Engineering Development Research Articles

NiO@GaN nanorods-based core-shell heterostructure for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting via efficient charge separation

Remarkable properties of III-V semiconductors, particularly GaN nanostructured based photoelectrodes offers a potential attention in the field of photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC-WS) for clean and sustainable hydrogen production, due to its wide bandgap, magnificent optoelectrical properties. However, the presence of inevitable surface states in GaN nanorods (NRs) leads to low solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency with poor stability, thereby severely limiting their practical application in PEC-WS, which can be effectively alleviated by constructing a hybrid heterostructures. Herein, we present the development of interfacial engineering of a type-II core-shell heterostructure based on p-NiO nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on n-GaN NRs photoelectrodes for PEC-WS. We assessed the impact of the NiO NPs shell density on core GaN NRs, finding that the optimized NiO@GaN NRs photoelectrode achieved a photocurrent density (Jph) of 1.38 mA/cm² at 1.23 V versus RHE and an excellent applied bias photo-to-current conversion efficiency (ABPE) of ∼0.39 %, which was 3.8 (Jph) and 4.8 (ABPE)-fold times higher than the pristine GaN NRs photoanode under 1-Sun illumination. The type-II p-n heterojunction band alignment between core-shell NiO@GaN NRs photoelectrode effectively reduced the photogenerated carrier recombination rate through surface states passivation and boost the light absorption and harvesting capacity. This facilitates a significant charge separation and transfer at the photoanode/electrolyte interface leading to enhanced redox reactions, resulting in improved PEC-WS and STH performances. These findings offer a promising strategy to design and fabricate highly efficient III-V hybrid heterostructure photoelectrodes for futuristic PEC-WS-based green energy applications.

The Emotional Intelligence of Civil Engineers in Spain and its Relation with Professional Satisfaction

Different studies show the relevance of Emotional Intelligence (EI) to the development of the work conducted by civil engineers in terms of their satisfaction and well-being, and also their individual and collective performance regarding good organisational results (Larson et al., 2015; Rezvani et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2020). The purpose of this present work is to analyse the relation between the emotional intelligence of civil engineers in Spain and their degree of professional satisfaction, as well as to determine the existence of any differences in the variables studied according to their gender and years of experience. The focus of the methodology is both quantitative and exploratory, together with descriptive and correlational analyses involving a survey conducted with 248 Civil Engineers. The main results show that a positive and significant relation exists between the emotional intelligence of those participating in the survey and their degree of professional satisfaction, and furthermore that significant differences exist in this level of satisfaction in terms of their years of experience. These results endorse the relevance that the EI competencies have for the development of Civil Engineering, both for those who practice this profession and for the organisations where they work, as well as the impact this work may have on the social systems involved.

A review of the application development and key technologies of rotary engines under the background of carbon neutrality

Rotary engines possess advantages such as light weight, high power density, and strong fuel adaptability, which are essential for powertrain systems. They hold great potential in the field of power machinery. However, the development of rotary engines has been constrained by increasingly stringent emission regulations. Despite this, numerous scholars and institutions continue to optimize rotary engines, leading to a proliferation of related research. It is necessary to synthesize these findings to guide future promotion and application efforts. This review examines the current applications and development status of rotary engines globally. It summarizes the development of key technologies such as sealing techniques, rotor configurations, and ignition devices, which have achieved lower energy consumption and emissions. The suitability of rotary engines for automotive and unmanned aerial vehicle applications has also been reported. To further reduce carbon emissions, researchers have explored zero-carbon fuel rotary engines. Hydrogen-fueled rotary engines have demonstrated higher combustion efficiency. By integrating EGR, load control strategies, and ignition system layouts, they have addressed issues such as NOx emissions, knock, and leakage. The development of ammonia-hydrogen hybrid fuels is also a potential effective solution. Continuous innovative research indicates that, with their inherent advantages and the integration of alternative fuels and advanced ignition technologies, rotary engines have the potential to meet future energy and environmental requirements. This positions them as strong contenders in future diversified power systems.

Payoff-driven migration promotes the evolution of trust in networked populations

Establishing and maintaining trustworthy behaviors in large populations of self-interested individuals is a significant problem which received extensive attentions from research fields such as evolutionary biology, economics, sociology and engineering. As a well-known model that captures social trust dilemmas, the N-player trust game is adopted to investigate the evolution of trust in groups consisting of investors and trustees. In addition, to model real scenarios in dynamic environments, we introduce a novel migration mechanism, called adaptive environment-benefit-driven migration, which considers the influence of individuals’ payoffs on migration. Through theoretical analysis and Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the migration mechanism on facilitating trust behaviors in the framework of evolutionary game theory. We find that the population density plays a crucial role in establishing trust. Simulation results reveal that trust can be fostered in a dynamic environment influenced by individual migration with the medium vacancy rate. This work significantly contributes to the understanding of mutual trust behaviors in networked social systems from a more realistic perspective.

Decoupling method of self-gravity compensation based on spherical multipole expansion for space gravitational wave detectors

In space gravitational wave detection missions, the gravity and its gradients produced by the spacecraft on the two Test Masses (TMs) are commonly referred to as the Self-Gravity(SG). It is an important source of TM disturbances in gravitational wave detection and other drag-free space missions and will affect the TM acceleration noise in many ways. The SG can be reduced by adding Balance Masses (BMs). But for typical space gravitational wave detectors, in which the sensitive axes of the two TMs are at an angle of 60°, the couplings of different SG components of two TMs make the gravity compensation process complicated in practice, which is normally an iterative process. This paper analyses the correspondence between the SG components of the two TMs and the spherical harmonics of different orders, and proposes a compensation method based on spherical multipole expansion. This method allows independent design of the BMs for most of the main SG components, without couplings and iterations. To verify this method, a self-gravity compensation simulation is carried out by using a demonstrating spacecraft structural model for TianQin gravitational wave detection mission. Three sets of BMs are designed on the outer surface of the inertial sensor vacuum chamber, to compensate for the two linear accelerations and one linear gradient that exceed the requirements. The results show that the SG components after compensation are two orders of magnitude lower than the initial level, and all the components meet the preliminary requirements of TianQin mission. This study could provide reference for the engineering design and development of the spacecraft and inertial sensor payload for space gravitational wave detection missions.

Biofortification: Future Challenges for a Newly Emerging Technology to Improve Nutrition Security Sustainably

Biofortification was coined as a term to define a plant breeding strategy to increase the micronutrient content of staple food crops to reduce the burden of micronutrient deficiencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2003, the HarvestPlus program, based in the centers comprising the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), was initiated to implement the biofortification strategy. This paper discusses what has been achieved, what has been learned, and the key challenges to embed biofortification in food systems and to expand its impact.Cost-effectiveness is key to the biofortification strategy. Biofortification piggybacks on the agronomically-superior varieties being developed at agricultural research centers. Central plant breeding research discoveries can be spread globally. Farmers have every motivation to adopt the latest high-yielding, high profit crops. High productivity leads to lower food prices. As a consequence, consumers can increase their mineral and vitamin intakes at no additional cost by substituting biofortified staple foods one-for-one for non-biofortified staple foods. After twenty years of investment, biofortified staple food crops are being produced by farmers in over 40 countries and are eaten by hundreds of millions of people. Published nutrition trials have shown nutrient-rich crops to be efficacious. The biofortification strategy is now recognized by the international nutrition community as one effective approach among several interventions needed to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. This is a promising beginning. However, biofortification is still a newly emerging technology. A limitation of biofortification as implemented to date is that densities of single nutrients have been increased in given staple food crops. To reach a higher trajectory, the impacts of biofortification can be multiplied several-fold using genetic engineering and other advanced crop development techniques to combine multiple-nutrient densities with climate-smart traits.

Оценка влияния вредных факторов производственной среды в литейном цехе

Harmful factors in the working area of foundry operators are considered. The complexity of workflows affects the quality of air in the foundry. The casting process is accompanied by the generation of a significant amount of dust as well as high levels of noise and vibration. The relevant aspect of the study is the assessment of the state of occupational safety, considering the harmful factors at the production in question. Dust content has been thoroughly investigated by dispersive and elemental analysis of dust using X-ray fluorescence analysis and laser diffraction. The impact of the vibroacoustic factor has been studied. An analysis of the sound pressure level in the working areas of the foundry has been provided. The authors have proposed technical measures to reduce dust content and the level of impact of the vibroacoustic factor. The development of a system of measures to minimize harmful impact has been based on a combined analysis of factors. Methods to reduce noise and dust content at workplaces are proposed as follows: organizing a highly efficient system of post-treatment of dust emissions, increasing equipment sound absorption, installing structures to reduce noise pollution, and using a coating system made of dense rubber structures (compounds). Ensuring safe working conditions in working areas of the foundry has been studied; the improvement of working conditions due to the improvement of existing and installation of new noise and vibration protection means has been proposed. An integrated approach to the assessment of production factors has been provided, which has been the key element for the development of engineering and organizational protection measures. The integrated analysis helped identify the degree of impact of harmful factors such as noise, and dust content on machine operators during the casting process and to conduct a comparative assessment of sound pressure levels. The sound pressure can be reduced by 8–10 dB using improved mechanisms of shot-blasting chamber operator protection. More extensive dust protection measures are proposed due to the sample content of 85% of the dust mass less than 100 microns and multicomponent dust with a high content of silicon and iron. The findings provide a technical value for the substantiation of the modernization of noise and dust reduction systems at foundry operator workplaces.

Analysis and Comparison of Full-Text Search Algorithms

The exponential growth of electronically stored textual data poses a significant challenge for search engine developers. This paper is dedicated to a detailed study and comparison of three classical full-text search algorithms: Knuth-Morris-Pratt (KMP), Boyer-Moore (BM), and Rabin-Karp (RK). These algorithms are widely used in computer science for efficient substring searching in textual data. The research results allowed us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm and to determine the conditions under which each algorithm is most efficient.

A Study on the Effects of Preheating Thevetia Peruviana Biodiesel on the Performance of CI Engine

Biodiesel is becoming increasingly popular as a substitute fuel for compression ignition (CI) engines because of its comparable characteristics to those of diesel and its little environmental impact. The development of diesel engines that run on biodiesel and reduce emissions of pollutants, while also improving thermal efficiency, are key concerns in engine design. The most crucial prerequisites for achieving these are precise and quick air-fuel mixing. However, biodiesel's viscosity is considered a drawback for its application as a substitute fuel for IC engines. Heating can greatly lower the viscosity, which can eliminate the problems caused by excessive viscosity during injection. Hence in this effort, preheated Thevetia Peruviana biodiesel (Methyl Ester) is utilized. The present research aims to examine how preheating biodiesel affects the operation of a direct injection (DI) diesel engine. Engine tests were done on a stationary, single-cylinder, constant speed, naturally aspirated, water-cooled CI engine with a preheated 20% blend of Thevetia Peruviana biodiesel (PH-TPME20 with a conventional jerk type injection system. Engine performance of preheated TPME20 was compared with the unheated 20% blend of TPME and diesel. Preheating reduced the viscosity of the oil, which resulted in a noticeable improvement in engine performance. A considerable drop in emission levels from the engine exhaust gas was noted. The preheating improved combustion characteristics i.e. it lowered the delay period and resulted in quicker release of heat because of improved fuel-air mixing, fuel vaporization, and atomization.

SYNTHESIZING OF AN ALUMINUM ALLOY RICH IN IRON AND SILICON BY SURFACING WITH A CONSUMABLE ELECTRODE

Developing lightweight, high-strength materials is an important technological problem of the present decade. However, alloying with expensive elements is mainly used to increase the strength of structural materials. In contrast, aluminum alloys with a specific ratio of silicon and iron show very high mechanical properties. This work aims to develop a technology for synthesizing an aluminium-based alloy with a high content of iron and silicon, consisting mainly of intermetallic phases and having high strength and hardness. The additive technology method of surfacing with a consumable electrode produced the alloy. The ratio of the initial components, meticulously determined, led to the precise chemical composition of the alloy. As a result of the synthesis, an ingot with a uniform microstructure and insignificant porosity, a testament to the careful process, was obtained. At room temperature, the alloy has a phase composition of 42.6% β-phase, 43.4% θ-phase and 13.5% FCC-phase. Phases β and θ are large particles between which the FCC aluminum phase is located. The hardness of the intermetallic β/θ is 450.8±5 HV1, FCC aluminum has a hardness of 92.5 HV1. This research has the potential to inspire further developments in materials science and engineering.

Impacts of slip and activation energy on MHD hybrid nanofluid flow past a stretching radiated surface with heat generation/absorption

The influences of slip and activation energy on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of hybrid nanofluid over a permeable stretching radiated surface in attendance of heat source/sink have been studied. Al2O3 and Cu nanoparticles are mixed up in water to produce a hybrid nanofluid which is very important in various industrial sectors as hybrid nanofluid has wider applications in enhancing thermal efficiency to provide efficient and reliable cooling. As no one has yet searched for the collective impacts of radiative heat flux, ‘heat generation/absorption’ and ‘Arrhenius activation energy’ on MHD flow of ‘hybrid nanofluid’ in presence of slip that we are exploring in this article, this identifies the novelty of our work. Using ‘similarity transformations’, the main equations which are partial in nature are transformed to ODEs (ordinary differential equations) which are numerically solved with the assistance of ‘shooting technique and Runge–Kutta method’ using MATHEMATICA software. The outcomes of this investigation have a noteworthy impact on the physical outlook for flow field, transfer of heat and mass. Fluid velocity diminishes due to the rise of magnetic parameter but increasing nature of concentration and temperature are observed. For the rising volume fraction of Al2O3 nanoparticles as well as for rising volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles, the heat transfer coefficient rises. Momentum ‘boundary layer thickness’ diminishes for rising velocity slip. 19.694% decrease in rate of surface heat transfer is observed when volume fraction of Al2O3 nanoparticles changes from 0.01 to 0.12 whereas 24.394% decrease is noted when volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles changes from 0.2 to 0.14. The consequences of this study can be applied to many thermal systems used in engineering and industrial developments that utilize hybrid nanofluid for heating and cooling purposes.

A theoretical analysis of philosophical dimensions in engineering education

This article presents a theoretical analysis of the philosophical dimensions embedded in engineering education, highlighting the importance of integrating ethical, social, and environmental considerations into the development of future engineers. As engineering increasingly shapes society through technological innovation, philosophical inquiry becomes crucial in addressing contemporary challenges such as sustainability, technological ethics, and social justice. The paper explores how philosophical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, provide engineers with tools to critically evaluate the broader impact of their designs and decisions. By embedding these ethical perspectives within the engineering curriculum, educators can prepare students to navigate the moral complexities inherent in technology and innovation. Moreover, the analysis underscores the role of philosophy in promoting sustainability in engineering, encouraging students to adopt a long-term view of environmental stewardship and resource management. The discussion also highlights the importance of addressing issues related to technological ethics, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence, automation, and biotechnology, where ethical challenges are becoming increasingly prominent. In addition, the paper examines the contribution of philosophy in fostering critical thinking and social responsibility, ensuring that engineers consider the societal implications of their work, especially in marginalized communities. Ultimately, this theoretical analysis argues that integrating philosophy into engineering education is essential for preparing engineers who are not only technically proficient but also ethically conscious, socially responsible, and capable of addressing the complex global challenges that define modern society.

A heterogeneous model quantization and similarity matching approach based on structural features for MBSE

With the development of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), model reuse technology is an important method to improve the modeling efficiency and credibility, and the research difficulties and hotspots in the field of complex system simulation. However, model reuse still faces challenges due to the existence of text structure bias and feature mismatch. To this end, this paper presents a structure-based model similarity quantization algorithm to obtain the similarities among models. In the first stage, the properties of the structure between the models are obtained by the structural vectorization method, and different module data are accounted. In the second stage, weights are assigned to the module data using the AHP–CRITIC assignment method. The experiment is based on the circuit amplifier model as a case study, and the experimental results verify the feasibility of structure-based model similarity quantification.

Detection of Nickel Atoms Released from Electrodes in Spark Discharges Using Laser-Induced Fluorescence.

The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the effort of carbon neutrality require the improvement of spark-ignition engines in terms of efficiency and capability to operate on renewable fuels. The electrode wear of spark plugs, used for ignition of novel fuels and lean mixtures, emerges as a significant challenge in this transition. Understanding the physical mechanism and influence of spark operation parameters of the wear process is thus important. Compared to the conventional methodology of performing long-term wear tests, laser-based optical diagnostics methods are capable of assessing electrode wear during one single or a few spark discharges. In this work, the necessary initial steps required for performing optical investigations using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) are presented. Several excitation pathways of nickel atoms were investigated, and 336.96 nm was identified as the optimal one. This excitation approach yielded emissions between 338.75 and 353.58 nm, effectively avoiding the major interference from N2 plasma emission in spark discharges. Additionally, a linear relationship in fluorescence signal intensity with excitation energy up to 400 µJ was observed. These findings indicate the potential of LIF for in situ diagnostics of electrode wear, contributing to engine development in both efficiency and compatibility with sustainable fuels.

Modeling of Spray Combustion and Heat Transfer of MMH/N2O4 in a Small Rocket Engine Using Different Mechanisms

Although various hypergolic propellants like MMH/N2O4 (monomethylhydrazine/dinitrogen tetroxide) are widely used in small rocket engines, there remains a lack of in-depth study conducted on their chemical reactions and spray combustion behaviors. To fill this research gap, a simplified chemical kinetic model that is suitable for three-dimensional simulation was proposed in this paper for MMH/N2O4. Then, numerical investigation was conducted using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model to explore the transient injection and atomization of MMH/N2O4 impinging jets in a small bipropellant thruster. Also, the instantaneous formation and evolution of the fan-shaped liquid film were analyzed. With the spray distribution determined, the proposed kinetic model and two existing mechanisms were applied to simulate spray combustion and heat transfer within the thruster, respectively, under the Euler–Lagrange framework. According to the research results, the liquid film covered nearly the entire chamber wall with a sawtooth pattern, which protected against the high temperatures of the engine wall. Notably, the two existing mechanisms showed significant errors in predicting temperature changes around the wall due to the excessively simplified reaction pathways. In contrast, the proposed model enabled the accurate prediction of the chamber pressure, wall temperature, and thrust with an error of less than 10%. Given the high accuracy achieved by the proposed numerical method, it provides a valuable reference for the development of advanced space engines.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) could be a Future in Biomedicine.

The discovery of mAbs has fundamentally changed the field of biomedicine by offering precise treatment options for a variety of illnesses, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. Future developments in the state of affairs and breakthroughs in mAbs in the multidisciplinary fields of biomedicine were explored. We begin by reviewing the developments in mAb technology, the production of fully human antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates, all of which have greatly increased the potency and specificity of their therapeutic effects. Next are the latest developments in mAb engineering, such as the use of AI in antibody discovery and optimization and the development of novel delivery systems that maximize bioavailability while minimizing side effects. The most recent developments in clinical practice and scientific research that will boost the therapeutic potential of mAbs for many applications, including rare diseases and personalized medicine, are also reviewed. In summary, the present research highlights the difficulties that the discipline faces due to large run-costs and the need for new methods. While not providing a comprehensive overview of this ever-evolving topic, the study does offer enough information to understand how mAbs in biomedicine could impact the development of novel treatment techniques in the future.

The strategic role of entrepreneurial computer engineers in shaping innovation ecosystems: innovation engineering

PurposeThis paper investigates the critical role of entrepreneurial computer engineers in driving innovation and accelerating economic growth through the creation of technological businesses. By analyzing their contributions to innovation ecosystems, this paper aims to provide insights into the unique impact these engineers have within the entrepreneurial landscape. The study underscores the need for tailored policies that harness the potential of entrepreneurial computer engineers to achieve macroeconomic objectives amidst ever-changing economic complexities.Design/methodology/approachTo examine the significance of entrepreneurial computer engineers within the innovation ecosystem, this study uses bibliometric analysis with VOS viewer to explore existing literature on engineering and entrepreneurship.FindingsUsing bibliometric analysis, the authors reveal a network of interconnected skills such as risk-taking, self-determination and project-based learning, evident in the co-occurrence of keywords.Practical implicationsThe entrepreneurial computer engineer plays a central role in steering technical innovation and fostering sustainable economic growth within the field of computer engineering. The authors pinpoint specific skills and strategic pathways crucial for the growth and development of entrepreneurial computer engineers, emphasizing the unique contributions and challenges within this domain.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the under-researched topic of engineering entrepreneurship in relation to innovation, aiming to provide knowledge and insights into the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship. By examining this nexus, the paper contributes to filling the gap in existing literature and offers valuable perspectives for both academia and industry.

Estimating permeability of rock fracture based on geometrical aperture using geoelectrical monitoring

The permeability of rock fracture is essential for fluid flow and storage stability in subsurface engineering and geological fluid resource development. Estimating this permeability using geoelectrical monitoring offers a promising approach. However, quantitatively interpreting the relationship between the resistivity (ρ) and permeability (k) in saturation zone is limited by the scarcity of rock-physical models for rock fracture. In this study, the three-dimensional (3-D) fractures, including six groups of fractal dimensions, 25 fracture apertures and six contact areas, were generated using the Weierstrass function method. The resistivity and the k-ρ relationship in these 3-D fractures were investigated through experiments and numerical simulations. Then, the effects of aperture, fractal dimension, and contact area on resistivity were examined. The results show that the resistivity is dominated by contact area when the aperture is below a critical fracture aperture, and by fracture aperture when it is above the critical fracture aperture. Additionally, higher fractal dimensions are found to increase the critical fracture aperture. An empirical formula for describing the k-ρ relationship is established. This study demonstrates that geoelectrical monitoring has potential as a long-term technology for evaluating rock fracture permeability in subsurface geoengineering projects. Once fracture resistivity is monitored in advance, the empirical formula can be efficiently applied in the field for rapid permeability estimation.

Hydrogen Engine Development toward Performance Parity with Conventional Fuel-Type Engines While Ensuring Ultralow Tailpipe Emissions

Hydrogen Engine Development toward Performance Parity with Conventional Fuel-Type Engines While Ensuring Ultralow Tailpipe Emissions

Есть ли профессиональное будущее в индустриальном секторе? Взгляд уральских школьников (по результатам социологического исследования)

Education organizations need to reconceptualize their career guidance activities in the context of global digitalization and technological development. The current changes on the labor market make it necessary to study schoolchildren’s ideas about industrial jobs. Professional preferences of school students usually depend on their age and reflect new success models, i.e., the so-called fluid life trajectories. This research featured the attitudes of school students to industrial professions with their attractiveness and unattractiveness in terms of future career plans. The online survey covered 7628 students of 9th and 11th grades, a semi-formalized expert interview with young employees under 35 (n = 204) and a focus group of ten young employees of Kalinin Machine-Building Plant, Yekaterinburg. Theschool students based their career attitudes on the following assumptions. First, they lacked awareness of scientific and technological development in engineering and, as a result, considered this profession unpopular. Second, they did not perceive factory professions as prestigious because of the Soviet model of a factory worker as a servant to the factory.The unattractive features of a factory-related job were described as unhealthy, difficult, with no career prospects, and monotonous. The only attractive feature was stability. Engineering received a more favorable description, i.e., promising, diverse, well-paid, and challenging. The concept of a factory worker was shaped by the experience of parents: 50% of school students had very outdated knowledge of industrial production.