Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301A New Approach to Provide High Water Permeable Polyethersulfone based Nanofiltration Membrane by Air Plasma Treatment35435985651ENB. FarokhiDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Arak University, Arak, IranM. RezaeiDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Arak University, Arak, IranZ. KiamehrDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Arak University, Arak, IranS. M. HosseiniDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Arak, IranJournal Article20181204In this study, polyethersulfone based nanofiltration membranes were modified by air plasma generated through dielectric barrier discharge to increase the membrane hydrophilicity aiming to improve the separation and antifouling characteristics. The effect of plasma time on the physico-chemical and separation properties of membrane was investigated. The PES nanofiltration membranes were fabricated by the solution casting technique associated with phase inversion method. The FTIR spectra showed formation of imine and amine functional groups on the membrane surface. The water contact angle decreased form 58 ° to 31 ° by plasma treatment which produces more hydrophilic surface. SEM and SOM images demonstrated that the surface morphology was changed due to ions collision with membrane surface bombardment. AFM results indicated that membrane roughness was initially enhanced by plasma treatment up to 1 minute, and then decreased again by a further increase of treatment time. Membrane water flux increased from 10.05 (L/m<sup>2</sup>.h) to 35.17 (L/m<sup>2</sup>.h) remarkably by plasma treatment up to 1 minute and then decreased again at longer treatment times. An opposite trend was observed for the salt rejection of membranes. The water flux was enhanced ~270% for the modified membrane at 2 min plasma treatment whereas rejection declined less than 18%.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Investigation of the Effect of L-Ascorbic Acid on Class G Oil Well Cement36036585652ENM. Khajiyan Sheini PourDepartment of Inorganic Chemical Industry, Iranian Institute of Research & Development in Chemical Industries, Karaj, IranM. AbdidehDepartment of Inorganic Chemical Industry, Iranian Institute of Research & Development in Chemical Industries, Karaj, IranJournal Article20181123Various chemicals can have different effects on the properties of the cement slurry. In this paper, the different effects of L-ascorbic acid have been investigated on the important parameters of cement slurry made from class G oil well cement. These parameters included the amount of free fluid, rheological properties, Thickening Time, and compressive strength. Several cement slurries were made with different dosages of L-ascorbic acid. By increasing the amount of L-ascorbic acid, free fluids were decreased and rheological properties of the slurries were improved. This improvement in the amount of free fluid and rheological properties continued with an increase of L-ascorbic acid. Increasing the dosage of L-ascorbic acid to 0.03% by weight of cement, decreased the thickening time and increased the compressive strength. In other words, L-ascorbic acid acted as an accelerator up to 0.03% by weight of cement and would have the role of a retarder in higher value.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Effect of Antifreeze Admixtures on Cold Weather Concrete36637285653ENP. Narasimha ReddyResearch Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, National institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India0000-0001-8856-9741J. Ahmed NaqashAssociate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, IndiaJournal Article20190205Kashmir is located in a region where winter temperatures are very low. During the winter months, the temperature in Kashmir is often below 0⁰ C. Generally concrete placed in colder regions with the help of insulated forms as well as heaters to protect freshly mixed concrete against freezing. These practices try to incorporate unnecessary carbon and leads to an disagreeable carbon footprint. The aim of this study was to evaluate the placing of concrete in colder temperatures with the help of antifreeze admixtures rather than insulated forms or heaters. The objective of this study was to optimize the proportions of two admixtures (Sodium nitrite, Potassium carbonate) to be used in cold weather concreting. Concrete specimens were tested to evaluate the properties such as Strength and elastic properties. The samples were cast in two phases i.e. in exterior winter conditions and under controlled conditions of -5°C with varying proportions of the admixtures. When compared to mixes without antifreeze admixtures the results showed increase in the strength of the concrete samples with addition of 3% Potassium carbonate as well as 3.5% Sodium nitrite by weight of cement was found to be optimum for the temperature range in consideration.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Influence of Chitin Nanofiber and Rice Husk Ash on Properties and Bearing Resistance of Soft Clay Soils37338085654ENM. GharibDepartment of Civil Engineering, Roudehen branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, IranM. A. ArjomandFaculty of Civil Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, IranM. R. AbdiFaculty of Civil Engineering, KNT University, Tehran, IranA. ArefniaDepartment of Civil Engineering, Roudehen branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, IranJournal Article20181214Use of soft clay soils in construction activities has faced many problems. Some improvement, stabilization, and reinforcement methods is required to use these soils in body of roads, sub-foundations and embankments. In this research, the effect of chitin nanofiber and rice husk ash as additives on the behavioral properties and bearing resistance of soft clay soils by considering the processing time of 7, 28, 42 and 90 days was investigated. The suitability of chitin nanofiber to be used as an additive was evaluated by FTIR, XRD and SEM analysis. Different percentages of additives (1, 2, 4, 6 and 8%) with variations in chitin nanofiber and rice husk ash ratio were added to soil containing 6% lime. Maximum reduction on liquid limit and plastic index was obtained by addition of 2% additives to the soil containing 6% lime in which the percentage of chitin nanofiber was more than rice husk ash. Using examined additives in clay soil resulted in to a significant increase in bearing resistance, specifically at higher percentages of additives and curing times (days). As a whole, obtained results confirmed the potential use of chitin nanofiber and rice husk ash as additives for the improvement of soft clay soils.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Reversible Logic Multipliers: Novel Low-cost Parity-Preserving Designs38139285655ENF. Eslami-ChalandarSchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, IranM. ValinatajSchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, Iran0000-0002-6536-373XH. JazayeriSchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, IranJournal Article20180405Reversible logic is one of the new paradigms for power optimization that can be used instead of the current circuits. Moreover, the fault-tolerance capability in the form of error detection or error correction is a vital aspect for current processing systems. In this paper, as the multiplication is an important operation in computing systems, some novel reversible multiplier designs are proposed with the parity-preserving property which will be useful for error detection. At first, two optimal signed serial multipliers are presented based on the Booth’s algorithm and its enhanced version called the K-algorithm, utilizing the new arrangements of reversible gates. Then, another low-cost serial multiplier is proposed based on the conventional Add & Shift method to be utilized in the applications in which unsigned numbers are used. Finally, a new signed parallel multiplier is proposed based on the Baugh-Wooley method that is useful for speed-critical applications. The comparative results showed that the proposed multipliers are much better than the existing designs regarding the main criterions used in reversible logic circuits including quantum cost, gate count, constant inputs, and garbage outputs.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Static Coil Design Considerations for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging39339985656ENM. ShiraviDepartment of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Kashan, Kashan, IranB. GanjiDepartment of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Kashan, Kashan, IranA. ShiraviDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20180928One of the main challenges in developing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems is to create a static coil that needs to generate magnetic field density along with the characteristics of optimal homogeneity and magnitude size. To do this, two N42 Block PMs are used and the iron core is designed and optimized in accordance with the dimensions of PM pieces using ANSYS Maxwell software. Then, all iron parts are lathed, the yoke pieces and pole spacers are welded. In addition, PM and pole pieces are installed. Finally, measurement is done by Lutron to evaluate the static coil performance.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Low-cost Vector Network Analyzer for Biomedical Applications40040485657ENE. Avşar AydinAdana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Sarıçam, Adana, TurkeyJournal Article20190115A low-cost and portable vector network analyzer (VNA) which covered operating frequency between 1MHz to 3GHz is used for vector reflection coefficient and standing wave ratio (swr) of the various microstrip antennas. This paper presents measurements of various ultra wideband (uwb) microstrip antennas for applications in biomedical field. Selection of antenna is an important key for detection of different situations in biological signals. Measurements of antennas were performed by using miniVNA Tiny which operates by radiating an electromagnetic wave through an antenna and measuring standing wave ratio (swr) and return loss. However, the miniVNA Tiny is low-cost components and easy-to-produce antennas. The results indicate the good performance for UWB systems, especially microwave medical imaging applications. However, this device may enable for a low cost stepped-frequency system for use in tissue spectroscopy, field monitoring, and potentially in breast tumor detection.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301A New Approach Applying Multi-objective Optimization using a Taguchi Fuzzy-based for Tourist Satisfaction Management40541285658ENM. MansoursamaeiMazandaran University of Science and Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering, IranA. HadighiMazandaran University of Science and Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering, IranN. JavadianMazandaran University of Science and Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering, IranJournal Article20170801The paper describes the usage of the fuzzy Mamdani analysis and Taguchi method to optimize the tourism satisfaction in Thailand. The fuzzy reasoning system is applied to pursue the relationships among the options of a tour company in order to be used in Taguchi experiments as the responses. In this research, tourism satisfaction is carried out using L18 Taguchi orthogonal arrays on parameters such as budget, duration, hotel-choices, travel-options inside the country and theme of the travel are analyzed for one output objective as satisfaction. The output of the fuzzy reasoning system is used as an input in the response of each experiment in Taguchi method. But, the improvement is used for the mean de-fuzzified output in the same experiment. The result is estimated using Taguchi-Fuzzy application and if companies focus on the selected options, it is most probable to achieve more than 90 percent of satisfaction.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301A Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-criteria Decision Making Model Based on Fuzzy DEMATEL with Fuzzy Analytical Network Process and Interpretative Structural Model for Prioritizing LARG Supply Chain Practices41342385659ENZ. AkbarzadehDepartment of Industrial Management, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranA. H. Safaei GhadikolaeiDepartment of Industrial Management, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranM. MadhoushiDepartment of Industrial Management, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranH. AghajaniDepartment of Industrial Management, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranJournal Article20180103In recent years, taking advantage of LARG supply chain (SC) paradigm, a combination of four paradigms (clean, agile, resilience and green) has been increasingly employed. For capturing the advantages of LARG in SC, companies needed to recognize proper practices and implement them with appropriate planning and infrastructure. However, one of its deficiencies is lack of proper method in the prioritization of the LARG paradigms and practices as well as explanation of their relationship. Hence, the main contribution of this paper is to present a comprehensive approach to deal with inherent vagueness and uncertainty of the human decision process using fuzzy set theory, it aims to provide a quantitative basis via a hybrid fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (FMCDM) model that will make easy data collection and shall decrease the calculation. This model combines fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) with fuzzy analytical network process (ANP), i.e. FDANP, to determine the global weights of paradigms and practices and develop their impact relation map. Finally, the implementation of practice was prioritized by using interpretative structural model (ISM). It should be noted that, to measure the efficiency of this method, Iranian dairy industries as a case study was considered. With the help of obtained results, it can be determined the most and the least important practices and paradigms and prioritization of their implementation.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Fluoride Precipitation of Cu Over Fe in a Selected pH Window42442985660ENS. E. RezaeiDepartments of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran, IranS. K. SadrnezhaadDepartments of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran, IranJournal Article20180720Fe is an impurity in most leach liquors. Its coexistence with copper in leaching solution of chalcopyrite (CuFeS<sub>2</sub>) which is the most important mineral of copper creates major extraction problems. Hydrochloric acid dissolves both copper and iron during chloride leaching of this mineral. Separation of Fe from Cu is thus necessary to obtain pure copper. This paper presents a novel method for precipitation of Cu over Fe from mixed chloride acidic liquors. Hydrofluoric acid is used as the major unraveling agent. Kinetic studies show that a second-order CuCl<sub>2</sub> precipitation reaction with a chemical rate constant of k = 0.416 L/mol prevails the process at the room temperature. For validation of the results, precipitate characterization by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) and solution analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry (ABS) are performed. Nitrogen presence is shown to help separation of iron from copper. The optimum value of pH (1.09) is achieved when nitrogen helps parting of 99 % iron II ions in the solution and sole deposition of copper II chloride precipitate.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Quaternion-based Finite-time Sliding Mode Controller Design for Attitude Tracking of a Rigid Spacecraft during High-thrust Orbital Maneuver in the Presence of Disturbance Torques43043785661ENA. ToloeiDepartment of Aerospace Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, GC, Tehran, IranH. AsgariDepartment of Aerospace Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, GC, Tehran, IranJournal Article20181007In this paper, a quaternion-based finite-time sliding mode attitude controller is designed for a spacecraft performing high-thrust orbital maneuvers, with cold gas thrusters as its actuators. The proposed controller results are compared with those of a quaternion feedback controller developed for the linearized spacecraft dynamics, in terms of settling time, steady-state error, number of thruster firings and their fuel usage. It is then proved that the sliding mode control has enough robustness against disturbances as well as a high accuracy in attitude tracking and also a low number of thruster firings. A 6 degree of freedom (DOF) total simulation, including spacecraft dynamics, guidance, navigation and control systems is also designed and the sliding mode controller performance in a sample transfer from an ecliptic orbit to a circular one is investigated. In order to solve the chattering problem caused mainly because of the discontinuity of sliding mode control algorithm and multiple switching on sliding surfaces, the sign function in the control input is replaced with a hyperbolic tangent function. Being aware of the advantages of sliding mode control method, using this algorithm in orbital transfers seems to be innovative and efficient.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Mistake Proofing Cam Mechanism Through Six-sigma Process: Case Study on Clothes Printing Machines43844485662ENE.-A. AttiaMechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering (Shoubra), Benha University, EgyptK. KhaderProduction Engineering and Mechanical Design Department, Faculty of Engineering, Menofia University, EgyptO. NadaProduction Engineering and Mechanical Design Department, Faculty of Engineering, Menofia University, EgyptJournal Article20180913Controlling the occurrence of defects is a major challenge for manufacturing organizations that are seeking to enhance their competitive position in today’s global market. This paper considers the process of screen-printing T-shirts using hydraulic and pneumatic printing machines. Several defects in the output of this printing process have been observed, especially with multi colors printing as well as maintenance problems. The six-sigma DMADV approach has been implemented to improve the process performance. Modifications of the current printing machine design using mistake proofing principles that have been proposed to prevent or diminish the occurrence of defects. The analysis indicates that manipulation of wrong oriented products of T-shirts printing machines can be considered as the main effective problem results from machines that are driven by hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Consequently, the quality level and productivity are affected. Moreover, some stained products with leakage fluid from the hydraulic systems can appear. Relying on the DMADV process, an effective mechanical mechanism using Geneva cams was used for diminishing these problems. Geneva cams prototype is manufactured to be used in printing machines instead of the hydraulic or pneumatic systems. A prototype of the cams mechanism is used for testing and validating the presented idea.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Energy and Exergy Analysis of a New Power, Heating, Oxygen and Hydrogen Cogeneration Cycle Based on the Sabalan Geothermal Wells44545085663ENM. AbdolalipouradlDepartment of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, IranSh. KhalilaryaDepartment of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, IranS. JafarmadarDepartment of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, IranJournal Article20190201In this paper, a new power, heating and hydrogen cogeneration cycle from Sabalan geothermal two wells is proposed and analyzed. In the proposed system, a new double flash cycle and organic Rankine cycle are used for power production. A proton exchange membrane (PEM) is also used for hydrogen production and the domestic water heater is used for heating. The impacts of some design parameters, such as separators pressures, evaporator temperature, pinch point temperature difference and PEM temperature on the integrated system performance are investigated and then optimization is done from exergy point of view for three considered scenarios. According to the optimization results, the value of heating, net output power, hydrogen production and thermal and exergy efficiencies of the cogeneration system are obtained as 15751 kW, 18436 kW, 11.13 kg/h, 29.48% and 65.23%, respectively.Materials and Energy Research CenterInternational Journal of Engineering1025-249532320190301Prediction of Noise Transmission Loss and Acoustic Comfort Assessment of a Ventilated Window using Statistical Energy Analysis4514598577410.5829/ije.2019.32.03c.14ENF. KhalvatiDepartment of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, IranA. OmidvarDepartment of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, IranJournal Article20181103In this paper, a novel analytical method was developed based on statistical energy analysis framework to evaluate sound transmission loss through ventilated windows. The proposed method was compared to numerical and analytical models available in the literature. Results showed the success and advantage of the proposed model in predicting the acoustic performance of the ventilated window and the proposed method proved itself as a low-cost and high-accurate method. Considering the slit-like effect of the inlet and outlet of the ventilated window and channel attenuation is the distinct feature of the proposed method compared to the existing analytical models. This paper also discussed the effectiveness of the ventilated window in the provision of indoor acoustic comfort according to the different types of the outdoor traffic noise spectra and sound transmission loss. The results showed the acceptance of the indoor noise level made by the ventilated window. To recognize how the effective factors improve the acoustic performance of the ventilated window, the effect of window aspect ratio, channel thickness and opening size on Sound Transmission Class (STC) were studied. The results revealed that the ventilated window with higher aspect ratio and wider airflow channel has a higher STC while widening the opening size reduces the sound insulation.