural response of framed structure during earthquake occurrence.
Abstract: In this paper, the deformation modes of a compact impact absorption member subjected to axial compression are investigated using finite element method and experiments. A multiple combination compact impact absorption member, referred to as a 'compress-expand member', is proposed to substitute the conventional thin-walled circular tube. This study found that the proposed compact impact absorption member has stable load increase characteristics and a wider range of high load efficiency (Pave/Pmax) than the thin-walled circular tube. Moreover, the proposed compact impact absorption member can absorb larger loads in a smaller radius than the thin-walled cylindrical tube, as it can maintain its stable deformation in increased wall thicknesses.
Abstract: In construction of any structure, the aesthetic and utility values should be considered in such a way as to make the structure cost-effective. Most structures are composed of elements and joints which are very critical in any skeletal space structure because they majorly determine the performance of the structure. In early times, most space structures were constructed using rigid joints which had the advantage of better performing structures as compared to pin-jointed structures but with the disadvantage of requiring all the construction work to be done on site. The discovery of semi-rigid joints now enables connections to be prefabricated and quickly assembled on site while maintaining good performance. In this paper, cost-effective is discussed basing on strength of connectors at the joints, buckling of joints and overall structure, and the effect of initial geometrical imperfections. Several existing joints are reviewed by classifying them into categories and discussing where they are most suited and how they perform structurally. Also, finite element modeling using ABAQUS is done to determine the buckling behavior. It is observed that some joints are more economical than others. The rise to span ratio and imperfections are also found to affect the buckling of the structures. Based on these, general principles that guide the design of cost-effective joints and structures are discussed.
Abstract: The corrugated steel cladding used to cover most of
steel buildings is considered as non-structural element. This research
will reflect the effect of cladding as a shear diaphragm in increasing
the normal elastic capacity of columns. This study is important
because of the lack of information of the behavior of cladding and
secondary members in various codes. Mathematical models for six
different cases are carried by software. The results extracted from the
program have been plotted showing the effects of different variables
on the ultimate load of column. The variables considered in our
research are the spacing between columns and the thickness of the
corrugated sheet representing the sheet stiffness.
Abstract: This paper presents the simulation the results of
electric field and potential distributions along surface of silicone
rubber polymer insulators. Near the same leakage distance subjected
to 15 kV in 50 cycle salt fog ageing test, alternate sheds silicone
rubber polymer insulator showed better contamination performance
than straight sheds silicone rubber polymer insulator. Severe surface
ageing was observed on the straight sheds insulator. The objective of
this work is to elucidate that electric field distribution along straight
sheds insulator higher than alternate shed insulator in salt fog ageing
test. Finite element method (FEM) is adopted for this work. The
simulation results confirmed the experimental data, as well.
Abstract: Limited infrastructure development on peats and
organic soils is a serious geotechnical issues common to many
countries of the world especially Malaysia which distributed 1.5 mill
ha of those problematic soil. These soils have high water content and
organic content which exhibit different mechanical properties and
may also change chemically and biologically with time. Constructing
structures on peaty ground involves the risk of ground failure and
extreme settlement. Nowdays, much efforts need to be done in
making peatlands usable for construction due to increased landuse.
Deep mixing method employing cement as binders, is generally used
as measure again peaty/ organic ground failure problem. Where the
technique is widely adopted because it can improved ground
considerably in a short period of time. An understanding of
geotechnical properties as shear strength, stiffness and compressibility
behavior of these soils was requires before continues construction on
it. Therefore, 1- 1.5 meter peat soil sample from states of Johor and
an organic soil from Melaka, Malaysia were investigated. Cement
were added to the soil in the pre-mixing stage with water cement ratio
at range 3.5,7,14,140 for peats and 5,10,30 for organic soils,
essentially to modify the original soil textures and properties. The
mixtures which in slurry form will pour to polyvinyl chloride (pvc)
tube and cured at room temperature 250C for 7,14 and 28 days.
Laboratory experiments were conducted including unconfined
compressive strength and bender element , to monitor the improved
strength and stiffness of the 'stabilised mixed soils'. In between,
scanning electron miscroscopic (SEM) were observations to
investigate changes in microstructures of stabilised soils and to
evaluated hardening effect of a peat and organic soils stabilised
cement. This preliminary effort indicated that pre-mixing peat and
organic soils contributes in gaining soil strength while help the
engineers to establish a new method for those problematic ground
improvement in further practical and long term applications.
Abstract: Repeated observation of a given area over time yields
potential for many forms of change detection analysis. These
repeated observations are confounded in terms of radiometric
consistency due to changes in sensor calibration over time,
differences in illumination, observation angles and variation in
atmospheric effects.
This paper demonstrates applicability of an empirical relative
radiometric normalization method to a set of multitemporal cloudy
images acquired by Resourcesat1 LISS III sensor. Objective of this
study is to detect and remove cloud cover and normalize an image
radiometrically. Cloud detection is achieved by using Average
Brightness Threshold (ABT) algorithm. The detected cloud is
removed and replaced with data from another images of the same
area. After cloud removal, the proposed normalization method is
applied to reduce the radiometric influence caused by non surface
factors. This process identifies landscape elements whose reflectance
values are nearly constant over time, i.e. the subset of non-changing
pixels are identified using frequency based correlation technique. The
quality of radiometric normalization is statistically assessed by R2
value and mean square error (MSE) between each pair of analogous
band.
Abstract: Not many studies have been undertaken on shareholder activism in emerging economies, including Malaysia. Shareholder activism in emerging economies is on the rise. This paper seeks to comprehend the elements of this activism that are unique to Malaysia, specifically with respect to how the agency problem is controlled through shareholder activism in improving corporate governance practices within target companies. Through shareholder activism, shareholders make contact with a target company to voice their dissatisfaction, suggestions, or recommendations. This paper utilises agency theory to explain institutional shareholder activism. This theory has been extensively used within literature on corporate governance with regards to shareholder activism. The effectiveness of shareholder activism in improving corporate governance will be examined as well. This research provides a further understanding of shareholder activism in emerging economies, such as Malaysia; this research also has the potential to enhance shareholder activism and corporate governance practices in general.
Abstract: The potential of economically cheaper cellulose
containing natural materials like rice husk was assessed for nickel
adsorption from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, contact time,
sorbent dose, initial metal ion concentration and temperature on the
uptake of nickel were studied in batch process. The removal of nickel
was dependent on the physico-chemical characteristics of the
adsorbent, adsorbate concentration and other studied process
parameters. The sorption data has been correlated with Langmuir,
Freundlich and Dubinin-Radush kevich (D-R) adsorption models. It
was found that Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms fitted well to the
data. Maximum nickel removal was observed at pH 6.0. The
efficiency of rice husk for nickel removal was 51.8% for dilute
solutions at 20 g L-1 adsorbent dose. FTIR, SEM and EDAX were
recorded before and after adsorption to explore the number and
position of the functional groups available for nickel binding on to
the studied adsorbent and changes in surface morphology and
elemental constitution of the adsorbent. Pseudo-second order model
explains the nickel kinetics more effectively. Reusability of the
adsorbent was examined by desorption in which HCl eluted 78.93%
nickel. The results revealed that nickel is considerably adsorbed on
rice husk and it could be and economic method for the removal of
nickel from aqueous solutions.
Abstract: In this article, using finite element analysis (FEA)
and an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), cold-sprayed titanium particles
on a steel substrate is investigated in term of cooling time and the
development of residual strains. Three cooling-down models of
sprayed particles after deposition stage are simulated and discussed:
the first model (m1) considers conduction effect to the substrate only,
the second model (m2) considers both conduction as well as
convection effect to the environment, and the third model (m3) which
is the same as the second model but with the substrate heated to a
near particle temperature before spraying. Thereafter, residual strains
developed in the third model is compared with the experimental
measurement of residual strains, which involved a Bruker D8
Advance Diffractometer using CuKa radiation (40kV, 40mA)
monochromatised with a graphite sample monochromator. For
deposition conditions of this study, a good correlation was found to
exist between the FEA results and XRD measurements of residual
strains.
Abstract: The notion of communicative competence has been deemed fuzzy in communication studies. This fuzziness has led to tensions among engineers across tenures in interpreting what constitutes communicative competence. The study seeks to investigate novice and professional engineers- understanding of the said notion in terms of two main elements of communicative competence: linguistic and rhetorical competence. Novice engineers are final year engineering students, whilst professional engineers represent engineers who have at least 5 years working experience. Novice and professional engineers were interviewed to gauge their perceptions on linguistic and rhetorical features deemed necessary to enhance communicative competence for the profession. Both groups indicated awareness and differences on the importance of the sub-sets of communicative competence, namely, rhetorical explanatory competence, linguistic oral immediacy competence, technical competence and meta-cognitive competence. Such differences, a possible attribute of the learning theory, inadvertently indicate sublime differences in the way novice and professional engineers perceive communicative competence.
Abstract: Twenty seven tektites from the Wenchang area, Hainan
province (south China) and five tektites from the Khon Kaen area
(northeast Thailand) were analyzed for major and trace element
contents and Rb-Sr isotopic compositions. All the samples studied are
splash-form tektites. Tektites of this study are characterized by high
SiO2 contents ranging from 71.95 to 74.07 wt% which is consistent
with previously published analyses of Australasian tektites. The trace
element ratios Ba/Rb (avg. 3.89), Th/Sm (avg. 2.40), Sm/Sc (avg.
0.45), Th/Sc (avg. 0.99) and the rare earth elements (REE) contents of
tektites of this study are similar to the average upper continental crust.
Based on the chemical composition, it is suggested that tektites in this
study are derived from similar parental material and are similar to the
post-Archean upper crustal rocks. The major and trace element
abundances of tektites analyzed indicate that the parental material of
tektites may be a terrestrial sedimentary deposit. The tektites from the
Wenchang area, Hainan Island have high positive εSr(0)
values-ranging from 184.5~196.5 which indicate that the parental
material for these tektites have similar Sr isotopic compositions to old
terrestrial sedimentary rocks and they were not dominantly derived
from recent young sediments (such as soil or loess). Based on Rb-Sr
isotopic data, it has been suggested by Blum (1992) [1]that the
depositional age of sedimentary target materials is close to 170Ma
(Jurassic). According to the model suggested by Ho and Chen
(1996)[2], mixing calculations for various amounts and combinations
of target rocks have been carried out. We consider that the best fit for
tektites from the Wenchang area is a mixture of 47% shale, 23%
sandstone, 25% greywacke and 5% quartzite, and the other tektites
from Khon Kaen area is a mixture of 46% shale, 2% sandstone, 20%
greywacke and 32% quartzite.
Abstract: Among all mechanical joining processes, welding has
been employed for its advantage in design flexibility, cost saving,
reduced overall weight and enhanced structural performance.
However, for structures made of relatively thin components, welding
can introduce significant buckling distortion which causes loss of
dimensional control, structural integrity and increased fabrication
costs. Different parameters can affect buckling behavior of welded
thin structures such as, heat input, welding sequence, dimension of
structure. In this work, a 3-D thermo elastic-viscoplastic finite
element analysis technique is applied to evaluate the effect of shell
dimensions on buckling behavior and entropy generation of welded
thin shells. Also, in the present work, the approximated longitudinal
transient stresses which produced in each time step, is applied to the
3D-eigenvalue analysis to ratify predicted buckling time and
corresponding eigenmode. Besides, the possibility of buckling
prediction by entropy generation at each time is investigated and it is
found that one can predict time of buckling with drawing entropy
generation versus out of plane deformation. The results of finite
element analysis show that the length, span and thickness of welded
thin shells affect the number of local buckling, mode shape of global
buckling and post-buckling behavior of welded thin shells.