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Showing papers in "Advanced Materials Research in 2012"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared a Dimensional Analysis (DA) model, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model and an experimental result for a low gap current of an Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process.
Abstract: This paper aims to compare the material removal rate, ν between a Dimensional Analysis (DA) model, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model and an experimental result for a low gap current of an Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process. The data analysis is based on a copper electrode and steel workpiece materials. The DA and ANN model that have been developed and reported earlier by authors are used to compare the material removal of EDM process. The result indicated that the ANN model provides better accuracy towards the experimental results.

612 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The working principle and the main movement parameters of globular indexing cam mechanism are analyzed, and the dynamics simulation of this mechanism is done by using ADAMS dynamic simulation software to analyze the influence of size parameters on the transmission performance.
Abstract: The globular indexing cam mechanism is a kind of high-speed and high-precision indexing mechanism, widely used in the field of mechanical transmission, which has the character of smooth transmission, high-precision indexing, large transfer torque, wider choice of dynamic and static ratio, simple structure and low cost, etc. In this paper, the working principle and the main movement parameters of globular indexing cam mechanism are analyzed, and the dynamics simulation of this mechanism is done by using ADAMS dynamic simulation software to analyze the influence of size parameters on the transmission performance, which provides reliable theoretical basis for understanding the property and designing the parameter of globular indexing mechanism.

115 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A quantitative function for community partition, named communitarity or C value, is proposed and it is demonstrated that the quantitative is superior to modularity Q and modularity density D.
Abstract: Detecting and characterizing the community structure of complex network is fundamental. We compare the classical optimization indexes of modularity and modularity density, which are quality indexes for a partition of a network into communities. Based on this, we propose a quantitative function for community partition, named communitarity or C value. We demonstrate that the quantitative is superior to modularity Q and modularity density D. Both theoretical and numerical results show that optimizing the new index not only can resolve small modules, but also can correctly identify the number of communities.

89 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors optimized the four process parameters by means of Taguchi method combined with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and showed that the parameter with the most significant influence on the performance indexes is A, followed by B, D, and C, and that the optimum combination of the process parameters is A1B1C2D3.
Abstract: Aiming at such performance indexes in fused deposition modeling (FDM) as dimensional error (DE) and warpage deformation (WD), and selecting four process parameters, wire-width compensation (A), extrusion velocity (B), filling velocity (C), and layer thickness (D), as controlling factors, this paper optimized the four process parameters by means of Taguchi method combined with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The optimization results show that the parameter with the most significant influence on the performance indexes is A, followed by B, D, and C, and that the optimum combination of the process parameters is A1B1C2D3.

73 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors established an input-output model on cement plants and calculated carbon dioxide emissions of key steps and carbon footprint of products using the input output model and showed that CO2 emission in the plant (the production of the plant is 1320000t a year) reached 910000 t a year and CO2 emissions per ton product is 0.689 ton.
Abstract: Input-output model on cement plants were established. Carbon dioxide emissions of key steps and carbon footprint of products were calculated and predicted using the input-output model. The results showed that CO2 emission in the plant (the production of the plant is 1320000t a year) reached 910000 t a year and CO2 emission per ton product is 0.689 ton. Over 80% of the total CO2 was emitted during the process of firing,so the firing process is the key step for reducing CO2 emission in the cement plant. Carbon footprint of three kinds of cement products including ordinary portland cement, portland pozzolan cement and portland blast furnace slag cement are 0.76, 0.59, 0.72 respectively.

71 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Yang-Fourier transform as mentioned in this paper is a generalization of the fractional Fourier transform of non-differential functions on fractal space, and it can be applied to local fractional equations.
Abstract: Yang-Fourier transform is the generalization of the fractional Fourier transform of non-differential functions on fractal space. In this paper, we show applications of Yang-Fourier transform to local fractional equations with local fractional derivative and local fractional integral

67 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used system GMM estimation techniques to examine the dynamic effect of financial development on energy consumption with a panel data set on 29 provinces during the period 1999-2009 in China.
Abstract: In this study we use system GMM estimation techniques to examine the dynamic effect of financial development on energy consumption with a panel data set on 29 provinces during the period 1999-2009 in China. The empirical results show a positive and statistically significant relationship between financial development and energy consumption when financial development is measured by the ratio of loans in financial institution to GDP and by the ratio of FDI to GDP. These results have critical implications for energy policy where the impact of financial development on energy consumption, especially, the short effect from the development of bank loan scale and the long effect from the development of FDI, is important to improve the political effect.

54 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Tapioca starch was chemically modified with urea in the presence of borate as crosslinker and catalyst, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and viscosity were performed to measure qualitatively the reactivity of the mixture.
Abstract: Tapioca starch was chemically modified with urea in the presence of borate as crosslinker and catalyst. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and viscosity were performed to measure qualitatively the reactivity of the mixture. To improve the hydrophobicity, 10% of lignin (10%L) was then added into the starch-urea-borate (SUB) system. The incorporation of lignin leads to lower water uptake film. It was found that lignin retards the urea release and the SUB10%L film is stable and stayed intact for one month after immersing in water which shows high potential as a biopolymer for slow release fertilizer.

51 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of body armor commercial and current development materials, structure and construction techniques involved and related works on enhancing ballistic energy absorption is presented, which is a material to protect body from injury of various kind of high speed projectile impact velocity in combat or other dangerous situation.
Abstract: Body armor is a material to protect body from injury of various kind of high speed projectile impact velocity in combat or other dangerous situation. Researchers were found to actively research and exploring new body armor technology due to the invention of new firearms. Furthermore, they were also competing in developing ballistic panel which is lighter in weight, more flexible and comfort in use, cheaper in cost and manufacturability. This paper reviews the body armor commercial and current development materials, structure and construction techniques involved and related works on enhancing ballistic energy absorption.

50 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an investigation on lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) with different type of additives and show that the drying shrinkage, compressive strength and flexural strength are affected by the hydration process of each additive in the harden LFC.
Abstract: This paper presents an investigation on lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) with different type of additives. LFC with 600, 1000 and 1400 kg/m3 density were cast and tested. Fly ash, lime and polypropylene fibre were used on each density with different percentages. All the additives effects were compared with normal LFC as control mix. Mechanical properties of LFC were evaluated with several tests up to 180 days. The results show that the drying shrinkage, compressive strength and flexural strength are affected by the hydration process of each additive in the harden LFC. Fly ash as pozzolanic material helps to strengthen the LFC, though it needs longer curing period to achieve ultimate strength. Lime gives slight contribution to strength as detail investigation on microstructure formation will give clear answer on how the mechanical properties were affected. The addition of polypropylene contributes to flexural strength and shrinkage of LFC. Polypropylene fibre only contributes to compressive strength at low LFC density.

49 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the chemical and engineering processes for encapsulation of fragrances and flavors are discussed, and different coating materials and their application are depicted, as well as the different methods used for different types of encapsulation.
Abstract: Fragrance and flavor are valuable ingredients in toiletries, cosmetics and foods. They play a very important role in these products. However, fragrances and flavors are complex mixtures of comparatively volatile substances and labile components of which the sensory perception can be changed as a result of heating, oxidation, chemical interactions or volatilization. Microencapsulation technology is an effective method to minimize the harm of these problems. Encapsulation of fragrances or flavors has been attempted using various methods. In this paper, the chemical and engineering processes for encapsulation of fragrance and flavor are discussed. The different coating materials and their application are depicted.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the connotation and different definition of micro-grid were expounded, the basic structure of microgrid was described, and the key technologies of smart grid were expatiated on.
Abstract: In this paper the connotation and the different definition of micro-grid were expounded, the basic structure of micro-grid was described, and the key technologies of smart grid were expatiated on. Finally, the directions for future research in our country of micro-grid are elucidated.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The article suggests and summarizes actual development in robotics, which is heavily focused on the service and humanoid field in many applications, and refers to its fundamental properties, which has current industrial robots.
Abstract: The article deal about the development in the field of robotic research. The introduction suggests and summarizes actual development in robotics, which is heavily focused on the service and humanoid field in many applications. Next section of contribution is dealed to the development and is referred to its fundamental properties, which has current industrial robots.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An improved algorithm was developed based on the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) and invasive weed optimization (IWO) and it presented better ability in leaping over the local extremum and enhancing local exploration, and can void blind searching in the later evolution period.
Abstract: An improved algorithm (AFSA-IWO) was developed based on the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) and invasive weed optimization (IWO). It introduces IWO, and improves its mechanism of the competitive exclusion to meet practical application. Convergence analysis was performed with some typical benchmark test functions and comparison was made with AFSA. At the same time, it uses the AFSA-IWO to optimize the PID parameters. The results showed that the approach presented better ability in leaping over the local extremum and enhancing local exploration, and can void blind searching in the later evolution period. So it is a global optimization algorithm with good feasibility and high efficiency.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of the silica fume on the adhesion of reactive powder concrete (RPC), as a concrete restoration material, with the ordinary concrete (OC) substrate was investigated.
Abstract: The weak interfacial transition zone between new and old concrete is always paid much attention and controls many properties of repaired concrete, The present work reports a study on the influence of the silica fume on the adhesion of reactive powder concrete (RPC), as a concrete restoration material, with the ordinary concrete (OC) substrate. The results showed that, the silica fume presence in the interfacial transition zone significantly enhances the adhesion strength between RPC and OC substrate. Furthermore, the silica fume particles consume calcium hydroxide, which is in attendance in the interfacial transition zone, and make the zone more dense, uniform and tough.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of ultrasonic vibration and the electrolyte level on the performance of gravity-feed drilling by ECDM was investigated, where a tungsten rod as a tool electrode was fed by gravity.
Abstract: Electro-chemical discharge machining (ECDM) is one of nontraditional processes for micro-fabrication of non-conductive materials. A high applied voltage is preferable to form a gas film and to generate discharge in the film. However, accumulation of discharge heat often causes cracks of the surface because non-conductive materials have low heat conductivity. In this study, the effect of ultrasonic vibration and the electrolyte level on the performance of gravity-feed drilling by ECDM was investigated. Ultrasonic vibration was applied to a glass plate. A tungsten rod as a tool electrode was fed by gravity. Ultrasonic vibration changed the discharge behavior and improved electrolyte circulation. Although high amplitude ultrasonic vibration caused very dense and wide current pulses consistently during machining process, it decreased removal rate significantly. In addition, electrolyte levels affect single bubble size and the resistance in the electrolyte. Low electrolyte level will cause higher resistance, and higher temperature of the tool electrode and workpiece. A high bias current flew at a low electrolyte level without ultrasonic vibration. In this case, removal rate decreased and surface integrity was improved.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the Preisach Model is applied to obtain a mathematical model of the hysteresis in lithium battery and the identification of the model is obtained by using a neural network technique developed for magnetic systems.
Abstract: In this paper Preisach Model is applied to obtain a mathematical model of the hysteresis in lithium battery. Preisach Model allows to describe the hysteresis of charging and discharging cycles in a lithium battery. The identification of the model is obtained by using a neural network technique developed for magnetic systems. The model is verified on some experimental tests on commercial batteries.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a low-power wind turbine was used to serve a real telecommunication site located near Palermo, the main city of Sicily (Italy) in order to power a TLC.
Abstract: The ever increasing problems related to air pollution and the difficulties for power lines to reach inaccessible areas are pushing to find new solutions for powering telecommunications equipments (TLC). The renewable energy systems, although relatively expensive, have the required characteristics. The purpose of this work is to find a solution based on a low power wind turbine to serve a real telecommunication site located near Palermo, the main city of Sicily (Italy).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, low field-nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) was employed to evaluate water mobility and distribution in beef granules during drying process due to its fast and nondestructive detection.
Abstract: Low field-nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) was employed in this study to evaluate water mobility and distribution in beef granules during drying process due to its fast and nondestructive detection. Beef granules were dried in a blast drying oven at different temperatures (40, 50 and 60 °C) to a final moisture content around 21% after cooking. Results showed that it took about 150, 90 and 60 min for the samples dried at 40, 50 and 60 °C to get to the drying destination, respectively. The immobilized water was transformed into bound water with lower association degree and free water during drying at different conditions. Drying also resulted in a proportion increase of bound water; what’s more, the proportion of bound water is the largest when drying at 50 °C compared to 40 and 60 °C. After the drying destination was reached, the transverse relaxation time for bound water and immobilized water appeared significant change. It revealed that LF-NMR was an effective tool to assess water mobility and distribution during food drying process.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of nano-TiO2 in improving bitumen property and rutting resistance in Asphalt pavement under dynamic loading was investigated. And the results illustrate that using nano-O2in asphaltbinder samples cause to an improvement in rutbingdepth in comparison with the ordinarymixtures.
Abstract: Modification of the asphalt binder is one approach taken to improve Asphalt pavement performance. Rutting is one of the most important factors that could reduce the life of asphalt pavements.Nowadays, the application of nanotechnologyto achieve materials that are more resistant is expanding in asphalt pavement thatNano-TiO2 is among the most exciting and promising classes of materials discovered recently. The purpose of this study is laboratory research on the effect of Nano-TiO2 in improving Bitumen property and rutting resistance in Asphalt pavement under dynamic loading. For this purpose, the wheel-tracking test was carried outon ordinary and Nano-TiO2 modified hot mix asphalt samples.The results illustrate that using Nano-TiO2in asphaltbinder samples cause to an improvement in ruttingdepth in comparison with theordinarymixtures.

Journal ArticleDOI
R. Saravanan1, N. Karthikeyan1, S. Govindan1, V. Narayanan1, A. Stephen1 
TL;DR: In this paper, the structural and morphological properties of ZnO/CeO2 nanorods were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM).
Abstract: Nanorods of ZnO/CeO2 were synthesized by thermal decomposition method. The decomposition temperature and formation of composite material were confirmed by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) before the synthesis process. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques. The structural and morphological properties of ZnO/CeO2 nanorods were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). The chemical composition and specific surface area analysis were done by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. Further the catalyst was used for photocatalytic degradation of organic dye under visible light irradiation

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the synthesis conditions for generating high quality zeolite type Na-P1, A, and X from a South African coal fly ash were identified in a study.
Abstract: Synthesis conditions for generating high quality zeolite type Na-P1, A, and X from a South African coal fly ash were identified in this study. XRF, XRD, FTIR and SEM analytical techniques were used to characterize the starting fly ash feedstock and the resulting synthesis product. Synthesis of these high quality zeolites types is expected to provide a competitive alternative for recycling the ever increasing quantity of fly ash produced in the South African coal-fired power plants. This approach will not only be environment friendly but could also be attractive from an economic point of view since the cost of disposal of fly ash could be offset by the income generated from the sale of the synthesized zeolitic materials.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a new processing method for the production of modified starch, high power ultrasonic treatment (400 W), was applied to native tapioca starch, and the effect of processing parameters such as ultrasound amplitude (50 and 100%) and sonication time (10, 20 and 30 minutes) on the properties of the modified starches was investigated.
Abstract: A new processing method for the production of modified starch, high power ultrasonic treatment (400 W), was applied to native tapioca starch. The effect of processing parameters such as ultrasound amplitude (50 and 100%) and sonication time (10, 20 and 30 minutes) on the properties of the modified starches was investigated. Starch granule morphology observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling power, solubility and powder x-ray diffractometry (PXRD) of the obtained ultrasonically treated tapioca starch were determined and compared with native as well as heat-treated tapioca starches. The results from SEM and PXRD showed that the ultrasonic treatment of tapioca starch distorted the crystalline region in starch granules, especially at higher amplitude or sonication time. The swelling power of the tapioca starch increased after treatment with both heat and ultrasound, in which the swelling power of ultrasonically treated starch was higher than that of heat-treated starch. It was found that tapioca starch treated by ultrasound for a certain period of time has an increase in solubility. The increase in the swelling power is associated with water absorption capacity and starch granules solubility.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the ultrafine palm oil fuel ash was used to produce high strength concrete by replacing the ordinary Portland cement at 0, 20, 40 and 60% on a mass-for-mass basis.
Abstract: Palm oil fuel ash obtained from palm oil mill was treated via screening, grinding and heating to improve its pozzolanic reactivity. The characteristics of the palm oil fuel ash before and after treatment were monitored to assess the changes in the properties of the palm oil fuel ash. The resulting ultrafine palm oil fuel ash was then utilized to produce high strength concrete by replacing the ordinary Portland cement at 0, 20, 40 and 60% on mass-for-mass basis. The results show that the treatment process undertaken reduces the particle size, diminishes the unburned carbon content, while at the same time increases the glassy phases. The utilization of the ultrafine palm oil fuel ash in high strength concrete was observed to improve workability especially at higher ultrafine palm oil fuel ash content. In addition, the long-term compressive strength of the high strength concrete was significantly increased with the ultrafine palm oil fuel ash inclusion. Further, the long-term rapid chloride permeability was significant reduced especially at higher ultrafine palm oil fuel ash content of 60%, which could be translated into superior durability performance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Based on the basic characteristics of nature reserve systems, utilize ultra-entropy production model, revealing the reserve system evolution, provide a scientific basis to the natural reserve tourism development and the harmony management of the ecological and environmental protection as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Reserve system is a far from equilibrium nonlinear complex systems, and paradigms that make use of linear scientific is difficult to grasp its essence. Based on the basic characteristics of nature reserve systems, utilize ultra-entropy production model, revealing the reserve system evolution, provide a scientific basis to the natural reserve tourism development and the harmony management of the ecological and environmental protection.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the band gap energies of magnesium oxide (MgO) precursors were calcined at a temperature of 600 °C for 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively.
Abstract: In this work, the band gap energies of magnesium oxide (MgO) were investigated to see if calcination time affects the band gap energies of the MgO. MgO nanomaterials have been prepared by a sol-gel method. MgO precursors produced were calcined at a temperature of 600 °C for 24 hours and 48 hours. The structural characterization of samples is achieved using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and the morphology as well as particle size of MgO were examined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). UV-Vis NIR spectroscopy was used to determine the band gap energies of the materials. From the results, the band gap energy of the MgO with a longer heating time exhibited a higher value.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the time delay and cost overrun factors for Design and Build DB contributing for better project performance and lead to positive risks, opportunities in Malaysia's construction industry.
Abstract: The construction industry in Malaysia is very important for creating employment, both directly and indirectly. It faces two repeated problems during the construction stage: slippage of project-schedules, i.e. time overrun and overrun of project cost; to the dislike of owners, contractors and consultants. This paper studies the time delay and cost overrun factors for Design and Build DB contributing for better project performance and lead to positive risks, opportunities.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed the common extraction method used and the latest research trends in extraction of silica from agricultural wastes such as rice husk, because silica is useful raw material for industrial application.
Abstract: Large quantities of agricultural wastes such as palm ash and rice husk are found in Malaysia, have a large possibility to be employed as usefully renewable to produce energy and silica (SiO2). Extensive researches have been carried out to extract silica from agricultural wastes such rice husk, because silica is useful raw material for industrial application. In the previous studies, the strong acid leaching treatment was carried out on rice husk to remove metallic impurities and organics contained in them. Leaching treatment is a proper route to extract the silica. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO3) solutions are conventionally used in leaching treatment to prepare silica materials [. A strong acid leaching treatment, however, is significantly hazardous to the environment and humans. This paper reviews the common extraction method used and the latest research trends in extraction of silica.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the joining of bulk MS (mild steel) plates using a domestic microwave oven at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and a power of 900 W was described.
Abstract: This paper describes joining of bulk MS (mild steel) plates using a domestic microwave oven at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and a power of 900 W. Microwave Hybrid Heating (MHH) is used for joining of MS plate by placing an interlayer of Ni powder of average thickness of about 0.3 mm between two interfacing surfaces. Characterization of the joints has been carried out using X ray diffraction (XRD), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), and Vickers micro indentation. The back scattered electron (BSE) image shows complete melting of powder particle yielding diffusion bonding between interfacing powder particles and MS plates The average micro hardness of the joints observed to be 420 ± 30 Hv which is significantly higher than the substrate hardness of 230 ± 10 Hv. The results obtained after performing tensile test show that the joints have an average strength of 250 MPa with a percentage elongation of 6 percent

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the results of experimental investigation on the characterization and analysis of mechanical properties of composites formed were presented, where three aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced with 10 wt% of B4C, SiC and Al2O3 particles were processed.
Abstract: The paper presents the results of experimental investigation on the characterization and analysis of mechanical properties of composites formed. Three aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced with 10 wt% of B4C, SiC and Al2O3 particles were processed. The stir casting method followed by hot rolling was used for fabrications of aluminium 7075 metal matrix composites, being one of the cost effective industrial methods. Experimental results show nearly a uniform distribution and good dispersion of reinforced particles within aluminium matrix. Both tensile strength and hardness are enhanced by incorporation of reinforcement particles into the matrix. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was done to study the good dispersion of particles and surface characteristics.