bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Design Improvements for an Between-Car Barrier Failure on Urban Rail Transit Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Long , Yin Yanbo , Chen Qiubo , Wu Zijing , Feng Baide , Cao Yanhua , Wu Lvxian , Lu Peng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper presents the failure analysis and design improvement measures following a recent between-car barrier (BCB) entanglement incident involving two urban rail transit (URT) vehicles, where the BCB is a safety-critical component bridging the potentially dangerous gap between coupled vehicles mandated by ADA regulations.
Through a fault tree analysis (FTA), two possible factors were identified: the changes in the safety strap properties due to prolonged operation time, and extreme rail conditions encountered during mainline/yard operations. Results of the material analysis and aging tests ruled out UV exposure and material elongation as significant contributing factors. Further analysis focused on BCB interactions under various rail track conditions. Several Design of Experiments (DOE) were devised and analyzed, revealing specific scenarios where entanglement could occur. With the root cause identified, FEA simulations and design iterations led to a retrofit solution, including the addition of a diagonal guiding rod and extra precautions on the safety straps.
By sharing this case study, the paper aims to provide insights from the design experience of a kind of BCB for URT trains and offer valuable lessons learned on corner cases for future vehicle designs.
Characterization of Deposited Dust on PV Panels and Residual Dust After Cleaning With an Electrostatic Device
Authors: Albaradi Abdurahman , Mynderse James A. , Zhou Meng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dust accumulation on the surfaces of photovoltaic (PV) panels reduces the power output over time. Therefore, cleaning PV modules is essential to ensure the maximum energy yield. While solar energy is widely available in arid and semi-arid locations with high irradiance, such as Saudi Arabia, these regions are more prone to dust deposition and necessitate PV cleaning. Due to the arid climate, water-free PV cleaning methods are of particular interest. This study analyzes five soil samples from around potential PV power plants locations in Saudi Arabia. The dust particles were analyzed for size distribution, shape, elemental composition, and chemical composition. After thorough cleaning with electrodynamic shields (EDS), the residual dust was collected and characterized in the same manner as the original samples. The residual dust generally consisted of small (&lt; 20 μm) and large (&gt; 80 μm) particles outside the EDS effective cleaning range of 20–80 μm. The mineral compositions of the residual dust had a relative permittivity lower than the deposited dust.
Investigating the Effects of Polymer Particle Shape and Impact Orientation in Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Duran Salih , Kokal Uğur , Özdemir Ozan Çağatay , Müftü Sinan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Impact of non-spherical polymer particles on polymer substrates is investigated to analyze the effects of particle shape and incidence angle for polymer cold spray applications. We focused on different polymer particle-polymer substrate combinations, such as polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane and high-density polyethylene, and developed temperature and strain rate-dependent material models for each material. Results showed that the initial shape of the polymer particles has a significant effect on their behavior during impact. Particles with 0.2 flattening value show a 75% reduction in effective strain energy release rate and 37.5% decrease in coefficient of restitution. We also investigated the effects of size and orientation and found that each particle size is similarly sensitive to shape effects, with smaller particles showing a lower effective strain energy release rate and higher bonding probability. Investigation of high-density polyethylene revealed that the shape effect decreases with increased ductility. Overall, this study provides insights into the fundamental behavior of polymer particles during cold spray additive manufacturing and highlights the importance of considering particle shape and incidence angle for improved process optimization.
Enhancing Heat Transfer and Suppressing Flow-Induced Vibrations Through Cylinder Arrangement Modification
Authors: Ali Ussama , Islam Md , Janajreh Isam , Fatt Yap Yit 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study delves into the influence of cylinder arrangements on flow-induced vibrations and heat transfer within the laminar regime, specifically at a Reynolds number of 100. The investigation involves the oscillatory behavior of two cylinders, each permitted motion in two degrees of freedom: parallel to the flow direction (streamwise) and perpendicular to it (transverse). The configuration of two identical circular cylinders varies from tandem alignment (α = 0°) to staggered (α = 15°), with a fixed spacing of 6D between them, where D represents the cylinder diameter. Maintaining a constant temperature, the cylinders were subjected to heat transfer analysis to determine the impact of two-dimensional flow-induced vibrations (FIV). The outcomes emphasized the sensitivity of cylinder response to variations in reduced velocity and cylinder configuration, particularly concerning FIV and heat transfer phenomena. Notably, tandem alignment exhibited the most pronounced vibrational responses in both cylinders. Placing the cylinders in staggered arrangement resulted in lower vibrational responses accompanied by a diminished lock-in zone which is characterized by significant transverse vibration amplitudes. However, the staggered arrangement led to higher Strouhal numbers, indicative of increased vortex shedding frequencies. While streamwise vibrations were negligible in the tandem setup, they were prominent in the staggered arrangement. Importantly, the staggered setup demonstrated a notable 23% reduction in transverse vibrations and an 36% increase in the averaged Nusselt number for the downstream cylinder compared to the tandem configuration. These findings suggest the superiority of staggered cylinder setup over tandem alignment for enhancing heat transfer and mitigating FIV effects.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of a Magnetorheological Squeeze Film Damper Using the Herschel-Bulkley Model and the Short Bearing Approximation
Authors: Gómez Juan R. , Escandón Juan P. , Jimenez Edson M. , Torres David A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The present work analyzes the behavior of a magnetorheological squeeze film damper to control the mechanical vibrations generated by the rotor instability. In this context, the Herschel-Bulkley model is used to simulate the behavior of the working fluid, and the fluid hydrodynamics is based on the continuity and momentum equations. Furthermore, the boundary conditions at the channel walls correspond to the non-slip conditions, and the conditions of velocity continuity and stress balance are present in the fictitious interfaces of the magnetorheological (MR) fluid. In particular, considering the short bearing approximation, the Reynolds equation determines the pressure distribution on the width of the MR damper. The results present the pressure distribution and velocity profiles of the MR fluid in the damper as a function of dimensionless parameters such as yield stress associated with the magnetic field, the power-law index to simulate the non-Newtonian behavior of the MR fluid, the angle that controls the thickness of the MR fluid, and the eccentricity due to rotor instability. Therefore, the theoretical results contribute to understanding fluid mechanics in MR dampers for applications in rotating machines such as turbines, pumps, internal combustion engines, and electric motors.
Methane Detection and Characterization With AI Sensor Fusion and Decision-Analytic Placement of Rapidly Deployable Sensors
Authors: Agogino Alice M. , Goldstein Adam , Chen Ian Yijun , Hu R. Lily , Huang Yu Fei , Hutchings Douglas , Kang Christiana , Lee Angeline Ying Kee , Miao Yuxin , Millan Jeffrey , Rao Vivek 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Immediate action is required to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and its impact on climate change. Methane emissions have been estimated to produce 80 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide and are responsible for a third of anthropogenic warming. Recent legislation in inspections and penalties for leaks has motivated new efforts to identify sources of fugitive methane emissions and remediate them. However, there are major challenges, costs and safety concerns in identifying and characterizing leaks in remote and hard-to-reach production sites. New international satellite data can be used to flag general areas of large emissions, but do not have the resolution to identify the exact source or faulty equipment, which is needed to develop a plan for remediation.
This paper illustrates an integrated ground-aerial smart sensor approach built around a machine learning framework for methane inspections and characterizations. With the ability to be rapidly deployed by sUAS (small unmanned aerial systems) to gather a more localized and ground-level assessment of the leak, a dynamic optimal placement of sensors can be used to for improved remediation decision making. A case study is presented using the methane GasVid leak video dataset.
Structural Health and Damage Sensing of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Laminates
Authors: Jenson Sean , Meyer Sam , Ali Muhammad , Wisner Brian , Yochens Jesse 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Advancement in aerospace materials is of high importance and is the focus in present material science studies. Laminated composites are often utilized due to their high strength-to-weight ratios. Aerospace materials and structures are often subjected to extreme temperature and loading environments. Due to their complex geometry, wear and damage are often difficult to measure without complete out-of-service inspection; therefore, the ability to actively monitor structural health is an extremely valuable inspection tool. The present study aimed to investigate the damage sensing capabilities of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates by using the existing composite fibers as an electrical network. The measured impedance of this system is monitored, with changes in the impedance notating damage to the system. Single, unidirectional plies were investigated through a micromechanics approach and the changes in electrical impedance were correlated to fiber and matrix damage. These impedance changes established a baseline for monitoring and predicting damage in these materials. This preliminary study provided satisfactory baseline knowledge in the use of electrical impedance monitoring to correlate damage in CFRP materials leading up to material failure. The sensing characteristic methods will ultimately be expanded to large scale laminate applications and will provide a method for monitoring structures and prediction of damage for CFRP material applications.
Conceptual Genetic Algorithm-Based Optimization of the Layer Heights in a Cascaded Packed Bed for Cryogenic Energy Storage
Authors: Chamarthi Bharat Surya , Sandilya Pavitra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A packed bed system comprising a cascade of phase change materials have been shown to enhance the energy storage performance, which is dictated by the type of PCM, number of PCM layers, volume of each layer amongst others. Some parametric studies to assess the effects of these factors for high temperature energy storage have been reported; however, no guidelines on the optimal design of the packed bed system is available. In this paper, we present a theoretical framework using genetic algorithm to optimize the height of each cascade stage of a packed bed for cryogenic energy storage. The objective for optimization was set as the maximization of the bed utilization and the second law efficiency. The optimization was done based on the bed temperature profiles obtained from a heat transfer model. We implemented this framework to a three-layered packed bed to store the cryogenic energy from an incoming air stream at 100K. The optimized dimension of the packed bed system has a utilization factor of 0.975 and exergy efficiency of 58%. The results show that the developed framework may be extended to optimize the design of large scale cascaded cryogenic packed bed energy storage systems.
Impact of Surface Texture on Moisture Absorption and Long-Term Mechanical Performance of Biomedical Polymers
Authors: Madasani Ravi Chandra , Hossain Mohammad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mechanical integrity over time is a crucial factor for various biomedical polymers used in numerous applications, including total joint replacement prostheses applications. However, moisture absorption can significantly affect the long-term mechanical behavior of these polymers, leading to potential degradation and failure. This research investigates how surface texture influences the long-term mechanical behavior of two biomedical polymers, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). A comprehensive analysis is conducted by comparing the mechanical performance of flat/smooth and textured HDPE and UHMWPE specimens subjected to moisture exposure over an extended period. A combination of laser engraving and hot-pressing techniques is used to introduce textures, with variation in geometry and dimension, on the surfaces of model polymers. Tensile tests are performed on both flat/smooth and textured specimens stored under dry condition and in moisture environment for up to 90 days. Effects of moisture absorption on mechanical properties are studied and compared for the flat/smooth samples as well as among different textured samples with varying geometries and dimensions. The results demonstrate that the introduction of surface texture delays moisture absorption compared to flat/smooth samples. This delayed moisture absorption enhances the long-term mechanical durability of polymers under moisture environment. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is conducted to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the observed long-term mechanical behavior. The findings highlight the critical role surface texture plays in mitigating moisture-induced degradation, thereby enhancing the long-term mechanical performance of biomedical polymers in moisture environments.
A MATLAB-Based User Interface to Study the Multi-Reflections and Light Absorption in Textured Solar Cell Surfaces
Authors: Singh Lovekesh , Hossain Mohammad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Improving the efficiency of solar cells is important as it is a sustainable way of energy production with a relatively low power conversion efficiency (PCE). To enhance the efficiency of solar cells, textures can be introduced on the surface which can minimize light ray reflectance, leading to increased light absorption and improvement in overall efficiency. Introduction of texture can also improve the hydrophobicity of the surface which can enhance the self-cleaning capability of solar panels. In this study, a MATLAB-based user interface is developed to facilitate assessing the sunlight absorption in silicon-based solar cells having top layer as a microtextured surface. The user interface employs a multi-faceted mesh-grid algorithm to design 3D textural surface geometries. Core to the program’s functionality is advanced ray tracing simulations that identify points of light intersection on these textures and determine the trajectory of light upon reflection. A notable feature of this user interface is its capability to simulate and analyze the complex phenomenon of multi-reflection in the structure. This iterative process allows for a comprehensive understanding of light interactions in textured surfaces, to find the best structure for maximum absorption. This user-interface provides clarity and ease of use in modeling and analyzing light absorption in textured solar cell surfaces. The modeling framework is validated using experimental observation, and the impact of six 3D surface textures on sunlight absorption of silicon solar cell is studied using the simulation framework. According to the simulation findings, the cavity texture provides more consistent light absorption compared to its protrusion counterpart. Furthermore, hemispherical cavities exhibit consistently high absorption across various incident angles. The results provide useful insights for improving light absorption in the solar cell.
New Design of an Integrated System of Supercritical CO2 Cycle and Multi-Effect Desalination and Organic Rankine Cycle for Concentrated Solar Power in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Sattam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the present paper, a new design of a combined system using a concentrated solar system, which includes a thermal storage, is proposed for Saudi Arabia. The solar tower system is used with molten salts chosen as heat transfer fluid to supply heat input source for the supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) cycle via a heat exchanger, enabling the operation of the sCO2 cycle for electricity generation. The molten salts exit the heat exchanger at sufficiently high temperature, which can be used to generate steam for a desalination system. This steam powers multi-effect desalination with thermal vapor compression (MED-TVC) to produce freshwater. Furthermore, the supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle has waste heat with temperature above 100 degrees Celsius; therefore, this waste heat is recovered to produce an additionally electricity by using low-grade cycle such as Organic Rankine Cycle to improve the overall performance of combined system. The Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software is employed to conduct in-depth energy, exergy, and simple economic analyses for the new proposed system, focusing on the generation of electricity and freshwater. The new combined design system is increasing the power production from 100 MW to 103.52 MW. Freshwater production is 421 kg/s without impacting the power output. Based on simple economic analysis, the cost of electricity is 0.07 $/kWh, and the price of water is 0.92 $/m3.
An Experimental Study on the Evaporation Characteristics of Free-Suspended Droplet of Monoethanolamine Solutions
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Misztal Tad , Liu Yang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Global warming is primarily driven by post-combustion carbon emissions within various industries as well as in transportation. Actions have been taking place worldwide, such as applying CO2 capture technology, to lower these emissions in an effort to achieve carbon neutrality. Among various carbon capture technologies, Monoethanolamine (MEA)-based solvent systems stand out for their promising decarbonization characteristics. However, spontaneous evaporation of the MEA solution may occur and degrade the efficiency of these systems. In this study, we aim to develop an experimental approach using an acoustic levitator to mimic and quantitatively examine the evaporation process of MEA solution droplets suspended in air used in these systems. By employing different concentrations of MEA solutions and capturing the size changes of suspended droplets over time with high-speed photography, we analyzed the evaporation processes of the droplets. The results reveal distinct stages during evaporation characterized by varying evaporation rates: a rapid evaporation of the solvent initially followed by a slower phase dominated by MEA. This differentiation in evaporation rates leads to an increase in the concentration of MEA on the surface of droplets as the process unfolds, potentially adversely impacting the effectiveness of CO2 capture. These findings underscore the necessity of adjusting spray nozzle designs in MEA-based CO2 capture systems to accommodate concentration changes during the evaporation process.
Off-Design Performance Analysis of a Pumping System in a Natural Gas Combined Cycle Taking Into Consideration Environmental Conditions
Authors: Bravo Said F. , Bravo Héctor J. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Centrifugal pumps are essential and vitally important components in thermodynamic electricity generation cycles such as Natural Gas Combined Cycles (NGCC). Reliability and the correct choice of equipment can define the correct functioning of a thermal generation power plant.
Environmental conditions can have a direct impact on the performance and behavior of thermal machines and combined cycles are no exception. This behavior directly affects the pumping systems since flow rate, thermal properties of the fluid and Total Dynamic Head (TDH) are modified.
Environmental conditions such ambient pressure, ambient temperature and relative humidity are commonly used as input parameters to make real simulations of thermal electric plants. This research focuses on a design and an off-design methodologies which together can predict the behavior and performance of a combined cycle by taking into consideration two of the most important variables before mentioned: environmental pressure and ambient temperature.
Centrifugal pumps in specific are directly modified since those changes will directly affect the performance of the plant and therefore the demand for working fluid is also modified. This specific investigation focuses on how meteorological parameters modify the behavior of the pumping system of a Rankine cycle included in NGCC, and how only considering the design conditions when modeling a thermal plant can mean oversizing the centrifugal pumps physically and energetically, making them unnecessarily larger.
The study has taken real meteorological data from two places: La Joya and Majes (located in south of Peru). The energy demand in Peru is constantly growing, industry and mining activities are considered important in the economy of the country. The modeling under design and off-design conditions used in this research could predict the behavior of the pumping system in an hourly simulation for a full year (8760 simulations). The results show that the flow rate of the average working fluid is greatly reduced, between 23.79% and 30.03% in La Joya and between 31.69% and 39.03% in Majes in real conditions, the TDH varies slightly but without significant importance, it is shown that the oversizing of the pumping equipment can become energetically considerable compared to the conditions at the design point, being on average 22.95% and 28.65% lower in La Joya and Majes respectively, finally the energy consumption of the pumping system in La Joya is higher than in Majes by 4.64% but this is compensated by the energy generated in La Joya which is bigger by 6.64% compared to Majes.
Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness and Student Engagement In Structural Engineering Through Integration of RISA Software: A Project-Based Pedagogy Approach
Authors: Jazaei Robabeh , Azari Fatemeh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study investigates the effect of integrating RISA Software within a project-based pedagogy framework on teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes in a junior-level civil engineering structural analysis course. Over three consecutive years (2021–2023), the course was delivered to cohorts of 12–20 civil engineering students, employing various pedagogical approaches. Despite consistent teaching methodology effectiveness ratings in the lecture section across the first two years (average 3 ± 0.2 out of 4), the lab section of this course, where RISA Software was integrated, demonstrated a steady increase in teaching effectiveness from 3.09 to 3.32 for the first two years. Notably, in 2023, the introduction of project-based pedagogy resulted in an 11% improvement in teaching effectiveness in the lecture section and an impressive 27% increase in the lab section. Key findings suggest that the incorporation of RISA Software within a project-based pedagogical framework fosters enhanced teaching effectiveness, heightened student engagement, and a more profound understanding of structural engineering concepts. This research underscores the efficacy of integrating practical software tools with innovative teaching methodologies to optimize learning outcomes in complex engineering subjects.