Abstract: We describe three partly-coupled integrated nuclear energy systems enabling base-load nuclear reactors to provide fully dispatchable electricity without greenhouse-gas emissions—replacing gas turbines burning natural gas and batteries storing electricity. First, electricity-to-high-temperature (1800˚C) gigawatt-hour firebrick heat storage converts low-price electricity to high-temperature stored heat to provide dispatchable heat for industry and power generation. Second, Nuclear Air-Brayton Combined Cycles (NACC) with thermodynamic toping cycles using high-temperature stored heat or combustible fuel provide dispatchable electricity. Peak power output can be 2 to 5 times base-load electricity production. The heat-to-electricity efficiency of the thermodynamic topping cycles exceeds 70%. Third, nuclear hydrogen production for industrial markets enables production of dispatchable electricity where hydrogen is used for energy storage but not for the production of heat and electricity. Base-load nuclear reactors send electricity to the grid and/or electrolyzers for hydrogen production depending upon electricity prices. Low-cost hydrogen storage enables meeting steady-state industrial hydrogen demand while hydrogen and grid electricity production are varied. Hydrogen production for industrial uses (ammonia fertilizer, direct reduction of iron ore to iron replacing coke, cellulosic liquid hydrocarbon biofuels replacing crude oil) may exceed 20% of total energy demand. Consequently, this option may become a major source of dispatchable electricity.

Abstract: This study designs the aggregate gradation and calculates the benchmark mix proportion of concrete based on two sets of regression coefficients. Copper-plated micro-steel fibers and graded EPS (expanded polystyrene) particles, with varying volume ratios of cementing materials, were incorporated into concrete specimens of C30, C40, and C50 grades made from fine aggregates and gravel. The specimens underwent compressive strength, flexural strength, and slump tests to investigate and analyze the effects of steel fibers and graded EPS on the mechanical properties of concrete. A modified equation for the similar bending-to-compression ratio coefficient was established, and a method for calculating the extreme value of the similar bending-to-compression ratio under the combined action of graded EPS and steel fibers was proposed, in order to predict the optimal dosage of steel fibers and graded EPS.The results show that for concrete of all grades (fine aggregate and gravel groups), the compressive and bending failure modes exhibited high consistency. After incorporating EPS, the specimens displayed some ductility during compressive failure, and compressive strength was negatively correlated with the volume fraction of EPS. As the volume fraction of EPS increased, the workability of the concrete decreased. At 7 days of curing, the uniaxial compressive strength of the concrete specimens was 60%–75% of the 28-day strength. The tensile failure of graded EPS-steel fiber concrete was divided into four stages. For every 0.25% increase in steel fiber volume fraction, the increase in flexural strength was most likely between 14.35% and 17.61%, with the maximum growth rate being approximately 27%, and the distribution of growth rates was relatively dispersed.When applying the current bending-to-compression ratio model to calculate the flexural strength of concrete under the combined action of graded EPS and steel fibers, a significant deviation from experimental values was observed. By introducing the modified similar bending-to-compression ratio coefficient equation, a conversion relationship between compressive strength and flexural strength was established. The adjusted R-value was 0.989, and a comparison of the predicted values with the experimental results showed high accuracy, offering considerable reference value.

Abstract: This study uses bionics as an enabling methodology to bridge the gap between biology and engineering for generating innovative design and implementation into a methodology to develop novel technologies. The study proposes an innovative product lifecycle management (PLM) methodology framework that uses bionics as a technical discipline, aiming at analysing and revealing the constructional design and working principles of large-scale, human skeletal biological systems in nature. A novel, reverse biomimetics approach presented as the key engineering factor to maintain design and manufacturing anthropomorphic properties necessary for scientists and engineers with associated methods and processes using commercial software for investigating, analysing, and illustrating different stages of product development. The novel reverse engineering methodology addresses the abstraction issues in two-phase, double symmetrical abstraction-specification cycles which have been identified as the most difficult steps in Fayemi’s eight-step framework. The novel methodology uses functional modelling to support analogy categories with pictorial and virtual knowledge transfer from biology to engineering, removing the limitations of the biomimetic processes facing engineering. The study presents comprehensive processes of bionic design and biomimetic modelling, simulation, optimisation and validation techniques necessary for a drug-releasing chewing robot and an anthropometric prosthetic hand.

Abstract: In the last years the appeal for using methane as green fuel for rocket engines has been on an in-creasing trend due to the more facile storage capability, reduced handling complexity and cost-effectiveness when compared to hydrogen. The present paper presents an attempt to simulate the ignition and propagation of the flame for a 1 kN gaseous methane-oxygen rocket engine using a pintle-type injector. By using advanced numerical simulations, the Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC) combined with the Partially Stirred Reactor (PaSR) model and the Shielded Detached Eddy Simulation (SDES) were utilized in the complex transient ignition process. The results provide important information regarding the flame propagation and stability, pollutants formation and temperature distribution during the engine start-up, highlighting the uneven mixing regions and thermal load on the injector. This information could further be used for the pintle injector’s geometry optimization by addressing critical design challenges, without employing the need for iterative prototyping during early stages of development.

Abstract: The study focuses on analyzing the Walkability Index of Kalaburagi Railway Station’s surrounding area, experiences significant pedestrian activity. This research employs the Walkability Index as a framework to assess the safety, comfort, and convenience of walking in specific areas. The objective of the study extends beyond merely quantifying walkability; it also seeks to pinpoint critical areas that require enhancement, thereby offering practical recommendations for urban planners and policymakers to improve pedestrian infrastructure. The calculation of the Walkability Index utilized the "Ministry of Urban Development (MOUD) Method," which is particularly applicable to the Indian context. The analysis determined that the walkability score for the vicinity of Kalaburagi railway station is 0.389, reflecting moderate walking conditions. Nonetheless, various challenges remain, including narrow, congested, and obstructed sidewalks, the current safety provisions are inadequate; rendering pedestrians susceptible to various potential dangers that detract from the overall pedestrian experience. The study underscores the importance of addressing these challenges to foster a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Improving walkability can facilitate sustainable and healthy transportation alternatives, alleviate traffic congestion and pollution, and enhance safety. The results offer a comparative framework for assessing other cities and developing strategies to prioritize walkability in urban planning.

Abstract: Electrical motors and drives are the unseen forces driving our modern world, powering everything from electric vehicles to industrial machinery. The efficiency, precision, and sustainability of these systems are very important. Unexpected motor failures can cause major disruptions, risk human lives, and cause costly downtime. This research aims to improve the efficiency and performance of three-phase synchronous machines using Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategies. This research uses real-time data and optimization techniques to explore advanced diagnostic techniques, fault diagnosis, fault tolerance, and condition monitoring schemes to enhance safety, reliability, and performance in electric synchronous operations.

Abstract:

This paper presents the design of a high-performance dual-band antenna for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band applications. The proposed prototype consists of a low-cost patch antenna, 40 mm × 24 mm in size (i.e., 0.36λ₀ × 0.19λ₀, with λ₀ the wavelength corresponding to the low frequency), with a relatively wideband for both operational bands (up to 140 MHz at 2.45 GHz and 510 MHz at 5.8 GHz), and a radiation efficiency of over 90%. The antenna has a quasi-omnidirectional radiation pattern with gains of 2.41 dBi and 5.22 dBi at 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz respectively. The design methodology is detailed and illustrated by simulation results showing the optimization steps and the characteristics associated with the antenna. Experimental results based on a fabricated prototype are presented and compared with simulations results from the design stage. Finally, the proposed antenna prototype is also compared with similar antennas available in the literature.

Abstract: Greener construction can be possible in any construction industry when net-zero waste is achieved via sustainable practices. This study employs a state-of-art review to examine the potential of utilizing a dynamic BIM-aided waste management system in reducing/or eliminating waste throughout the construction life cycle, supply chain, and construction and demolition actions towards realizing net-zero cities. This study outlines the connection and applications of BIM-aided systems in construction and demolition waste management. The aim is to create a dynamic, life cycle BIM-aided waste management system that can effectively manage waste and advance net-zero construction. Throughout the construction life cycle, all relevant operations of the BIM-aided waste management system were indicated. Results from the planning phase show that BIM may be utilized to generate an effective schedule for material ordering, fabrication, and delivery of all building components. During the design phase, all modifications made to the building model are automatically updated. The 3D geometry can be used for project sequencing, take-offs, and integrated energy analysis throughout the procurement phase. Virtual construction modeling, which is particularly cost-effective, can be utilized during the construction phase, while BIM technology can be employed in the operation phase for maintenance scheduling, building system analysis, asset management, tracking and/or space management, and disaster planning. In conclusion, this study highlights the growing knowledge and utilization of BIM-aided waste management systems in construction, as well as how waste may be reduced to zero and then prevented by using a BIM-aided waste management system. As a result, utilizing the benefits invested in the process and design of a BIM-aided system should be need-based and in line with the general requirement for sustainability in any country's construction industry, since utilizing when there is no need is not productive overall.

Abstract:

Due to the energy transition, the future electric power system will face further challenges that affect the functionality of the electricity grid and therefore the security of supply. For this reason, this article examines the future frequency stabilisation in a 100 % renewable electric power system. A focus is set on the provision of inertia and frequency containment reserve. Today, the frequency stabilisation in most power systems is based on synchronous generators. By using grid-forming frequency converters, a large potential of alternative frequency stabilisation reserves can be tapped. Consequently, frequency stabilisation is not a problem of existing capacities, but whether and how these are utilized. Therefore, in this paper, a collaborative approach to realize frequency stabilisation is proposed. By distributing the required inertia and frequency containment reserve across all technologies that are able to provide it, the relative contribution of each individual provider is low. To cover the need for frequency containment reserve, each capable technology would have to provide less than 1 % of its rated power. The inertia demand can be covered by the available capacities at a Coverage Ratio of 171 % (excluding wind power) to 217 % (all capacities). As a result, it is proposed that provision of frequency stabilisation is made mandatory for all capable technologies. The joint provision distributes the burden of frequency stabilisation across many participants, and hence, increases redundancy. It ensures the stability of future electricity grids, and at the same time, it reduces the technological and economic effort. The findings are presented for the example of the German electricity grid.

Abstract:

The development of urban areas has led to an increase use of subsoil for installing transportation networks. These systems usually comprise the construction of side-by-side twin running tunnels built sequentially and in close proximity. Different studies have demonstrated that under such conditions there is an interaction between tunnels, leading to greater settlements compared with those obtained if the tunnels were excavated separately. Supported by those findings, several analytical methods have been proposed to predict the settlements induced by the excavation of the second tunnel. This paper examines the applicability of these proposals across multiple case studies published in the literature by comparing the analytical predictions with the reported monitoring data of 57 sections. The results indicate that, regardless of the different soil conditions and geometrical characteristics of the tunnels, a Gaussian curve accurately describes the settlements in greenfield conditions and those induced by the second tunnel excavation, although with the curve becoming eccentric in this case. Despite some significant scatter observed, most methods predict the settlements induced by the second tunnel with reasonable accuracy, with Hunt’s method presenting the best fit metrics. The obtained findings confirm that existent methods can be a valid tool to predict at early stages of design the settlements induced by twin tunnelling, although contain limitations and pitfalls that are identified and discussed throughout the paper.