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1 – 10 of 27
Article
Publication date: 5 August 2024

Samer S. Abdulhussein, Izwan Johari and Nada Mahdi Fawzi

This paper aims to produce lightweight concrete by combining aerated concrete with expanded polystyrene beads concrete to create structural aerated-polystyrene lightweight…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to produce lightweight concrete by combining aerated concrete with expanded polystyrene beads concrete to create structural aerated-polystyrene lightweight concrete that satisfies the criteria of sustainability for thermal and sound insulation properties and the structural criteria of having satisfactory compressive strength for structural elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental study was carried out to reach the largest compressive strength while maintaining the lowest possible density by preparing nine mixes of concrete, involving different ratios of aluminum waste powder and polystyrene beads as 0%, 0.2% and 0.3% and 0%, 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively, by weight of cement to produce the lightweight concrete with different densities. The performance of mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, density, modulus of elasticity, acoustic impedance and scanning electron microscopy were studied and discussed.

Findings

Results showed that aerated-expended polystyrene beads concrete had the most suitable properties when the proportions of aluminum waste powder and expanded polystyrene beads were 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. The compressive strength, density, thermal conductivity and acoustic impedance were 38.5 MPa, 1,768 Kg/m3, 0.358 W/(m.k) and 4.91 Kg/m2 s, respectively.

Originality/value

The experimental work was done using aluminum scrap waste powder as an expanding agent to produce aerated concrete and combining it with expanded polystyrene bead concrete to produce structural aerated-polystyrene concrete, which contains fine materials (silica fume and local natural raw limestone) and superplasticizers.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2024

Junhui Zhang, Sai Zhang, Yuhua Yang and Wendong Zhang

Based on the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, acoustic emission sensors have gained popularity owing to their small size, consistency, affordability and easy…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, acoustic emission sensors have gained popularity owing to their small size, consistency, affordability and easy integration. This study aims to provide direction for the advancement of MEMS acoustic emission sensors and predict their future potential for structural health detection of microprecision instruments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the recent research progress of three MEMS acoustic emission sensors, compares their individual strengths and weaknesses, analyzes their research focus and predicts their development trend in the future.

Findings

Piezoresistive, piezoelectric and capacitive MEMS acoustic emission sensors are the three main streams of MEMS acoustic emission sensors, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. The existing research has not been applied in practice, and MEMS acoustic emission sensor still needs further research in the aspects of wide frequency/high sensitivity, good robustness and integration with complementary metal oxide semiconductor. MEMS acoustic emission sensor has great development potential.

Originality/value

In this paper, the existing research achievements of MEMS acoustic emission sensors are described systematically, and the further development direction of MEMS acoustic emission sensors in the future research field is pointed out. It provides an important reference value for the actual weak acoustic emission signal detection in narrow structures.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Omotayo Farai, Nicole Metje, Carl Anthony, Ali Sadeghioon and David Chapman

Wireless sensor networks (WSN), as a solution for buried water pipe monitoring, face a new set of challenges compared to traditional application for above-ground infrastructure…

Abstract

Purpose

Wireless sensor networks (WSN), as a solution for buried water pipe monitoring, face a new set of challenges compared to traditional application for above-ground infrastructure monitoring. One of the main challenges for underground WSN deployment is the limited range (less than 3 m) at which reliable wireless underground communication can be achieved using radio signal propagation through the soil. To overcome this challenge, the purpose of this paper is to investigate a new approach for wireless underground communication using acoustic signal propagation along a buried water pipe.

Design/methodology/approach

An acoustic communication system was developed based on the requirements of low cost (tens of pounds at most), low power supply capacity (in the order of 1 W-h) and miniature (centimetre scale) size for a wireless communication node. The developed system was further tested along a buried steel pipe in poorly graded SAND and a buried medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe in well graded SAND.

Findings

With predicted acoustic attenuation of 1.3 dB/m and 2.1 dB/m along the buried steel and MDPE pipes, respectively, reliable acoustic communication is possible up to 17 m for the buried steel pipe and 11 m for the buried MDPE pipe.

Research limitations/implications

Although an important first step, more research is needed to validate the acoustic communication system along a wider water distribution pipe network.

Originality/value

This paper shows the possibility of achieving reliable wireless underground communication along a buried water pipe (especially non-metallic material ones) using low-frequency acoustic propagation along the pipe wall.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2024

Fei Shang, Bo Sun and Dandan Cai

The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of non-destructive testing methods in measuring bearing oil film thickness to ensure that bearings are in a normal…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of non-destructive testing methods in measuring bearing oil film thickness to ensure that bearings are in a normal lubrication state. The oil film thickness is a crucial parameter reflecting the lubrication status of bearings, directly influencing the operational state of bearing transmission systems. However, it is challenging to accurately measure the oil film thickness under traditional disassembly conditions due to factors such as bearing structure and working conditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a nondestructive testing method to measure the oil film thickness and its status.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces methods for optically, electrically and acoustically measuring the oil film thickness and status of bearings. It discusses the adaptability and measurement accuracy of different bearing oil film measurement methods and the impact of varying measurement conditions on accuracy. In addition, it compares the application scenarios of other techniques and the influence of the environment on detection results.

Findings

Ultrasonic measurement stands out due to its widespread adaptability, making it suitable for oil film thickness detection in various states and monitoring continuous changes in oil film thickness. Different methods can be selected depending on the measurement environment to compensate for measurement accuracy and enhance detection effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the basic principles and latest applications of optical, electrical and acoustic measurement of oil film thickness and status. It analyzes applicable measurement methods for oil film under different conditions. It discusses the future trends of detection methods, providing possible solutions for bearing oil film thickness detection in complex engineering environments.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 76 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2024

Liang Hu, Chengwei Liu, Rui Su and Weiting Liu

In a coaxial ultrasonic flow sensor (UFS), wall thickness is a vital parameter of the measurement tube, especially those with small inner diameters. The paper aims to investigate…

Abstract

Purpose

In a coaxial ultrasonic flow sensor (UFS), wall thickness is a vital parameter of the measurement tube, especially those with small inner diameters. The paper aims to investigate the influence of wall thickness on the transient signal characteristics in an UFS.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the problem was researched experimentally using a series of measurement tubes with different wall thicknesses. Second, a finite element method–based model in the time domain was established to validate the experimental results and further discussion. Finally, the plane wave assumption and oblique incident theory were used to analyze the wave propagation in the tube, and an idea of wave packet superposition was proposed to reveal the mechanism of the influence of wall thickness.

Findings

Both experimental and simulated results showed that the signal amplitude decreased periodically as the wall thickness increased, and the corresponding waveform varied dramatically. Based on the analysis of wave propagation in the measurement tube, a formula concerning the phase difference between wave packets was derived to characterize the signal variation.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new and explicit explanation of the influence of wall thickness on the transient signal in a co-axial UFS. Both experimental and simulated results were presented, and the mechanism was clearly described.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 August 2024

Amin Eidi and Sakineh Zeynali

The effect of viscosity on the performance of disk-shaped electromechanical resonators has been studied and investigated in the past. The vibration frequency of a disk-shaped…

13

Abstract

Purpose

The effect of viscosity on the performance of disk-shaped electromechanical resonators has been studied and investigated in the past. The vibration frequency of a disk-shaped resonator changes according to the viscosity of the liquid which the resonator is in contact with. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is based on design a sensor for measuring the viscosity of liquids using a disk-shaped electromechanical resonator. The viscosity of liquids is of interest to researchers in industry and medicine.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a viscosity sensor for liquids is proposed, which is designed based on a disk-shaped electromechanical resonator. In this proposed sensor, two comb drives are used as electrostatic actuators to stimulate the resonator. Also, two other comb drives are used as electrostatic sensors to monitor the frequency changes of the proposed resonator. The resonance frequency of the resonator in response to different fluids under test varies according to their viscosity.

Findings

After calibration of the proposed sensor by nonlinear weights, the viscosity of some liquids are calculated using this sensor and results confirm its accuracy according to the liquids real viscosity.

Originality/value

The design of the proposed sensor and its simulated performance are reported. Also, the viscosity of several different liquids are evaluated with simulations of the proposed sensor and presented.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 July 2024

Majid Monajjemi and Fatemeh Mollaamin

Early prediction of any type of cancer is important for the treatment of this type of disease, therefore, our target to evaluate whether monitoring early changes in plasma human…

Abstract

Purpose

Early prediction of any type of cancer is important for the treatment of this type of disease, therefore, our target to evaluate whether monitoring early changes in plasma human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) levels (using EIS), could help in the treatment of breast cancer or not? Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is an important biomarker for treatment selection in earlier stages of cancers. The combined detection of the HER2 gene in plasma for blood cancer provides an important reference index for the prognosis of metastasis to other tissues. For this purpose, the authors fabricated and characterized a model wireless biosensor-based electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for detecting HER2 plasma as therapeutics.

Design/methodology/approach

Most sensors generally are fabricated based on a connection between component of the sensors and the external circuits through wires. Although these types of sensors provide suitable sensitivities and also quick responses, the connection wires can be limited to the sensing ability in various devices approximately. Therefore, the authors designed a wireless sensor, which can provide the advantages of in vivo sensing and also long-distance sensing, quickly.

Findings

The biosensor structure was designed for detection of HER2, HER3 and HER-4 from lab-on-chip approach with six units of screen-printed electrode (SPE), which is built of an electrochemical device of gold/silver, silver/silver or carbon electrodes. The results exhibited that the biosensor is completely selective at low concentrations of the plasma and HER2 detection via the standard addition approach has a linearity plot, therefore, by using this type of biosensors HER2 in plasma can be detected.

Originality/value

This is then followed by detecting HER2 in real plasma using standard way which proved to have great linearity (R2 = 0.991) proving that this technique can be used to detect HER2 solution in real patients.

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Jinsong Zhang, Xinlong Wang, Chen Yang, Mingkang Sun and Zhenwei Huang

This study aims to investigate the noise-inducing characteristics during the start-up process of a mixed-flow pump and the impact of different start-up schemes on pump noise.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the noise-inducing characteristics during the start-up process of a mixed-flow pump and the impact of different start-up schemes on pump noise.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted numerical simulations on the mixed-flow pump under different start-up schemes and investigated the flow characteristics and noise distribution under these schemes.

Findings

The results reveal that the dipole noise is mainly caused by pressure fluctuations, while the quadrupole noise is mainly generated by the generation, development and breakdown of vortices. Additionally, the noise evolution characteristics during the start-up process of the mixed-flow pump can be divided into the initial stage, stable growth stage, impulse stage and stable operation stage.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of start-up schemes for mixed-flow pumps, reducing flow noise and improving the operational stability of mixed-flow pumps.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 July 2024

Lin Li, Jiushan Wang and Shilu Xiao

The aim of this work is to research and design an expert diagnosis system for rail vehicle driven by data mechanism models.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this work is to research and design an expert diagnosis system for rail vehicle driven by data mechanism models.

Design/methodology/approach

The expert diagnosis system utilizes statistical and deep learning methods to model the real-time status and historical data features of rail vehicle. Based on data mechanism models, it predicts the lifespan of key components, evaluates the health status of the vehicle and achieves intelligent monitoring and diagnosis of rail vehicle.

Findings

The actual operation effect of this system shows that it has improved the intelligent level of the rail vehicle monitoring system, which helps operators to monitor the operation of vehicle online, predict potential risks and faults of vehicle and ensure the smooth and safe operation of vehicle.

Originality/value

This system improves the efficiency of rail vehicle operation, scheduling and maintenance through intelligent monitoring and diagnosis of rail vehicle.

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Zhaozhao Tang, Wenyan Wu, Po Yang, Jingting Luo, Chen Fu, Jing-Cheng Han, Yang Zhou, Linlin Wang, Yingju Wu and Yuefei Huang

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have attracted great attention worldwide for a variety of applications in measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters. However…

Abstract

Purpose

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have attracted great attention worldwide for a variety of applications in measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters. However, stability has been one of the key issues which have limited their effective commercial applications. To fully understand this challenge of operation stability, this paper aims to systematically review mechanisms, stability issues and future challenges of SAW sensors for various applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This review paper starts with different types of SAWs, advantages and disadvantages of different types of SAW sensors and then the stability issues of SAW sensors. Subsequently, recent efforts made by researchers for improving working stability of SAW sensors are reviewed. Finally, it discusses the existing challenges and future prospects of SAW sensors in the rapidly growing Internet of Things-enabled application market.

Findings

A large number of scientific articles related to SAW technologies were found, and a number of opportunities for future researchers were identified. Over the past 20 years, SAW-related research has gained a growing interest of researchers. SAW sensors have attracted more and more researchers worldwide over the years, but the research topics of SAW sensor stability only own an extremely poor percentage in the total researc topics of SAWs or SAW sensors.

Originality/value

Although SAW sensors have been attracting researchers worldwide for decades, researchers mainly focused on the new materials and design strategies for SAW sensors to achieve good sensitivity and selectivity, and little work can be found on the stability issues of SAW sensors, which are so important for SAW sensor industries and one of the key factors to be mature products. Therefore, this paper systematically reviewed the SAW sensors from their fundamental mechanisms to stability issues and indicated their future challenges for various applications.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

1 – 10 of 27