Quality Engineering Research Articles

An Approach to Rapidly Evaluating Rock Mass Quality in Underground Engineering Based on Multi-source Heterogeneous Data

An Approach to Rapidly Evaluating Rock Mass Quality in Underground Engineering Based on Multi-source Heterogeneous Data

Digital twin-enhanced robotic system for remote diesel engine assembly defect inspection

Purpose This study aims to streamline and enhance the assembly defect inspection process in diesel engine production. Traditional manual inspection methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming because of the complex structures of the engines and the noisy workshop environment. This study’s robotic system aims to alleviate these challenges by automating the inspection process and enabling easy remote inspection, thereby freeing workers from heavy fieldwork. Design/methodology/approach This study’s system uses a robotic arm to traverse and capture images of key components of the engine. This study uses anomaly detection algorithms to automatically identify defects in the captured images. Additionally, this system is enhanced by digital twin technology, which provides inspectors with various tools to designate components of interest in the engine and assist in defect checking and annotation. This integration facilitates smooth transitions from manual to automatic inspection within a short period. Findings Through evaluations and user studies conducted over a relatively long period, the authors found that the system accelerates and improves the accuracy of engine inspections. The results indicate that the system significantly enhances the efficiency of production processes for manufacturers. Originality/value The system represents a novel approach to engine inspection, leveraging robotic technology and digital twin enhancements to address the limitations of traditional manual inspection methods. By automating and enhancing the inspection process, the system offers manufacturers the opportunity to improve production efficiency and ensure the quality of diesel engines.

Experimental Study on the Strength and Durability of Manufactured Sand HPC in the Dalian Bay Undersea Immersed Tube Tunnel and Its Engineering Application

The usage of manufactured sand concrete is widespread in modern engineering, and it is important to study its performance to improve the overall engineering quality. This paper presents an experimental study on the working performance and durability of 12 groups of manufactured sand high-performance concrete (MSHPC) with varying mix ratios, in the context of the construction of the Dalian Bay undersea immersed tube tunnel. The study reveals that the stone powder content significantly affects the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the durability, of manufactured sand concrete. At an approximately 9% stone powder content, the concrete achieves the highest slump and best workability. However, excessive stone powder reduces early crack resistance. Furthermore, an optimal stone powder content (ranging from 5% to 13%) enhances the compressive strength, with the 28-day compressive strength reaching 60 MPa at a 13% stone powder content, while the effect on the splitting tensile strength is negligible. The stone powder content does not significantly impact impermeability and frost resistance, but at 7–9%, the RCM method shows the lowest chloride ion diffusion coefficient. Additionally, a lower water–binder ratio enhances resistance to chloride ion diffusion. High-performance RCM concrete with a 9% stone powder content was used in the construction of the Dalian Bay Cross-Harbor Tunnel, achieving 28-day and 56-day compressive strengths of C45 and C50, respectively, an impermeability grade of P14, a chloride ion diffusion coefficient of 1.9 × 10−12 m2/s, and a frost durability index of 92%, meeting the project’s 100-year lifespan design requirements.

Geological and Engineering Integration Fracturing Design and Optimization Study of Liushagang Formation in Weixinan Sag

The Weixinan Sag in the Beibuwan Basin is rich in shale oil resources. However, the reservoirs exhibit rapid phase changes, strong compartmentalization, thin individual layers, and high-frequency vertical variations in the thin interbedded sandstone and mudstone. These factors can restrict the height of hydraulic fracture propagation. Additionally, the low-porosity and low-permeability shale oil reservoirs face challenges such as low production rates and rapid decline. To address these issues, the Plannar3D full 3D fracturing model was used to simulate hydraulic fracture propagation and to study the main controlling factors for fracture propagation in the second member of the Liushagang Formation. Based on the concept of geological–engineering integration, a sweet spot evaluation was conducted to identify reservoirs with relatively better brittleness, reservoir properties, and oil content as the fracturing targets for horizontal wells. The UFM model was then applied to optimize fracturing parameters. This study indicates that the matrix-type oil shale has a high clay mineral content, resulting in a low Young’s modulus and poor brittleness. This makes hydraulic fracture propagation difficult and leads to less effective reservoir stimulation. In contrast, hydraulic fractures propagate more easily in high-brittleness interlayer-type oil shale. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize the extraction of shale oil from interlayer-type oil shale reservoirs. The difference in interlayer stress is identified as the primary controlling factor for cross-layer fracture propagation in the study area. Based on the concept of geological–engineering integration, a sweet spot evaluation standard was established for the second member of the Liushagang Formation, considering both reservoir quality and engineering quality. Four sweet spot zones of interlayer-type oil shale reservoirs were identified according to this evaluation standard. To achieve uniform fracture initiation, a differentiated segment and cluster design was implemented for certain high-angle sections of well WZ11-6-5d. Interlayer-type oil shale was selected as the fracturing target, and the UFM was used for hydraulic fracture propagation simulation. Fracturing parameters were optimized with a focus on hydraulic fracture characteristics and the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). The optimization results were as follows: a single-stage length of 50 m, cluster spacing of 15 m, pump injection rate of 10 m3/min, fluid intensity of 25 m3/m, and proppant intensity of 3.5 t/m. The application of these optimized fracturing parameters in field operations resulted in successful fracturing and the achievement of industrial oil flow.

Origins of British reservoir safety legislation 1850-1930

One hundred years ago in 1925 there were two dam failures with significant loss of life and following these disasters the 1930 Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act was enacted. Catastrophic failures in the nineteenth century had produced demands for government action but legislation had been much delayed by changes of government at critical times and by concerns about inadvertently reducing legal liability of reservoir owners. Also there was a marked lack of enthusiasm within the civil engineering profession for a government inspectorate. The key feature of the 1930 Act was that reservoir owners were required to appoint qualified civil engineers to inspect their reservoirs and, following such inspections, to implement measures required in the interests of safety. Post-1930 legislation, which it is intended will be the subject of a further paper, has done much to enhance public safety but the fundamental importance of independent qualified civil engineers has not diminished.

Influence of shear strength parameters on loose fine sand treated with coir fiber and microbially induced calcite precipitation

In recent years, there has been an increasing use of Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) technology in ground improvement. Adding fiber to bio-cemented sand leads to significant improvements in its properties. This paper examines how coir fiber and microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) might be used to improve the engineering qualities of fine sand. The sand was mixed with Coir fiber at varying Fiber Contents (FC) of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% by weight of sand. Additionally, varied Aspect Ratios (AR) of 45, 90, 136, 182, and 227 were considered. The mixture also included urease-producing bacteria (Sporosarcina Pasteurii), as well as solutions of urea and calcium chloride with 3M molarity. The untreated and treated sand samples were submitted to a Direct Shear Test (DST). The study found that the shear strength parameters, such as the angle of internal friction, increased by 1.1 times compared to standard fine sand. Additionally, the angle of internal friction (ϕ) of fiber-reinforced sand with MICP showed 1.4 times increase, while the cohesion values demonstrated a sixfold increase compared to MICP fine sand. It was determined that the optimal aspect ratio was 182, and the optimal fiber content was 0.3%. Moreover, the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was utilized to examine the calcite formations present in the treated sand samples, and calcite precipitation was observed between the pores of the soils.

Effect of nano-Al2O3 on the mechanical and microstructural properties of cement-based grouting material

The mechanical properties and microstructure of cement-based grouting materials are important parameters affecting the quality of geotechnical engineering, which are limited by the properties of added materials. At present, the exploration of nanomaterials has become the development trend of cement-based grouting materials. The results showed that NA can significantly improve the strength of NCBS. The most pronounced effect was observed when the dosage of NA was 1 %; compared with the control group, the strength increased by up to 45.2 %. NA particles accelerate the hydration reaction rate between cement and fly ash, generating a large amount of hydration products to fill the internal voids of NCBS. When the content of NA was 2–4 %, the strength gradually decreased with an increase in the amount of NA addition. The catalytic and microaggregate effect of the NA particles were the primary contributors to the improved NCBS mechanical properties. Aggregated NA particles were the main cause of the decrease in strength. Acicular ettringite, fibrous calcium silicate hydrate, and NA particles are the dominant components that effect the strength and microstructure of NCBSs. By comparing the relationship between NA and the strength of NCBS and the relationship between the curing age and the strength of NCBS, it was found that NA can better reflect the compressive strength of NCBS, and the correlation degree of NA to the strength of NCBS is 76 % higher than that of the curing age.

Analysis of the Current Situation of Cost Management and Control of Highway Construction Projects

The highway engineering process is complex, coupled with a relatively long construction period, hence requires increased coordination between participating units to prevent economic disputes and efficiency losses. The main body of the construction project needs to strengthen the management and control of funds. In this regard, this paper analyzes the importance of cost management in highway projects by clarifying and analyzing the current cost management status quo problems and causes. The highway engineering cost control strategy and implementation methods are summarized to provide references for improving the quality of highway engineering.

Speed Effects on the Performance of a Gasoline Engine Using a Mixture of Gasoline-Ethanol Fuels

In recent years, to quantify the quality, energy called "exergy" has been widely used in designs, simulations, and evaluation of the performance of various thermal-chemical systems. The main goal of this project is to evaluate the quality of gasoline engines and the efficiency of a gasoline engine using a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. Furthermore, the effects of 2500 rpm and 4500 rpm on analyzing the second law of thermodynamics were investigated with different fuels. The methods examined in this research include efficiency through heat transfer, irreversibility, total efficiency, and efficiency of burned fuel. The results showed that the performance parameters for gasoline and different ethanol compounds increase until the combustion stage then decrease with the beginning of the expansion phase. For fuel E85, 32.323% of the input energy is converted into indicative exergy and this value for E0, E20, E40, and E60 fuels was 26.27%, 28.5%, 30.3%, and 31.8% respectively. By increasing the amount of ethanol, the efficiency of the second law of thermodynamics increases. The second law efficiency at 4500 rpm for E0, E20, E40, E60, and E85 fuels was, 32%, 35.7% 39.8%, 42.8%, and 50% respectively. Furthermore, by reducing the speed to 2500 rpm, the efficiency for E0, E20, E40, E60, and E85 fuels reduced to 26.7%, 30.4%, 31%, 34%, and 36%, respectively.

Numerical investigation of an axisymmetric, dissipative, and unstable micropolar fluid flow over a stretched Riga plate incorporating mixed convection and chemical reaction

AbstractThe demand to improve the thermal performance of industrial working fluids and materials for better quality in engineering and household devices has spurred numerous studies on non‐Newtonian viscous fluids under various conditions. Researchers have explored different structures and geometries to understand and enhance the thermal propagation of fluid particles. As such, this research aims to investigate the effects of two‐dimensional unsteady boundary layer flow phenomena of a dissipative micropolar fluid over a radially stretching Riga plate when first‐order slip, thermal and solutal boundary conditions, mixed convection, and thermal radiation are all considered. Ordinary differential equations are the governing equations resulting from converting partial differential equations. The boundary layer conditions are altered and numerically solved using the Runge–Kutta fourth‐order shooting approach. Graphs and tables are used to visually analyze the physical attributes of temperature, concentration, velocity distributions, skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood in relation to various factors. The results reveal significant insights into the impact of mixed convection and chemical reactions on the flow characteristics and dimensions. These findings have important implications for various engineering applications, particularly in enhancing industrial systems' heat and mass transfer processes, providing practical knowledge for improving thermal performance in real‐world applications.

An Improved YOLOv5 Model for Concrete Bubble Detection Based on Area K-Means and ECANet

The appearance quality of fair-faced concrete plays a crucial role in evaluating the engineering quality, as the abundance of small-area bubbles generated during construction diminishes the surface quality of concrete. However, existing methods are plagued by sluggish detection speed and inadequate accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved method based on YOLOv5 to rapidly and accurately detect small bubble defects on the surface of fair-faced concrete. Firstly, to address the issue of YOLOv5 in generating prior boxes for imbalanced samples, we divide the image preprocessing part into small-, medium-, and large-area intervals corresponding to the number of heads. Additionally, we propose an area-based k-means clustering approach specifically tailored for the anchor boxes within each of these intervals. Moreover, we adjust the number of prior boxes generated by k-means clustering according to the training loss function to adapt to bubbles of different sizes. Then, we introduce the ECA (Efficient Channel Attention) mechanism into the neck part of the model to effectively capture inter-channel interactions and enhance feature representation. Subsequently, we incorporate feature concatenation in the neck part to facilitate the fusion of low-level and high-level features, thereby improving the accuracy and generalization ability of the network. Finally, we construct our own dataset containing 980 images of two classes: cement and bubbles. Comparative experiments are conducted on our dataset using YOLOv5s, YOLOv6s, YOLOxs, and our method. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves the highest detection accuracy in terms of mAP0.5, mAP0.75, and mAP0.5:0.95. Compared to YOLOv5s, our method achieves a 7.1% improvement in mAP0.5, a 3.7% improvement in mAP0.75, and a 4.5% improvement in mAP0.5:0.95.

Determining a Fuzzy Model of Time Buffer Size in Critical Chain Project Management

Abstract Elaborating and applying a new model for estimating the time buffer size of a project programme, which shall guarantee a 90 % probability of timely project execution. The research included source text analysis to provide information on a research gap and the identification of the research problem. The research problem was identified: the time buffer size in a critical path programme does not guarantee a 90 % probability of timely project execution. A new model was then elaborated to estimate the buffer size; it was applied in a technical production preparation project. An additional comparative analysis was performed using the following methods to verify the model more accurately: half of the time total of a path, the sum of squares (SSQ), and the root square error method (RSEM). The application of the fuzzy model to estimate the buffer size in a critical chain programme offers can shorten the total planned project duration. It has a higher probability of timely project execution than other methods for estimating the buffer size. It guarantees a 90 % probability of timely project execution, keeping aggressive task times, which eliminates unwanted situations such as student syndrome, Parkinson’s law, overestimating task duration, and multitasking. Project programming is an inherent part of the project planning stage in project management. Recently, project management has been increasingly developing, which has been confirmed by the article’s source literature analysis. The analysis revealed a research gap in models estimating project buffer size, which might guarantee a 90 % probability of timely project execution. Thus, a fuzzy model for estimating time buffer size in a critical chain was developed, constituting added value to the science of management and quality of production engineering (currently, mechanical engineering). The fuzzy model for estimating time buffer size was applied in one Polish enterprise in a project for a new product’s technical production preparation. The fuzzy model for estimating time buffer size permits the shortening of the duration of tasks to aggressive times, guaranteeing a 90 % probability of project timely execution. The elaborated model for estimating time buffer size may be applied further in practice in projects programmed using the critical chain method.

АКТУАЛЬНОСТЬ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ И СОДЕРЖАНИЕ ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКОЙ КУЛЬТУРЫ БУДУЩЕГО ИНЖЕНЕРА

The innovative and economic development of the state directly depends on the availability of qualified engineering personnel capable of introducing new technologies. Countries with a solid and extensive base for the development of innovative engineering solutions today occupy leading positions in key industries, easily adapting to dynamic changes in global economic conditions. The formation of a sustainable research culture is an important aspect of the development of higher engineering education in the Russian Federation. In order to achieve the technological sovereignty of the country, the educational paradigm of higher engineering education is also changing, shifting its emphasis towards the development of research culture, technical creativity, and independence in carrying out research projects. Research culture is crucial for solving many other social problems and developing technologies to improve the quality of life in modern society. The culture of research and innovation is aimed at the acquisition by future engineers of the competencies, engineering and scientific thinking that are necessary to solve complex technical problems of the future. Understanding these provisions is of great importance for educating a new generation of engineers who are ready to make a significant contribution to the development of the state, science and society.

Cement slurry penetration behavior of swirl grouting technology

Traditional pressure grouting technology operates under steady pressure conditions, causing the grout to easily flow along preferential pathways. This results in uneven grout penetration and increased economic costs. This study proposes swirl grouting technology, which effectively improves this problem. To verify the effectiveness of swirl grouting, a fan-shaped blade tool was also proposed. The grout penetration performance was investigated through experimental studies. The length, width, height, weight, and uniformity of the grouted bodies produced by the swirl grouting method were compared with those produced by the steady pressure grouting method. Then, the mechanisms of swirl grouting were analyzed through transparent disc visualization experiments. The results demonstrated that, at different water–cement ratios, the swirl device increased the penetration length in the X, Y, and Z directions by 43.3%, 27.8%, and 45.8%, respectively, compared to the conventional straight device, and by 57.3%, 39.4%, and 55.6%, respectively, compared to the fan blade device. Moreover, the swirl device increased the weight of the grouted stone body by 54.9% compared to the conventional straight device and by 91.0% compared to the fan blade device, significantly enhancing filling efficiency. The uniformity coefficient of the swirl device permeation decreased by 56.6% and 51.0%, respectively, compared to the conventional straight device and the fan blade device, resulting in a more uniform grout distribution. The transparent disc visualization experiment further revealed the advantage of the swirl device in promoting the migration of fine particles, with a significant increase in average penetration distance and a penetration shape closer to a regular circle. The rotating flow path of the swirl device imparts additional rotational momentum and multidirectional penetration capabilities. The resulting turbulence accelerates the mixing of grout with the soil matrix, facilitating the migration of fine particles, expanding flow channels, and reducing flow resistance. This combination of effects enhances penetration efficiency and reduces energy loss. This study offers significant practical application value for improving engineering quality, construction efficiency, and reducing costs.

SOCIAL PORTRAIT OF A STUDENT OF THE ADVANCED ENGINEERING SCHOOL OF KAZAN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY

Background. In modern Russia, there is a task of creating a strong corps of highly qualified engineers capable of implementing the country’s scientific and technical strategies. Engineers should not only possess professional skills but also creative thinking to generate and implement innovative ideas. Purpose. The aim of the research is to develop and analyze the social portrait of students of the Advanced Engineering School “Cyber Auto Tech” of Kazan Federal University. Materials and methods. The study relies on an integrative approach that combines theoretical positions of psychology and sociology, as well as research methods of comparative analysis, modeling, and classification. Social statistics methods included surveying and data analysis. Results. The research revealed that the typical student of the Advanced Engineering School “Cyber Auto Tech” of Kazan Federal University is a young person aged 18-21 years, with high academic motivation and interested in receiving quality education. Students value the opportunity for budget-based education and the geographical proximity of the university, strive for professional development and financial stability. The research results emphasize the importance of adapting educational programs to modern requirements and challenges to support the youth in the engineering field and contribute to the development of the country’s technological and economic potential.

Scientific benchmarking: Engineering quality evaluation of electric vehicle concepts

We present a simulation tool that utilizes advanced modeling techniques to quantify the customer-relevant features of different battery electric vehicles (BEV) concepts. By incorporating comprehensive longitudinal and lateral dynamics analyses, the tool provides an in-depth understanding of passenger vehicle concepts in various driving conditions. Furthermore, the tool emphasizes evaluating comfort, presenting a holistic view concluding into the overall driving experience. Metrics considering the vehicle’s packaging are employed to assess the comfort aspects of the concepts. Implementing this simulation tool achieves a more systematic and reliable approach to evaluating BEV concepts. The application based on the parameters of 18 state-of-the-art BEV proved its compliance in the presented categories with the results of physical tests performed by reputable magazines with great experience and comprehensice test protocols. Its academic foundation ensures the utilization of state-of-the-art methodologies and the integration of the latest research findings in vehicle dynamics and comfort. This simulation tool offers automotive engineers, researchers, and industry stakeholders a valuable resource for objectively assessing and benchmarking the performance and comfort aspects of BEV concepts. With its ability to provide accurate evaluations and reasoning for weaknesses, this tool has the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement and optimization of future electric vehicle designs by assessing concepts in early development stages before physical prototypes are available, allowing for cost-efficient modifications.

SOIL IMPROVEMENT IN PROBLEMATIC BLACK COTTON SOIL BY USING DRY KOTA STONE SLURRY AND FLY ASH-A STATE OF ART OF REVIEW

Black Cotton Soil (BCS) is particularly rapid-expanding and swelling when it meets water. This trait of soil results in extremely low soil strength and other attributes. Soil stabilization by various stabilizers is required to enhance its characteristics. Stabilization is a technique used to improve the soil's structural integrity. Soil stabilization raises the subgrade's load-bearing capacity, allowing it to better support the pavement and foundation. This is accomplished by increasing the soil's shear strength and regulating its shrink-swell qualities. Expansive soils could have their engineering qualities enhanced via several different means. The problematic soils are either excavated and replaced with excellent, higher-quality material, or treated with an additive. This paper demonstrates an analysis for soil improvement in problematic BCS by using dry Kota Stone Slurry (KSS) and Fly Ash (FA). FA is a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants. It consists of fine particles that are carried away with the flue gases during the combustion process. The findings highlight its potential to address soil-related issues, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to sustainable land utilization practices.

Classification of Rock Mass Quality in Underground Rock Engineering with Incomplete Data Using XGBoost Model and Zebra Optimization Algorithm

Classification of Rock Mass Quality in Underground Rock Engineering with Incomplete Data Using XGBoost Model and Zebra Optimization Algorithm

Optimizing Research Quality in Mechanical Engineering: Insights from QMS Implementation

Optimizing Research Quality in Mechanical Engineering: Insights from QMS Implementation

The Analysis of Overflow Occurrences In Fuel Oil Purifiers At MV Dahlia Merah

A purifier is needed to maintain fuel quality and support ship engine performance. A purifier is a device that is a separator for oil from water and dirt based on its specific gravity. This research aims to determine the causes and impact of overflow on the fuel oil purifier. The data collection method used in this study is the observation method and discussion method with the crew or employees of PT. Kayu Lapis Indonesia as the ship owner, and literature study methods. This research uses a qualitative analysis method, namely by directly analyzing the problems in the fuel oil purifier. The research results concluded that the cause of overflow in the fuel oil purifier was due to a dirty bowl caused by a lack of cleaning and maintenance of the Main Cylinder, damage or wear to the Main Seal Ring and a dead end of the nozzle. The efforts made to overcome overflow in the fuel oil purifier are by blowing up manually, carrying out cleaning (overhaul) of the purifier bowl and walls, checking the fuel pressure entering the FO purifier, setting the temperature on the fuel heater, installing Play the Seal Ring correctly, maintain the nozzle and maintain the HFO purifier by the PMS & Instruction manual book.