Engineering Services Research Articles

Simulation of Dynamic Rearrangement Events in Wall-Flow Filters Applying Lattice Boltzmann Methods

Wall-flow filters are applied in the exhaust treatment of internal combustion engines for the removal of pm. Over time, the pressure drop inside those filters increases due to the continuously introduced solid material, which forms pm deposition layers on the filter substrate. This leads to the necessity of regenerating the filter. During such a regeneration process, fragments of the pm layers can potentially rearrange inside single filter channels. This may lead to the formation of specific deposition patterns, which affect a filter’s pressure drop, its loading capacity and the separation efficiency. The dynamic formation process can still not consistently be attributed to specific influence factors, and appropriate calculation models that enable a quantification of respective factors do not exist. In the present work, the dynamic rearrangement process during the regeneration of a wall-flow filter channel is investigated. As a direct sequel to the investigation of a static deposition layer in a previous work, the present one additionally investigates the dynamic behaviour following the detachment of individual layer fragments as well as the formation of channel plugs. The goal of this work is the extension of the resolved particle methodology used in the previous work via a discrete method to treat particle–particle and particle–wall interactions in order to evaluate the influence of the deposition layer topology, pm properties and operating conditions on dynamic rearrangement events. It can be shown that a simple mean density methodology represents a reproducible way of determining a channel plug’s extent and its average density, which agrees well with values reported in literature. The sensitivities of relevant influence factors are revealed and their impact on the rearrangement process is quantified. This work contributes to the formulation of predictions on the formation of specific deposition patterns, which impact engine performance, fuel consumption and service life of wall-flow filters.

Coastal beaver, Chinook, coho, chum salmon and trout response to nearshore changes resulting from diking and large-scale dam removals: synergistic ecosystem engineering and restoration in the coastal zone

In this paper we assess long-term trends and habitat changes to understand the relationships between coastal beaver (Castor canadensis), salmon, shoreline alterations, large-scale dam removals and nearshore ecological restoration. From this work we conclude that the removal of two large scale dams in the Elwha River has benefited beaver use of the coastal zone through water quality changes that allow beaver to re-establish high-quality zones and the expansion of riparian zones that provide extensive new food resources to beaver. However, the lower river hydrodynamic processes continue to be disrupted by a 200-meter earthen dike installed by local government and landowners for flood protection in the Elwha coastal zone in the 1960’s. The dike acts as a driver of lower river geomorphology and has resulted in the formation of a large and persistent lateral bar along the lower river channel. Associated disrupted hydrodynamics are causing a critical coastal zone of the unimpounded lower river side channels to fill in. This channel habitat has decreased by 23%, with an annual average shrinkage rate of 13%, from pre-dam removal size, resulting in a decrease in both quality and quantity of nursery function for juvenile wild fish in a coastal zone that was historically documented to be the highest functioning for endangered juvenile salmon and trout. Inversely, physical changes including improved water quality in the adjacent impounded west side channel and continued expansion of riparian vegetation along the west delta lateral bar benefitted coastal beaver that recolonized the west delta after dam removals. The newly colonized coastal beaver may provide ecological engineering services to offset side channel loss as well as promote continued fish access. However recreational use was found to negatively impact beaver use of the area. We therefore recommend a series of additional ecosystem restoration actions that incorporate beaver as an ecosystem restoration component of the coastal zone. These actions include a public outreach program to encourage passive recreation measures to prevent negative impacts to beaver, and legacy, ecosystem scale restoration projects that reconnect the hydrodynamics of the west delta to complete Elwha ecosystem restoration. Together, these steps, if implemented, will result in a synergistic ecosystem restoration throughout the watershed to the benefit of the coastal ecosystem, including both beaver and salmon, as intended by the large-scale dam removal project.

An adaptive on-board real-time model with residual online learning for gas turbine engines using adaptive memory online sequential extreme learning machine

The on-board real-time model (ORM) of gas turbine engines (GTEs) is widely used in various applications of control systems, such as sensor fault-tolerant control and model-based control. However, the accuracy of the ORM in the primary stage is affected by changes in engine performance, including degradation and sudden changes, which inevitably occur during engine service. To address this issue, we propose an adaptive on-board real-time model (AORM) modelling framework for GTEs based on a component-level model (CLM) and a residual online learning model (ROLM). The CLM is constructed using classical component-level modelling theory, while the ROLM is built using the proposed adaptive memory online sequence extreme learning machine (AMOSELM) algorithm. The AMOSELM algorithm can effectively learn the residuals between the engine and the CLM during engine service, improving the accuracy of the model. Specifically, we compensate for the CLM by using the predicted residuals based on the AMOSELM to achieve enhanced accuracy in the AORM. The memory coefficient of the AMOSELM is adjusted using a bell-type membership function in the online learning stage. The shape parameters of the membership function are updated using an off-line optimization strategy based on particle swarm optimization when the online learning is finished. To validate the effectiveness of the AORM framework and the AMOSELM algorithm, we conducted both virtual engine flight data simulation and actual ground test verification. The verification results show that the AMOSELM algorithm can effectively realize residual online learning during engine service, and performs better than other traditional online learning algorithms. Moreover, using the predicted residuals to compensate for the CLM can significantly reduce the modelling error of the AORM, achieving better modelling accuracy.

VAT Consequences of Rewarding Staff with Vouchers

In this Column, the author analyses the ECJ’s judgment in GE Aircraft Engine Services, in which the court decided on whether or not the issuance of vouchers under an employee recognition programme constitutes a deemed supply of services for VAT purposes.

COVID-19 as a Jump Start for Industry 4.0? Motivations and Core Areas of Pandemic-Related Investments in Digital Technologies at German Firms

Academic studies prior to the pandemic rather emphasized that the progression towards Industry 4.0 happened in an incremental manner. However, the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic have led to considerable investments that were widely interpreted as a (generalized) digitalization push. However, little is known about the character of such investments and their effects. The goal of this contribution is to provide an empirically based overview of recent investment in digital technologies in six economic sectors of the German economy: mechanical engineering, chemicals, automotives, logistics, healthcare, and financial services. Based on 36 case studies and a survey at 540 companies, we investigate the following questions: 1. How much did the COVID-19 pandemic reduce existing obstacles for investments in digitalization measures? 2. Is there a universal digitalization push due to the COVID-19 pandemic that differs from the trajectory before the pandemic? The results show that the pandemic affected investment in an unequal manner. It was driven by the immediate need to sustain business operations through the virtualization of communication among employees and with external partners. However, there was less dynamism in shop-floor-related digitalization, as it was less related to epidemiological concerns and is more long-term in nature.

Dynamics of Gendered-Work Inequality in the Power Sector: A Study of IBEDC

This study explored gendered work inequality in the engineering and customer service departments of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), by investigating gender inequality forms and causes. The gendered organization theory framed the study, using a descriptive research design. Qualitative data from twenty-seven employee interviews and six management team member interviews were collected. Customer bias and positive discrimination emerged as significant gender inequality forms in customer service, predominantly affecting male workers. Harassment and work prejudice were significant forms in technical/engineering departments, mainly impacting female workers. Socialization and work prejudice were identified as the major causes of gender inequality in both departments. To counter socio-cultural influence, it was suggested that organisations adopt internationally standardised gender diversity policies and implement gender sensitivity training for all staff. Further research should examine gender inequality in two different gendered organisations for deeper insights.

EFFICIENT FORMALISATION OF TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERATIVE ENGINEERING

AbstractCurrently, engineers need to manually analyse requirement specifications for determining parameters to create geometries in generative engineering. This analysis is time-consuming, error-prone and causes high costs. Generative engineering tools (e.g. Synera) cannot interpret natural language requirements directly. The requirements need to be formalised in a machine-readable format. AI algorithms have the potential to automatically transform natural language requirements into such a formal, machine-readable representation. In this work, a method for formalising requirements for generative engineering is developed and implemented as a prototype in Python. The method is validated in a case example using three products of an automotive engineering service provider. Requirements to be formalised are identified in the specifications of these three products, which are used as a test set to evaluate the performance of the method. The results show that requirements for generative engineering are formalised with high performance (F1 of 86.55 %). By applying the method, efforts and therefore costs for manually analysing requirements regarding parameters for generative engineering are reduced.

Machine learning and mixed reality for smart aviation: Applications and challenges

The aviation industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector. As technology advances and becomes more sophisticated, the aviation industry must keep up with the changing trends. While some airlines have made investments in machine learning and mixed reality technologies, the vast majority of regional airlines continue to rely on inefficient strategies and lack digital applications. This paper investigates the state-of-the-art applications that integrate machine learning and mixed reality into the aviation industry. Smart aerospace engineering design, manufacturing, testing, and services are being explored to increase operator productivity. Autonomous systems, self-service systems, and data visualization systems are being researched to enhance passenger experience. This paper investigate safety, environmental, technological, cost, security, capacity, and regulatory challenges of smart aviation, as well as potential solutions to ensure future quality, reliability, and efficiency.

International Conference CIBv2022 Civil Engineering and Building Services

3rd - 4th November 2022, Brașov, Romania Selected, peer reviewed papers from the International Conference Civil Engineering and Building Services CIBv2022 Edited by:Ioan TUNSTransilvania University of Brasov, RomaniaRadu MUNTEANTransilvania University of Brasov, RomaniaDorin RADUTransilvania University of Brasov, RomaniaTeofil-Florin GĂLĂȚANUTransilvania University of Brasov, RomaniaChristiana Emilia CAZACUTransilvania University of Brasov, Romania FOREWORD The International Scientific Conference CIBv represents one of the most important and traditionally scientific events of Civil Engineering and Building Services in Romania, enjoying increasingly higher visibility at the international level.The aim of the CIBv conference is to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, academicians as well as professionals from all over the world to present their research results and development activities. It also provides opportunities for the participants to exchange new ideas and application experiences, to establish business or research relations and to find other partners and even friends for future collaboration.List of International Conference CIBv2022 Civil Engineering and Building Services, Honorary Committee, International academic scientific committee, Organizing committee are available in this pdf.

Monitoring and Payment System at CV Studio Reka Teknik with a UI UX Approach

The UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience) approach is an initial step in developing a conventional system into a computerized system or developing a computerized system to better suit user needs. In this research, the object raised is CV. Studio Reka Teknik, which is a consulting engineering and general trading service company with the process of conveying information, monitoring and paying for projects, still uses telephone media or meets in person. This causes project monitoring to be impossible in real time and the payment process becomes constrained due to the need to adjust the time to meet between the client and the developer. Therefore, in this research a web-based system was designed by adjusting the needs of the user experience on CV. Studio Reka Teknik. By utilizing the web engineering method, this built web-based system can help and facilitate users in monitoring projects and project payment processes using the system without having to meet directly between the client and the developer. This system will be used on CV. Studio Reka Teknik, which will continue to be monitored for the maintenance and development of this system. After that, if the system is optimal, it can also be applied to other contractor companies.

Technical and economic assessment of maintenance and repair systems of agricultural machinery

Relevance. The efficiency of agricultural production largely depends on the technical condition of the agricultural machinery fleet. The technical condition, in turn, depends on many factors that determine the level of operation of the equipment. One of the most important factors determining the reliability of agricultural machinery, the cost of restoring and maintaining the working condition of agricultural machinery is the frequency of maintenance. As a result of studies conducted in the agricultural organizations of the region, it was revealed that engineering and technical services, when organizing maintenance and repair (TO and R), use canceled GOST, referring to the fact that domestic equipment, its reliability and performance are not able to recover when frequency of 125 hours. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the frequency of maintenance and repair on the preservation of the resource and the indicator of the rate of change of the resource, on the performance of the machine-tractor unit (MTA), on fuel consumption, on the costs of restoring and maintaining the working condition of agricultural tractors.Methods. The following methods were used in the study: normative, statistical, expert assessments, experimental, calculation-constructive, economic-mathematical methods. For the economic justification of the periodicity of technical impacts of agricultural machinery, statistical data from agricultural organizations were used, GOST regulating the maintenance and repair of agricultural machinery were used.Results. The maintenance and repair system, regulated by GOST 20793-2009, meets the requirements of technical and production operation of tractors. Traction properties of tractors are higher by 0.7%, specific fuel consumption during agricultural technological operations is lower by 0.5%, labor costs for maintaining and restoring technical readiness are lower by 13.8%.

Carbon Emission Evaluation Method and Comparison Study of Transformer Substations Using Different Data Sources

The construction of transformer substations in transmission lines is a systematic, technical, and complex project with the need for numerous materials and resources. Under the development of the green economy, the requirements for energy conservation and carbon reduction have improved; hence, an assessment of carbon emissions in transformer substations is urgently needed. A calculation method was proposed in the present study to analyze the carbon emissions of transformer substations with different kinds of data sources, which were collected from several practical projects in the west-to-east power transmission project. In this study, a detailed comparison and discussion regarding the differences in carbon emissions of 750 kV transformer substations caused by hydrology, geology, engineering quantity, and other factors were conducted. The mean value, standard deviation, and 90% confidence interval of carbon emissions were obtained by Monte Carlo simulation through MATLAB. Results show that the total carbon emissions of the selected 750 kV transformer substations are between [56,000, 68,000] t CO2 eq. Construction engineering accounts for more than 50% of carbon emissions, followed by installation engineering and additional services. In terms of input items, electricity distribution buildings contribute more than 39% of total carbon emissions, followed by cable/earthing systems, which account for 14% of total carbon emissions. Gas insulated switchgear (GIS) and air insulated switchgear (AIS) could adopt different types of equipment foundations, and GIS equipment foundations would generate fewer carbon emissions due to the smaller land area and input materials. This study can provide experience and reference for similar projects and further guide the substation carbon emission reduction work.

Field Investigation on Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Buildings Damages after November 23, 2022 Gölyaka (Düzce) Earthquake

A strong earthquake with a moment magnitude of [Formula: see text].9 according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) occurred at 04:08 local time on November 23, 2022, in Gölyaka district of Düzce province that is located in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. The earthquake with a shallow focus is 0.82 km away from Kemeryani village of Gölyaka district, which is the nearest settlement. According to observation data, the highest acceleration value of the earthquake was measured as 407.76 gal (0.410 g) in the East-West component measured from the 8102 coded Düzce Central accelerometer station, which is one of the five accelerometer stations closest to the earthquake zone. There was no loss of life in the earthquake, in which 93 people were injured. However, damages occurred due to the earthquake in structures that were built before the year 2000 and did not receive good engineering and supervision services. It has been determined that the structures built after the year 2000 received good engineering and supervision services performed better. The purpose of this study is to ensure that the experience gained as a result of the investigations about the earthquake that occurred will be made permanent and usable. For this purpose, damage and collapses that occurred on the buildings due to earthquake are examined based on field investigation. The types and causes of damage that occurred on both reinforced concrete and masonry buildings are evaluated in detail with considering the conditions of the existing Turkey Building Earthquake Design Code. The seismological characteristics of the earthquake are also evaluated. In addition, the earthquake hazard of Düzce Province is evaluated together with the earthquakes experienced in the past years, which caused significant loss of life and property in the region.

How does the learning environment support vocational student learning of domain-general competencies?

Studies and policy reports worldwide argue that a modern employee must possess domain-general competencies to become employed. However, competency studies within upper-secondary initial vocational education and training are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to scrutinise this topic and examined how the experienced learning environment contributes to student learning of competencies. Study participants were students in automotive engineering, mechanical and metal engineering, electrical and automation engineering and building service technology. The data were collected with an online questionnaire and analysed statistically using structural equation modelling. The research findings indicate firstly that eight competency domains could be recognised: work organisation, cooperation ability, professional attitude, problem solving, willingness to learn, active listening, empathy and assertiveness. Secondly, students’ experienced learning environment was characterised by social support and recognition provided by educators, equal treatment between students and a positive climate for learning. Thirdly, the quality of the experienced learning environment contributed to learning of competencies. The research findings enhance the scientific and societal discussion about vocational graduate competencies and to what extent the experienced learning environment contributes to the learning of competencies.

A dataset of 250m-resolution NDVI of spatio-temporal variations of vegetation in the growing season on the Mongolian Plateau (2001–2021)

The Mongolian Plateau has a great impact on the ecological security in northern China. Vegetation has an important indicator effect on climate change and ecological environment. The spatial-temporal pattern and trend of vegetation are important indicators for evaluating regional ecological conditions. Based on MOD13Q1 NDVI data, we used R language to call Google Earth Engine service for monthly maximum synthesis in this study. And we then used R language terra package to complete the annual mean synthesis of the growing season, coefficient of variation calculation, Theil-Sen median trend analysis, Mann-Kendall test and Hurst index calculation, so as to form a dataset of 250m-resolution NDVI of spatio-temporal variations of vegetation in the growing season on the Mongolian Plateau (2001–2021). The dataset contains the spatial and temporal variation patterns and trend characteristics of vegetation on the Mongolian Plateau. Through data sharing, it can provide data support for scientific understanding of temporal and spatial variation of vegetation cover on the Mongolian Plateau.

Generalized Representations of Siberia in Electronic Scientific Communications

This paper describes how we identified the images of a region and the regions’ generalized representations based on these multiple images. To illustrate this, we attempted to identify the generalized representations of Siberia, one of the largest regions on the planet. We analyzed open Internet resources on scientific research on Siberia that can lay the foundation for positioning Siberia in the contemporary world. To identify the generalized representations of Siberia, we analyzed the multiple images of Siberia in electronic scientific communications in Russia and abroad. Using ScienceGate (SGP) and the Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE) services, we studied the abstracts of papers published in the International Peer Reviewed Journals in 2013–2020 and 2020–2023. After that, we analyzed the set of images of Siberia we found in electronic scientific communications and identified the generalized representations of Siberia. This region was chosen for two reasons: Siberia 1) acts as an indicator to predict the consequences of such changes as climate change, global warming and others for the planet; and 2) can be interesting for researchers in different scientific areas. Defining the generalized representations of Siberia might further scientific prognosis as researchers will be able to better understand the potential of this region. The method we utilized may be applicable to identifying generalized representations of other regions and contribute to their comprehensive study from different perspectives, including interdisciplinary scientific research.

The situation of engineering service of AIC of Tambov region and prospects of its development

Relevance. The engineering and technical service of an agricultural enterprise is a separate subdivision of the management system of the farm, consisting of engineering and technical personnel providing a regulated procedure for the implementation of measures aimed at maintaining the machine and tractor fleet in working condition and ensuring its high-performance operation.Methods. To solve the goal set in the work, studies were conducted in which various materials and methods were used: information and communication technologies, online platforms, a large amount of data was analyzed characterizing the possibilities of creating a recycling system in the agro-industrial complex of the Tambov region, based on the state of the machine-tractor fleet of the agro-industrial complex, its age characteristics and the capabilities of the enterprises of the engineering structure of the agro-industrial complex to carry out this kind of activity. The information received was processed using statistical analysis methods.Results. The actual problems are identified and new approaches to the modernization of the engineering service of the agro-industrial complex for the region are identified, taking into account the goals and objectives of the Government of the Russian Federation. Prospects for further development and optimization of the engineering and technical service of the region are proposed. The possibility of creating an engineering service of workshops (sites) for the collection, processing, monitoring and disposal of decommissioned equipment in the structure of existing repair and technical enterprises (RTP) is evaluated. The evidence base of the expediency of creating an additional production structure within the framework of the RTP for the collection, processing, monitoring and disposal of equipment is presented. As the analysis has shown, there is a clear need to improve the system of engineering enterprises in the field of MTP operation.

Assessment of Risky Buildings according to the Regulation for Determination of Risky Buildings (RDRB 2019): The Case of Şanlıurfa

The majority of risky structures in Türkiye’s building stock were constructed before 2000. It has been discovered that buildings constructed before the year 2000 lack engineering services and cannot fulfill the requirements of current regulations. Buildings constructed before 2000 are clearly incapable of providing the required performance and ductility in the event of an earthquake. Therefore, based on the Regulation for Determination of Risky Buildings (RDRB 2019), field studies were conducted on existing buildings built before 2000 in the Siverek district of Şanlıurfa. a two-story reinforced concrete building designed in accordance with field study data was analyzed by following the risk analysis stages for low-rise reinforced concrete buildings in RDRB 2019. An elemental risk analysis was performed on 16 columns, which are vertical elements of the structure, and then a floor-based risk assessment was performed. As a consequence, it was concluded that the building designed in accordance with condition before 2000 was at risk.

Development of engineering activities

The article discusses the role of life, role and development of engineering activities, engineering work. Special attention was paid to the work of the engineering services with the owners of other professions, in particular inventors, designers, mathematicians and physicists.

Imperfections in Inner Cavity of Row 4 Turbine Blade Caused by Metal-Core Reaction

Abstract When selecting case studies for presentation in this section Failure Analysis of Practical Metallography, the authors of this contribution asked themselves time and again what conditions actually constitute a component failure. Conventional wisdom has it that a failure occurred when a component or assembly lost its function intended by design. The authors readily admit that this is decidedly not the case for the “failure” presented in this contribution. Not only did no failure occur (the component was successfully used in engine service for the intended operating time), but the subject turbine blade did not loose its intended function by any stretch of the imagination. Why is this case study then presented here anyway? Because the evaluation and assessment of severity of indications found upon non-de structive testing of the subject turbine blade was only possible after destructive metallurgical investigation. One could jokingly concede that the blade definitely lost its function after metallographic cut-up. In any case, in the “failure case” presented in this contribution, the engineering department did not dare to release the subject turbine component for renewed engine service after refurbishment, since indications were detected that could not be properly assessed, without destroying the part; hence the subject component was not fit for engine service. The inclined reader may himself decide whether this fact makes it a component failure.