Response surface optimization of heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of sulfasalazine using Fe-impregnated clinoptilolite nanorods prepared by Ar-plasma

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Optimization of sulfasalazine degradation using the heterogeneous Fenton-like process in batch mode was investigated by response surface methodology. The...     

Finding the shortest path with honey-bee mating optimization algorithm in project management problems with constrained/unconstrained resources

Effective project management requires the development of a realistic plan and a clear communication of the plan from the beginning to the end of the project. The critical path method (CPM) of scheduling is the fundamental tool used to develop and interconnect project plans. Ensuring the integrity and transparency of those schedules is paramount for project success. The complex and discrete nature of the solution domain for such problems causes failing of traditional and gradient-based methods in finding the optimal or even feasible solution in some cases. The difficulties encountered in scheduling construction projects with resource constraints are highlighted by means of a simplified bridge construction problem and a basic masonry construction problem. The honey-bee mating optimization (HBMO) algorithm has been previously adopted to solve mathematical and engineering problems and has proven to be efficient for searching optimal solutions in large-problem domains. This paper presents the HBMO algorithm for scheduling projects with both constrained and unconstrained resources. Results show that the HBMO algorithm is applicable to projects with or without resource constraints. Furthermore, results obtained are promising and compare well with those of well-known heuristic approaches and gradient-based methods.     

Evaluation of physico-chemical properties of electron beam-irradiated polycarbonate film

In this work, polycarbonate (PC) film samples were irradiated with 10 MeV electrons at different doses ranging from 25 to 250 kGy. Characterization techniques viz. thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) were exploited to understand the induced changes in the physico-chemical properties of the polymer. An increase in the decomposition temperature with increasing dose was observed, while the crystallinity remained unchanged as a result of the formation of cross-link bond. EPR technique characterized the stability of the free radicals in the irradiated PC. The result showed that cross-linking process occurs at low absorbed doses, whereas polymer degradation happens at higher doses.     

A CFD investigation of the effect of non-Newtonian behavior of Cu–water nanofluids on their heat transfer and flow friction characteristics

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - In the present study, a finite volume method is used to investigate heat transfer and flow friction behavior of non-Newtonian nanofluids. To study a...     

Fabrication of Al/AlN nano‐composite layers by friction stir processing of 6061 Al‐T6 substrate

Friction stir processing was employed for the production of Al/AlN nano‐composite layers on a 6061 Al‐T6 substrate. Nano‐sized AlN powder was inserted in a groove in the middle length of the substrate. Defect‐free layers were achieved using tool rotation and substrate advancing speeds in the range of 900–1400 rpm and 63–310 mm/s, respectively. Subsequent passes were conducted to break‐up AlN clusters that formed in a non‐uniform fashion after initial pass. The grain size of aluminum matrix was found to decrease by the introduction of AlN powder. A nano‐composite layer with near uniform dispersion of nano‐sized AlN reinforcements with a ~9.6% volume fraction was achieved in a matrix of fine dynamically restorated Al grains with a mean size of ~2.5 µm after three subsequent passes. This layer showed an average micro hardness value of ~164 HV (much greater than ~103 HV of the underlying substrate). In addition, the nano‐composite layer exhibited superior dry sliding wear performance against hardened steel compared to that of 6061‐T6 substrate. Increasing tool rotation and substrate advancing speeds were found to decrease the AlN content of the processed layer possibly due to increasing in powder scattering by the pin tool. This was associated with a decrease and increase in hardness values and wear‐loss data, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.