bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on General Statistical Chart Drawing Based on .Net
Authors: Li Rui Fang , Yu Xiao Hong
Published: February 2014

By the need of graphical analyzing and sharing about statistical data, drawing of statistic chart based on .net is studied. In all kinds of methods, the chart based on OWC component is widely favored by the developers, and it mainly focused on the implementation steps. But in most of the researches, data is directly bound with the program, and it reduces the reusability of the program, causing a great deal of redundancy. Therefore, general class of statistical chart based on OWC is developed based on .Net, which implements the separation of data and drawing. In addition, by using the AJAX technique, condition setting according to need is provided without refreshing the page, which improves the running speed of program.
Research of Allocation for Uncertain Task Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: He Yi Hui , Pan Ming Cong , Xu Wei , Zou Yong Bin
Published: February 2014

The traditional task allocation method is applied in the certain environments that the relationships between tasks and the execution abilities of agents are determined. This paper analyses the uncertain factors caused by uncertain environments. These factors exist in the process of task decomposition and execution, such as the uncertainty of tasks, their relationships and agents execution. Then an uncertain task allocation method based on genetic algorithm is presented. According to the structure of the decomposition tree, this paper puts forward a probabilistic reasoning algorithm for calculating fitness. To the end, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of fitness calculation algorithm.
Is TQM Practices still Relevant?: A Critical Review
Authors: Long Choi Sang , Kowang Tan Owee
Published: February 2014

A successful company understands the powerful impact customer-defined quality can have on business. For this reason an organization or company want to maintain a level of quality that satisfy their customers at the appropriate time and price then that organization must follow some quality management techniques to fulfill those principles and planning. TQM is a comprehensive system approach that works horizontally across an organization, involving all departments and employees and extending backward and forward to include suppliers, clients and customers. However, the process of implementation of TQM may not be a smooth sailing process for some organizations. Organizations must have perseverance and undivided support from top management before embarking into this rigorous but yet challenging process.
Operation Management: Prediction of New Product Development Performance at Pre-Product Launch Stage
Authors: Kowang Tan Owee , Long Choi Sang , Rasli Amran Bin Mohd , Heng Low Hock
Published: February 2014

New Product Development (NPD) performance has increasingly been viewed as an essential indicator for organizational competitiveness and success. However, in the current literature of NPD, NPD performance measures are tends to focus on assessment of performance at the ending phase of NPD process (i.e. after product launch). Assessment of NPD performance before product launch is not widely discussed. Hence, this paper aims to address the research gap by developing models to predict NPD performance at the front end stage of NPD process. In line with this, 5 important NPD process constructs and 7 NPD management constructs were identified from literature review. These constructs were subsequently formulated into a survey questionnaire and responded by 186 Research and Development (R&D) staffs from R&D companies in Malaysia. Thereafter, the NPD process and management constructs were regressed with the perceived NPD performance to develop models for NPD performance prediction prior to product launch. Finally, discussion on researchs finding and recommendations are included at the end of this paper.
E-Commerce Capability: An Assessment of the Facilitators by Chinese Firms
Authors: Liu Min
Published: February 2014

Drawing upon IT (Information Technology) diffusion theory, this study developed a research model for studying e-commerce capability at firm level, incorporating 6 factors. The model examined the influence of the six factors and two control variables on e-commerce capability measured as aggregation of function-based business processes implemented electronically in value chain from a business process perspective. Data gathered from 236 traditional brick-and-mortar firms in China were employed to validate the model using statistical analysis approach. Hypotheses were designed and tested, and facilitators and their contributions to e-commerce capability were identified. The results suggested that four factors and two control variables tended to be the facilitators shaping e-commerce capability, while production size did not appear to influence e-commerce capability significantly. The results and findings help to facilitate e-commerce deployment, and provide theoretical foundations for future research.
Preparation of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials Using Surface Modification Method
Authors: Zhu Jin Hua , Wen Qing Zhen , Yu Chao , Wei Xiong , Zhou Li Qing
Published: February 2014

With the adoption of surface modification method, microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCM) with polyurea as wall materials, paraffin as core materials were successfully prepared. This paper made a research on the effect dosage of modifier might have on the content of microcapsule core materials. Findings indicated that the content of microcapsule core materials was relatively high as the dosage of modifier being core material 10 wt%. It was preliminarily proved that polyurea had been coated on the surface of paraffin particles by adopting Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) to formulate the composition and structure of microcapsules. And the laser particle analysis declared that particle size distribution of microcapsules was narrow with average particle size of 389 μm. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were also employed to make a representation of the thermal properties of microcapsules, and it was shown that microcapsules were of wonderful phase change performance and thermal stability.
Thermal Performance of Polyamide 6/Cloisite 20A Composite Hybrid by Adiabatic Extrusion: A Study on the Influence of Difference Approach of Compounding
Authors: Ismail Zulhelmi , Yusoh Kamal
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the possibility of thermal stability enhancement for PA6/Cloisite 20A through the application of adiabatic extrusion was inspected. Samples at 1 wt. %, 3 wt. % and 5 wt. % of clay loading Cloisite 20A were prepared by using adiabatic and conventional compounding with consistent screw speed of 200 RPM. The thermal properties of PA6/C20A nanocomposite were characterized from thermal gravimetric analysis. It has been found that adiabatic extrusion managed to increase the resistant of PA6 against heat degradation for PA6-1wt. % as PA6-3wt. % and PA6-5wt. % did not shown any distinctive in value of Tmin. as adiabatic extrusion does only have a minor effect on the increased content of clay C20A in PA6 based on thermal gravimetric characterization. The combination effect of adiabatic system and clay C20A presence is proposed as the main influence in the enhancement mechanism of thermal characteristic of PA6/C20A nanocomposite.
The Effect of Vortex Tube Cooling on Surface Roughness and Carbon Footprint in Dry Turning
Authors: Taha Zahari , Salaam Hadi Abdul , Ye Phoon Sin , Ya Tuan Muhammad Yusoff Shah Tuan
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a study on the effect of Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube air cooling on surface roughness quality and carbon footprint when turning mild steel workpiece with coated carbide cutting tool. The cutting parameters involved in this study were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The cutting speed and feed rate were fixed at 160 m/min and 0.10, 0.18 and 0.28 mm/rev, while the depth of cut was varied from 1.0 to 4.0 mm. During the turning process, the cutting temperatures were measured using infrared thermometer and the power consumption was measured using a power and harmonics analyzer and then converted into carbon footprint. The machined parts surface roughness were measured using a surface roughness tester. The results show that machining with Ranque - Hilsch vortex tube reduces the cutting temperature, but the surface roughness and carbon footprint is better under ambient condition except at a higher feedrate.
Effect of Tool Path Strategies in Pocket Milling of Aluminium Epoxy
Authors: Song Rusdi Mat , Sharif Safian , Md Said Ahmad Yasir , Mohd Khushairi Mohd Tanwyn
Published: February 2014

Selection of the most suitable tool path strategy is very essential during machining especially in computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) as well as computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Existence of various tool path strategies to be applied on advanced composite materials such as aluminium epoxy required extensive researches in determining the best combination of tool path and cutting parameters for better machinability performance. Pocket milling of aluminium epoxy specimen via CAD/CAM was conducted in this study to investigate the effect of three types of tool path strategies namely Inward Helical, Outward Helical and Back and Forth. Uncoated high speed steel (HSS-Co8) ball end mill was used throughout the experiments. The machining responses that were evaluated include machining time, tool wear rate, tool life and surface finish of the machined pockets. In general, the effect of tool path strategy was highly significant on the machining responses and results showed that Back and Forth strategy offered the best machinability results when compared to the other strategies.
Studies on Tensile Properties of Titanium Carbide (TiC) Particulates Composites
Authors: Suraya Sulaiman , Sulaiman Shamsuddin , Nur Najmiyah Jaafar , Nor Imrah Yusof
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study is to determine the tensile properties of titanium carbide (TiC) particulate reinforced with aluminium alloy 11.8% silicon (LM6) alloy composite. In this experimental study, TiC particulates reinforced with LM6 composite were manufactured by sand and permanent metallic mould methods. Tensile properties of these composite materials were investigated by different weight percentages, 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%wt. The tensile tests were conducted to determine tensile strength and modulus young to investigate the effects of reinforce materials on weight percentages. The outcome of the investigations reveals that the tensile strength is enhanced from 0wt% to 10wt% of TiC and start to decrease after the addition of 10wt% of TiC. Good bonding and wettability between the composites ranging from 0%wt. to 10%wt. of TiC influence the close distribution of TiC particles in the LM6 alloy matrix. The addition of 10%wt. to 20%wt. of TiC in LM6 alloy matrix cause the lower resistance and load-bearing capacity and the particle are no longer isolated with the LM6 alloy matrix causing the worse value of tensile strength.
Comparison of Cooling Performance between High Thermal Conductivity Steel (HTCS 150) and Hot Work Tool Steel (SKD 61) Insert for Experimental Tool Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Taha Zahari , Yusoff Ahmad Razlan , Mohamd Sharif Mohamad Farid , Saharudin M. Ali Hanafiah , Zamri Mohd Fawzi
Published: February 2014

In hot stamping, the tool cooling system plays an important role in optimizing the process cycle time as well as maintaining the tool temperature distribution. Since the chilled water is forced to circulate through the cooling channels, there is a need to find the optimal parameters of the cooling channels that will cool down the tool efficiently. In this research paper, the cooling channel parameters that significantly influence the tool cooling performance such as size of the cooling holes, distance between the cooling holes and distance between the cooling holes and the tool surface contour are analyzed using the finite element method for both static and thermal analysis. Finally the cooling performance of two types of materials is compared based on the optimized cooling channel parameters.
The Effect of Various Diameters Orifice Nozzle Coolant on Surface Roughness Performance in CNC Turning
Authors: Ariffin S. Zainal , Yusoff Ahmad Razlan , Rahman M.M.
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the effect of the diameter of orifice nozzle coolant on cutting performance of aluminum alloy 6066 in turning operations. The main factors affecting the performance and the major influence are tool wear, tool life, chip deformation and surface roughness by using coated cemented carbide Al2 O3 insert. The surface roughness and chip deformation performance of the various diameter of orifice nozzle and velocity of coolant on cutting is investigated. The experiments were carried out on 2 axes CNC lathe machine. The result revealed that the good performance of surface roughness at the smallest nozzle orifice size with velocity given a great influence on cutting speed performance.
Influences of Varying Combination of Feed Rate and Depth of Cut to Tool Wear Rate and Surface Roughness: High Speed Machining Technique in Non-High Speed Milling Machine
Authors: Zawawi Mohd Zairulnizam , Shaharudin Mohd Ali Hanafiah , Manaf Ahmad Rosli Abdul
Published: February 2014

Machining technique using high spindle speed, high feed rate and shallow depth of cut utilize in High Speed Milling (HSM) machines offer several benefits such as increase of productivity, elimination of secondary and semi-finishing process, reduce tool load and small chips produced. By adjusting some of the machining parameters, non-HSM machine having lower spindle speed and feed rate could also take advantages some of the benefits mentioned above when applying the HSM technique. This experiment investigate the effects of varying combination of depth of cut and feed rate to tool wear rate and surface roughness during end milling of Aluminum and P20 tool steel in dry condition. The criterion for tool wear before it gets rejected is based on maximum flank wear, Vb of 0.6mm. Material removal rate, spindle speed and radial depth of cut are constant in this experiment. After preliminary machining trials, the combination starts with depth of cut of 2mm and feed rate of 45mm/min until the smallest depth of cut and highest feed rate of 0.03mm and 3000mm/min respectively. The obtained result shows that for both materials, feed rate significantly influences the surface roughness value while depth of cut does not as the surface roughness value keep increasing with the increase of feed rate and decreasing depth of cut. Whereas, tool wear rate almost remain unchanged indicates that material removal rate strongly contribute the wear rate. With no significant tool wear rate, this study demonstrates that HSM technique is possible to be applied in non-HSM machine with extra benefits of eliminating semi-finishing operation, reducing tool load for finishing, machining without coolant and producing smaller chip for ease of cleaning.
Heat Generation Performance of a Homemade Friction Stir Welding Tool
Authors: Hilmy Irfan , Adesta Erry Yulian Triblas , Riza Muhammad
Published: February 2014

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is getting its popularity because it is considered as an environmentally friendly manufacturing. Homemade FSW tool to be attached to a conventional milling machine was designed and fabricated. Experimental investigation of FSW process of the Aluminum alloy work piece to observe its heat generation was performed. Since heat generation is the main objective in a FSW process, the importance of identification of heat generation performance in a welded specimen is paramount. Heat generation of a welded specimen during FSW was measured using infra red thermal camera. The limitation of the measurement is it only captured the heat generation at surrounding area and surface of the welded specimen. Therefore, the heat generation inside contact area could not be identified. To overcome this problem, a finite-element model of the FSW process was developed. A model consists of a solid model of half the welded specimen since the symmetrical behavior of the geometry and boundary condition was assumed. Heat transfer analysis of a solid body model of a work piece was computed. It was observed that FSW parameters which involved dominantly in the heat generation were spindle speed, feeding rate and normal force. The heat generation model of FSW process was validated with the one from the experimental investigation. Good agreement between the numerical and the experimental investigation result has been made.
Synthesis of Four Bar Slider Mechanism for Finitely Three Separated Positions
Authors: Ali Mokhtar Mohd Najib , Loon Wong Kian , Rafeq S.A. , Bani Hashim Ahmad Yusairi , Azni Jafar Fairul , Zakaria Muhammad Zulfattah
Published: February 2014

Movement of the heliostat tracking sun is able to achieve through simple four bar mechanism. Design methods for four bar linkage encompass a mathematical approach, trial and error method, function generation, motion synthesis and path synthesis. The paper presents a study of motion synthesis of four bar slider mechanism applies to heliostat movement. Mathematical equations used for the synthesis are presented and the results are compared with the graphical method. Procedure of various methods to determine the length and position of the links in case of desired positions of the coupler are presented. As a conclusion, both methods are able to achieve wanted results with an acceptable degree of accuracy. However, the graphical method is helpful to provide better insight of the system during designing the solution compared to the mathematical method.
Controller Design for Vector Controlled AC Induction Motor Drive Using State-Space Design Methodologies
Authors: Izzuddin Tarmizi Ahmad , Md Sani Zamani , Zohedi Fauzal Naim
Published: February 2014

Recently, Vector Control also known as Field Oriented Control used in AC induction motor drive provides us of a way to control AC induction motor similar to that of a DC motor. This objective is achieved by transforming the time-varying, difficult to control stator currents into a simple time-invariant system by means of coordinate transformations. This in turn provides us with a systematical way towards designing a controller using classical control or modern state-space design methodologies. Purpose of this research is to use the latter in designing a controller towards regulating current responsible for torque response. A non-linear model of the AC Induction Motor is modeled in the rotating (d,q) reference frame for the control purposes. Then, a state feedback linearization controller was design based on the idea of “exact linearization” to transform the non-linear model into linear state-space model, thus enabling controller design using modern state-space approach. A Linear Quadratic optimal controller and Feedback+Feedforward controller is then designed and applied to the linearized induction motor model. For comparison purposes a classical P/PI controller was also designed. Simulation is then carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK software and results shows good current regulation by controller design using modern state –space methodologies.
A Review of Solar Air Heater for Drying of Agricultural Products
Authors: Kareem M.W. , Habib Khairul , Gilani S.I.
Published: February 2014

Bulk of farm products need to be preserved because of their perishable nature. The cheapest and environmental friendly means is indirect usage of solar irradiance to reduce the moisture content of these products to a level that cannot sustain the activities of micro-organisms. The research on solar collector has gained its popularity over the years due to mans quest for green energy which has led to increase in demand for the utilization of solar energy. Harnessing of solar energy by man for drying purposes was predominantly by direct method which reduces the quality and quantity of the dried products. This work presents the most recent contributions on solar air heater of flat plate absorber category. Various models, material of component parts and performance efficiency of these air heaters were discussed and there is need for collector optimization. The study was concluded with a focus on multiple pass approach of solar harvesting.
Mechatronical Product Design Combined with Optimized Dynamic Behavior of Components
Authors: Nebeling Paul Helmut
Published: February 2014

This paper introduces some closer aspects of mechatronical and process oriented machine tool design. Basis of the considerations are the demands of the machining process and the workpiece dimensions and material. The machining area, the axis and the technical features are designed on characteristic parameters. The forces, torque and speed are derived out of these parameters. Control technique is adapted to the process specific demands of the machine and the workpiece. The machine tool behavior is adapted to the process demands so that the costs and energy consumption are minimized. Some examples are included to present properties concerning accuracy, dynamic behavior and influencing parameters.
Position Tracking of Pneumatic Actuator with Loads by Using Predictive and Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Mohd Faudzi Ahmad Athif , Mustafa Nu’man din , Azman M. Asyraf , Osman Khairuddin
Published: February 2014

This paper presented two control approaches for position control of a pneumatic actuator, which are Generalized Predictive Controller (GPC) and Proportional-Derivative Fuzzy Logic Controller (PD-Fuzzy). Both controllers are designed using MATLAB/Simulink platform. The simulation results are then validated with real-time experiment. In order to test the controller's performance, external load is used and the results for both controllers are compared and analyzed. Results for both controllers show high accuracy and fast response for position tracking.
Bouc-Wen Model Parameter Identification for a MR Fluid Damper Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Razman Mohd Azraai , Priyandoko Gigih , Yusoff Ahmad Razlan
Published: February 2014

This paper present parameter identification fitting which are employed into a current model. Irregularity hysteresis of Bouc-Wen model is colloquial with magneto-rheological (MR) fluid damper. The model parameters are identified with a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) which involves complex dynamic representation. The PSO algorithm specifically determines the best fit value and decrease marginal error which compare to the experimental data from various operating conditions in a given boundary.
Industrial Automation and Manufacturing Systems: Concepts and Applications
Authors: Sattar Abdul , Bakhsh Qadir , Sharif Muhammad
Published: February 2014

Manufacturing comprises an effective and efficient integration of automation tools and advanced technologies for the industrial production. Automation is an advanced technique used in the manufacturing industry for integrating the machine tools to automatically perform different tasks. This paper presents the study about industrial automation and manufacturing system. The research and development in the area of automation includes programmable logic control (PLC), robotics, distributed control system (DCS), computerized numerical control machine (CNC), radio frequency identification (RFID). The intelligent systems for scheduling and manufacturing the product such as flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM), lean manufacturing and green manufacturing.
Drilling of Carbon Fibre Composites: A Review
Authors: Dahnel Aishah Najiah , Barnes Stuart , Bhudwannachai Pipat
Published: February 2014

Machining of Carbon Fibre Composite (CFC), particularly drilling is frequently employed in many industries especially when dealing with joining, assembly and structural repair of the parts. This paper summarizes the properties of the CFC as well as the appropriate material and geometry of the cutting tool that should be used when drilling of the CFC in order to optimize the drilling performance. In addition, this work also presents the literature review on the relationship between cutting speed, feed rate, tool wear, thrust force and damage of the drilled CFC. The nature and heterogeneous structure of CFC often resulted in difficulty during their machining in terms of rapid tool wear and high thrust force. As a result, this always results in the damage of the drilled parts. Furthermore, higher cutting speed and lower feed rate are also recognized as significant factors which contribute to rapid wear of the cutting tool. Therefore, the use of tungsten carbide cutting tools, cutting fluids and cryogenic machining is seen to be a practical technique in optimizing the drilling performance involving CFC. In general, this work intends to provide a basic guideline and understanding regarding drilling of the CFC.
Modelling and PID Control of a Quadrotor Aerial Robot
Authors: Khairuddin Ismail Mohd , Majeed Anwar P.P.A. , Lim Ann , M. Jizat Jessnor Arif , Jaafar Abdul Aziz
Published: February 2014

This paper elucidates the modeling of a + quadrotor configuration aerial vehicle and the design of its attitude and altitude controllers. The aircraft model consists of four fixed pitch angle propeller, each driven by an electric DC motor. The hovering flight of the quadrotor is governed by the Newton-Euler formulation. The attitude and altitude controls of the aircraft were regulated using heuristically tuned (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) PID controller. It was numerically simulated via Simulink that a PID controller was sufficient to bring the aircraft to the required altitude whereas the attitude of the vehicle is adequately controlled by a PD controller.
A Modified Technique for Order Preference and its Application to Supplier Selection Problem
Authors: Otheman Adawiyah , Abdullah Lazim
Published: February 2014

Supplier selection is one of the most important activities in supply chain management. The appropriate choice of supplier would help the company in terms of reducing purchase risk, maximizing the overall profit and increasing customer satisfaction. However, the method of selecting appropriate supplier is not straightforward as it involves number of potential companies with diverse criteria. This paper aims to propose a modified technique for order preference by incorporating the concepts of entropy weight, linguistic weighted average and cosine similarity measure. The proposed method is tested with a case of supplier selection problem. Of the five candidate suppliers, it is found that the supplier S3 is the best candidate. It indicates that the proposed method offers a feasible solution to supplier selection problem.
Assessing Sustainability Performance of Polymer Processing: Case Study of Hollow Fiber Membrane
Authors: Mahmood Salwa , Jamil Nor Hazrina , Saman Muhamad Zameri Mat , Noordin Mohd Yusof
Published: February 2014

Sustainability nowadays has become new evolution of quality and efficiency indicator for product and process. Key performance of certain product or process need to be quantified throughout it is life cycle. Polymer processing is one of the chemical processes that need attention in term of sustainability. Hence this paper presents the development of sustainability framework for assessing the sustainability performance of hollow fiber membrane module by considering the reaction of each raw material and process involved. Assessment was carried out by applying fuzzy logic approach by developing its linguistic variables and fuzzy code according the requirement. A framework to assess the sustainability performance for hollow fiber membrane processing was proposed in order to identify its sustainability score for each sustainability element; environmental, economical and social.
Comparative Study of TQM Practices between Japanese and Non-Japanese Companies: Proposed Conceptual Framework
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Fauzi , Zakuan Norhayati , Jusoh Ahmad , Yusof Shari Mohd , Takala Josu , Arif Mohd Shoki Md
Published: February 2014

In todays highly competitive market, the demand for quality is a critical factor for organization to survive in the ever-expanding global marketplace. The concept of total quality management (TQM) has been developed as a result of intense global competition. Japanese companies have had superior achievement, and left their counterparts, non-Japanese far behind. One of the TQM strength practices in Japanese companies is technical aspects; tools and techniques namely statistical process control (SPC), total productive maintenance (TPM) and lean production. The purpose of this paper is to compare TQM practices between Japanese and non-Japanese companies, and develop the conceptual framework based on extensive review of the literature. Three theories; institutional theory, system theory and contingency theory have been identified and applied in this study for developing conceptual framework. Based on literature review, Japanese companies have higher TQM practices compared to non-Japanese companies. Furthermore, this study proposes that SPC, TPM and lean production are mediators for TQM in Japanese companies. This proposed research will help the academicians and industry players to have better understanding of TQM implementation in order to improve business performance effectively in the future.
A Decision Tool for Product Configuration Designs Based on Sustainability Performance Evaluation
Authors: Hassan Mohd Fahrul , Saman Muhamad Zameri Mat , Sharif Safian , Badrul Omar
Published: February 2014

In recent years, evaluating sustainability performance of designed products has been demanded by legislations before manufacturing the products. These legislations are aimed to force manufacturers to implement sustainable end-of-life strategies in the product development phase. Although a number of studies have been conducted on integrating sustainability elements during product design and development, a tool to assist product designers in making final decision of the designed products with the most sustainability content among the alternative configuration designs has not been comprehensively investigated. In this paper, a decision tool is proposed in order to fulfill those needs. The sustainability performance is measured using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) by providing a weightage of sustainability metrics throughout the total products life-cycle. An example of an armed chair is used to demonstrate this tool. This decision tool provides a new and comprehensive basis for developing sustainable products in the future.
Scheduling of Jobs on Identical Parallel Machines to Minimize Total Flow Time Subject to Optimal Makespan
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Usman , Nasr Mustafa Mohamed H. , Alharkan Ibrahim
Published: February 2014

Algorithms based on Simulated Annealing and Tabu search has been proposed and implemented on scheduling a problem of parallel machines. The identical parallel machine scheduling problem has been considered to minimize the total flow-time subject to optimal makespan. The proposed algorithms have two phases. In the first phase, an initial solution has been obtained using Longest Processing Time (LPT) dispatching rule and in the second phase, simulated annealing and tabu search have been applied to reach a near optimal solution. The performance of the both proposed algorithms have been evaluated by comparing their results for different number of jobs and processing times. The computational results indicate that the proposed Tabu Search algorithm is capable of obtaining better solutions for the given scheduling problem as compared to the Simulated Annealing algorithm. Although both of these algorithms provide the best solutions as compared to the other heuristic algorithms but in comparison of these two; Tabu Search provides the better solutions for the given problem.
Complexity Planning for Product Design Using TRIZ
Authors: Rahim Zulhasni Abdul , Nooh Abu Bakar
Published: February 2014

Adopting complexity concept in product design provides ability to manage existing resources and to meet the rapid development of market demand from existing and future markets. Currently, the best approach in managing product complexity is through optimization and trade-off. Both methods are considered as a constraint to product development and innovation that evolves alongside with new market trend. Complexity Planning is proposed, with the integration of strategic tools of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving). Through a case study, the guideline helps the designer to develop a design concept that considers commonality and trend of system evolution as a preventive initiative to enhance better complexity management within the product life cycle.
Multi-Mode Failure Models for Attribute Test Data in Reliability Systems, a Bayesian Analysis Approach Using Multi-Nomial Distribution Model
Authors: Iskandar Ismed , Razali Noraini Mohd
Published: February 2014

This paper describes the extending model of Multi-mode Failure Models by using the Weibull and Gamma distribution models presented in a conference [1,2]. Different than the models in the previous papers which are for variable test data, in this paper we will describe the use of attribute test data for our model. In reliability theory, the most important problem is to determine the reliability of a complex system from the reliability of its components. The weakness of most reliability theories is that the systems are described and explained as simply functioning or failed. In many real situations, the failures may be from many causes depending upon the age and the environment of the system and its components. Another problem in reliability theory is one of estimating the parameters of the assumed failure models. The estimation may be based on data collected over censored or uncensored life tests. In many reliability problems, the failure data are simply quantitatively inadequate. The Bayesian analyses are more beneficial than classical analyses in such cases. The Bayesian estimation analyses allow us to combine past knowledge or experience in the form of an apriori distribution with life test data to make inferences of the parameter of interest. In this paper, we have investigated the application of the Bayesian estimation analyses to multi-mode failure systems for attribute test data. The cases are limited to the models with independent causes of failure. We select our investigation by using the Multi-nomial distribution as our model. This distribution is widely used in reliability analysis for attribute test data. This model describes the likelihood function and follows with the description of the posterior function. A Beta prior is used in our analysis for each model and it is followed by the estimation of the point, interval, and reliability estimations.
Learning Improvement of DEA Technique in Decision Making for Manufacturing Applications Using DEA Excel-Solver
Authors: Amindoust Atefeh , Shamsuddin Ahmed , Saghafinia Ali
Published: February 2014

DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) is the optimization method of mathematical programming to measure the relative efficiencies of decision making units (DMUs). Due to its wide applicability, the DEA has been studied extensively for the last 30 years to solve decision making problems. Since, there are a lot of selection decisions in manufacturing, DEA as an appropriate tool to be necessary-especially for engineers-to improve learning for decision making. In this paper, the DEA method is applied in decision making process through DEA Excel-Solver software and the required processes are explained step by step to help academics and practitioners to get appropriate results in making decision.
Critical Success Factors of New Product Development and Impact on Performance of Malaysian Automotive Industry
Authors: Fazilah Abdul Aziz , Jaafar Nur Najmiyah , Suraya Sulaiman
Published: February 2014

This research paper shows a framework to conduct an empirical study in Malaysian automotive industry in order to improve their performance. There are factors which are effective factors in improving performance of Malaysian automotive companies namely top management support, cross functional teamwork, new product development (NPD) process, NPD strategies, and market research activities. The critical success factor of NPD is playing a fundamental role in determining the performance in Malaysian automotive companies. In this research study, a framework has been developed that includes critical success factors of NPD and project achievement to study their influence on the performance of Malaysian automotive companies. It is hoped that this paper can provide an academic source for both academicians and managers due to investigate the relationship between critical success factors of total NPD, project achievement and company performance in a systematic manner to increase successful rate of NPD progress.
Dry and Compressed Air Cooling Comparative Study on 6061 Aluminium Alloy Drilling Using Coated Drill
Authors: Asok Prasanth , Chockalingam Palanisamy
Published: February 2014

The use of aluminium alloy in the manufacturing industry has increased tremendously in the past decade mainly in the areas of aeronautics and automobiles. The ease of machinability of this material makes it a more desirable operand in manufacturing usage. Hence, in this research, a study was undertaken to perform a comparative analysis of dry and cold air drilling on 6061 aluminium alloy. The drill tool used in the drilling process was HSS Cobalt coated tool which has not featured in many research papers. Subsequently, the quality of each hole was identified based on the diameter accuracy of the hole and the surface roughness of the hole. A variation in the parameters was employed to identify the best feed rate and spindle speed that can accommodate a quality hole. In addition, during the drilling operations, force was measured to analyse the ensemble of parameters that present the highest and lowest force. Based on the data collected, an analysis was performed to identify the best quality hole. The force measured for cold air drilling was relatively lower than those measured in dry drilling primarily when high feed rate of 80 mm/min and high speed of 6000 rpm is used. The surface roughness and hole diameter does not differ much between cold air and dry drilling. Therefore, it is highly recommended that feed rate of 80 mm/min coupled with a spindle speed of 6000 rpm be used for drilling operations with a 5mm diameter tool.
The Effect of EDM Die-Sinking Parameters on Non-Conductive Materials
Authors: Ali Mohd Amran , Suraya Laily , Assyura Nor , Hussein Nur Izan Syahriah , Muhamad Mohd Razali , Manshoor Bukhari , Lajis Mohd Amri
Published: February 2014

The machining ability of electrical discharge machining (EDM) die-sinking on acrylic as non-conductive material was studied. The objective of the study is to establish a new setup to machine a non-conductive material by using EDM die-sinking. Acrylic plastic material was selected as to represent the other groups of non-conductive materials. The experiment was conducted using a discharge sinking machine with copper as the tool electrode. Metal insert as conductive material was plug-in into acrylic workpiece. Polarity of the setup was set to positive at the copper electrode and negative at the plug-in metal insert. The variable input parameters such as electric discharge current, voltage, pulse on time and pulse off time had been observed to review machinibility of die-sinking EDM by taking the overcut and taper of sidewall of holes produced. It was found that the highest current supply during machining, the deepest hole occurred on the acrylic workpiece. Thus, the new method purposed on this study proved that non-conductive material can be machined using the EDM die-sinking.
Experimental Investigation on Static Mechanical Properties of Glass/Carbon Hybrid Woven Fabric Composite Laminates
Authors: Murugan R. , Ramesh R. , Padmanabhan K. , Jeyaraam R. , Krishna S.
Published: February 2014

Woven fabric reinforced polymeric composites are increasingly used in automotive and aircraft application in place of conventional metals due to their high specific strength. However in actual practice while using glass fabric layers, the large nominal size of the component was required and which facilitates increased total weight of the component. In the present investigation, glass laminate is modified and strengthened by interplying high modulus carbon fiber plies for attaining good strength to weight ratio. All laminates were fabricated using hand layup method. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strengths of dedicated and hybrid laminates were evaluated and reported.
Comparison of Effect of Iron Tailing Sand and Natural Sand on Concrete Properties
Authors: Hou Yun Fen
Published: February 2014

Mixed sands with different fineness are prepared by mixing iron tailing sand and manufactured sand at different ratio. It is shown that properties of concrete prepared with natural sand whose fineness is 2.3 are worse than that of concreter prepared with mixed sand whose fineness is between 2.6 to 3.0, but are better than that of concrete prepared with mixed sand whose fineness is 2.3. Mixed sand whose fineness is between 2.6 to 3.0 can be used in concrete.
Effect of Fine Aggregate on Properties of Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Shang Fei , Li Kai Xuan , Zhang Xin Yan , Gao Yan
Published: February 2014

The fine aggregate plays a vital role in the performances of asphalt mixture. In this paper, four kinds of fine aggregates with different lithology, apparent density and water absorption rate were discussed. Asphalt mixture according to AC-13 is prepared by these four kinds of fine aggregates and the volumetric properties, water stability performance and high temperature performance of asphalt mixture were tested. Research shows that: the aggregate performance and the performance of mixture have obvious corresponding relation, which provides the theoretical basis for the engineering application of composite aggregates.
Effect of Ultraviolet Light Aging on Fatigue Properties of Asphalt
Authors: Yi Ming Wei , Delehei  , Wang Jin Cai , Feng Xue Da
Published: February 2014

The ultraviolet aging effects on fatigue properties of asphalt were studied by using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). The low-temperature fatigue performance of asphalt has been tested in this paper with the strain-controlled mode of DSR. The samples were compacted under the temperature of 10°C and the constant strain of 2.0% in strain-controlled mode fatigue test. And the results showed that ultraviolet aging decreases the fatigue life-span of asphalt significantly.
Effect of Rejuvenating Agents on Performances of Aged SBS Modified Asphalt
Authors: Guo Fei , Pang Ling , Peng Zi Qiang , Zhu Zu Huang
Published: February 2014

Rejuvenating seal, widely used due to its economic benefits and convenience, is one of the preventive maintenance methods. The rejuvenating seal materials (RSM) work on the surface course of asphalt pavement. This paper described the effects of RSM on the physical properties and rheological properties of aged SBS modified asphalt (ASMA). Two RSM, R and C, were involved in this research. The dosage of each RSM was 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of ASMA by weight. Physical properties, including softening point, penetration and ductility, were tested. Rheological properties were carried out by means of dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Results show that RSMs, R and C, have improved the low-temperature performance and fatigue resistance. R has more positive effect on low-temperature performance and fatigue resistance of ASMA compared to values of C.
Influence of High-Temperature Volatilization on Performance of Bituminous Binder
Authors: Cui Pei Qiang , Zhang Hong Hua , Wu Shao Peng
Published: February 2014

Two bituminous binders were used in this research to investigate the influence of high-temperature volatilization on the binder performance. The results indicated that at higher temperature, the weight of bituminous binder reduced and the reducing rate was decreasing with heating time. After certain volatilization period, the softening points of bituminous binder increased while the penetration reduced significantly. The volatilization condition of oxygen and vacuum did not have significant differences on the asphaltene and colloid. The bitumen binder modified with 3% of Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) would reduce the amount of VOC fumes.
Influence of Rejuvenator Materials on Rheological Properties of Asphalt Mortar under Different Aging Process
Authors: Wang Peng , Guo Pei Da , Pan Pan , Pang Ling , Wu Shao Peng
Published: February 2014

Three types of rejuvenator sealer materials were added into asphalt mortar after thin-film oven test (TFOT) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) aging processes. The performances of both aged mortar and rejuvenator treated mortar were evaluated by means of softening point, temperature sweep tests. Experimental results showed that all of rejuvenator sealer materials can significantly increase phase angle and decrease the softening point and complex modulus of TFOT aged asphalt, which means aged asphalt can be efficiently softened with the rejuvenator materials. However, the influence on PAV aged asphalt was slightly in the same concentration, which has a significantly direction for the pavement preservation.
Research of Road Application Performances of Asphalt Mixtures with Active Mineral Powder
Authors: Yue Peng Cheng , Liu Pan Fei , Dong Jian Zhon , Ding Ping Ping
Published: February 2014

In this paper the effect of Active mineral powder (AMP) on the fundamental behavior of asphalt concrete especially in moisture damage was studied. Polycyclic Soaking Marshall test and freeze-thaw and splitting test were used to investigate the resistance of mixtures to moisture damage. Dynamic stability of mixture was evaluated by soaking rutting and the fatigue life of asphalts mixture with and without AMP was measured by universal test machine (UTM). After adding AMP, Retained Marshall Stability, Tensile Strength Ratio and dynamic stability value of asphalt concrete is higher than that of non-containing AMP asphalt concrete. The failure life of asphalt concrete increased as adding AMP. The results showed that the addition of AMP could improve the performance of failure life and resistance to moisture damage.
Effect of Calcium Sulfate on the Formation of Ettringite in Calcium Aluminate and Sulfoaluminate Blended Systems
Authors: Xu Ling Lin , Wang Pei Ming , Wu Guang Ming , Zhang Guo Fang
Published: February 2014

The formation of ettringite and the expansion associated with it were studied on paste made from Portland cement, two Al-bearing compounds such as calcium aluminate cement and calcium sulphoaluminate cement, and calcium sulfate with different reactivities (anhydrite, α-hemihydrate and gypsum). The hydration process and formation of ettringite in the binders with different content of calcium sulfate was investigated by free expansion testing, isothermal conduction calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and environmental scanning electronic microscope (ESEM). Results showed that the reactivity and amount of the calcium sulfate determined the balance between the hydration products of ettringite and monosulfate, and also the early hydration kinetics including the formation content, size and location of ettringite. It was also found that all the ternary systems with higher addition of calcium sulfate expand significantly. When a higher content of α-hemihydrate was added, besides ettringite much secondary gypsum also forms in voids between cement granules, which exerted adverse effects on the properties of ternary systems. However, the formation content of ettringite appeared to have no connection with the expansion value.