Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2014


Integration of an Information Technology Software Project in Engineering Graphics Instruction

Cameron Coates, Kam Fui Lau, and Lorrie Hoffman

Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA

Abstract– In this paper, we describe a method of integrating an information technology software project in engineering graphics instruction. We have two main goals in the study. Our first goal was to expose information technology students to a second discipline for which they will be developing software. Our second goal was to assess if integration could lead to better academic performance of engineering students. The background, objectives, architecture and justification for the application are also discussed. The authors present the application within an Engineering Graphics course and examine the effect of software use on Engineering Graphics students’ academic performance as well as their perceptions and expectations of their understanding, appreciation, motivation, interest, and knowledge retention in engineering graphics transferability. The academic performance outcomes assess the impact of the software use on the student’s ability to interpret solid model data, and use this data to understand how engineering graphic components are represented by numerical data files and their transferability among different CAD programs. Statistical analysis is performed on course survey data that includes academic performance outcomes and the student’s perceived impact of the software on their ability to learn the material. By introducing a linear discriminant function, we demonstrate that the introduction of the software in the engineering graphics course serves to improve student learning.

Keywords— Computer Science Education, Engineering Education, Engineering Graphics and IGES File

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Design and Development of Materials Requirements Planning Simulation Model Using Visual Basic Programming Language

Okolie Paul Chukwulozie, Okouzi Solomon Abhulimhen, Chukwuneke Jeremiah Lekwuwa, and Sinebe Jude Ebieladoh

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Department of Production Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Projects Monitoring, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract– This paper focuses on developing software for the simulation of Materials Requirements Planning (MRP), which is one of the inventory models. Such a simulation model will enhance effective inventory decisions and policy formulation for any profit oriented organization. It is in the light of this that an overview of inventory models and software design and development principles for simulation models became imperative, with the aim of adopting the best design and development principles that could solve the problem at hand. Visual Basic programming language was employed for the implementation of the materials requirements planning model because of the nature of the problems MRP solves, the object-oriented nature of the programming language and also for its simplicity and time saves benefits for the users. To implement the design and development of the Materials Requirements Planning Simulation Model Using Visual Basic Programming Language, the objects (components) of the software were designed and codes were written for the events to occur at the controls and objects. The application was tested and debugged. The validation was ensured by using an already existing problem of materials requirements planning. Guaranteed that the model simulated effectively the test problem, and the results printed out successfully, a standalone executable file was compiled with the window name “Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) Wizard”.

Keywords— Development, Simulation Model, Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) and Policy

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Study the Effect of Ambient Temperature on the Refrigeration Cycles Using Energy and Exergy Analyses

Amir Vosough

SAMA Technical and Vocational Training College, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract– In this study, a refrigeration cycle with one and two intercoolers is thermodynamically examined. This work attempts to substitute the effect of environmentally harmful agents in nature such as R134a with environment-friendly fluids in nature: R152a, R404a and R744 examine the effect of this substitution on the performance of the cycle and compare it to the previous working fluids and finally, the best refrigerant considering properties and performance is selected. The consequence shows the highest irreversibility is related to the throttle valve and then the compressors.

Keywords— Refrigeration System, Modeling, Simulation, Performance and Comparison

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WSN Protocol for Security/Vigilance System in Sensitive Installation in Banks

Sadia Parveen

Rachna College of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan

Abstract– This paper describes the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) protocol for sensitive security of banks. A protocol is a computer program that can be described as autonomous because it has the capacity to adapt changing’s when its environment changes. The core of the paper comprises description of several issues and managing the application of wireless sensor devices. WSN protocol made up of a set of different security devices which interact with each other for sharing resources and information. This work manages the security of bank at large scale and operates at various nodes to detect any hardware failures of security and then diagnose that problem and provide the feasible solution through the security devices as attached at the different locations of the bank. This protocol also manages these devices with wireless sensors and describes the collectively behavior of all security devices attached in this network.

Keywords— Security Issues, WSN, Protocol and Solution

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Development of Electroless Deposition of Nickel from Alkaline Hypophosphite Baths Using Gluconate as Complexing Agent

M. S. Ali ELtoum and A.H. Elhaj

Scientific Laboratories Department, Faculty of Science, Sudan University of Science & Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Education, University of Alfashir, Sudan

Abstract– In the present paper, electroless deposition of nickel from alkaline hypophosphite baths on copper substrates, using gluconate, as complexing agent, were studied. The dependence of the deposited Ni-P alloy on various operating parameters and solution components were examined. The deposited Ni-P coatings was characterized using different techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the hardness, corrosion resistance for the coated substrates were measured. The coated substrate from these baths shown high deposition rate (unexpected from alkaline hypophosphite), and lower activation energy beside good appearances and enhancement in the hardness and corrosion resistance for the deposited layer were observed.

Keywords— Complexing Agent, Ni-Palloy, Electrolessdeposion, Corrosion Resistance and Polarization Curves

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Protocol for Auto Collision Detection and Avoidance between Vehicles

Malik Irfan Ahmad

University of Engineering and Technology, (RCET Campus), Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract– Technology is rapidly increasing and the road accidents are increasing day by day. Human life is very precious so there is need to provide a system for avoidance of the road accidents. Therefore, we have developed the protocol that will enable the vehicle to automatically detect the possibility of collision occurrences and will take some necessary steps to avoid from collision. This is the designed protocol for transport layer using TCP/IP.

Keywords— Auto Collision Detection, Vehicles, TCP/IP and Avoidance

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Remote-Controlled Home Automation System

Shehzad Shafi

Computer Network Theory and Practical, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract– We are presenting a protocol for Remote-Controlled home automation system. It discusses the possible solutions through network technology and directs how to improve the use of such remote systems. Actually, the home is an endless, varied, dispersed computing atmosphere which surely requires a careful study before evolving any appropriate Home Automation System that will achieve its necessities. This protocol has the three key challenges: first how to safely control and second one is provide secure protection or avoidance of hack, and third one is provide a user friendly environment. Some significant problems are always to be fingered out firmly before emerging and installing a Home Automation System; causes like safety, dependability, helpfulness, toughness and price are serious to govern if the final invention will achieve the predictable necessities. This is just the transport layer design of the protocol not a complete application which draws back at the TCP/IP reference model.

Keywords— Remote-Controlled Home Automation System, Home appliances (TV, Lights, AC, Heater, Door Locks etc), Home Network and User-friendly Interfaces

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Inter-Area Oscillation Damping by Optimal Design of PSS Using an Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm

Bahman Mohammadi Berenj Abad, Bahram Noshad and Saeed Radmanesh

Department of Electrical Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran
Sama Technical and Vocational Training College, Islamic Azad University, Mahshahr Branch, Mahshahr, Iran
Department of Electrical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran

Abstract– In this paper, the parameters of a power system stabiliser (PSS) with help of a combination of a Differential Evolution algorithm (DE) and Local Search Algorithm (called the DELSA (Memetic DE algorithm)) are introduced, which are designed independently, converge to the correct and optimal solution in a small number of iterations and are attuned to damping low frequency oscillations. Suppose that the DE algorithm searches in a wide-ranging area, whereas the local search focuses on the attraction area, which probably has the optimal solution. We studied the three-area power system that was simulated in the time domain by MATLAB. The outcomes of simulations showed that without the PSS at the time of error occurrence, the damping and synchroniser torque were reduced. Thus, the system becomes unstable, and low frequency oscillations such as inter-area oscillations are generated, which are damped if we employ optimal and coordinate PSS.

Keywords— Differential Evolution Algorithm (DE), Inter-area Oscillations, Local Search (LS), Memetic DE Algorithm (DELSA), PSS and Small Signal Stability

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