A Geometrically Exact Triangular Shell Element Based on Reproducing Kernel DMS-Splines

Tomodel amultibody systemcomposed of shell components,a geometrically exact Kirchho-Love triangular shell element is proposed.The middle surface of the shell element is described by using the DMS-splines,which can exactly represent arbitrary topology piecewise polynomial triangular surfaces.The proposed shell element employs only nodal displacement and can automatically maintain C1 continuity properties at the element boundaries.A reproducing DMS-spline kernel skill is also introduced to improve computation stability and accuracy.The proposed triangular shell element based on reproducing kernel DMS-splines can achieve an almost optimal convergent rate.Finally,the proposed shell element is validated via three static problems of shells and the dynamic simulation of aexible multibody system undergoing both overall motions and large deformations.

Insight on the Ultrastructure, Physicochemical, Thermal Characteristics and Applications of Palm Kernel Shells

The ultrastructure and physicochemical and thermal properties of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) in comparison with Coconut Kernel Shells (CKS) were investigated herein. Powder samples were prepared and characterized using Surface Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Chemical and elemental constituents, as well as thermal performance were assessed by Van Soest Method, TEM/EDXA and SEM/EDS techniques. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were also performed for thermal characterization. SEM/EDS and TEM/EDXA revealed that most of the PKS and CKS materials are composed of particles with irregular morphology;these are mainly amorphous phases of carbon/oxygen with small amounts of K, Ca and Mg. The DSC data permitted to derive the materials’ thermal transition phases and the relevant characteristic temperatures and physical properties. Thermal Transition phases of PKS observed herein are consistent with the chemical composition obtained and are similar to those of CKS. Nonetheless, TGA/DTG showed that the combustion characteristics of PKS are higher than those of CKS. Taken together, our results reveal that PKS have nanopores and can be efficiently used for 3D printing and membrane filtration applications. Moreover, the chemical constituents found in PKS samples are in agreement with those reported in the literature for material structural applications and thus, present potential use of PKS in these applications.

Effects of Palm Kernel Shell on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Recycled Polyethylene/Palm Kernel Shell Particulate Composites

The effect of palm kernel shell on the microstructure and mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene (RLDPE) reinforced with palm kernel shell particulate composite was evaluated to assess the possibility of using it as a new material for engineering applications. The composites were produced by compounding and compressive moulding technique by varying the Palm kernel shell particle from 5-25vol% with particles size of 150, 300 and 400 μm. The microstructure (SEM/EDS) and the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The hardness of the composite increases with increase in palm kernel shell content and the tensile strength of the composite increased to optimum of 5vol%. Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) of the composites surfaces indicates fairly interfacial interaction between the palm kernel shell particles and the RLDPE matrix. The composites produced with 150 μm particle size have the best properties of the entire grade. Hence this grade can be use for interior applications such as car seat, dash board, and car interior for decorative purposes or other interior parts of automobile where high strength is not considered a critical requirement.

Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of Dura Palm Kernel Powder as a Load for Polymers: Case of Polyvinyl Chloride

This work presents the physical and thermal characterization of the dura palm kernel powder of Cameroon for their use as fillers for polymers composites. The powders of palm kernel were obtained using a percussion grinder mill with an industrial microniser which allowed obtaining a powder less than 50 μm with an apparent density between 0,505 ≤ ρ ≤ 0,680 g/cm3 at 1.56 of relative humidity. The infrared of the powder of palm kernel shows the presence of phenols groups with a large band around 3341 cm-1, -C-H at 2917.02 cm-1 and -C-O at 1040 cm-1 as the main peaks. The polyvinyl chloride of infrared obtained shows the presence of -C-Cl, -CH2 and CH as the mains peaks. The infrared of 12.5% of palm kernel powder with polyvinyl chloride shows an increase of the CH2 and CH bonds and a decrease of the -OH bonds. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric analysis of powders, polyvinyl chloride and mixture showed that the mixing powders are intermediate between the polyvinyl chloride and palm kernel powder. The powder decreased the phase temperatures of the mixture from 98.58℃ to 95℃ for the glass transition temperature and from 515℃ to 459℃ for the crystallization temperature. The thermogravimetric curves of palm kernel powder and polyvinyl chloride have showed that these materials lose their different masses in three different phases, and the one of composite (mixture of polyvinyl chloride with 12.5% of palm kernel powder) in two different phases.

Characteristics of reactivity and structures of palm kernel shell (PKS) biochar during CO_2/H_2O mixture gasification

Palm kernel shell(PKS)biochars with different levels of carbon conversion were initially prepared using a tube furnace,after which the reactivity of each sample was assessed with a thermogravimetric analyzer under a CO_2 atmosphere.The pore structure and carbon ordering of each biochar also examined,employing a surface area analyzer and a Raman spectroscopy.Thermogravimetric results showed that the gasification index R_sof the PKS biochar decreased from 0.0305 min^(-1) at carbon conversion(x)=20% to 0.0278 min^(-1)at x=40%.The expansion of micropores was the dominant process during the pore structure evolution,ad mesopores with sizes ranging from 6 to 20,48 to 50 nm were primarily generated during gasification under a CO_2/H_2O mixture.The proportion of amorphous carbon in the PKS biochar decreased significantly as x increased,suggesting that the proportion of ordered carbon was increased during the CO_2/H_2O mixed gasification.A significantly reduced total reaction time was observed when employing a CO_2/intermittent H_2O process along with an 83.46% reduction in the steam feed,compared with the amount required using a CO_2/H_2O atmosphere.

Elaboration and Characterization of Composite Materials Reinforced by Papaya Trunk Fibers (<i>Carica papaya</i>) and Particles of the Hulls of the Kernels of the Winged Fruits (<i>Canarium schweinfurthii</i>) with Polyester Matrix

In this work we determine the physical and mechanical properties of local composites reinforced with papaya trunk fibers (FTP) on one hand and particles of the hulls of the kernels of the garlic (PCNFA) in the other hand. The samples are produced according to BSI 2782 standards;by combining fibers and untreated to polyester matrix following the contact molding method. We notice that the long fibers of papaya trunks improve the tensile/compression characteristics of composites by 45.44% compared to pure polyester;while the short fibers improve the flexural strength of composites by 62.30% compared to pure polyester. Furthermore, adding fibers decreases the density of the final composite material and the rate of water absorption increases with the size of the fibers. As regards composite materials with particle reinforcement from the cores of the winged fruits, the particle size (fine ≤ 800 μm and large ≤ 1.6 mm) has no influence on the Young’s modulus and on the rate of water absorption. On the other hand, fine particles improve the flexural strength of composite materials by 53.08% compared to pure polyester;fine particles increase the density by 19% compared to the density of pure polyester.

Design of Steam Turbine for Electric Power Production Using Heat Energy from Palm Kernel Shell

The steam turbine is a prime mover that converts kinetic energy in steam into rotational mechanical energy through the impact or reaction of the steam against the blades. The aim of this study is to design a steam turbine for a small scale steam power plant with target of producing electricity. The turbine is driven by the heat energy from palm kernel shells as a renewable energy source obtained at a lower or no cost. The study was concentrated on design of turbine elements and its validation using computer packages. Specifically, the microturbine design was limited to design, modeling, simulation and analysis of the rotor, blades and nozzle under the palm kernel shell as fuel for the micro power plant. In blade design, stress failures, efficiency and blade angle parameters were considered. In casing volume design, the overall heat transfer and mean temperature, and different concepts were applied. The thermal distribution on stator and rotor was considered in order to determine its level of tolerance. The design software packages used for design validation were Solidworks and Comsol Multiphysics for analysis. Simulation results showed that the designed steam turbine can adequately tolerate change in stress/load, torsion/compression, temperature and speeds.

A NOVEL METHOD FOR NONLINEAR IMPULSIVE DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS IN BROKEN REPRODUCING KERNEL SPACE

In this article,a new algorithm is presented to solve the nonlinear impulsive differential equations.In the first time,this article combines the reproducing kernel method with the least squares method to solve the second-order nonlinear impulsive differential equations.Then,the uniform convergence of the numerical solution is proved,and the time consuming Schmidt orthogonalization process is avoided.The algorithm is employed successfully on some numerical examples.

Analysis of Lateritic Soil Reinforced with Palm Kernel Shells for Use as a Sub-Base Layer for Low-Traffic Roads

In tropical areas,palm oil production generates significant amounts of waste,including palm kernel shells.The use of this waste in the civil engineering sector,presents a very challenging task.In the present study,the production of lateritic soil(A-2 in GTR classification and A-7-6(9)in HRB classification)reinforced with palm kernel shells is considered.In order to improve their performances,these materials are mixed using the Fuller’s parabolic law.Moreover,experimental tests are used to characterize the physical and mechanical geotechnical properties of the lateritic soil.After characterizing the matrix(i.e.,lateritic soil)and the inclusions(i.e.,palm kernel shells)in their natural state,it is found that Avrankou’s lateritic soil has a high level of fine particles(56.6%),high plasticity(PI=21%)and low lift(ICBR=17%);which makes it unusable in the pavement layer.Results also prove that the mixture composed of 39%of lateritic soil volume and 61%of PKS with a CBR index equals to 30 and the mixture composed of 45%of lateritic soil,40%PKS and 15%of lagoon sand with a CBR index equals to 41 can be used as sub-base layer for roads for low and medium traffic,respectively.

Experimental Investigation of Lime Treated Palm Kernel Shell and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate and Cement Respectively in Concrete

This experimental research is focused on the effect of concrete made by incorporating lime treated Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) & Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) as partial replacements of coarse aggregates and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) respectively. An experimental analysis for concrete grade 30 with a mix design ratio of 1:1.97:3.71 of cement:fine aggregates:coarse aggregates with a constant water to cement ratio of 0.5, was used. Physical tests such as workability on fresh concrete and water absorption on hardened concrete of each batch were carried out. Mechanical tests like compressive strength and split tensile strength were carried out on hardened concrete cubes (100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm) and cylinders (100 mm × 200 mm) at 7 and 28 days. The experimental results obtained in this study indicate the possibility of using up 15% of lime treated PKS and 10% of SCBA for production of structural concrete.

Experimental and Analytical Study of Water Diffusion in Palm Kernel Shell of Cameroon

Moisture diffusion during soaking of palm kernel shell (Elaeis guineensis) aggregate concerning DURA variety of Cameroon was studied. Parameters like percentage of water gain at the saturation point and the effective moisture diffusivity were the main purposes. The knowledge of the behavior of those shells in presence of the liquid during the realization of the composite materials is important. Gravimetric method with discontinuous control of the mass of sample after immersion at the ambient temperature was used. Palm kernel shell aggregate of two origins and two considerable sizes respectively in mm: Sizes ≥ 16 and 12.5 ≤ Sizes < 16 were used. The rate of water absorption was found to be [6.18% and 11.74%] respectively for Tombel PKS and Bafang PKS and moisture diffusivity of [5.19 × 10-8 and 7.90 × 10-9 m2/s] was also determined according to their irregular shapes by fitted soaking data in Becker’s model.

Size Variation of Palm Kernel Shells as Replacement of Coarse Aggregate for Lightweight Concrete Production

The utilization of palm kernel shells (PKS) as an alternative to conventional materials for construction is desirable to promote sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the properties of lightweight concrete produced with different sizes of PKS of 6, 8, 10, 12 mm and mix (consisting of 25% each of the four sizes). RPK sizes were used to replace coarse aggregate in the concrete and cured for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The tests performed on the concrete are dry density, compressive strength, flexural strength, EDS and SEM. It was revealed that the densities of the concrete specimens were all less than 2000 kg/m3, which implies that the PKS concrete satisfied the requirement of lightweight concrete for structural application. The compressive strength of the 12 mm PKS concrete specimens at 28-day of curing was 10.2 MPa which was 4% to 15.9% better than the other PKS sizes concrete. The flexural strength of the 12 mm PKS concrete specimens at 28-day of curing was 2.85 MPa which was also 3.2% to 57.07% better than the other PKS sizes concrete. It was also revealed by the SEM analysis that there was a good bond between the palm kernel shells and the mortar. A high calcium-silicate content was found in the concrete which resulted in a Ca/Si ratio of 1.26 and Al/Si ratio of 0.11. The study therefore concludes that size variations of PKS as replacement of coarse aggregate have an influence on the properties of the lightweight concrete and recommends 12 mm PKS for use by construction practitioners for lightweight concrete structural application.

Industrial Elaboration by Extrusion of PVC Tubes Loaded with Micronized Dura Palm Kernel Shell Powder

We present in this work how to use the dura palm kernel shell powders as loads for the elaboration by extrusion of PVC tubes. The transformation of dura palm kernel shells into micronized shell powder as well as its characterization was the subject of recent work. We carried out, the formulations by using the industrial scales of precision, the mixtures of the instrants with an industrial machine of mark HENSHLLE N˚2 MAIN 570762, the routine tests by ATG/DSC then by IRTF, the extrusion of the tubes with an extruder twin-screw with 9 rooms of transformation finally the tests of conformity by the observations and the analyses. We obtained for the formulations the dosage of 0%, 4.01%, 12.54%, 23.03%, 32.01%, 38.01%, 51.02% representing the percentage of hull powder in the mixture, the machine mixing gave perfectly homogeneous powders, the routine tests showed that the hull powder keeps all its properties until the end of the shaping whatever the percentage of hulls contained in the PVC, the extrusion gave tubes for each formulation and the conformity tests gave perfectly round tubes of diameter 90 × 82 mm, a coloration going from white grey at 0% to dark black at 51.02% showing the influence of the carbon black and the color of the shell powder according to its proportion. The infrared of the tubes obtained shows for each formulation a variation of the CH2 and CH bonds and a decrease of the −OH bonds. The thermogravimetric analyses and the differential calorimetric analyses of the tubes of each formulation, show each time that the quantity of shell powders in the mixture influences the PVC tubes obtained. Thus, we obtain a variation of the phase temperatures according to the dosage, giving from 108.72˚C to 76.56˚C for the glass transition temperature and from 494.71˚C to 414.56˚C for the melting temperature, at the DSC and a progressive decrease of the mass following the heat absorption with each time 4 phases instead of 5 for the unloaded PVC tubes at the ATG according to the dosage.

基于EDEM的核桃壳仁混合物振动筛分级工艺优化

为提高核桃壳仁混合物的分级效果,对现有核桃壳仁混合物分级设备进行三维实体建模,利用EDEM软件模拟核桃壳仁混合物的分级过程,以筛面上物料的运动速度、质量以及各等级颗粒在统计区域的数量为指标,以振幅、振动频率、振动方向角、筛面倾角为考察因素,对振动筛分级工艺进行优化。结果表明:在振动频率12 Hz、振幅5 mm、振动方向角45°、筛面倾角4°的工艺参数组合下,各等级核桃壳仁的透筛率最高,分级效果最好。

基于FSLYOLO v8n的玉米籽粒收获质量在线检测方法研究

玉米籽粒破碎率和含杂率是评价玉米收获质量的关键指标。针对当前玉米籽粒直收机缺少适用于复杂田间作业环境的收获质量在线检测方法的问题,提出一种适用于小目标、多数量检测目标的玉米籽粒破碎率、含杂率轻量化检测方法。首先,根据图像中完整籽粒、破碎籽粒、玉米芯和玉米叶个体数量与个体质量的关系建立数量-质量回归模型,提出了籽粒破碎率和含杂率评估方法。其次,针对籽粒及杂质大小相近,检测物数量多,检测物面积小的特点,提出一种改进的FSLYOLO v8n算法。算法通过FasterBlock模块和无参数注意力机制SimAM改进主干网络结构,并通过使用共享卷积结合Scale模块对检测头进行改进。此外,使用SlidLoss函数替代YOLO v8n的原类别分类损失函数。FSLYOLO v8n模型的mAP@50为97.46%、帧速率为186.4 f/s,与YOLO v8n相比提高6.35%和45 f/s,且网络参数量、浮点运算量分别压缩到YOLO v8n的66.50%、64.63%,模型内存占用量仅为4.0 MB,其性能优于目前常用的轻量化模型。台架试验结果表明,提出的检测方法能够精准检测玉米籽粒破碎和含杂情况,检测准确率高达95.33%和96.15%。将改进后的模型部署在Jetson TX2开发板上,配合检测装置安装到玉米联合收获机上开展田间试验,结果表明,模型能够精准区分籽粒和杂质,满足田间工作需求。

10t/d双螺杆榨油机压榨油茶籽的工艺研究

为提高油茶籽油的品质,减少传统油茶籽制油工艺对油茶籽油的营养成分损失,对日处理10t双螺杆榨油机压榨油茶籽的工艺进行了研究。结果表明,最佳工艺条件为:油茶籽经过分级处理后入榨油茶仁水分控制在9%、油茶仁中含壳控制在8%时,压榨饼中残油率为2.49%,且产品符合一级油的国家标准。与市场上销售的油茶籽油相比,通过本工艺获得的油茶籽油中α-生育酚的保留率更高,从而进一步提高油茶籽油的营养价值,可为我国油茶籽油的高值化加工提供了技术参考。

核桃物料空气动力学特性研究与壳仁风选设备优化

壳仁分选是核桃破壳取仁的重要环节,是核桃进行精深加工的基础。为探索风选技术在核桃壳仁分选领域的可行性,通过理论计算与试验研究对核桃物料的空气动力学特性进行了研究,并在此基础上设计了一种核桃壳仁风选设备,运用单因素试验和响应面试验对该设备的工作参数进行优化。结果表明:核桃壳仁混合物料中仅有碎仁与1/2壳的悬浮速度范围有少量重叠区域,同等级核桃壳、仁具有不同的悬浮速度范围,通过控制气流速度可实现核桃壳仁分离;核桃壳仁风选设备的工作参数对清选率的影响由大到小依次为入料口高度、喂料速度、风机频率,最佳工作参数组合为喂料速度5kg/min、风机频率46Hz、入料口高度34mm,在此条件下清选率为99.32%,损失率为1.03%。综上,运用风选法进行核桃壳仁分离具有可行性,通过参数优化可提升风选设备的分选效果。

含调整器装药结构破片形成影响因素研究

为有效改善柱壳断裂位置并产生形状规则的大质量破片,该文设计了一种由柱壳装药以及嵌入其中的爆轰波调整器构成的新型破片战斗部结构,并研究了爆轰波调整器结构参数对破片输出的影响。采用AUTODYN-3D有限元计算软件,分析了爆轰波碰撞叠加切割柱壳形成破片的过程,找出了柱壳切割效果优良的调整器结构参数取值范围,并开展了最优结构的验证试验。研究结果表明:有效破片生成率随内外层装药厚度比、调整器厚度的增加以及沟槽数量的减小,由一定值逐渐达到100%;当内外层装药厚度比为5、调整器厚度为10 mm或15 mm且开有8或12个沟槽时,有效破片在生成率达到100%的同时兼具较大的平均质量;水井试验回收率为96.3%,获得的有效破片生成率为100%,破片平均长度和宽度分别为39.75 mm和14.2 mm,与仿真结果的误差分别为6.25%和11.25%。该文研究结果可为实现破片战斗部智能可选择化提供借鉴思路。

不同颗粒形态玉米粮堆单轴压缩变形的试验研究

仓储玉米粮堆装粮过程中籽粒易破碎和分级,粮堆易产生不均匀沉降。针对破碎玉米籽粒颗粒形态差异对粮堆压缩变形的影响问题,以完整籽粒、半粒和粉末状玉米粮堆为研究对象,通过单轴压缩试验,研究了竖向压力为200 kPa下3种颗粒形态玉米粮堆的压缩变形。结果表明:随着荷载的增加,粮堆压缩变形增大,恒定荷载下,玉米粮堆的应变随时间的延长而增加。压缩过程中,玉米粮堆密度增加,孔隙率减小,体积模量在荷载增加阶段增大,荷载不变时逐渐减小,完整籽粒玉米粮堆体积模量较大。Hooke弹簧与Maxwell单元串联,并与Kelvin模型单元串联组成的模型能较好地预测玉米粮堆的压缩变形。研究结果可为仓储粮堆压缩变形的研究提供理论支撑。