Fundamental Engineering Research Articles

Reform and Practice of the Course Fundamentals of Control Engineering from the Perspective of Engineering Education Professional Certification

Engineering education is one of the key driving forces for national innovation and competitiveness. Engineering education professional certification is an important activity in the field of international engineering education, aiming to improve the quality and level of engineering education, promote the internationalization and mutual recognition of engineering education. Fundamentals of Control Engineering is the core course of Control Science and Engineering, and an important content of engineering education certification. In order to meet the requirements of engineering education professional certification, this article explores the main content and strategies of the curriculum reform and practice of Fundamentals of Control Engineering from the perspective of engineering education professional certification, for reference.

Improving the rigor and reproducibility of catalyst testing and evaluation in the laboratory

Experimental testing and evaluation of catalysts in reactors is a central feature of fundamental catalysis science and reaction engineering. Measurements must be reproducible and interpretable to provide evidence for mechanistic studies or structure–function relationships, or to yield robust and intrinsically meaningful parameters to enable reactor scale-up and process development. Consequently, catalysis practitioners should seek to plan and perform catalyst testing in a manner that distinguishes between the intrinsic chemical kinetics governed by the catalyst and hydrodynamic, transport, and deactivation processes introduced by the form of the catalyst, the reactor vessel, and the nature of the contacting fluid. We highlight the importance of clear testing procedures for both the individual practitioner and the catalysis community and then discuss the sources and methods to address key sources of artifacts in catalyst testing. We organize sections in the form of questions practitioners should ask themselves when planning a catalyst testing campaign. This article references the original literature but also recasts the catalyst testing procedure in the form of a workflow diagram and illustrated depictions of the control experiments implemented within our laboratories to minimize the occurrence of artifacts. The content reflects our collective knowledge in the design, set up, and use of laboratory scale reactors for catalyst testing.

MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION OF PERISTALTIC FLUID TRANSPORT IN AXISYMMETRIC, POROUS STRUCTURES

Peristaltic transport, a fundamental physiological and engineering process, involves the movement of fluid through a distensible tube via sequential compression and relaxation. This study investigates the peristaltic transport of an incompressible Newtonian fluid in an axisymmetric, porous, corrugated tube, emphasizing the interplay between fluid dynamics and the tube's structural characteristics. Utilizing lubrication theory and perturbation analysis within a wave frame of reference, we explore the effects of hydraulic resistivity, geometric parameters of the corrugation, and porous layer thickness on the phenomena of trapping and circulation. Our findings reveal that hydraulic resistivity significantly influences the development of circulation regions within the fluid core, which has implications for the efficiency of mixing and nutrient absorption in biological and industrial applications. Additionally, the geometric configuration of the wavy porous layer—specifically its amplitude and thickness—critically impacts the formation of trapping and circulation regions, thereby affecting fluid transport efficiency. This work not only advances our understanding of peristaltic pumping mechanisms but also highlights the potential for optimizing fluid transport processes in both biological systems and industrial applications. The insights gained from this study contribute to the design of more efficient peristaltic pumps and offer a valuable framework for future research aimed at enhancing substance delivery and mixing through peristaltic transport.

Direct numerical simulation of the turbulent flow around a Flettner rotor

The three-dimensional turbulent flow around a Flettner rotor, i.e. an engine-driven rotating cylinder in an atmospheric boundary layer, is studied via direct numerical simulations (DNS) for three different rotation speeds (α\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha$$\\end{document}). This technology offers a sustainable alternative mainly for marine propulsion, underscoring the critical importance of comprehending the characteristics of such flow. In this study, we evaluate the aerodynamic loads produced by the rotor of height h, with a specific focus on the changes in lift and drag force along the vertical axis of the cylinder. Correspondingly, we observe that vortex shedding is inhibited at the highest α\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha$$\\end{document} values investigated. However, in the case of intermediate α\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha$$\\end{document}, vortices continue to be shed in the upper section of the cylinder (y/h>0.3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$y/h>0.3$$\\end{document}). As the cylinder begins to rotate, a large-scale motion becomes apparent on the high-pressure side, close to the bottom wall. We offer both a qualitative and quantitative description of this motion, outlining its impact on the wake deflection. This finding is significant as it influences the rotor wake to an extent of approximately one hundred diameters downstream. In practical applications, this phenomenon could influence the performance of subsequent boats and have an impact on the cylinder drag, affecting its fuel consumption. This fundamental study, which investigates a limited yet significant (for DNS) Reynolds number and explores various spinning ratios, provides valuable insights into the complex flow around a Flettner rotor. The simulations were performed using a modern GPU-based spectral element method, leveraging the power of modern supercomputers towards fundamental engineering problems.

Acoustic Cell Patterning for Structured Cell-Laden Hydrogel Fibers/Tubules.

Cell-laden hydrogel fibers/tubules are one of the fundamentals of tissue engineering. They have been proven as a promising method for constructing biomimetic tissues, such as muscle fibers, nerve conduits, tendon and vessels, etc. However, current hydrogel fiber/tubule production methods have limitations in ordered cell arrangements, thus impeding the biomimetic configurations. Acoustic cell patterning is a cell manipulation method that has good biocompatibility, wide tunability, and is contact-free. However, there are few studies on acoustic cell patterning for fiber production, especially on the radial figure cell arrangements, which mimic many native tissue-like cell arrangements. Here, an acoustic cell patterning system that can be used to produce hydrogel fibers/tubules with tunable cell patterns is shown. Cells can be pre-patterned in the liquid hydrogel before being extruded as cross-linked hydrogel fibers/tubules. The radial patterns can be tuned with different complexities based on the acoustic resonances. Cell viability assays after 72h confirm good cell viability and proliferation. Considering the biocompatibility and reliability, the present method can be further used for a variety of biomimetic fabrications.

Multi-Agent System in Web Services

The term "service-oriented architecture" (SOA) refers to a software paradigm for creating systems made up of a variety of services that interact with one another to accomplish a certain task. The communications involve more than just transmitting data back and forth; they also connect two or more services to coordinate the required operations. Cross-platform communication is necessary for the coordinating process when services are spread across several platforms. Several web service standards and specifications are used in the present SOA implementation. Based on the prototype's implementation and simulation, this proposed research study has been validated and evaluated. The suggested cross-platform communications architecture is implemented using NetBeans, JADE, WSIG, and OWL-S. An integrated development environment for Java is offered by Oracle in the form of NetBeans. Telecom Italia's Java Agent DEvelopment Framework (JADE) is an agent software framework that is entirely built in the Java language. Web Service Integration Gateway (WSIG), which helps to facilitate JADE agent services being called by Web service clients. The core fundamental engine of the suggested framework is OWL-S. It is a web ontology language used to describe Semantic Web Services in the Semantic Web's OWL-based framework. A quantitative approach is used in this study's performance analysis and comparative investigation for evaluation and validation. The prototype's major element is the Java agent development framework (JADE), which was used to create a multi-agent system for the agent-based MOM framework that has been presented. The creation of the multi-agent systems was facilitated by the JADE platform. JADE 3.7 was the version that was employed. Two key features of JADE are a FIPA-compliant agent platform and a package for creating Java agents. The implementation results show that the proposed agent-based MOM framework was successful communicate between multiple types of SOA application with a better performance of the average of round-trip time where the proposed framework was successful in responding to all the requests.

Responsive architecture and new approaches to the organization of environmental elements

This paper reviews responsive architecture, a dynamically developing aspect of design and construction, encompassing fundamental engineering and technological principles, architectural and design content, and green architecture elements to meet the needs of society and the individual. The key thesis of responsive architecture is “nothing in nature is motionless”. As part of nature’s context, the individual has the right to exist in a sustainable environment, the development of which is shaped through environmental, economic, and social aspects. Our research characterizes the key directions of responsive architecture’s development and development prospects in the context of the current technological processes and social needs. Since responsive architecture is based on synthesis, we rely on materials from various design fields (including engineering and technical solutions, mobile form-making, green architecture, etc).

Development of Interactive Virtual Laboratory Media with Tinkercad Platform on Analog Electronics Material

The development of science and technology has experienced rapid progress which has a significant impact on people’s lives. One of the affected fields is education, where the utilization of science and technology can strengthen the learning process. In this context, the development of the right strategy and the use of supporting components are very effective. This research aims to analyze and develop the needs of teaching materials in the subject of Fundamentals of Electronic Engineering, focusing on Analog Electronics material. The method used is the development of teaching materials in the form of V-Lab-based jobsheets using the tinkercad website platform, as well as the preparation of guidebooks for teachers and students of Mechatronics Engineering in the subject of Basics of Electronics Engineering, especially on Analog Electronics material. Furthermore, the feasibility of V-Lab-based teaching materials using the Tinkercad website platform was tested. The results show that the use of the Tinkercad platform makes it easy to simulate electronic circuits without the need to install additional software. This platform helps students in better understanding the analog electronics material, as it can be accessed flexibly. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the development of V-Lab-based teaching materials through the Tinkercad platform has great potential in improving the quality of analog electronics learning.

Interest Oriented Case-Based Teaching Method—The Application of Case-Based Teaching in the Course of “Fundamentals of Control Engineering”

Interest Oriented Case-Based Teaching Method—The Application of Case-Based Teaching in the Course of “Fundamentals of Control Engineering”

Application of Industrial Remote Access Control Laboratory

An industrial-scale remote access control laboratory system was developed to address the potential lack of practical laboratory experience for Control and Automation Engineering (CAE) students at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in response to the coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-2019). The system consists of six fundamental control theory experiments and aims to test fundamental control engineering topics such as mathematical modeling, system identification, controller design, and design comparison. These experiments are integrated into a remote access system using industry 4.0 methodologies, allowing students to use the experiments remotely over web-based user interfaces. The system has necessary capabilities such as remote control, online experimentation, graphs and charts, live camera view, data storage, accessibility options, and security for robust interaction with students. Two surveys were conducted to collect feedback from students who have not used the system and those who have used it for at least a semester. The results of the first survey showed that students appreciate the opportunity of remote-access laboratory usage on control experiments and would consider using it. The results of the second survey demonstrated that the system fulfills the varied requirements of students and received high overall satisfaction. Overall, the demand for an industrial-scale remote access control laboratory has been met, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic environment of engineering education.

Facet-Dependent Charge Density of Serpentine: Nanoscopic Implications for Aggregation and Entrainment of Fine Particles.

Deciphering the facet-dependent surface properties of clay minerals holds vital significance in both fundamental research and practical engineering applications. To date, the anisotropic local charge density of serpentine surfaces still remains elusive, and thus, the interaction energies and associated aggregate structures between different crystal planes of serpentine cannot be quantitatively determined. In this work, different crystal planes of serpentine (i.e., SiO basal, MgOH basal, and edge) were selectively exposed, and their surface potentials and charge densities were determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurements coupled with Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory fitting. The SiO and edge planes consistently exhibited a permanently negative surface charge, whereas the point of zero charge (PZC) on the MgOH plane was estimated to be pH 9.0-11.0. Based on the interaction energy calculation between different serpentine planes, the aggregation structures of serpentine were predicted. Combined with scanning electron microscopy observation of freeze-dried samples, SiO-MgOH and MgOH-edge associations were found to dominate the aggregate structures at pH ≤ 9.0, thereby resulting in a stacking or "card-houses" structures. In contrast, all of the plane associations exhibited the repulsive interaction energy at pH 11.0, which led to a completely dispersed system, ultimately causing the most severe fine particle entrainment during froth flotation. Our work provides quantitative clarification of facet-dependent surface properties and aggregate structures of serpentine under different pH conditions, which will help improve the fundamental understanding of colloidal behaviors of clay minerals.

Report on the 1st Symposium on NLP for Social: Good (NSG 2023)

Artificial intelligence (AI), specifically, Natural Language Processing (NLP) is being hailed as a new breeding ground for immense innovation potential. Researchers believe that NLP-based technologies could help to solve societal issues such as equality and inclusion, education, health, and hunger, climate action etc., and many more. Tackling these questions requires a concerted, collaborative effort across all sectors of society. The first Symposium on NLP for Social Good (NSG) was a novel effort that aimed to enable NLP researchers and scholars from inter-disciplinary field who want to think about the societal implications of their work for solving humanitarian and environmental challenges. The objective of the symposium was to support fundamental research and engineering efforts and empower the social sector with tools and resources, while collaborating with partners from all sectors to maximise effect in solving problems within public health, nature & society, accessibility, crisis response etc. In its inception, we invited speakers from academia and industry to provide an overview of some areas from NLP applications such as education, healthcare and legal domains in order to provide a platform to stimulate discussion regarding the current state of NLP in these varied fields. Date : 8--9 June 2023. Website : https://nlp4social.github.io/nlp4socialgood/.

Examination of cryogenic durability in self-consolidating concretes through mechanical and fracture mechanics approaches

Thermal shocks under extreme conditions, such as leakage in concrete-enclosed tanks, which are a popular choice for cryogenic liquid storage, may lead to undesirable effects on the structures. In this study, the effects of cyclic cryogenic exposures have been investigated using both mechanical and fracture mechanics approaches. To ensure durable concrete, self-consolidating concretes have been chosen in the mix design. While previous studies have primarily investigated the effects of a single cryogenic exposure on conventional concrete, this study focuses on repetitive exposure to cryogenic effects on self-consolidating concretes. Furthermore, the self-consolidating concretes were subjected to two different curing conditions: air curing and water curing, before cryogenic processing, in order to consider real application conditions and laboratory circumstances. After the first and fifth cryogenic exposures, fundamental engineering properties and fracture mechanics parameters were evaluated. To determine the fracture mechanics parameters, beams of three different dimensions were produced, with three different notch lengths for each dimension. The dynamic modulus of elasticity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, and bending strength of self-consolidating concretes were examined after 0, 1, and 5 cycles of cryogenic exposure. As a result, the air-cured samples exhibited greater resistance to cryogenic cycles than the water-cured samples. The KIC and CTODC values increased after one cycle of cryogenic exposure, as noted in the literature. However, the results obtained in this study demonstrate a decrease in KIC and CTODC values after five cycles compared to one cycle of cryogenic exposure.

“Where I feel the most connected:” Community of Inquiry supporting sense of belonging in a HyFlex engineering course

In this study, we use focus groups, open-ended survey questions, and course observational data to examine aspects of one HyFlex engineering fundamentals course, with sections enrolling almost 500 first year students, that was exemplary in fostering Community of Inquiry (CoI). Findings showcase that attention to joint dynamics of teaching, social, and cognitive presence unique to HyFlex environments contributed to learning and belonging in the course. Implications include strategies for effective HyFlex courses, such as use of the CoI framework in HyFlex courses, interactive tools allowing student engagement across platforms, and opportunities for live student questions, especially with audio capability.

Scaling Performance Parameters of Reciprocating Engines for Sustainable Energy System Optimization Modelling

The increased share of variable renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power poses constraints on the stability of the grid and the security of supply due to the imbalance between electricity production and demand. Chemical storage or power-to-X technologies can provide the flexibility that is needed to overcome this issue. To quantify the needs of such storage systems, energy system optimization models (ESOMs) are used, guiding policy makers in nationwide energy planning. The key input parameters for such models are the capacity and efficiency values of the conversion devices. Gas turbines, reciprocating engines, fuel cells and Rankine engines are often mentioned here as cogeneration technologies. Their performance parameters will however need to be revised when switching from fossil to renewable fuels. This study therefore investigates the possibility of using size-based scaling laws to predict the efficiency and power values of one type of conversion technology: the reciprocating engine. The most straightforward scaling laws are the ones based on the fundamental engine performance parameters and are constructed by fitting an arithmetic function for a large set of representative engine data. Their accuracy was tested with a case study, consisting of thirty large-bore, spark-ignited gas engines. Two alternative methods were also investigated: scaling laws based on the Willans line method and scaling laws based on the similarity theory. Their use is deemed impractical for the current research problem.

Application of block copolymers in organic solar cells

After many years of development, block copolymers became one of the most important materials for organic solar cells. They were used in photovoltaic cells because of their self-assembly properties and controlled ordered nanoscale, which is ideal for electron-hole pair separation. However, block copolymers still faced several major challenges as organic solar materials, and this paper focused on their limitations and corresponding solutions in terms of material design, morphology control, and interface modification, as well as on the fundamental molecular engineering principles involved. In the paper’s conclusion, an perspective on the use of modern, advanced block copolymers in organic solar cells was provided.

Stope Structural Parameters Design towards Green and Deep Mining: A Review

A reliable design of stopes is critical to ensure both safety and efficiency in mining operations. The evolving mining methods and technologies as well as increasing mining depth dictate the need to continually improve stope designs. This paper presents a comprehensive review in order to compare and consolidate various stope design methods. This review covers various aspects of stope design, including design principles, factors to consider, and the diverse range of design methods available. The results led to the classification of various methods encompassing engineering analogies, fundamentals, numerical simulations, and industrial tests. Of particular significance, the review furnishes detailed insights into the research conducted on each method, as well as each method’s practical performance in engineering applications. Furthermore, the review highlights the inherent limitations in current design methods and suggests potential avenues for future research. Finally, by comprehensively considering the functional roles and advantages of each design method, it overcomes the limitations of relying solely on a single method for stope structural parameter design, and a general process is proposed.

Application of service MIRO in practical class of Fundamentals of Innovative En-gineering

The paper raises the problem of attracting the attention of generation Z (buzzers) to the study of the educational program. The author argues in favor of the use of digital services in education to enhance attention to the subject being studied, as well as the formation of competence - the ability to solve professional problems using information and communication technologies. A list of digital services operating on the territory of the Russian Federation is presented. The analysis of scientific literature in foreign and domestic journals on the use of the MIRO online platform in educational practice is described. The paper is devoted to the presentation of the experience of using the MIRO online platform as a digital learning tool for organizing group and individual work in the study of the discipline "Fundamentals of Innovative Engineering" (FIE) at N. P. Ogarev Mordovian State University in classroom and self-study. The content of the FIE discipline for the specialty Operation of transport and technological machines and complexes" is shown in accordance with the Federal State Educational Standard of higher education. The paper describes the developed set of 9 practical works in MIRO in the discipline Fundamentals of innovative engineering activities which are carried out in the form of a business game A Firm, as well as the experience of performing these works by students. The practice of using MIRO in teaching FIE has shown that the online platform is accessible to teachers and students, the learning materials are easily placed on the platform, and neither students nor teachers had any difficulties in using it. There is a higher interest in performing practical work on FIE in MIRO, in contrast to paper media, and in improving student performance in this discipline. The practical significance of this study lies in the popularization of the use of digital services in the educational process.

Lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction for electrochemical ammonia synthesis: From batch to flow reactor

The electrochemical synthesis of ammonia has emerged as a sustainable alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the transition from batch reactors to flow reactors in the context of lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction for electrochemical ammonia synthesis. It underscores the advances made in mechanistic understanding, reactor design, and the exploration of key variables such as pressure, Li salts, proton shuttles, and additives. The advantages and disadvantages of both reactor types are critically assessed, offering insights into their suitability for scaling up production. Moreover, this review elucidates the role of various factors in enhancing Faradaic efficiency and energy efficiency, thus contributing to the development of more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable electrochemical ammonia synthesis methods. The synergy between fundamental research and engineering advancements in this field is highlighted, providing a roadmap for future research endeavors and industrial applications.

Development of data-intensive techno-economic models for the assessment of a biomass, waste heat, and MSW integrated waste-to-electricity facility

This study develops a framework for an assessment of the integrated processing of various types of waste in a single waste-to-energy (W2E) facility. The FUNdamental ENgineering PrinciplEs-based model for Estimation of Cost of Energy from Biomass and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) (FUNNEL-Cost-Bio-waste) was developed and used to assess the conversion of MSW, agricultural residue, forest residue, and waste heat to electricity via gasification. A geographic information systems (GIS)-based model was developed to estimate the availability of wastes at collection points and the transportation distances to the facility. A case study for Alberta (Canada) was conducted to assess the techno-economic feasibility of a 199 MW gasification-based facility. Depending on whether one or two waste heat sources are used for drying MSW, internal rates of return and the costs of generating electricity were estimated to be 11.18 % and 8.09 % and US $21.90/MWh and US $33.23/MWh, respectively. This information can be used for investment decision-making.