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Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Ismail Abd-Elaty, Hany Farhat Abd Elhamid and Akbar Javadi

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a numerical model to study the effect of changing hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a numerical model to study the effect of changing hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical model SEAWAT is validated and applied to a hypothetical case (Henry problem) and a real case study (Biscayne aquifer, Florida, USA) for different values of hydraulic parameters including; hydraulic conductivity, porosity, dispersion, diffusion, fluid density and solute concentration. The dimensional analysis technique is used to correlate these parameters with the intrusion length.

Findings

The results show that the hydraulic parameters have a clear effect on saltwater intrusion as they increase the intrusion in some cases and decrease it in some other cases. The results indicate that changing hydraulic parameters may be used as a control method to protect coastal aquifers from saltwater intrusion.

Practical implications

The results of the application of the model to the Biscayne aquifer in Florida showed that the intrusion can be reduced to 50 percent when the hydraulic conductivity is reduced to 50 percent. Decreasing hydraulic conductivity by injecting some relatively cheap materials such as bentonite can help to reduce the intrusion of saltwater. So the saltwater intrusion can be reduced with relatively low cost through changing some hydraulic parameters.

Originality/value

A relationship to calculate intrusion length in coastal aquifer is developed and the impact of different hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion is highlighted. Control of saltwater intrusion using relatively cheap method is presented.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Yang Li and Tianxiang Lan

This paper aims to employ a multivariate nonlinear regression analysis to establish a predictive model for the final fracture area, while accounting for the impact of individual…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to employ a multivariate nonlinear regression analysis to establish a predictive model for the final fracture area, while accounting for the impact of individual parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis is based on the numerical simulation data obtained, using the hybrid finite element–discrete element (FE–DE) method. The forecasting model was compared with the numerical results and the accuracy of the model was evaluated by the root mean square (RMS) and the RMS error, the mean absolute error and the mean absolute percentage error.

Findings

The multivariate nonlinear regression model can accurately predict the nonlinear relationships between injection rate, leakoff coefficient, elastic modulus, permeability, Poisson’s ratio, pore pressure and final fracture area. The regression equations obtained from the Newton iteration of the least squares method are strong in terms of the fit to the six sensitive parameters, and the model follow essentially the same trend with the numerical simulation data, with no systematic divergence detected. Least absolutely deviation has a significantly weaker performance than the least squares method. The percentage contribution of sensitive parameters to the final fracture area is available from the simulation results and forecast model. Injection rate, leakoff coefficient, permeability, elastic modulus, pore pressure and Poisson’s ratio contribute 43.4%, −19.4%, 24.8%, −19.2%, −21.3% and 10.1% to the final fracture area, respectively, as they increased gradually. In summary, (1) the fluid injection rate has the greatest influence on the final fracture area. (2)The multivariate nonlinear regression equation was optimally obtained after 59 iterations of the least squares-based Newton method and 27 derivative evaluations, with a decidability coefficient R2 = 0.711 representing the model reliability and the regression equations fit the four parameters of leakoff coefficient, permeability, elastic modulus and pore pressure very satisfactorily. The models follow essentially the identical trend with the numerical simulation data and there is no systematic divergence. The least absolute deviation has a significantly weaker fit than the least squares method. (3)The nonlinear forecasting model of physical parameters of hydraulic fracturing established in this paper can be applied as a standard for optimizing the fracturing strategy and predicting the fracturing efficiency in situ field and numerical simulation. Its effectiveness can be trained and optimized by experimental and simulation data, and taking into account more basic data and establishing regression equations, containing more fracturing parameters will be the further research interests.

Originality/value

The nonlinear forecasting model of physical parameters of hydraulic fracturing established in this paper can be applied as a standard for optimizing the fracturing strategy and predicting the fracturing efficiency in situ field and numerical simulation. Its effectiveness can be trained and optimized by experimental and simulation data, and taking into account more basic data and establishing regression equations, containing more fracturing parameters will be the further research interests.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2018

Bingwei Gao and Wenlong Han

To control one of the joints during the actual movement of the hydraulically driven quadruped robot, all the other joints in the leg need to be locked. Once the joints are…

Abstract

Purpose

To control one of the joints during the actual movement of the hydraulically driven quadruped robot, all the other joints in the leg need to be locked. Once the joints are unlocked, there is a coupling effect among the joints. Therefore, during the normal exercise of the robot, the movement of each joint is affected by the coupling of other joints. This brings great difficulties to the coordinated motion control of the multi-joints of the robot. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the influence of the coupling of the hydraulically driven quadruped robot.

Design/methodology/approach

To solve the coupling problem with the joints of the hydraulic quadruped robot, based on the principle of mechanism dynamics and hydraulic control, the dynamic mathematical model of the single leg mechanism of the hydraulic quadruped robot is established. On this basis, the coupling dynamics model of the two joints of the thigh and the calf is derived. On the basis of the multivariable decoupling theory, a neural network (NN) model reference decoupling controller is designed.

Findings

The simulation and prototype experiment are carried out between the thigh joint and the calf joint of the hydraulic quadruped robot, and the results show that the proposed NN model reference decoupling control method is effective, and this method can reduce the cross-coupling between the thigh and the calf and improve the dynamic characteristics of the single joint of the leg.

Practical implications

The proposed method provides technical support for the mechanical–hydraulic cross-coupling among the joints of the hydraulic quadruped robot, achieving coordinated movement of multiple joints of the robot and promoting the performance and automation level of the hydraulic quadruped robot.

Originality/value

On the basis of the theory of multivariable decoupling, a new decoupling control method is proposed, in which the mechanical–hydraulic coupling is taken as the coupling behavior of the hydraulic foot robot. The method reduces the influence of coupling of system, improves the control precision, realizes the coordinated movement among multiple joints and promotes the popularization and use of the hydraulically driven quadruped robot.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 October 2019

Kanwar Pal Singh, Arvind Kumar and Deo Raj Kaushal

This paper aims to the transportation of high concentration slurry through pipelines that will require thorough understanding of physical and rheological properties of slurry, as…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to the transportation of high concentration slurry through pipelines that will require thorough understanding of physical and rheological properties of slurry, as well as its hydraulic flow behavior. In spite of several contributions by the previous researchers, there is still a need to enrich the current understanding of hydraulic conveying through pipeline at various flow parameters. The pilot plant loop tests, particularly at high concentrations, are tedious, time-consuming and complex in nature. Therefore, in the current research the prediction methodology for slurry pipeline design based on rheological model of the slurry is used for calculation of pressure drop and other design parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

It has been established that slurry rheology plays important role in the prediction of pressure drop for laminar and turbulent flow of commercial slurries through pipeline. In the current research fly ash slurry at high concentration is chosen for rheological analysis. The effect of particle size and solid concentration is experimentally tested over the rheological behavior of slurry and based on the rheological data a correlation is developed for calculation of pressure drop in slurry pipeline.

Findings

The present study strongly supports the analytical approach of pressure drop prediction based on the rheological parameters obtained from the bench scale tests. The rheological properties are strongly influenced by particle size distribution (PSD), shear rate and solid mass concentration of the slurry samples. Pressure drop along the pipeline is highly influenced by flow velocity and solid concentration. The presence of coarser particles in the slurry samples also leads to high pressure drop along the pipeline. As the concentration of solid increase the shear stress and shear viscosity increase cause higher pressure drop.

Research limitations/implications

The transportation of slurry in the pipeline is very complex as there are lot of factors that affect the flow behavior of slurry in pipelines. From the vast study of literature it is found that flow behavior of slurry changes with the change in parameters such as solids concentration, flow velocity, PSD, chemical additives and so on. Therefore, the accurate prediction of hydraulic parameter is very difficult. Different slurry samples behave differently depending upon their physical and rheological characteristics. So it is required to study each slurry samples individually that is time-consuming and costly.

Practical implications

Nowadays in the world, long distance slurry pipelines are used for the transportation of highly concentration slurries. Many researchers have carried out an experiment in the design aspects of hydraulic transportation system. Rheological characteristics of slurry also play crucial role in determining important parameters of hydraulic conveying such as head loss in commercial slurry pipeline. The current research is useful for the prediction of pressure drop based on rheological behavior of fly ash slurry at various solid concentrations. The current research is helpful for finding the effect of solid concentration and flow velocity on the flow behavior of slurry.

Social implications

Slurry pipeline transportation has advantages over rail and road transportation because of low energy consumption, economical, less maintenance and eco-friendly nature. Presently majority of the thermal power plants in India and other parts of the world dispose of coal ash at low concentration (20 per cent by weight) to ash ponds using the slurry pipeline. Transporting solids in slurry pipelines at higher concentrations will require a thorough knowledge of pressure drop. In the current research a rheological model is proposed for prediction of pressure drop in the slurry pipeline, which is useful for optimization of flow parameters.

Originality/value

All the experimental work is done on fly ash slurry samples collect from the Jharli thermal power plant from Haryana State of India. Bench scale tests are performed in the water resource laboratory of IIT Delhi for physical and rheological analysis of slurry. It has been shown in the results that up to solid concentration of 50 per cent by mass all the samples behave as non-Newtonian and follows a Herschel–Bulkley model with shear thickening behavior. In the present research all the result outcomes are unique and original and does not copied from anywhere.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2010

Wei Liu, Yongshou Liu and Zhufeng Yue

Pressure pulsations and vibration working condition lead to dynamic troubles in hydraulic devices. It is highly desirable to be able to estimate the durability at the design stage…

Abstract

Purpose

Pressure pulsations and vibration working condition lead to dynamic troubles in hydraulic devices. It is highly desirable to be able to estimate the durability at the design stage so that appropriate maintenance period can be determined for safety and reliability. The purpose of this paper is to propose a quantitative evaluation method for pulsation and vibration based on reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

Pressure pulsations are approximately treaded as a stationary random process. The principle of transform function and fluid network chain rules are used to disassemble the hydraulic power unit into the series‐system. Mean square deviation of dynamic stress under the pumping source white noise exciting was calculated based on frequency responses. Statistical regularity of displacement and stress responses of pipelines under external random vibration are obtained by the spectrum analysis. Both the first‐passage failure criterion and fatigue damage accumulation failure criterion are adopted to analyze the dynamic pressure reliability of hydraulic pipelines.

Findings

The terminal joint, bellow pipe and pipe clamps are verified as the weak location of the pipelines. The mean square deviations of pulsations and vibration response influence the pipelines reliability. The results indicated that the preventative design method of controlling the pressure below 10 per cent of rated pressure does not meet the security specification of the hydraulic power unit.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a quantitative evaluation method for random pressure pulsation and external vibration based on reliability, which provides a new approach for the safety assessment and design of hydraulic pipelines.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2023

Indranil Banik, Arup Kumar Nandi and Bittagopal Mondal

The paper aims to identify a suitable generic brake force distribution ratio (β) corresponding to optimal brake design attributes in a diminutive driving range, where road…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to identify a suitable generic brake force distribution ratio (β) corresponding to optimal brake design attributes in a diminutive driving range, where road conditions do not exhibit excessive variations. This will intend for an appropriate allocation of brake force distribution (BFD) to provide dynamic stability to the vehicle during braking.

Design/methodology/approach

Two techniques are presented (with and without wheel slip) to satisfy both brake stability and performance while accommodating variations in load sharing and road friction coefficient. Based on parametric optimization of the design variables of hydraulic brake using evolutionary algorithm, taking into account both the laden and unladen circumstances simultaneously, this research develops an improved model for computing and simulating the BFD applied to commercial and passenger vehicles.

Findings

The optimal parameter values defining the braking system have been identified, resulting in effective β = 0.695 which enhances the brake forces at respective axles. Nominal slip of 3.42% is achieved with maximum deceleration of 5.72 m/s2 maintaining directional stability during braking. The results obtained from both the methodologies are juxtaposed and assessed governing the vehicle stability in straight line motion to prevent wheel lock.

Originality/value

Optimization results establish the practicality, efficacy and applicability of the proposed approaches. The findings provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of hydraulic drum brake systems in modern automobiles, which can lead to safer and more efficient braking systems.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Nadjet Zair, Salah Chaab and Catherine Bertrand

The purpose of this paper is to assess the vulnerability of the aquifer using two models of analysis (DRASTIC and GOD) that were applied in practice in the regions of Bir…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the vulnerability of the aquifer using two models of analysis (DRASTIC and GOD) that were applied in practice in the regions of Bir Chouhada, Souk Naamane and Ouled Zouai in the district of Oum El-Bouaghi.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to determine the most adequate methods to ensure the protection of the Bir Chouhada, Souk Naamane and Ouled Zouai aquifer from pollution using vulnerability assessment. The application of the DRASTIC and GOD models made this evaluation possible.

Findings

The analysis of the both maps of vulnerability, resulting from the application of the two methods (DRASTIC and GOD), has revealed several classes of vulnerability that are no-, low-, medium- and high-vulnerable area. High DRASTIC vulnerability values vary between 145 and 178, and those of GOD vary between 0.07 and 0.57. It is observed that vulnerability increases from the center toward the eastern part of the plain; this is confirmed by the repartition of nitrate contents. The impact of the hydraulic conductivity on vulnerability to pollution is more significant than those of the vadose zone and the aquifer media. This is well observed when considering the single-parameter sensitivity analysis.

Originality/value

The text deepens the understanding of the vulnerability assessment and quality of the aquifer and the groundwater. The present study can be used for the assessment and the management of groundwater.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Nuno Miguel de Matos Torre and Andrei Bonamigo

Maintenance represents an indispensable role in the productive sector of the steel industry. The increasing use of operating with a high level of precision makes hydraulic systems…

Abstract

Purpose

Maintenance represents an indispensable role in the productive sector of the steel industry. The increasing use of operating with a high level of precision makes hydraulic systems one of the issues that require a high level of attention. This study aims to explore an empirical investigation for decreasing the occurrences of corrective maintenance of hydraulic systems in the context of Lean 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The maintenance model is developed based on action-research methodology through an empirical investigation, with nine stages. This approach aims to build a scenario to analyze and interpret the occurrences, seeking to implement and evaluate the actions to be performed. The undertaken initiatives demonstrate that this approach can be applied to optimize the maintenance of an organization.

Findings

The main contribution of this paper is to demonstrate that the applied method allows the overviewing results, with a qualitative approach concerning the maintenance actions and management processes to be considered, allowing a holistic understanding and contributing to the current literature. The results also indicated that Lean 4.0 has direct and mediating effects on maintenance performance.

Originality/value

This research intends to propose an evaluation framework with an interdimensional linkage between action research methodology and Lean 4.0, to explore an empirical investigation and contributing to understanding the actions to reduce the occurrences of hydraulic systems corrective maintenance in a production line in the steel industry.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2019

Dharmendra B.V., Shyam Prasad Kodali and Nageswara Rao Boggarapu

The purpose of this paper is to adopt the multi-objective optimization technique for identifying a set of optimum abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) parameters to achieve maximum…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt the multi-objective optimization technique for identifying a set of optimum abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) parameters to achieve maximum material removal rate (MRR) and minimum surface roughness.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of a few experiments as per the Taguchi’s orthogonal array are considered for achieving maximum MRR and minimum surface roughness (Ra) of the Inconel718. Analysis of variance is performed to understand the statistical significance of AWJM input process parameters.

Findings

Empirical relations are developed for MRR and Ra in terms of the AWJM process parameters and demonstrated their adequacy through comparison of test results.

Research limitations/implications

The signal-to-noise ratio transformation should be applied to take in to account the scatter in the repetition of tests in each test run. But, many researchers have adopted this transformation on a single output response of each test run, which has no added advantage other than additional computational task. This paper explains the impact of insignificant process parameter in selection of optimal process parameters. This paper demands drawbacks and complexity in existing theories prior to use new algorithms.

Practical implications

Taguchi approach is quite simple and easy to handle optimization problems, which has no practical implications (if it handles properly). There is no necessity to hunt for new algorithms for obtaining solution for multi-objective optimization AWJM process.

Originality/value

This paper deals with a case study, which demonstrates the simplicity of the Taguchi approach in solving multi-objective optimization problems with a few number of experiments.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2018

Xiaodong Yu, Xu Zuo, Chao Liu, Xuhang Zheng, Hang Qu and Tengfei Yuan

Hydrostatic thrust bearing is a key component of the vertical CNC machining equipment, and often results in friction failure under the working condition of high speed and heavy…

Abstract

Purpose

Hydrostatic thrust bearing is a key component of the vertical CNC machining equipment, and often results in friction failure under the working condition of high speed and heavy load. The lubricating oil film becomes thin or breaks because of high speed and heavy load and it affects the high precision and stable operation of the vertical CNC machining equipment; hence, it is an effective way of avoiding friction failure for achieving the oil film shape prediction

Design/methodology/approach

For the hydrostatic thrust bearing with double rectangular cavities, researchers solve the deformation of the friction pairs in hydrostatic bearing by using the computation of hydrodynamics, elasticity theory, finite element method and fluid-thermal-mechanical coupled method. The deformation includes heat deformation and elasticity deformation, the shape of gap oil film is got according to the deformation of the friction pairs in hydrostatic bearing, and gets the shape of gap oil film, and determines the influencing factors and laws of the oil film shape, and achieves the prediction of oil film shape, and ascertains the mechanism of friction failure. An experimental verification is carried out.

Findings

Results show that the deformation of the rotational workbench is upturned along its radial direction under the working condition of high speed and heavy load. However, the deformation of the base is downturned along its radial direction and the deformation law of the gap oil film along the radius direction is estimated; the outer diameter is close but the inner diameter is divergent wedge.

Originality/value

The conclusion can provide a theoretical basis for the oil film control of hydrostatic thrust bearing and improve the stability of vertical CNC machining equipment.

1 – 10 of over 3000