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1 – 10 of 489
Article
Publication date: 6 December 2023

Nirmal K. Manna, Abhinav Saha, Nirmalendu Biswas and Koushik Ghosh

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of enclosure shape on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluidic flow, heat transfer and irreversibility in square…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of enclosure shape on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluidic flow, heat transfer and irreversibility in square, trapezoidal and triangular thermal systems under fluid volume constraints, with the aim of optimizing thermal behavior in diverse applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses numerical simulations based on a finite element-based technique to analyze the effects of the Rayleigh number (Ra), Hartmann number (Ha), magnetic field orientation (γ) and nanoparticle concentration (ζ) on heat transfer characteristics and thermodynamic entropy production.

Findings

The key findings reveal that the geometrical design significantly influences fluid velocity, heat transfer and irreversibility. Trapezoidal thermal systems outperform square systems, while triangular systems achieve optimal enhancement. Nanoparticle concentration enhances heat transfer and flow strength at higher Rayleigh numbers. The magnetic field intensity has a significant impact on fluid flow and heat transport in natural convection, with higher Hartmann numbers resulting in reduced flow strength and heat transfer. The study also highlights the influence of various parameters on thermodynamic entropy production.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can explore additional geometries, parameters and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of enclosure shape effects on MHD nanofluidic flow and heat transfer. Experimental validation can complement the numerical simulations presented in this study.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into the impact of enclosure shape on heat transfer performance in MHD nanofluid flow systems. The findings contribute to the optimization of thermal behavior in applications such as electronics cooling and energy systems. The comparison of different enclosure shapes and the analysis of thermodynamic entropy production add novelty to the study.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 January 2024

Nirmalendu Biswas, Deep Chatterjee, Sandip Sarkar and Nirmal K. Manna

This study aims to investigate the influence of wall curvature in a semicircular thermal annular system on magneto-nanofluidic flow, heat transfer and entropy generation. The…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of wall curvature in a semicircular thermal annular system on magneto-nanofluidic flow, heat transfer and entropy generation. The analysis is conducted under constant cooling surface and fluid volume constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical equations describing the thermo-fluid flow in the semicircular system are solved using the finite element technique. Four different heating wall configurations are considered, varying the undulation numbers of the heated wall. Parametric variations of bottom wall undulation (f), buoyancy force characterized by the Rayleigh number (Ra), magnetic field strength represented by the Hartmann number (Ha) and inclination of the magnetic field (γ) on the overall thermal performance are studied extensively.

Findings

This study reveals that the fluid circulation strength is maximum in the case of a flat bottom wall. The analysis shows that the bottom wall contour and other control parameters significantly influence fluid flow, entropy production and heat transfer. The modified heated wall with a single undulation exhibits the highest entropy production and thermal convection, leading to a heat transfer enhancement of up to 21.85% compared to a flat bottom. The magnetic field intensity and orientation have a significant effect on heat transfer and irreversibility production.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can explore a wider range of parameter values, alternative heating wall profiles and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of magneto-nanofluidic flow in semicircular thermal systems.

Originality/value

This study introduces a constraint-based analysis of magneto-nanofluidic thermal behavior in a complex semicircular thermal system, providing insights into the impact of wall curvature on heat transfer performance. The findings contribute to the design and optimization of thermal systems in various applications.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2023

Naveed Ahmad and Amran Harun

This study aims to explore the essential factors of the reason for (RF) and reason against (RA) and their impact on tourist attitudes and intentions to use e-bike sharing services…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the essential factors of the reason for (RF) and reason against (RA) and their impact on tourist attitudes and intentions to use e-bike sharing services by using a novel approach based on behavioral reasoning theory (BRT).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method was used to collect data from 292 tourists and analyze the data using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The outcomes indicate that both “RF” and “RA” are crucial in affecting tourist attitudes and intentions to use e-bike-sharing services. In addition, factors such as convenience, price saving and time saving were identified as “RF” while “RA” weather conditions, safety concerns and image barriers were identified that affect tourist attitudes and intention to use e-bike sharing services. These findings also indicate that tourists’ values of openness to change significantly influence “RF” and have no impact on “RA” and attitude toward e-bike-sharing services.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights that complement the existing literature on electric bike sharing and BRT in the context of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly consumption.

Originality/value

This research takes a significant step forward in investigating the tourist attitudes and intentions toward using e-bike sharing services in a tourist destination growing economy by using the BRT theory and proposing a model that considers both the “RF” and “RA” using e-bikes for urban transportation.

目的

本研究旨在利用基于 BRT 的新方法, 探讨使用电动自行车共享服务的支持原因(RF)和反对原因(RA)的基本因素及其对游客使用电动自行车共享服务的态度和意图的影响。

设计/方法/方法

采用定量方法收集 292 名游客的数据, 并使用 PLS-SEM 技术分析数据。

研究结果

结果表明“RF”和“RA”对于影响游客使用电动自行车共享服务的态度和意图至关重要。此外, 方便、节省价格和节省时间等因素被确定为“RF”, 而“RA”则被确定为影响游客态度和使用电动自行车共享服务意愿的天气条件、安全问题和形象障碍。这些发现还表明, 游客对变革的开放价值观显着影响“RF”, 但对“RA”和对电动自行车共享服务的态度没有影响。

贡献

这项研究提供了宝贵的见解, 在促进可持续和环保消费的背景下补充了有关电动自行车共享和 BRT 的现有文献。

新颖性

本研究利用 BRT 理论, 在调查经济增长的旅游目的地中游客对使用电动自行车共享服务的态度和意图方面迈出了重要一步, 并提出了一个同时考虑“RF”和“RA”的模型用于城市交通的电动自行车。”

Objetivo

Este estudio pretende explorar los factores esenciales de las razones a favor (RF) y en contra (RA) y su impacto en las actitudes e intenciones de los turistas de utilizar los servicios de bicicletas eléctricas compartidas (e-bike sharing) utilizando un enfoque novedoso basado en la BRT.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se utilizó un método cuantitativo para recopilar datos de 292 turistas y analizarlos mediante la técnica PLS-SEM.

Resultados

Los resultados indican que tanto la “RF” como la “RA” son cruciales para afectar a las actitudes e intenciones de los turistas de utilizar los servicios de e-bike-sharing. Además, se identificaron como “RF” factores como la comodidad, el ahorro de precio y el ahorro de tiempo, mientras que como “RA” se identificaron las condiciones meteorológicas, las preocupaciones por la seguridad y las barreras de imagen que afectan a las actitudes de los turistas y a su intención de utilizar los servicios de e-bike sharing. Estos resultados también indican que los valores de apertura al cambio de los turistas influyen significativamente en “RF” y no tienen ningún impacto en “RA” ni en la actitud hacia los servicios de e-bike sharing.

Implicaciones

Este estudio aporta valiosas ideas que complementan la bibliografía existente sobre el uso compartido de bicicletas eléctricas (e-bike sharing) y el BRT en el contexto de la promoción de un consumo sostenible y respetuoso con el medio ambiente.”

Originalidad

Esta investigación da un importante paso adelante en la investigación de las actitudes e intenciones de los turistas hacia la utilización de los servicios de e-bike sharing en un destino turístico de economía en crecimiento utilizando la teoría del BRT y proponiendo un modelo que tiene en cuenta tanto la “RF” como la “RA” que utilizan las e-bikes para el transporte urbano.”

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Guillermo Guerrero-Vacas, Jaime Gómez-Castillo and Oscar Rodríguez-Alabanda

Polyurethane (PUR) foam parts are traditionally manufactured using metallic molds, an unsuitable approach for prototyping purposes. Thus, rapid tooling of disposable molds using…

Abstract

Purpose

Polyurethane (PUR) foam parts are traditionally manufactured using metallic molds, an unsuitable approach for prototyping purposes. Thus, rapid tooling of disposable molds using fused filament fabrication (FFF) with polylactic acid (PLA) and glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) is proposed as an economical, simpler and faster solution compared to traditional metallic molds or three-dimensional (3D) printing with other difficult-to-print thermoplastics, which are prone to shrinkage and delamination (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polypropilene-PP) or high-cost due to both material and printing equipment expenses (PEEK, polyamides or polycarbonate-PC). The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the ease of release of PUR foam on these materials in combination with release agents to facilitate the mulding/demoulding process.

Design/methodology/approach

PETG, PLA and hardenable polylactic acid (PLA 3D870) have been evaluated as mold materials in combination with aqueous and solvent-based release agents within a full design of experiments by three consecutive molding/demolding cycles.

Findings

PLA 3D870 has shown the best demoldability. A mold expressly designed to manufacture a foam cushion has been printed and the prototyping has been successfully achieved. The demolding of the part has been easier using a solvent-based release agent, meanwhile the quality has been better when using a water-based one.

Originality/value

The combination of PLA 3D870 and FFF, along with solvent-free water-based release agents, presents a compelling low-cost and eco-friendly alternative to traditional metallic molds and other 3D printing thermoplastics. This innovative approach serves as a viable option for rapid tooling in PUR foam molding.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2024

Sobhan Pandit, Milan K. Mondal, Dipankar Sanyal, Nirmal K. Manna, Nirmalendu Biswas and Dipak Kumar Mandal

This study aims to undertake a comprehensive examination of heat transfer by convection in porous systems with top and bottom walls insulated and differently heated vertical walls…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to undertake a comprehensive examination of heat transfer by convection in porous systems with top and bottom walls insulated and differently heated vertical walls under a magnetic field. For a specific nanofluid, the study aims to bring out the effects of different segmental heating arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

An existing in-house code based on the finite volume method has provided the numerical solution of the coupled nondimensional transport equations. Following a validation study, different explorations include the variations of Darcy–Rayleigh number (Ram = 10–104), Darcy number (Da = 10–5–10–1) segmented arrangements of heaters of identical total length, porosity index (ε = 0.1–1) and aspect ratio of the cavity (AR = 0.25–2) under Hartmann number (Ha = 10–70) and volume fraction of φ = 0.1% for the nanoparticles. In the analysis, there are major roles of the streamlines, isotherms and heatlines on the vertical mid-plane of the cavity and the profiles of the flow velocity and temperature on the central line of the section.

Findings

The finding of a monotonic rise in the heat transfer rate with an increase in Ram from 10 to 104 has prompted a further comparison of the rate at Ram equal to 104 with the total length of the heaters kept constant in all the cases. With respect to uniform heating of one entire wall, the study reveals a significant advantage of 246% rate enhancement from two equal heater segments placed centrally on opposite walls. This rate has emerged higher by 82% and 249%, respectively, with both the segments placed at the top and one at the bottom and one at the top. An increase in the number of centrally arranged heaters on each wall from one to five has yielded 286% rate enhancement. Changes in the ratio of the cavity height-to-length from 1.0 to 0.2 and 2 cause the rate to decrease by 50% and increase by 21%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Further research with additional parameters, geometries and configurations will consolidate the understanding. Experimental validation can complement the numerical simulations presented in this study.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by integrating segmented heating, magnetic fields and hybrid nanofluid in a porous flow domain, addressing existing research gaps. The findings provide valuable insights for enhancing thermal performance, and controlling heat transfer locally, and have implications for medical treatments, thermal management systems and related fields. The research opens up new possibilities for precise thermal management and offers directions for future investigations.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 September 2023

Mohammed Muneerali Thottoli and K.V. Thomas

The primary objective of this study is to examine how students' technological factors affect remote access (RA) in smart learning (SL) environments. Additionally, the paper…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to examine how students' technological factors affect remote access (RA) in smart learning (SL) environments. Additionally, the paper explores the moderating effect of students' technical skills (TS) on RA and SL.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a quantitative research approach and collected 125 valid questionnaires from students in Oman's higher education institutions (HEIs). A structural equation model (SEM) was employed for data analysis using the Smart PLS 4 version to examine the influence of technological factors on RA in SL environments.

Findings

It was found that the use of cloud-based RA in SL is influenced by students' use of technology, technology competitiveness and the availability of institutional software (IS). Moreover, students' TS were found to play a crucial role in moderating RA and SL, as well as technical knowledge (TK) and SL. These findings highlight the importance of technical competencies and software availability in shaping students' RA experiences.

Research limitations/implications

The study's findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size, which may restrict the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

The study suggests the technological learning capabilities of HEIs, which significantly improved by prioritizing critical technical factors, including knowledge and use of technology, availability of institutional software and RA antecedents in SL environments.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical and actionable directions for HEIs, universities, colleges and educators looking to incorporate technology into their practices in the dynamic and ever-evolving Fourth Industrial Era.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2023

Nirmalendu Biswas, Dipak Kumar Mandal, Nirmal K. Manna, Rama S.R. Gorla and Ali J. Chamkha

This study aims to investigate the impact of different heater geometries (flat, rectangular, semi-elliptical and triangular) on hybrid nanofluidic (Cu–Al2O3–H2O) convection in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of different heater geometries (flat, rectangular, semi-elliptical and triangular) on hybrid nanofluidic (Cu–Al2O3–H2O) convection in novel umbrella-shaped porous thermal systems. The system is top-cooled, and the identical heater surfaces are provided centrally at the bottom to identify the most enhanced configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal-fluid flow analysis is performed using a finite volume-based indigenous code, solving the nonlinear coupled transport equations with the Darcy number (10–5 ≤ Da ≤ 10–1), modified Rayleigh number (10 ≤ Ram ≤ 104) and Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 70) as the dimensionless operating parameters. The semi-implicit method for pressure linked equations algorithm is used to solve the discretized transport equations over staggered nonuniform meshes.

Findings

The study demonstrates that altering the heater surface geometry improves heat transfer by up to 224% compared with a flat surface configuration. The triangular-shaped heating surface is the most effective in enhancing both heat transfer and flow strength. In general, flow strength and heat transfer increase with rising Ram and decrease with increasing Da and Ha. The study also proposes a mathematical correlation to predict thermal characteristics by integrating all geometric and flow control variables.

Research limitations/implications

The present concept can be extended to further explore thermal performance with different curvature effects, orientations, boundary conditions, etc., numerically or experimentally.

Practical implications

The present geometry configurations can be applied in various engineering applications such as heat exchangers, crystallization, micro-electronic devices, energy storage systems, mixing processes, food processing and different biomedical systems (blood flow control, cancer treatment, medical equipment, targeted drug delivery, etc.).

Originality/value

This investigation contributes by exploring the effect of various geometric shapes of the heated bottom on the hydromagnetic convection of Cu–Al2O3–H2O hybrid nanofluid flow in a complex umbrella-shaped porous thermal system involving curved surfaces and multiphysical conditions.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 July 2023

Jung-Chieh Lee, Li Chen and Hengrui Zhang

To improve the frequency of adoption of mobile health services (MHSs) by users (consumers), it is critical to understand users' MHS adoption behaviors. However, the literature…

Abstract

Purpose

To improve the frequency of adoption of mobile health services (MHSs) by users (consumers), it is critical to understand users' MHS adoption behaviors. However, the literature primarily focuses on MHS adoption-related factors and lacks consideration of the joint impacts of reasons for (RF) and reasons against (RA) on users' attitudes and adoption behaviors regarding MHSs. To fill this gap, this study integrates behavioral reasoning theory (BRT) and protective motivation theory (PMT) to develop a research model by uncovering the reasoning process of personal values, RF and RA, adoption attitudes and behavior toward MHSs. In particular, health consciousness (HC) is selected as the value. Comparative advantage, compatibility and perceived threat severity are considered the RF subconstructs; value barriers, risk barriers and tradition and norm barriers are deemed the RA subconstructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 281 responses were collected to examine the model with the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method.

Findings

The results show that HC positively affects attitude through RA and RF. Additionally, RF partially mediates the relationship between HC and adoption behavior. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of user adoption behavior in MHS and provides practical guidance for the health services industry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing MHS literature by understanding the joint influences of personal values, RF and RA on user attitude, which eventually determines users' adoption decisions regarding MHSs.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Oliver Nelson D'Souza and Joana R.C. Kuntz

Managers are responsible for implementing reasonable accommodation (RA) for people with disabilities (PwD). Yet, little is known about the extent to which managerial views of RA…

Abstract

Purpose

Managers are responsible for implementing reasonable accommodation (RA) for people with disabilities (PwD). Yet, little is known about the extent to which managerial views of RA shape attitudes toward PwD. The study draws on conservation of resources (COR) and job demands and resources (JD-R) theories to examine the relationship between managerial views of RA availability and implementation ease on attitudes towards hiring PwD.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 162 full-time managers at a large New Zealand (NZ) healthcare organisation completed an online survey. Moderated multiple regressions were conducted to test the main effects and interactions between perceptions of RA process and attitudes towards hiring PwD.

Findings

The study results indicate that line managers held positive attitudes towards hiring PwD when they viewed RA implementation as easy, particularity around the provision of flexible work arrangements.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows the importance of gaging managers' views of RA processes to understand their attitudes toward PwD and highlights potential linkages between managerial perspectives on RA, PwD experiences in the organisation and the effectiveness of disability support and inclusion initiatives.

Practical implications

RA availability from the organisation is insufficient to elicit positive managerial attitudes toward hiring PwD. Policies and procedures that reduce RA implementation complexity are expected to foster positive managerial attitudes toward PwD and improve employment outcomes for this employee group.

Originality/value

This study is the first to test how managerial attitudes towards hiring PwD are influenced by views of RA availability from the organisation and of RA implementation ease. It also provides a multidimensional measure that captures managerial views of RA availability from the organisation and RA implementation ease.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 42 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Nirmal K. Manna, Abhinav Saha, Nirmalendu Biswas and Koushik Ghosh

This paper aims to investigate the thermal performance of equivalent square and circular thermal systems and compare the heat transport and irreversibility of magnetohydrodynamic…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the thermal performance of equivalent square and circular thermal systems and compare the heat transport and irreversibility of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow within these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a constraint-based approach to analyze the impact of geometric shapes on heat transfer and irreversibility. Two equivalent systems, a square cavity and a circular cavity, are examined, considering identical heating/cooling lengths and fluid flow volume. The analysis includes parameters such as magnetic field strength, nanoparticle concentration and accompanying irreversibility.

Findings

This study reveals that circular geometry outperforms square geometry in terms of heat flow, fluid flow and heat transfer. The equivalent circular thermal system is more efficient, with heat transfer enhancements of approximately 17.7%. The corresponding irreversibility production rate is also higher, which is up to 17.6%. The total irreversibility production increases with Ra and decreases with a rise in Ha. However, the effect of magnetic field orientation (γ) on total EG is minor.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can explore additional geometric shapes, orientations and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of thermal performance in different configurations. Experimental validation can also complement the numerical analysis presented in this study.

Originality/value

This research introduces a constraint-based approach for evaluating heat transport and irreversibility in MHD nanofluid flow within square and circular thermal systems. The comparison of equivalent geometries and the consideration of constraint-based analysis contribute to the originality and value of this work. The findings provide insights for designing optimal thermal systems and advancing MHD nanofluid flow control mechanisms, offering potential for improved efficiency in various applications.

Graphical Abstract

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

1 – 10 of 489