An algorithm for solving multi-term diffusion-wave equations of fractional order

In this paper an algorithm, based on a new modified homotopy perturbation method (MHPM), is presented to obtain approximate solutions of multi-term diffusion-wave equations of fractional order. To illustrate the method some examples are provided. The results show the simplicity and the efficiency of the algorithm.     

Stress analysis of perforated composite plates

Thin-walled plates and panels of various constructions find wide use as primary structural elements in simple and complex configuration. In aerospace structures, panels with variously shaped cutout are often used. The understanding of the effects of cutout on the load bearing capacity and stress concentration of such plates is very important in designing of complex structures. An analytical investigation is used to study the stress analysis of plates with different central cutout. Particular emphasis is placed on flat square plates subjected to a uni-axial tension load. The results based on analytical solution are compared with the results obtained using finite element methods. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the accuracy and simplicity of presented analytical solution for stress analysis of composite plates with central cutout. The effect of cutout geometry (circular, square, or special cutouts), material properties (isotropic and orthotropic), fiber angles, and cutout curvature are considered. The results presented herein, indicated that the presented method can be used to determine accurately the stresses and stress concentration in composite plates with special shape cutouts.     

Effect of chemical environments on palladium phthalocyanine thin film sensors for humidity analysis

Chemiresistors based on palladium phthalocyanine (PdPc) thin films were investigated as humidity sensors. The samples were thermally evaporated onto gold electrodes with a thickness about 100 nm. Optical and electrical characteristics of PdPc thin films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrical measurements. The SEM image demonstrates PdPc (30–60 nm) nanosized particles, and XRD pattern shows that thin films are in α-phase at room temperature. Electrical measurements also confirm that PdPc exhibit semiconducting and photoconducting behaviors, and thermal activation energies of thin films were calculated. After that, the sensitivity and reversibility of devices were investigated on exposure to 20–90% RH in various chemical environments at 293 and 323 K. The response time (35–45 s) and recovery time (75–105 s) of sensors were measured at 293 K with respect to different chemical environments. At last, the stability of devices versus different RH% and chemical environments were tested. The sensors show very good stability on exposure to RH for a period of 2 months but their stability has been reduced in ethanol, acetone, and ammonia environments.     

Copper Ion Recovery from Mine Water by Ion Flotation

Solutions containing copper ions are produced at copper mines due to its dissolution from ores and dumps. It is important to recover these ions to prevent this toxic element from entering the environment and because it could be economical. We investigated the use of ion flotation for extracting Cu ions from diluted mine water from the Veshnaveh Mine in Qom, Iran. Experiments were conducted using floatation cells at pH 6, 9, and 12 with diluted solutions containing 10 mg L^?1 of Cu. Sodium dodecyl sulfate and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HTAB) were used as collectors and methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and ethanol were used as frothers. The best result was achieved by maximizing Cu ion recovery and minimizing water recovery at pH 12, using 100 mg L^?1 of HTAB and 0.1 % (v/v) of MIBC. Copper and water recovery were 79 and 24 %, respectively.     

Experimental investigation on the effect of surface characterization of electrodes on the gas bubble dynamics in electrolyte flow and performance of FLA batteries by using PIV

In the flooded lead_acid batteries (FLAB), gas bubbles are initially formed on the surface of the electrodes, which are produced by electrochemical reactions, and then released into the electrolyte. In the present investigation, the effect of surface characterization of electrodes of FLAB on the gas bubble dynamic parameters in the electrolyte flow at different charging/discharging rates (C-rates) are studied utilizing particle image velocimetry (PIV) method. The results show that the capacity of FLAB have a linear behav-ior due to changes in each of the two parameters of the surface characterization of electrodes and the C-rate. At all State of charges (SOCs) of FLAB cells in different tests, increasing average roughness (Ra) and average wavelength of the roughness (ka) in the electrode surfaces, results in an increase in average bub-ble diameter and bubble rising velocity. Nevertheless, a sharp decrease in the void fraction of bubbles within the electrolyte was observed due to the increment in ka and Ra. Also, the effect of the rising move-ment of gas bubbles within the electrolyte on the average electrolyte velocity pattern in the gap between the electrodes by changing the surface characterization of electrodes are investigated in detail.     

Comparisons of buckling-to-weight behavior of cylindrical shells with composite and metallic stiffeners

The present research deals with the study of buckling pressure-to-weight ratio of cylindrical shells with laminated ring stiffeners. The research introduces a strain energy formulation for laminated rings, in which each ring stiffener may be treated individually and the geometrical dimensions and material properties of the stiffeners may be different from one another. In a parametric study, the impacts of various geometrical parameters of rings on the buckling pressure-to-weight ratio of shells for composite and metallic stiffeners are compared. The results show that the buckling-to-weight behavior of the shells with Steel stiffeners generally differs from the shells with stiffeners made of Aluminum, E-glass/epoxy, Graphite/epoxy, or Kevlar49/epoxy.     

Effect of parameters on roll dynamic response of an articulated vehicle carrying liquids

Directional response and roll stability characteristics of a partly filled tractor semi-trailer vehicle, with cylindrical tank, under different parameters and conditions are investigated. The effective parameters and conditions in the stability of a tractor semi-trailer carrying liquid can be considered as filled volume, kinematic viscosity of liquid cargo and vehicle steering input. The dynamic interaction of liquid cargo with the tractor semi-trailer vehicle is evaluated by integrating a dynamic slosh model of the partly filled tank with five-degrees-offreedom of a tractor semi-trailer tank model. The dynamic fluid slosh within the tank is modeled using three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with the volume-of-fluid equations and analyzed using FLUENT software. The coupled tank-vehicle model is subsequently analyzed to determine the roll stability characteristics for different conditions and maneuvers. The results show effects of parameter variations on roll stability of the vehicle carrying liquid and also fluid’s behavior in interaction with a vehicle’s dynamics.