bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Surface Wave Testing for Investigating the Shallow Soil Profile
Authors: Zuraidah Zainudin Siti , Madun Aziman , Ariffuddin Joret , Mohammad Faiz L.A.
Published: July 2015

This research explores the use of the seismic surface wave technique which is called as a spectral analysis of surface wave (SASW) for investigating the shallow soil profile. The testing was conducted on soft ground located at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The testing was conducted using a new developed in-house seismic surface wave testing system. An impact source using 5 kg hammer is used to generate seismic energy and four differencesarrangement of the source to receiver distances to produce soil profile. The profile of phase velocity was obtained at a depth of 0.15 m to 1.8 m were between 68 m/s and 95 m/s. The results were calibrated with the hand vane shear test which is used to obtain the undrained shear strength and thus converted empirically to seismic velocity at 45 m/s and 95 m/s. The result shows good agreement between velocity obtained from the surface wave testing system and hand vane shear test. Therefore, the new developed in-house seismic surface wave system has been proven can be used to determine the seismic velocity at shallow depth.
Investigation on the Effect of Linear Kinematic Hardening Model on Plasticity Prediction of Reciprocating Sliding Contact
Authors: Nagentrau Muniandy , Siswanto Waluyo Adi , Mohd Tobi Abdul Latif
Published: July 2015

This paper discusses a finite element analysis of cylinder on flat contact configuration subjected to constant normal load and reciprocating tangential displacement with linear kinematic hardening models based on bi-modal Ti-6Al-4V cyclic stress-strain curves. The predicted evolution of plastic deformation such as the equivalent plastic strain, tangential plastic strain and shear plastic strain distributions on the contact region has been studied along with its respective predicted stress distributions. The effect of applied forward and backward sliding displacement movements on predicted stress and strain distributions have also been looked at. It is found that the stress distributions predicted for kinematic hardening model is similar for forward and backward movements while the predicted plastic strain distribution is increasing with reciprocating sliding movement. The predicted value keep increasing when it moves forward, backward and finally moves forward again. This is due to large strain effect of the model and its dependant on the displacement movement amount.
Modelling and Simulation of Flexible Beam as Aerator to Generate Dissolved Oxygen in Water
Authors: Md Zain Badrul Aisham , Shah Muhammad Amir Mat , Pauline Ong , bte Jafferi Noormaziah
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the simulation of the flexible aerator model as a new concept to generate dissolved oxygen. This method is implementing the flexible beam motion as a medium to circulate water and create wave. This paper is using the simulation to optimize the suitable parameters namely the length of flexible beam and the percentage of immerse in water. The best result of dissolved oxygen level were found during run the flexible beam aerator at 12 V with 0.65m length of flexible beam and immerses 25% in water. The flexible beam was successfully implemented as a new aerator concept where it is able to generate oxygen up to 8.6mg/L with the average Standard Oxygen Transfer Efficiency 1.84 kgO2/kWhr
Finite Element Modelling of Fixed-Fixed End Plate Attached with Passive Vibration Absorber
Authors: Mohamed Salleh Muhammad , Zaman Izzuddin
Published: July 2015

Every vibration structure has a certain resonance which tends to oscillate with larger amplitude at certain frequencies. These frequencies are known as resonance frequencies or natural frequencies of the structure. At these resonance frequencies, even a small periodic force can result the structure to vibrate excessively. Thus, in this study, the free and forced vibrations of fixed-fixed ends plate were simulated using a commercial Finite Element Analysis software, such as ANSYS to investigate the natural frequencies, mode shape and the response of the plate. Later, the vibration absorber is attached to the plate in order to decrease the vibration amplitude produced by a shaker. The preliminary result shows that the plate vibration reduced significantly with attached a single vibration absorber.
Reassessment of Remaining Strength of Subsea Corroded Pipeline Using Bayesian Updating
Authors: Nizamani Zafarullah , Mustaffa Zahiraniza
Published: July 2015

System strength evaluation of subsea pipeline, which has already completed its design life, is an important issue to deal with especially when hydrocarbon is the material to be transported. The remaining strength of pipeline in terms of probability of failure can be determined using assessment of maximum operating pressure and its capacity by using burst test results. Monte Carlo simulation is used to find probability of failure and then with burst test results the existing probability of failure can be updated using Bayesian updating technique.
Prediction of Elastic Properties for Unidirectional Carbon Composites: Periodic Boundary Condition Approach
Authors: Kamarudin K.A. , Ismail Al Emran
Published: July 2015

A three-dimensional finite element model of unidirectional fibre reinforced composites has been investigated numerically using periodic boundary condition method. This method was used to predict the elastic mechanical behaviour of a unit cell of such composites. Periodic boundary condition was used due to its capability to represent a single unit cell similar to the neighbouring unit cells with continuous physical elements. It is assumed that the paired nodes displaced continuously without separating or interrupting other nodes during the deformation step. From the study, it was revealed that the elastic modulus agreed well with the experimental results, indicating that the present model could be used effectively.
The Effects of Heat and Compression on Moisture Content and Water Absorption of PALF/Sugarcane Bagasse Composition in Disposable Plate Production
Authors: Mustapa Mohammad Sukri , Sabdin Saiful Din , Tobi Abdul Latif M. , Wahab Md Saidin , Yunus Mohd Radzi Mohamed , Yusof Yusri
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the results of heat and compression effects on moisture content and water absorption properties in the manufacturing of disposable plate made from Pineapple Leaf Fiber-based material (PALF). The plate was made of PALF and sugarcane bagasse waste as an alternative to polystyrenes, designed to promote the green technology effort on food packaging material. Two different specimens were produced with different compositions of PALF/sugarcane bagasse series N2T8 ( 20 wt% of Pineapple leaf fiber and 80 wt% of sugarcane bagasse ) and series N8T2 ( 80 wt% of Pineapple leaf fiber and 20 wt% of sugarcane bagasse). The specimens were produced using a hot press machine set at compressing temperatures of 50°C, 100°C and 150°C with constant pressure of 0.024 MPa for 10 minutes. Moisture content and water absorption tests were carried out on the specimens to determine the moisture content and water absorption properties. The lower water absorption was obtained for specimen N8T2 because PALF potential to water resistance. This range of properties is expected to be good enough for the requirement of disposable plate and it has the potential as a suitable raw material for strength and lightweight in the manufacturing of disposable plates.
Weight Minimization of Helical Compression Spring Using Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA)
Authors: Amer Noor Hafizah , Ahmad Nurhidayati , Zainal Abidin Amar Faiz
Published: July 2015

Compression spring is one of the most common mechanical componet being used in most mechanisms. Many criteria and constraints should be considered in designing and specifying the spring dimensions. Therefore, it has been one of the standard case studies considered to test a new optimisation algorithm. This paper introduced an optimization method named Gravitational search Algorithm (GSA) to solve the problem of weight minimization of spring. From previous studies, weight minimization of a spring has been investigated by many researcher using various optimization algorithm technique. The result of this study were compared to one of the previous studies using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Also, parametric studies were conducted to select the best values of GSA parameters, beta and epsilon. From the results obtained, it was observed that the optimum dimensions and weight obtained by GSA are better than the values obtained by PSO. The best values of beta and epsilon was found to be 0.6 and 0.01 respectively.
Melt Flow Index of Recycle ABS for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Filament
Authors: Sa'ude Nasuha , Kamarudin Khairu , Ibrahim Mustaffa , Ibrahim Mohd Halim Irwan
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the melt flow index (MFI) of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and recycle ABS filament wire for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) machine. In this study, the effect of MFI on recycle ABS material was investigated experimentally based on the melting temperature, density, screw speed and material properties. The MFI result on ABS recycle in wire filament was investigated using Melt Indexer Machine (MIM). Based on the result obtained, it was found that, ABS recycle was increase the density and MFI results. It can be observed that, the higher temperature was melt the recycle ABS material through the MIM and extruder machine.
Increasing Draining Capacity for Overloaded Sewers during Flooding by Means of Polymer Addition
Authors: Yimprasert Sattaya , Ukaew Ananchai
Published: July 2015

The maximum limit of water storage capacity in sewers and storm drains depends on the draining capacity of the sewer or drain. When the draining capacity is exceeded, this results in the overloading of the sewer capacity, causing flooding. This moment, which is called the “choking” phenomenon. Therefore, draining capacity will decrease, and flooding can occur in a short period of time. The purpose of the current research was to examine this phenomenon by determining the correlation between draining capacity and water storage levels in the experimental situation. The experiments were based on original techniques published in 1949 [1, 2] which demonstrated an increase in the flow rate in a pipe by adding polymer solution into the fluid in a turbulent flow; this has been termed the “Drag Reduction Effect”. The experiments demonstrated that the addition of the polymer solution proved to reduce the drag between the fluid and the pipe wall, and that the overloaded sewer effect can be relieved by means of polymer addition into the draining system, which enhances draining capacity during flooding situation, To conduct the experiment, an acrylic tank with a capacity of 65 litres was prepared to simulate a flooding area. Three different sizes of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe (10, 18 and 20 millimeters) were used as a test section to simulate a sewer pipe. The experiment was conducted by dosing a gravity pipe flow system with Polyacrylamide (PAM), known as anionic polymer, which is normally employed in wastewater treatment processes, at different concentrations (0, 10, 30, 50, 100 wppm (part per million by weight), The results of the experiment indicate that a suitable amount of polymer addition can increase maximum enhancement of draining capacity up to 13 % and increase maximum flow rate up to 12%. It was also observed that the increased flow rates resulting from the drag reduction phenomenon occurred as an effect of the type of polymer and the concentration of the polymer.
Numerical Analysis of Laser Preheating for Laser Assisted Micro Milling of Inconel 718
Authors: Rahim E.A. , Warap N.M. , Mohid Zazuli , Ibrahim Mohd Rasidi , Rafai N.
Published: July 2015

Micro milling of super alloy materials such as nickel based alloys such as Inconel 718 is challenging due to the excellent of its mechanical properties. Therefore, new techniques have been suggested to enhance the machinability of nickel based alloys by pre-heating the workpiece’s surface to reduce its strength and ductility. The prediction of fluctuated temperature distribution generated by pulsed wave laser in laser assisted micro milling (LAMM) is crucial. The selection of processing parameter by minimize the effect on the processing characteristic is decisive to ensure the machining quality is high. Determining the effect of heat generated in underneath surface is important to make sure that the cutting tools are able to cut the material with maximum depth of cut and minimum defects in terms of tool wear and tool life. In this study the simulation was carried by using Ansys APDL. In order to confirm the actual and distribution irradiation of temperature from simulation, an experimental was done to validate the results. The experiment was conducted by using Nd:YAG laser with wavelength 1064 nm.
Comparison of RANS and U-RANS for Flat Plate Film Cooling
Authors: Abdullah Kamil , Abdulguad Osama H. , Mohammed Akmal Nizam , Suleiman Zaid
Published: July 2015

Film cooling has been extensively used to provide thermal protection for the external surfaces of gas turbine components. For the past 40 years, numerous number of film cooling hole designs and arrangements have been introduced. Due to broad designs and arrangements of film cooling, numerical investigation has been utilized to provide initial insight on the aerodynamics and thermal performance of the new film cooling designs or arrangements. The present work focuses on the numerical investigation of RANS and URANS analyses on a flat plate film cooling. The investigation aims to provide comparison between various turbulent models available for the Reynolds Average Navier Stokes (RANS) analyses and extended to unsteady Reynolds Average Navier Stokes (URANS). The numerical investigations make used of ANSYS CFX ver. 14 and were carried out at Reynolds Number, Re = 7,000 based on the hole diameter at blowing ratio, BR = 0.5. The results of the RANS analyses show significant influence of the turbulent models on the predicted aerodynamics and thermal performance of the film cooling. The result of URANS indicates limitation of RANS analyses to provide details on the eddied and vortices formation in film cooling flow structure.
The Effect of Radiation on Free Convection from a Heated Horizontal Circular Cylinder
Authors: Zainuddin Najahulfazliah , Hashim Ishak , Ismoen Muhaimin , Roslan Rozaini
Published: July 2015

Effect of radiation on free convection on heated horizontal circular has been investigated. The cylinder is fixed and immersed in a stationary fluid, in which the temperature is uniformly heated about the temperature of the surrounding fluid. The governing equation are transformed into dimensionless non-linear of partial differential equations and solved numerically by employing a finite difference method. An implicit finite difference scheme of Crank Nicolson method is used to analyze the results. This study determine the effects of radiation parameter, heat generation parameter, and the Prandtl number, , on the temperature and velocity profiles. The results of the local heat transfer and skin-friction coefficient in the presence of radiation for some selected values of Prandtl number and heat generation parameter have shown graphically.Keywords: Radiation; free convection; heated circular cylinder; heat generation.
Information Structure of STEP Convertor of STEP-CNC Mapping System
Authors: Kassim Noordiana , Yusof Yusri , Bahrudin Ida Aryanie , Mohd Hanifa Rafizah , Mohamed Nor Mohd Hadri , Abd Aziz Azizul Rahman , Othman Zahrul Hisham
Published: July 2015

ISO 14649 standard, commonly recognized as STEP-NC is a data model interface for computer numerical controllers. STEP-NC goes much further that G codes and has a more comprehensive data model that overcomes the lack of process information in ISO 6983 files (G codes programming). The STEP compliant approach brings the possibility to integrate the machine controller to the overall enterprise information network, with the intention of having bi-directional data flow. This will provide the novel capability for upstream feedback of information from the numerical controller to the design and process areas in the process planning and manufacturing. This paper presents the key concepts of the proposed STEP Convertor of the STEP-CNC Mapping System. The objective of the main system is to take a generic STEP file as the input to drive a CNC machine tool. The main system is broken down into two main sub-systems, STEP Convertor and STEP-NC Translator. This paper will focus solely on the information structure and conceptualization of the STEP Convertor.
Design for Two-Fluid Fine Nozzle with 50% Fill Ratio
Authors: Asmuin Nor Zelawati
Published: July 2015

Sufficient air insert by reduced liquid in flashing propellants are required to produce fine droplet size with symmetrical spray in an aerosol atomiser without swirling design. It is called novel matched valve-actuator with two-fluid fine nozzle. Two-fluid fine nozzle design is an arrangement between air-assist atomiser insert, air blast and effervescent atomiser insert. However, 50% fill ratio and 9bar on pressure can with a currently acceptable become “Benchmark Objective” in this research. The results shows a few measurement with the same volume flow rate and variable flow rate of two fluids atomiser which have been taken in the experimental. 50 ml/min for liquid flow rate and 150ml/min flow rate of insert gas could reduce droplet size less than 70μm SMD by modifying the insert to promote greater cone angle and droplet size distribution with differences on quantity of air, liquid supply and the atomising velocity. Validation of two-fluid fine nozzle results is also recommended to be carried out and compared with the experiment results which related to turbulence kinetic energy with the atomiser insert and droplet size. Further researches are concentrating on modelling droplet breakup downstream of the atomiser insert.Keywordaerosol atomiser, two-fluid fine nozzle, fill ratio, droplet size.
Effects of Geometrical Parameters to the Performance of Louvered Fin Heat Exchangers
Authors: Djamal Hissein Didane , Woon Qiu Yik , Suzairin Md Seri , Hisham Amirnordin Shahrin
Published: July 2015

Numerical study using ANSYS Fluent is conducted to investigate the effects of louver angle on pressure drop and heat transfer of a heat exchanger. Flow simulations are conducted on 3D modeling of multi stacks louvered fins at three different parameters of louver angles which are 22.0o, 25.5o and 29.0o with Reynolds number ranging from 200 to 1000. These Reynolds numbers are based on louver pitch and fin pitch. The flow temperature is set at 300K which is the room temperature, while temperature of louver fin is set at 400K. The results show that Reynolds number based on fin pitch 2.02 mm and louver angle of 22.0o generate higher performance of heat exchanger compared to louver pitch of 1.40 mm and the other louver angles. Therefore, configuration of Reynolds number based on fin pitch 2.02 mm and louver angle 22.0o is preferred to be adopted in the design process of heat exchanger.
Heating and Cooling of an Aluminium-Cased Parallel Flow Microreactor for Steam-Methane Reforming
Authors: Rais Hanizam Madon , Muhammad Afiq M. Zamree , Shahrin Hisham Amirnordin , Fawzi Mas
Published: July 2015

A prototype aluminium microreactor for steam methane reforming process to produce hydrogen syngas, with parallel flow microchannels was developed. The microreactor was heated up to 400°C using a Bunsen burner at distance of 10mm below it surface. Whereby two condition of burner open flow which are 1/3 and 2/3 took place in order to investigate its heating effect on outlet stream temperature. From the results, show that both Bunsen burner flow slightly show the same tendency of increasing and decreasing state, which indicated the optimum point of heat transfer to the systems for a cycle. But, the 2/3 opening Bunsen burner flow give the reliable contact reaction time at minimum operating condition of 400 °C and 1 bar compare to 1/3 opening. This is due to its ability for lays above the set temperature point with longest duration time. From this results can conclude that, the relationship between contact flame area and microreactor surface on outlet flow temperature had been developed. The outlet stream temperature is proportional to the Bunsen burner opening, based on biggest area of flame contact yield the highest optimum temperature point with longest reaction time.
Study on Particulate Matter of Diesel Engine Using Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Jaharudin Nur Fauziah , Ramlan Nur Atiqah , Hamzah Mohd Herzwan , Abdullah Abdul Adam , Mamat Rizalman
Published: July 2015

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the major pollutants emitted by diesel engine which have adverse effects on human health. Accordingly, many researches have been done to find alternative fuels that are clean and efficient. Biodiesel is preferred as an alternative source for diesel engine which produces lower PM than diesel fuel. However, the manufacturing cost of biodiesel from vegetable oil is expensive. Therefore, using waste cooking oil (WCO) for biodiesel would be more economical and sustainable solution. The characteristics of direct injection diesel engine in term of the PM have been investigated experimentally in this study. The experiments were conducted using single cylinder diesel engine with different speed (1200 rpm, 1500 rpm, 1800 rpm, 2100 rpm, 2400 rpm) at constant load. PM emission of WCO B100 and diesel fuel was compared and the effect of PM components such as soluble organic fraction (SOF) and soot were studied. The result showed WCO B100 reduces the PM emission at all engine speed. Furthermore, both fuels showed highest reduction of PM concentration at moderate engine speed of 1500 rpm.
Review of Performance and Emmissions Characteristics of Bio-Additive Fuel on SI Engine Fuelled by Biopetrol
Authors: Mokhtar Azizul , Atan Nazrul , Rahman Najib , Khalid Amir
Published: July 2015

Bio-additive is biodegradable and produces less air pollution thus significant for replacing the limited fossil fuels and reducing threats to the environment from exhaust emissions and global warming. Instead, the bio-additives can remarkably improve the fuel economy SI engine while operating on all kinds of fuel. Some of the bio-additive has the ability to reduce the total CO2 emission from internal petrol engine. This review paper focuses to determine a new approach in potential of bio-additives blends operating with bio-petrol on performance and emissions of spark ignition engine. It is shown that the variant in bio-additives blending ratio and engine operational condition are reduced engine-out emissions and increased efficiency. It seems that the bio-additives can increase the maximum cylinder combustion pressure, improve exhaust emissions and largely reduce the friction coefficient. The review concludes that the additives usage in bio-petrol is inseparable for the better engine performance and emission control and further research is needed to develop bio-petrol specific additives.
Effects of Nozzle Shape on the Flow Characteristics of Premix Injector Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Yii Shi Chin Ronny , Hisham Amirnordin Shahrin , Khalid Amir
Published: July 2015

The burner system is a patented, unique, higher-efficiency and fuel-injector system that works with a specially designed oil burner to create ultra-efficient combustion that reduces oil use, greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions. This research shows the injector nozzle geometries play a significant role in spray characteristics, atomization and formation of fuel-air mixture in order to improve combustion performance, and decrease some pollutant products from burner system. The aim of this research is to determine the effects of nozzle hole shape on spray characteristics of the premix injector by using CFD. Multiphase of volume of fluid (VOF) cavitating flow inside nozzles are determined by means of steady simulations and Eulerian-Eulerian two-fluid approach is used for performing mixing of Jatropha oil and air. Nozzle flow simulations resulted that cavitation area is strongly dependent on the nozzle hole shape. Conical hole with k-factor of 2 provides higher flow velocity and turbulent kinetic energy compared with conical hole with k-factor of 1.3 and cylindrical hole. The results show that the premix injector nozzle hole shape gives impact to the spray characteristics and indirectly affects the emission of the system.
Review on Typical Ingredients for Ammonium Perchlorate Based Solid Propellant
Authors: Aziz Amir , Mamat Rizalman , Wan Ali Wan Khairuddin , Mohd Perang Mohd Rozi
Published: July 2015

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) based solid propellant is a modern solid rocket propellant used in various applications. The combustion characteristics of AP based composite propellants were extensively studied by many research scholars to gain higher thrust. The amount of thrust and the thrust profile, which may be obtained from a specific grain design, is mainly determined by the propellant composition and the manufacturing process that produces the solid propellant. This article is intended to review and discuss several aspects of the composition and preparation of the solid rocket propellant. The analysis covers the main ingredients of AP based propellants such as the binder, oxidizer, metal fuel, and plasticizers. The main conclusions are derived from each of its components with specific methods of good manufacturing practices. In conclusion, the AP based solid propellant, like other composite propellants is highly influenced by its composition. However, the quality of the finished grain is mainly due to the manufacturing process.
Oblique Perforated Impact Strength of Woven Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Ismail Al Emran
Published: July 2015

This present work investigated the perforated impact strength of woven kenaf fiber reinforced composites subjected to different projectile velocities. Three layers of woven kenaf mats were stacked with four different fiber orientations 0, 15, 30 and 450. The composites are fabricated using hand-layout where the woven mats were placed into the mould with a polymeric resin. The wetted composites were compressed to squeeze out the excessive resin and to eliminate the void contents. The hardened samples were shaped into a standard geometry specified by ASTM D3763. Then, the composites were perforated impact using different speeds 1, 2 and 3 m/s. According to the present results, it was found that the perforated impact strength reduced when the impact velocity was increased. However, the impact strength of 150 oriented composite was higher when compared with other types of composites.
Effects of Fuel Additive on Performance and Emissions Characteristics of Diesel Engine Fuelled by Biodiesel Derived from Palm Oil
Authors: Khalid Amir , Abas Azmi
Published: July 2015

Biodiesel is the alternate fuel which is derived from renewable sources either is vegetable oils or animal fats. Biodiesel is non-toxic, have higher biodegradability, free of sulphur, no aromatics and its oxygen content of about 10-11% which is usually not contained in diesel fuel. These characteristics thus predominantly influences to the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) in the exhaust gas. Purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of fuel additive, oil palm blended fuel, engine speed and test load conditions on the exhaust emissions and engine performance. The engine speed was varied from 1500 to 3000 rpm, load test condition varied by dynapack chassis dynamometer in 0, 50 and 100% and blends of 5(B5), 10(B10) and 15vol%(B15) palm oil with the diesel fuel. Increased of blends ratio with same mixing booster quantity can improve the engine performance, combustion process and give less CO emission. However, this condition tends to produce high NOx production due to higher oxygenated fuel in biodiesel content.
Performance of Two-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) at Different pH Anode Microenvironment Using Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) as Substrate
Authors: Jalilluddin Aina Mardhiyah , Chia-Chay Tay , Abdul-Talib Suhaimi
Published: July 2015

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) represents a new method for producing electricity from the oxidation of organic matter. In addition, MFC offers an effective wastewater treatment. The feasibility of using POME wastewater as a substrate was investigated through a two-chambered MFC operated in batch mode for 12 days. The performance of MFC was evaluated under three different anode pH microenvironments of acidic (pH 4), neutral (pH 7) and alkaline (pH 8). Results of experiments indicated that the MFC reactor was able to generate electricity and treat POME wastewater that acted as substrate for MFC. The performance of MFC was found to be dependent on the anode pH microenvironments. Higher power density was observed at neutral condition compared to acidic and alkaline conditions. Furthermore, significant reductions in chemical oxygen demand (COD) in anode chambers were found due to the changes of pH in anode microenvironment. This indicated that effective wastewater treatment of POME in MFC batch experiments. In conclusion, MFC provides an alternative, sustainability and effective method to generate electricity and effectively treat wastewater.
Dynamic Behavior of Rapeseed Oil Spray in Diesel Engine
Authors: Sapit Azwan , Razali Mohd Azahari , Hushim Mohd Faisal , Jaat M. , Mohammad Akmal Nizam , Khalid Amir
Published: July 2015

Fuel-air mixing is important process in diesel combustion which significantly affects the combustion and emission of diesel engine. Due to the nature of biomass fuel that has high viscosity and high distillation temperature, the condition and furthermore the improvement of atomization process is very important. This study investigates the atomization characteristics and droplet dynamic behaviors of diesel engine spray fueled by rapeseed oil (RO). Optical observation of RO spray was carried out using shadowgraph photography technique. Single nanospark photography technique was used to study the characteristics of the rapeseed oil spray while dual nanospark shadowgraph technique was used to study the spray droplet behavior. Using in-house image processing algorithm, the images were processed and the boundary condition of RO spray also was studied. The results show that RO has very poor atomization due to the high viscosity nature of the fuel. This is in agreement with the results from spray droplet dynamic behavior studies that shows due to the high viscosity, the droplets are large in size and travel downward, with very little influence of entrainment effect due to its large kinematic energy.
Emission and Performance Characteristic of Biodiesel Burner System: A Review
Authors: Lambosi Latip , Khalid Amir , Manshoor Bukhari
Published: July 2015

Shortage in hydrocarbon fuel sources, energy preservation and future stringent emission regulations have been a formidable challenge to the most prominent Small and Medium Enterprise (SME ) in Malaysia especially in the burner system of boiler. Therefore, the alternative source of fuel is receiving a lot of attention especially in the application of renewable energy such as biodiesel fuel (BDF) and low quality fuel. The application of biodiesel in the burner system offer not only attractive and more economical fuel but also creates problems of higher toxic emission such as nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matters (PM). This review presents the current status of the several studies that had been carried out on the emission and performance characteristic of biodiesel burners burner in term of the specific fuel type that could be used, type of emissions such as NOx, CO, CO2 and others operating condition that can be used to optimize the performance of the biodiesel burner system and also comment the progress of it in some areas. Based on the review clearly indicated that this form of alternative fuel can be an attractive renewable alternative energy source for burner system.
Constant Amplitude of Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PCS) Subjected to Three Coaches Train
Authors: Sharul Nizam I. , Afidah A.B. , Siti Hawa H. , Mohd Ikmal Fazlan R.
Published: July 2015

- Concrete sleeper is the main structrural component in railways track. Concrete sleeper is used to transmit the load from the train to the ballast. In this study, the pattern of load applied to the concrete sleeper was determined. The pattern of load is important as it affecting the design and lifetime of conrete sleeper. The raw data for load of train will produced variable amplitude value as the concrete sleeper will be experiencing the different type of loading. The value of raw data when the wheel of train hit the concrete sleeper will be higher than the raw data when the conrete sleeper is experiencing vibration due to incoming train. In this study, the pattern of load will be analysed to understand the behaviour of the load applied to concrete sleeper. Other than that, the variable amplitude value of raw data will convert into a constant amplitude value using a method of calculation. The determination of constant value amplitude will be divided into N-section to finding the maximum and minimum value for the section. In addition, the actual number of cycle from the raw data will determined using Rainflow Counting method. This study can be further used for laboratory work as it’s determine the suitable loading and cycle applied to the concrete sleeper under dynamic loading.
Study on Spray Characteristics of Biodiesel using a Rapid Compression Machine
Authors: Jaat M. , Khalid Amir , Manshoor Bukhari , Basharie Siti Mariam , Andsaler Adiba Rhaodah , Sapit Azwan
Published: July 2015

Diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the high compression pressure to ignite the combustible mixture due to high temperature in the combustion chamber. There were many studies on the fuel-air premixing that resulting from air entrainment which linked to the improvement of exhaust emissions [1][2][3]. The most important issue in diesel combustion is achieving sufficient rapid mixing between the injected fuel and the air in cylinder prior to ignition. The oxidation reactions at the end of endothermic period depend on the physical process such as air entrainment, the breakup of the jet spray, and droplets evaporation.
Numerical Analysis of Nozzle Hole Shape to the Spray Characteristics from Premix Injector in Burner System : A Review
Authors: Yii Shi Chin Ronny , Hisham Amirnordin Shahrin , Mansor Norani , Khalid Amir
Published: July 2015

Fuel injection system is widely used in the field of burner system nowadays. Spray nozzles having various operating conditions depends on the design of nozzle and it is precision components designed to perform very specific spray characteristics under specific conditions. This review paper focuses on spray characteristics, effects of geometry of injector, influence of fuel and hole shaped nozzle with cylindrical and conical holes on spray characteristics. The parameters were discussed based on an overview of the research in the field of simulations with nozzle shaped injectors. A massive majority researcher reported that conical nozzle hole is better due to it contributed suppression of cavitation in nozzle hole, slowed down primary breakup process and thus produced larger spray droplets, high spray penetration.
Preparation of Nanostructured Fluorine Doped Tin Oxide (FTO) by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Mohd Hanif Asyikin Sasha , Lau Weng Kuen , Mohamad Fariza , Wan Zaki Wan Suhaimizan , Ahmad Mohd Khairul
Published: July 2015

This study demonstrates the fabrication of nanostructured FTO by hydrothermal method. It was directly synthesized on FTO glass substrate by using pentahydrated stannic chloride (SnCl4.5H2O) and ammonium fluoride (NH4F) as precursors. Different synthesis time was applied which were 5h, 10h and 24h. The characteristics of nanostructured FTO were investigated via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), two-point probe current-voltage test and ultraviolet visible spectrometer (UV-Vis). The FESEM images revealed the growth of nanosized particles layer on the FTO substrate. The electrical properties studied have shown a degeneration of conductivity as the thickness of nanostructured layer increased. UV-Vis results showed the decrement of transmittance as the time duration increased. It was revealed through FESEM characterization that the nanostructured FTO can be improved by using dibutyltin diacetate (DBTA) as a precursor.
Influence of Gd Doping on the Structural and Optical Properties of ZnO
Authors: Ab Rasid Nurul Fadzilah , Mohd Tawil Siti Nooraya , Norhidayah Che Ani , Sahdan Mohd Zainizan
Published: July 2015

Doping transition metal or rare-earth metal ion are one of the most popular topics in semiconductors. In this work, gadolinium (Gd) doped zinc oxide thin films was prepared using spin-coating technique with different concentrations in atomic percent (at.%). The influences of rare-earth ions doped into the zinc oxide films were studies. The effects on the physical and optical properties of the films were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopic and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. It was found that the properties of zinc oxide can be tuned by changing the concentration physical and optical of Gd.
Novel Straight Type Aortic Cannula with Spiral Flow Inducing Design
Authors: Darlis Nofrizalidris , Shafii Nadia Shaira , Dillon Jeswant , Osman Kahar , Md Khudzari Ahmad Zahran
Published: July 2015

Aortic cannula is one of major factors leading to adverse events such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis development during open heart surgery. This is due to oxygenated blood outflow with high velocity jet from heart lung machine when exiting the cannula tip into ascending aorta. It was discovered, and validated by several researchers that blood flow out of the left ventricle into the aorta is spiral in nature. In this study, a novel design in which internal profile of the cannula was made to induce spiral flow were tested by way of numerical simulation, and compared against existing commercial cannula. Three designs were tested, which differed in number of groove employed. Among the cannula model designs, cannula design with 4 grooves yielded the lowest value of maximum wall shear stress at testing tube with 3.778 Pa and highest value of area weighted helicity density at 40 mm from cannula tips with 11.829 m/s2. Overall, spiral cannula models were showed highly potential in inducing spiral flow, and also the effect on blood hemolysis is acceptable.
Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) Performance Analysis Based on Series Circuit
Authors: Abdullah M.F.L. , Rus Anika Zafiah M.
Published: July 2015

Solar power system is one of the renewable sources that will be used to produce electricity because of its characteristics such as consumed free source of sun light, less maintenance needed for the system and free of charge for usage electricity. One of the main disadvantages is the initial cost of the equipment used to harness the suns energy especially the cost of solar panel. In Malaysia, the cost of solar panel are relatively high because the solar panel are imported from overseas and the materials used in existing solar panel is very expensive. Therefore the proposed solar cells that will be used is natural dye sensitized with photovoltaic material. The scope of this research is to full fill the demand of low cost and to abundance, renewable material that could be used for energy conversion solar cell. The circuit connections of solar cells are in series and the performance of the dye sensitized cells would be based on the intensity of the sunlight illumination. The measurement of solar cell are conducted using 10 dye sensitizied cells connected in series circuit arrangement and the performance for this design are evaluated based on the generated potential (V) upon sunlight illumination at noon and evening for certain period of time. The result obtained from this research shows that the performance of series circuit connection of the dye sensitized solar cell is comparable with the silicon solar cell.
MIMO Antenna Performances on Microstrip Antenna with EBG Structure for WLAN Applications
Authors: Othman Nur Nasyilla , Wan Marzudi Wan Noor Najwa , Mohamad Yusof Nur Faizah , Zainal Abidin Zuhairiah , Mohamad Muji Siti Zarina , Ma Yue
Published: July 2015

A dual microstrip MIMO antenna with Electromagnetic Bandgap (EBG) structures presented. EBG structures proposed in order to reduce the coupling between elements .Simulated scattering parameters with and without EBG structures compared. An evaluation of MIMO antenna characteristics is presented, with the analysis of the mutual coupling, correlation coefficients, total active reflection coefficients (TARC), capacity loss and channel capacity using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio Software. The proposed antenna is a good candidate for WLAN practical applications.
Analysis of Vibration Effects on Floor of Office Building due to Ground Vibrations from Passing Vehicles
Authors: Tuan Chik Tuan Norhayati , Yabi Shurl , Yusoff Nor Azizi , Alexius Asiew Rachel , Jariman Adzikru , Ghazali Mohd Imran
Published: July 2015

Since the earliest days of ground road transportations and constructions in urban areas, there have been complaints of vibration in building caused by this external source of vibration, known as ground borne vibration. Vibration when it exceeds the recommended threshold could affect the structure of the building and any sensitive equipment housed inside the building, as well as causing discomfort and annoyance to the occupants of the building. The objectives of the study are to determine the level of vibration on each floor of a multi storey building due to ground borne vibration from road traffic, second to numerically investigate the structural response on the multi storey building from vehicles, and lastly to assess the vibration response obtained from both vehicles with the vibration criteria guideline. The selected building for this study is Registrar Office building located in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The scope of study is focused on the effect of ground borne vibration from vehicles on multi storey building and analyzing the data using MATLAB and ANSYSv14. The real inputs of vibration from vehicles were measured and obtained using Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV). The vibration level from vehicles and footfalls on the multi storey office building can be determined using Vibration Criteria (VC) guidelines by Gordon. Finally, from the study, the vibration level achieved for this Registrar Office building is above the ISO level which is exceeds the acceptable vibration limit for office building.
A Preliminary Study on the Learning Perspective at Malaysia's Government Technical Department
Authors: Zainal Abidin Noor Ain , Fathi Mohamad Syazli , Md Daud Mohd Yusof , Baharum Harmi Izzuan
Published: July 2015

A project manager is responsible for the successful project delivery. The project manager needs to effectively manage his team and all resources, in order to ensure the project is completed within the constraint of cost, schedule and quality, and also meeting the client’s satisfaction. Looking at project complexity nowadays, the project manager and project team member are required to acquire new knowledge and develop new skill from time to time. Time is not a privilege as ones handle more than one project at one time. Hence, the objectives of the study are to investigate their perspective towards learning and their perception on organizational support on learning. The study was conducted at a Malaysia’s Government technical department located in Klang Valley. 340 questionnaires were distributed and the rate of responses was about 53%. It was a quantitative approach and the analysis is mainly descriptive. The study demonstrated that all respondents realize the importance of learning and they are motivated to learn. They also perceived that there is organizational support towards learning, thus create a learning culture in the organization. Future studies should be undertaken to address the issue of what is the appropriate learning approach to enhance project management learning.
Operational Capability: The Missing Link between Supply Chain Practices and Performance
Authors: Thoo Ai Chin , Abdul Hamid Abu Bakar , Rasli Amran
Published: July 2015

The relationship between supply chain practices and business performance has been widely investigated by many academics and practitioners; however, the relationship is not yet fully understood. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the relevance of several prominent theories in strategic management for explaining the mediating role of operational capability in the relationship between supply chain practices and business performance. The resource-based view of the firm and neo-institutional theory are reviewed for their applicability to relate supply chain practices and operational capability in explaining sustained business performance. Supply chain practices are insufficient to drive business performance. Firms need to be able simultaneously to increase efficiency through supply chain practices and to be innovative through operational capability. Specifically, operational capability is forwarded as a key firm-specific capability that can result in significant and long-term improvement in organisational sustainability. Operational capability can serve as a critical mediating factor that better transmits the ambitions of supply chain practices onto business performance. As such, this paper provides a conceptual support to urge further research to empirically evaluate the relationship between supply chain practices, operational capability and business performance.
The Comparison of Travellers’ Attitude towards Public Transport: A Study on the Modal Share in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Ahmad Tajedi Noor Aqilah , Mohd Shahriman Shafein , Ismail S.M. Sabri S.M. , Endut Intan Rohani
Published: July 2015

Malaysia governments are seeing that the future of transportation to be creating an environmentally clean and sustainable for the benefit of the people.A huge amount of investment has been made by the governments towards a public transportation sector by expecting that the infrastructure and sustainability of transportation could change the number of modal share gradually. However, the numbers of modal share has not increased compared to private vehicle usage of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Therefore, a study on the travellers (both public and private vehicle users) attitudes is important to help understand the similarity or differences that could explain the modal share. The purpose of this study is to compare the attitudes of travellers in the Kuala Lumpur city centre by analysing the similarities and differences of attitudes among Public Transport users (PT) and Private Transport users (PV). The attitude being studied is about travelling without any specification of modes, thus examining 1790 KL dwellers objectives and provide the basis for fair and just comparison with regard to PT and PV. The attitudes towards travelling were measured by a 5-point Likert scale using a structured questionnaire, and statistically analysed by applying factor analysis provided in SPSS. The study found that six attitudes define the attitudes of PT traveller towards travelling, and three attitudes were influencing PV travellers toward travelling. Based on this outcome, the key attitudes that influence travellers’ willingness to use public transport were discussed and identified. The results lead to understanding the attitudes of people towards travelling from the eye of public transport and private transport users. The understanding forms concrete basis for government to plan on strategies to shift private vehicle users and promote usage of public transport. For operators, the understanding also provides invaluable input for strategic planning of marketing effort/public policy.Keyword-TravellerAttitude,Age,Gender,Incomelevel,PublicVehicle,PrivateVehicle