Engineering Research: Perspectives on Recent Advances Vol. 8

Damping Properties of Selected Tropical Wood Species from Cameroon Forest Assessed Via Free Transverse Vibration Method

2025-06-20T10:01:20+00:00

Despite the diverse use of wood in industrial construction, some technological properties of tropical wood species are still little known. This concerns more particularly the logarithmic decrement, viscous damping ratio, loss factor, quality factor and specific damping ratio, which were little studied and documented in the literature, which hinders the reliable design of structures under dynamic solicitation. This study describes a non-destructive method for determining the damping properties of wood. It was based on the analysis of the attenuation of the free transverse vibrations of a fixed support-free specimen following excitation. Cameroonian forests abound with important species that were much in demand for structural applications and were often subjected to dynamic loads. However, in the literature and in the available databases, very little information was available on the vibration properties of these wood species. To solve this problem, three specimens of twenty-four wood species with a cross-section of 10 mm × 20 mm, with a length of 1600 mm, were prepared and subjected to a free vibration test in the fixed support-free configuration. The accelerations as a function of time were obtained. Displacement data were derived from recorded accelerations, and the logarithmic decrement was calculated using the first twenty-one amplitude peaks. Using known relationships between parameters, the viscous damping ratio, loss factor, quality factor and specific damping ratio were deduced. The results obtained were relatively variable between species. Among the studied wood species, Azobé exhibited the highest damping ratio, while Wengé showed the lowest. Compared with the data available in the literature for the same species, there was a considerable difference.

Designing with Smart Materials: Towards Sustainable and Adaptive Built Environments

2025-06-20T10:05:46+00:00

The increasing demand for sustainable interior design solutions due to global urbanisation and environmental challenges is driving the integration of smart and eco-friendly materials into design practices. These materials not only enhance aesthetics and functionality but also contribute to healthier living environments. This research discusses the uses, benefits, and weaknesses of these materials, emphasising their potential to contribute to increased adaptability, sustainability, and the well-being of users. The research was conducted over three months, from January to March 2025, using academic databases and 30 peer-reviewed articles. Smart materials like shape-memory alloys, photochromic coatings, and thermochromic textiles are found to enhance spatial responsiveness and energy efficiency significantly through the ability to make dynamic changes in light, temperature, and shape. Eco-friendly materials like bamboo, cork, clay, and mycelium-based composites fare better in sustainability through low environmental burden, biodegradability, and health advantages. Smart materials perform better in responsiveness and functionality, whereas eco-materials score better in environmental and health aspects. Synergetic applications that bridge both categories exhibit the highest promise, providing performance, durability, and design innovation. However, issues like high prices, limited visibility, and the absence of region-based standards remain impediments to mass uptake. This research concludes that smart and sustainable materials, especially when used synergistically, have paradigmatic potential for designing adaptive and sustainable interior spaces.

Precision and Performance: Regression Methods in Data Processing

2025-06-20T10:08:09+00:00

Regression analysis is a fundamental statistical technique used for modelling relationships between multiple variables, playing a significant role in predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. It helps in evaluating dependencies between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables, making it essential for forecasting outcomes. This study focuses on the application of regression models to analyse vehicle dynamics. By utilising data such as traffic velocity, road gradient, and actual speed, we aim to predict a vehicle’s velocity profile. Various regression techniques—including linear regression, multivariate linear regression, and nonlinear regression—are examined to determine their effectiveness in data processing. The core objective of this research is to develop reusable functions for each model, eliminating dependence on predefined programming functions, while enabling effective visualisation of data for optimal model selection. One advantage of a regression model over factor or cluster analysis is that the regression model can be used to obtain an estimate of the actual amount of change in a dependent variable that occurs as a result of a change in an independent variable. This study only focuses on simple linear regression; future work should focus on the use of multiple regression to capture more complex relationships.

Leveraging Computerised Automation for Long-Term Monitoring of Total Hip Replacements

2025-06-20T10:10:38+00:00

Total Hip Replacement (THR) has significantly improved patients' mobility and quality of life by alleviating hip pain. However, long-term implant success is influenced by various factors that may lead to joint instability or failure. Early detection of such issues is crucial for effective patient care and intervention.

This study explores the application of image recognition algorithms for analysing radiographs to accurately assess joint stability in individuals who have undergone THR. By leveraging advanced image processing techniques, this approach enables continuous monitoring of implant integrity. Despite improvements in healthcare access, patient attrition after two years remains a challenge. The integration of Computerised Automated Machines (CAMs) can enhance patient screening, efficiently identifying those in need of further medical evaluation. By combining automation with precise diagnostic capabilities, CAM technology presents a promising solution for optimising post-THR assessments, streamlining healthcare operations, and improving long-term patient outcomes.

Structural Analysis of a Bending Device Support Plate through Finite Element Analysis

2025-06-20T10:13:50+00:00

This paper is based on an applied study focused on evaluating the mechanical behaviour of a support plate made of aluminium alloy, which is part of a manual clamping device used in the automotive industry for assembling exhaust protectors. The main objective of the study is to determine whether the support plate in the clamping subassembly undergoes elastoplastic deformation under the actual operating forces of the bending device. This deformation occurs both due to the driving forces applied by the device and due to the reaction forces in the supports, being more significant in materials such as aluminium compared to structural steel. If the forces acting on the device deform the bearing plate in the elastic range, there is no danger of permanent deformation. However, if the deformation exceeds the elastic threshold, the material is subjected to plastic stresses and the part deforms plastically, with the risk of permanent deformation. These deformations can primarily cause manufacturing errors or even device failure by changing the tolerances and clearances in the assembly under study. The specific objective of this paper is to demonstrate, based on the results obtained through finite element analysis (FEA), that for a given material and under the same working conditions, the system can operate without errors, ensuring the production of parts that comply with quality requirements. The methodology involved 3D modelling of the plate in Solid Edge ST7 and finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS Workbench, applying realistic boundary conditions and loading scenarios. The results show a maximum total deformation of 0.17 mm for aluminium and 0.06 mm for structural steel, with safety factors of 4.5 and 4.6, respectively. These findings confirm that both materials operate in the elastic range, although aluminium is more susceptible to deformation. The study highlights the value of numerical simulations in the optimisation of mechanical components, offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative to physical testing in the early stages of the design process. This manuscript makes a significant contribution to the scientific community by highlighting the mechanical behaviour of industrial components that are essential for ensuring the quality of assembly processes. The study demonstrates the advantages of numerical simulations as efficient and cost-effective methods for design optimisation, reducing the need for costly physical testing in the early stages of product development. The resulting information provides a solid basis for engineers and researchers interested in integrating digital methods into the design and validation of mechanical products, thereby contributing to increased sustainability and performance of assemblies.

Effect of Fly Ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) with Fibres on Fresh and Hardened Properties of High-Performance Self-Compacting Concrete

2025-06-24T10:01:26+00:00

High Performance Self-Compacting Concrete (HPSCC) has been one of the very important developments in the building industry. The analysis of supplementary cementation materials, i.e. Fly ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), on Self-Compacting High-Performance Concrete was done in this study. The High Performance Self-Compacting Concrete makes it suitable for placing in difficult sections and conditions in members with congested reinforcement. The fresh and hardened properties of Special concrete - High Performance Self Compacting Concrete (HPSCC) studied in this work. The work studied has been focused on the Fly ash and GGBS effect with fibres on mix proportion and concrete in the hardened state. The Ultimate Strength - compression strength, Split Tensile Strength and Flexural Strength with replacement of Polypropylene fibres range of 0% -1.5% in 0.5 intervals and with various percentages of fly Ash and GGBS combination and behaviour of fibre under loading was found. The obtained values from this study are useful in determining design characteristics of HPSCC with fibre (polypropylene) sections. In this study, Fly Ash improved the fresh properties of concrete, while GGBS led to a reduction in workability.

Comparing the Advancement of Existing and Pending University Campus Microgrids: A Comprehensive Review on Principles, Geographical Locations and Applications

2025-06-24T10:04:45+00:00

Microgrid systems have emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for several university campuses. Over the past few decades, many universities have turned to using microgrid systems because of their dependability, security, flexibility, and less reliance on the primary grid. The effectiveness of microgrid technology varies among universities, influenced by factors such as campus size, weather conditions, and geographical location. Microgrids on campuses face challenges in the instability of power production due to meteorological conditions, as the output of renewable sources such as solar and wind power relies entirely on the weather and determines the optimal size of microgrids. Therefore, this chapter comprehensively reviews the university campuses’ microgrids. Some renewable energy sources, such as geothermal (GE), wind turbine (WT), and photovoltaic (PV), are compared in terms of installation costs, availability, weather conditions, efficiency, environmental impact, and maintenance. Furthermore, a description of microgrid systems and their components, including distributed generation (DG), energy storage system (ESS), and microgrid load, is presented. As a result, the most common optimization models for analyzing the performance of campus microgrids are discussed. Hybrid microgrid system configurations are introduced and compared to find the optimal configuration in terms of energy production and flexibility. Therefore, configuration A (Hybrid PV-grid connected) is the most common configuration compared to the others due to its simplicity and free charge operation. The installations of configuration A, configuration B, configuration C, and configuration D are %0.54, %0.08, %0.07, and %0.14, respectively. Results showed that configuration C is less common due to the high cost of fossil fuels and the causes of air pollution.

Lean Manufacturing Plant Layout Design Optimization: Results and Better Material Handling Techniques

2025-06-28T08:10:17+00:00

This study investigates the process of creating better plant layouts through lean manufacturing concepts, which lead to improved material handling processes and operational results. An analytical evaluation through a scoring system determined how existing layouts compared to the proposed layouts by assessing safety standards, along with space efficiency and process flow quality. Through the suggested layout improvements, material movement efficiency increased by 25% while the potential safety hazards rate decreased from 12% to 2-3%. The combination of systematic layout planning with lean tools in the new design leads to a cost-efficient and safer work environment, which demonstrates better performance than the current setup.