Use In Various Industrial Applications Research Articles

RFID Tags for On-Metal Applications: A Brief Survey

Radio-frequency identification technology finds extensive use in various industrial applications, including those involving metallic surfaces. The integration of radio-frequency identification systems with metal surfaces, such as those found in the automotive sector, presents distinct challenges that can notably affect system efficacy due to metal’s tendency to reflect electromagnetic waves, thus degrading the functionality of conventional radio-frequency identification tags. This highlights the importance of conducting research into academic publications and patents to grasp the current advancements and challenges in this field, aiming to improve the applications of radio-frequency identification tags technology on metal. Consequently, this research undertakes a concise review of both the literature and patents exploring radio-frequency identification technology’s use for on-metal tags, utilizing resources like Google Scholar and Google Patents. The research categorized crucial aspects such as tag flexibility, operating frequency, and geographic origins of the research. Findings highlight China’s prominent role in contributing to metal-focused radio-frequency identification tag research, with a considerable volume of articles and patents. In particular, flexible tags and the Ultra-High Frequency range are dominant in both scholarly and patent documents, reflecting their significance in radio-frequency identification technology applications. The research underscores a vibrant area of development within radio-frequency identification technology, with continued innovation driven by specific industrial needs. Despite the noted advances, the presence of a significant percentage of no longer valid patents suggests substantial opportunities for further research and innovation in radio-frequency identification technology for on-metal applications, especially considering the demand for flexible tags and for solutions in systems that offer specialized characteristics or are tailored for specific uses.

Chemical, Thermogravimetric and Elemental Characterization of Nigerian Groundnut and Cowpea Shells for Sustainable Valorization

In this study, the chemical, thermogravimetric, and elemental composition of Nigerian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and cowpea shells (Vigna unguiculata) were investigated to understand their potential as valuable waste resources. Analysis of the carbohydrates and lignin content was performed using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the chemical structure of the substrates. Elemental analysis was performed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and an elemental analyzer to determine the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis was used to assess the thermal stability of the substrates. The chemical composition analysis revealed that the cowpea shells contain 21.32% cellulose, 21.46% hemicellulose, and 28.37% lignin. On the other hand, groundnut shells comprise 26.31% cellulose, 19.5% hemicellulose, and 38.33% lignin. The XRF results indicated the presence of significant elemental compositions in both substrates, including Si, Al, Mg, Na, P, Fe, K, Ca, and S. The carbon content of both substrates was found to be 43%. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that groundnut shells exhibit a higher cellulose decomposition temperature at 350 °C, whereas cowpea shells manifest this phenomenon at 322 °C. The results show that the cowpea shells had a higher heating value as they exceeded that of the groundnut shell by 0.89 per cent. These comprehensive findings show the substantial potential of Nigerian groundnut and cowpea shells as valuable waste materials, which can be effectively used to produce valuable products such as bioethanol, biochemicals, biochar, and bio-composite materials. This research contributes to understanding the composition and properties of these agricultural by-products, thus paving the way for their sustainable use in various industrial applications.

Management strategy to mitigate voltage sags effects of a multi-motors system using ADALINE algorithm and cascade sliding mode control

Multi-motor systems (MMS) find widespread use in various industrial applications, including plastic, paper, textiles, and steel rolling mills, where synchronized speeds are crucial for optimal operation. However, a significant limitation of these systems is their susceptibility to voltage sags, resulting in speed and synchronization loss, along with peak currents and torques during voltage recovery. This paper presents a comprehensive multi-motors management strategy aimed at attenuating the adverse effects of voltage sags. The proposed technique is based on principles that involve recovering the system’s kinetic energy and leveraging the current reversibility of the converters. The control scheme comprises two main strategies: an adaptive linear neuron or later adaptive linear element (ADALINE)-based voltage sag detection algorithm utilizing least mean square (LMS) adaptation for rapid convergence using artificial neural networks, and a control scheme incorporating sliding mode speed controllers and indirect rotor field-oriented control (IRFOC). Additionally, a logic-based strategy for voltage sag attenuation completes the control framework. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed strategy are demonstrated through simulation results obtained using MATLAB/Simulink/SimPowerSystems.

New blend of renewable bioplastic based on starch and acetylated xylan with high resistance to oil and water vapor

Renewable materials of biological origin exhibit attractive properties in relation to traditional plastics, as they can be partially or completely replaced, thereby reducing environmental impacts. Hemicelluloses are a group of polysaccharides that have expanded applications when acetylated. Acetylation can improve the mechanical strength and water vapor barrier properties of xylan-based bioplastics. By partially acetylating xylan in the present study, it was possible to use water as a solvent for the film-forming solution and starch as a second polysaccharide in the formation of bioplastics. Xylan was modified via partial chemical acetylation by varying the reaction time, solvent, and catalyst content. The bioplastics were formed by non-acetylated xylan and acetylated xylan with degrees of substitution (DS) of 0.45 and 0.9, respectively, with starch to form blends using glycerol as a plasticizer. Acetylation with DS 0.45 showed better results in increasing the hydrophilicity of the bioplastic. On the other hand, acetylation influenced the thermal stability of bioplastics, increasing the maximum temperature of the degradation rate from 302 °C to 329 °C and 315 °C, owing to changes in the crystallinity of the polymers. In addition to the modulus of elasticity 2.99 to 290.61 and 274.67 MPa for the non-acetylated bioplastic and the bioplastic with DS of 0.45 and 0.90, respectively. Thus, the films obtained presented suitable physicochemical properties for use in various industrial applications, such as active and intelligent packaging in the food sector.

Phase, Microstructure and Tensile Strength of Ultrasonically Stir Casted Al6061-TiC-Graphite Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

This study investigates the microstructural and mechanical behavior of Al6061-TiC-Graphite hybrid metal matrix composites fabricated by the ultrasonically stir casting process. The effects of TiC and graphite on the phase, microstructure, hardness, and tensile strength of the composites are evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy, Energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis techniques were used to investigate the microstructure and phase composition of the composites. The results show that the addition of TiC and graphite improves the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites. The maximum hardness and tensile strength were obtained for the composite with 2[Formula: see text]wt.% TiC and 1[Formula: see text]wt.% graphite. The study provides insight into the development of advanced metal matrix composites with improved mechanical properties for potential use in various industrial applications.

Assessing the accuracy and efficiency of kinematic analysis tools for six-DOF industrial manipulators: The KUKA robot case study

<abstract><p>Accuracy is an important factor to consider when evaluating the performance of a manipulator. The accuracy of a manipulator is determined by its ability to accurately move and position objects in a precise manner. This research paper aims to evaluate the performance of different methods for the kinematic analysis of manipulators. The study employs four distinct techniques, namely mathematical modeling using the closed form solutions method, roboanalyzer, Peter Corke toolbox, and particle swarm optimization, to perform kinematic analysis for manipulators. The KUKA industrial manipulator is used as an illustrative case study in this research due to its widespread use in various industrial applications in addition to its high precision and stability. Its wide usage in the industry makes the results of this research highly relevant and allows for a thorough evaluation of the performance of the different methods being studied. Furthermore, understanding the kinematic analysis of the manipulator can also help in improving the performance and increasing the efficiency of the robot in different tasks. This paper conducts a comparison of the accuracy of the four methods, and the results indicate that particle swarm optimization is the most accurate method. The RoboAnalyzer approach achieved the fastest execution time.</p></abstract>

From Wastewater Treatment Plants to the Oceans: A Review on Synthetic Chemical Surfactants (SCSs) and Perspectives on Marine-Safe Biosurfactants

Synthetic chemical surfactants (SCSs) are a versatile group of amphiphilic chemical compounds synthesized from fossil fuel precursors which have found use in various industrial applications. Their global usage is estimated to be over 15 million tons annually, which has resulted in unabated environmental damage and potential toxicological effects to humans and other organisms. Current societal challenges to ensure environmental protection and reduce reliance on finite resources have led to an increased demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biosurfactants, to replace these toxic pollutants. Biosurfactants are biodegradable, non-toxic, and generally environmentally compatible amphiphilic compounds. Although there is enormous potential for microbial biosurfactants to replace SCSs, the key challenge limiting their commercialization relates to their low yields and substantial cost for production compared to that for the SCSs. In this review, we discuss the release of SCSs, with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as the major point source of their release into the ocean, and we then delve into the consequences of these pollutants on marine organisms and humans. We then explore microbial biosurfactants as a replacement for SCSs, with a focus on rhamnolipids, and end with some perspectives on current and future work for commercializing microbial biosurfactants.

Thermal Properties of Ultrasound-Extracted Okra Mucilage

Utilizing chemical and physicochemical techniques, the mucilage part of okra was extracted with the use of ultrasound, and the polysaccharide extract’s structural and thermal characteristics were assessed. Analysis of the extraction yield revealed that there was no discernible impact of time and that the yield increased with a decreasing okra to distilled water ratio (mean 8%). Differential scanning calorimetry was employed to determine the phase change enthalpy by examining the glass transition temperature and enthalpy. The glass transition temperatures of the samples were found to be about 50 °C and the melting temperatures were in the range of 166–170 °C for varied solid/solvent ratios (1:10, 1:25, 1:30, and 1:50) and extraction durations of 5 and 30 min. Using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) techniques, it was discovered that the okra polysaccharides were thermally stable with considerable weight loss above 240 °C. For the purpose of illuminating the bonds of the polysaccharides, FTIR analysis was used to characterize the polysaccharides obtained by the varying extraction times and rates of solid/solvent. This analysis provides detailed information about the composition of the extracts. It was found that the molecular structure of the mucilage from okra was unaffected by the varying ratios and times. The study’s findings indicated that the use of ultrasound could be a promising approach for extracting polysaccharides that possess strong thermal stability, making them suitable for use in various industrial applications. The study noted that variations in ultrasound application time and solid/solvent ratios did not appear to impact the thermal stability of the extracted polysaccharides. The important parameters for the extraction conditions such as the time and low amount of sample used are preferred for applications. The findings obtained indicate that ultrasonic extraction application at a 1/50 solid/solvent ratio for 5 min is statistically significant in terms of thermal properties and yield. These findings could have important implications for the energy costs associated with the industrial use of ultrasound extraction.

Optimization and Prediction of Process Parameters during Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Hybrid Rice Straw and Furcraea foetida Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite

In the last few decades, natural composite materials have been considered one of the highly sustainable ecological alternatives for reducing the consumption of synthetic materials. Today, research on natural fiber composites is the main thrust for their use in various industrial applications. Further, continuous research works are being carried out to utilize natural composites as an alternative to synthetic materials. However, the inhomogeneity of composites, delamination, fiber pullout, higher surface roughness (SR) and dimensional inaccuracy under traditional machining have led the attention towards non-traditional machining, such as abrasive water jet machining, to achieve high-quality components. Hence, in this study, an experimental analysis based on the design of experiments is conducted on the machinability of a hybrid rice straw/Furcraea foetida composite under abrasive water jet machining (AWJM). Further, the concentration of the rice straw and the AWJ process parameters are varied, and their effects on the quality of machining is evaluated. The experimental trials are designed based on the Taguchi L27 orthogonal array, followed by an analysis of variance (ANOVA). From extensive experimentations, the concentration of rice straw is observed to be the most contributing (93.5%) factor to the SR. The traverse speed (TS) shows the highest percentage contributions of 93.13%, 55.50 and 55.70% to the material removal rate (MRR) and the top (TKW) and bottom kerf widths (BKW), respectively. However, the interaction between the fiber concentration and traverse speed gives the maximum contribution (35.04%) to the kerf taper (KT). A second-order response surface model is generated to study the effects of the process parameters on the SR, MRR, TKW, BKW and KT in any experimental domain. Finally, the microstructural characteristics of the machined surfaces, such as micro-cracks, debonding, and fiber pullout, are discussed.

Microstructure Investigations of Natural Clay From Pattallassang District, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

The study aimed to investigate the microstructure of natural clay from Pattallassang District, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The clay was characterized using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), surface area analyzer (SAA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD analysis showed that the main mineral composition of the clay was kaolinite, quartz, hematite, geothite, magnetite, and anatase phases. The SAA using BET analysis shows the large surface area of 59.26 m2/g and BJH analysis for pore distribution of 32.77 nm. SEM observations revealed that the clay consists of plate-like kaolinite particles arranged randomly. The results indicate that the natural clay from Pattallassang District has good potential for use in various industrial applications due to its high kaolinite content and favorable microstructure.Keywords: kaolinite, microstructure, mineral, clay.

Production and Characterization of New Biosurfactants/Bioemulsifiers from Pantoea alhagi and Their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentiality Evaluations.

The present work aimed to develop rapid approach monitoring using a simple selective method based on a positive hemolysis test, oil spreading activity and emulsification index determinations. It is the first to describe production of biosurfactants (BS) by the endophytic Pantoea alhagi species. Results indicated that the new BS evidenced an E24 emulsification index of 82%. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) results mentioned that the described BS belong to the glycolipid family. Fatty acid profiles showed the predominance of methyl 2-hyroxydodecanoate in the cell membrane (67.00%) and methyl 14-methylhexadecanoate (12.05%). The major fatty acid in the BS was oleic acid (76.26%), followed by methyl 12-methyltetradecanoate (10.93%). Markedly, the BS produced by the Pantoea alhagi species exhibited antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against tested human pathogens. With superior antibacterial activity against Escherchia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, a high antifungal effect was given against Fusarium sp. with a diameter of zone of inhibition of 29.5 mm, 36 mm and 31 mm, obtained by BS dissolved in methanol extract. The DPPH assay indicated that the BS (2 mg/mL) showed a higher antioxidant activity (78.07 inhibition percentage). The new BS exhibited specific characteristics, encouraging their use in various industrial applications.

Guayule bagasse to make mycelium composites: An alternative to enhance the profitability of a sustainable guayule crop

Parthenium argentatum Gray, known as Guayule is recognized for its quality latex production. For this reason, the cultivation of this plant generates an important economic interest. Although this crop thrives in arid climates, its production has not been extended due to a high production cost per hectare compared to other rubber sources. To alleviate this difference in market prices and make Guayule rubber production competitive, several options have been proposed. One of them is the use of bagasse, which has been used to produce biofuels and refractory bricks, among other alternatives. Mycelium composites are a novel type of material with physical-mechanical characteristics similar to some types of expanded polystyrene with the additional advantage of being fully compostable. In this article, we successfully manufactured a Mycelium-based bio-composite using bagasse from guayule and a wild strain of Ganoderma curtisii by a simple pressed method, which is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and fully compostable. The composite G. curtisii/guayule showed excellent insulating ability with a K factor value of 0.0792 Btu/(h•ft•°F). In the same way, compressive strength and density values obtained were 0.740 MPa and 0.469 gcm−3, respectively. The composite G. curtisii/guayule manufactured in this work, has a low cost of manufacture and is environmentally friendly. Subsequent explorations for its use in various industrial applications like packing, building insulation, and interior design, could make more profitable the cultivation of guayule plant.

Safety evaluations of alternansucrase enzyme expressed in Escherichia coli shows no adverse effects invivo and invitro

Background Alternansucrase is a glucansucrase enzyme that mainly functions in synthesis of glucan-like polysaccharides and can be used for production of novel oligosaccharides and polysaccharides having low glycemic index and prebiotics properties which makes them ideal candidates as dietary fibers and food. From a regulatory perspective, it is necessary to prove the safety of alternansucrase before it can be used in any application as it is a novel enzyme and has not been historically used in food processing. Objectives Alternansucrase obtained from Escherichia coli was subjected to toxicological tests to determine its safety for use in various industrial applications. Design Toxicity studies were conducted at acute oral and repeated sub-chronic (14 days and 90 days) levels in rats following the OECD guidelines. The genotoxicity studies were conducted using the bacterial reverse mutation test as well as in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test as per the OECD guidelines. Results Alternansucrase did not induce any clinical abnormalities or mortality in rats at the dose level of 2000 mg/kg of body weight in the acute oral toxicity test. A 90-day sub chronic repeated dose oral toxicity study with alternansucrase at and up to dose of 1000 mg TOS/kg of body weight did not show any treatment-related significant toxicological effects on body weight, food consumption, organ weights, hematological and clinical chemistry, or histopathology parameters. Alternansucrase was found to be non-mutagenic up to 5000 µg TOS/plate concentration in the bacterial reverse mutation test. Alternansucrase was determined to be non-clastogenic and non-aneugenic up to the test concentration of 1250 µg TOS/mL during the in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test. Conclusion The lethal dose (LD50) based on this study is greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight, which falls into the category 5 criteria of Globally Harmonized System (GHS). No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) was concluded to be greater than 1000 mg TOS/kg per day. The studies taken together substantiate the safety of alternansucrase enzyme in various food and associated industries. The present study paves a future for safe use of alternansucrase in varied industrial applications.

Single and combined ecotoxicological effects of ocean warming, acidification and lanthanum exposure on the surf clam (Spisula solida).

Lanthanum (La) is one of the most abundant emergent rare earth elements. Its release into the environment is enhanced by its use in various industrial applications. In the aquatic environment, emerging contaminants are one of the stressors with the ability to compromise the fitness of its inhabitants. Warming and acidification can also affect their resilience and are another consequence of the growing human footprint on the planet. However, from information gathered in the literature, a study on the effects of ocean warming, acidification, and their interaction with La was never carried out. To diminish this gap of knowledge, we explored the effects, combined and as single stressors, of ocean warming, acidification, and La (15μgL-1) accumulation and elimination on the surf clam (Spisula solida). Specimens were exposed for 7 days and depurated for an additional 7-day period. Furthermore, a robust set of membrane-associated, protein, and antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic biomarkers (LPO, HSP, Ub, SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, TAC) were quantified. Lanthanum was bioaccumulated after just one day of exposure, in both control and climate change scenarios. A 7-day depuration phase was insufficient to achieve control values and in a warming scenario, La elimination was more efficient. Biochemical response was triggered, as highlighted by enhanced SOD, CAT, GST, and TAC levels, however as lipoperoxidation was observed it was insufficient to detoxify La and avoid damage. The HSP was largely inhibited in La treatments combined with warming and acidification. Concomitantly, lipoperoxidation was highest in clams exposed to La, warming, and acidification combined. The results highlight the toxic effects of La on this bivalve species and its enhanced potential in a changing world.

Anaerobic Fungi Isolated From Bactrian Camel Rumen Contents Have Strong Lignocellulosic Bioconversion Potential.

This study aims to obtain anaerobic fungi from the rumen and fecal samples and investigates their potential for lignocellulosic bioconversion. Multiple anaerobic strains were isolated from rumen contents (CR1–CR21) and fecal samples (CF1–CF10) of Bactrian camel using the Hungate roll tube technique. After screening for fiber degradability, strains from rumen contents (Oontomyces sp. CR2) and feces (Piromyces sp. CF9) were compared with Pecoramyces sp. F1 (earlier isolated from goat rumen, having high CAZymes of GHs) for various fermentation and digestion parameters. The cultures were fermented with different substrates (reed, alfalfa stalk, Broussonetia papyrifera leaves, and Melilotus officinalis) at 39°C for 96 h. The Oontomyces sp. CR2 had the highest total gas and hydrogen production from most substrates in the in vitro rumen fermentation system and also had the highest digestion of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose present in most substrates used. The isolated strains provided higher amounts of metabolites such as lactate, formate, acetate, and ethanol in the in vitro rumen fermentation system for use in various industrial applications. The results illustrated that anaerobic fungi isolated from Bactrian camel rumen contents (Oontomyces sp. CR2) have the highest lignocellulosic bioconversion potential, suggesting that the Bactrian camel rumen could be a good source for the isolation of anaerobic fungi for industrial applications.

Silica extraction from organosolv pretreated wheat straw

The silica contained in biomass is generally recovered from the ashes after combustion. In this study, the main objective was the recovery of silica from wheat straw, without degrading the other biomass components. To achieve this goal, the wheat straw was first pre-treated by an acidic organosolv process to separate it into its three major components: cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses. The silica, due to the pre-treatment conditions, was in the cellulose fraction, from which it was extracted, under alkaline conditions. The goal was to recover pure silica with suitable particle size and BET surface area, enabling its use in various industrial applications. The extraction and precipitation steps of silica recovery were studied. After optimization, the silica extraction conditions were set at pH 9 to 10 and 85 °C and the precipitation at pH 5 to 5.5. In these conditions, up to 82% of total silica in straw was extracted with high purity, an average particle size of 4 µm, and a BET surface area of 156 m2/g. In summary, silica can be extracted from lignocellulosic biomass, at high yield and purity, without affecting the biorefinery co-products’ yields and quality.

A facile and effective approach for the synthesis of fluorinated waterborne polyurethanes with good hydrophobicity and antifouling properties

Due to its nontoxicity and eco-friendliness, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) has attracted increasing attention for use in various industrial applications. To ensure dispersal or dissolution in water, the molecular structures of most WPUs contains ionic groups. Dried WPU films, however, are generally hydrophilic and have a limited application range. To confer high hydrophobicity and antifouling properties to WPU, the incorporation of a fluorocarbon chain into WPU is an efficient approach. Herein, we present a facile and effective approach for synthesizing a novel WPU with a fluorinated side group, a key aspect of which is the preparation of dihydroxy-terminated 1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorodecyl methacrylate (FDMA(OH)2) by a thiol-ene “click” reaction. A chain extender rich in fluorinated side groups is then adapted specifically to an OCN-terminated WPU prepolymer to obtain fluorinated waterborne polyurethane (FWPU). Our results show that fluorine units are present on the surface of FWPU films. The introduction of FDMA side groups slightly decreases the storage and thermal stability of FWPU but does not affect its usability and significantly increases its hydrophobicity. The result of a repelling test demonstrates that the introduction of FDMA side groups endows the WPU films with excellent waterproofing and antifouling properties. This new method provides a facile and effective way to fabricate of FWPU for its practical application in waterproof and antifouling coatings.

Investigation on Impact and Thermogravimetric Analysis of Aramid and Carbon based Nanocomposites

The demand from industrial sector for light weight and high strength materials is ever increasing. Researchers are trying to fulfil the industrial requirements by fabricating tailor-made materials with required properties. The recent developments in the nanotechnology and nanomaterials have opened new doors in the field of nanocomposites. Nanoparticles are the fascinating materials due to their unique mechanical, thermal and structural properties paved the way for exploring its use in various industrial applications. Nanocomposite materials can be fabricated to modify and control the properties via innovative synthetic approaches. Polymeric nanocomposites combine the lightness and low cost manufacturing of polymers with alumina nanoparticles have high performance properties due to interfacial characteristics of individual constituents, being an attractive alternative to heavier metals or expensive ceramics and other materials.Researchers are exploring for the enhancement of the properties such as mechanical properties viz., impact strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and thermal stability etc. Nanocomposites are fabricated imbedded with alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles in to the binding resin matrix and reinforce materials as Aramid fibre, Carbon fibre, and hybrid of Carbon and Aramid fibres. Nanoparticles of Alumina of less than 30 nm size are dispersed in the matrix during preparation of the composites.Mechanical and structural characterization of polymer nanocomposites with different proportions of nanoparticles, different fibres and also with plain epoxy polymer composite was evaluated. Structural characterisation confirmed the formation of nanocomposites and thermal stability. Mechanical impact test revealed the improved impact resistance of the nanocomposites. The tests established that these nanocomposites exhibited improved properties.

Effect of Silicon Content on wear and Hardness of Al-Si Alloys

In the current work the Al-Si composite is prepared using stir casting method with variation in the percentage(4%, 6% and 8%) of the Si particles in it. stir casting method is one of the cheapest method for production of Al alloys. The prepared composites of different percentages of Si are investigated for it wears behaviour using Pin-on-Disk machine and other properties like hardness. Characterization of Worn surface of the composite is done using SEM. Among the metallic matrices, the aluminum-based matrix remains the most studied metal matrix material for the production of MMCs. This is largely due to the large variety of properties provided by aluminum-based matrix composites at low manufacturing costs. While many Metal Matrix Composites ( MMCs) are desirable for use in various industrial applications, Aluminum Matrix Composites ( AMCs) are the most commonly used in specialized applications because they combine reasonable strength, low density, durability, machinability, availability, performance and price. In aerospace applications, the excellent tribological characteristics of Al-Si and Al-Sn alloys have led to their widespread use, especially in plain bearings, cylinder liners and internal combustion pistons. It is seen that Si is uniformly distributed in the Al matrix and hardness increases to 71BHN with 8%Si in Al matrix. Further analysis revealed that the microstructure homogeneity of the samples is strongly affected its hardness and Wear rate decreases with increase in Si.

The Design of Low-Cost Synchronous Reluctance Motor with a Surrogate-Assisted Optimization Technique

This paper presents the performance of centrifugal pump coupled with synchronous reluctance motor of 24kW. The 4-pole 36 slots induction motor stator has been used for the prototype. The reduction of torque ripple and power losses is the main aim of research. Different arrangement of rotor flux barrier shapes has been tested through finite element analysis method. The rotor optimization carried out by varying different barrier edge angle, width of flux carriers, flux barriers and shaft diameter. The method of particle swarm optimization has been used by generating samples with surrogate assisted optimization technique for performance improvement of the motor. Distinct flux barrier shapes and designs have been checked through simulation. For the prototype development, final V-shaped best model is chosen. The proposed rotor shows the excellent performance in terms of reduced torque ripple and improved average torque in experimental results. The suggested design also has good thermal and mechanical performances with the capability to use in various industrial applications.