Taguchi Experimental Design Method Research Articles

Experimental investigation of multi-additive fuel blend and its optimization for CI engine performance and emissions by the hybrid Taguchi- TOPSIS technique

In recent years, the critical stage of air pollution and government stringent emission norms like Bharat Standard VI in 2020 in India and Euro VI in European countries, along with the promotion of electric vehicles, has made the future of diesel vehicles unpredictable. The present work correlates and tries to overcome the emission issue by improving fuel properties using a novel multi-additive fuel blend which can control engine emission, mostly NOx, without compromising efficiency and operating fuel economy. Using experimental and literature studies, three additives were identified for creating a novel multi-additive fuel blend, viz. dimethyl carbonate, 2-ethylhexyl nitrate and ethyl acetate. Using the Taguchi Design of Experiment method, sixteen test samples having different combinations of these additive were identified for experimental trials to create sufficient and suitable test data for the optimization process. Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution is a Multi Criteria Decision Making optimization process, is performed to identify the optimized multi-additive fuel blend coded as D8EH6E4. Blending the optimized multi-additive sample D8EH6E4 with diesel fuel reduced NOx formation by an average of 19 % while causing a substantial drop in smoke at higher load conditions without adversely affecting engine performance and fuel economy.

Design of special vacuum fan for use in the ship scraping process

The outer surfaces of ships should be smooth for efficiency and safety. With the scraping process, the performance of the ship is increased and the possible negative effects are minimized. One of the biggest causes of corrosion (abrasion) that may occur over time is rough surfaces. The scraping process, which is one of the most important processes in shipyards, is very laborious, and at the same time, the dust and chemical wastes that occur during the process reveal extremely harmful results for the environment. Thus in this work the optimum design and operating parameters (best efficiency) of the fan specially designed for the removal of dust and solid wastes from the environment with a closed system, which is generated during the surface cleaning process using abrasive blasting materials were obtained. Taguchi experimental design method was applied. Afterwards, the effect of which parameter on the results was determined with the Anova Statistical Analysis method. The same values were obtained in the results obtained by using both the experimental studies obtained by the classical method and the statistical data of the fans designed within the scope of the study, of which 9 prototypes were manufactured. The values of 100 Hz frequency, suction pipe diameter of 110 mm and wing width of 650 mm were determined as the most optimum results.

Multi-process regulation of novel brominated flame retardants: Environmentally friendly substitute design, screening and environmental risk regulation

Novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), one of the most widely used synthetic flame-retardant materials, have been considered as a new group of pollutants that potentially affect human health. To overcome the adverse effects of NBFRs, a systematic approach for molecular design, screening, and performance evaluation was developed to generate environmentally friendly NBFR derivatives with unaltered functionality. In the present study, the features of NBFRs (long-distance migration, biotoxicity, bioenrichment, and environmental persistence) were determined and characterized by the multifactor comprehensive characterization method with equal weight addition, and the similarity index analysis (CoMSIA) model was constructed. Based on the three-dimensional equipotential diagram of the target molecule 2-ethylhexyl tetrabromobenzoic acid (TBB), 23 TBB derivatives were designed. Of these, 22 derivatives with decreased environmental impact and unaltered functional properties (i.e., flame retardancy and stability) were selected using 3D-QSAR models and density functional theory methods. The health risks of these derivatives to humans were assessed by toxicokinetic analysis; the results narrowed down the number of candidates to three (Derivative-7, Derivative-10, and Derivative-15). The environmental impact of these candidates was further evaluated and regulated in the real-world environment by using molecular dynamics simulation assisted by the Taguchi experimental design method. The relationship between the binding effects and the nonbonding interaction resultant force (TBB derivatives-receptor proteins) was also studied, and it was found that the larger the modulus of the binding force, the stronger the binding ability of the two. This finding indicated that the environmental impact of the designed NBFR derivatives was decreased. The present study aimed to provide a new idea and method for designing NBFR substitutes and to provide theoretical support for restraining the potential environmental risks of NBFRs.

Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles by Taguchi design of experiment method for effective adsorption of methylene blue and methyl orange from textile wastewater

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the uncontrolled discharge of wastewater from textile and dyeing industries into water bodies is environmentally challenging to humans and the ecosystem. Using Cola nitida (CN) leaves extract, Taguchi optimization method was successfully applied to achieve the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (CN–Fe2O3NPs). Textural properties, nature of surface functional groups, crystalline structure and surface morphology of CN–Fe2O3NPs were studied. The performance of CN–Fe2O3NPs was tested for methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) removal from textile wastewater. The optimal surface area of 125.31 m2/g was achieved for the CN–Fe2O3NPs using the CN extract volume (10 mL), precursor concentration (2 M), contact time (30 min) and calcination temperature (600 °C). Overall, calcination temperature had the highest effect than other synthesis parameters. The characterization revealed the presence of crystalline hematite with Fe–O, Fe–O–Fe functional groups and a regular-shaped porous material. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of 530.406 and 527.835 mg/g was obtained for MB and MO within 60 min using a nanoadsorbent dosage (25 mg/L), initial dye concentration (100 mg/L) and temperature (50 °C). The reusability and stability of the CN–Fe2O3NPs revealed successful reuse after six cycles without any damage to the structure as was corroborated by the fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The experimental data were suitably fitted by the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models denoting a chemisorption and monolayer nature of the adsorption process. The thermodynamic parameters indicate an endothermic and spontaneous adsorption process. Hence, the high separation effectiveness against the dye molecules with good performance and stability indicate the great potential for the green synthesized CN–Fe2O3NPs in water purification.

Optimization of Characteristics Polymer Composite Reinforced Kenaf and Jute Fiber Using Taguchi-Response Surface Methodology Approach

ABSTRACT The use of composite materials with natural fiber reinforcement (CMNFR) has experienced rapid development in the automotive industry to apply synthetic materials that are expensive and not environmentally friendly. Biocomposite is a composite consisting of a polymer matrix and natural fiber reinforcement. Natural fiber materials are used as a substitute for conventional non-renewable reinforcing materials. This study uses the vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) process to fabricate composites using woven kenaf and jute from natural fiber. The Taguchi experimental design method with L27 3 as an orthogonal array matrix was used in this research to obtain the optimum CMNFR fabrication parameters. Response Surface Methodology is used to obtain the optimal response value based on microstructural analysis. The factors used were NaOH treatment (4, 6, 8 wt%), water absorption test (6, 12, 24 hours), and fiber type (KF, JF, KF-JF). The study’s results found a combination of optimization of CMNFR manufacturing parameters using RSM, namely, A1B1C2 with a mean material strength of 0.241 J/mm2 (impact strength) and a combination of A1B3C1 parameters with a mean material strength of 94.8650 MPa (flexural strength). It was also found that the presence of contaminants and voids harmed the mechanical properties.

A novel strategy for foodstuff can coatings: Hybrid resinous materials beside silica nanoparticles

For many years, Bisphenol A (BPA) based epoxy resins have been used as coating material for foodstuff cans because of their appropriate properties. Recently, with attention to the harmful health effects of BPA derivatives, limitation of the usage of epoxy resins has escalated. In this research, using Taguchi experimental design method, different nanocomposite coatings based on hybrid resinous materials containing different amounts of epoxy and polyester and silica nanoparticles were formulated. The migration properties of formulated coatings were investigated based on the standard methods. The results showed that the 45 wt.% replacement of epoxy by polyester resin in combination with 2 wt. % of nano silica, had not any inverse effect on needed mechanical, physical and chemical properties of optimized formulation and, at the same time, migration of BPA and toxic materials were in the acceptable ranges, based on the EN1186-EU 10:2011 standard.

Taguchi Experimental Design Method for the Reuse of Wastewater in Textile Processes

AbstractSmall and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) in the textile sector need to take the necessary steps for the reuse of wastewater in a shorter time and at low cost. The Taguchi experimental design method with an L9 (34) array was used to determine the optimum operating conditions and the important factors in the reuse of biologically treated textile wastewater using nanofiltration (NF). The signal‐to‐noise ratios showed that Desal 5DL, 16 bar, 1.5, and 2 L min−1 were the optimum conditions for the factors of NF membrane type, transmembrane pressure, volume reduction factor, and cross‐flow rate, respectively. The NF composite meets the water quality for the purposes of use in the dyeing process, the finishing process, and for general use in the production processes.

Experimental study on evaluation and optimization of heavy metals adsorption on a novel amidoximated silane functionalized Luffa cylindrica

This study aimed to synthesize an amidoximated Luffa cylindrica (AO-LC) bioadsorbent, and evaluate its efficiency in the adsorption of heavy metals from the aqueous solutions. For this purpose, NaOH solution was used to alkaline treatment of Luffa cylindrica (LC) fibers. The silane modification of LC was performed using 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS). Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/LC biocomposite (PAN-LC) was synthesized by PAN grafting onto the MPS-modified LC (MPS-LC). Finally, the AO-LC was obtained by the amidoximation of PAN-LC. The chemical structures, morphology, and thermal properties of biocomposites were characterized by the infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a successful grafting of MPS and PAN on the surface of LC. The order of heavy metals adsorption on AO-LC was: Pb2+ > Ag+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Co2+ > Ni2+. The effects of operational parameters on the Pb2+ adsorption were studied using Taguchi experimental design method. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the initial Pb2+ concentration and the bioadsorbent dosage significantly affect the adsorption efficiency. The adsorption capacity and removal percentage of Pb2+ ions were obtained as 18.88 mg/g and 99.07%, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo-second order kinetics models were found to be better compatible with experimental data as a consequence of the isotherm and kinetics analysis.

Exploring optimal dispersion process parameters for fabrication of graphene-reinforced cement composites

Graphene and its derivatives have been studied as nano-reinforcement in cement-based composites to improve their mechanical, transport and durability characteristics. However, the agglomeration effect due to the strong van der Waals force between graphene sheets makes the uniform dispersion difficult and limit the efficacy of graphene. The goal of this paper is to determine an optimal dispersion process for incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) into cement-based composites. Surfactant-assisted sonication was used for the dispersion of graphene sheets. The effects of sonication amplitude, sonication duration, sample volume, surfactant type, and surfactant-to-GNP ratio on the dispersion performance were studied. As for the surfactant type, two polycarboxylate superplasticizers, two ionic surfactants, and one non-ionic surfactant were considered. Taguchi method of experimental design with an orthogonal array of L25 was employed to minimize the number of experiments needed to assess the effects of selected factors on the dispersion process. The average particle size, UV–vis absorbance, residual absorbance after 24 h, and zeta potential were measured through dynamic light scattering and UV–vis spectroscopy tests. Two multi-criteria decision making methods, namely Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Principle Component Analysis (PCA) methods, were then employed to determine the optimal values of experimental factors for the dispersion. Finally, graphene-mortar composites were fabricated using two different surfactants and the properties of the developed composites were evaluated. The results indicates a 32% and 52% improvement in compressive strength and volume of permeable voids of graphene-enhanced mortar composites.

Microstructures and Properties of NbC-Reinforced Ni-Based Coatings Synthesized In Situ by Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Laser Cladding.

This paper aims to explore the mechanism of an ultrasonic applied field on the microstructures and properties of coatings, and clarify the evolution of the molten pool under different ultrasonic frequencies. The Taguchi experimental design method was adopted in this paper. NbC-reinforced Ni-based coatings were in situ synthesized by laser cladding to investigate the effects of ultrasonic vibration process parameters on the microstructure, pore area, microhardness, and wear resistance of the cladding layer. The results show that the pore area decreases first and then increases as ultrasonic power increases from 600 to 900 W and ultrasonic frequency from 23 to 40 kHz. On the contrary, the hardness and wear resistance increase at first and then decrease. The pore area is minimized at 800 W ultrasonic power and 32 kHz ultrasonic frequency, and the hardness is maximized at 600 W ultrasonic power and 40 kHz ultrasonic frequency. Meanwhile, the highest wear resistance can be obtained when ultrasonic power is 700 W and ultrasonic frequency is 32 kHz. Based on the phase structure analysis, the cladding layer mainly consists of FeNi3, NbC, B4C, and CrB2. Ultrasonic vibration will not change the phase composition of the layer. Combined with the varying G/R value and cooling rate, the reasons for the change in grain morphology in different areas were analyzed to reveal the evolution mechanism of the molten pool under the influence of ultrasound.

A multi-objective approach for reducing Patient’s inconvenience in a generalized home healthcare delivery setup

In this work, we present a mixed-integer programming model for a multi-objective home healthcare delivery problem. The proposed problem is modeled with minimum assumptions about the procedure attributes and can handle most of the commonly imposed restrictions in the field of home healthcare delivery. Under the imposed restrictions, the model is designed to provide selection (for caregivers and patients), assignment, scheduling, and routing decisions. In addition to some minor modifications in ‘workload balance’ constraints, a major focus of the work is to improve the quality of the schedule for the selected patients. To achieve this, we define and calculate the inconvenience caused by the unnecessarily scattered visits and their overlap with the patient-specific inconvenient time window. The model minimizes the total inconvenience cost for patients against the competitive goals of other stakeholders. Higher net profit, minimum loss of employed labor, balanced workload among staff, and maximization of fully served patients have been included as the other objectives. To solve the instances of the proposed home healthcare delivery problem, an efficient implementation for a reference point-based non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-III) is developed. After extensive parameter tuning using the Taguchi method of experimental design, the algorithm is used for generating a diverse set of non-dominated solutions for the decision-maker. In addition to the comparing the performance of NGSA-III with Multi-objective particle swarm optimization and Multi-objective grey wolf optimizer, experiments are also carried out to establish the relationship between patient convenience and net profit.

Numerical Study of the Effect of Angle and Location of the First and Second Steps on the Performance of Planing Hull and Their Optimization Using the Taguchi Statistical Method

Providing steps at the bottom of a high‐speed craft could decrease the resistance and enhance the longitudinal stability by dividing a single pressure hump into several ones and extending the hydrodynamic pressure towards aft of the vessel. In the present paper, the effects of the fore and aft steps’ locations and angles on double‐stepped hulls are investigated systematically via a numerical approach. The parent model investigated in this study is a model of a high‐speed recreational craft called Cougar, with a 1 : 5 scale. The three‐dimensional analysis of the model is conducted via the finite volume method, and the free surface is tracked using the volume of the fluid technique. The computational domain is discretized by the overset technique, and the calculations are validated via experimental data. Overall, 27 numerical tests designed by the Taguchi experiment design method are simulated, and the resistance, trim, and rise‐up values are calculated at 8 to 10 m/s speeds. The findings support the notion that the resistance increases by increasing the distance between the fore step and vessel stern. In addition, increasing the distance between the aft step and vessel stern and the increase of the angle of the fore step leads to reducing the vessel resistance. However, the results showed that finding a sensible relationship between the angle of the aft step and resistance requires more investigation. The findings revealed that the interactional effects between the angles of the aft and fore steps are the most considerable among all studied interactional effects. Among the all studied configurations, the lowest resistance was experienced by the model with an aft step at 25% of the vessel’s length to the stern, having an angle of 150°, and a fore step at 40% of the vessel’s length to the stern, having an angle of 180°.

Experimental characterization of pure copper heat sinks fabricated by powder metallurgy

In this study, porous copper plates were produced to be used as heat sinks for cooling purposes. Copper powders were used in the production process and powder metallurgy steps were followed. The relationship between pressure, sintering temperature, time and powder size affecting the porosity level and volume was revealed using the Taguchi experimental design method. Copper powders of 5 ?m and 50 ?m sizes were used in the experiments, and the powders were compressed in the mold at two different pressures, 50 and 60 bar, and sintered at 700?C and 900?C temperatures for 30 and 60 minutes. The L8 orthogonal array was chosen by targeting the surface with the highest porosity in the Taguchi method. The effect ratios of each design parameter on porosity were determined with the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The microstructure characterization, thermal and mechanical properties of the produced samples were analyzed, comparatively.

Tensile Strength and Microstructure of Rotary Friction-Welded Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel Joints

Due to the different properties of the materials, the fusion welding of dissimilar metals may be difficult. Structural irregularities may form as a result of various phase transformations during welding. Solid-state welding, as opposed to fusion welding, occurs below the melting temperature. As a result of the melting and solidification phenomena that happen in fusion welding, solid-state welding is expected to reduce the potential for phase transformation. This paper describes the use of a rotary friction welding technique to join carbon steel and 304 stainless steel. The purpose of this work is to investigate the characteristics of rotary friction welding (RFW) when joining 304 stainless steel to carbon steels with different carbon contents. Experiments were carried out on the RFW of low- and medium-carbon steels with 304 stainless steel. The investigation was carried out using the Taguchi method of experimental design. The joints’ tensile strengths and microstructures were evaluated. The parameters that had the greatest influence on the tensile strengths of the welding results were identified. The combination of parameters resulting in the greatest tensile strength is also suggested. A microstructural examination of the weldment revealed mechanical mixing and interlocking.

The effect of structural parameters of pre-chamber with turbulent jet ignition system on combustion characteristics of methanol-air pre-mixture

Pre-chamber turbulent jet ignition technology is an effective way to optimize the methanol-air mixture combustion process. A literature survey of structures of currently used pre-chambers of turbulent jet ignition systems was conducted, and three levels of four key structural factors were extracted from them, and nine pre-chambers were redesigned using the Taguchi experimental design method. The test showed that there are four typical pre-chamber ignition modes in the methanol-air mixture, namely, jet flame ignition, jet ignition, jet wake ignition, and dual-jet ignition. Compared with a spark plug, these ignition modes can increase the peak heat release rate by 15.78%, 123.51%, 136.96%, and 235.19%, respectively. When the mixture concentration in the pre-chamber is stoichiometric, the lean-burn limit for jet ignition and jet wake ignition is similar to that for spark ignition. By contrast, jet flame ignition can significantly extend the lean-burn limit. Among all the pre-chamber structural parameters, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzles influenced the pre-chamber combustion performance and lean-burn limit performance the most, and the weight of the influence was always greater than 80%. The effects of the transition angle in the pre-chamber, the throat diameter, and the number of nozzles on its performance are discussed in this paper.

Optimization of Lipid Extraction from Spirulina spp. by Ultrasound Application and Mechanical Stirring Using the Taguchi Method of Experimental Design.

The present study uses the Taguchi method of experimental design to optimize lipid extraction from Spirulina spp. by ultrasound application and mechanical stirring. A Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was used to optimize various parameters, such as methanol: chloroform (M:C) ratio, biomass: solvent ratio, and extraction time for lipid extraction. The results were analyzed using the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The biomass: solvent ratio significantly influenced lipid content (p < 0.05) with 92.1% and 92.3% contributions to the lipid and S/N ratio data, respectively. The extraction time presented a contribution value of 5.0%, while the M:C ratio presented the most negligible contribution of 0.4% for S/N data. The optimum extraction conditions were: M:C ratio of 1:1, biomass: solvent ratio of 1:60, and extraction time of 30 min. The predominant fatty acids were palmitic acid (44.5%), linoleic acid (14.9%), and gamma-linolenic acid (13.4%). The confirmation experiments indicated a lipid content of 8.7%, within a 95% confidence interval, proving the Taguchi method’s effectiveness in optimizing the process parameters for lipid extraction.

Analysis of electrospinning and additive effect on β phase content of electrospun PVDF nanofiber mats for piezoelectric energy harvester nanogenerators

Harvesting energy with piezoelectric nanoparticles enables the development of self-powered devices. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF) has been widely used in a variety of fields due to its superior piezoelectric properties. PVDF’s piezoelectric performance is affected by the presence of polar phase in the crystalline structure. The electrospinning process was used in this study to achieve high β phase ratios in the PVDF crystalline structure using various additives (graphene, boron nitride, and quartz (SiO2)). The Taguchi experimental design method was used to determine the most significant parameters affecting β phase content from seven factors, as well as the optimal levels of the significant factors. The Fourier transform infrared, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray and differential scanning calorimetry analyses were used to characterize the composite PVDF nanofiber mats produced under optimal conditions, and the output voltage was measured using an oscilloscope. The composite PVDF nanofiber mat with the highest β phase concentration demonstrated a maximum output voltage of 8.68 V under optimal conditions, indicating that it outperformed than pure PVDF under equal electrospinning conditions.

Development of material extrusion 3D printable ABS/PC polymer blends: influence of styrene–isoprene–styrene copolymer on printability and mechanical properties

ABSTRACT In this work, a series of 3D printable ABS/PC blends were successfully prepared via filament extrusion and fused deposition fabrication. Influence of styrene–isoprene–styrene (SIS) copolymer on printability and mechanical properties were examined. It was revealed that SIS not only enhances the compatibility of the two blend phases, but also enhances the 3D printability of the resulting materials. The effect of print temperature, bed temperature, print speed, layer thickness, number of shell and infill density on mechanical properties of the printed parts were investigated using the Taguchi experimental design method, and the samples were printed using optimized process parameters according to the Taguchi method. It was revealed that the optimization of extrusion multiplier was an efficient method to overcome voids in the printed parts. Interestingly, incorporation of SIS considerably improved the adhesion and distribution of the blend phases. In addition, with an increase in SIS content, tensile strength, yield strength, elastic modulus, and hardness were found to decrease, whereas Izod impact strength and percentage elongation values of the 3D-printable blend increased. Finally, an efficient post-processing technique was successfully employed to improve the aesthetics of additive manufactured specimens. This work provides a facile strategy to prepare new 3D-printable polymer blends with improved adhesion between phases and minimized voids in the printed parts.

Electrospinning of Poly (Acrylamide), Poly (Acrylic Acid) and Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Nanofibers: Characterization and Optimization Study on the Effect of Different Parameters on Mean Diameter Using Taguchi Design of Experiment Method.

In this study, nanofibers of poly (acrylic acid) (PAAc), polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) were prepared using the electrospinning technique. Based on the Taguchi DOE (design of experiment) method, the effects of electrospinning parameters, i.e., needle tip to collector distance, polymer solution concentration, applied voltage, polymer solution feed rate and polymer type, on the diameter and morphology of polymer nanofibers were evaluated. Analyses of the experiments for the diameters of the polymer nanofibers showed that the type of polymer was the most significant factor. The optimal combination to obtain the smallest diameters with minimum deviations for electrospun polymer nanofibers was also determined. For this purpose, the appropriate factor levels were determined as follows: polymer PAAm, applied voltage 10 kV, delivery rate 0.1 mL/h, needle tip to collector distance 10 cm, and polymer solution concentration 8%, to obtain the thinnest nanofibers. This combination was further validated by conducting a confirmation experiment, and the average diameter of the polymer nanofibers was found to be close to the optimal conditions estimated by the Taguchi DOE method.

Spatial area determination problem: Definition and solution method based on Memetic Algorithm

Spatial area determination problem is defined herein as an optimization problem in which it is required to determine both the location and shape of a spatial area, given some constraints on the area (e.g., size) while maximizing or minimizing an objective function defined on spatial data (e.g., risk, cost, safety, security, etc.). The spatial area determination problem can be found in various domains such as hydrographic survey planning, conservation planning, military planning, etc., and it recently attracts research attention. Currently, there is no formal definition of the problem and the related solution methods are very limited. In this paper, first, the spatial area determination problem is defined and formulated, and then a solution method based on a Memetic Algorithm is developed to solve the problem. To deal with the constraints of the problem and to enhance the robustness of the traditional Memetic Algorithm, several innovations in the proposed Memetic Algorithm are introduced. Unlike the traditional Memetic Algorithm, the proposed Memetic Algorithm employs three crossover operators, two mutation operators, and a local search operator. In addition, the proposed Memetic Algorithm has a mechanism to automatically restart its search process if it gets stuck in the local optima. Moreover, parameters of the proposed Memetic Algorithm are systematically tuned by the Taguchi experimental design method to maximize its performance. The outperformance of the proposed Memetic Algorithm is validated through 18 test instances, 24 T-tests, and a Friedman test against four popular optimization algorithms, namely Simulated Annealing, Particle Swarm Optimization, Genetic Algorithm, and traditional Memetic Algorithm. The results indicate that, on average, the proposed Memetic Algorithm provided 36.5%, 43.3%, 20.4%, and 22.4% better solution, compared to Simulated Annealing, Particle Swarm Optimization, Genetic Algorithm, and the traditional Memetic Algorithm, respectively.