Articles in This Issue
Abstract
This research project focused on examining and (rehabilitation) redesigning water networks in a city using the GIS-EPANET program in hydraulic network analysis. Due to the availability of outline data about the study area from the municipality's water distribution system (WDS), this study dealt with four cases. From a statistical calculation, the last case was best optimized, which resulted in a high pressure and an acceptable velocity as a result of high mean pressure (13.58) m, logical mean velocity (0.43) m/s, and accurate standard deviations of 1.214 and 0.48 for pressure and velocity, respectively. The study found that the network had a shortfall in pressure, estimated at 40%, due to the lack of expansion to accommodate the growing population. However, after conducting the analysis and identifying the problem, it was found that all regions were receiving adequate amounts of water. Nevertheless, the water speed in the pipelines throughout the network was deficient, below the recommended rate, with a minimum velocity of 0.02 m/s in the pipe (p3) but a minimum pressure of 7.02 m at the junction (607), indicating that the network design was ineffective. Comparing the results obtained with the real-world situation, it was discovered that the network has many violations and disruptions, causing water loss and resulting in low pressure reaching the customers. While the study found that the pressure inside the network was within acceptable modeling limits of (7–12) m, there was a reduction in the pressure charge due to the frequent use of water pumps inside the houses, especially as the circulated area was pumped further away. The error between the model and the real problem may be attributed to water leaks and disruptions from trees, gardens, landscaping, and livestock grazing, as well as the absence of a counter to calculate the water discharge volume to consumers
Abstract
Pile foundations are typically employed when top-soil layers are unstable and incapable of bearing super-structural pressures. Accurately modeling pile behavior is crucial for ensuring optimal structural and serviceability performance. However, traditional methods such as pregnancy testing, while highly accurate, are expensive and time-consuming. Consequently, various approaches have been developed to predict load settlement behavior, including using artificial neural networks (ANNs). ANNs offer the advantage of accurately replicating substrate behavior's nonlinear and intricate relationship without requiring prior formulation.This research aims to employ artificial neural network (ANN) modeling techniques to simulate the load-settlement relationship of drilled piles. The primary aims of this study are threefold: firstly, to assess the effectiveness of the generated ANN model by comparing its results with experimental pile load test data; secondly, to establish a validation method for ANN models; and thirdly, to conduct a sensitivity analysis to identify the significant input factors that influence the model outputs. In addition, this study undertakes a comprehensive review of prior research on using artificial neural networks for predicting pile behavior. Evaluating efficiency measurement indicators demonstrates exceptional performance, particularly concerning the agreement between the predicted and measured pile settlement. The correlation coefficient (R) and coefficient of determination (R^2) indicate a strong correlation between the predicted and measured values, with values of 0.965 and 0.938, respectively. The root mean squared error (RMSE) is 0.051, indicating a small deviation between the predicted and actual values. The mean percentage error (MPE) is 11%, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is 21.83%.
Abstract
Matrix converters (MCs) have attracted significant interest and found extensive applications across multiple industries owing to their desirable characteristics. These include the capability to produce sinusoidal currents at both input and output, substantial size reduction, and enhanced reliability by minimizing significant passive components. This paper explores the potential of MC technology as a viable alternative to conventional AC-DC-AC converters in industrial applications. It discusses recent advancements in MC structural configurations, modulation/control algorithms, and multiphase structures and control systems. The paper offers an in-depth review of modern industrial uses of MC technology. It also delves into different methods for managing induction motors, particularly the DTC (Direct Torque Control) approach. The study explores the intricacies of DTC and its relationship with SVM. The primary research objective is to examine the performance of an IM when operated with an SVPWM inverter, focusing on harmonic analysis of voltages and currents. Various PWM methods regulate the voltage and frequency supplied to the IM. Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) and SVPWM are the two most commonly used 3-phase Voltage Source Inverter strategies. The growing adoption of SVPWM is driven by its ability to reduce harmonic content in voltage and enhance the fundamental output voltage of the IM. Consequently, this study models a DTC-SVM theory-driven IM using MATLAB/SIMULINK to control the speed of induction motors. The following values were calculated for the system: Quality factor=2.236, Damping ratio=4.45, and the cut-off frequency (fc=355.88H).
Abstract
The universal motor, versatile and capable of running on both AC and DC sources, is utilized in various household appliances and power tools. This paper presents a featured methodology for analyzing a universal motor (UM) that does not have design data by extracting it via reverse engineering. These gained data were used to model the motor by Maxwell program and analyzing it by finite element method (FEM). Adopting the Maxwell program's drawing capability to design the square-shaped stator of a universal motor not part of the program library will also enable the Maxwell program to be widely used and unrestricted to use with particular motor designs. After modeling and solving the motor model, the performance characteristics of UM when operated with alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power supplies were investigated. The UM simulation results were compared with test results with good agreement. The success of a proposed methodology paved the way for the analysis of any electric motor included in the Maxwell program, even if this motor does not have design data.
Abstract
The scientific paper examined the possibility of developing an advanced healthcare management system in Iraq through the use of Cisco Packet Tracer software. The article stated that the aforementioned software has the potential to speed up network management operations and reduce expenses incurred in maintenance and repair activities. In addition, the article explained several challenges that may arise during the implementation of the smart hospital management system, including providing the required technical expertise, infrastructure provisions, and procedural measures necessary to protect the confidentiality of patient and employee information. The study confirmed that implementing an intelligent hospital management system in Iraq has the potential to improve healthcare quality, mitigate medical errors, enhance employee communication, and reduce disturbances within the hospital setting. Furthermore, this intervention is expected to enhance the efficiency of resource and inventory management and increase patients' experience and satisfaction with healthcare services. The article concludes that achieving the desired results in implementing a smart hospital management system using Cisco Packet Tracer software depends on the collaborative contributions of employees, managers, and technical professionals. This initiative is expected to enhance the hospital's ability to provide medical services of exceptional quality and effectively meet the diverse needs of patients.
Abstract
Agricultural, industrial, and household debris can be employed as biosorbents to extract heavy metals from water that has been contaminated. Kitchen waste includes, among other things, peels from promotional gates, lemons, avocados, apples, kiwis, watermelons, and onions. Moreover, coffee and tea grounds are considered to be household refuse. This review illustrates the scholarly investigations that explored the potential of various waste materials as adsorbents for wastewater treatment. An extensive array of experiments was conducted to determine the variables that influence the capacity of these materials to adsorb heavy metals. To undertake the experiments above, different concentrations of biosorbent were introduced into the effluent at various contact times and pH levels. The researchers investigated the effects of varying these parameters and found that the biosorbent's ability to adsorb heavy metals is directly proportional to these factors. The results and conclusion indicated that the impact of biosorbent concentration and contact duration on the pH of contaminated water was assessed. To encourage the incorporation of industrial, agricultural, and household refuse into water treatment processes rather than permitting it to accumulate as an environmental hazard.
Abstract
Since FGM orthotropic structures have such striking qualities as high strength, exceptional stiffness, stiffness-to-weight ratio, reduced cost, and high strength-to-weight ratio, they are employed extensively in the mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering sectors. Thick plates and shells have more noticeable shear deformation effects. Therefore, in recent years, there has been a lot of interest in the vibration and buckling investigation of FGMs orthotropic plates and shells. Moreover, researchers have developed a variety of approaches and procedures for the examination of orthotropic FGM plates and shells. The majority of the literature review in this publication is focused on orthotropic FGMs plate and shell buckling and linear and nonlinear free vibration. In engineering practices, it is customary to use material-oriented or orthotropic materials in several domains to optimize the structures and maximize material properties, which is especially crucial for FG constructions. Solutions for the orthotropic FGM structure are studied analytically and numerically with different plate and shell theories.