International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Materials
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Effect of Coconut Fiber and Coconut Shell Charcoal Composition on the Properties of PVC-Reinforced Composite Brake Pads
Get PDFThe increasing concern over the health hazards associated with asbestos-based brake pads has driven the development of eco-friendly alternatives using natural fiber-reinforced composites. This study aims to fabricate and evaluate a sustainable brake pad material using coconut fiber as reinforcement, coconut shell charcoal powder as filler, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the matrix. The composite was manufactured using the hot press method at a temperature of 180°C and a pressure of 7 MPa, conditions selected to optimize resin curing and interfacial bonding. A key focus of this research was to investigate the effect of solvent volume (cyclohexanone) used in the PVC resin preparation on the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. Three composite formulations were prepared with a constant composition of 70% coconut fiber, 5% charcoal powder, and 25% PVC resin, but with varying amounts of cyclohexanone solvent (200 mL, 150 mL, and 100 mL). The results revealed that reducing solvent content led to higher resin viscosity, which improved matrix–fiber bonding and increased both tensile strength and surface hardness. The optimal formulation—PVC Resin 3 with 100 mL of solvent—achieved a maximum tensile strength of 7.7 MPa and Shore D hardness of 72.2 HD, both of which meet the SAE J661-1997 standards for brake pad materials. This study confirms that solvent content is a critical factor influencing the density, strength, and durability of the composite. The findings support the feasibility of utilizing coconut-based agricultural waste in producing environmentally friendly brake pads with adequate mechanical performance
Handling and Stability Analysis of an Autonomous Vehicle Using Model Predictive Control in a CarSim–Simulink Co-Simulation Environment
Get PDFCars are a prevalent mode of transportation for both people and goods, with B-class hatchbacks being particularly popular in Indonesia. However, road traffic crashes remain a major concern, contributing millions of deaths annually, primarily due to human error. Autonomous vehicles offer a promising solution to mitigate these issues by reducing reliance on human control. In particular, Level 3 autonomous vehicles enhance road safety, enable independent mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and allow drivers to engage in non-driving tasks. This study proposes an autonomous vehicle model that employs a trajectory tracking approach using Model Predictive Control (MPC), a robust and widely adopted control strategy in autonomous systems. A three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) vehicle dynamic model was developed and analyzed through co-simulation using CarSim and Simulink to evaluate its performance during a double-lane change maneuver. The simulation results demonstrate that the vehicle accurately follows the reference trajectory and exhibits excellent dynamic performance. The roll angle remained consistently low, ranging between 0.024 and 0.026 radians—well below the rollover threshold of 0.14 radians—demonstrating strong roll stability. The slip angle varied between –0.013 and 0.0135 radians, nearly 12 times lower than the critical limit, indicating optimal traction and directional control. Lateral acceleration ranged from –3.59 m/s² to 3.41 m/s², and yaw rate remained within –7.78°/s to 7.25°/s, both well within safe operational bounds. These findings confirm that the proposed MPC-based control framework enables precise path tracking, robust stability, and reliable handling performance in dynamic driving scenarios
Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement in Wavy Trapezoidal and Rectangular Microchannels
Get PDFThis study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of heat transfer enhancement in microchannels with varying geometries, specifically focusing on wavy microchannels with trapezoidal and rectangular cross-sections. Water is used as the working fluid, and silicon is selected as the solid wall material. A three-dimensional conjugate heat transfer model is developed by solving the steady-state Navier–Stokes and energy equations using the finite volume method in ANSYS Fluent, with the SIMPLEC algorithm employed for pressure–velocity coupling. The analysis examines the influence of cross-sectional shape and wall waviness on thermal performance, while maintaining a constant hydraulic diameter across all configurations. Eight different geometries, including smooth and wavy versions of rectangular and trapezoidal cross-sections with varying top-to-bottom width ratios (0.075–0.055 mm), are evaluated over a Reynolds number range corresponding to inlet velocities of 0.5–4.0 m/s. Results show that wavy microchannels significantly enhance heat transfer compared to their smooth counterparts. For instance, at 4 m/s, the Nusselt number for the wavy rectangular microchannel reaches 9.48, compared to 7.19 for the smooth rectangular configuration, representing a 32% enhancement. Similarly, the wavy trapezoidal channel with a top width of 0.18 mm achieves a maximum Nusselt number of 9.25, compared to 7.19 for its smooth equivalent, indicating a 29% improvement. Additionally, the Nu/Nu₀ versus Re plots reveal a consistent trend of increased heat transfer due to wall waviness across all geometries, with negligible influence from cross-sectional shape when hydraulic diameter is kept constant. The study demonstrates that incorporating wavy structures into microchannel designs significantly improves thermal performance with minimal increases in pressure drop, and that the effect is driven more by wall geometry than by cross-sectional shape. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of compact and efficient microchannel heat sinks for electronic cooling applications
IoT-Based Continuity Analysis of Oil Pipeline Leakages
Get PDFOil pipeline leaks pose a serious challenge due to their potential to cause significant economic losses and severe environmental damage. These incidents can disrupt industrial operations and endanger nearby ecosystems and communities. Early detection and real-time monitoring are therefore essential for minimizing adverse impacts and enabling rapid response. This research develops an Internet of Things (IoT)-based oil pipeline leak monitoring system using integrated multi-sensor data collected from field-simulated scenarios, providing a realistic evaluation of system performance under near-operational conditions. The system incorporates an ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) to measure fluid levels, a temperature sensor (DS18B20) to detect thermal anomalies, and a pressure sensor to identify internal pressure fluctuations. Sensor data are wirelessly transmitted via a NodeMCU ESP32 microcontroller to a web-based dashboard for remote monitoring, while local readings are simultaneously displayed on an LCD screen for on-site observation. The system was evaluated through controlled experiments simulating variations in pressure, temperature, and induced leak conditions. Results showed that the system achieved over 95% accuracy in leak detection, with a response time of less than 60 seconds upon leak initiation. The flow rate deviations under leak conditions exceeded the ±3% detection threshold, triggering real-time alerts. In non-leak scenarios, flow rates remained steady between 1.5–2.1 L/min, with tank level variations within 1 cm, confirming strong mass balance and stability. Overall, the developed IoT-based monitoring platform demonstrated high reliability and effectiveness in real-time leak detection, enabling faster response and significantly reducing potential environmental and operational impacts
Enhancing Homogeneity and Particle Size Reduction in Coffee–Creamer Mixtures Using Fluidized Bed Mixer
Get PDFThis study investigates the application of a fluidized bed mixer to improve the homogeneity, particle size distribution, and moisture reduction of coffee and creamer powder mixtures. The research focuses on three types of coffee particles—Type A (145 μm), Type B (100 μm), and Type C (50 μm)—which were mixed with creamer in a weight ratio of 1:0.7. The mixing process was conducted using a prototype fluidized bed mixer with a capacity of 1,000 grams and a blower speed range of 2,800–3,000 rpm. After 10 minutes of mixing, significant reductions in particle size were observed: Type A decreased by 20–30%, Type B by 10–15%, and Type C by 5–10%, with creamer particles also experiencing a 15% reduction. Moisture content dropped from 10.63% to 8.5%, demonstrating the system’s dual function of mixing and drying. Microscopic analysis revealed a uniform particle distribution with minimal agglomeration or segregation, confirming the effectiveness of the fluidized bed mixer in achieving a homogeneous blend. These findings underscore the potential of fluidized bed technology in improving the quality, stability, and handling properties of powder-based products. The results have important implications for instant beverage production, food formulation, and broader powder processing industries, where consistent product performance is essential
Study of Eigenvalues and Matrix Eigenvectors Using MATLAB: Vibration Systems of Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Get PDFVehicle vibration is a critical factor influencing both passenger comfort and vehicle performance. In this study, we analyze the multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) vibrational behavior of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) using matrix eigenvalue and eigenvector methods. The vehicle’s dynamics are modeled by developing a set of equations of motion that account for the forces acting on the front and rear tires, car body, and pitch angle. MATLAB is utilized to numerically compute the system’s eigenvalues and eigenvectors, representing the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the vehicle, respectively. The analysis focuses on the vehicle’s response to a 50 mm displacement at the front tire, simulating the effect of road disturbances. The resulting vibrations in the front and rear tires, car body, and vehicle pitch are illustrated over a 1-second time frame. The findings show that the front tire experiences the largest oscillation amplitude of ±1 mm, while the rear tire exhibits a much smaller displacement of ±0.04 mm. The overall car body displacement reaches a maximum amplitude of ±1.3 mm, indicating partial damping of the front tire vibrations. However, the results reveal that the vehicle’s suspension system lacks effective damping, as the vibrations do not decrease over time. This behavior could negatively impact ride comfort and safety, particularly on uneven roads. The study concludes that improvements to the vehicle’s suspension system are necessary to enhance damping performance. The presented MATLAB-based approach offers a valuable tool for analyzing and optimizing vehicle vibration systems
Enhancing Conveyor Belt Performance: Evaluating the Impact of In-creased Capacity Using Belt Analyst Software
Get PDFThis study investigates the effects of increasing conveyor belt capacity from 148.5 tons per hour (t/h) to 180 t/h on the overall system performance, employing both manual measurements and simulations using Belt Analyst software. The research aims to evaluate critical parameters such as effective pulling force, motor power requirements, structural load, and belt deflection, which are essential for determining the feasibility and impact of such an upgrade. The analysis reveals that with the capacity increase, the effective pulling force required rises to 14,072 N, while the motor power usage escalates to 15 kW. Concurrently, the structural load experiences a significant increase from 46.144 kg/m to 56.238 kg/m, and belt deflection intensifies from 22 mm to 27 mm. These findings suggest that increasing the conveyor belt capacity to 180 t/h, may lead to increased stress on the structure and belt, which could potentially affect the lifespan and performance of the conveyor system. Furthermore, while the conveyor system's performance enhances at the higher capacity, it also places additional stress on the system's components. The study further examines the implications of these changes, emphasizing the potential risks to the conveyor belt’s structural integrity and the possible reduction in its lifespan due to the increased mechanical stress. It is highlighted that careful consideration and precise engineering adjustments are necessary when planning capacity enhancements to avoid adverse effects on the system's longevity and reliability
Optimized Frame Design for Head Loss Testing Equipment Through Material Strength Analysis
Get PDFThis article presents the design and analysis of a frame for head loss testing equipment, crucial for evaluating flow losses in pipe installations. The objective was to develop a robust yet lightweight frame that could withstand the operational loads imposed by the testing equipment. The frame, which supports essential components such as pipes, venturi meters, elbows, and reducers, was constructed using ASTM A500 hollow sections with dimensions of 20 x 20 x 1.6 mm and 35 x 35 x 1.6 mm. These dimensions were selected for their balance between strength and weight, validated through strength analysis and SolidWorks simulations. Conducted at Universitas Mercu Buana, the project involved the design, manufacturing, and testing of the frame to determine its load-bearing capacity. The results from the SolidWorks simulations confirmed the frame's structural integrity, which was further validated by its successful application in a practical setup. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a systematic design approach, integrating material selection, load analysis, and simulation to achieve an optimal solution. The findings contribute valuable insights into the use of ASTM A500 hollow sections in structural applications, particularly where both strength and weight are critical. This work sets a precedent for future designs in mechanical engineering, offering a reliable framework for developing durable and efficient testing equipment
Performance Evaluation of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems in a Texturizing Plant
Get PDFThis study evaluates the performance of an ammonia refrigeration system used as a cooling medium in a texturizing plant. The analysis was conducted over a 10-day period, focusing on key performance indicators such as compressor work, condenser exhaust heat, refrigeration effect, mass flow rate, Coefficient of Performance (COP), and overall system efficiency. The data revealed that the system performed optimally on Day 5, achieving a peak efficiency of 91%, with compressor work at 304.1 kJ/kg and condenser exhaust heat at 1414.6 kJ/kg. In contrast, the lowest efficiency was recorded on Day 3, at 77%. The refrigeration effect reached its highest value of 491.3 kJ/kg on Day 3, highlighting efficient heat absorption despite lower overall system efficiency. On Day 4, the mass flow rate was 0.001049929 kg/s, with an actual COP of 1.39, while the ideal COP peaked on Day 10 at 1.69, reflecting the system’s theoretical maximum efficiency under optimal conditions. The study emphasizes the critical role of the condenser in the system’s performance. Optimizing the condenser’s operation by controlling temperature, pressure, and flow rates, alongside regular maintenance, significantly impacts system efficiency. The findings suggest that careful monitoring of operational parameters, including compressor work and refrigerant flow, can enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of ammonia refrigeration systems in industrial settings. This research provides practical insights into improving the cooling performance, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring consistent production quality in texturizing plants
GREEN TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: BIO-FERTILIZER PRODUCTION FROM MUNICIPAL WASTE TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Get PDFThis study addresses the pressing issue of municipal waste (MW) management by proposing an innovative approach to transform residential solid waste into a valuable resource using green technology. MW, sourced from diverse sectors, undergoes various disposal methods, including incineration, recycling, and landfilling. In Malaysia, the composition of MW aligns with global trends, with food waste and plastic being the predominant categories. This research focuses on producing fertilizer from residential solid waste through a green technology process, utilizing a sequential procedure involving high pressure, high temperature, and energized water to de-polymerize hemicellulose and lignin, followed by microbial enzymatic fermentation. The developed green technology introduces a novel apparatus designed for treating MW in a high-temperature, low-pressure rotating vessel using indirect heating with thermal fluid. The experimental protocol involves four batches of MW samples, evaluating the mass differential before and after the treatment process. Furthermore, a 7-week observation period assesses chili plant growth as an indicator of fertilizer effectiveness. Results indicate a significant 71% mass reduction of MW, amounting to 201.26 kg, emphasizing the efficacy of the developed process. The investigation extends to plant height, comparing MW-derived fertilizer with commercial fertilizer over a 5-week period. Remarkably, chili plants fertilized with MW-derived fertilizer exhibit a greater height of 8.6 cm, surpassing the 7.3 cm observed with commercial fertilizer. This study concludes that MW-derived fertilizer is highly recommended for enhancing plant growth and health in Malaysia, suggesting a sustainable production system. The research not only contributes to waste management but also aligns with broader goals of promoting environmentally conscious and sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the potential of green technology in addressing the challenges of municipal waste
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