Engineering Aspects Research Articles

Data proficiency in MAE education: Insights from student perspectives and experiences

This paper explores how mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE) students understand and improve their data proficiency throughout their engineering curriculum. Data is essential for engineering students to be proficient in handling, as it is involved in every aspect of engineering. With the growing ubiquity of data and data analysis in all engineering fields, engineering students need to learn and master data skills to be competitive in the current and future job market. However, there is a lack of research on how non-computer science or software engineering majors perceive data proficiency and how they seek opportunities to develop data skills, especially as it relates to specific subdomains. In this paper, we investigate how students perceive data proficiency and how they develop using interview data from N = 27 MAE students at a research institution in the southeastern United States. Using the How People Learn framework, we analyzed the data through thematic analysis methods with a postpositivist approach, considering the bounded context of this study. The results show that MAE students value data proficiency as a crucial skill for their future careers and recognize its importance in making evidence-based engineering decisions. The study also reveals that, even though data proficiency is often a “hidden competency,” MAE students intuitively find various ways to enhance their data skills. These findings may help engineering educators to tailor their instruction to their students’ needs, address misconceptions about data and data proficiency, and prepare a data-literate future engineering workforce.

Virtual Digital Laboratory Vernier as a Tool of Implementing STEM-Education Principles in Physics Lessons

The article highlights the results of the theoretical and methodological analysis of the issue of the use of the Vernier digital virtual laboratory as an innovative tool for implementing the principles of STEM education in physics lessons in high school. The purpose of this research paper is to justify the feasibility of integrating digital laboratories into the physics curriculum, which allows for its modernization through the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The study's methodological foundation is based on the active learning concept developed by D. Sokoloff, R. Thornton and P. Laws. According to it, the active nature of learning physics using the Vernier digital laboratory is ensured by the ability to conduct real, high-precision, and multiple measurements of various physical quantities, analyze the obtained data, visualize them as graphs or charts, and interactively adjust and generalize the results of the experiment. The main advantages and disadvantages of using this innovative learning tool have been analyzed, and its compliance with safety, accessibility and adaptability requirements has been determined. The content of implementing the scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical aspects of STEM education through the methodology of using the Vernier digital laboratory in physics lessons has been explored. An example of a tentative lesson plan for a physics class using the Vernier digital laboratory is provided. Based on the conducted research and the practice of using the Vernier digital laboratory in middle school physics lessons, it has been concluded that it has significant and comprehensive educational potential as an innovative tool for implementing STEM education principles.

Progress and Prospects in Cathode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries: Synthesis, Characterization, and Engineering Aspects

Progress and Prospects in Cathode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries: Synthesis, Characterization, and Engineering Aspects

Pedagogical technologies for teaching environmental engineering in the online learning system of higher education institution

The article outlines the pedagogical technologies for teaching environmental engineering in the online learning system of higher education institutions. There are proposed ways of developing educational technologies for teaching environmental engineering: active and collaborative learning, individualisation of training, use of video and audio materials, using electronic tools for evaluation of educational results, development of digital literacy, implementation of interactive online courses and professional communication and mentoring. There are presented the use of these technologies in the different aspects of environmental engineering, such as analysing water quality parameters, soil quality assessment, studying waste management practices, and studying the integration of renewable energy into the practice through virtual labs, online tests, video lectures, and collaborative projects. The proposed pedagogical technologies for teaching environmental engineering in the online learning system of higher education institutions were tested in the educational process. The Student's t-test was used for statistical calculation of the obtained experimental data. At the end of the experiment, there is a statistically significant difference between the mean values of the experimental and control groups. It can be claimed that the use of pedagogical technologies for teaching environmental engineering in the online learning system of higher education institutions is perspective.

Experimental Study on Damage Constitutive Model of Rock under Thermo-Confining Pressure Coupling

Underground engineering frequently encounters the challenges of high temperatures and high confining pressures. The combined effects of temperature and confining pressure can significantly alter the mechanical properties of rock. Evaluating the impact of these factors on rock is a crucial aspect of engineering. This study investigates the mechanical properties of rocks under various temperature and stress conditions, focusing on the deformation and failure characteristics of four typical rock types: granite, red sandstone, gray sandstone, and shale under temperature-confining pressure coupling. The results indicate that high temperatures cause internal structural damage and crack propagation in rocks, leading to a reduction in compressive strength and elastic modulus. Conversely, high confining pressures can inhibit crack propagation and enhance rock deformation capacity. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the mechanical responses of different rocks; red sandstone and shale predominantly exhibited shear failure under the coupled effects of temperature and confining pressure, whereas granite and gray sandstone exhibited bulging failure. Based on the experimental results, an elastic modulus fitting model considering the temperature-confining pressure coupling effect was proposed, and the parameters of the Drucker–Prager criterion were modified. A constitutive model was constructed to accurately reflect the stress–strain state of rocks under the coupled effects of temperature and confining pressure. The constitutive model results show good agreement with the experimental findings.

Aspects of Reaction Engineering for Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel is a non-toxic, drop-in liquid transportation fuel that is amenable to continuous production from sustainable biomass resources using catalytic technologies. A diverse range of catalysts and reactor technologies have been experimentally investigated and computationally modelled, for producing biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) from oil feedstocks by their esterification or transesterification with short-chain alcohols. Solid-acid and base catalysts are attractive for biodiesel production from renewable oil feedstocks due to their ease of separation from the desired biodiesel and glycerol by-product, use of Earth’s abundant elements, and suitability in continuous processes. Here, we review the technical challenges and opportunities in designing catalytic reactor systems for biodiesel production.

Nanocomposites of Thermosetting Polymers and Graphene Quantum Dots—Physical Attributes and Ongoing Progressions

Thermosets, before hardening, consist of independent macromolecules similar to thermoplastics, however, chemical curing of these macromolecules via heat or radiations may form irreversibly crosslinked macromolecular networks between their main chains. Graphene quantum dots are inimitable spherical nano-entities having the advantages of extremely small sizes, of 5-10 nm, very high surface area, surface/edge effects, quantum confinements and a range of physical characteristics including semiconductivity, fluorescence and magnetic properties. Similar to other nanocarbons (like graphene, fullerene or nanodiamonds), graphene quantum dots have been examined as noteworthy nanofillers to enhance the essential physical features of various macromolecular matrices, such as thermosets, thermoplastics and rubbers. Consequently, this review article was intended to systematically discuss the existing scientific state of graphene quantum dots reinforced thermosetting macromolecular matrices for the formation of high performance nanomaterials. According to the literature reports, the type, amount and molecular weight of these macromolecules seemed to affect the epoxy-quantum dots interactions and physical properties, like strength and heat stability of the resulting nanomaterials. Moreover, including graphene quantum dots in thermosetting matrices, like epoxies, hyperbranched polyesters and hyperbranched polyurethanes, has positively influenced the engineering aspects (mainly mechanical and thermal attributes) of the resulting nanocomposites owing to their interactions, compatibility and interfacial tendencies toward these matrices. Principally, epoxy/graphene quantum dots nanocomposites have been fabricated and investigated for the effects of graphene quantum nano-entities on the physical property enhancements of these irreversibly crosslinked macromolecules due to their mutual matrix-nanofiller interfaces. As per our analysis, the literature hitherto on the graphene quantum dots reinforced thermosetting matrix nanocomposites has disclosed significant property improvements of these macromolecules and their promising technological applications for high performance anticorrosion coatings, electromagnetic interference shields and biomedical fields.

Research on Human Exposure to Transport-Induced Vibration in Buildings

The analysis of human perception of vibrations in buildings is a critical aspect of structural engineering, particularly as urbanization intensifies and the proximity of vibration sources to buildings increases. This paper addresses the frequent errors in the assessment and diagnosis of the impact of vibrations on building occupants. Despite stringent standards and detailed methodologies, misinterpretations and incorrect implementations of these guidelines are common, leading to flawed diagnostic studies. These errors often stem from the misuse of measurement equipment, inappropriate selection of measurement points, and a general lack of comprehensive education on vibration analysis. National guidelines, although largely based on ISO standards, vary significantly, contributing to inconsistent practices across Europe. The dominant sources of urban vibrations include vehicle traffic, particularly heavy trucks and rail vehicles, which significantly impact both building structures and human comfort. This paper reviews the methodologies for measuring and interpreting vibrations, emphasizing the importance of correct sensor placement and data analysis. It highlights the necessity of integrating vibrational comfort into building design, considering both external and internal vibration sources. The study also explores the effectiveness of different evaluation methods, such as the RMS and VDV methods, and the impact of various weighting functions on the analysis results. The findings underscore the need for improved education and standardization in the field to ensure accurate assessments and enhance the vibrational comfort of building occupants.

Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction for Brackish Groundwater Treatment: From Engineering Aspects to Implementation

In recent years, nitrate has emerged as a significant groundwater pollutant due to its potential ecotoxicity. In particular, nitrate contamination of brackish groundwater poses a serious threat to both ecosystems and human health and remains difficult to treat. A promising, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution when biological treatments are not applicable is the conversion of nitrate to harmless nitrogen (N2) or ammonia (NH3) as a nutrient by electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (eNO3R) using solar photovoltaic energy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current advances in eNO3R for the production of nitrogen and ammonia. The discussion begins with fundamental concepts, including a detailed examination of the mechanisms and pathways involved, supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) to elucidate specific aspects of ammonium and nitrogen formation during the process. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offers promising advancements in enhancing the predictive power of DFT, accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel catalysts. In this review, we also explore various electrode preparation methods and emphasize the importance of in situ characterization techniques to investigate surface phenomena during the reaction process. The review highlights numerous examples of copper-based catalysts and analyses their feasibility and effectiveness in ammonia production. It also explores strategies for the conversion of nitrate to N2, focusing on nanoscale zerovalent iron as a selective material and the subsequent oxidation of the produced ammonia. Finally, this review addresses the implementation of the eNO3R process for the treatment of brackish groundwater, discussing various challenges and providing reasonable opinions on how to overcome these obstacles. By synthesizing current research and practical examples, this review highlights the potential of eNO3R as a viable solution to mitigate nitrate pollution and improve water quality.

DESIGNING EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT FOUNDATIONS: A GEOTECHNICAL PERSPECTIVE ON SEISMIC LOAD DISTRIBUTION AND SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION

The design of earthquake-resistant foundations is a critical aspect of geotechnical engineering, particularly in regions susceptible to seismic activity. This study explores the role of seismic load distribution and soil-structure interaction in the development of resilient foundation systems. By integrating advanced geotechnical analysis techniques, the research examines various soil types, foundation materials, and structural configurations to identify the optimal conditions for mitigating seismic impacts. Emphasis is placed on understanding the interaction between soil properties, foundation stiffness, and seismic forces, with the goal of improving the safety and durability of built environments. The findings contribute to better predictive models for designing foundations that can withstand seismic loads while ensuring long-term stability.

DESIGN and be SMART: Eleven engineering challenges to achieve sustainable air transportation under safety assurance in the year 2050

The aviation industry faces various challenges in meeting long-term sustainability goals amidst surging demand for air travel and growing environmental concerns of the general public. The year 2050 is set as an ambitious goal for net zero emissions, a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometer flown, major improvements in aircraft energy efficiency, and a development towards autonomous, intelligent operations. This review explores the pivotal role of advancements in engineering for achieving sustainability in aviation. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, our work highlights how innovations in all aspects of aircraft engineering coupled with operations-related technologies, offer promising solutions to mitigate environmental impact, enhance efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability in aviation operations. To discuss the necessary advances, we promote the so-called ‘DESIGN and be SMART’ framework, consisting of eleven complementary engineering challenges towards reaching sustainability. To address the high safety levels reached in air transportation, our DESIGN and be SMART framework also addresses the safety assurance challenge that is overarching each of the eleven engineering challenges. We believe that through an orchestrated integration of hardware advancements with innovative software solutions, and novel safety assurance methods, the aviation industry can realize synergistic benefits that drive sustainable growth of air transportation. Our review contributes to such an orchestration by describing the status quo and research challenges ahead.

Rock discontinuity extraction from 3D point clouds using pointwise clustering algorithm

Recognizing discontinuities within rock masses is a critical aspect of rock engineering. The development of remote sensing technologies has significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of the point clouds collected from rock outcrops. In response, we propose a workflow that balances accuracy and efficiency to extract discontinuities from massive point clouds. The proposed method employs voxel filtering to downsample point clouds, constructs a point cloud topology using K-d trees, utilizes principal component analysis to calculate the point cloud normals, and employs the pointwise clustering (PWC) algorithm to extract discontinuities from rock outcrop point clouds. This method provides information on the location and orientation (dip direction and dip angle) of the discontinuities, and the modified whale optimization algorithm (MWOA) is utilized to identify major discontinuity sets and their average orientations. Performance evaluations based on three real cases demonstrate that the proposed method significantly reduces computational time costs without sacrificing accuracy. In particular, the method yields more reasonable extraction results for discontinuities with certain undulations. The presented approach offers a novel tool for efficiently extracting discontinuities from large-scale point clouds.

Numerical analysis of energy dissipation due to eddy currents in a vibrating beam

Vibration attenuation is a key aspect of mechanical engineering. One method to achieve this is through eddy currents, which can be generated in a vibrating system when a magnetic field is present, creating forces that oppose motion. This study examines a mechanical system consisting of a thin cantilever beam vibrating in a uniform and time-invariant magnetic field under steady-state conditions to understand the nature of energy dissipation and the relationship between motion, eddy currents, and damping forces. The calculation of eddy currents generally requires the use of complex numerical procedures. However, for systems with simple geometry, such as a cantilever beam, a recent numerical procedure based on the finite difference method, known for its simplicity in implementation, has been adapted and expanded to determine eddy currents under motional induction. A numerical application has been developed in which the vibration of a specific beam is characterised by its bending or torsional mode shapes, and the nature of the corresponding dissipative forces is analysed. Results indicate that the eddy currents are an effective means of dissipating energy at lower-order modes. Additionally, the direction of the applied magnetic field can induce coupling between bending and torsional vibrations.

Influence of Wobbling Tryptophan and Mutations on PET Degradation Explored by QM/MM Free Energy Calculations.

Plastic-degrading enzymes, particularly poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) hydrolases, have garnered significant attention in recent years as potential eco-friendly solutions for recycling plastic waste. However, understanding of their PET-degrading activity and influencing factors remains incomplete, impeding the development of uniform approaches for enhancing PET hydrolases for industrial applications. A key aspect of PET hydrolase engineering is optimizing the PET-hydrolysis reaction by lowering the associated free energy barrier. However, inconsistent findings have complicated these efforts. Therefore, our goal is to elucidate various aspects of enzymatic PET degradation by means of quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) reaction simulations and analysis, focusing on the initial reaction step, acylation, in two thermophilic PET hydrolases, LCC and PES-H1, along with their highly active variants, LCCIG and PES-H1FY. Our findings highlight the impact of semiempirical QM methods on proton transfer energies, affecting the distinction between a two-step reaction involving a metastable tetrahedral intermediate and a one-step reaction. Moreover, we uncovered a concerted conformational change involving the orientation of the PET benzene ring, altering its interaction with the side-chain of the "wobbling" tryptophan from T-stacking to parallel π-π interactions, a phenomenon overlooked in prior research. Our study thus enhances the understanding of the acylation mechanism of PET hydrolases, in particular by characterizing it for the first time for the promising PES-H1FY using QM/MM simulations. It also provides insights into selecting a suitable QM method and a reaction coordinate, valuable for future studies on PET degradation processes.

Preface: 7th International Conference on Frontiers of Biological Sciences and Engineering (FBSE 2024)

This proceeding includes original and peer-reviewed research papers from the 7th International Conference on Frontiers of Biological Sciences and Engineering (FBSE 2024) held on July 27-28, 2024 in Jinan City, China. FBSE aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Biological Sciences and Engineering. It also provides a platform for academic scientists, researchers and research scholars, doctors, doctoral students and related professionals to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Biological Sciences and Engineering. All authors and participants are kindly encouraged to contribute to and help shape the conference through submissions of their research abstracts, papers and posters. FBSE 2024 received 52 submissions. By submitting a paper to FBSE, the authors agreed to the review process and understood that papers undergo a peer-review process. Manuscripts were reviewed by appropriately qualified experts in the field selected by the Conference Committee, who gave detailed comments and-if the submission was accepted the authors would submit a revised version that took into account this feedback. All papers were reviewed using a double-blind review process: authors declared their names and affiliations in the manuscript for the reviewers to see, but reviewers did not know each other’s identities, nor did the authors receive information about who had reviewed their manuscript. The Committees of FBSE conference invested great efforts in reviewing the papers submitted to the conference and organizing the sessions to enable the participants to gain maximum benefit. Hopefully, all participants and other interested readers will benefit scientifically from the proceedings and also find it stimulating in the process. Paula Cheung Conference Organizing Committee Singapore

Analysis of electroviscous effects in electrolyte liquid flow through a heterogeneously charged uniform microfluidic device

Charge-heterogeneity (i.e., surface charge variation in the axial direction of the device) introduces non-uniformity in flow characteristics in the microfluidic device. Thus, it can be used for controlling practical microfluidic applications, such as mixing, mass, and heat transfer processes. This study has numerically investigated the charge-heterogeneity effects in the electroviscous (EV) flow of symmetric (1:1) electrolyte liquid through a uniform slit microfluidic device. The Poisson’s, Nernst-Planck (N-P), and Navier–Stokes (N-S) equations are numerically solved using the finite element method (FEM) to obtain the flow fields, such as total electrical potential (U), excess charge (n *), induced electric field strength (E x), and pressure (P) fields for following ranges of governing parameters: inverse Debye length (2 ≤ K ≤ 20), surface charge density (4 ≤ S 1 ≤ 16), and surface charge-heterogeneity ratio (0 ≤ S rh ≤ 2). Results have shown that the total potential (∣ΔU∣) and pressure (∣ΔP∣) drop maximally increase by 99.09% (from 0.1413 to 0.2812) (at K = 20, S 1 = 4) and 12.77% (from 5.4132 to 6.1045) (at K = 2, S 1 = 8), respectively with overall charge-heterogeneity (0 ≤ S rh ≤ 2). Electroviscous correction factor (Y, i.e., ratio of effective to physical viscosity) maximally enhances by 12.77% (from 1.2040 to 1.3577) (at K = 2, S 1 = 8), 40.98% (from 1.0026 to 1.4135) (at S 1 = 16, S rh = 1.50), and 41.35% (from 1 to 1.4135) (at K = 2, S rh = 1.50), with the variation of S rh (from 0 to 2), K (from 20 to 2), and S 1 (from 0 to 16), respectively. Further, a simple pseudo-analytical model is developed to estimate the pressure drop in EV flow, accounting for the influence of charge-heterogeneity based on the Poiseuille flow in a uniform channel. This model predicts the pressure drop ± 2%–4% within the numerical results. The robustness and simplicity of this model enable the present numerical results for engineering and design aspects of microfluidic applications.

Novel Insights into Enzymatic Thermostability: The “Short Board” Theory and Zero‐Shot Hamiltonian Model

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanism underlying thermostabilization in naturally stable enzymes and enhancing the thermostability of unstable enzymes are crucial aspects in enzyme engineering. Despite the development of various engineering methods, there remains substantial scope for improvement. In this study, a novel concept termed as the “short board” theory is proposed, which conceptualizes proteins as barrels with each component representing a jagged board. Notably, optimizing modifications to the shortest board yields optimal enhancements in terms of thermostability performance. To validate this theory, α‐amylase, an industrial bulk enzyme with multiple domains, is employed as a model enzyme. The existence of “short boards” and their impact on thermostability modification are demonstrated at the domain, residue, and atomic levels through experimental confirmation using domain substitution. Furthermore, a novel thermostable design and prediction model called Zero‐Shot Hamiltonian (ZSH) is established and evaluated on α‐amylase. This coevolutionary approach based on thermostability and deep learning exhibits remarkable success exclusively when applied to enzymes with fixed short boards. The integration of the “short board” theory with the ZSH model presents an innovative tool for enhancing enzymatic thermostability.

Solid-State Fermentation Engineering of Traditional Chinese Fermented Food.

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) system involves solid, liquid, and gas phases, characterized by complex mass and heat transfer mechanisms and microbial complex interactions. The SSF processes for traditional Chinese fermented foods, such as vinegar, soy sauce, and baijiu primarily rely on experience, and most of the operations are replaced by auto machine now. However, there is still a lack of engineering in-depth study of the microbial process of SSF for complete process control. To meet the demands of smart manufacturing and green production, this paper emphasizes the engineering analysis of the mechanisms behind SSF. It reviews the progress in the engineering aspects of Chinese traditional SSF, including raw material pretreatment, process parameter detection, mathematical model construction, and equipment innovation. Additionally, it summarizes the challenges faced during intelligent upgrades and the opportunities brought by scientific and technological advancements, proposing future development directions. This review provides an overview of the SSF engineering aspects, offering a reference for the intelligent transformation and sustainable development of the Chinese traditional SSF food industry.

A systematic review of design and performance enhancement techniques for the reduction of radar cross section in multiple input multiple output antennas

multiple-input multiple-output technology has emerged as a pivotal solution for addressing the capacity constraints of high-speed broadband wireless networks. By employing multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver, multiple-input multiple-output significantly enhances wireless communication efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive review of multiple-input multiple-output antenna design strategies tailored for fifth-generation (5 G) networks and beyond. Specifically, it critically examines methodologies aimed at mitigating radar cross section in multiple-input multiple-output antennas, a crucial aspect of antenna engineering, especially in scenarios requiring reduced detectability. Various design and performance enhancement techniques proposed in the literature for RCS reduction in multiple-input multiple-output antennas are systematically analyzed, focusing on aspects such as antenna geometry and materials methods. Synthesizing these findings provides valuable insights into the current state of research, highlighting advancements, challenges, and future directions in developing efficient multiple-input multiple-output antennas with minimized radar cross section. This review contributes to antenna technology by aiding researchers and practitioners in informed decision-making regarding radar cross section reduction techniques for multiple-input multiple-output systems, and it identifies innovative approaches pertinent to multiple-input multiple-output applications. Finally, key considerations in multiple-input multiple-output antenna design are addressed, proposing potential directions for future research and development initiatives.

Control of tungsten-epoxy composite porosity prepared using a high-energy ball milling method: An engineering aspect of backing layer fabrication

Tungsten-epoxy composite is commonly used as a backing layer substrate of piezoelectric-based ultrasonic transducers. The physical properties of this composite, such as porosity, play a significant role in controlling the behavior and specifications of transducer fabrication. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of tungsten content in epoxy to control porosity and determine the engineering aspects of ultrasonic transducer fabrication. The experiment was conducted using a shaker-type high-energy ball milling method, where non-spherical and faceted tungsten particles with a mean size of 1 μm were composited into epoxy resin as a matrix at various tungsten-epoxy weight ratios of 0:1 to 10:1. The prepared composite surface morphological and elemental, tungsten loading, particles, and epoxy bonding were examined and analyzed. Furthermore, analysis was carried out on the relationship between tungsten content and the parameters corresponding to the composite acoustic characteristics, such as sound velocity, acoustic attenuation, and acoustic impedance. The results showed that composite porosity increased in the range of 12.40–31.87%, corresponding to acoustic impedance from 3.04 to 9.37 Mrayl (below 10 Mrayl for biomedical ultrasonic transducers) when the tungsten-epoxy weight ratio varied from 0:1 to 10:1. This showed the significant influence of tungsten particle loading on controlling porosity of tungsten-epoxy composite by precisely tuning the weight ratio, contributing to engineering process in the fabrication. In conclusion, porosity was adjusted by controlling the tungsten loading content in epoxy.