Articles in This Issue
Abstract
Individuals with special needs who use lower limb prostheses (artificial devices designed to replace missing body parts) have specific sociocultural requirements that have driven the development of prosthetic feet. This study conducted a biomechanical analysis of three types of prosthetic feet (SACH, single-axis, and multi-axis) by comparing their biomechanical properties using ground reaction forces and an F-socket. The goal is to enhance prosthetic technology and improve the user experience for below-knee amputees by examining how different foot types affect stresses in below-knee prosthetic limbs during daily activities. The patient case study involves a 28-year-old man weighing 71 kg, who underwent a below-knee amputation of his left limb due to injuries sustained during battles with ISIS. Ground reaction force (GRF) testing is crucial for determining the forces exerted on a patient's feet while walking. Additionally, the Interface Pressure test was performed to measure the pressure between the remaining lower limb and the below-knee prosthetic socket using a pressure sensor. The healthy foot (right leg) served as the reference for comparison. The results of this study on GRF and knee force for various prosthetic feet provide valuable insights into their performance during gait analysis. The multi-axis foot demonstrated superior capabilities, potentially enhancing user mobility and quality of life. Furthermore, the F-socket test indicated that the multi-axis foot offers the best balance of pressure distribution, dynamic performance, and comfort, making it well-suited for adapting to different surfaces necessary for an active lifestyle.
Abstract
The aim of this work is to experimentally study the influence of fiber prestress and curing temperature on the tensile and flexural properties of carbon fiber-epoxy composite. Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System model was used to predict the effect of fiber prestress and curing temperature on the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus of carbon fiber-epoxy composite. It was found that, the best membership functions for predicting the tensile strength, tensile modulus and flexural modulus are Gaussian membership functions with 4 number of membership function, and for predicting the flexural strength are generalized bell membership functions with 4 number of membership functions. From the comparison between the experimental and predicted results of carbon fiber-epoxy composite properties, it is found that the prediction results of this model show a good agreement with experimental results.
Abstract
The thermoelectric behavior of different materials under various conditions has been investigated numerically by using the heat transfer module of the COMSOL Multiphysics software platform. A simulation study of the thermoelectric materials (TEM) performance was created by altering the current applied from 0.1 to 1.0 A and setting the hot side temperature (T H ) as 273 K. The impact of different performance metrics, such as cold side temperature and output voltage, has been proven and investigated. It has been shown that the material of the thermoelectric legs', length of leg, and thickness of electrodes significantly impact the thermal and electrical performance of the thermoelectric (TE) module. Appropriate ranges have been studied in the simulation, such as the amperage values applied to the unit as mentioned above, the length of the leg within a range of 1 to 8 mm, and the thickness of the electrode with different values of 0.1 to 0.5 mm, which will achieve excellent performance for the Thermoelectric unit. Modeling and simulation results demonstrated and revealed the optimal and potential use of bismuth telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 ) as well as lead telluride (PbTe) as suitable for Peltier cooling applications. As for the use of cobalt triantimonide (CoSb 3 ), it is in contrast to the two previous metals, as it is effective and appropriate if applied to power generation. The results are validated with another study from the literature, and there is an excellent agreement with an error rate that does not exceed 0.164%.
Abstract
Human beings are facing an unprecedented rise in temperature rates not recorded for years. HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems have been created and enhanced to solve this issue. Cooling load must be estimated with accepted methodologies before designing an efficient and effective air conditioning system. Companies, researchers, institutions, and others advise and develop many cooling load calculation methods. Each one of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages and may give a slightly different result for the same case. For each building, whether it was residential or commercial buildings, gyms, or shopping malls, before making the decision on (HVAC) systems to be used, both heating and cooling loads should be obtained as correctly as possible to minimize expenses as possible. Since the HVAC system consumes the most energy in an air-conditioned building, an accurate method of cooling load estimation is necessary. Consequently, an energy-efficient air conditioning system reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere while also saving money on electricity. Two cases have been compared and studied, one in Dubai UAE, and the other in Baghdad Iraq. Three different methods, HAP, hand calculation method (CLTD/SCL/CLF), and MS-EXCEL E20 form sheet were used to compare the accuracy of the results for cooling load. Results of E20 and HAP are very close to each other with high accuracy for peak load, the big difference can be found between the CLTD method and the other two methods. The value of the maximum difference percentage was found between CLTD and E20 equals 3.28% and 7.96%, on the other hand, the lowest difference was equals to 0.3% and 1.51% between HAP and E20 results for Baghdad and Dubai respectively. Traditional and local materials came from local factories, used in buildings played a big effect on the results, which may not match those materials stated in the ASHRAE or CARRIER tables, which need to be considered in the results and calculation procedure. However, all methods have a percentage of difference but all results are within the accepted range and are applicable for practical cases. Of course, this percentage is minimal with some methods and maximum with others.
Abstract
The accurate prediction of machinery faults is considered an effective strategy to increase the operation life of machines, ensure smooth operation, and provide a safe environment. Accordingly, the demands on predictive tools such as machine learning to detect machinery faults before catastrophic failure occurs has increased rapidly. In this research, a diagnosis algorithm based on using a 2D color-coded map as the input to a deep artificial neural network is proposed. These maps are called RDEgram after the processing of vibrational signals based on reverse dispersion entropy (RDE) method. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is investigated by testing its capability to detect different faults located at different locations on ball bearings under constant speed conditions. First, the squared envelope signal is extracted by applying the short time Fourier transform to vibration signal. Then, the RDE is used to process the squared envelope to detect the range of frequencies at which the transients occur. The RDEgram color-coded map is used to represent the RDE values as a function of frequency and frequency resolution. The maps from different fault features are collected to form the diagnostic patterns. Finally, a pretrained convolutional neural network (CNN) is applied to learn the feature pattern and diagnose the bearing faults. The CNN is trained using fixed- speed data and then it is applied to diagnose faults in the test data recorded at the same speed. The prediction method adopted in the current research shows a 100% level of accuracy for predicting two types of faults (pit and slot) located at various positions a ball bearing (KOYO 1205 C3 type) running at two constant speeds (25 and 30 Hz).
Abstract
The efficiency of gas turbine units is highly affected by the variation of ambient temperature. Increasing the ambient temperature decreasing the efficiency of gas turbine. Cooling the inlet air to the compressor of the gas turbine units is an essential and economical technique for improving its efficiency. Al-Rumaila gas turbine power plant was located in Basrah city, Iraq, which is characterized by its hot climates for more than six months during the year. A novel upstream inlet air cooling system was applied and tested for Rumaila gas turbine power plant. This article represents a thermo-economic evaluation of applying upstream inlet air cooling system. The analysis is based on the test results for operating single unit of Rumaila gas turbine power plant using upstream inlet air system for cooling. The test was performed during July of 2019 for 90 minutes of operation period with ambient temperature of 45 °C. The evaluation analysis shows that, the power output increased from 217.71 MW to 250.11 MW during the period test with percentage increase in power by 15%. This increase in power output led to net economic gains is approximately 1000 $/h.
Abstract
The enormous volume of crude oil that needs to be transported results from the growing demand for petroleum. One of the most practical ways to move crude oil is via pipelines. This paper's primary objective is to examine the effects of sulphur, one of the components of crude oil, on welded pipes (API 5L X60, X46, and X42 pipes as well as ASTM A106 pipes). It also aims to show how sulphur content influences different kinds of pipes separately from the other important components of crude oil. The sulphur content of crude oil is determined using the TR-TCXRF equipment. The corrosion rates of welded pipes in four immersion solutions (Different percentages of sulphur content) were computed using weight loss. The samples' corrosion characteristics were assessed morphologically using an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Petroleum welded pipelines' mechanical qualities and resistance to corrosion are significantly impacted by sulphur; an increase in sulphur concentration resulted in a higher rate of corrosion and a decrease in mechanical properties. Among all the welded pipes utilized in the paper, the API 5L X60 welded pipe had the highest corrosion rate, whereas X46 welded pipe was more corrosion-resistant than X46 and X42 in API 5L-type pipes and ASTM A106 pipe.
Abstract
A series of unconfined compression and direct shear tests were carried out to investigate the compressive strength and shear strength parameters of clay soil reinforced with different contents and lengths of wheat straw and palm frond fibers and by adding different percentages of furnace slag. The bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of the rectangular footing based on a clay soil layer reinforced with wheat straw fibers, palm fronds and furnace slag at different thicknesses were also studied by conducting model footing tests. The results indicated that the compressive strength and shear strength parameters improved significantly when adding 0.5% of natural fibers and 20% of furnace slag. The maximum compressive strength of soil samples reinforced with wheat straw fiber MT1 and palm frond fiber MT2 was 365 and 407 kPa, respectively. Compared to the unreinforced sample, samples reinforced with natural fibers and furnace slag significantly improve the shear strength parameters c and ϕ . The cohesion of soil sample reinforced with wheat straw and palm frond fibers increased by 8% and 43% respectively, while the internal friction angles improved by 19% and 40% respectively. The sample treated with furnace slag MT3 showed improved significantly in cohesion by 76% and less effect in internal friction angle. Compared to unreinforced soil samples, the cohesion of soil samples reinforced with wheat straw and palm fibers and treated with furnace slag MT4 and MT5 increased by 77% and 92% respectively, and less effect in internal friction angle. Moreover, the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of the rectangular footing improved significantly with the increase in the thickness of the top layer reinforced with natural fibers and treated with furnace slag. The ultimate bearing capacity of layer reinforced with wheat straw fibers MT1 increases to 193.2, 220.15 and 247.5 kPa at thicknesses of 0.5 B, 1.0 B, and 1.5 B respectively, while the settlement decreased by 10.4%, 15% and 20.48% respectively at same thicknesses.
Abstract
Diagnosing faults in rotary machines is critical, as early fault detection is a precise and essential task in minimizing operational risks and economic losses. Bearings are vital components in rotary machines and are subject to gradual degradation due to continuous operation. Failure to detect early damage can lead to problem escalation, resulting in severe damage and increased costs. In this study, two types of signals from rotary machines are analyzed: acoustic emission (AE) signals and vibration signals. These signals are utilized as input features for a deep learning neural network based on images, where the features are extracted using the Kurtogram, a powerful fourth-order spectral analysis tool that generalizes spectral kurtosis (SK) for a given signal. The results demonstrate that the accuracy of diagnosing the machine’s operational condition whether healthy or faulty ranges from 99.2% to 100%, while the accuracy of fault classification reaches 96.6%. These findings highlight the high efficiency of this methodology in fault detection and classification, establishing it as one of the most important techniques for diagnosing faults in rotary machines.
Abstract
Conventional Refrigeration Systems (VCRS) are the most commonly used in industrial buildings and facilities. Conventional refrigeration systems are among the most energy-consuming sources in addition to causing more environmental problems and gas emissions, such as hydrocarbons (HCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), are known to contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. Absorption Refrigeration Systems (VARS) are a good alternative to conventional refrigeration systems because they use low-grade heat sources and operate with environmentally friendly liquids. The most important of these heat sources is the heat wasted from engines, industrial processes and many other sources. The global objective of the study is a literature review on the different ways to operate the absorption refrigeration system using waste heat in engines that include exhaust gases and engine cooling water as well as renewable energy that includes solar energy. Reviews of the literature have demonstrated how the absorption refrigeration system can be used and operated using a variety of thermal sources. This study also supports the usage of ecologically friendly chillers to provide air conditioning and refrigeration, as it shows these systems have a lower performance coefficient when compared to conventional refrigeration systems.
Abstract
Since the 1970s, rainwater harvesting has gained more attention, specifically in semi-arid and arid areas. It is essential to take into account how much water can be collected from a single catchment site. Rainfall that has been harvested provides an alternative source of water in the northern region of Iraq. Numerous scholars have developed and executed a range of strategies and guidelines to choose appropriate locations and methods for rainwater harvesting (RWH). However, choosing the optimal method or set of rules for the choice of site is challenging. This study's primary goal was to evaluate previous research regarding the selection of appropriate RWH locations in northern Iraq by assembling a list of the most important techniques and guidelines that evolved over the previous thirty years. The primary factors considered in the process of choosing acceptable locations for RWH were soil type, slope, land use/cover, rainfall, and runoff. A literature review for RWH indicated that these criteria were chosen more frequently and significantly, and the opinions of experts should be used to establish the weight of each criterion. The majority of studies select RHW sites using geographic information systems, hydrological models, and multi-criteria analysis.
Abstract
Advanced applications, such as aircraft manufacturing, require sophisticated materials. Composite materials are among these advanced materials and offer several advantages, including high strength and low weight. Given that these applications experience repeated loading, studying fatigue in composite materials is essential. This paper provides a comprehensive review of fatigue failure in composite materials, focusing on the types of fatigue loads, the characteristics of composite materials, and the damage mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss modelling and simulation techniques to understand fatigue behavior and the standards necessary for conducting fatigue failure testing in composite materials. The study of fatigue in composite materials is diverse, reflecting the materials' complexity, which varies across scales. Due to composite materials' heterogeneity, numerical modelling can be challenging. It often requires numerous constants that change with various factors, which can only be determined through experimental test. As a result, studying fatigue in composite materials can be costly.
Abstract
The desalination market is gradually growing as a result of the significant water scarcity in various regions throughout the world. Concentrated solar power (CSP) can be used to power distillation, which is an effective method for addressing water shortages in areas where there is both a severe lack of water and abundant direct normal irradiation. CSPs are ideal candidates for the advancement of desalination technologies due to their capacity to produce both thermal and electricity energy. This review article offers a comprehensive of the current status of cutting-edge CSP-desalination systems. The paper reviews previously published studies conducted by researchers in the field of multi-effect desalination using concentrated solar collectors, and they are classified into two main types. Exclusively freshwater generation and freshwater / electricity cogeneration. In addition, the paper reviews conventional desalination. This review illustrates that there are numerous prospective methods for integrating desalination systems into CSPs. Potential areas for future investigation in CSP-desalination systems. In particular, the most significant obstacles to be surmounted are lowering the costs and efficiency improvements of solar repayment and desalination equipment. A potential method to expedite the commercialization of these plants is to develop innovative strategies that optimize thermal efficiency and reduce costs. Environmental factors (solar radiation intensity, ambient temperature and wind speed) and design factors (solar field area, number of mirrors, number of stages, steam temperature, steam quantity and pressure) are the main effective parameters that affect the distilled water production process. In general, the CSP desalination systems are environmentally and technically appealing; however, there remains substantial progress to be made in order for these plants to be commercially viable.
Abstract
Adhesives have been around for millennia. Nevertheless, this technique for joining has only seen significant development within the past 70 years. Professional technical engineering applications primarily use adhesives derived from synthetic polymers, a development that dates back to the mid-1940s. Its characteristics facilitate their strong adhesion to most substrates, as well as their ability to transfer substantial loads. This paper presents an extensive assessment of the current knowledge in the field of adhesives and related technologies, with a focus on adhesion theories and their parameters, as well as designing, joint configuration, geometric aspects, and failure modes. The paper also explores the interplay between research and development efforts, industrial standards, and regulatory aspects, with the goal of fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Over the past years, the development of new materials, methods, and models has resolved many of the shortcomings. Nonetheless, it is still possible to evaluate and estimate the optimal combination of aspects that will give the greatest efficiency and performance for adhesive bond joints (ABJs).