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Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Takahiro Sato and Kota Watanabe

There are few reports that evolutional topology optimization methods are applied to the conductor geometry design problems. This paper aims to propose an evolutional topology…

Abstract

Purpose

There are few reports that evolutional topology optimization methods are applied to the conductor geometry design problems. This paper aims to propose an evolutional topology optimization method is applied to the conductor design problems of an on-chip inductor model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a topology optimization method for conductor shape designs. This method is based on the normalized Gaussian network-based evolutional on/off topology optimization method and the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy. As a target device, an on-chip planer inductor is used, and single- and multi-objective optimization problems are defined. These optimization problems are solved by the proposed method.

Findings

Through the single- and multi-objective optimizations of the on-chip inductor, it is shown that the conductor shapes of the inductor can be optimized based on the proposed methods.

Originality/value

The proposed topology optimization method is applicable to the conductor design problems in that the connectivity of the shapes is strongly required.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Jeff Allen, Reena Patel, Tomas Mondragon and Oliver Taylor

Among the various applications involving the use of microwave energy, its growing utility within the mining industry is particularly noteworthy. Conventional grinding processes…

Abstract

Purpose

Among the various applications involving the use of microwave energy, its growing utility within the mining industry is particularly noteworthy. Conventional grinding processes are often overburdened by energy inefficiencies that are directly related to machine wear, pollution and rising project costs. In this work, we numerically investigate the effects of microwave pretreatment through a series of compression tests as a means to help mitigate these energy inefficiencies.

Design/methodology/approach

We investigate the effects of microwave pretreatment on various rock samples, as quantified by uniaxial compression tests. In particular, we assign sample heterogeneity based on a Gaussian statistical distribution and invoke a damage model for elemental tensile and compressive stresses based on the maximum tensile stress and the Mohr–Coulomb theories, respectively. We further couple the electromagnetic, thermal and solid displacement relations using finite element modeling.

Findings

(1) Increased power intensity during microwave pretreatment results in decreased axial compressive stress. (2) Leveraging statistics to induce variable compressive and tensile strength can greatly facilitate sample heterogeneity and prove necessary for damage modeling. (3) There exists a nonlinear trend to the reduction in smax with increasing power levels, implying an optimum energy output efficiency to create the maximum degradation-power cost relationship.

Originality/value

Previous research in this area has been largely limited to two-dimensional thermo-electric models. The onset of high-performance computing has allowed for the development of high-fidelity, three-dimensional models with coupled equations for electromagnetics, heat transfer and solid mechanics.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2024

Azzh Saad Alshehry, Humaira Yasmin, Rasool Shah, Amjid Ali and Imran Khan

The purpose of this study is to solve two unique but difficult partial differential equations: the foam drainage equation and the nonlinear time-fractional fisher’s equation…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to solve two unique but difficult partial differential equations: the foam drainage equation and the nonlinear time-fractional fisher’s equation. Through our methods, we aim to provide accurate solutions and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate behaviors exhibited by these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we use a dual technique that combines the Aboodh residual power series method and the Aboodh transform iteration method, both of which are combined with the Caputo operator.

Findings

We develop exact and efficient solutions by merging these unique methodologies. Our results, presented through illustrative figures and data, demonstrate the efficacy and versatility of the Aboodh methods in tackling such complex mathematical models.

Originality/value

Owing to their fractional derivatives and nonlinear behavior, these equations are crucial in modeling complex processes and confront analytical complications in various scientific and engineering contexts.

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Guilherme Homrich, Aly Ferreira Flores Filho, Paulo Roberto Eckert and David George Dorrell

This paper aims to introduce an alternative for modeling levitation forces between NdFeB magnets and bulks of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). The presented approach should…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce an alternative for modeling levitation forces between NdFeB magnets and bulks of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). The presented approach should be evaluated through two different formulations and compared with experimental results.

Design/methodology/approach

The T-A and H-ϕ formulations are among the most efficient approaches for modeling superconducting materials. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to apply them to magnetic levitation models and predict the forces involved.The permanent magnet movement is modeled by combining moving meshes and magnetic field identity pairs in both 2D and 3D studies.

Findings

It is shown that it is possible to use the homogenization technique for the T-A formulation in 3D models combined with mixed formulation boundaries and moving meshes to simulate the whole device’s geometry.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies are limited to the formulations’ implementation and a brief assessment regarding degrees of freedom. The intent is to make the simulation straightforward rather than establish a benchmark.

Originality/value

The H-ϕ formulation considers the HTS bulk domain as isotropic, whereas the T-A formulation homogenization approach treats it as anisotropic. The originality of the paper lies in contrasting these different modeling approaches while incorporating the external magnetic field movement by means of the Lagrangian–Eulerian method.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Goksel Saracoglu, Serap Kiriş, Sezer Çoban, Muharrem Karaaslan, Tolga Depci and Emin Bayraktar

The aim of this study is to determine the fracture behavior of wool felt and fabric based epoxy composites and their responses to electromagnetic waves.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the fracture behavior of wool felt and fabric based epoxy composites and their responses to electromagnetic waves.

Design/methodology/approach

Notched and unnotched tensile tests of composites made of wool only and hybridized with a glass fiber layer were carried out, and fracture behavior and toughness at macro scale were determined. They were exposed to electromagnetic waves between 8 and 18 GHz frequencies using two horn antennas.

Findings

The keratin and lignin layer on the surface of the wool felt caused lower values to be obtained compared to the mechanical values given by pure epoxy. However, the use of wool felt in the symmetry layer of the laminated composite material provided higher mechanical values than the composite with glass fiber in the symmetry layer due to the mechanical interlocking it created. The use of wool in fabric form resulted in an increase in the modulus of elasticity, but no change in fracture toughness was observed. As a result of the electromagnetic analysis, it was also seen in the electromagnetic analysis that the transmittance of the materials was high, and the reflectance was low throughout the applied frequency range. Hence, it was concluded that all of the manufactured materials could be used as radome material over a wide band.

Practical implications

Sheep wool is an easy-to-supply and low-cost material. In this paper, it is presented that sheep wool can be evaluated as a biocomposite material and used for radome applications.

Originality/value

The combined evaluation of felt and fabric forms of a natural and inexpensive reinforcing element such as sheep wool and the combined evaluation of fracture mechanics and electromagnetic absorption properties will contribute to the evaluation of biocomposites in aviation.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2024

Kunal Kumar Singh, Santosh Kumar Mahto and Rashmi Sinha

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new type of sensor which uses microwave metamaterials and direct-coupled split-ring resonators (DC-SRRs) to measure the dielectric…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new type of sensor which uses microwave metamaterials and direct-coupled split-ring resonators (DC-SRRs) to measure the dielectric properties of solid materials in real time. The sensor uses a transmission line with a bridge-type structure to measure the differential frequency, which can be used to calculate the dielectric constant of the material being tested. The study aims to establish an empirical relationship between the dielectric properties of the material and the frequency measurements obtained from the sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed design, the opposite arm of the bridge transmission line is loaded by DC-SRRs, and the distance between DC-SRRs is optimized to minimize the mutual coupling between them. The DC-SRRs are loaded with the material under test (MUT) to perform differential permittivity sensing. When identical MUT is placed on both resonators, a single transmission zero (notch) is obtained, but non-identical MUTs exhibit two split notches. For the design of differential sensors and comparators based on symmetry disruption, frequency splitting is highly useful.

Findings

The proposed structure is demonstrated using electromagnetic simulation, and a prototype of the proposed sensor is fabricated and experimentally validated to prove the differential sensing principle. Here, the sensor is analyzed for sensitivity by using different MUTs with relative permittivity ranges from 1.006 to 10 and with a fixed dimension of 9 mm × 10 mm ×1.2 mm. It shows a very good average frequency deviation per unit change in permittivity of the MUTs, which is around 743 MHz, and it also exhibits a very high average relative sensitivity and quality factor of around 11.5% and 323, respectively.

Originality/value

The proposed sensor can be used for differential characterization of permittivity and also as a comparator to test the purity of solid dielectric samples. This sensor most importantly strengthens robustness to environmental conditions that cause cross-sensitivity or miscalibration. The accuracy of the measurement is enhanced as compared to conventional single- and double-notch metamaterial-based sensors.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2023

Sheela Bhargava and Renu Sharma

The study aims to examine the mediating effect of psychological well-being (PWB) on the relationship between teamwork skills and student engagement (SE) in higher education…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to examine the mediating effect of psychological well-being (PWB) on the relationship between teamwork skills and student engagement (SE) in higher education institutional setups.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a triangulation mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from final-year students pursuing post-graduation and graduation in private colleges in India. In the main study, quantitative data was gathered from 276 students through a survey. The relationship among the variables-teamwork skills, SE and PWB was empirically validated through path analysis; mediation was also conducted. In the auxiliary study, qualitative data was gathered through focus group sessions and was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Results depicted that teamwork skills positively predict students' engagement with their academic program. Additionally, PWB partially mediates the relationship between teamwork skills and SE.

Originality/value

The study was conducted to expand understanding of aspects related to promoting students' engagement in HEIs in Delhi and Haryana through being attentive toward teamwork skills development and through taking care of students' PWB.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Boussad Moualek, Simon Chauviere, Lamia Belguerras, Smail Mezani and Thierry Lubin

The purpose of this study is to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-safe iron-free electrical actuator for MR-guided surgical interventions.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-safe iron-free electrical actuator for MR-guided surgical interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper deals with the design of an MRI compatible electrical actuator. Three-dimensional electromagnetic and thermal analytical models have been developed to design the actuator. These models have been validated through 3D finite element (FE) computations. The analytical models have been inserted in an optimization procedure that uses genetic algorithms to find the optimal parameters of the actuator.

Findings

The analytical models are very fast and precise compared to the FE models. The computation time is 0.1 s for the electromagnetic analytical model and 3 min for the FE one. The optimized actuator does not perturb imaging sequence even if supplied with a current 10 times higher than its rated one. Indeed, the actuator’s magnetic field generated in the imaging area does not exceed 1 ppm of the B0 field generated by the MRI scanner. The actuator can perform up to 25 biopsy cycles without any risk to the actuator or the patient since he maximum temperature rise of the actuator is about 20°C. The actuator is compact and lightweight compared to its pneumatic counterpart.

Originality/value

The MRI compatible actuator uses the B0 field generated by scanner as inductor. The design procedure uses magneto-thermal coupled models that can be adapted to the design of a variety actuation systems working in MRI environment.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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

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