Search results for: tear strength
1039 Finite Element Modelling of a 3D Woven Composite for Automotive Applications
Authors: Ahmad R. Zamani, Luigi Sanguigno, Angelo R. Maligno
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A 3D woven composite, designed for automotive applications, is studied using Abaqus Finite Element (FE) software suite. Python scripts were developed to build FE models of the woven composite in Complete Abaqus Environment (CAE). They can read TexGen or WiseTex files and automatically generate consistent meshes of the fabric and the matrix. A user menu is provided to help define parameters for the FE models, such as type and size of the elements in fabric and matrix as well as the type of matrix-fabric interaction. Node-to-node constraints were imposed to guarantee periodicity of the deformed shapes at the boundaries of the representative volume element of the composite. Tensile loads in three axes and biaxial loads in x-y directions have been applied at different Fibre Volume Fractions (FVFs). A simple damage model was implemented via an Abaqus user material (UMAT) subroutine. Existing tools for homogenization were also used, including voxel mesh generation from TexGen as well as Abaqus Micromechanics plugin. Linear relations between homogenised elastic properties and the FVFs are given. The FE models of composite exhibited balanced behaviour with respect to warp and weft directions in terms of both stiffness and strength.Keywords: 3D woven composite (3DWC), meso-scale finite element model, homogenisation of elastic material properties, Abaqus Python scripting
Procedia PDF Downloads 1301038 Discrete Element Modeling of the Effect of Particle Shape on Creep Behavior of Rockfills
Authors: Yunjia Wang, Zhihong Zhao, Erxiang Song
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Rockfills are widely used in civil engineering, such as dams, railways, and airport foundations in mountain areas. A significant long-term post-construction settlement may affect the serviceability or even the safety of rockfill infrastructures. The creep behavior of rockfills is influenced by a number of factors, such as particle size, strength and shape, water condition and stress level. However, the effect of particle shape on rockfill creep still remains poorly understood, which deserves a careful investigation. Particle-based discrete element method (DEM) was used to simulate the creep behavior of rockfills under different boundary conditions. Both angular and rounded particles were considered in this numerical study, in order to investigate the influence of particle shape. The preliminary results showed that angular particles experience more breakages and larger creep strains under one-dimensional compression than rounded particles. On the contrary, larger creep strains were observed in he rounded specimens in the direct shear test. The mechanism responsible for this difference is that the possibility of the existence of key particle in rounded particles is higher than that in angular particles. The above simulations demonstrate that the influence of particle shape on the creep behavior of rockfills can be simulated by DEM properly. The method of DEM simulation may facilitate our understanding of deformation properties of rockfill materials.Keywords: rockfills, creep behavior, particle crushing, discrete element method, boundary conditions
Procedia PDF Downloads 3071037 Improvement of Microstructure, Wear and Mechanical Properties of Modified G38NiCrMo8-4-4 Steel Used in Mining Industry
Authors: Mustafa Col, Funda Gul Koc, Merve Yangaz, Eylem Subasi, Can Akbasoglu
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G38NiCrMo8-4-4 steel is widely used in mining industries, machine parts, gears due to its high strength and toughness properties. In this study, microstructure, wear and mechanical properties of G38NiCrMo8-4-4 steel modified with boron used in the mining industry were investigated. For this purpose, cast materials were alloyed by melting in an induction furnace to include boron with the rates of 0 ppm, 15 ppm, and 50 ppm (wt.) and were formed in the dimensions of 150x200x150 mm by casting into the sand mould. Homogenization heat treatment was applied to the specimens at 1150˚C for 7 hours. Then all specimens were austenitized at 930˚C for 1 hour, quenched in the polymer solution and tempered at 650˚C for 1 hour. Microstructures of the specimens were investigated by using light microscope and SEM to determine the effect of boron and heat treatment conditions. Changes in microstructure properties and material hardness were obtained due to increasing boron content and heat treatment conditions after microstructure investigations and hardness tests. Wear tests were carried out using a pin-on-disc tribometer under dry sliding conditions. Charpy V notch impact test was performed to determine the toughness properties of the specimens. Fracture and worn surfaces were investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that boron element has a positive effect on the hardness and wear properties of G38NiCrMo8-4-4 steel.Keywords: G38NiCrMo8-4-4 steel, boron, heat treatment, microstructure, wear, mechanical properties
Procedia PDF Downloads 1851036 Investigation on 3D Printing of Calcium silicate Bioceramic Slurry for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Amin Jabbari
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The state of the art in major 3D printing technologies, such as powder-based and slurry based, has led researchers to investigate the ability to fabricate bone scaffolds for bone tissue engineering using biomaterials. In addition, 3D printing technology can simulate mechanical and biological surface properties and print with high precision complex internal and external structures that match their functional properties. Polymer matrix composites reinforced with particulate bioceramics, hydrogels reinforced with particulate bioceramics, polymers coated with bioceramics, and non-porous bioceramics are among the materials that can be investigated for bone scaffold printing. Furthermore, it was shown that the introduction of high-density micropores into the sparingly dissolvable CSiMg10 and dissolvable CSiMg4 shell layer inevitably leads to a nearly 30% reduction in compressive strength, but such micropores can easily influence the ion release behavior of the scaffolds. Also, biocompatibility tests such as cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility and genotoxicity were tested on printed parts. The printed part was tested in vitro, and after 24-26 h for cytotoxicity, and 4h for hemocompatibility test, the CSiMg4@CSiMg10-p scaffolds were found to have significantly higher osteogenic capability than the other scaffolds of implantation. Overall, these experimental studies demonstrate that 3D printed, additively-manufactured bioceramic calcium (Ca)-silicate scaffolds with appropriate pore dimensions are promising to guide new bone ingrowth.Keywords: AM, 3D printed implants, bioceramic, tissue engineering
Procedia PDF Downloads 631035 The Effect of Chemical Degradation of a Nonwoven Filter Media Membrane in Polyester
Authors: Rachid El Aidani, Phuong Nguyen-Tri, Toan Vu-Khanh
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The filter media in synthetic fibre is the most geotextile materials used in aerosol and drainage filtration, particularly for buildings soil reinforcement in civil engineering due to its appropriated properties and its low cost. However, the current understanding of the durability and stability of this material in real service conditions, especially under severe long-term conditions are completely limited. This study has examined the effects of the chemical aging of a filter media in polyester non-woven under different temperatures (50, 70 and 80˚C) and pH (2. 7 and 12). The effect of aging conditions on mechanical properties, morphology, permeability, thermal stability and molar weigh changes is investigated. The results showed a significant reduction of mechanical properties in term of tensile strength, puncture force and tearing forces of the filter media after chemical aging due to the chemical degradation. The molar mass and mechanical properties changes in different temperature and pH showed a complex dependence of material properties on environmental conditions. The SEM and AFM characterizations showed a significant impact of the thermal aging on the morphological properties of the fibers. Based on the obtained results, the lifetime of the material in different temperatures was determined by the use of the Arrhenius model. These results provide useful information to better understand phenomena occurring during chemical aging of the filter media and may help to predict the service lifetime of this material in real used conditions.Keywords: nonwoven membrane, chemical aging, mechanical properties, lifetime, filter media
Procedia PDF Downloads 3111034 Effects of Interfacial Modification Techniques on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Particle Based Polymer Composites
Authors: Bahar Basturk, Secil Celik Erbas, Sevket Can Sarikaya
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Composites combining the particulates and polymer components have attracted great interest in various application areas such as packaging, furniture, electronics and automotive industries. For strengthening the plastic matrices, the utilization of natural fillers instead of traditional reinforcement materials has received increased attention. The properties of natural filler based polymer composites (NFPC) may be improved by applying proper surface modification techniques to the powder phase of the structures. In this study, acorn powder-epoxy and pine corn powder-epoxy composites containing up to 45% weight percent particulates were prepared by casting method. Alkali treatment and acetylation techniques were carried out to the natural particulates for investigating their influences under mechanical forces. The effects of filler type and content on the tensile properties of the composites were compared with neat epoxy. According to the quasi-static tensile tests, the pine cone based composites showed slightly higher rigidity and strength properties compared to the acorn reinforced samples. Furthermore, the structures independent of powder type and surface modification technique, showed higher tensile properties with increasing the particle content.Keywords: natural fillers, polymer composites, surface modifications, tensile properties
Procedia PDF Downloads 4551033 Optimization of Microencapsulation of β-Carotene by Complex Coacervation Technique Using Casein and Gum Tragacanth
Authors: Gargi Ghoshal, Ashay Jain
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Microencapsulation of β-carotene was optimized by complex coacervation technique using casein/gum tragacanth (CAS/GT) coating as a function of pH, initial protein to polysaccharide mixing ratio (Pr:Ps), total biopolymer concentration, core material load, zeta potential, and ionic strength. This study was aimed to understand the influence of experimental parameters on the coacervation kinetics, the coacervate yield, and entrapment efficiency. At a Pr:Ps = 2:1, an optimum pH of complex coacervation was found 4.35, at which the intensity of electrostatic interaction was maximum. At these ratios of coating, the phase separation occurred the fastest and the final coacervate yield and entrapment efficiency was the highest. Varying the Pr: Ps shifted the value of optimum pH. This incident was due to the level of charge compensation of the CAS/GT complexes. Finally, electrostatic interaction and formation of coacervates between CAS and GT were confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectra. The size and surface properties of coacervates were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resultant formulation (β-carotene loaded microcapsules) was evaluated for in vitro release study and antioxidant activity. Stability of encapsulated β-carotene was also evaluated under three levels of temperature (5, 25 and 40 °C) for 3 months. Encapsulation strongly increased the stability of micronutrients. Our results advocate potential of microcapsules as a novel carrier for the safeguard and sustained release of micronutrient.Keywords: β-carotene, casein, complex coacervation, controlled release, gum tragacanth, microcapsules
Procedia PDF Downloads 2571032 Understanding Seismic Behavior of Masonry Buildings in Earthquake
Authors: Alireza Mirzaee, Soosan Abdollahi, Mohammad Abdollahi
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Unreinforced Masonry (URM) wall is vulnerable in resisting horizontal load such as wind and seismic loading. It is due to the low tensile strength of masonry, the mortar connection between the brick units. URM structures are still widely used in the world as an infill wall and commonly constructed with door and window openings. This research aimed to investigate the behavior of URM wall with openings when horizontal load acting on it and developed load-drift relationship of the wall. The finite element (FE) method was chosen to numerically simulate the behavior of URM with openings. In this research, ABAQUS, commercially available FE software with explicit solver was employed. In order to ensure the numerical model can accurately represent the behavior of an URM wall, the model was validated for URM wall without openings using available experimental results. Load-displacement relationship of numerical model is well agreed with experimental results. Evidence shows the same load displacement curve shape obtained from the FE model. After validating the model, parametric study conducted on URM wall with openings to investigate the influence of area of openings and pre-compressive load on the horizontal load capacity of the wall. The result showed that the increasing of area of openings decreases the capacity of the wall in resisting horizontal loading. It is also well observed from the result that capacity of the wall increased with the increasing of pre-compressive load applied on the top of the walls.Keywords: masonry constructions, performance at earthquake, MSJC-08 (ASD), bearing wall, tie-column
Procedia PDF Downloads 2401031 Mechanical, Physical and Durability Properties of Cement Mortars Added with Recycled PP/PE-Based Food Packaging Waste Material
Authors: Livia Guerini, Christian Paglia
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In Switzerland, only a fraction of plastic waste from food packaging is collected and recycled for further use in the food industry. Therefore, reusing these waste plastics for building applications can be an attractive alternative to disposal in order to reduce the problem of waste management and to make up for the depletion of raw materials needed for construction. In this study, experiments were conducted on the mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strength, elastic modulus), physical properties (density, workability, porosity, and water permeability) and durability (freeze/thaw resistance) of cementitious mortars with additions of recycled low-/high-density polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE)/ polypropylene (PP) regrind (addition of 5% and 10% by weight) and LDPE sheets (addition of 0.5% and 1.5% by weight) coming from food packaging. The results show that as the addition of plastic material increases, the density and mechanical properties of the mortars decrease compared to conventional ones. Porosity is similar in all the mixtures made, while the workability and the permeability are affected not only by the amount added but also by the shape of the plastic aggregate. Freeze/thaw resistance, on the other hand, is significantly higher in mortars with plastic aggregates than in traditional mortar. This feature may be interesting for the realization of outdoor mortars in cold environments.Keywords: food packaging waste, durability properties, mechanical properties, mortar, recycled PE, recycled PP
Procedia PDF Downloads 1371030 Innovative Housing Construction Technologies in Slum Upgrading
Authors: Edmund M. Muthigani
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Innovation in the construction industry has been characterized by new products and processes especially in slum upgrading. The need for low cost housing has motivated stakeholders to think outside the box in coming up with solutions. This paper explored innovative construction technologies that have been used in slum upgrading. The main objectives of the paper was to examine innovations in the construction housing sector and to show how incremental derived demand for decent housing has led to adoption of innovative technologies and materials. Systematic literature review was used to review studies on innovative construction technologies in slum upgrading. The review revealed slow process of innovations in the construction industry due to risk aversion by firms and the hesitance to adopt by firms and individuals. Low profit margins in low cost housing and lack of sufficient political support remain the major hurdles to innovative techniques adoption that can actualize right to decent housing. Conventional construction materials have remained unaffordable to many people and this has negated them decent housing. This has necessitated exploration of innovative materials to realize low cost housing. Stabilized soil blocks and sisal-cement roofing blocks are some of the innovative construction materials that have been utilized in slum upgrading. These innovative materials have not only lowered the cost of production of building elements but also eased costs of transport as the raw materials to produce them are readily available in or within the slum sites. Despite their shortcomings in durability and compressive strength, they have proved worthwhile in slum upgrading. Production of innovative construction materials and use of innovative techniques in slum upgrading also provided employment to the locals.Keywords: construction, housing, innovation, slum, technology
Procedia PDF Downloads 1941029 Influence of AAR-Induced Expansion Level on Confinement Efficiency of CFRP Wrapping Applied to Damaged Circular Concrete Columns
Authors: Thamer Kubat, Riadh Al Mahiadi, Ahmad Shayan
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The alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) in concrete has a negative influence on the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. Confinement by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is an effective method of treatment for some AAR-affected elements. Eighteen reinforced columns affected by different levels of expansion due to AAR were confined using CFRP to evaluate the effect of expansion level on confinement efficiency. Strength and strain capacities (axial and circumferential) were measured using photogrammetry under uniaxial compressive loading to evaluate the efficiency of CFRP wrapping for the rehabilitation of affected columns. In relation to uniaxial compression capacity, the results indicated that the confinement of AAR-affected columns by one layer of CFRP is sufficient to reach and exceed the load capacity of unaffected sound columns. Parallel to the experimental study, finite element (FE) modeling using ATENA software was employed to predict the behavior of CFRP-confined damaged concrete and determine the possibility of using the model in a parametric study by simulating the number of CFRP layers. A comparison of the experimental results with the results of the theoretical models showed that FE modeling could be used for the prediction of the behavior of confined AAR-damaged concrete.Keywords: ATENA, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), confinement efficiency, finite element (FE)
Procedia PDF Downloads 641028 Micro-Arc Oxidation Titanium and Post Treatment by Cold Plasma and Graft Polymerization of Acrylic Acid for Biomedical Application
Authors: Shu-Chuan Liao, Chia-Ti Chang, Ko-Shao Chen
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Titanium and its alloy are widely used in many fields such as dentistry or orthopaedics. Due to their high strength low elastic modulus that chemical inertness and bio inert. The micro-arc oxidation used to formation a micro porous ceramic oxide layer film on Titanium surface and also to improve the resistance corrosion. For improving the biocompatibility, micro-arc oxidation surfaces bio-inert need to introduce reactive group. We introduced boundary layer by used plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and organic active layer by UV light graft reactive monomer acrylic acid (AAc) therefore we can immobilize Chondroitin sulphate on surface easily by crosslinking EDC/NHS. The surface properties and composition of the modified layer were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and water contact angle. Water contact angle of the plasma-treated Ti surface decreases from 60° to 38°, which is an indication of hydrophilicity. The results of electrochemical polarization analysis showed that the sample plasma treated at micro-arc oxidation after plasma treatment has the best corrosion resistance. The result showed that we can immobilize chondroitin sulfate successful by a series of modification and MTT assay indicated the biocompatibility has been improved in this study.Keywords: MAO, plasma, graft polymerization, biomedical application
Procedia PDF Downloads 2511027 The Influence of Shear Wall Position on Seismic Performance in Buildings
Authors: Akram Khelaifia, Nesreddine Djafar Henni
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Reinforced concrete shear walls are essential components in protecting buildings from seismic forces by providing both strength and stiffness. This study focuses on optimizing the placement of shear walls in a high seismic zone. Through nonlinear analyses conducted on an eight-story building, various scenarios of shear wall positions are investigated to evaluate their impact on seismic performance. Employing a performance-based seismic design (PBSD) approach, the study aims to meet acceptance criteria related to inter-story drift ratio and damage levels. The findings emphasize the importance of concentrating shear walls in the central area of the building during the design phase. This strategic placement proves more effective compared to peripheral distributions, resulting in reduced inter-story drift and mitigated potential damage during seismic events. Additionally, the research explores the use of shear walls that completely infill the frame, forming compound shapes like Box configurations. It is discovered that incorporating such complete shear walls significantly enhances the structure's reliability concerning inter-story drift. Conversely, the absence of complete shear walls within the frame leads to reduced stiffness and the potential deterioration of short beams.Keywords: performance level, pushover analysis, shear wall, plastic hinge, nonlinear analyses
Procedia PDF Downloads 411026 Optimum Design of Steel Space Frames by Hybrid Teaching-Learning Based Optimization and Harmony Search Algorithms
Authors: Alper Akin, Ibrahim Aydogdu
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This study presents a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm to obtain optimum designs for steel space buildings. The optimum design problem of three-dimensional steel frames is mathematically formulated according to provisions of LRFD-AISC (Load and Resistance factor design of American Institute of Steel Construction). Design constraints such as the strength requirements of structural members, the displacement limitations, the inter-story drift and the other structural constraints are derived from LRFD-AISC specification. In this study, a hybrid algorithm by using teaching-learning based optimization (TLBO) and harmony search (HS) algorithms is employed to solve the stated optimum design problem. These algorithms are two of the recent additions to metaheuristic techniques of numerical optimization and have been an efficient tool for solving discrete programming problems. Using these two algorithms in collaboration creates a more powerful tool and mitigates each other’s weaknesses. To demonstrate the powerful performance of presented hybrid algorithm, the optimum design of a large scale steel building is presented and the results are compared to the previously obtained results available in the literature.Keywords: optimum structural design, hybrid techniques, teaching-learning based optimization, harmony search algorithm, minimum weight, steel space frame
Procedia PDF Downloads 5341025 Improving the Dimensional Stability of Medium-Density Fiberboard with Bio-Based Additives
Authors: Reza Hosseinpourpia, Stergios Adamopoulos, Carsten Mai
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Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a common category of wood-based panels that are widely used in the furniture industry. Fine lignocellulosic fibres are combined with a synthetic resin, mostly urea formaldehyde (UF), and joined together under heat and pressure to form panels. Like solid wood, MDF is a hygroscopic material; therefore, its moisture content depends on the surrounding relative humidity and temperature. In addition, UF is a hydrophilic resin and susceptible to hydrolysis under certain conditions of elevated temperatures and humidity, which cause dimensional instability of the panels. The latter directly affect the performance of final products such as furniture, when they are used in situations of high relative humidity. Existing water-repellent formulations, such as paraffin, present limitations related to their non-renewable nature, cost and highest allowed added amount. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the suitability of renewable water repellents as alternative chemicals for enhancing the dimensional stability of MDF panels. A small amount of tall oil based formulations were used as water-repellent agents in the manufacturing of laboratory scale MDF. The effects on dimensional stability, internal bond strength and formaldehyde release of MDF were tested. The results indicated a good potential of tall oil as a bio-based substance of water repellent formulations for improving the dimensional stability of MDF.Keywords: dimensional stability, medium density fiberboard, tall oil, urea formaldehyde
Procedia PDF Downloads 2351024 Emergence of New Development Bank: Analyzing the Impact on BRICS Nations and the World Order
Authors: Urvi Shah, Anmol Jain
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The talks of a New Global Order have been doing rounds since the advent of 21st century. Similar change in global scenario was witnessed when the Bretton Woods System came up post the World War II. The changing world order has been analyzed by using the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates. The PPP and Nominal GDP methods show the purchasing power and financial background of the countries respectively, which helps in knowing both real and nominal financial strength of the country. Today, the rising powers of BRICS are posing new challenges to the world order shaped by the West. BRICS, i.e. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, countries have at various instances represented the interests of developing countries at world forums. The pooled population of these nations accounts for 41.6% of the total world population which gives a very resilient idea of the workforce or human resources which is mobilized by them. They have a combined GDP (PPP) of around 30.57% of the total world GDP (PPP). The paper tries to analyze the prospects and impact of the New Development Bank (NDB) formerly known as the BRICS Bank, on world economy, which has the potential to act as a rival to West dominated IMF and World Bank. The paper studies the paradigm shift in the global order, impact of the NDB on third world nations and the developed nations. The study concluded that the relative positions of BRICS countries in the world economy are changing, irrespective of the measurement methodology being US$ or the PPP model.Keywords: BRICS, New Development Bank, Nominal GDP, purchasing power parity
Procedia PDF Downloads 3151023 Effect of the Firing Cycle on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High Steel Barrel Fabricated by Forging Process
Authors: El Oualid Mokhnache, Noureddine Ramdani
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The choice of gun barrel materials is crucial to ensure the maximum high rate of fire. The high rate of fire causes wear-out damage and shuts off mechanical properties (hardness, strength, wear resistance, etc.) and ballistic properties (bullet speed, dispersion and precision, longevity of barrel, etc). To overcome these kinds of problems, a deep understanding of the effect of the firing cycle on the mechanical and ballistic properties of the barrel is regarded as crucial to improving its characteristics. In the present work, a real experimental test of firing by using a high steel barrel with 7.62x39 ammunition was carried. Microstructural observations by using SEM were investigated. Hardness evolution through the barrel of both barrels labeled as reference barrels and as fired barrels were compared and discussed. Ballistic properties during the firing test, including speed of projectile and precision dispersion, are revealed and discussed as well. The aim of the present communication is about to discuss the relationship between pressure distribution versus mechanical properties through the wall barrel. Ballistic properties, including speed of the projectile, dispersion, and precision results during the shooting process, were investigated. Microstructure observations of the as-rifled barrel in comparison with the as-reference barrel were performed as well.Keywords: barrel, ballistic, pressure, microstructure evolution, hardness
Procedia PDF Downloads 621022 Empirical Roughness Progression Models of Heavy Duty Rural Pavements
Authors: Nahla H. Alaswadko, Rayya A. Hassan, Bayar N. Mohammed
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Empirical deterministic models have been developed to predict roughness progression of heavy duty spray sealed pavements for a dataset representing rural arterial roads. The dataset provides a good representation of the relevant network and covers a wide range of operating and environmental conditions. A sample with a large size of historical time series data for many pavement sections has been collected and prepared for use in multilevel regression analysis. The modelling parameters include road roughness as performance parameter and traffic loading, time, initial pavement strength, reactivity level of subgrade soil, climate condition, and condition of drainage system as predictor parameters. The purpose of this paper is to report the approaches adopted for models development and validation. The study presents multilevel models that can account for the correlation among time series data of the same section and to capture the effect of unobserved variables. Study results show that the models fit the data very well. The contribution and significance of relevant influencing factors in predicting roughness progression are presented and explained. The paper concludes that the analysis approach used for developing the models confirmed their accuracy and reliability by well-fitting to the validation data.Keywords: roughness progression, empirical model, pavement performance, heavy duty pavement
Procedia PDF Downloads 1631021 Grit and Psychological Well-Being Among Elite Wushu Players
Authors: Guneet Inder Jit Kaur, Kuldeep Singh, Sunil G. Purohit
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Being a collective phrase for Martial arts that originated from China, Wushu is a form of self-defense and an international (Olympic) sport. Having emerged as a competitive sport, the competitions are generally in two disciplines in Wushu, namely ‘taolu,’ which refers to the forms, and ‘sanda’, which refers to the sparring. Indeed, the competition at the elite level is challenging more mentally than physically. Being masters of their games, excellence at that level is immensely defined by the mental strength characterized by perseverance and passion (grit) along with the psychological wellbeing. Thus, research attempting to understand this relationship is important. The present study was aimed to investigate the relationship between grit and psychological wellbeing among elite Wushu players. The sample of the present study comprised of 35 elite wushu players from India. Out of the 35 players, 16 were females (45.7%), and 19 were males (54.3%), and all had represented at the National and International level. 14 players were from the event of Taolu, and 21 players were from the event of Sanda. The questionnaires used were the short grit scale (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009) and the flourishing scale for psychological wellbeing (Diener et. al., 2009). The statistics included Descriptive (Mean, Standard deviation) and Inferential analysis (correlation). The results highlighted the relationship between the two variables. The insights gained from this study indeed seem immensely helpful in adding to the research of the psychological profile of Elite wushu players and has implications for psychological interventions and mental training for the players.Keywords: wushu, elite athletes, grit, psychological wellbeing, excellence
Procedia PDF Downloads 1021020 Design of Smart Urban Lighting by Using Social Sustainability Approach
Authors: Mohsen Noroozi, Maryam Khalili
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Creating cities, objects and spaces that are economically, environmentally and socially sustainable and which meet the challenge of social interaction and generation change will be one of the biggest tasks of designers. Social sustainability is about how individuals, communities and societies live with each other and set out to achieve the objectives of development model which they have chosen for themselves. Urban lightning as one of the most important elements of urban furniture that people constantly interact with it in public spaces; can be a significant object for designers. Using intelligence by internet of things for urban lighting makes it more interactive in public environments. It can encourage individuals to carry out appropriate behaviors and provides them the social awareness through new interactions. The greatest strength of this technology is its strong impact on many aspects of everyday life and users' behaviors. The analytical phase of the research is based on a multiple method survey strategy. Smart lighting proposed in this paper is an urban lighting designed on results obtained from a collective point of view about the social sustainability. In this paper, referring to behavioral design methods, the social behaviors of the people has been studied. Data show that people demands for a deeper experience of social participation, safety perception and energy saving with the meaningful use of interactive and colourful lighting effects. By using intelligent technology, some suggestions are provided in the field of future lighting to consider the new forms of social sustainability.Keywords: behavior pattern, internet of things, social sustainability, urban lighting
Procedia PDF Downloads 1831019 A Novel Hybrid Lubri-Coolant for Machining Difficult-to-Cut Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Muhammad Jamil, Ning He, Wei Zhao
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It is a rough estimation that the aerospace companies received orders of 37000 new aircraft, including the air ambulances, until 2037. And titanium alloys have a 15% contribution in modern aircraft's manufacturing owing to the high strength/weight ratio. Despite their application in the aerospace and medical equipment manufacturing industry, still, their high-speed machining puts a challenge in terms of tool wear, heat generation, and poor surface quality. Among titanium alloys, Ti-6Al-4V is the major contributor to aerospace application. However, its poor thermal conductivity (6.7W/mK) accumulates shear and friction heat at the tool-chip interface zone. To dissipate the heat generation and friction effect, cryogenic cooling, Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), nanofluids, hybrid cryogenic-MQL, solid lubricants, etc., are applied frequently to underscore their significant effect on improving the machinability of Ti-6Al-4V. Nowadays, hybrid lubri-cooling is getting attention from researchers to explore their effect regarding the hard-to-cut Ti-6Al-4V. Therefore, this study is devoted to exploring the effect of hybrid ethanol-ester oil MQL regarding the cutting temperature, surface integrity, and tool life. As the ethanol provides -OH group and ester oil of long-chain molecules provide a tribo-film on the tool-workpiece interface. This could be a green manufacturing alternative for the manufacturing industry.Keywords: hybrid lubri-cooling, surface roughness, tool wear, MQL
Procedia PDF Downloads 771018 Investigating the Shear Behaviour of Fouled Ballast Using Discrete Element Modelling
Authors: Ngoc Trung Ngo, Buddhima Indraratna, Cholachat Rujikiathmakjornr
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For several hundred years, the design of railway tracks has practically remained unchanged. Traditionally, rail tracks are placed on a ballast layer due to several reasons, including economy, rapid drainage, and high load bearing capacity. The primary function of ballast is to distributing dynamic track loads to sub-ballast and subgrade layers, while also providing lateral resistance and allowing for rapid drainage. Upon repeated trainloads, the ballast becomes fouled due to ballast degradation and the intrusion of fines which adversely affects the strength and deformation behaviour of ballast. This paper presents the use of three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) in studying the shear behaviour of the fouled ballast subjected to direct shear loading. Irregularly shaped particles of ballast were modelled by grouping many spherical balls together in appropriate sizes to simulate representative ballast aggregates. Fouled ballast was modelled by injecting a specified number of miniature spherical particles into the void spaces. The DEM simulation highlights that the peak shear stress of the ballast assembly decreases and the dilation of fouled ballast increases with an increase level of fouling. Additionally, the distributions of contact force chain and particle displacement vectors were captured during shearing progress, explaining the formation of shear band and the evolutions of volumetric change of fouled ballast.Keywords: railway ballast, coal fouling, discrete element modelling, discrete element method
Procedia PDF Downloads 4431017 Effects of Commonly-Used Inorganic Salts on the Morphology and Electrochemical Performance of Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrystals Doped Polypyrrole Supercapacitors
Authors: Zuxinsun, Samuel Eyley, Yongjian Guo, Reeta Salminen, Wim Thielemans
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Polypyrrole(PPy), as one of the most promising pseudocapacitor electrode materials, has attracted large research interest due to its low cost, high electrical conductivity and easy fabrication, limited capacitance, and cycling stability of PPy films hinder their practical applications. In this study, through adding different amounts of KCl into the pyrrole and CNC-COO⁻ system, three-dimensional, porous, and reticular PPy films were electropolymerized at last without the assistance of any template or substrate. Replacing KCl with NaCl, KBr, and NaClO4, the porous PPy films were still obtained rather than relatively dense PPy films which were deposited with pyrrole and CNC-COO⁻ or pyrrole and KCl. The nucleation and growth mechanisms of PPy films were studied in the deposited electrolyte with or without salts to illustrate the evolution of morphology from relatively dense to porous structure. The capacitance of PPy/CNC-COO⁻-Cl-(ClO4-)_0.5 films increased from 160.6 to 183.4 F g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹. More importantly, at a high current density of 2.0 A g⁻¹ (20 mA cm⁻²), the PPy/CNC-COO⁻-Cl-(ClO4-)_0.5 films exhibited an excellent capacitance of 125.0 F g⁻¹ (1.19 F cm⁻²), increasing about 203.7 % over PPy/CNC-COO- films. 103.3 % of its initial capacitance was retained after 5000 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹ (20 mA cm⁻²) for the PPy/CNC-COO⁻-Cl-(ClO4-)_0.5 supercapacitor. The analyses reveal that the porous and reticular PPy/CNC-COO⁻-salts films open up more active reaction areas to store charges. The stiff and ribbonlike CNC-COO⁻ as the permanent dopants improve strength and stability of PPy/CNC-COO⁻-salts films. Our demonstration provides a simple and practical way to deposit PPy-based supercapacitors with high capacitance and cycling ability.Keywords: polypyrrole, supercapacitors, cellulose nanocrystals, porous and reticular structure, inorganic salts
Procedia PDF Downloads 591016 Kinesio Taping in Treatment Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Izabela Zielinska
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Kinesio Taping is classified as physiotherapy method supporting rehabilitation and modulating some physiological processes. It is commonly used in sports medicine and orthopedics. This sensory method has influence on muscle function, pain sensation, intensifies lymphatic system as well as improves microcirculation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Kinesio Taping in patients with ongoing treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The study group comprised 60 patients (stadium II B at Fontain's scale). All patients were divided into two groups (30 person/each), where 12 weeks long treadmill training was administrated. In the second group, the Kinesio Taping was applied to support the function of the gastrocnemius muscle. The measurements of distance and time until claudication pain, blood flow of arteries in lower limbs and ankle brachial index were taken under evaluation. Examination performed after Kinesio Taping therapy showed statistically significant increase in gait parameters and muscle strength in patients with intermittent claudication. The Kinesio Taping method has clinically significant effects on enhancement of pain-free distance and time until claudication pain in patients with peripheral artery disease. Kinesio Taping application can be used to support non-invasive treatment in patients with intermittent claudication. Kinesio Taping can be employed as an alternative way of therapy for patients with orthopedic or cardiac contraindications to be treated with treadmill training.Keywords: intermittent claudication, kinesiotaping, peripheral artery disease, treadmill training
Procedia PDF Downloads 1981015 Traffic Prediction with Raw Data Utilization and Context Building
Authors: Zhou Yang, Heli Sun, Jianbin Huang, Jizhong Zhao, Shaojie Qiao
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Traffic prediction is essential in a multitude of ways in modern urban life. The researchers of earlier work in this domain carry out the investigation chiefly with two major focuses: (1) the accurate forecast of future values in multiple time series and (2) knowledge extraction from spatial-temporal correlations. However, two key considerations for traffic prediction are often missed: the completeness of raw data and the full context of the prediction timestamp. Concentrating on the two drawbacks of earlier work, we devise an approach that can address these issues in a two-phase framework. First, we utilize the raw trajectories to a greater extent through building a VLA table and data compression. We obtain the intra-trajectory features with graph-based encoding and the intertrajectory ones with a grid-based model and the technique of back projection that restore their surrounding high-resolution spatial-temporal environment. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to study direct feature extraction from raw trajectories for traffic prediction and attempt the use of raw data with the least degree of reduction. In the prediction phase, we provide a broader context for the prediction timestamp by taking into account the information that are around it in the training dataset. Extensive experiments on several well-known datasets have verified the effectiveness of our solution that combines the strength of raw trajectory data and prediction context. In terms of performance, our approach surpasses several state-of-the-art methods for traffic prediction.Keywords: traffic prediction, raw data utilization, context building, data reduction
Procedia PDF Downloads 1161014 Long-Term Field Performance of Paving Fabric Interlayer Systems to Reduce Reflective Cracking
Authors: Farshad Amini, Kejun Wen
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The formation of reflective cracking of pavement overlays has confronted highway engineers for many years. Stress-relieving interlayers, such as paving fabrics, have been used in an attempt to reduce or delay reflective cracking. The effectiveness of paving fabrics in reducing reflection cracking is related to joint or crack movement in the underlying pavement, crack width, overlay thickness, subgrade conditions, climate, and traffic volume. The nonwoven geotextiles are installed between the old and new asphalt layers. Paving fabrics enhance performance through two mechanisms: stress relief and waterproofing. Several factors including proper installation, remedial work performed before overlay, overlay thickness, variability of pavement strength, existing pavement condition, base/subgrade support condition, and traffic volume affect the performance. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a long-term monitoring of the paving fabric interlayer systems to evaluate its effectiveness and performance. A comprehensive testing, monitoring, and analysis program were undertaken, where twelve 500-ft pavement sections of a four-lane highway were rehabilitated, and then monitored for seven years. A comparison between the performance of paving fabric treatment systems and control sections is reported. Lessons learned, and the various factors are discussed.Keywords: monitoring, paving fabrics, performance, reflective cracking
Procedia PDF Downloads 3241013 The Influence of Incorporating Coffee Grounds on Enhancing the Engineering Properties of Expansive Soils: Experimental Approach and Optimization
Authors: Bencheikh Messaouda, Aidoud Assia, Salima Boukour, Benamara Fatima Zohra, Boukhatem Ghania, Zegueur Chaouki Salah Eddine
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The utilization of waste materials in civil engineering has gained widespread attention in recent years due to their adverse effects on the environment. One such waste material is coffee grounds, a black residue generated daily across the country after coffee brewing. Instead of disposing of it, there is a growing interest in repurposing it for various agricultural and industrial applications. Utilizing coffee grounds in geotechnical engineering, such as in road embankments, presents an opportunity for its valorization. The study aims to contribute to the valorization of coffee grounds by enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of clayey soils through their incorporation at varying weight percentages (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%) as partial replacements in these soils. This not only addresses the issue of coffee ground waste but also makes a tangible contribution to sustainable development. The findings demonstrate that incorporating coffee grounds generally has positive effects on the physical and mechanical properties of clayey soil. However, the extent of these effects depends on factors such as the quantity of coffee grounds added, the particle size of the grounds, and the characteristics of the soil. Additionally, coffee grounds can improve the compression and tensile strength of clayey soil, resulting in increased stability and reduced susceptibility to deformation under external forces.Keywords: clay soil, coffee grounds, optimizing, improvement, valorization, waste
Procedia PDF Downloads 351012 Finite Element Analysis of Steel-Concrete Composite Structures Considering Bond-Slip Effect
Authors: WonHo Lee, Hyo-Gyoung Kwak
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A numerical model considering slip behavior of steel-concrete composite structure is introduced. This model is based on a linear bond stress-slip relation along the interface. Single node was considered at the interface of steel and concrete member in finite element analysis, and it improves analytical problems of model that takes double nodes at the interface by adopting spring elements to simulate the partial interaction. The slip behavior is simulated by modifying material properties of steel element contacting concrete according to the derived formulation. Decreased elastic modulus simulates the slip occurrence at the interface and decreased yield strength simulates drop in load capacity of the structure. The model is verified by comparing numerical analysis applying this model with experimental studies. Acknowledgment—This research was supported by a grant(13SCIPA01) from Smart Civil Infrastructure Research Program funded by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport(MOLIT) of Korea government and Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement(KAIA) and financially supported by Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport(MOLIT) as U-City Master and Doctor Course Grant Program.Keywords: bond-slip, composite structure, partial interaction, steel-concrete structure
Procedia PDF Downloads 1721011 MHD Chemically Reacting Viscous Fluid Flow towards a Vertical Surface with Slip and Convective Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ibrahim Yakubu Seini, Oluwole Daniel Makinde
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MHD chemically reacting viscous fluid flow towards a vertical surface with slip and convective boundary conditions has been conducted. The temperature and the chemical species concentration of the surface and the velocity of the external flow are assumed to vary linearly with the distance from the vertical surface. The governing differential equations are modeled and transformed into systems of ordinary differential equations, which are then solved numerically by a shooting method. The effects of various parameters on the heat and mass transfer characteristics are discussed. Graphical results are presented for the velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles whilst the skin-friction coefficient and the rate of heat and mass transfers near the surface are presented in tables and discussed. The results revealed that increasing the strength of the magnetic field increases the skin-friction coefficient and the rate of heat and mass transfers toward the surface. The velocity profiles are increased towards the surface due to the presence of the Lorenz force, which attracts the fluid particles near the surface. The rate of chemical reaction is seen to decrease the concentration boundary layer near the surface due to the destructive chemical reaction occurring near the surface.Keywords: boundary layer, surface slip, MHD flow, chemical reaction, heat transfer, mass transfer
Procedia PDF Downloads 5311010 Chemical Degradation of a Polyester Nonwoven Membrane Used in Aerosol and Drainage Filter
Authors: Rachid El Aidani, Phuong Nguyen-Tri, Toan Vu-Khanh
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The filter media in synthetic fibre is the most geotextile materials used in aerosol and drainage filtration, particularly for buildings soil reinforcement in civil engineering due to its appropriated properties and its low cost. However, the current understanding of the durability and stability of this material in real service conditions, especially under severe long-term conditions are completely limited. This study has examined the effects of the chemical aging of a filter media in polyester nonwoven under different temperatures (50, 70 and 80˚C) and pH (2. 7 and 12). The effect of aging conditions on mechanical properties, morphology, permeability, thermal stability and molar weigh changes is investigated. The results showed a significant reduction of mechanical properties in term of tensile strength, puncture force and tearing forces of the filter media after chemical aging due to the chemical degradation. The molar mass and mechanical properties changes in different temperature and pH showed a complex dependence of material properties on environmental conditions. The SEM and AFM characterizations showed a significant impact of the thermal aging on the morphological properties of the fibres. Based on the obtained results, the lifetime of the material in different temperatures was determined by the use of the Arrhenius model. These results provide useful information to better understand phenomena occurring during chemical aging of the filter media and may help to predict the service lifetime of this material in real used conditions.Keywords: nonwoven membrane, chemical aging, mechanical properties, lifetime, filter media
Procedia PDF Downloads 342