Engineering Design Research Articles

Model Test on Thermomechanical Behavior of Deeply Buried Pipe Energy Pile Under Different Temperature Loads and Mechanical Loads

Deeply buried pipe energy pile (DBP-EP) offers the capability to harness geothermal energy from significantly deeper subterranean layers than those available inside buried pipe energy pile (IBP-EP). Despite its potential, there is a notable scarcity of research on the thermomechanical behavior of DBP-EP. This study meticulously observed the thermal variations in the soil surrounding the DBP-EP, the mechanical response of the pile itself, the earth pressure at the pile toe, and the displacement occurring at the pile’s top during the heating phase across various operational conditions. The findings show that for every 1 °C increase in inlet temperature, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet increases by about 0.27 °C. The method of load application at the pile top during heating markedly influences the frictional resistance along the pile’s sides. Furthermore, When the pile top load rises from 0.26 kN to 0.78 kN, the observed vertical load at the pile foot decreases by 2.2–8.51%. This indicates that the increase in the pile top load reduces the downdrag effect on the sandy soil near the pile toe. This reduction subsequently diminishes the impact of vertical loads on the pile toe. Notably, after continuous operation for 8 h, the rate of increase in pile top displacement for DBP-EP shows a decline. Additionally, for every 1 °C rise in the inlet water temperature, the final displacement at the pile top diminishes by approximately 0.03‰D. This research endeavors to furnish a robust theoretical foundation for the structural design and practical engineering applications for DBP-EP.

Effectiveness of an Inquiry-Based Science Program on Enhancing Science Process Skills and Knowledge Among Moroccan Preschool Children

<p style="text-align:justify">This study evaluates the effectiveness of a twelve-week Inquiry-Based Science (IBS) program on enhancing science process skills and scientific knowledge among preschool children in Morocco. Conducted in a quasi-experimental setting, it involved 105 children (M = 60.46 months, SD = 4.32), with 37 in the IBS group and 68 in the control group. The program utilized the 5Es instructional model and the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to engage children in active, hands-on learning experiences. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the IBS group achieved substantial improvements in both science process skills and scientific knowledge relative to the control group, with between-group effect sizes (Cohen’s d) ranging from 1.02 and 2.31. These findings highlight the significant impact of structured inquiry-based approaches in early childhood education. The study underscores the need for integrating such methods into the preschool curriculum to foster scientific understanding and skills from a young age, thereby better preparing Moroccan children for future academic and professional challenges. The results advocate for educational stakeholders to consider adopting inquiry-based learning frameworks to enhance the overall quality of early childhood education in Morocco.</p>

The Casco concept as an enabler for interdisciplinary design: Designing with flood risk in Venice, Italy

ABSTRACT The environmental crisis demands for an interdisciplinary design of urban infrastructure to increase resilience to climate change. Interdisciplinary design is about integration of data, concepts, ambitions and goals by bridging instrumental differences between engineering and spatial design. This paper presents the results of an interdisciplinary design study that deals with persistent flood issues in the Venice lagoon (Italy). The study illustrates how the differences in languages, methods and tools of the disciplines can be overcome by interdisciplinary collaboration directed towards the designing of spatial and technical solutions. Two design proposals are instrumentally described through the lens of the Casco and the Open Building concepts; both advocate the creation of an overarching frame as the basic condition for adaptive design. The paper gives insights on how to cooperate in interdisciplinary design settings in educational environments and builds knowledge on the collaboration between fields that might be relevant also for professional figures.

Factors influencing communication of virtual teams in times of pandemic: a case study in engineering education

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has forced most universities to shift from traditional face-to-face teaching to remote learning. This sudden transition has presented numerous challenges for institutions that were unaccustomed to remote work, particularly in the context of senior design projects in engineering. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the influencing factors and their relative importance in affecting team communication in senior design projects during remote work. The study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach to measure the level of importance of each factor using pairwise comparison in a structured questionnaire. The survey was distributed among group leaders of senior engineering design projects and faculty members who supervised these projects. The study identified five influencing factors: interaction and relations, trust, technology, time, and working environment. The pairwise comparison revealed that interaction and relations were the most important factor in influencing the communication process during remote work. Based on the identified influencing factors, strategies to improve the effectiveness and collaboration of remote meetings were established, providing a roadmap for universities to better prepare for future disruptions and maintain effective communication within student teams during remote work. Furthermore, these findings could have implications for other areas of higher education and the broader workplace.

Design and application of inclined tensioned steel cantilevered scaffolding.

In order to reduce the cost of scaffolding usage in engineering projects as much as possible under the premise of safety and rationality, while avoiding the risk of leakage caused by holes left in the building structure by the scaffolding, a type of inclined tensioned steel cantilevered scaffolding is proposed based on the stress characteristics of traditional cantilevered scaffolding. Considering the actual construction characteristics, a comprehensive approach involving theoretical analysis, on-site field tests, and finite element methods is adopted to clarify the full-process design method of the inclined tensioned steel cantilevered scaffolding. Additionally, recommendations are provided for the practical engineering design and application of the inclined tensioned steel cantilevered scaffolding. Finally, the inclined tensioned steel cantilevered scaffolding is applied in actual engineering. The research results indicate that the proposed full-process design method is feasible, and the inclined tensioned steel cantilevered scaffolding is more cost-effective than traditional cantilevered scaffolding.

The Generative Generic-Field Design Method Based on Design Cognition and Knowledge Reasoning

Large language model (LLM) and Crowd Intelligent Innovation (CII) are reshaping the field of engineering design and becoming a new design context. Generative generic-field design can solve more general design problems innovatively by integrating multi-domain design knowledge. However, there is a lack of knowledge representation and design process model in line with the design cognition of the new context. It is urgent to develop generative generic-field design methods to improve the feasibility, innovation, and empathy of design results. This study proposes a method based on design cognition and knowledge reasoning. Firstly, through the problem formulation, a generative universal domain design framework and knowledge base are constructed. Secondly, the knowledge-based discrete physical structure set generation method and system architecture generation method are proposed. Finally, the application tool Intelligent Design Assistant (IDA) is developed, verified, and discussed through an engineering design case. According to the design results and discussion, the design scheme is feasible and reflects empathy for the fuzzy original design requirements. Therefore, the method proposed in this paper is an effective technical scheme of generative generic-field engineering design in line with the design cognition in the new context.

Rasch analysis in developing a questionnaire to measure self-efficacy beliefs of Omani preservice science teachers for teaching through engineering design

Rasch analysis in developing a questionnaire to measure self-efficacy beliefs of Omani preservice science teachers for teaching through engineering design

Enhancing end-of-life product recyclability through modular design and social engineering optimiser

Amidst the thriving landscape of manufacturing, the vision of sustainability in Industry 5.0 is becoming increasingly significant. The implementation of recycling represents a crucial step in the pursuit of sustainability, particularly in light of the mounting challenge posed by the proliferation of end-of-life (EOL) products. Addressing this challenge, we propose a novel Design for Modular Recyclability (DFMR) approach aimed at facilitating the recycling of EOL products. Our study develops a multi-objective optimisation model with a focus on maximising green recyclability and independence while minimising aggregation. We introduce an innovative Social Engineering Optimiser (SEO) to simulate behavioural patterns in complex environments, aiding in identifying and implementing effective strategies for optimal or near-optimal results in diverse scenarios. The practical effectiveness of the proposed models and algorithms is demonstrated by applying them to a real-life case study in an internal combustion engine, followed by performance comparisons with existing well-established multi-objective optimisation algorithms. The findings of our study demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed DFMR model, offering a novel approach for decision-makers to undertake EOL product recovery. This contributes to the further exploration of complex and promising paths towards sustainable manufacturing and green production that are more in line with Industry 5.0.

Employing topology optimization method to create optimum telecommunication tower design structure

Recently, the employment of topology optimization (TO) in structural engineering design has gained a significant structural performance, also, TO is employed by designers for developing aesthetically and efficient buildings. In this work, TO is employed to design novel and rigged structures of communication towers. The way that the TO algorithm works is to intelligently create the 3D model by preserving architectural features with tradeoffs between the stiffness and weight ratio. The present work focuses on the investigation of creating optimal self-supported communication towers. Results concerning the prime observation of optimization analyses and the potential benefits of TO in designing telecommunication tower lattices are drawn.

Comparison of inelasticity creep failure evaluation codes for elevated-temperature non-nuclear pressure equipment

PurposeTo ensure the reliable and safe operation of elevated-temperature pipes and equipment in the long term, it is essential to thoroughly assess the creep rupture life. Nevertheless, there is currently no design code that specifies a creep rupture life evaluation method for non-nuclear elevated-temperature equipment. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis was conducted to compare the differences and conservativeness in calculating creep strain using three major codes (ASME-CC-2843, API-579 and BS-7910) based on the results of the 316H creep constitutive model and creep strain prediction. In addition, the creep resistances of 316H, 304H and 347H were compared. Subsequently, the ANSYS Usercreep subroutine was developed to compare the discrepancies between different codes under multiaxial stress conditions using numerical simulations.FindingsBS-7910 employs the Norton creep model with calculation parameters for the average creep strain rate, which is not applicable for the engineering design stage. ASME-CC2843 code primarily focuses on the primary and secondary creep stages, making it more suitable for non-nuclear pipeline and equipment design. For 316H, the creep strain curves predicted by ASME-CC2843 and API-579 typically intersect at a specific point. By combining the creep strain predicted by ASME-CC2843 and API-579, 347H exhibits superior predicted creep resistance compared to 316H, whereas 316H exhibited better predicted creep resistance than 304H.Originality/valueThis study provides a guide for future evaluation methods and material choices for non-nuclear equipment and pipelines operating at elevated temperatures.

Experimental and numerical studies of the open hole tensile strength of drilled‐ and molded‐hole unidirectional laminates

AbstractIn this paper, we created a new molded‐hole process to manufacture holes instead of drilling in unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber reinforced plastics avoid fiber discontinuity. Several open hole tensile (OHT) tests were carried out on specimens with Cross ply (CP) and Quasi‐isotropic (QI) stacking sequence with drilled holes and molded holes. At the same time, we established finite element analysis (FEA) models of drilled‐hole laminate and molded‐hole laminate to characterize the stress field around the hole. The numerical analysis results reveals that the max principal strain distribution around the molded hole has much higher coincidence with fiber axial direction than that in drilled‐hole laminate. Moreover, the OHT strength results of QI specimens indicate that the plates with molded holes were more 50% higher than those with drilled holes. This process will provide reference for molded UD CFRP structure holes. And the numerical model can help engineering designer make OHT strength prediction.Highlights A new molded‐hole process for unidirectional prepreg was created. Molded‐hole specimens have higher open hole tensile strength than drilled‐hole pieces. The simulation results were close to the experimental results.

Compact Defected Ground Structure Microstrip Patch Antenna for Wi-Fi Applications

In recent years microstrip patch antennas having minute size is an exciting topic for many researchers and design engineers. In this paper a novel miniaturized microstrip patch antenna for Wi-Fi applications is proposed. The concept of defected ground plane (DGS) is used for achieving miniaturization. The prototype is designed and analyzed by CST Microwave Studio. Low cost FR-4 substrate having thickness of 0.8 mm is used for the design of the antenna. The antenna is having compact size of 16 × 17 mm2. The simulated results demonstrate that the antenna has bandwidth of 2.02% (49 MHz) with -41.46 dB reflection coefficient at resonating frequency. The antenna has bidirectional radiation pattern. The proposed design provides a size reduction of 75.46% in comparison to conventional patch. The proposed antenna is having compact size and is low cost which makes it a suitable candidate for 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.

GRACE: Generative Redesign in Artificial Computational Enzymology.

Designing de novo enzymes is complex and challenging, especially to maintain the activity. This research focused on motif design to identify the crucial domain in the enzyme and uncovered the protein structure by molecular docking. Therefore, we developed a Generative Redesign in Artificial Computational Enzymology (GRACE), which is an automated workflow for reformation and creation of the de novo enzymes for the first time. GRACE integrated RFdiffusion for structure generation, ProteinMPNN for sequence interpretation, CLEAN for enzyme classification, and followed by solubility analysis and molecular dynamic simulation. As a result, we selected two gene sequences associated with carbonic anhydrase from among 10,000 protein candidates. Experimental validation confirmed that these two novel enzymes, i.e., dCA12_2 and dCA23_1, exhibited favorable solubility, promising substrate-active site interactions, and achieved activity of 400 WAU/mL. This workflow has the potential to greatly streamline experimental efforts in enzyme engineering and unlock new avenues for rational protein design.

Ionic‐electronic dual‐conductor interface engineering and architecture design in layered lithium‐rich manganese‐based oxides

Ionic‐electronic dual‐conductor interface engineering and architecture design in layered lithium‐rich manganese‐based oxides

The development of carbon nanostructured biosensors for glucose detection to enhance healthcare services: a review

In this review, the forefront of biosensor development has been marked by a profound exploration of carbon nanostructured materials for the specific application of glucose detection. Moreover, this progressive line of inquiry capitalizes on the distinctive attributes of carbon nanostructured materials such as carbon nanotubes, carbon quantum dots, and graphene which exhibit unique characteristics in the development of biosensor engineering design. It also enhanced analytical performances regarding the limit of detection, selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility towards glucose detection in biological samples. Most importantly, the strategic integration of carbon nanostructured-based biosensor architectures has played a significant role in advancements, characterized by heightened sensitivity, exquisite selectivity, and augmented stability in glucose detection processes. Furthermore, utilizing these advanced materials has engendered a transformative impact on electrochemical properties, propelling the biosensors to achieve rapid and precise glucose-sensing capabilities. The confluence of carbon nanostructures with biosensor technology has not only elevated the scientific understanding of glucose detection mechanisms. Still, it has also paved the way for miniaturized and portable biosensors. This transformative shift holds great promise for the realization of point-of-care diagnostics, representing a pivotal step towards durability and efficient glucose monitoring in health/medical care. These advancements emphasize the crucial role of carbon nanostructured-based biosensors in opening the way to a new avenue of superiority and effectiveness in diabetes management. Conclusively, the challenges and, in a forward-looking stance, the prospective futures of glucose biosensors anchored on carbon nanostructured frameworks were considered.

Towards Computer-Supported Functional Modelling in Engineering Design Education

The growing need for solutions that can support the computer-based and distant assessment of functional models has resulted in ad hoc implementations of various diagramming tools. These tools are typically not intended for the purpose of functional modelling and lack the flexibility and efficiency of the traditional pen-and-paper approach. This paper reports on an experimental study of 42 students who were introduced to functional modelling through either printed vocabulary materials for pen-and-paper modelling or a specifically developed software application for computer-based modelling. All participants received an identical task—model an electric citrus juicer—with a brief description of how one operates and a photograph of a commercial example. The results show no significant difference in their total scores. However, the pen-and-paper group performed significantly better when it came to the selection of appropriate functions and creating plausible function–flow pairs. These results suggest that the current version of the software alters the functional modelling process in which the students typically engage. Also, it has been hypothesised that the software tool’s lack of flexibility and dynamism in presenting the predefined function vocabulary, when compared to the traditional printouts, might result in earlier fixation and the selection of less appropriate functions. On the other hand, the computer-supported approach can be better controlled and is less prone to critical errors, such as disregarding functional modelling conventions.

Research on innovative design of intelligent wearable products based on human machine engineering and bionics

Designing intelligent wearable products entails integrating human factors, engineering, and bionics to develop ergonomic, efficient and convenient products. Human-machine engineering is a discipline that addresses the integration between the user wearing a particular system and improving the relationship between the user and the system. At the same time, bionics is an approach that aims to mimic biological systems and structures to enhance the performance of a particular product. This research explores the possibility of integrating these specializations to design new and enhanced wearable technology products with improved usability, convenience, and flexibility for practical usage. A detailed analysis of human biomechanics and ergonomic requirements established design parameters to ensure that wearable devices could be seamlessly integrated into daily life without hindering user movement. Bionic principles, such as the flexibility of animal joints and the energy-efficient movements of natural organisms, were applied to optimize the mechanical and structural aspects of the devices. This approach enabled the creation of products that mimic the natural dynamics of the human body, offering improved responsiveness and functionality. Prototypes were developed based on human-centred design principles and evaluated using simulation and testing environments. Wearables such as exoskeletons, bright clothing, and health-monitoring devices were examined for their ability to adapt to various physical conditions and environmental changes. Results demonstrate a significant increase in user comfort, reduction in mechanical strain, and enhanced performance, validating the effectiveness of integrating human-machine engineering and bionics in wearable design.

Functionalization Strategies of Iron Sulfides for High-Performance Supercapacitors

AbstractSupercapacitors have emerged as a promising class of energy storage technologies, renowned for their impressive specific capacities and reliable cycling performance. These attributes are increasingly significant amid the growing environmental challenges stemming from rapid global economic growth and increased fossil fuel consumption. The electrochemical performance of supercapacitors largely depends on the properties of the electrode materials used. Among these, iron-based sulfide (IBS) materials have attracted significant attention for use as anode materials owing to their high specific capacity, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, IBS electrode materials often face challenges such as poor electrical conductivity, compromised chemical stability, and large volume changes during charge–discharge cycles. This review article comprehensively examines recent research efforts aiming at improving the performance of IBS materials, focusing on three main approaches: nanostructure design (including 0D nanoparticles, 1D nanowires, 2D nanosheets, and 3D structures), composite development (including carbonaceous materials, metal compounds, and polymers), and material defect engineering (through doping and vacancy introduction). The article sheds light on novel concepts and methodologies designed to address the inherent limitations of IBS electrode materials in supercapacitors. These conceptual frameworks and strategic interventions are expected to be applied to other nanomaterials, driving advancements in electrochemical energy conversion.

The Influences of Parameters on the Dynamic Characteristics of a Multi-Foil Aerodynamic Journal Bearing with Bump-Backing Foils: Model Predictions

In this work, the development and implementation of a dynamic characteristics model for a specific multi-foil aerodynamic journal bearing with bump-backing foils (MFJB) is considered. Based on the previously established static characteristics model, the elastohydrodynamic influence is carefully considered, and the perturbation method is adopted, as this model is more effective and computationally efficient. The effects of the operational, structural, and geometric parameters on stiffness and damping coefficients are emphasized. The results show that the eccentricity ratio effects are more intensive when the bearing speed is at a moderately high level, which is no more than approximately 30,000 rpm. The foil thickness has obvious effects on dynamic characteristics, whereas the influence of the elastic modulus is limited. Within the research scope, the eight-foils bearing exhibits a better performance than the four-foils. This paper is designed to provide effective methods and supply theoretical guidance for improving the engineering design and operational stability of bearings.

Uncertainties in Water Engineering Design and Management: The Shortcomings of Technology and the Centrality of the Human Being

Uncertainties in Water Engineering Design and Management: The Shortcomings of Technology and the Centrality of the Human Being