Algerian Journal of Engineering and Technology

A Experimental investigation and artificial intelligence modeling of stability of Agbabu Bitumen Emulsion using green-based surfactant

Ojeyemi Mattew Olabemiwo — 2025-01-09

One of the challenges that affected the optimal utilization of 42.47 billion tons of natural bitumen deposit in Nigeria is its high viscosity and high pumping cost in current state. This research investigated the possibility of reducing viscosity of Agbabu Bitumen (AB) through formation of emulsion using plant sourced surfactant solution. AB Emulsion (ABE) was prepared by homogenizing 60 vol. % of bitumen and 40 vol. % of water in the presence of surfactant solution extracted from Sanya root bark (surfactant solution was varied with respect to the volume of aqueous phase). Effect of increase in volume of extract, pH and salinity of extract was tested on the stability of the prepared emulsion. Emulsification Stability Index (ESI) was computed for all ABE prepared. Viscosity, pour, flash and fire point were determined for the emulsion formed while further analysis were conducted on the emulsion using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The surfactant solution extracted ABE prepared from AB and water which was enhanced in alkaline solution, a 64% reduction in viscosity was recorded in emulsion prepared, and the pour point of emulsion drastically reduced when compared with that of AB.

A Design and fabrication of an angle of repose apparatus for granular material analysis

Abdulganiyu Abdulrasak Sulaiman — 2024-12-28

The angle of repose (AOR) plays a crucial role in analyzing the flowability of granular materials, which are widely used in fields such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and civil engineering. This study outlines designing and constructing an affordable, user-friendly Apparatus for accurate AOR measurement. Built for both laboratory and field applications, the Apparatus was made from materials that are easily accessible and include an adjustable funnel, a central column, and a sturdy base to ensure consistent and precise measurements. Experimental tests using agricultural materials such as rice, beans, wheat, and millet yielded reliable results with low standard deviations. A paired t-test indicated significant statistical differences between the newly designed Apparatus and conventional methods (t-statistic of -2.98, p-value of 0.015), though these differences fell within an acceptable experimental range of ±0.5°. The mean difference of -0.26° and a 95% confidence interval of [-0.43°, -0.09°] illustrate a slight downward bias in the Apparatus while confirming its reliability and accuracy. This research provides a practical solution for measuring AOR, especially in resource-constrained environments, and suggests potential enhancements, like incorporating digital sensors for greater precision and changeable orifice opening sizes for the funnel ranging from 10 mm to 22 mm.

Proposal for a standardized backplane interface board to support the development of future Algerian CubeSats

Elhabib Bensikaddour — 2024-12-28

The CubeSat standard provides access to space industries without the need to manufacture complex satellites requiring specific and costly resources. This type of satellite has proven its ability to accomplish several missions, namely, the demonstration of technology, scientific research, and even commercial missions. While various internal architectures exist for CubeSats, including PC104 and backplane configurations, the backplane approach offers superior modularity and simplicity. This makes it particularly suitable for collaborative development between organizations, especially universities. This paper proposes a standardized backplane architecture for future Algerian CubeSats, presenting both an internal configuration and a preliminary design for a backplane interface board. The proposed design enhances modularity, streamlines integration procedures, and provides a scalable foundation for Algeria's emerging CubeSat program. By establishing this standard, we aim to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative development within Algeria's space technology sector.

Neutron defect emulation using ion beam in zircaloy-4

Mahmoud Izerrouken — 2024-12-28

The present study is devoted to study ion beam induced defects in zircaloy-4. We focused on the effect on the surface morphology modifications. The samples are first polished and then bombarded with 20 MeV Au ion and 0.7 MeV Cu ion at room temperature to a dose of 4.5 dpa. After irradiation the samples were subjected to chemical etching in 47 ml nitric acid (HNO3), 3 ml hydrofluoric acid (HF) and 50 ml water (H2O). Optical microscopy observation showed drastic changes in the microstructure after irradiation. The observation at the interface between the irradiated part and non-irradiated part revealed a clear shrinkage parallel to the ion beam direction. Fine grain of about 10 µm diameter are formed on the surface of zircaloy-4 irradiated at low energy (S_n/S_e << 1) while a hillocks-like nanostructure is observed in the case of high energy irradiation (S_n/S_e >> 1). Both cases can affect the zircaloy-4 corrosion resistance.

A Simulation and Analysis of I(V) and P(V) Characteristics of a Photovoltaic module under MATLAB/SIMULINK Connected to the Electrical Grid

Anouar benhaimoura — 2024-12-28

The objective of our work is the simulation and analysis of the I(V) and P(V) characteristics of a photovoltaic module under MATLAB/SIMULINK connected to the electrical network. To achieve this goal, we followed the following steps: At the start of work; we performed a simulation of a photovoltaic cell (photovoltaic module). By two methods: by simulation of the mathematical data of the model of a photovoltaic module inspired by the electrical diagram of a photovoltaic cell, by the use of the mathematical equations of: inverse saturation current, saturation current, photonic current, current of the shunt resistance, and the output current to create from each equation a model in MATLAB/SIMULINK, then we collect and connect these models according to the mathematical equation to obtain the final model of the output current of a photovoltaic module, and on the other hand by simulation through the model of the solar cell which exists in the SIMULINK library by checking the data of each box coming from this source. then we showed the Simulation of the BOOST converter with MPPT, and we presented the functional diagram of the PV generator and the BOOST converter with MPPT under MATLAB/SIMULINK, In the same context, we showed the voltage curve at the output of the command MMPT in MATLAB, the current curve at the output of the chopper booster, the curve of the voltage measured at the converter, the curve of the current measured at the converter, the curves of the phase currents of the network and the reference current, and the curve of PV generator power and Pmpp power At the end of the work, we connected this photovoltaic module to an electrical network, to see the impact of our network on the photovoltaic module and vice versa. Finally we explained and interpreted the results obtained according to our points of view.