bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematical Analysis of Slide Lever Linkage of 3rd Class
Authors: Gebel Elena , Khomchenko Vasiliy
Published: September 2013

Positioning problem is considered for the 3rd class lever linkage with dwell of the output link according to the given cyclogram and slider guide position. Using parametric synthesis and selected parameters of the 3rd class mechanism the kinematical analysis is carried out. The calculated parameters of velocity and acceleration provide quality of motion within limitations. This gives opportunity to use the mechanism in automatic machines.
A Study on the Clearance Design of Fine Blanking Tool for Al Special Parts with Various Inner Corner Shapes
Authors: Kim Jong Deok , Heo Young Moo , Won Si Tae
Published: September 2013

Fine blanking is a press-working process that permits the production of precise finished components which are cleanly sheared through the whole cutting surface. It can be eliminated secondary operations, such as milling, grinding, etc. Recently, many studies on the weight reduction of automobile for fuel saving were underway. Especially, there are many examples in which light metal like Al were applied for automotive parts. The clearance between the punch and die of a fine blanking tool is an important design factor that affects the sheared surface of a product. In a fine blanking process, the clearance is typically assigned a 0.5% material thickness. If the clearance is too big, a fractured surface would occur in the product while if it is too small, bulging would occur. In this study, a setting for optimum clearance was proposed for inner corner shapes by checking shear characteristics and bulging effects according to various clearances. After designing a special part with various corner shapes possessing Al5052 (thickness: 4 mm), a fine blanking tool was constructed and fine blanking experiments were conducted. The result could be usefully applied in fine blanking processes for Al automobile parts with corner shapes in the future.
Research on Rolling Element Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Singular Value Decomposition and Kurtosis Criterion
Authors: Wang Xiao Lin , Zhang Yong Xiang , Zhu Jie Ping , Shi Zhong Qi
Published: September 2013

In order to extract the faint fault information from complicated vibration signal of bearing, a new feature extraction method based on singular value decomposition (SVD) and kurtosis criterion is proposed in my work. According to the method, a group of component signals are obtained firstly using SVD, then component signals with equal kurtosis are selected to be summed together, and the weak fault signal is clearly extracted. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated on both simulated signal and actual data.
Effects of Mechanical Stimulation on Viscoelasticity of Human Lung Fibroblast
Authors: Wang Guo Hui , Xie Yong Peng
Published: September 2013

The mechanical stimulation can affect the biological function of lung cells, but little is known about the effects on biomechanical properties of lung fibroblasts. In this paper, the human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) were subjected to cyclic stretch (5% and 10% elongation amplitude) by FX-4000 Tension System. The micropipette aspiration technique was used to investigate the viscoelasticity of MRC-5. The results: for 5% stretch group, the viscoelastic parameters of MRC-5 were significantly lower than static group at 72 h; for 10% stretch group, the viscoelastic parameters of MRC-5 were significantly lower than static group at 48 h and 72 h, there was no difference of the viscoelastic parameters between 48 h and 72 h. The changes of viscoelasticity suggest that the lung fibroblast have different response to different mechanical stimulation and the mechanical stimulation plays an important role in regulating the viscoelasticity in the process of the growth and development.
Preparation and Characterization of Tea Polyphenols/Starch Inclusion Complex
Authors: Zhang Li Ming , Hu Zhi Ying , Yan Li Hu , Li Run Liu , Cao Cheng Wei , Hu Xiao Ding
Published: September 2013

In order to improving the stability and bioavailability of tea polyphenols (TP), the TP/starchinclusion complex(TPSIC) was prepared by adding TP to starch slurry during gelatinization, and its TPreleasing behaviorswas investigated. The formation of inclusion complex was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The TPSIC showed a characteristic of V-type crystallinity and a looser gel matrix. The encapsulation increased the stability of TP and generated a good releasing behavior after enzymatic erosion. The lower releasing rate indicated that the prepared inclusion complexes had good retention ability and effectively reduced the releasing rate of TP. The releasing rate of TPSIC increased with the increase of TP concentration.
A Radar Fault Diagnosis Expert System Based on Improved CBR
Authors: Cheng Hui Zhong , Cheng Xie Feng
Published: September 2013

The emergence of a new generation of weather radar increases the complexity of radar control system and the difficulty of troubleshooting, In order to ensure the reliability and maintenance performance of weather radar systems, This paper describes weather radar intelligent fault diagnostic expert system based on improved Case - based Reasoning (CBR) according to the author's many years of experience in radar maintenance. The radar fault diagnosis principle, fault diagnosis method based on similar distance function and how to join the hardware replacement adjustment parameter database are firstly described. Focusing CINRAD / CC radar antenna servo system hardware characteristics, the CBR method of motor drive and failure in radar servo system and the experts mentoring program of parameter detection and setting after hardware replacement are introduced in detail. Three CINRAD / CC radar fault diagnosis cases show the effectiveness and practicality of the fault diagnosis expert system.
The Fuzzy CMAC Based on RLS Algorithm
Authors: Cheng Hui
Published: September 2013

In this paper, the structure of the fuzzy crebellar model articulation controller (FCMAC) neural network was discussed. The FCMAC can improve the accuracy of the CMAC. It also has excellent generalization ability and fault-tolerance ability. The recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm was introduced into the FCMAC. The FCMAC based on RLS algorithm has potential application prospect in the research of modeling and emulation on the complex systems.
The Research and Application of Short Message Name and Address Technology
Authors: Jia Bin
Published: September 2013

This paper contains such contents as follows based on the research of the system: analyzing the problems and defections existed in the system, enhancing the transfer mode to be a standard way, and improving the efficiency of data query and transfer. Take advantages of the superiority of this system and innovates on the technology, we have completed a business software based on J2ME platform [1-.In the research and develop process we designed client-side functions and structural model combined with some functions used on the mobile phones, accordingly, the system technology has been practiced to some extents. And we optimize the software interface by a third party plug-in board called the polish [7-, this work must will provide far-reaching significance for later work on this technology.
Study of Process Characteristics of Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) for Ti-6Al-4V and Validation with Process Model
Authors: Sato Takashi , Wan Stephen , Ang Yu Jing
Published: September 2013

The aerospace components made of titanium alloy with internal passages have complex geometries and their surface smoothness play an important role on the improvement of fuel efficiency. Hence, a surface finishing method that can produce a conforming surface finish to all internal surface features is required. This paper studies the process characteristics of AFM for Ti-6Al-4V experimentally. In addition, validation of process model based on the tribological interaction between AFM media and Ti-6Al-4V with empirical data is carried out. The theoretical plots agreed well with experimental results on Ø20mmID cylinder although the theoretical plots show over prediction in some conditions.
Research on Distribution of Magnetic Particles Based on Magnetic Field Control Grinding Wheel
Authors: Yin Shao Hui , Gong Sheng , Chen Feng Jun , Wang Ming
Published: September 2013

In order to solve the problem of the randomly arrangement of the diamond abrasives, a novel orderly arrangement grinding wheel was developed, which used magnetic field to control the magnetic particles to drive diamond abrasives orderly arrangement. Effects of magnetic flux density on magnetic particle distribution was studied. And effects of magnetic particle proportion on magnetic particle distribution was studied. Grinding experiments were carried out on the tungsten carbide YG8 and surface roughness after grinding was also analyzed.
Friction Force Analysis on Diaomond Lapping of Sapphire Wafers
Authors: Chen Chao Chang Arthur , Tseng Ching Hsiang , Tu Wei Kang
Published: September 2013

This paper is to design and developing a friction sensor system (FSS) for prediction of endpoint detection (EPD) on diamond lapping of sapphire or mono-crystalline aluminum oxide wafers. The endpoint detection usually includes start region, lapping region, transient region and endpoint region to control the planarization procedure by diamond lapping with variant plate of copper, resin copper, or tin materials. Experiments have been performed with 9 tests composed by three kinds of viscosity of slurry lapping with three kinds of lap plates. The coefficient of friction (CoF) has been obtained by the designed FSS and then compared with different test parameters. The as-lapped sapphire wafers have also measured by coherence surface interferometer, CCI-Lite (Taylor Hobson, UK). Experimental results show that the hardness of plate and viscosity of slurry are critical factors for as-lapped wafer quality. The EPD of diamond lapping with resin copper plate can be determined by the CoF data and that can be used for justifying the appropriate lapping time of sapphire wafers. Future study can focus on the relationship of sub-surface crack caused by the diamond lapping process.
Study on Impinging Stream Flow Channel in Abrasive Flow Polishing Complex Cavity of Precision Mold
Authors: Zhou Di Feng , Liu Dong Yu
Published: September 2013

In order to solve the problem about polishing complex cavity of precision mold, to improve the efficiency of processing and reduce the surface roughness, putting forward multiple entries impinging stream processing device.With making use of the collision of two strands of abrasive flow, Realizing the mutual disturbance of abrasive flow in the runner, and increasing the collision between abrasive to improve the disordering of abrasive movement, for promoting abrasive polishing to mold cavity. Johnson-Cook elastic-plastic material model is set up at the same time, using abaqus finite element simulation to simulate the impact deformation wear and cutting wear with the increasment of impact times.
Experiment on Glass Microgroove Molding by Using Polycrystalline Nickel Phosphorus Mold
Authors: Zhou Tian Feng , Liang Zhi Qiang , Wang Xi Bin , Kuriyagawa Tunemoto
Published: September 2013

This paper aims at increasing the forming accuracy of microgrooves by using electroless plated Nickel Phosphorus (Ni-P) as the mold material in glass molding press (GMP) process. The mechanical characteristics and the performance of amorphous Nickel Phosphorus (a-Ni-P) plating layer were experimentally tested. In order to bring down the deformation of the a-Ni-P mold and increase the forming accuracy of microgroove molding, polycrystalline Nickel Phosphorus (c-Ni-P) was developed by heat treatment. With the increase of the hardness after crystallization, the plating layer shape changes due to the heat treatment, and the strategy to deal with the deformation and the techniques to produce c-Ni-P mold are generalized. Finally, the performance of c-Ni-P mold was experimentally tested, which confirms that c-Ni-P is an excellent mold material for glass microgroove forming.
A Thin Silicon Wafer Thickness Measurement System by Optical Reflectmetry Scheme Using Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Onuki Teppei , Ono Ryusuke , Suzuki Akira , Ojima Hirotaka , Shimizu Jun , Zhou Li Bo
Published: September 2013

In this study, measurable thickness range was improved by re-customized components of the thickness measurement system using the method of Fabry-Perot interference signature analyzing. A Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometer with indium gallium arsenide was used in the developed system. As a result of the sensitiveness in the whole near infrared band and high spectral resolution united with high signal noise ratio of the FT-NIR spectrometer, the maximum measurable thickness is improved to 88μm while sub-micron order of the minimum measurable thickness is also improved.
Development of Electronic Impact Hammer and its Application to Face Milling Cutter Modal Analysis
Authors: Liu Lu Ning , Zhang Yang Guang , Shi Zhen Yu , Liu Zhan Qiang
Published: September 2013

As for the deficiency by using manual hammer for modal testing, an electronic impact hammer testing device is developed in this paper. The developed electronic impact hammer consists of workbench, controller, trigger, switching power supply, and actuator, etc. According to the electromagnetic theory, by controlling traction electromagnet on/off to make the traction force drive the impact hammer, the hammer impacting on the testing object can be realized. By means of controlling the contact time between the impact hammer and the object to be impacted, an ideal force pulse signal can be got. The developed electronic impact hammer has the advantages of repeatability and regulatory. Face milling cutter tip point frequency response functions is tested by using the device in this paper. The frequency response curve and the modal parameters for the face milling cutter are obtained.
Indentation Crack Initiation and Ductile to Brittle Transition Behavior of Fused Silica
Authors: Yao Peng , Wang Wei , Huang Chuan Zhen , Wang Jun , Zhu Hong Tao , Kuriyagawa Tunemoto
Published: September 2013

To provide a fundamental knowledge for the high efficiency grinding and ultra-precision grinding of fused silica, ductile mode and brittle mode material removal mechanisms were investigated by conducting micro/nanoindentation experiments in the range of 4.9 mN - 1960 mN. Before observing cracks and determining the ductile to brittle transition penetration depth, the samples were etched with hydrofluoric acid to expose cracks. The typical damage morphology of fused silica was discussed by observing the surface and cross-section of indentations, and the depth of SSD was found to be determined by the cone cracks or borderline cracks in the different load range. The ductile to brittle transition penetration depth of fused silica under Vickers indentation was 180 nm.
Research on the Technology of Nc Abrasive Belt Grinding for the Leading and Trailing Edges of Aero-Engine Blades
Authors: Liu Zhao Yang , Huang Yun , Wei He Ping , Sun Chao
Published: September 2013

This paper provides an analysis of the processing status and the existing problems of leading and trailing edges, and proposes a new seven-axis linkage CNC grinding method. Whats more, the paper carries out the forging blade edge abrasive belt grinding experiment. Finally, on the basis of experimental result, grinding process parameters are optimized, and the improved scheme is put forward. Through the experiment, the feasibility of the seven-axis CNC abrasive belt grinding method is verified.
Study on the Subsurface Damages of Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Ma F.J. , Zhu Xiang Long , Kang Ren Ke , Dong Zhi Gang , Zou S. Q.
Published: September 2013

The machining methods such as waterjet cutting, milling, grinding, lapping, etc. are usually used to manufacture glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRCs) parts. Damages will be produced unavoidably in the machining process, no matter which machining method is employed. Subsurface damage is one of the important parameters to evaluate the surface layer damages. The detection method for the subsurface damages of glass fiber reinforced glass matrix (glass/glass) composite after machining is researched. The characteristics of subsurface damages of glass/glass composite after waterjet cutting, milling, grinding and lapping are investigated mainly, when the fiber direction is either perpendicular or parallel to the cutting surface.
A Visualization Study of the Radial-Mode Abrasive Waterjet Turning Process for Alumina Ceramics
Authors: Ali Mirza Ahmed , Fan Jing Ming , Zhu Hong Tao , Wang Jun
Published: September 2013

A visualization study of the radial-mode abrasive waterjet (AWJ) turning process on an alumina ceramic is presented to gain an understanding of cutting front development process and hence the material removal mechanisms. A statistically designed experiment is conducted to study the effects of process parameters on the development of the cutting front, considering the change of water pressure, nozzle feed speed and nozzle tilt angle. It is found that the most significant parameters affecting the cutting front development are feed speed and water pressure. Further, the actual jet impact angle is dependent on both the water pressure and feed speed, but at higher water pressures the actual impact angle tends to become independent of feed speed, while water pressure becomes the dominating factor.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Machining of AISI H13 Steel
Authors: Márton Takács , Zsolt Farkas Balázs
Published: September 2013

Main aim of our recent research activity is the theoretical and experimental investigation of hard turning of AISI H13 (52 HRC) hot work tool steel. Chip removal processes are of essential importance in modern manufacturing technology. The demand for higher accuracy, better surface roughness, more economical production, and miniaturization are constantly growing. This determines continuous research and development of cutting processes under special circumstances. Numerical simulation plays an important role in evaluating of the cutting processes, and in prediction of forces, chip formation, distribution of strain, strain rate, stresses, and temperature. Cutting experiments with varying feed rate and cutting speed were carried out to determine their effect on surface components of resultant force. 3D finite element model was proposed to simulate the chip removal process during turning of workpiece material AISI H13 (52 HRC). This paper gives a summary about the comparison of theoretical and experimental results. It was found that boundary conditions, such as finite element size, mesh density, material separation method has significant influence on chip morphology and value of cutting force, too.
Study of Gypsum Dehydration Time in CaCl2 Solution
Authors: Dvořák Karel
Published: September 2013

The preparation of the alpha form of calcium sulphate hemihydrate is technically relatively complicated. The idea is to allow 1.5 molecules of water contained in gypsum to leave through dehydration in liquid form. This can only be achieved under hydrothermal conditions, namely in an autoclave or by increasing the boiling point of the solution in which the gypsum is located during dehydration. The paper deals with the dehydration of gypsum in a calcium chloride solution. The influence of the concentration and temperature of the selected solution on the dehydration time of the gypsum was monitored.
Service Life of Cementitious Photocatalytic Paints Newly Formulated
Authors: Enea Daniele , Enea Daniele , Bottalico L. , de Marco T.
Published: September 2013

The use of photocatalytic products for surface coating of buildings contributes to the sustainability of building interventions, due to the reduction of some atmospheric pollutants and self-cleaning attitude. The world market produces a wide range of coatings, applied in limited thickness, transparent and opaque, high initial performance, although data on their durability are still missing. The knowledge of the performance over time of such innovative products is necessary according to the new EU Regulation No. 305/2011, which introduced for construction works, the seventh requirement on their sustainability and particularly their durability. The study concerns the evaluation of the durability of white photocatalytic paint, TX Active® cement-based. The methodology is based on ISO 15686 and consists in monitoring the most significant selected parameters, during laboratory accelerated aging tests and natural environment exposure. Measured performance were the morphological appearance of the surface, the photocatalytic activity and the color. The results obtained demonstrate the efficiency in time and the maintenance of performance of the photocatalytic paint, above limits defined by standards and conservation of color.
Recycling Piezo-Crystal Based Sounders from Small (Electronic) Devices into Energy Harvesting Devices
Authors: Afolayan M.O. , Inalegwu T.J.
Published: September 2013

Many small devices now incorporate a sound feedback device using piezo crystal plates of varying sizes (10mm-20mm diameter). After these devices are discarded, the piezo crystal plates are usually of no value other than a curious toy or component. This work presents a potential use of this device (18.8mm diameter unimorph PZT 5H piezo plate) for harvesting energy by mounting it on the wrist (at the base of meta carpal) of human subjects. The subjects were made to walk at an average steady pace of 0.7m/s. The device generated voltage in the range of 180.4mV to 1674.60mV. ANSYS 10 simulation shows that the optimum voltage will be generated at resonance frequency of approximately 204Hz.
Design and Implementation of a Heart Rate Monitor
Authors: Igimoh J.A. , Konyeha Susan
Published: September 2013

A heart rate monitor measures the heart beat. Heart beat is the number of heartbeat per unit time, and is expressed as beats per minute (BPM). The measurement of heart rate is used by medical professionals to assist in the diagnosis and tracking of medical conditions amongst other applications. This paper describes the design of a heart rate monitor which measures the heart rate from the finger using an optical sensor which consists of an infrared light-emitting-diode (IR LED) and a phototransistor. The IR LED transmits an infrared light into the fingertip, and the phototransistor senses the portion of the light that is reflected back, each heartbeat slightly alters the amount of reflected infrared light that can be detected by the phototransistor. A non-inverting amplifier is used to detect this little change in the amplitude of the reflected light. The pulses are filtered to remove unwanted signals, counted by Atmega16L microcontroller, and the result is displayed on a text based LCD in beats per minute. An experiment was performed that demonstrated an increase in heart rate as the human activity level increases. Tests were performed on ten children between ages 3 and 10 years. The average heart beat per minute were between 94 and 119. Tests were also performed on ten students with increased physical activity and they were found to have average heartbeat per minute of between 98 and 111.
Optimal Antenna Configurations for Digital Oilfield Implementations
Authors: Idachaba Francis Enejo
Published: September 2013

Antennas play a very pivotal role in the development and advancement of digital oil fields. They provide the last mile communication link to the field locations and thus must be properly sized to ensure the link availability and reliability. There are different types of antennas currently being deployed with each having different impacts on the communication link performance. This paper discusses typical antenna configurations for implementing last mile communications to the field in digital oilfield applications. It analyzes the characteristic of each configuration, the impact these different configurations have on data security, deployment speed and communication range and presents an optimal configuration that improves data security, deployment speed and communication range.
Secured Online Payment Using Biometric Identification System
Authors: Agbontaen F.O. , Orukpe P.E.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we will investigate the possibilities of using highly secured online payment via biometric system in the Nigerian environment. The system proposed enables the user to purchase any product online just by slotting a biometric embedded smart card in a portable handheld smart card reader that has a fingerprint scanner touch pad and can generate different code to authenticate online transactions. While online identification and verification processes are facing frauds and undesirable incidents, this biometric payment technology offers best solution. With the help of this technology, you can ensure that transactions on purchase of any product online are made in a reliable manner. Thus, no scope is left for criminal-minded people to create loopholes in e-commerce security.
Design and Simulation of a PC to PC Communication Network via Fiber Optic Cable
Authors: Adegboye Babatunde A. , Bello B.B. , Ekundayo K.R. , Adegboye Juliet N.
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with data transfer from one computer to another. The serial ports of the computer are used. MAX 232 is used to convert RS 232 logic to TTL logic and then an optical transmitter circuit is used to transmit data via fiber optic cable. The optical transmitter circuit has an LED which is matched with the cable. At the receiver an optical receiver circuit is used which receives data using a photo diode and a MAX 232 again to convert TTL logic to RS 232 for the serial port at the receiving end computer. The desired baud rate can be set. Although the internet can be used, but due to its time consuming nature, one can implement data transfer using wireless medium, though at a relatively high cost. The need, therefore, is felt for fiber optic communication which is cheaper and more suitable for the task. It is cheaper than wireless medium and is prone to lesser loss as compared to wireless medium.
Design and Manufacture of an Ergonomic Computer Pen
Authors: Odeghe O. , Udosen U.J.
Published: September 2013

A user friendly ergonomic computer input pen capable of obviating the use of the keyboard has been developed. It integrates the standard or conventional mouse functions with the touch stick input device functions. The pen-shaped input device developed can perform the normal mouse functions of scrolling and clicking together with handwriting recognition functions. From the stand point of ergonomic considerations, an input device which does not involve the keyboard and allows an operator to work efficiently is to be preferred in order to reduce the medical conditions called cumulative traumatic disorders (CTD) and repetitive strain injuries (RSI). A test set up to determine the acceptability of the ergonomic input pen using participants drawn from traditional mouse and keyboard users indicated a preference for the ergonomic computer pen. Also the average time by 15 participants to type a particular sentence containing all the letters of the English alphabet using the keyboard was 39.6 seconds, while the average time of the same 15 participants to write the same sentence using the ergonomic pen was 38.5 seconds.
Thin-Layer Drying of Pumpkin Fruit Slices
Authors: Teferi Z. , Workneh T.S. , Woldetsadik K.
Published: September 2013

Pumpkin (Cucuribita Spp.) fruit slices were subjected to pre-drying treatments and drying using methods of uncontrolled sun and oven drying. The two-way interaction between drying methods and pre-drying treatments had significant effect on chemical qualities. Pumpkin subjected to salt solution dipping treatment and oven dried had higher chemical concentrations. Among the pumpkin fruit accessions, pumpkin accession 8007 had the superior TSS after drying. Among the three pre-drying treatments, salt solution dipping treatment had significant effect and the most efficient pre-drying treatment to retain the quality of dried pumpkin fruits without significant chemical quality deterioration. Salt dipping treatment combined with low temperature (60°C) oven air circulation drying is recommended to maintain quality of dried pumpkin slices. Integrated pre-and postharvest treatment including the genetic factor was shown to have significant effect on the drying kinetics as well as quality after drying of pumpkin.
Effect of Harvest Time on Quality of Sugar Cane Cultivars
Authors: Yirsaw T. , Woldetsadik K. , Workneh T.S.
Published: September 2013

Three commercial sugarcane varieties such as NCO-334, B52-298 and N14 were grown at Finchaa Cane Plantation, Ethiopia to determine the optimum harvest age for cane and sugar yields. Treatments consisted of factorial combination of varieties and five levels of harvest age were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The varieties differed in stalk diameter and weight, and millable stalk number. Improvements in internodes number, stalk diameter and weight were increased with harvest age whereas internodes length and millable stalk number decreased with delay in harvesting. Varieties produced better juice quality in canes harvested at 17 months. NCO-334 attained its peak superior quality at the age of 15 months. This preliminary data on some indicator quality parameters imply that NCO-334 could be harvested at 15 months age in order to maximize sugar yield. However, more experiments are required to confirm the effect of harvesting time and variety on cane and sugar yield. Therefore, more research on detecting other quality parameters focusing on cane and sugar yield is recommended.
Humidity Control System for Wine Maturation Structures
Authors: Mwithiga Gikuru , Magama P. , Hlophe M.
Published: September 2013

Fogging systems can be used to maintain the high humidity required in wine aging structures at acceptable levels during the day and as long as temperature inside the wine maturation store is rising. However, as soon as the temperature starts falling, fogging systems will fail to bring down the humidity resulting in condensation. Condensation is undesirable because apart from causing the development of mould on the barrels and sections of the structure it might even lead to structural failure. A device that controls the humidity and maintains it at set levels throughout the day was designed and constructed. The devise could control the humidity and maintain it within set levels inside a standard storage container and at no time did condensation occur.
Emission and Combustion Characteristics of Lafia-Obi Coal in Fluidized Bed Combustor
Authors: Popoola Olubunmi Tolulope , Asere Abraham A.
Published: September 2013

The technology of fluidized bed coal combustion (FBC) and its advantages over conventional coal burning systems is now well established and is extensively reported in the literature. There is also some emphasis in literature about the suitability of Lafia-Obi coal in FBC. However, there is little quantitative or qualitative information on theperformance of Lafia-Obi in FBC. This paper reports a study of the combustion of monosized coal fractions fed continuously to the bed via an overbed feeder. Using appropriate ASTM standards, proximate and ultimate analyses of samples of Lafia-Obi coal were carried out and the coal was then combusted in a fluidized bed. Results showed that Lafia-Obi coal has low moisture, high volatile matter and very high fixed carbon content. The volatile matter content places Lafia-Obi in the medium volatile bituminous rank. The data obtained is useful in application of fluidized bed combustion for energy production using Lafia-Obi Coal
Analysis of Corrosion Growth of Ductile Iron in Different Environments
Authors: Oke P.K. , Ukoba O.K.
Published: September 2013

Ductile Iron has been a great material in water carrying pipes, heavy duty parts of farm equipment and other heavy applications. This work looked into the corrosion rate of ductile iron in different environments of usage and storage for a period of six (6) months. The environments were outside air, air conditioned (A/C) environment, brackish (salty) and alkaline environments. The results showed that as the period of exposure increases the corrosion rate decreases. There was a sharp corrosion rate at the first few months for all the environments but as the month increases the corrosion slows down. Brackish (NaCl) environment had the highest weight loss with a difference (last month initial month) of 1.1456g followed by outside environment with a difference of 1.0284g while A/C had the lowest with zero.
Metallurgy of Steel Selection in Components Design: Micro-Constituents and Alloying
Authors: Sadjere E.G. , Ariavie Godfrey Omonefe
Published: September 2013

The design engineer is daily confronted with the need for materials to meet design requirements of strength, stiffness, toughness, wear-resistance, corrosion-resistance, high-temperature operation and so on. Steel is the most versatile material and can be made into various forms, types or grades and possesses diverse mechanical properties that made it suitable for different uses. Through the study of the metallurgy of steel, steels are standardized into groups according to their composition, characteristics and uses derived from the types, sizes and dispersion of micro-constituents. The knowledge of the various standards and their equivalence relationships are the tools for choice of steel for design and for the development of new grades of steel.
Performance of a Horizontal Well in Bounded Reservoir Subject to Edge Water Drive
Authors: Onaiwu D.O. , Adewole E. Steve , Olafuyi O.A.
Published: September 2013

When a reservoir is subject to edge water drive mechanism, well completion for the purpose of optimizing oil production becomes a critical objective. Achieving this objective will require a comprehensive knowledge of fluid movement in the reservoir. Effective well spacing and design, production or injection, transient test analyses possibilities and rate scheduling are additional benefits that can be derived from knowledge of fluid movement and dynamics. Source and greens functions are utilized in deriving the appropriate dimensionless pressure expressions for the reservoir system. Finally, dimensionless pressure derivatives are computed based on the dimensionless pressure expressions. Two-edged lateral water encroachment pattern is assumed for a centrally located horizontal well, occurring both at the toe and at the heel of the well. Influences of both reservoir and wellbore properties are investigated for infinite conductivity wellbore condition. Results show on the derivative that, flow is characterized first by infinite acting flow (constant value of 0.5) before a mandatory rapid decline to zero for all well and reservoir dimensions considered. The period of infinite activity, that is, period of clean oil production, is extended if the reservoir is much larger than the length of the well. Furthermore, dimensionless time of attainment of steady state for all well design is strongly dependent on the reservoir external extent and reservoir anisotropy under constant rate regime.
Development of a Double Beam Model for Predicting Intrusion in Pipelines
Authors: Akhigbemidu Christopher Osinmen , Okoli John U.
Published: September 2013

This paper examines pipeline safety and develops a mathematical model for predicting illegal intrusion. The model idealizes a typical pipeline structure as a pipe-in-pipe double beam, consisting of the process pipe encased in a larger diameter outer carrier pipe resting on an elastic soil foundation. Intrusion is considered to consist of hammering and cutting activities on the casing pipe which transmits shock motion to the process pipe. From the solution feedback control algorithms have been proposed for designing surveillance instruments which assist in mitigating the problem of illegal intrusion for harvesting of crude oil. A point sensor was used to simulate the response to intrusive hammering action induced on the casing pipe in a 2 m segment of the process pipe in an example. Sensor was conFigureured to measure displacement response at intervals of 2 seconds at (0.00, 0.06, 0.12,..., 2.00) m sampling points. The displacements indicated within the model assumption of zero damping, were 4.62 x 10-4 m and 4.24 x 10-4 m at the left and right hand anchors. A deflection of around-2.67 x 10-4 m was obtained at 0.94 m.
Theoretical Investigation of Factors Affecting Water Breakthrough Time in a Horizontal Well Subject to Bottom Water Drive
Authors: Ogbue M.C. , Adewole E. Steve
Published: September 2013

Water breakthrough marks end of economic life of a reservoir. It has negative influence on recovery, operations, and economics. This means that delaying the encroachment and production of water is a means of maximizing the ultimate oil recovery, operating at higher efficiency and maximizing profit. This theoretical research is aimed at solving for time water will breakthrough a horizontal well placed in bottom-water reservoir. And subsequently, suggest ways to delay the water breakthrough time. Thus the model herein is a repository of three aims of reservoir modeling; predict, optimize and monitor oil production. Well modifications strategies were suggested to achieve significant delay of water breakthrough. The well in a bottom-water reservoir, which is much longer than the well, experiences four flow regimes, namely, early-time radial flow, early-time linear flow, late time pseudo radial flow and late-time linear flow period within which water breakthrough occurred. Each flow regime was represented mathematically. The resulting integrals were evaluated numerically. From the mathematical model, factors affecting water breakthrough were chiefly wellbore, reservoir fluid and reservoir properties. Their effects are evident in computed dimensionlesss pressure,, end of early radial flow, tDe, and dimensionless flow time, tD. Water breakthrough was evidenced by constant PD value. Delayed water breakthrough is favoured by narrow well, shorter well, low viscous fluid, low flow rate and high horizontal permeability relative to vertical permeability. Viscosity of oil can be reduced by gaslifting, EOR thermal process, etc. Higher values of and tDe can be achieved by increasing the horizontal permeability,kh, while vertical permeability,kv, is reduced. Suitable stimulation process can achieve improved permeability.Special functionserf error function =Ei exponential integral function Ei(x) = [
Biodiesel Production Using Mixed Solid Catalysts
Authors: Temu A.K.
Published: September 2013

One of the disadvantages of homogeneous base catalysts in biodiesel production is that they cannot be reused or regenerated because they are consumed in the reaction. Besides, homogeneous catalysed process is not environmentally friendly because a lot of waste water is produced in the separation step. Unlike homogeneous, heterogeneous catalysts are environmentally benign, can be reused and regenerated, and could be operated in continuous processes, thus providing a promising option for biodiesel production. This paper presents catalytic activity of single and mixed solid catalysts in production of biodiesel from palm oil using methanol as well as ethanol at atmospheric pressure. The catalysts used are CaO, K2CO3, Al2O3, and CaO/K2CO3, CaO/Al2O3, K2CO3/Al2O3 mixtures. Results show that methanol is a better reactant with biodiesel yield ranging from 48 to 96.5% while ethanol gives yields ranging from 20 to 95.2%. The yield data for single catalysts range from 20 to 89.2% while that for mixed catalysts range from 52 to 96.5% indicating improvement in the activity by mixing the catalysts. The study also shows that biodiesel yield increases with catalyst loading which emphasizes the need for sufficient number of active sites. The properties of biodiesel produced compares well with ASTM D6751 and EN 14124 biodiesel standards.
Potential of Biogas Production from Floating Aquatic Weeds
Authors: Enaboifo M.A. , Izinyon O.C.
Published: September 2013

This study investigates the potential of biogas production from water hyacinth, water lettuce and water fern. Laboratory experiments were carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture laboratory, University of Benin, Nigeria. The aquatic weeds which are major constituents of the substrate were contained in the conical flasks used as digester. The cow dung and aquatic weeds were mixed in the ratio of 1:1; 1:2; 1:3; 1:4; and 1:5 in the different samples used for each of the three aquatic weeds and gas produced measured.The results obtained showed that no gas was produced in any of the flasks containing the aquatic weed within 21days. Gas production was however recorded in those with cow dung alone which gave 302ml of biogas within the 21 days retention period with an average of 21ml of gas produced within the active 14 days of production. The results also showed variations in gas production between daytime and night hours with minimal gas production recorded at night hours and peak production during the daytime. It was concluded that cow dung requires shorter retention time to initiate production of biogas when compared with that of the aquatic weeds and therefore can be used to sustained biogas production in aquatic weed at the early stage.
Development of a Raw Material Requirement Balancing Model for a Production Process
Authors: Kareem B.
Published: September 2013

Attainment of accuracy in raw materials mix for production processes has been the major problem in many production organizations in developing countries. Effects of unequal proportions of material required for a production process are not fully considered in the past studies. This study modeled the raw material requirements in a production process using proportionality based mixed linear programming approach. The objective was to find optimal mix of raw materials for the production of a unit tonnage of a product. The performance of the model was tested by comparing it with alternatively formulated model based on conventional material mix. This model was tested using a cement production system from which blasted limestone, crushed limestone; raw meal, gypsum, red alluvium, clinker and coal were used as raw materials. The conventional method of mixing materials led to 50 % surplus and shortage of materials in the process as compared with the new scheme. The model would be a good tool for accurate prediction of quantity of the raw material required in the production process.Nomenclature, the proportion of material used per ton of the processed product, the quantity of material in processed product (ton), the material proportional per ton of the product, andthe total quantity of materials needed per ton of the product,..., the counter for material type,..., the counter for material proportionality variant
On the Prediction of Pollutant Emission [NOx] in Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Ogunmola B.Y. , Abolarin S.M. , Adelaja A.O.
Published: September 2013

The study of internal chemical processes involving nitrogenous species forms an important part in the understanding of parameters which lower NOx emission from combustion systems. The focus of this research is to numerically model the prediction of formation of pollutant emission in a continuous internal combustion engine (ICE), from finite rate chemical equilibrium equations. The main source of nitrogen in the chemical formation of NOx is atmospheric, and a very small portion is caused by nitrogen compounds found in some fuels. A mathematical modeling was carried out with these equations using MATLAB simulation to predict the concentration of Nitric Oxide NO; a pollutant, at different flame temperatures and reaction timing of ICE. The temperatures under consideration vary from 1500K to 2300K. The concentration of the pollutant was evaluated by the analytical and numerical methods for a spark ignition engine at a temperature of 2000K; pressure of 1atm, considering a sample containing 78% of Nitrogen and 4% of Oxygen and 78% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen held between zero to one second in the course of the combustion process, while the computer programme simulated between zero and 100seconds. The concentrations predicted were found to increase as the flame temperature, the combustion time increase as depicted on the results and as the percentage composition of Oxygen in the mixture increases, but reduces with increasing fuel nitrogen content.
Application of #Chain Equations to Resource Scheduling
Authors: Udosen U.J.
Published: September 2013

Chain (pronounced number chain) equations were applied in the resource scheduling of two projects. The first project involved the scheduling of one type of manpower with unlimited resource availability while the second involved categorized manpower with resource constraints. The Earliest Start (ES), Latest Start (LS) and Leveling methods were applied to schedule the first project and were characterized by plotting network diagrams to schedule the project. When the #Chain approach was employed to schedule the same project, plotting of network diagrams was obviated but yielded similar manpower profiles and project duration of 12 weeks as the other methods. The ES, LS and Leveling methods did not lend themselves to scheduling of the project with categorized manpower having constraints and were not applied for scheduling the second project. However, the #Chain equations were applied, with ease, to schedule the second project to generate manpower profiles for each type of manpower. Due to the constraints applied, the project duration was extended from 12 weeks to 14 weeks. Hence the #Chain approach proffers a simple and preferred methodology for scheduling categorized resources with their attendant constraints.
The Future of Cassava Production in Nigeria
Authors: Udosen U.J. , Emuekpere A.J.
Published: September 2013

This work was inspired by a genuine desire to reduce poverty in the Nigerian society, generate employment, promote rural development, increase export and also serve as a panacea to the countrys over-dependence on crude oil. The objective of this study is therefore to establish the current potential of cassava production in Nigeria with a view to developing and actualizing them. In achieving this objective, figures for cassava annual production outputs were obtained from records kept by relevant organizations for the past twenty eight years (1980-2007). The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 15.0 was used to analyze the data to obtain the best time series model that can predict the annual cassava output. The linear model obtained predicted production output at about 56 and 60 millions tonnes of cassava by the year 2017 and 2020, respectively. These figures were quite very small when compared with targets of 150 million tonnes in 2020 set by stakeholders in agriculture in successive governments. This necessitated the identification of the current constraints militating against cassava production and the possible way forward. Therefore, questionnaires were distributed and the Likert Scale used for analysis to determine the constraints militating against cassava production and proffer solutions. In charting a way forward, efforts by past administrations at improving cassava production were appraised. Consequently, the research recommended the provision of agricultural inputs such as credit facilities and infrastructural facilities as key measures necessary for enhanced cassava production.