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Articles 1 - 15 of 15

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Evaluation Of The Effect Of Product Demand Uncertainty On Manufacturing System Selection, Ana Vafadar, Majid Tolouei-Rad, Kevin Hayward Jan 2017

Evaluation Of The Effect Of Product Demand Uncertainty On Manufacturing System Selection, Ana Vafadar, Majid Tolouei-Rad, Kevin Hayward

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The use of advanced manufacturing systems is widespread; however, manufacturers frequently face difficult decisions when it comes to selecting the most appropriate system. Uncertainty regarding product demand makes this process more difficult, as many factors are influencing simultaneously. This paper focuses on analyzing the demand uncertainty on the performance of modular drilling manufacturing systems versus other alternatives and evaluating the uncertainty’s impacts on the final decision. To do so, a model is suggested and the effect of demand uncertainty on the output is investigated. Three automotive components of varying complexity are used to examine the approach for making reliable decisions


Drilling Reconfigurable Machine Tool Selection And Process Parameters Optimization As A Function Of Product Demand, Ana Vafadar, Kevin Hayward, Majid Tolouei-Rad Jan 2017

Drilling Reconfigurable Machine Tool Selection And Process Parameters Optimization As A Function Of Product Demand, Ana Vafadar, Kevin Hayward, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Special purpose machines (SPMs) are customized machine tools that perform specific machining operations in a variety of production contexts, including drilling-related operations. This research investigates the effect of optimal process parameters and SPM configuration on the machine tool selection problem versus product demand changes. A review of previous studies suggests that the application of optimization in the feasibility analysis stage of machine tool selection has received less attention by researchers. In this study, a simulated model using genetic algorithm is proposed to find the optimal process parameters and machine tool configuration. During the decision-making phase of machine tool selection, unit …


Sensitivity Analysis For Justification Of Utilising Special Purpose Machine Tools In The Presence Of Uncertain Parameters, Ana Vafadar, Kevin Hayward, Majid Tolouei-Rad Jan 2017

Sensitivity Analysis For Justification Of Utilising Special Purpose Machine Tools In The Presence Of Uncertain Parameters, Ana Vafadar, Kevin Hayward, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Decision-makers in manufacturing area frequently face machine tool selection problem under uncertainty due to competitive market changes. Special purpose machines (SPMs), a relatively new class of reconfigurable machine tools, are used to react quickly to changes. Justification of utilising these machines vs. other machine tools requires a technique to investigate the sources of uncertainties. In this work, sensitivity analysis is utilised to investigate the sources of these uncertainties and errors which may reveal new insights for evaluating a machine tool. An illustrative example is provided to show the sensitivity of parameters on the economic performance of SPMs compared to the …


Influence Of Neural Network Training Parameters On Short-Term Wind Forecasting, Adel Brka, Yasir M. Al-Abdeli, Ganesh Kothapalli Jan 2016

Influence Of Neural Network Training Parameters On Short-Term Wind Forecasting, Adel Brka, Yasir M. Al-Abdeli, Ganesh Kothapalli

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This paper investigates factors which can affect the accuracy of short-term wind speed prediction when done over long periods spanning different seasons. Two types of neural networks (NNs) are used to forecast power generated via specific horizontal axis wind turbines. Meteorological data used are for a specific Western Australian location. Results reveal that seasonal variations affect the prediction accuracy of the wind resource, but the magnitude of this influence strongly depends on the details of the NN deployed. Factors investigated include the span of the time series needed to initially train the networks, the temporal resolution of these data, the …


Photonic Microstructures For Energy-Generating Clear Glass And Net-Zero Energy Buildings, Mikhail Vasiliev, Ramzy Alghamedi, Mohammad Alam, Kamal Alameh Jan 2016

Photonic Microstructures For Energy-Generating Clear Glass And Net-Zero Energy Buildings, Mikhail Vasiliev, Ramzy Alghamedi, Mohammad Alam, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Transparent energy-harvesting windows are emerging as practical building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), capable of generating electricity while simultaneously reducing heating and cooling demands. By incorporating spectrally-selective diffraction gratings as light deflecting structures of high visible transparency into lamination interlayers and using improved spectrally-selective thin-film coatings, most of the visible solar radiation can be transmitted through the glass windows with minimum attenuation. At the same time, the ultraviolet (UV) and a part of incident solar infrared (IR) radiation energy are converted and/or deflected geometrically towards the panel edge for collection by CuInSe2 solar cells. Experimental results show power conversion efficiencies in excess …


Developing Equations For Estimating Reference Evapotranspiration In Australia, Matin Ahooghalandari, Mehdi Khiadani, Mina Esmi Jahromi Jan 2016

Developing Equations For Estimating Reference Evapotranspiration In Australia, Matin Ahooghalandari, Mehdi Khiadani, Mina Esmi Jahromi

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Quantifying reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is essential in water resources management. Although, many methods have been developed with different level of accuracy, in this study, two new equations were developed and optimized for estimating ET0 using Honey-Bee Mating Optimization (HBMO) algorithm. The firs eq. estimates ET0 from extraterrestrial radiation (Ra), relative humidity (RH) and mean daily temperature (Tmean), while the second uses the same parameters except that mean daily temperatures is replaced with maximum daily air temperature (Tmax). Both equations were developed using climatic data from eight weather stations in Western …


New Cost Model For Feasibility Analysis Of Utilising Special Purpose Machine Tools, Ana Vafadar, Majid Tolouei-Rad, Kevin Haywood Jan 2016

New Cost Model For Feasibility Analysis Of Utilising Special Purpose Machine Tools, Ana Vafadar, Majid Tolouei-Rad, Kevin Haywood

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Special purpose machine tools (SPMs) have been widely used to perform drilling-related operations in high volume production including within automotive component industries. The first step in designing and manufacturing a SPM is a feasibility analysis. Since SPMs have relatively higher investment cost than other machine tools, this task must be performed before any investment on the preparation of detailed design. The present paper explores an economic feasibility analysis strategy which aims to make logical decision by assessing the strengths and limitations of an SPM in comparison with other machine tools. The mathematical product cost model for SPMs is proposed for …


A Review Of Current Neuromorphic Approaches For Vision, Auditory, And Olfactory Sensors, Anup Vanarse, Adam Osseiran, Alexander Rassau Jan 2016

A Review Of Current Neuromorphic Approaches For Vision, Auditory, And Olfactory Sensors, Anup Vanarse, Adam Osseiran, Alexander Rassau

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Conventional vision, auditory, and olfactory sensors generate large volumes of redundant data and as a result tend to consume excessive power. To address these shortcomings, neuromorphic sensors have been developed. These sensors mimic the neuro-biological architecture of sensory organs using aVLSI (analog Very Large Scale Integration) and generate asynchronous spiking output that represents sensing information in ways that are similar to neural signals. This allows for much lower power consumption due to an ability to extract useful sensory information from sparse captured data. The foundation for research in neuromorphic sensors was laid more than two decades ago, but recent developments …


Optical Fiber Sensors In Physical Intrusion Detection Systems: A Review, Gary Andrew Allwood, Graham Wild, Steven Hinkley Jan 2016

Optical Fiber Sensors In Physical Intrusion Detection Systems: A Review, Gary Andrew Allwood, Graham Wild, Steven Hinkley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Fiber optic sensors have become a mainstream sensing technology within a large array of applications due to their inherent benefits. They are now used significantly in structural health monitoring, and are an essential solution for monitoring harsh environments. Since their first development over 30 years ago, they have also found promise in security applications. This paper reviews all of the optical fiber-based techniques used in physical intrusion detection systems. It details the different approaches used for sensing, interrogation, and networking, by research groups, attempting to secure both commercial and residential premises from physical security breaches. The advantages and the disadvantages …


The Ph Sensing Properties Of Rf Sputtered Ruo2 Thin-Film Prepared Using Different Ar/O2 Flow Ratio, Ali Sardarinejad, Devendra Kumar Maurya, Kamal Alameh Jan 2015

The Ph Sensing Properties Of Rf Sputtered Ruo2 Thin-Film Prepared Using Different Ar/O2 Flow Ratio, Ali Sardarinejad, Devendra Kumar Maurya, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The influence of the Ar/O2 gas ratio during radio frequency (RF) sputtering of the RuO2 sensing electrode on the pH sensing performance is investigated. The developed pH sensor consists in an RF sputtered ruthenium oxide thin-film sensing electrode, in conjunction with an electroplated Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The performance and characterization of the developed pH sensors in terms of sensitivity, response time, stability, reversibility, and hysteresis are investigated. Experimental results show that the pH sensor exhibits super-Nernstian slopes in the range of 64.33-73.83 mV/pH for Ar/O2 gas ratio between 10/0-7/3. In particular, the best pH sensing performance, in …


Efficiency Of A Combined Desalination And Power System Utilising A Multi-Stream Heat Exchange, Alireza Hosseini Araghi, Mehdi Khiadani, Gordon Lucas Jan 2015

Efficiency Of A Combined Desalination And Power System Utilising A Multi-Stream Heat Exchange, Alireza Hosseini Araghi, Mehdi Khiadani, Gordon Lucas

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The aim of this study is to simplify the process of Discharge Thermal Energy Combined Desalination (DTECD) with Power System by integrating the two existing heat exchangers (condensers) into a new multi-stream one. This system is a heat recovery unit, which is used to cogenerate water and power. Two shell & tube condensers operate in a closed power cycle and a desalination system for cooling an ammonia mixture (70% wt.) as a working fluid and condensing a pure vapor respectively. Here, a multi-stream plate condenser is utilized instead of the two low exergy efficiency shell & tube condensers. The results …


Solar Energy Harvesting Clear Glass For Building-Integrated Photovoltaics, Kamal Alameh, Mikhail Vasiliev, Ramzy Alghamedi, Mohammad Alam, V. Rosenberg Jan 2014

Solar Energy Harvesting Clear Glass For Building-Integrated Photovoltaics, Kamal Alameh, Mikhail Vasiliev, Ramzy Alghamedi, Mohammad Alam, V. Rosenberg

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

We propose and demonstrate the concept of an energy-harvesting clear glass panel based on the use of all-inorganic luminophores embedded into a lamination layer in conjunction with low-emissivity coatings and CIS solar cells. Most of the visible solar radiation is transmitted through the laminated glass panel while UV radiation is down-converted and guided together with a part of infrared radiation to the edges for conversion to electricity by solar cells integrated at the edges of the glass panel. Experimental results demonstrate that a 10cmx10cm energy-harvesting clear glass can pass about 70% of the visible solar radiation, block 90% of UV …


Recent Developments In R.F. Magnetron Sputtered Thin Films For Ph Sensing Applications - An Overview, Devendra Maurya, Ali Sardarinejad, Kamal Alameh Jan 2014

Recent Developments In R.F. Magnetron Sputtered Thin Films For Ph Sensing Applications - An Overview, Devendra Maurya, Ali Sardarinejad, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

pH sensors are widely used in chemical and biological applications. Metal oxides-based pH sensors have many attractive features including insolubility, stability, mechanical strength, electrocatalyst and manufacturing technology. Various metal oxide thin films prepared by radio frequency (R.F.) magnetron sputtering have attractive features, including high pH sensitivity, fast response, high resolution, good stability and reversibility as well as potential for measuring pH under conditions that are not favourable for the commonly used glass electrodes-based pH sensors. In addition, thin film pH sensors prepared by R.F. magnetron sputtering offer many advantages, such as ease of packaging, low cost through the use of …


Spectrally-Selective All-Inorganic Scattering Luminophores For Solar Energy-Harvesting Clear Glass Windows, Ramzy Alghamedi, Mikhail Vasiliev, Mohammad Alam, Kamal Alameh Jan 2014

Spectrally-Selective All-Inorganic Scattering Luminophores For Solar Energy-Harvesting Clear Glass Windows, Ramzy Alghamedi, Mikhail Vasiliev, Mohammad Alam, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

All-inorganic visibly-transparent energy-harvesting clear laminated glass windows are the most practical solution to boosting building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) energy outputs significantly while reducing cooling- and heating-related energy consumption in buildings. By incorporating luminophore materials into lamination interlayers and using spectrally-selective thin-film coatings in conjunction with CuInSe2 solar cells, most of the visible solar radiation can be transmitted through the glass window with minimum attenuation while ultraviolet (UV) radiation is down-converted and routed together with a significant part of infrared radiation to the edges for collection by solar cells. Experimental results demonstrate a 10 cm × 10 cm vertically-placed energy-harvesting clear …


Characterizing The Resolvability Of Real Superluminescent Diode Sources For Application To Optical Coherence Tomography Using A Low Coherence Interferometry Model, Paul V. Jansz, Steven Richardson, Graham Wild, Steven Hinckley Jan 2014

Characterizing The Resolvability Of Real Superluminescent Diode Sources For Application To Optical Coherence Tomography Using A Low Coherence Interferometry Model, Paul V. Jansz, Steven Richardson, Graham Wild, Steven Hinckley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The axial resolution is a critical parameter in determining whether optical coherent tomography (OCT) can be used to resolve specific features in a sample image. Typically, measures of resolution have been attributed to the light source characteristics only, including the coherence length and the point spread function (PSF) width of the OCT light sources. The need to cost effectively visualize the generated PSF and OCT cross-correlated interferogram (A-scan) using many OCT light sources have led to the extrinsic evolution of the OCT simulation model presented. This research indicated that empirical resolution in vivo, as well as depending on the light …