Journal of Advanced Mechanical Engineering Applications
The Journal of Advanced Mechanical Engineering Applications (JAMEA) is a peer review journal that publishes twice a year, June and December. JAMEA welcomes article submission from the local and international researchers and practitioners in various fields of mechanical engineering and system applications. From time to time, JAMEA will publish review articles and bring out special issues on a specific sub-field of mechanical engineering. Authors are encouraged to contact the Editors if they would like to submit a review article or bring out a special issue of the Journal.
A Study on Energy Efficiency of a 3 Storey Office Building in Senai Airport City Johor
The Malaysian government is prioritizing energy efficiency to address rising global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Office buildings are significant energy consumers due to various factors such as building design, operational needs and occupancy rate. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) and the Green Building Index (GBI) are designed to reduce energy intensity and promote environmental goals. Incentives for renewable energy use, such as Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, streamline the sale of surplus solar energy to utility firm like Tenaga National Berhad (TNB). The Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) advocates for NET Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) to promote sustainable development and mitigate environmental impact. This study seeks to examines the energy consumption profile of a 3 storey office building in Senai, Johor, identify opportunities for energy saving, aims to improve electrical energy efficiency. The energy efficiency solutions included roof insulation, LED lighting, a multi-split variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air condioning system, precise control of temperature setting, enhanced energy efficiency, and the incorporation of solar energy system is essential in lowering building energy intensity (BEI) significantly. By employing these measures, office building can decrease electricity usage, minimize operation expenses, and mitigate carbon footprint emissions.
Mechanicacal Engineering : Production, Energy and Environmental Studies
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Advanced Mechanical Engineering Applications https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Low-Cost IoT-Based Environmental Monitoring and Sensor Validation Framework for Controlled- Environment Agriculture
Reliable environmental monitoring is essential for controlled-environment agriculture to ensure suitable environmental conditions for crop growth and resource efficiency. This study aims to develop and validate a low-cost Internet of Things (IoT)-based environmental monitoring system for indoor hydroponic farming. The system consists of an MG811 carbon dioxide sensor, Durian Uno microcontroller, DHT22 temperature and humidity sensor, ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, and the Blynk Console dashboard for monitoring the carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and relative humidity. The experiment was carried out at the indoor plant factory of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia using green coral lettuce as the test crop over a 30-day growth cycle. The findings indicate that the CO₂ concentration fluctuated between 540 ppm and 1225 ppm, with an average of 789.63 ppm. The temperature and humidity were stable, ranging from 20.2°C to 21.2°C, with an average of 20.8°C, and the relative humidity ranged from 78% to 81%, with an average of 79.3%. The validation using the Kimo Instruments AMI310 handheld with a DHT22 sensor showed consistent temperature and humidity readings with small average differences of 0.28°C and 1.5%, respectively. However, the MG811 sensor showed a larger deviation in CO₂ measurements, indicating the need for further calibration or replacement with a more reliable CO₂ sensor. Overall, the proposed system demonstrates the viability of low-cost IoT-based monitoring for indoor farming and underscores the importance of sensor validation in controlled-environment agriculture.
Hemodynamic Efficacy of Flow Diverter Stents in Intracranial Aneurysms: A Computational Analysis of Wall Shear Stress
Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) pose a severe clinical risk of catastrophic rupture, a life-threatening event largely driven by continuous and localized hemodynamic forces acting upon the structurally weakened arterial wall. While the deployment of flow diverter (FD) stents has emerged as a highly effective endovascular intervention to disrupt intra-aneurysmal flow, determining the most mechanically protective stent configuration remains a significant challenge. Suboptimal deployment can inadvertently worsen local shear stresses, exacerbate endothelial dysfunction and accelerate vascular degradation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the hemodynamic efficacy of various FD stent configurations by analyzing their impact on Time-Averaged Wall Shear Stress (TAWSS) distributions—specifically physiological , stagnated , and critical shear regions to identify designs that best mitigate rupture risks. Computational hemodynamic analysis revealed varying degrees of efficacy across the tested configurations. A hemodynamically ideal stent must promote to maintain endothelial homeostasis, while strictly minimizing, which triggers inflammatory pathways, and (> 10 Pa), which drives destructive extracellular matrix degradation via matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Among the evaluated designs, Model 5 demonstrated the most optimal and highly protective mechanical profile. It successfully suppressed the luminal coverage area to merely 0.361%, effectively dampening the incoming high-velocity blood jets and balancing the overall shear distribution far better than the untreated baseline and other configurations. These findings emphasize that selecting the optimal FD stent geometry is crucial for restoring physiological hemodynamics and preventing post-treatment hemorrhagic rupture, providing essential insights for future neurovascular stent designs.
Analysis of Thermal Synergy and Thermal Overlapping in Multifocal Breast Tumor Hyperthermia Therapy
Hyperthermia is a promising complementary treatment which improves the therapeutic efficacy of conventional cancer therapies by utilizing controlled elevation of tumor temperature. Although numerous studies have investigated temperature distribution in individual breast tumor, the behavior of thermal interaction between multiple tumor regions remains inadequately quantified. This study presents a secondary analysis of previously obtained computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation data to assess thermal interaction in single and triple clustered breast tumor configurations exposed to hyperthermia treatment. Temperature profiles were extracted and analyzed for tumor diameters of 2 and 4 cm under 40°C, 45°C and 50°C heating conditions. Three quantitative metrics were evaluated including thermal overlap, inter-tumor thermal variation (ΔT) and thermal synergy index (TSI). The findings demonstrate that clustered tumors constantly exhibited bigger thermally affected regions in comparison to equivalent single tumor configurations. This may indicate stronger spatial interaction of thermal regions. Nevertheless, clustering also increased temperature heterogeneity with ΔT values rising from 4.72°C to 15.26°C and 7.60°C to 16.43°C as heating condition elevated from 40°C to 50°C in 2 and 4 cm tumors’ cluster respectively. Thermal synergy analysis displayed a temperature dependent behavior as TSI value increased from 0.991 at 40°C to 1.018 for 2 cm tumors and consistent positive synergy for 4 cm tumor reaching a maximum TSI value of 1.021 at 50°C. Findings observed in this study reveal that clustering tumor increase conductive thermal interaction as well as promotes synergy heat buildup at high temperatures but accompanied by a reduction in thermal uniformity. Therefore, this study provides a quantitative framework to evaluate thermal interaction involving multifocal breast tumor. It also offers supplementary insight into the influence of heating intensity and tumor size on hyperthermia treatment performance.
Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Different Insulation Materials (Agricultural Waste)
The sustainable usage of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) for insulation applications on building components was studied. To prepare one-layer, two-layer and three-layer insulation samples, they have been cleaned, treated with alkali, ground, moulded and dried. Thermal, Acoustic, Water absorption and Flammability tests were performed on fabricated samples. The results indicated that the thickness of the layers increased, the insulation performance improved generally. The 3 layer configuration showed the best thermal performance with an average temperature difference of 0.56°C and the best acoustic performance with an average sound reduction of 14.37 dB. The three-layer sample had the longest ignition time of 67.67 s and shortest smouldering length of 2.0 cm in the flammability test, which meant that the sample had a better flammability resistance. The water absorption increased as the insulation thickness increased, the three-layer sample has the highest water absorption value of 37.90%. Comparative performance assessment with the conventional insulation material showed that PALF insulation has the competitive performance in terms of thermal and acoustics properties and has the superior performance in terms of sustainability and environmental benefits. The results showed that pineapple leaf fibre is an environmentally friendly alternative building materials insulation.
Development of a Mini Crane for Lightweight Lifting Applications
Conventional cranes are often bulky and difficult to be operated in confined spaces, thus the demand for a more compact and safe lifting solution is rising. The main objectives of this study are to design, analyze, and fabricate a portable compact crane to improve safety and easy to be operated. The crane was first conceptually designed and modeled using SolidWorks 2021 and the structural performance was then evaluated through finite element simulation to determine the stress distribution, displacement, and strain under maximum operating load. The results showed that the maximum stress, displacement, and strain fall within the acceptable limits of mild steel. A prototype was then fabricated using standard manufacturing processes, such as cutting, drilling, welding, and mechanical fastening, before undergoing performance testing. The test demonstrated that the mini crane was able to lift and lower up to 188 kg loads with a maximum lifting height of 1700 mm and an adjustable reach between 1200 mm and 1400 mm. Overall, the mini crane offers a practical and affordable lifting solution for restrictive environments, thus improving safety and mobility compared to conventional cranes.
Sustainable Vehicle Lifting Solutions: Development and Testing of a Pneumatic Scissor Jack
Conventional lifting systems often require manual effort, resulting in inefficient and unstable vehicle lifting operations. An improvised version of lifting system with better efficiency, safety and stability is thus needed to address these problems. Therefore, this study focuses on the design and construction of pneumatic scissor lift jacks, aiming to reduce manual labor and increase vehicle lifting performance. The fabricated prototype is integrated with a double-acting pneumatic cylinder, which was designed using SolidWorks and made of AISI 1020 mild steel. A simulation using Finite Element Analysis shows an approximately 3.52 MPa Von Mises when a 2000 N static load was applied on the lifting platform. Based on the results and data discussion, the stress is lower than the material’s yield, strength, thus confirming that the newly developed lifting system can safely handle the load without permanent deformation. During lifting and lowering process, there were no unusual vibrations and shaking observed, proving that the system demonstrated a stable and functional performance. In brief, it is recommended to utilize rectangular-shaped mild steel structures instead of the current 1 mm thick plates to enhance the lift’s strength and durability. Incorporating an automatic safety lock mechanism when the lift reaches its maximum height extension would be beneficial to prevent accidental lowering and maximize safety for future development.
Automatic Double Can Crusher Prototype Development
An awareness about recycling among Malaysian keep on increasing as most Malaysian are well educated since kindergarten level. Many activities have been conducted to encourage young children to recycle. Unfortunately, the process of recycling the tin can be difficult to be done by children. Traditional manual crushers required substantial physical effort or expensive pneumatic systems. Therefore, this study is conducted to design and fabricate a prototype of automatic can crusher where this electrically operated solution prioritizes cost-effectiveness and user safety. The process starts with problem identification, followed by concept generation by using morphological chart, then design selection using Pugh chart. The process continues with 3D design model using SolidWorks, fabrication process and testing. The output product is expected to enhance productivity of can recycling and safety, reduce time and efficient. Experimental results confirm that this product saves significant time and human energy, processing approximately 12 cans per minute. This innovation supports sustainability goals by facilitating easier waste transport and promoting efficient aluminum recycling.
Design and Fabrication of an Aerodynamic Body Kit for Formula Student Electric Vehicle (FSEV)
Aerodynamic performance is an important factor to improve the efficiency, stability and handling characteristics of Formula Student electric vehicles (FSEV). However, most of the aerodynamics packages used in the Formula Student competitions relies on costly composite materials and sophisticated manufacturing processes, which are hard to implement in projects at the student level with limited financial and manufacturing resources. Therefore, this study is to design and evaluate a low-cost aerodynamic body kit for a Formula Student electric vehicle using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis and conventional manufacturing methods. The proposed aerodynamic package includes a streamlined nose cone, side panels, airflow channels, underbody diffuser and rear aerodynamic elements all made predominantly from aluminum material. The CFD simulations were carried out using ANSYS Fluent 2024 R1 in steady state conditions at the inlet velocities of 20 m/s, 28 m/s, 33.33 m/s and 40 m/s with the SST k-ω turbulence model. The aerodynamic performance was assessed by streamline distribution, pressure contour characteristics, drag force and lift coefficient behavior. The simulation results showed that the proposed body kit reduced the drag force from 980 N to 865 N at 33.33 m/s which is approximately 11.73 % drag reduction. Also, the lift coefficient increased from −0.74 to −0.88, which means an increase in downforce generation and an improvement of the vehicle stability at high speeds. The optimized body geometry also avoided the separation of the air flow and minimized the formation of a wake behind the vehicle. The results indicate that a practical and cost-effective aerodynamic body kit can significantly enhance the aerodynamic performance of Formula Student electric cars without advanced manufacturing technologies.
Development of a Scaled Buoyant Baby-Cot for Emergency Flood-Aid
Malaysia is one of the regions in southeast Asia prone to monsoons. During this period, flooding often displaces communities. Most household furniture is not designed for emergency use. One furniture which has the potential to be used during emergencies is the baby cot. However, standard baby-cots are heavy and not buoyant, making them unsuitable for carrying items during flood evacuation. This study involves the design and fabrication of a buoyant baby-cot that can be used during normal and emergency situations. The prototype was designed using SolidWorks and built using PVC pipes and 5 mm acrylic sheets. The total cost for the prototype was RM303.10. Simulation using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) under 50 N showed a maximum displacement of 5.206 × 10−3 mm, indicating that the frame is structurally stable. When used in normal situations, testing showed that the prototype can support up to 10 kg, while when tested for flood situation, testing showed that the prototype can float while supporting loads up to 6 kg and remain watertight for more than 30 minutes. The results clearly show that the prototype is structurally stable and affordable, and it can be used as a simple emergency response solution during floods.
3D-Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesters: Design Analyses and Performance Evaluation
Piezoelectric materials (PZT) possess the capability to generate electrical energy through deformation, making them ideal for energy harvesting system that transform vibrational energy into electrical power. This study explores the relationship between the design of PZT beams, their natural frequency, vibration response, and generated voltage using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model. Three types of cantilever designs were considered, that is, L-beam, T-beam and I-beam with PZT-5A patches attached. Each design was subjected to modal analysis, harmonic response as well as voltage analysis performed through Ansys Workbench. The result of modal analysis shows that I-beam exhibits the highest fundamental natural frequency compared to T-beam and L-beam. The evaluation of vibration response at sinusoidal loading was then performed by conducting harmonic response analysis between 0 to 1500 Hz excitation range. It was found that the L-beam demonstrated the highest displacement amplitude at resonance as compared to the other designs. The amplified deformation was converted into voltage output that was verified by the coupled electromechanical analysis, where the L-beam produced the highest voltage output of 7 V at 35 Hz, which is 89% higher than the T-beam and 439% higher than I-beam. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that beam geometry is one of the keys contributing to the efficiency of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting systems. By optimizing beam design, we do not merely record vibrations, but we can harvest power to the maximum.
Flow of Airflow and Pollutant Dispersion Inside an Indoor Space
In high-occupancy settings like university computer labs, where poor ventilation design can lead to sluggish airflow and dangerous carbon dioxide (CO₂) accumulations, maintaining exceptional indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial engineering goal. Long-term exposure to such contaminants has a substantial negative influence on staff and students' health and cognitive function. The purpose of this study is to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to examine airflow distribution and pollutant dispersion in a computer lab. In particular, the experiment assesses how well ceiling-mounted ventilation devices perform and examines how physical barriers like workstations and hallways affect the efficiency of air exchange. ANSYS Fluent 2025 was used to create a three-dimensional model of a 10 m × 12 m × 3 m laboratory with 33 workstations. The Standard k–ε turbulence model was used to simulate steady-state, incompressible, and turbulent airflow, and the species transport model was used to assess CO₂ dispersion. A Grid Independence Test (GIT) demonstrated that a 500 mm mesh with 71,274 elements provided stable results, achieving a truncation error of only 0.15%. Residuals were tracked until they achieved a convergence threshold of 10-4 to confirm numerical stability. The simulation findings show that room layout and inlet configuration have a significant impact on ventilation effectiveness. As demonstrated by the "Room 3" arrangement, which utilized lateral air dispersion from side-wall units, this configuration emerged as the most effective by providing uniform airflow coverage. It achieved a stabilized peak air velocity of 0.250 m/s, effectively reducing low-velocity "dead zones" and recirculation areas compared to the weaker longitudinal flow in Room 1. These results imply that ventilation systems must be tailored to the specific physical layout of high-density spaces to prevent hazardous pollutant concentrations and ensure a healthy learning environment.
Implementation and Effectiveness of Engineering Noise Control: Evaluation in Malaysia’s Manufacturing Sector
Occupational noise-induced hearing disorders, also known as ONRHD remain the most prevalent occupational disease in Malaysia, driven by excessive exposure in the manufacturing sector. This study evaluated the sound pressure level (SPL) as well as implementation and effectiveness of engineering noise controls in three high-risk subsectors: electrical/electronic, metal/steel, and food. A total of 796 machines were assessed using sound level meters (SLM) (Class 1). More than half of the machines (53.5%) exceeded the safe threshold of 82 dBA, while 35.6% operated above the Noise Exposure Limit (NEL) of 85 dBA. Subsector analysis revealed the food industry as the highest risk, with 43.4% of machines exceeding 85 dBA, several surpassing 100 dBA and approaching 110 dBA. The metal/steel subsector recorded 38.3% above NEL, while electrical/electronic subsector had 28.6%, albeit with significant variability across machine groups such as grinders, stamping presses, and air compressors. Of the 184 machines with engineering controls, insulation was the most common (54.3%), yielding an average reduction of –8.2 dBA. Control combinations, such as insulation with distance, achieved greater attenuation (–10.9 dBA), though inconsistent performance was observed, often due to poor selection, design, or maintenance. Notably, 75 machines continued to exceed 85 dBA despite controls, highlighting implementation gaps. There was no significant difference in SPL between machines with and without controls (p>0.05). Overall, only 13.7% of machines required no further intervention. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored engineering controls guided by octave band analysis, stronger enforcement of noise regulations, and machine-specific mitigation strategies to reduce NIHL risk in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector
A Pilot Study on Environmental Factors, Production Performance and Recycling Practices in Cement Plants in Pakistan
The cement manufacturing industry is highly environmentally intensive due to its energy consumption, clinker production, and greenhouse gas emissions. Despite increasing sustainability pressures, there is limited empirical evidence on how environmental practices and recycling initiatives influence production performance, particularly in developing contexts such as Pakistan. Recycling and the use of industrial byproducts are considered key strategies for improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact. However, the effectiveness of these practices in enhancing operational performance remains insufficiently understood. This study aims to assess the relationships between environmental practices, recycling adoption, and production performance in cement plants. Prior to full-scale analysis, a pilot study with 100 respondents was conducted to evaluate the measurement instrument's reliability and to conduct correlation analyses. The results demonstrate excellent internal consistency across all constructs. The Cronbach’s Alpha values range from 0.897 to 0.917, exceeding recommended thresholds. Key constructs such as Regulatory Framework (α = 0.905), Waste Management Regulations (α = 0.906), Cost Efficiency (α = 0.906), and Impact on Cement Strength (α = 0.917) exhibited particularly strong reliability. Descriptive findings indicated moderate response variability, with most standard deviations ranging from 0.50 to 0.80, suggesting meaningful differentiation among respondents. However, correlation analysis suggests a strong positive relationship between environmental practices and production performance, environmental practices and recycling adoption, and recycling adoption and production efficiency within cement plants (r = 0.780, 0.617& r = 0.639, respectively; p = 0.000). Overall, these findings confirm the robustness of the research framework and highlight the interconnected role of environmental orientation, recycling initiatives, and production performance in cement plant operations.
Performance Investigation of Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) Algorithm for Flexible Job-shop Scheduling Problem (FJSP)
Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSP) allows a job to be processed on any machine of a set of alternative machines. Therefore, it acts as an extension of the classical Job-Shop Scheduling Problem (JSP). The complexity is portrayed by dealing with both routing and scheduling sub-problems. Major weakness of classical Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm is shown by trapping in local optimum easily during dealing with complicated multimodal problems such as FJSP despite the proof of ABC’s capability to solve FJSP [1], [2]. Therefore, this study aims to study the nature of ABC algorithm. At the same time, the best parameter setting is investigated by using factorial experiment. Brandimarte benchmark (MK01 – MK10) was adopted in the study for the best makespan. The results indicate that a limit value of 5 provides the lowest average makespan for 70% of the benchmark instances. Additionally, selecting MCN = 1000 reduces computational time by approximately 50% while maintaining comparable solution quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Advanced Mechanical Engineering Applications https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Oil Absorption Analysis of Vegetable Oil onto Kapok Fiber Using pH and Temperature
Oil spills pose serious environmental and economic threats, driving the search for sustainable sorbent materials. This study examines the effect of pH and temperature on the oil absorption performance of treated kapok fiber, a natural and hydrophobic material with a hollow tubular structure. Kapok fibers were treated and tested under varying pH (3, 7, and 11) and temperature (40 °C and 70 °C) conditions using coconut and canola oils. Characterization through SEM, FTIR, and contact angle analysis revealed that alkaline treatment effectively removed surface waxes, improving oil affinity while maintaining structural integrity. The highest oil uptake occurred under alkaline conditions (pH 11) and elevated temperature, indicating enhanced sorption efficiency. These results demonstrate the potential of chemically treated kapok fiber as an eco-friendly sorbent for oil spill remediation applications.
Tensile and Interfacial Performance of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Alkali-Treated Kenaf Fibers
Natural fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly promoted as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials in lightweight applications. This study evaluates the tensile properties of epoxy composites reinforced with long kenaf fibers (40–60 mm) treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Composites containing 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% fiber by weight were fabricated using the hand lay-up method and tested according to ASTM D3039. Morphological analysis was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The composite with 45 wt% kenaf fibers treated with 5% NaOH showed the highest tensile strength (50.46 MPa) and strain (5.14%), with statistical significance confirmed by ANOVA (p < 0.05). In comparison, the 6% NaOH-treated composite at 30 wt% achieved the highest tensile modulus (1619.5 MPa). SEM observations indicated stronger fiber–matrix adhesion in the 5% NaOH group, while the 6% treatment caused fiber weakening and voids. EDX confirmed elemental changes on fiber surfaces after alkali treatment. Unlike many previous studies that mainly focused on short kenaf fibers and lower fiber loadings, this study examines the tensile and interfacial performance of long kenaf fibers (40–60 mm) at higher reinforcement levels up to 45 wt%. Overall, the findings indicate that moderate NaOH treatment, particularly 5% at higher fiber loadings, provides an optimal balance of strength and ductility. These results support the potential use of long kenaf fiber-reinforced epoxy composites in sustainable lightweight structural applications such as automotive and packaging components.
energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX)
A Pilot Study of Lumped Parameter Model on Middle Cerebral Artery for Hemodynamic Parameters Assessment
The middle cerebral artery (MCA), especially the M1 and M2 segments, is critical in cerebrovascular health. Conventional imaging techniques for assessing atherosclerosis have limitations in accurately estimating boundary conditions for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This initial study addresses these limitations by employing lumped parameter models (LPMs) to derive more precise boundary conditions for CFD simulations of blood flow in the MCA. The goal is to improve the accuracy of CFD models by integrating dynamic parameters such as resistance and compliance, which are essential for understanding localized hemodynamic changes due to atherosclerosis. Early stage highlighted the simulation of cerebral blood flow with LPMs, analyzing hemodynamic factors such as wall shear stress (WSS), pressure distribution, and flow rate, and visualizing these effects in the MCA. Using CFD and LPMs, this study offers the preparation of parameters setup for analyzing deeper mechanism of atherosclerosis alteration in cerebral circulation, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies for stroke prevention.
Simulations Study of Blast Wall Effectiveness: Comparing Concrete and Polymer Composites in Pressure Wave Mitigation
Walls play a crucial role in protecting structures and people from explosion hazards, especially in industrial and military environments. This study examines the blast resistance performance of T-shaped wall constructed from concrete composite (CONC-35MPa) and polymer matrix composite (PMC, EPOXY RES) materials using ANSYS Explicit Dynamics simulations. The concrete wall showed a maximum deformation of 0.97m about half that of the epoxy composite’s 1.92m, and experienced peak shear stresses up to 1.2GPa at critical joints. Directional velocity reached 3651 m/s for concrete versus 6139m/s for the polymer composite, demonstrating concrete’s superior stiffness and energy absorption. These results confirm that concrete provides better resistance to blast induced deformation and stress. Comparing to most studies that look at fiber-reinforced concrete or polymer composites separately, this work combines material behavior and structural geometry in a single explicit dynamics simulation. It offers practical improvements like reinforcement methods and shape changes for T-shaped walls, backed by clear blast response data. The study also suggests future research on adding sensors for real time blast monitoring, a topic rarely covered before. Overall, it links material mechanics with engineering design to help create safer, stronger protective structures using validated simulations for real blast conditions.
IoT Based Health Monitoring System for Obese Children
Childhood obesity continues to be a serious global health issue with far-reaching effects on people's lives and societies. The development, deployment, and evaluation of OBISENSE, an innovative solution created to address the challenges associated with handling children obesity, are presented in this research. OBISENSE is an IoT-based health monitoring system. The system's architecture combines health science and IoT technology to deliver precise and immediate measures of height, weight, and heart rate. The OBISENSE system uses these parameters to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) and assess obesity status, making it an essential tool for evaluating and controlling childhood obesity. The OBISENSE system provides a simple-to-use mobile application that encourages users to take an active role in their journey towards better health. Individuals may easily track their health measurements with the app, access previous data, and get personalised suggestions for leading a healthy lifestyle. A better user experience is ensured by the system's design, which places an emphasis on usability, accessibility, and compatibility with current technological platforms. The OBISENSE system was put through extensive testing to confirm its functionality. In this project, through a variety of scenarios, including height, weight, and heart rate measurements with subsequent BMI estimations, the system's accuracy and dependability is assessed. The findings show that the OBISENSE system reliably delivers accurate and trustworthy health data, enabling efficient monitoring of paediatric obesity. The OBISENSE system is aware of its limitations, including changes in sensor accuracy and potential ambient influences on measurements.
Child obesity, global health issue, OBISENSE, mobile application, Internet of Thing
Optimisation of NaOH Concentration for Sustainable Soap Production Using Waste Cooking Oil
This study presents a sustainable approach for synthesizing soap bars from WCO. The process involves collecting and filtering WCO, followed by an optimized saponification reaction using alkaline, resulting in soap bars with desirable properties. Comparative analysis reveals that WCO appears darker, with higher free fatty acid content (4.00%) and slightly increased viscosity (79.13 cP) compared to new cooking oil. The study highlights the significant impact of NaOH concentration on soap consistency, where 10% NaOH concentration (sample BS3) has achieved the most stable foam formation. BS3 has no appearance of a gel phase upon cutting and shows 1.78% moisture content. This research emphasizes the utilization of waste cooking oil as a valuable resource for soap production, contributing to waste reduction and supporting sustainable practices within the circular economy framework.
Glycerolysis-Based Reduction of Free Fatty Acids in Crude Palm Oil (CPO) for Cost Effective Biodiesel Pre-Treatment
The high content of free fatty acids (FFA) in crude palm oil (CPO) presents a significant challenge for biodiesel production. This study investigates the glycerolysis pretreatment method using crude glycerol and potassium hydroxide (KOH) to reduce FFAs. Experiments were performed at varying molar ratios (1:3 to 1:9) and temperatures (60°C to 80°C). Results showed optimal FFA reduction at a 1:7 molar ratio and 80°C, reducing FFA below 5% within 60 minutes. FTIR analysis confirmed FFA conversion. The reaction followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R² = 0.9832). Viscosity and density of the oil improved to 41.2 mPa·s and 0.886 g/cm³, respectively. These findings demonstrate that glycerolysis is a promising, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for pretreating high-FFA feedstock in biodiesel production.
Free Fatty Acid (FFA), Glycerolysis, Crude Palm Oil (CPO),FTIR
Design and Fabrication of Smart Tap for Finger Protection During Hammering
This study presents the design and fabrication of an innovative Smart Tap tool aimed at improving efficiency and precision in construction and woodworking activities. Although various market-ready nail holders are available, many lack ergonomic integration with the user’s grip and provide limited control to prevent nail or screw buckling during installation. The Smart Tap addresses these limitations through a user-friendly, ergonomically designed nail holder created in SolidWorks, which conforms naturally to the hand for improved ease of use and accurate placement. An impact test was conducted to evaluate the durability and performance of the holder under dynamic forces. Among three tested thicknesses, the 6 mm variant demonstrated the highest energy absorption and was selected as the optimal design. The tool was fabricated using advanced three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques, ensuring high dimensional accuracy and efficient translation from digital design to a functional product. The results confirm the Smart Tap’s effectiveness in minimizing nail buckling and enhancing operational precision, offering clear ergonomic and functional advantages over existing designs and demonstrating strong potential for broader application in hammering-related tasks.
Cu and CuO Nanoparticles in Heat Transfer Applications: A Comprehensive Review
This review highlights the role of Copper (Cu) and Copper Oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in enhancing heat transfer through mono, binary, and ternary nanofluids. Mono nanofluids consistently improved thermal conductivity, viscosity, pressure drop, and heat transfer coefficient, with higher gains at higher concentrations. Binary systems showed synergistic effects, with CuO–MWCNT yielding maximum conductivity, CuO–TiO₂ showing Newtonian behavior, and Cu with Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ achieving peak conductivity at a 40:40:20 ratio. Ternary mixtures of Cu, CuO, and Al₂O₃ offered further conductivity enhancement but with larger pressure drops, notably at 60:20:20. Overall, nanoparticle selection, base fluid, and mixing proportion are key to balancing thermal performance with hydrodynamic penalties.
Mono/Binary/Ternary Nanofluids, Cu, CuO, Thermal Conductivity
Investigation of the Effect of Layer Thickness and Raster Angle Orientation on the Bending Properties of Additive Manufactured Polylactic Acid (PLA) Polymer
Today's mechanical engineering applications of 3D printing are highly beneficial for the study and creation of a wide range of components, from simple everyday structures to intricate ones. In fused deposition modeling, a component is usually created by applying the concepts of layer-by-layer material deposition and rapid prototyping. The effect of layer thickness and raster angle orientation on the bending characteristics of PLA beam samples that were 3D printed was examined in this work. A stereolithography (STL) file format, which was produced using modeling software (CAD), is used to transmit data into the machine's software. Three distinct raster angle orientations—0°, 45°, and 90°—as well as layer thicknesses of 0.155 mm, 0.255 mm, and 0.355 mm and 100% infill were used to print the PLA beam samples. The Instron machine was used to perform a 3-point test in order to ascertain the PLA beam samples' bending characteristics. The PLA beam sample's size and geometry were modeled using the ASTM D790-10 standard procedure. The study's findings indicate that the bending characteristics of the PLA beam samples are influenced by the layer thickness and raster angle orientation. In contrast to 45° and 90° raster angle orientation, it was found that 0° had the greatest bending effect. Additionally, in all evaluated PLA beam samples, a layer thickness of 0.355 mm yielded superior results than a layer thickness of 0.155 mm. Therefore, a raster angle of 0° and a layer thickness of 0.355 mm should be utilized when bending stress is taken into account for 3D printing PLA materials.
Analysis of MgFeCu-Layered Double Hydroxides with Different Interlamellar Anions for Efficient Removal of Dye in Wastewater Treatment
Synthetic dyes, widely used in industries like textiles, leather, and paper, pose a significant global concern for water pollution due to their resistance to conventional wastewater treatment, causing toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects, endangering aquatic life and disrupting natural processes like photosynthesis. The study analyzes the adsorption of as-prepared MgFeCu-LDH with varied interlamellar anions (CO₃²⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻) on dye wastewater, utilizing advanced techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to identify LDH morphology and crystal structure, elucidating dye removal mechanisms. The methods and materials used in this study include synthesizing MgFeCu-Layered Double Hydroxides with various interlamellar anions using co-precipitation and involved weighing 50 mg of LDH and 30 ml of dye solution, equilibrating samples, and analyzing UV analysis and storage to determine the amount of adsorbed MO in the supernatants, followed by adsorption kinetic studies to evaluate the efficiency and mechanisms of dye removal from wastewater, focusing on pseudo-second-order kinetic models to determine the dominant adsorption processes. MgFeCu-SO₄ LDH removes dyes from wastewater in 150 minutes using a second-order process, providing a quick, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution. The findings provide important insights into the development of novel materials to address the persistent problem of synthetic dye contamination in aquatic systems, highlight the potential of LDH materials for wastewater treatment, as they offer a scalable approach to dye removal via tailored chemical and structural properties.
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
BACHELOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (PLANT) WITH HONOURS
CFD Analysis on the Effects of Various Train Lengths on Aerodynamic Loads and Flow Structure for Train Travelling Through Various Crosswind Conditions
To ensure that railroad vehicles operate safely in crosswind conditions, it is essential to take into account the aerodynamic contribution of train length. As a result, this study aims to investigate the effect of different lengths of the Next-Generation High-Speed Trains (NG-HST) model when traveling under various crosswind conditions in terms of aerodynamic loads and flow structure formation with a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique known as Reynold-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) combined with the k-epsilon (k−ε) turbulence model. Based on the train model's height and speed, the Reynolds number used is 1.3 x 106. The two aerodynamic performance characteristics, aerodynamic loads and flow structure formation, were analyzed using different train lengths: Case 1 (1 middle coach), Case 2 (3 middle coaches), and Case 3 (5 middle coaches) and varied crosswind yaw angles: 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°. The findings indicate that as the crosswind yaw angle and train model’s length increase, more flow comes into contact with the train model's surface on the windward side, resulting in a huge area of the high-pressure region and low-pressure region on the windward and leeward sides, respectively. In addition, the side force coefficient increases for the 60° crosswind yaw angle by about 12% for Case 3 (train with 5 middle coaches) compared to Case 1 (1 middle coach). Therefore, it can be concluded that the longer the train, the more pronounced the aerodynamic forces under high crosswind conditions, which may negatively impact stability and operational safety.
Development and Evaluation of RFPs for Bamboo Shoot Products Through Drop Testing
Packaging functionality not only differentiates food products but also conveys brand identity. With increasing demand for shelf-stable and convenient products like bamboo shoot meals, innovative packaging is crucial. However, limited research evaluates the durability of Retortable Flexible Pouches (RFPs) through drop tests. This study assessed RFPs durability using performance drop tests. Consumer preferences were analyzed through a questionnaire, and the packaging design was developed using Adobe Photoshop. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 27, and drop tests were performed according to ASTM standards. A gusset folder box was designed to contain RFPs products, which were Sample A (dry-textured bamboo shoots) and Sample B (wet-textured bamboo shoots). Each sample was cushioned with single-layer bubble wrap, double-layer bubble wrap, or inflatable air bubbles and dropped in six positions: top, bottom, right, left, right, and left corner sides. G values, measuring impact stress, were recorded during the tests. Findings showed 68% of respondents preferred medium-sized packaging (250g–500g), 72% favored freshness designs, 65% prioritized informative labeling, and 58% preferred high-quality imagery. Although medium-sized packaging was preferred, a 100g quantity was developed as suitable, balancing product characteristics, functionality, and effective sterilization. Inflatable air bubbles emerged as the most effective cushioning material, recording the lowest G values (28 G for Sample A and 29.6 G for Sample B). In contrast, the top side recorded the highest G values (364.4 G for Sample A and 358.2 G for Sample B with single-layer bubble wrap). These results highlight inflatable air bubbles’ effectiveness in protecting RFPs of bamboo shoot products.
PLC-Controlled Coordination of Multi-Arm Robotics Without Cooperative Devices for Task Execution
The integration of multiple robotic arms for collaborative tasks often involves complex cooperative motion functions. This study introduces a research framework aimed at orchestrating multi-robotic arms for non-cooperative task execution in a slot-car transfer system, controlled solely by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Unlike traditional approaches reliant on synchronized controllers, this framework excludes cooperative motion functions, focusing on two robot arms with six and four degrees of freedom. The PLC governs and coordinates the sequential movements of both arms, utilizing readily available laboratory and commercial components. To ensure compatibility and synchronization, a rigorous analysis of component specifications was conducted, addressing I/O signal mapping, voltage matching, and mechanical adaptation. A PLC-based control system manages coordination through pre-programmed delays, sensor feedback loops, and independent motion trajectories, ensuring precise and repeatable execution. Custom platform holders were developed to facilitate stable grasping and transfer of the slot car. This study specifically outlines the process of transferring a slot car across two platform tracks using Selective-Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) and Articulated Robot Arm. Experimental results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed PLC-controlled coordination method, demonstrating that different robot arms can collaborate efficiently without requiring cooperative motion functions. The findings highlight a scalable and adaptable approach for integrating heterogeneous robotic systems in real-world industrial applications.
Development and Testing of an Autonomous Mobile Robot for Material Handling Using SLAM and Nav2
The adoption of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for material handling has grown significantly across manufacturing, healthcare, and the service sector. To stay competitive in the age of automation, businesses are increasingly shifting from manual labor to AMRs to enhance the efficiency and reliability of transportation and material handling tasks. This study outlines the development of an AMR that integrates Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), Navigation2 (Nav2), and Computer Vision (CV) to enhance material handling efficiency. The development process is structured into three distinct phases to ensure clear tracking and milestone management. In the first phase, the mobile robot is designed and developed. The second phase focuses on integrating SLAM and Nav2, enabling precise and efficient navigation within complex, dynamic environments. In the final phase, OpenCV is implemented for ArUco tag detection, enhancing the AMR’s capability to perform material handling operations. This study presents a structured approach to developing Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) equipped with real-time obstacle detection, avoidance, path planning, and material handling capabilities, streamlining deployment in real-world applications.
Autonomous Mobile Robots, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, Navigation2, OpenCV, Computer Vision