bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-point bending response of Laser-Welded Sandwich Structure with varying number of core and span length
Authors: Romli N K , Xiaoxia Jiang , Sofie S M , Rejab M R M
Published: June 2020

Laser welding offered multiple benefits for production of all-metal and hybrid-metal sandwich structure. Deep penetration of laser welding required high energy intensity and low heat input. Normally, steel sandwich structure dominated failure features. The objective of this study to investigate the failure of laser-welded sandwich structure under three-point bending test. Bending deformation of the sandwich structure was studied with numerical modelling. The sandwich panels were studied on different number of core and span length of experimental. The role of core number to determine overall deformation and local failure response of the sandwich panel were studied. Face and web plates were assembled perpendicularly via fibre laser welding. The sandwich panel modelled by using Abaqus to predict response of the sandwich panel under bending loading. The aim of this study to compare response of laser-welded sandwich panel from experimental work and numerical modelling. Different span length and core number affected cell wall buckling in corrugated core system. The comparison result showed good agreement with experimental measurements. Percentage error between experimental and FE analysis was 25.60%.
Direct thermal method pouring temperature and holding time effect on aluminium alloy 6061 microstructure
Authors: Benjunior B , Ahmad A H , Rashidi M M
Published: June 2020

The microstructure variances of aluminium 6061 billet produce via direct thermal method with different pouring temperature and holding time are presented in this paper. The direct thermal method is one of the methods to create globular microstructure feedstock billet, which gives the material a thixotropic behaviour during semisolid metal processing. In this experimental work, a molten aluminium 6061 was poured into cylindrical copper mould before quenched in water at room temperature. The effect of pouring temperature of 660°C and 700°C and holding time of 20s and 60s were observed from the microstructure formation. The result shows that the combination of a pouring temperature of 660°C with a 20s holding time produces a finer near globular microstructure. These fines near globular microstructures gives a thixotropic behaviour improvement in better fluidity for a better flow during shaping. The pouring temperature just slightly above the liquidus temperature provides slower cooling rates from above to below the liquidus temperature. This process causes less superheat to be extracted by the cylindrical copper mould and gives a slow cooling rate action during the solidification stage that promotes the formation of further nuclei, which results in smaller grain size. The result also shows the combination of the lowest pouring temperature of 660°C with the lowest holding time of 20s produced the smallest grain size measured in area. However, the circularity and aspect ratio that indicates globular shape grain has a slight change in result which indicates that every feedstock billet has a near globular grain size. In conclusion, this work has shown that specific combination of pouring temperature and holding time has an effect on the microstructure formation of the feedstock billet produced by using direct thermal method.
A conceptual method for developing a Torso Assisted Orthopedic Support Brace (TAOSB) device for people with spinal deformities
Authors: Ravi T , Ranganathan Rajesh , Arumugam Sivasankar
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a concept for design, analysis and development of Torso Assisted Orthopedic Support Brace (TAOSB) device for the unique rehabilitation needs of Camptocormia patients. TAOSB device will facilitate an upright posture and also give assistance to bend and perform the daily activities such as using toilet, cooking, gardening, etc., Posture Instability (Stooped Posture) as being the preeminent reason for the Fear of Falling (FOF), this TAOSB will aid to reduce the FOF. Considering the moral values of the patients the device needs to be developed to meet the aesthetic needs and comforts which can be achieved through body fitted individual customization by using Additive Manufacturing Technology. This paper concludes with the need for relevant force and moment calculations based on the individual height and weight needs to be considered for developing the TAOSB device with adequate strength and safety aspects as a concern.
Differences of spinal kinematics contribution between cervical and multi-segmental thoracic spine during Sit-To-Stand (STS) & Stand-To-Flexion (STF)
Authors: Saad W A A , Mat Dzahir M A , Yamamoto S , Hussein M , Mohamad M , Saad S M , Azaman A
Published: June 2020

Understanding the actual spinal kinematics in completing critical daily activities is utmost important for human being as it can lead for better quality of life. Two of the most common functions which are necessary for human being are standing up and bend forward. Researchers tried to explore the kinematics of human spine during Sit-to-Stand (STS) and Stand-to-Flexion (STF) but most of them only focussed on thoracic and lumbar spine. Literatures of similar study within thoracic spine only divide the region up to three segments thus reducing the accuracy of actual thoracic multi segments behaviours in completing daily task. This paper aims to study the differences of spinal kinematics contribution between cervical and multi-segmental thoracic spine during STS & STF among healthy Asian adults using non-invasive approach. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for both tasks specified during the study showed excellent reliability with all ICC value were above 0.90 (0.932-0.976). During STS, cervical region displayed quicker flexion-extension transition response. Roughly equivalent behaviour was observed within all thoracic segments. Lower thoracic segments (T10-12) exhibited passive increment behaviour upon reaching upright standing compared with other segments. All segments displayed increase of angular displacement during upright standing. Peak of flexion during STF was achieved at 50% phase with latter response within lower thoracic segments (T8-12). Throughout the completion of STF, most of the segments shared approximately identical behaviour with the adjacent segment. The results provide a clear explanation of the healthy spinal condition of asymptomatic adults and may serve for spinal treatment and rehabilitation purposes.
Geraniol quality improvement on citronella oil as raw material for making anti-bacterial perfumes
Authors: Rihayat Teuku , Suryani  , Hasanah Uswatun , Nurhanifa  , Parlaungan Siregar Januar , Jaafar Jamiluddin , Cionita Tezara , Fitria
Published: June 2020

In this study, optimization was carried out to increase the levels of geraniol compounds present in citronella oil using vacuum distillation. Geraniol is a compound that has been legalized by IFRA (Fragrance International Research Association) as a scent compound, Geraniol has been studied in addition to having a pleasant fragrance, geraniol is also very effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. So geraniol is a reference to use it as formulated as a raw material for anti-bacterial products, but the levels of geraniol in citronella oil are still very low. This is what encourages the processing of fragrant citronella oil to be processed, by increasing geraniol levels using a vacuum distillation method, with variations in pressure: 8mmHg, 6mmHg, 4mmHg, 1mmHg during the operating time: 20 minutes; 40 minutes; 60 minutes and until Final boiling point. The samples were analysed using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography of Mass Spectrometry, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer), refractive index, and bacterial testing of research products. The results showed that higher temperature usage had an effect on increasing geraniol levels and showed that This vacuum distillation method is quite effective. Geraniol concentrations before and after isolation increased by 38%. namely from 20.32% to 57.39%. This shows that this method is quite effective in increasing geraniol concentrations in fragrant citronella oil. Analysis of FTIR shows 3365.78 cm-1 according to the hydroxyl polymer group (OH).
Mortality prediction in critically ill patients using machine learning score
Authors: Dzaharudin F , Ralib A M , Jamaludin U K , Nor M B M , Tumian A , Har L C , Ceng T C
Published: June 2020

Scoring tools are often used to predict patient severity of illness and mortality in intensive care units (ICU). Accurate prediction is important in the clinical setting to ensure efficient management of limited resources. However, studies have shown that the scoring tools currently in use are limited in predictive value. The aim of this study is to develop a machine learning (ML) based algorithm to improve the prediction of patient mortality for Malaysian ICU and evaluate the algorithm to determine whether it improves mortality prediction relative to the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) scores. Various types of classification algorithms in machine learning were investigated using common clinical variables extracted from patient records obtained from four major ICUs in Malaysia to predict mortality and assign patient mortality risk scores. The algorithm was validated with data obtained from a retrospective study on ICU patients in Malaysia. The performance was then assessed relative to prediction based on the SAPS II and SOFA scores by comparing the prediction accuracy, area under the curve (AUC) and sensitivity. It was found that the Decision Tree with SMOTE 500% with the inclusion of both SAPS II and SOFA score in the dataset could provide the highest confidence in categorizing patients into two outcomes: death and survival with a mean AUC of 0.9534 and a mean sensitivity 88.91%. The proposed ML score were found to have higher predictive power compared with ICU severity scores; SOFA and SAPS II.
Quick response manufacturing and ergonomic consequences in manufacturing environment
Authors: Nelfiyanti  , Mohd Zuki Nik Mohamed Nik
Published: June 2020

Many methods can be used in manufacturing industries to minimize the wastage. Waste occurred when the output was below the production target and the high rejection rate of the products due to quality issues. One of the reasons is because of the wrong way of working set-up. Inappropriate working environment can cause workers to feel grievances on their limbs with the frequent complaints are fatigue and musculoskeletal. With this complaint, it has an impact on the smooth production process. Many Methods can be used to minimize waste in the manufacturing industry. One of the methods that can be used is Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) embedded with ergonomics for the work process. Implementation of the QRM and ergonomic methods in manufacturing companies in different countries is still experiencing some constraints. Therefore, this article contains an analysis to identify and evaluate the application of QRM and ergonomics in the Manufacturing industry based on published articles. The approach can be used to assist in formulating the right model in evaluating the strategies for QRM and ergonomic application in the manufacturing sectors.
Fabrication of Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS)-based membranes: A review
Authors: Sazali Norazlianie , Syafiq Sharip Mohd , Ibrahim Haziqatulhanis , Shahir Jamaludin Ahmad , Norharyati Wan Salleh Wan
Published: June 2020

Carbon molecular sieve (CMS) is a type of carbon-based membranes with amorphous microporous structures that is the most conventional and has been studied for more than half a century. High permeability and high selectivity can be acquired concurrently by several structural characteristics. Intensive investigations done by various studies demonstrate that the properties of polymeric precursor, pyrolysis conditions (soak time, pyrolysis temperature, and pyrolysis atmosphere), pre-treatment and post-treatment mainly affect the micropore structures formation as well as the properties of gas transportation and finally identified the gas separation performances for the CMS membranes synthesized.
Green composites of natural fiber bamboo/pineapple leaf/coconut husk as hybrid materials
Authors: Suryani  , Rihayat T , Nurhanifa  , Siregar J P , Jaafar J , Cionita T , Fitria
Published: June 2020

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composite materials have been investigated for mechanical properties using by Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and structures of the fractured surfaces through optical and electron microscopy scanning with materials from natural fiber synthesis are bamboo fiber, pineapple leaf and coconut fiber mixed in polyester resin to be a hybrid composite material to see the best characteristics of tensile test properties. Mixing of natural fibers (filler) with polyester (matrix) has been developed as a renewable material. The results showed that the incorporation of bamboo-pineapple leaf-husk fiber have optimum tensile strength value 366 Mpa wirh flexural strength 0.302 Mpa. This is due to the presence of bamboo fiber has a high content of cellulose that can to replaced the failure in pineapple leafs and coconut fiber and make the hybrid composites not only as a strong material but biodegradable too.
Thermal pyrolysis optimization for highest density of Ti-6Al-4V mix with Palm Stearin and Polyethylene
Authors: Mohamad Nor N H , Muhamad N , Husain H , Shawal S , Meon M S , Fauzi M , Fairuz Remeli Muhammad , Saedon J B
Published: June 2020

Titanium metal injection molding (Ti-MIM) is coming ever closer to delivering its promise of high value markets, such as the aerospace and medical sectors. It is therefore an inspiration in this study to try to use palm stearin (PS) combined with backbone polyethylene (PE) for injection along with Ti-6Al-4V atomized powder. The uniqueness of PS is a potential binder system that can be used since it is very cheap material and highly available in Malaysia. The present work attempts to optimize the process parameters of thermal pyrolysis stage using Taguchi method of orthogonal array. Density is important characteristic in determine the quality of the brown part. Using these characteristics, the heating rate, temperature and soaking time are optimized in this study. The results show that no swelling or distortion was observed on the molded specimens on both binder systems. It was found that heating rate was the most significant factor followed by pyrolysis time and pyrolysis temperature. A verification test was also performed to prove the effectiveness of Taguchi technique after all the optimum parameters were determined. The optimization of thermal pyrolysis prepared in this study has enabled to improve the final density and mechanical properties of final part. Based on these results, sample displaying yield strength of 929.91 MPa and a plastic elongation of more than 12.15% were produced and meet the requirements of the ASTM B817-08.
Sustainability performance model: A case study of pneumatic nipple hose connector
Authors: Salaam H A
Published: June 2020

Sustainability concept was first introduced by Dr Harlem Brundtland in 1980’s promoting the need to preserve today’s mother nature for the sake of our future generations. There are three main evaluation criteria’s involved in sustainability approach namely economics, environmental and social. In consumer product manufacturing industry, the economics criteria are measured by consider the total manufacturing costs where it evaluates the economic sustainability of a company in a long term. The impact to the environment during manufacturing process can be used to measure the environment criteria. The social criteria are complicated to evaluate. But focusing at production line workers’ health who works at the production line can be used to evaluate the social criteria because it gives direct impact to their performance. In this paper, the sustainability concept is applied at the production line in the production of a pneumatic nipple hose connector. The evaluation criteria which has been considered are total manufacturing costs, environmental impact, ergonomics impact and also energy used for manufacturing. This study involves machine learning optimization by using neural network model which carried out in two stages. The first stage is to predict the results based on experimental works. The second stage is by using inversed neural network model to determine the optimum cutting parameters so that it can be used to manufacture the pneumatic nipple hose connector. Through these stages, optimization of the manufacturing procedures to produce pneumatic nipple hose connector already considered the criteria for sustainability.
Synthesis and characterization of PLA-Chitosan-ZnO composite for packaging biofilms
Authors: Rihayat T , Suryani  , Fitriyani C N , Nurhanifa  , Siregar J P , Jaafar J , Cionita T , Fitria
Published: June 2020

This research was conducted to improve the characteristics of PLA-Chitosan-ZnO composites. Composites are synthesized from the matrix of Poly lactic acid by modifying Chitosan and Zinc oxide (ZnO) fillers. The purpose of this study was to look at the mechanical, thermal and morphological characteristics seen from the composite. Basically, the bond between PLA and CS is very weak, so to increase the strength of the bond by entering ZnO; thus advancing overall quality (mechanical, thermal and water absorption) of composites (PLA / CS / ZnO). The mechanical properties of composites are enhanced by the addition of ZnO NP into the PLA / CS matrix. However, the tensile strength, modulus, and breakout extension increased to 2wt% of ZnO NP loading but decreased when ZnO NP content increased by 3wt%. This is consistent with the dispersion of homogeneous ZnO particles in the PLA matrix. Combining ZnO particles increases PLA thermal stability. Thus, ZnO has been shown to have potential as an amplifier in biocomposite synthesis with better integrity, although other approaches, such as the use of compatibilizers in ZnO surface modification, will be needed to improve PLA properties simultaneously. The results obtained in this work can be used on environmentally friendly films.
Making Polyurethanes from castor oil with addition of Bentonite and Chitosan as coating paints on eco-friendly medical device applications
Authors: Rihayat T , Suryani  , Riskina S , Sirega J P , Jaafar J , Cionita T , Fitria
Published: June 2020

Polyurethane-based vegetable oil coatings have been used in the past few decades considering the use of petrochemical-based raw materials is a non-renewable material. Vegetable oils used such as soybean oil, palm oil, and castor oil. They have lower environmental impacts, easy availability and biodegradation. In this study, polyurethane synthesis was carried out using the prepolymer method using the reaction of TDI with polyols based on castor oil. To provide anti-microbial properties of polyurethane, a composite method of polyurethane with chitosan was carried out. Whereas to provide heat resistance properties in polyurethane bentonite is added to polyurethane. Polyurethane/bentonite/nanocomposite chitosan was analyzed using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) to determine the microstructure of chemical compounds, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) for viewing polyurethane/bentonite/chitosan heat resistance, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to see the morphology of polyurethane/bentonite/chitosan. FTIR analysis have shown the formation of hydroxyl groups in the compound epoxide castor oil, the reaction lasts for 2.5 hours at 50 °C as evidenced by the absorption of OH wave numbers which widens at 3500 cm−1, the hydroxy group formed is the hydroxy group on C atoms secondary, and bentonite NH 3450 cm−1, chitosan cluster C = O urethane widened at 1772 cm−1. TGA analysis have pure polyurethane begins to decrease in mass at 246 °C, while polyurethane with the addition of filler decreases mass at 342 °C.
A short review on polymeric materials concerning degradable polymers
Authors: Sazali N , Ibrahim H , Jamaludin A S , Mohamed M A , Salleh W N W , Abidin M N Z
Published: June 2020

The demand for cutting-edge functional materials has been increasing since the decade. Polymeric materials usage in the past decade contributes to its commercial accomplishment, thus encouraging more groundbreaking research-based activities. Although this news is promising for polymer-related industries, the fast consumption rate of these materials throughout the world will seriously harm the environment through the accumulation of waste materials sourced primarily from by-products, faulty products or municipal from various agricultural farms and industries with disposal difficulties. Wide usage of polymeric materials is due to their ease of processing, light weight and relatively low manufacturing cost. Various advancements were made over the years in developing polymeric materials of high performance. Structure and ionic bonds of polymeric and biomaterials are the reason behind their physical and chemical properties. However, their usage is limited due to expensive manufacturing cost and difficulty in shaping and processing them.
Preparation and characterisation of mango bark and mango leaf nanoparticles
Authors: Lau Tze Chen James , Azizuddin A A , Oumer A N , At-Tasneem M A
Published: June 2020

Nanoparticles are the simplest form of structures with sizes in the nanometre range (<100 nm). Suspended nanoparticles (non-bio) in base fluids (nanofluids) increase the heat transfer properties of the base fluids. However, addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid increases viscosity as well as pressure drop. It is also expensive to produce non-bio nanoparticles. Thus, mango barks and leaves were used to produce bio nanoparticles due to their natural characteristics that might lower viscosity of the nanofluid. The mango bark and mango leaf were collected and dried under hot sun to remove moisture content until constant weight achieved. Then, the materials were crushed and sieved to obtain finest powder followed by wet grinding for 1 hour at 800 rpm using FRTSCH Planetary Micro Mill PULVERISETTE 7 premium line. The particles size was determined using FESEM and particle size analyser machine. The bulk density of the nanoparticles was determined by experiment. The obtained results showed that the mango barks have lost total weight of 504g (63%) after 8 days of drying. Meanwhile, mango leaves have lost total weight of 606g (78%). The bulk density of mango bark nanoparticles is 2505.00kg/m3 and mango tree leaf nanoparticles is 2108. 00kg/m3. From image analysis using FESEM, the average size of mango bark nanoparticles is around 102 nm and mango leaf nanoparticles was around 132 nm. From particle size analyser, the average fineness of mango bark nanoparticles measured by intensity was 125.5nm and mango leaf nanoparticles was 206.1nm. In conclusion, the mango bark and mango leaf nanoparticles can be synthesised by wet grinding method.
U.V light effect on the mechanical behaviour of HDPE/Carbon black composites
Authors: Sahu Alok K , Sudhakar K , Sarviya R M
Published: June 2020

Energy is one of the most essential parts of our universe. Energy has come to be known as a ‘strategic commodity’ and any uncertainty about its supply can threaten the functioning of the entire economy. Sun is the plentiful source of energy freely & enormously available throughout the world. Solar energy is considered to be one of the more encouraging energy alternatives due to its ubiquity and sustainability. In solar energy floating solar power system is a revolutionary step as it can solve the perennial problem of land. In floating solar structure, floats made of HDPE material are used. The Ultra Violet (UV) rays present in the natural environment degrades HDPE materials. In the present study, the composite of HDPE material with concentration of 1%, 2% & 3% carbon black is used for making composites. The carbon black acts as UV stabilizer. The mechanical behaviour of the HDPE/Carbon black composite floats are analysed before and after U.V exposure. Properties like Tensile Strength, Breakpoint, Flexural Strength, Flexural Modulus, Impact Resistance, Hardness, are evaluated with different percentage of loadings. Incorporation of carbon does not show any major effect in the properties before and after U.V exposure, but a significant effect is observed at 2% loading of carbon black while compared to 1% and 3%.Further increase in carbon black percentage (more than 3%) will reduce the mechanical properties due to the development of stress concentration and crack propagation.
Simulation of the ignition mechanisms of low and high octane number blended fuels in HCCI engine
Authors: Jamil Munthanna , Adnin Hamidi Mohd , Fitri Yusop Ahmad , Anas Abdul Aziz Muhammad , Fathin Hamidi Mohamad , Sundram Tatchineswaranpillai
Published: June 2020

Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is an alternative combustion concept for in reciprocating engines which offers significant benefits in terms of its high efficiency and low emissions. HCCI is the most commonly used name for the auto-ignition of various fuels and one of the most promising alternatives to SI and CI combustion. This study focus on the ignition reactions of low and high octane number of fuel blends through comprehensive simulation. This study was carried out by using n-heptane as a base fuel and toluene as a sub fuel use as a fuel mixture in this simulation. Furthermore, for numerical analysis, MATLAB Software has been used to design simplified model of reaction mechanism for n-heptane. The simplified model has been discussed in this study. The highest value of hydroxyl radicals OH was achieved at approximately 0.23 at NTF 10 (Toluene mixture 10%) and the line decreased until 0 This value is gradually decreased when the mixture of toluene (NTF) as sub fuel is elevated until NTF60 Due to the content percentage of toluene added 10% consecutively, HCHO production increased as well. It is because HCHO consumes OH and at the same time affects the amount of OH. By doing this method (mixing n-heptane with toluene), the ignition delay of the fuel becomes longer is described. It is also shows that the simplified model constructed with a consideration of the property of reaction happen in nheptane (base fuel) added with toluene (sub fuel) in which OH reproduction and fuel + OH reaction plays important role. The purpose of this study is to figure out the reaction mechanism of compression ignition at Low Temperature Oxidation (LTO) and design the simplified model of reaction mechanism for n-heptane + toluene (NTF).
Analysis of high-speed broadband flame chemiluminescence imaging in a SI engine
Authors: Shawal S , Meon M S , Saedon J B , Remeli M F , Mohamad Nor N H , Kaiser S A
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the characteristics of flame propagation in a gasoline S.I engine through a combined thermodynamic and optical approach. Two high-speed CMOS camera were used together with an endoscopic system to visualize the early flame in a spark-ignited engine. An unintensified high-speed (20 kHz) imaging of early flame kernel formation and turbulent flame propagation for hundreds of consecutive combustion cycles has been analysed and compared to pressure-derived heat release rates and mass fraction burn (MFB) profiles. At very low light levels, the patterned read-out noise on the detector becomes significant. Filtering in the Fourier domain was effective in suppressing this noise component to acceptable levels. In this paper, a previously-developed algorithm with automatic dynamic thresholding was used to separately detect spark ignition and flame kernel in the image sequences. The detected flame boundary was post-processed to compute basic flame characteristics such as flame area and turbulent flame speed based on spherical flame propagation assumption. Ignition and flame propagation are compared for fast combustion cycles and slow combustion cycles based on the optical flame speed and crank angle resolved mass fraction burned profile. The good burn (fast) cycles show higher spark stretch caused by local tumble flow-field, greater early flame growth rate, and nearly spherical flame propagation at the center of combustion chamber. In contrast, the poor (slow) cycles show slower flame kernel growth rate, and mostly asymmetric flame propagation near the spark-plug and pent-roof of the combustion chamber. The analysis shows a good correlation between thermodynamics and optical data.
Diesel and various blending nanoparticles based diesel, fuel properties study
Authors: Norhafana M , Noor M M , Hagos F Y , Hairuddin A A
Published: June 2020

In recent years, many researches have been performed to find suitable alternative fuels to petroleum products. In the present investigation, an experimental work has been carried out to examine the fuel properties test for pure diesel, diesel blended with silicon oxide nano, diesel blended with titanium oxide nano and diesel blended with graphene nanoplate which are namely as D, DS5, DT5 and DG5 respectively. The results indicated that the pure diesel fuel density is higher than DT5 by about 1%. However, this value is reduced to about 1% for DG5 and DS5 respectively compared to diesel fuel due to the blending effects. Meanwhile, in calorific value test, DS5 fuel energy content is lower than diesel by about 1.5%. However, this value is reduced to about 1.43% and 1.37% for DG5 and DT5 respectively compared to diesel fuel due to the blending effects.
Wingsail technology as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel
Authors: Ariffin N I B , Hannan M A
Published: June 2020

Since 3000 BC, wind sailing has been a means of travelling for the humankind. However, the objective of wind propulsion technology research these days is to ensure efficient, sustainable energy source for propulsion which will help to reduce the harmful impact of fossil fuel to the environment. Wingsail is one of such wind propulsion technologies widely studied these days. Although wingsail is mostly used in yacht, surfing and racing boats; this paper reports the findings of a feasibility study on using such technology in commercial vessels. ANSYS Fluent is used to perform this simulation-based study. A particular oil tanker of length 228 m is chosen, and it is found that wingsail can help to save around 2.6% of fuel per voyage for this particular ship on a particular route.
Prediction of maximum in-cylinder pressure by adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system method
Authors: Jaliliantabar Farzad , Najafi Gholamhassan , Mamat Rizalman , Ghobadian Barat
Published: June 2020

A widely used method to substituting expensive experimental method in order to optimizing different parameters of technological application of equipment is using of modelling these phenomena by intelligent techniques. Hence, in this paper, an ANFIS (adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system architecture) model has been used to predict one of the most important of the diesel engine which is cylinder pressure. Measurement of this parameter requires expensive and time consuming methods. Therefore, application of the mathematical method to prediction of this parameter is necessary. The inputs of this model are injection time, engine speed and engine load. The testing performance of the proposed ANFIS model revealed a good predictive capacity to yield acceptable error measures with, R2=0.99 and MSE=6.8. This model is not developed based on complicated mathematical formula and is easy to use. The result of study recommends that the ANFIS model can be successfully used to perdition of cylinder pressure according to effective parameters.
Kinematic and thermodynamic operational analysis of rhombic-drive Stirling engine prototype
Authors: Farid Zainudin Mohd , Abu Bakar Rosli , Kadirgama Kumaran a/l , Leong Ming Gan
Published: June 2020

This operational analysis is aimed for the next development of rhombic-drive beta-configuration Stirling engine prototype. The kinematic analysis focused on the adjustment of crank radius and connecting rod length, for achieving optimum phase angle setting and suitable eccentricity ratio based on geometrical constraints. The isothermal thermodynamic analysis is carried out to predict the engine performance between the baseline and proposed design parameters. The reciprocating displacement of moving pistons, volumetric displacement, cyclic pressure, energy produced and thermal efficiency are derived and solved. The results show that the reduction of crank radius increases the eccentricity ratio, while both reduction of connecting rod length and crank radius increase the phase angle setting. It is found that as the phase angle setting increase, the engine power output and thermal efficiency increase. The magnitudes of engine power and thermal efficiency may be elevated by modifying the geometrical design and operating condition.
Aerodynamic analysis and car body optimalization of saving energy “WARAK” using software Ansys Fluent R15.0
Authors: Basit Abdul , Septian Hidayatuloh Rikza , Royana Mutia
Published: June 2020

Designing vehicle prototype saving energy is a thing should be seriously calculated, which is purpose to produce design are aerodynamic and streamline, also it drag force coefficient and less lift force to minimize the big engine work because the fraction cause of air so it could be saving the fuels. In the laboratory simulations, it test using scale as same as actual is 1:1. The yield of simulation gives coefficient value of drag in Warak is 0,09 as we want to be gained less than 0,1. In this simulation also present coefficient testing average value of lift about 0,17. From this, we can conclude that is very aerodynamic.
The dynamic behavior investigation of electric power wheelchair during the obstacle avoidance
Authors: Sollehudin bin Ibrahim Mohammad , Heerwan bin Peeie Mohamad
Published: June 2020

The increment of the People with Disabilities (PWDs) keep increasing in each year and an urge of assisting these PWDs is demanding. Commercial manual wheelchair eases the mobility of the PWDs but there is side effect for the manual wheelchair users that is pain on shoulder area due to extensive daily propulsion of manual wheelchair for mobility. Therefore, this paper presents an approach towards the autonomous wheelchair whereas concerning the PWDs that have disabilities from upper to lower limbs. These paper investigates the dynamic behavior of the autonomous wheelchair during the obstacle avoidance. The experiment conducted on the Electric Power Wheelchair (EPW) and several participants divided base on gender and age for this particular investigation. This experiment uses the EPW as a first step before taking next step towards self-navigation system in order to understand the behavior of the autonomous wheelchair by using the intervention of human input on EPW. The participants will maneuver the EPW via joystick with several speed justifications that is determined during the pre-experimental set-up. This study focused on the changes in speed of both left and right tires and yaw angle during the obstacle avoidance. The data will be used as a reference for the autonomous wheelchair during the obstacle avoidance. The data that maneuvered manually by the participants also serve as the human-machine relationship whereas the data will be interpreted into the control systems that will be developed for the autonomous wheelchair. Based on the results, the changes of velocity could be seen from both left and right tires during the obstacle avoidance base on gender is different but the trend of the results significantly same for both male and female.
Design and construction of mobile Biochar Kiln for small farmers
Authors: Kiong Kong Kew , Sing Sii How
Published: June 2020

Biomass is a renewable energy that attracted the global attention. Biochar is a product of pyrolysis of agricultural biomass under limited oxygen condition and the fire is lit at the top of the biomass. There was a variety of method or technique to produce biochar. A simple, practical and affordable unit of pyrolysis kiln was designed and fabricated to ease the small farmer to produce the biochar efficiently at low cost. Biochar samples were prepared from the pyrolysis process by using waste wood from the harvest site. Furthermore, pH level, surface area and other biochar characterization had been studies through laboratory test. Surface area of biochar observed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Gas emission was observed during the trial run of the pyrolysis kiln. The portable biochar kiln can be constructed easily by the small farmer by using available metal. This is one of the methods which utilises the biomass efficiently and use it as soil nutrient supplement. This approach is more environmental friendly compare to open burning of waste wood at the harvest site. The general performance of the portable biochar kiln is satisfactory and is suitable for burning the waste biomass to produce biochar.
Design and development of small-scale oil palm waste shredder for achieving technical, economic and environmental sustainability
Authors: Djun Lee Man , Chuong Ting Kee , Jong Ngu Heng , Abu Hassan Norhasmillah
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the design and development of an economically and technically feasible small-scale oil palm waste shredder. Oil palm waste management has always been a serious issue for palm oil industry in South East Asia. Poor waste management contributes to environmental problem and hence reducing consumers’ confidence in palm oil products. It was found that most available oil palm waste shredders are unaffordable due to high initial investment cost, large, heavy and unportable, which have been the drawbacks for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in oil palm waste management industry. To rectify the situation, a low cost and small-scale oil palm waste shredder is introduced in this paper. Based on Quality Function Deployment (QFD) results, the main design concept deduced is to compromise acceptable efficiency with affordable price by integrating all mandatory components of oil palm waste shredder into a comparatively small and portable support structure. The innovations made in the modified design are: 2 to 3 multiples of size reduction, adoption of double-shafts cutters with 7 jaws technology, installation of oil palm fibre and waste juice collecting system and deployment of a portable machinery base equipped with caster wheels. Preliminary calculations supported the conceptual design which consists of torque generated from 5.5kW electric motor connected to a ZQ500 reducing gearbox. The cutting force produced is expected up to 19.45kN, which has a safety factor of 4.5 as compared to the maximum compression strength of oil palm fronds (OPFs) which is only 4.351kN. This conceptual design is expected to be able to handle other oil palm wastes like empty fruit bunches (EFBs) as oil palm fronds (OPF) are generally harder than other oil palm wastes.
Effects of heat transfer based water for three square multilayer absorber solar collector
Authors: Amiruddin Fikri Mohd , Fatihah Asri Fatin , Mohd Faizal Wan , Karimah Adli Hasyiya , Mamat Rizalman , Azmi W.H. , Ramadhan A. I. , Yusaf Talal
Published: June 2020

Solar energy is one of the best sources of renewable energy with minimal environmental impact. In this study, the effect of absorber solar collector on the performance of the solar water heating system has been experimentally investigated. This study is aimed to obtain the output of temperature for absorber solar collector based on water moving to the system. In the solar water heating system, volume flow rate with 2, 3 and 4 liters per minute for each solar radiation for 300, 500 and 700 W/m2 respectively. The result indicates at higher temperature output at 700 W/m2 of solar radiation within 30 minutes during charging and discharging process at volume flow rate 4 l/m is 36.9 °C. A little bit difference for 300 and 500 W/m2 which are 36 °C and 36.6 °C respectively. Solar water heating systems, in difference collectors have long distance, have temperature increases based on water medium in the system. Heat transfer performance with different radiation intensities of 300, 500 and 700 W/m2. The heat transfer performance for radiation of 700 W/m2 shows the highest followed by 500 W/m2. The lowest heat transfer performance is seen at 300 W/m2.
Efficiency of photovoltaic technology for Citronella oil distillation
Authors: Safitri N , Rihayat T , Suryani  , Riskina S , Jazuli M , Siregar J P , Jaafar J , Cionita T , Fitria
Published: June 2020

Utilization of solar rays is currently very intensively carried out as renewable energy by utilizing endless energy due to its use, namely sunlight. Solar Cell or commonly called Photovoltaic system is a module that is used to absorb heat which is exposed to sunlight which is converted into electrical energy. The magnitude of the potential of sunlight that can be absorbed depends on the cell size and absorption of a solar cell against sunlight. In order to optimize the use of solar panels, a control system is needed that can control the position of the solar panel to always follow the direction and position of the sun automatically. Using modules (solar panels) with a capacity of 100 Wp can absorb heat converted to electricity as much as 100 watts/hour. This is a big advantage if it is able to be applied as a conventional electric substitute. In Southeast Asia in Aceh especially the sun shines from 09.00 a.m. until 15.00 a.m. this is a big advantage, by using a solar cell that has a capacity of 100 Wp for ± 5 hours a day when exposure to sunlight can produce power of 650 Watts/day. If the solar cell is used as many as 48 units of solar cells, then in a day can produce as much as 24,000 watts of electrical energy. This potential electrical energy can commonly use to facilitate the distillation of essential oils.
The effect of basin geometry on gravitational vortex hydropower
Authors: Warjito  , Budiarso  , Christopher C R , Adanta D
Published: June 2020

This study aims to determine the shape of the conical basin that is suitable to be applied to the gravitational vortex hydropower (GVHP) by observing the shifting location of the core of water vortex. Three types of basin that will be observed are: a basin with cylindrical height of 20 mm (type A); a basin with conical height of 20 mm and cone angle of 60° (type B); and a basin with conical diameter of 50 mm, conical height of 20 mm, and cone angle of 45° (type C). There are two methods which were used, the analytical method was used to determine geometric parameters which affect water vortex formation, and then the numerical method was performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with multiphase, transient-SST, and steady-state condition. Highest velocity was achieved with conical basin type B which will form a strong water vortex formation. If the velocity gets higher, the pressure will also drop. Velocity gets higher gradually until it reaches the outlet, which in turn causing pressure to drop gradually as well. This will create pressure differences which will cause a suction effect and form a strong water vortex. Thus, the conical basin (type B) was concluded to be a basin which creates a good water vortex formation.
Ambient suppression in vibration bump test using wavelet-based filter
Authors: Nizwan C K E , Ghazali M F , Yusof A R
Published: June 2020

Modal analysis is generally used to determine the structural dynamic characteristics of a system through experimental. The main purpose of a modal analysis is to identify the modal parameter, which consists of natural or resonant frequencies, mode shapes and damping. However, this technique required all the system in shut down condition in order to perform modal testing. The presence of ambient force such as motor unbalanced can cause errors in measurement of time response. Therefore, a study on how to improve the quality of the acquired signals in EMA is crucial in order to increase the efficiency of EMA technique under the presence of ambient force. This paper introduces a method to eliminate the ambient component in measured vibration response using the wavelet-based filter. The two experiments have been carried involving two different conditions, shutdown condition and operating condition. The sources of the ambient in operating condition are induced from a motor and speed controller cooling fan. The proposed method utilizes the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and improvised spectral subtraction in filtering the ambient. The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is applied to both ambient data and total response data to decompose the signal by a factor of two into several levels of the wavelet decomposition. The modification of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) method has been done where the wavelet thresholding is replaced with the spectral subtraction to suppress the ambient in the signal. The spectral subtraction is used to suppress the ambient in each wavelet coefficient at each level of decomposition to avoid the losses of useful signal data while filtering the ambient. The decomposed wavelet signal is reconstructed and the result is being compared with the baseline data. The Frequency Response Function obtained from the reconstructed signal shows the harmonics feature from ambient excitation were successfully suppressed. The results show that the proposed approach is effective to suppress the ambient effect in vibration response measurement.
Remaining life prediction of wind turbine bearing based on Wiener process
Authors: Song Mu , Youliang Su , Kai Jing , Cheng Li , Tao Wang
Published: June 2020

In order to know about the real-time operating condition and the remaining life of the wind turbine bearings in time, a method of life prediction was proposed based on Wiener process. Firstly, the relationship model of bearing temperature parameters and speed parameters of wind turbine was established by using multiple linear regression; Secondly, the established relationship model was been used to build the real-time monitoring and performance degradation model of the wind generator bearings; Thirdly, Linear Wiener process and nonlinear Wiener process were respectively used to establish the remaining life prediction model of wind turbine bearing; Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the method in practical application were verified by analyzing the temperature data of a wind turbine’s gearbox.
The influence of wavy vortex in reducing the wall shear stress
Authors: Razzak A , Akter S , Hannan M A
Published: June 2020

A numerical study is preformed to demonstrate the influence of wavy vortex in reducing the wall shear stress for Taylor Couette flow (viscous flow in the annuals gap between two concentrated cylinders). The study replicates an experimental investigation performed for Taylor Couette flow with radius ration of 0.892. LES of WALE model is used to solve the 3D Navier-Stokes equation in OpenFOAM. Simulation was carried out for a range of Reynold’s Number (Re); and normalized torque, wall shear and velocity are compared for various flow structure. It is found that the azimuthal wall shear near the mid region drops significantly due to the appearance of wavy vortex flow. This finding may play a significant role in the study of drag reduction and can be practically applied in various fluid structure interaction systems involving rotational parts to improve frictional efficiency.
Effects of varying ultrasound parameters on the oscillation of a microbubble near a boundary
Authors: Mohd Ali Najihah , Dzaharudin Fatimah , Alias Erny
Published: June 2020

Microbubbles are currently used as ultrasound contrast agents. However, microbubbles have the potential to be used in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. Most numerical work on simulating microbubble oscillation involves modelling microbubbles in infinite medium whereas clinical trials and experiments involve microbubbles near a boundary such as an endothelium and blood vessels. This study will extend previous research by investigating the effects of varying the ultrasound parameters on a microbubble near a boundary. The microbubble oscillation was found to become increasingly irregular as the driving pressure amplitude is increased. The maximum amplitude of oscillation was found to decrease with increasing ultrasound frequency.