Parametric Study Research Articles

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Machinability Study of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite and Mild Steel

Abstract: Machining is one of the Core operations in most of the Manufacturing firms as it consumes most of thetime material and effort. The development of any manufacturing industry lies in a proper controlled machining environment. Hence to avoid wastage of Material and ensure in time production it is necessary to optimize the machining Process. This can be achieved through optimizing certain parameters like Speed, feed, and depth of cut etc. The Controlled machining process can be achieved through Pre simulated study or predicting the values in a computational procedure. Predictive study of parameters ensures better machinability in a specified time without much wastage of resources. In the Present Work turning operation is carried out on A356 Aluminium alloy and Mild steel in a medium duty Lathe with a HSS tool with the cutting parameters of cutting speed of 140, 310, 500m/min, feed rate of 0.35, 0.66, 1mm/rev, and cutting depth 0.5mm. Evaluation of mechanical properties is being carried out to study the influence of reinforcement particles in matrix material and Regression analysis is being carried out to predict the output value with respect to the input value

Geothermal Power Generation: Harnessing Electrical Energy Through The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) System

The research employs a thermodynamic simulation method using an Engineering Equation Solver (EES), relying on theoretical calculations. This method is integrated into a geothermal power plant, precisely focusing on geothermal source temperatures of approximately 95ºC. The investigation centers on the heat transfer process within a high-temperature heat transfer fluid from geothermal sources, conveying stored heat to the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) evaporator. Three specific working fluids, R134a, R11, and R22, examine working fluid selection for ORC at 95ºC. The results highlight the R11 organic fluid as an optimal compromise, excelling in two crucial criteria. Firstly, R11 exhibits the highest net mechanical power, = 34.81 kW compared to alternative fluids. Secondly, it boasts the best energetic efficiency of the cycle, registering = 16.01%, outperforming both R134a ( = 13.17%) and R22 ( = 12.64%). In summary, this study conducts a focused analysis of the energy aspects of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for electricity production using geothermal sources and organic fluids. Operating at a geothermal source temperature of 95ºC with a water flow rate of 80 lt/s and environmental conditions at 20ºC, the parametric study emphasizes the superiority of the R11 organic fluid. R11 emerges as the optimal choice, demonstrating the highest net mechanical power and superior energetic efficiency compared to alternative fluids, thereby contributing valuable insights to advancing sustainable and efficient energy technologies.

Computer simulation for parametric study of concrete system: Introducing novel reinforcement for concrete construction materials

Concrete is a primary construction material in the building industry. Formwork is crucial in facilitating the implementation of geometric designs and enhancing the structural integrity of concrete components. Additionally, it represents a significant expense in the building of concrete structures. The use of formwork has a lengthy historical background, with several formwork systems being employed in various projects. When designing and choosing a formwork system, it is important to consider many needs, including safety, cost, structural geometry, construction time, and surface quality. This article introduces a computer simulation for conducting a parametric analysis of concrete systems using a new reinforcing method for concrete building materials. To achieve this objective, the current relevant concrete material is simulated using higher-order shear deformation theory, the minimal potential energy principle, and an analytical solver. Halpin–Tsai homogenization technique and the role of the mixture are used to predict the mechanical properties of the presented innovative reinforcement. The mathematical formulation of a Haber–Schaim foundation constructed from auxetic material inside the Cartesian coordinate system is expressed. The results show that in the highest velocity, the influence of the graphene oxide powders (GOP) distribution pattern on the acceleration of the system than other values of velocity. Also, as an applicable suggestion, by a less change in the amplitude of the structure with higher values of GOP weight fraction, the velocity of the structure changes drastically, While, this trend for lower values of GOP weight fraction has a noticeable change. Finally, some suggestions for improving the dynamic stability of this kind of innovative concrete structure will be given in the results section for civil and mechanical engineers.

A case study on the modeling and simulation of UAVs

The current work presents the flow and structural analysis of the application design in un-manned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as indicates a case of the modeling and simulation study with the ANSYS Fluent and Mechanical programs. This research reveals the unmanned aerial vehicle’s structural and mechanical design, structure configurations, energy-flow and struc-tural analysis, propulsion and firing systems, prototype production and testing, and design flow models. This study aims to complete the unmanned aerial vehicle design by determining its aerodynamic configurations. Due to the complexity of the design, a preliminary prepa-ration for flow analysis is performed with simplified geometry as well as flow analysis. The unmanned aerial vehicle is tested at different velocities by numerical analysis. In addition, different density flow analyses provide predictions about the aerodynamic forces of the UAVs at different heights and temperatures. The thrust results are 4240 g, power became 1711.62 W with 2.48 g/W efficiency, and 12179 [rpm] revolution for 22.2 V voltage and 77.1 A current, respectively. The 5 different analyses are performed in the range of 2.9-12 million elements, and the solution meshes with the lowest number of elements by performing parametric stud-ies with the ANSYS program that gives the most accurate result.

Parameter Study for Establishing a Synchronizer Control Strategy in Tractor Dual-Clutch Transmission

Research on dual-clutch transmissions in agricultural tractors is on the rise. Dual-clutch transmissions provide a smooth driving experience and easy operation compared to manual transmissions, as they eliminate power interruptions. Accordingly, there is ongoing research to improve the conventional synchronizer pre-selection method. The study introduces a new control strategy to enhance shifting quality by focusing on shift force and timing. Specifically, the goal is to optimize the impact of pre-selection-induced shock and delayed shift time, minimizing discomfort for the driver. According to the experimental results, it was determined that factors influencing the impact of preselect engagement on gear shift shock were absent, while factors capable of affecting shift time were identified in the form of shift force. However, it was concluded that optimizing shift force and shift timing based on the number of shifts can enhance the quality of gear shifting. Even during preselect disengagement, the factor influencing gear shift shock was identified as the shift timing, with no discernible factor affecting shift time. Nevertheless, it was judged that optimizing shift force and shift timing based on the number of shifts can lead to an improvement in gear shifting quality. In conclusion, the control strategy determined through the parameter study is expected to improve the shifting quality of tractors equipped with dual-clutch transmission. These findings have the potential to support efficient and convenient tractor operation in the agricultural sector.

Optimal planning of urban air mobility systems accounting for ground access trips

The concept of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), an on-demand aviation service using air vehicles for urban short-distance trips, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), has recently drawn public attention as one of possible solutions to traffic congestion in metropolitan areas. We present an optimal planning framework for fleet size and vertiport numbers using generalized cost models of UAM trip chains with two different ground access modes for first and last mile trips, including taxis and robotaxis (i.e. autonomous taxis or shared autonomous vehicles). As it is a relatively new and untested mode of transportation, our research aims to provide a decision-making tool for initial UAM system planning and analysis of its economic feasibility, appropriately considering its unique characteristics, such as high free-flow speed, low circuity, needs for ground access, and specific cost factors, such as vertiport and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft costs. Through a parametric study, we quantitatively examine the necessary conditions for UAM, with or without ridesharing, to become more economically viable than other ground-only modes. The study confirms that UAM can have potential economic benefits especially in large cities with longer average trip lengths and severe traffic congestion, where the average ground vehicle speed is low.

Influence of bioinspired riblet topographies on the mitigation of flow-induced noise in towed sonar arrays

The hydrodynamic optimization of marine vehicles and devices is a critical area of research, especially regarding the diminution of flow-induced drag pertinent to towed sonar arrays. The utilization of bio-inspired riblets, which emulate the skin of rapid marine predators such as sharks, has been posited as a viable strategy to mitigate hydrodynamic drag. Nonetheless, the implications of these riblets on the concurrent acoustical emissions during flow-array interaction remain not well understood. This study conducts an in-depth investigation into the performance of bioinspired riblet topologies in attenuating flow-induced noise in towed sonar arrays, scrutinizing their effectiveness across laminar and turbulent flow regimes. In laminar flow regimes, the study observes that riblet structures have the potential to reduce noise but at the cost of increased drag for towed arrays. Conversely, in turbulent flow conditions, the effectiveness of riblets is significantly enhanced. Particularly, rectangular riblets demonstrate a notable reduction in noise by up to 14.3%, along with a 5.1% decrease in hydrodynamic drag, in comparison to a smooth array surface. Additionally, our parametric study reveals that riblets with finer, more closely spaced geometries can further reduce the drag by an additional 25.7%. These findings underscore the efficacy of riblet geometries in different flow conditions, highlighting their potential in optimizing the acoustic and hydrodynamic performance of maritime systems.

Pinch, energy, and exergy analysis for a power-hydrogen cogeneration system fueled by biogas

This paper presents a combined heating, power, and hydrogen system production by utilizing biogas energy. A novel methodology is proposed to identify thermodynamic cycle conditions and reform processes by using biogas as the energy source. Biogas steam and dry reforming methods are considered based on equilibrium data employing the EES program. It is found that biogas has two principal roles for combustion and reforming processes simultaneously. The thermal energy from the combustion of biogas causes its reforming and improves the efficiency of the system by 74%. The exergy efficiency, the overall exergy destruction, and hydrogen efficiency are calculated for various electric powers ranging from 5 to 40 MW. It is found that the combustion chamber has the maximum exergy destruction of about 51%. The parametric study of the system is performed to assess the optimum conditions for producing hydrogen. The optimal condition corresponds to CO2/CH4 = 0.50–0.66, H2O/CH4 = 2–3.6, and the reforming temperature range of 965–1036 K. The conversion of methane and carbon dioxide shows the reduction of the greenhouse gases.

Finite element based computational analysis to study the effects of baffle and fin on the performance assessment of solar collector

The present work aims to develop an ideal solar collector layout through a finite element-based parametric study. The thermohydraulic performance factor of the solar collector was investigated with the placement of baffles and fins on the absorber plate. The cross-flow, channel, and twist designs of three alternative baffle/fin configurations were parametrised, and the heat transfer throughout the collector was analysed using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The parametrised design for cross-flow was the angle of solid baffle as 30°, 35° and 40°; whereas, for channel and twist design, the distance between the fins was varied at 50, 100 and 150 mm. The simulated result manifested that channel design had highest convective heat transfer coefficient of 21–27 W m−2 K−1, followed by cross-flow and twist design. Contrarily, twist and cross-flow design had lowest pressure drops of 0.6–1.27 Pa and 0.60–1.06 Pa, respectively, while channel design showed maximum pressure loss (35–467 Pa). The average overall thermal efficiency for cross-flow, channel, and twist design was 76.16 %, 74.26 %, and 70.65 %, respectively. The average thermohydraulic performance factor for cross flow and twist design was 11.25 % and 0.48 % higher, whereas 248.22 % lower for channel design compared to flat plate collector. The performance of the cross-flow 30 design was best out of all the designs in terms of the thermohydraulic performance factor, outlet temperature, pressure drop, and flow homogeneity inside the collector. Cross-flow 30 demonstrated a minimum friction factor of 0.004, comparable to a flat plate collector and had a double heat transfer coefficient.

Coalescence behavior of fully submerged CO2 nanobubbles: A molecular dynamics based parametric study

Due to their extraordinarily extended lifetime and wide range of applications in numerous cutting-edge technologies and processes, nanobubbles have garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Nanobubble coalescence behavior is of crucial importance as it provides a clear indication of how stable these nanobubbles really are, which is vital for most nanobubble applications. The current study employs classical molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the coalescence dynamics of CO2 nanobubbles completely submerged in water. To draw a stark contrast, a comparison with air nanobubble coalescence is presented as well. It is observed that unlike air nanobubbles, CO2 nanobubbles have a tendency to hinder coalescence and do not fully coalesce into a single bubble in general. State of the entrapped gas inside the nanobubbles, electrostatic repulsion and large negative zeta-potential are the primary factors responsible for this nature. Coalescence neck growth and onset time are used to quantify the degree of partial coalescence. A compilation of findings and analysis for a total of 8 factors and 40 cases has been provided, demonstrating how CO2 nanobubble coalescence is influenced by many factors such as nanobubble size, surrounding pressure, temperature, the presence of air, and more. These parametric studies show that the degree of coalescence is tunable through adjustment of certain parameters. The parametric exploration of CO2 nanobubble coalescence behavior might serve as control strategies in various nanobubble driven processes.

Characterizing Bridge Thermal Response for Bridge Load Rating and Condition Assessment: A Parametric Study

Temperature is the main driver of bridge response. It is continuously applied and may have complex distributions across the bridge. Daily temperature loads force bridges to undergo deformations that are larger than or equal to peak-to-peak traffic loads. Bridge thermal response must therefore be accounted for when performing load rating and condition assessment. This study assesses the importance of characterizing bridge thermal response and separating it from traffic-induced response. Numerical replicas (i.e., fine element models) of a steel girder bridge are generated to validate the proposed methodology. Firstly, a variety of temperature distribution scenarios, such as those resulting from extreme weather conditions due to climate change, are modelled. Then, nominal traffic load scenarios are simulated, and bridge response is characterized. Finally, damage is modelled as a reduction in material stiffness due to corrosion. Bridge response to applied traffic load is different before and after the introduction of damage; however, it can only be correctly quantified when the bridge thermal response is accurately accounted for. The study emphasizes the importance of accounting for distributed temperature loads and characterizing bridge thermal response, which are important factors to consider both in bridge design and condition assessment.

Studies of biochemical parameters of the blood of laboratory animals when studying the subchronic toxicity of the drug L-carnitine

Studies of biochemical parameters of the blood of laboratory animals when studying the subchronic toxicity of the drug L-carnitine

How the Magnetization Angle of a Linear Halbach Array Influences Particle Steering in Magnetic Drug Targeting—A Systematic Evaluation and Optimization

The main challenge in magnetic drug targeting lies in steering the magnetic particles, especially in deeper body layers. For this purpose, linear Halbach arrays are currently in focus. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the impact of the magnetization angle between two neighboring magnets in Halbach arrays has not been investigated for particle steering so far. Therefore, in this paper, a systematic numerical parameter study of varying the magnetization angle of linear Halbach arrays is conducted. This is completed by undertaking a typical magnetic drug targeting scenario, where magnetic particles have to be steered in an optimized manner. This includes the calculation of the magnetic flux density, its gradient, the total magnetic energy, and the resulting magnetic force based on a fitting function for the different Halbach constellations in the context of examining their potential for predicting the particle distribution. In general, increased magnetization angles result in an increased effective range of the magnetic force. However, as there is a trade-off between a weak force on the weak side of the array and a simple manufacturing process, a magnetization angle of 90∘ is recommended. For evaluating the steering performance, a numerical or experimental evaluation of the particle distribution is mandatory.

A convergence‐enhanced Timoshenko beam element for the stochastic nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete components

AbstractAn effective and precise physical model is generally required for the performance assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) components. In this study, a convergence‐enhanced Timoshenko beam element considering finite deformation is proposed for the stochastic nonlinear analysis of RC components. The unified framework of the rank 2 correction matrix is obtained by approximating the iterative matrix through the linearly independent basis vectors, and two types of Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) operators are constructed. Then, a consistent solution scheme with superior numerical stability and efficiency is proposed based on the second kind of BFGS operator and improved quasi‐Newton method. Accurate discretization of the displacement fields and description of nonlinear sectional behavior are achieved by the high‐order Lagrangian interpolation functions, concrete damage‐plasticity model and J2 plasticity model. In an updated Lagrangian formulation, these shape functions and constitutive relationships are used to develop a complete secant stiffness with higher‐order terms in the strain tensor and residual force vector. To validate the proposed Timoshenko beam element, numerical applications involving material nonlinearity and geometrical nonlinearity are conducted. The numerical stability and efficiency of the solution scheme, the shear‐locking free technique, and the oscillation of axial force are thoroughly examined and discussed by solution of RC columns, cantilever beam and progressive collapse of planar RC frame. Finally, the parametric study considering the geometric and material randomness indicates that the RC column designed for flexural failure mode suffered considerable degradation of loading capacity and a larger scatter of residual load.

Seismic performance of structure equipped with a new rubber bracing damper system

Nowadays, vibration energy absorption devices are widely implemented in many buildings subjected to severe vibration due to natural hazards, such as earthquakes, strong winds, and typhoons. Recently, viscous dampers have been commonly used in many structures as the most conventional damper type. However, the high maintenance cost resulting from oil leakage from cylinder seals has prompted researchers to seek an alternative system to viscous damper systems. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to develop a new rubber bracing damper (RBD) system by implementing high damping rubber material as a viscoelastic material to be installed in framed structures as diagonal bracing members. This will help dissipate vibration effects on the structure. To achieve this, the initial design for the RBD device has been developed, and finite-element simulation has been conducted to evaluate the behavior of the proposed RBD under various dynamic loading conditions. To define the viscoelastic material properties in finite-element modeling, high damping rubber material has been produced and experimentally tested to determine the numerical model of the material. Subsequently, the test data were utilized to develop the analytical model of the RBD device, and its performance was evaluated by applying cyclic loads and conducting nonlinear analysis. Furthermore, a series of cyclic dynamic tests with various displacement amplitudes and frequencies have been conducted on the prototype of the RBD device based on the finite-element results. Finally, to analyze the dynamic behavior of the structure equipped with RBD, a finite-element model of a three-story reinforced concrete frame structure furnished with RBD dampers has been developed. The response of the structure has been evaluated under seismic loads, and a parametric study has been conducted to investigate the response of the structures with various rubber properties. The numerical analysis results indicated that the implementation of the RBD device leads to a reduction in the occurrence of plastic hinges and lateral displacements of the structure by up to 69%. This demonstrates the efficiency of the RBD device in diminishing the seismic load effect on the structure’s response.

Electrical pulse stimulation parameters modulate N2a neuronal differentiation

Electrical pulse stimulation has been used to enhance the differentiation or proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells in tissue engineering and cancer treatment. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation of the effects caused by its parameters is crucial for improvements in those fields. We propose a study of pulse parameters, to allow the control of N2a cell line fate and behavior. We have focused on designing an experimental setup that allows for the knowledge and control over the environment and the stimulation signals applied. To map the effects of the stimulation on N2a cells, their morphology and the cellular and molecular reactions induced by the pulse stimulation have been analyzed. Immunofluorescence, rt-PCR and western blot analysis have been carried out for this purpose, as well as cell counting. Our results show that low-amplitude electrical pulse stimulation promotes proliferation of N2a cells, whilst amplitudes in the range 250 mV/mm–500 mV/mm induce differentiation. Amplitudes higher than 750 mV/mm produce cell damage at low frequencies. For high frequencies, large amplitudes are needed to cause cell death. An inverse relation has been found between cell density and pulse-induced neuronal differentiation. The best condition for neuronal differentiation was found to be 500 mV/mm at 100 Hz. These findings have been confirmed by up-regulation of the Neurod1 gene. Our preliminary study of the molecular effects of electrical pulse stimulation on N2a offers premonitory clues of the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway implications on the neuronal differentiation process through ES. In general, we have successfully mapped the sensitivity of N2a cells to electrical pulse stimulation parameters.

A parametric large-eddy simulation study of wind-farm blockage and gravity waves in conventionally neutral boundary layers

We present a suite of large-eddy simulations (LES) of a wind farm operating in conventionally neutral boundary layers. A fixed 1.6 GW wind farm is considered for 40 different atmospheric stratification conditions to investigate effects on wind-farm efficiency and blockage, as well as related gravity-wave excitation. A tuned Rayleigh damping layer and a wave-free fringe-region method are used to avoid spurious excitation of gravity waves, and a domain-size study is included to evaluate and minimize effects of artificial domain blockage. A fully neutral reference case is also considered, to distinguish between a case with hydrodynamic blockage only, and cases that include hydrostatic blockage induced by the air column above the boundary layer and the excitation of gravity waves therein. We discuss in detail the dependence of gravity-wave excitation, flow fields and wind-farm blockage on capping-inversion height, strength and free-atmosphere lapse rate. In all cases, an unfavourable pressure gradient is present in front of the farm, and a favourable pressure gradient in the farm, with hydrostatic contributions arising from gravity waves at least an order of magnitude larger than hydrodynamic effects. Using respectively non-local and wake efficiencies $\eta _{nl}$ and $\eta _{w}$ , we observe a strong negative correlation between the unfavourable upstream pressure rise and $\eta _{nl}$ , and a strong positive correlation between the favourable pressure drop in the farm and $\eta _{w}$ . Using a simplified linear gravity-wave model, we formulate a simple scaling for the ratio $(1-\eta _{nl})/\eta _{w}$ , which matches reasonably well with the LES results.

Nonlinear free vibrational behavior of temperature-dependent two-directional functionally graded truncated cone-like shells in thermal environment

This article investigates nonlinear free vibrations of temperature-dependent two-directional functionally graded (TDTDFG) cone-like shells in thermal environment. The structure material is a combination of ceramic and metal with temperature-dependent mechanical characteristics varying continuously in the thickness and longitudinal directions. Initially, the thermomechanical dynamic equations of the system are modeled based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and the strain-displacement relations of von Kármán. Afterward, the final governing equation for the structure’s transverse motion is obtained using the Galerkin discretization method. Finally, the governing equation is solved using improved Lindstedt-Poincaré method as an analytical technique, resulting in an equation for calculating the nonlinear frequencies of the shell. To validate the research’s results, the system frequencies are calculated under different conditions and compared with the results of previous studies. After ensuring the accuracy of the results, a parametric study is performed to evaluate the effects of various parameters on the linear and nonlinear frequencies of the TDTDFG cone-like shell in thermal environment. The results of this study have demonstrated that gradient indices, geometric ratios, and thermal environment have a significant influence on the nonlinear vibration behavior of structures.

Simplified solution for calculating active thrusts on retaining walls with a broken backslope

This paper reviewed Satyanarayana’s solution for calculating the active thrust on a retaining wall with a broken backslope. To improve Satyanarayana’s solution, a limit broken backslope height was proposed. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the influences of several key factors on the calculated active thrusts and their application point heights using the Satyanarayana solution. To simplify the calculation method, this paper proposes an equivalent infinite backslope angle based on the force equivalency between Satyanarayana’s and Coulomb’s solutions. This paper also proposes an empirical formula to estimate the equivalent infinite backslope angle and a simplified solution for calculating the active thrust. A numerical method was used to examine design examples of retaining walls with a broken backslope as compared with the Satyanarayana, Coulomb, and simplified solutions. The parametric study showed that the broken backslope height, the soil internal friction angle, the wall inclination angle, and the broken backslope angle had significant effects on active thrusts, while the wall-soil interface angle had a minor influence on the active thrust. The calculated equivalent infinite backslope angle using the proposed empirical formula well matched that calculated based on the force equilibrium. The design examples demonstrated that the simplified solution was easy and accurate for the design of retaining walls with a broken backslope.

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED AND UNREINFORCED DEEP SOIL MIXING COLUMNS INSTALLED IN COHESIVE AND NON-COHESIVE SOILS

A parametric study employing three-dimensional finite element analysis is used in this paper to examine the improvement of soft clay and silty loose sand under a road embankment using deep soil mixing (DSM) columns. Both soils are designed with three variables namely DSM column diameter (D), DSM column length (L) and centre-to-centre distance of the DSM columns (s). The settlement values under the road embankment constructed with and without DSM columns were obtained by numerical analysis. The analyses were also repeated for the DSM columns which were stiffened by adding I-profiles. The results showed that the improvement effect of the DSM columns on settlement is higher in soft clay. For constant improvement area ratio (ar), the maximum improvement is achieved for D = 80 cm (2.62 ft.) and increasing D did not affect the degree of improvement. In both soil types, settlement decreased with increasing L within the weak soil zone. Increasing L into the comparatively stronger soil did not significantly affect the settlement value. Although the settlement decreased with increasing ar in silty loose sand, it reached at maximum in soft clay at ar of thirty-five percent and was not affected thereafter with increasing ar values.