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Article
Publication date: 11 March 2016

Jabbar P, Hariharan N.M, Palani Sivashanmugam and S. Kasthurirengan

The present investigation deals with the analysis of the performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover (TAPM) which are measured in terms of frequency and pressure amplitude by…

Abstract

Purpose

The present investigation deals with the analysis of the performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover (TAPM) which are measured in terms of frequency and pressure amplitude by varying the parameters such as temperature gradient along the length of stack and the operating pressures of fluid medium argon using CFD simulation. With the help of CFD researchers and Engineers can evaluate the performance of a wide range of thermoacoustic systems on the computer without the time, expense, and disruption required to make actual changes onsite (stack) which is tedious to fabricate.

Design/methodology/approach

For the present simulation, the operating pressures of argon such as 1bar, 3bar and 5bar, and the temperature gradient is varied from 600K to 1400K with the regular intervals of each 200K. The geometry of twin TAPM is created using GAMBIT processor, and the simulation is carried out using FLUENT. The geometrical parameters of twin TAPM are kept constant throughout the simulation. The results for frequency and pressure amplitude obtained from the CFD simulation of twin TAPM for various temperature gradient and operating pressures are analysed and reported.

Findings

The computational results of twin thermoacoustic prime mover shows an increase in pressure amplitude with an increase in the temperature gradient and also it increases with an increase in operating pressures of the fluid medium. The parameter operating pressures of the working fluid medium and the stack hot end temperature has no significant effect on the output, frequency.

Originality/value

Though several experimental works had been published based on the twin thermoacoustic prime mover, an attempt has been made in the present investigation for the first time to estimate the performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover using CFD package (ANSYS-FLUENT) by varying temperature gradient. The temperature gradient and operating pressures were varied and the performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover was measured in terms of frequency and pressure amplitude.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2019

Girish Hariharan and Raghuvir Pai

This study aims to investigate the performance characteristics of an externally adjustable bearing with multiple pads in steady state conditions. The proposed adjustable bearing…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the performance characteristics of an externally adjustable bearing with multiple pads in steady state conditions. The proposed adjustable bearing geometry can effectively control the hydrodynamic operation in bearing clearances by adjusting the pads in radial and tilt directions. These pad adjustments have a significant role in improving the bearing characteristics such as load capacity, attitude angle, side leakage, friction variable and Sommerfeld number, which will be analysed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The adjustable bearing is designed with circumferentially spaced four bearing pads subjected to similar radial and tilt adjustments. Tilt angles are applied along the leading edges of bearing pads. A modified film thickness equation is used to incorporate the pad adjustments and accurately predict the variation in film profile. Finite difference approximation is adopted to solve the Reynolds equation and discretize the fluid film domain.

Findings

For negative radial and tilt adjustments, higher hydrodynamic pressures are generated in bearing clearances, which increases the bearing load capacity at different eccentricity ratios. From comparative analysis for different pad adjustments, superior bearing performance is observed for bearing pads under negative radial and negative tilt adjustments.

Originality/value

This research presents a detailed theoretical approach to analyse the performance capability of a four pad adjustable bearing geometry, which is not available in literatures. Improved bearing performances with negative pad adjustments can attract bearing designers to implement the proposed adjustability-bearing concept in rotating machineries.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 71 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2021

Gavin Melles, Stefan Lodewyckx and Thangatur Sukumar Hariharan

This study provides a country-specific and sector-wide study of campus sustainability. Campus sustainability is a key consideration for the higher education (HEI) sector, and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study provides a country-specific and sector-wide study of campus sustainability. Campus sustainability is a key consideration for the higher education (HEI) sector, and campus sustainability officers and managers manage its reporting and planning. Global and country-specific studies to date have focussed on individual organisation narratives, interviews with faculty and management and content analysis of reports and plans. Findings show wide divergence on scope and scale of formalised planning and reporting, few references to sustainability officers and managers’ perspectives and limited reference to organisational theory to explain tactics and strategies adopted. As a result, there are a few country-specific and sector-wide studies. The purpose of this paper is to address the scarcity of country-specific and sector-wide studies into campus sustainability practices in HEI by combining qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide the first sector-wide overview of formal campus sustainability commitments for the Australian public sector HEI (n = 41) in terms of several key indicators – plans, reports and other indicators. Second, the authors use reflexive thematic analysis of interviews (n = 21) with current and former sustainability officers and managers to examine sector organisational reasons for such variation. Third, the authors analyse HEI sector isomorphism and divergence on planning and reporting of campus sustainability from the perspective of institutional theory of organisations.

Findings

This study finds some convergence on the need for plans, reporting and other engagement elements, albeit without any sector-wide standards being followed. The authors observe a trend towards carbon-neutral (CN) declarations before 2030 although with nuances on emissions scope and increasing inclusion of renewable energy. Interviews identify a range of strategies and tactics adopted for campus sustainability relative to internal and external organisational pressures. Overall, the sector still exhibits weak institutionalisation of sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This study interviews a specific and limited cohort (n = 21) and presents an overview of sector reporting, planning and target setting although not a detailed content analysis. Other interview cohorts may have different views on the strategic and tactical purposes of reporting practices, and more in-depth analysis of formal plans and reports should be conducted in the future.

Practical implications

This study concludes that the Australian HEI sector should consider greater public transparency of its data and reporting actions. Common standards and a benchmarking platform for the sector would improve overall engagement with all internal and external stakeholders. At present, the HEI sector’s message to its key internal and external stakeholders is mixed and needs to change towards a more in-depth institutionalisation of sustainability on campus.

Originality/value

Particular insights are the value of organisational strategies and tactics as an interpretive framework for HEI campus sustainability and how interviewees attribute sector competitors and self-different motives and tactics. Albeit limited, this is the first mapping of sector approaches to sustainability reporting and planning.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2024

R. Rajaraman

This study explores the immobilisation of enzymes within porous catalysts of various geometries, including spheres, cylinders and flat pellets. The objective is to understand the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the immobilisation of enzymes within porous catalysts of various geometries, including spheres, cylinders and flat pellets. The objective is to understand the irreversible Michaelis-Menten kinetic process within immobilised enzymes through advanced mathematical modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical models were developed based on reaction-diffusion equations incorporating nonlinear variables associated with Michaelis-Menten kinetics. This research introduces fractional derivatives to investigate enzyme reaction kinetics, addressing a significant gap in the existing literature. A novel approximation method, based on the independent polynomials of the complete bipartite graph, is employed to explore solutions for substrate concentration and effectiveness factor across a spectrum of parameter values. The analytical solutions generated through the bipartite polynomial approximation method (BPAM) are rigorously tested against established methods, including the Bernoulli wavelet method (BWM), Taylor series method (TSM), Adomian decomposition method (ADM) and fourth-order Runge-Kutta method (RKM).

Findings

The study identifies two main findings. Firstly, the behaviour of dimensionless substrate concentration with distance is analysed for planar, cylindrical and spherical catalysts using both integer and fractional order Michaelis-Menten modelling. Secondly, the research investigates the variability of the dimensionless effectiveness factor with the Thiele modulus.

Research limitations/implications

The study primarily focuses on mathematical modelling and theoretical analysis, with limited experimental validation. Future research should involve more extensive experimental verification to corroborate the findings. Additionally, the study assumes ideal conditions and uniform catalyst properties, which may not fully reflect real-world complexities. Incorporating factors such as mass transfer limitations, non-uniform catalyst structures and enzyme deactivation kinetics could enhance the model’s accuracy and broaden its applicability. Furthermore, extending the analysis to include multi-enzyme systems and complex reaction networks would provide a more comprehensive understanding of biocatalytic processes.

Practical implications

The validated bipartite polynomial approximation method presents a practical tool for optimizing enzyme reactor design and operation in industrial settings. By accurately predicting substrate concentration and effectiveness factor, this approach enables efficient utilization of immobilised enzymes within porous catalysts. Implementation of these findings can lead to enhanced process efficiency, reduced operating costs and improved product yields in various biocatalytic applications such as pharmaceuticals, food processing and biofuel production. Additionally, this research fosters innovation in enzyme immobilisation techniques, offering practical insights for engineers and researchers striving to develop sustainable and economically viable bioprocesses.

Social implications

The advancement of enzyme immobilisation techniques holds promise for addressing societal challenges such as sustainable production, environmental protection and healthcare. By enabling more efficient biocatalytic processes, this research contributes to reducing industrial waste, minimizing energy consumption and enhancing access to pharmaceuticals and bio-based products. Moreover, the development of eco-friendly manufacturing practices through biocatalysis aligns with global efforts towards sustainability and mitigating climate change. The widespread adoption of these technologies can foster a more environmentally conscious society while stimulating economic growth and innovation in biotechnology and related industries.

Originality/value

This study offers a pioneering approximation method using the independent polynomials of the complete bipartite graph to investigate enzyme reaction kinetics. The comprehensive validation of this method through comparison with established solution techniques ensures its reliability and accuracy. The findings hold promise for advancing the field of biocatalysts and provide valuable insights for designing efficient enzyme reactors.

Article
Publication date: 23 February 2021

Loren De Freitas, Steve Goodacre, Rachel O'Hara, Praveen Thokala and Seetharaman Hariharan

A process that does not include the customer's value may not be effective in providing care. This study aimed to identify value and waste in an emergency department (ED) patient…

Abstract

Purpose

A process that does not include the customer's value may not be effective in providing care. This study aimed to identify value and waste in an emergency department (ED) patient flow process from a patient and clinician perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study was conducted in an ED in Trinidad and Tobago. Observations and informal conversational interviews with clinicians (n = 33) and patients (n = 50) explored patient flow, value and waste. Thematic analysis was used to create a framework on valuable and wasteful aspects in the ED patient flow process.

Findings

Valuable aspects led to direct improvements in the patient's health or an exchange of information in the process. Wasteful aspects were those with no patient activity, no direct ED clinical involvement, or resulted in a perceived inappropriate use of ED resources. However, there was a disparity in responses between clinicians and patients with clinicians identifying more features in the process.

Research limitations/implications

The single case study design limits the generalizability of findings to other settings. This study did not specifically explore the influence of age and gender on what mattered to patients in ED services. Future studies would benefit from exploring whether there are any age and gender differences in patient perspectives of value and waste. Further research is needed to validate the usefulness of the framework in a wider range of settings and consider demographic factors such as age and gender.

Practical implications

The study has produced a framework which may be used to improve patient flow in a way that maximized value to its users. A collaborative approach, with active patient involvement, is needed to develop a process that is valuable to all. The single case study design limits the generalizability of findings to other settings.

Originality/value

Qualitative methods were used to explicitly explore both value and waste in emergency department patient flow, incorporating the patient perspective. This paper provides an approach that decision makers may use to refine the ED patient flow process into one that flows well, improves quality and maximizes value to its users.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2019

Huifang Li, Mi Zhao, Lihua Wu, Piguang Wang and Xiuli Du

The purpose of this paper is to propose a stable high-order absorbing boundary condition (ABC) based on new continued fraction for scalar wave propagation in 2D and 3D unbounded…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a stable high-order absorbing boundary condition (ABC) based on new continued fraction for scalar wave propagation in 2D and 3D unbounded layers.

Design/methodology/approach

The ABC is obtained based on continued fraction (CF) expansion of the frequency-domain dynamic stiffness coefficient (DtN kernel) on the artificial boundary of a truncated infinite domain. The CF which has been used to the thin layer method in [69] will be applied to the DtN method to develop a time-domain high-order ABC for the transient scalar wave propagation in 2D. Furthermore, a new stable composite-CF is proposed in this study for 3D unbounded layers by nesting the above CF for 2D layer and another CF.

Findings

The ABS has been transformed from frequency to time domain by using the auxiliary variable technique. The high-order time-domain ABC can couple seamlessly with the finite element method. The instability of the ABC-FEM coupled system is discussed and cured.

Originality/value

This manuscript establishes a stable high-order time-domain ABC for the scalar wave equation in 2D and 3D unbounded layers, which is based on the new continued fraction. The high-order time-domain ABC can couple seamlessly with the finite element method. The instability of the coupled system is discussed and cured.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 36 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2019

Suchitra Veeravalli, Vijayalakshmi Venkatraman and Manoj Hariharan

The purpose of this study is to understand factors that motivate an individual to seek knowledge on knowledge management systems. Specifically, the work seeks to clarify the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand factors that motivate an individual to seek knowledge on knowledge management systems. Specifically, the work seeks to clarify the impact of organizational practices on an individual’s intention to seek knowledge. The overarching theme is to broaden the current understanding of factors that impact individual knowledge seeking behavior and narrow down factors for which interventions can be developed.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with the members of knowledge management (KM), human resources (HR) and learning and development teams of Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Limited (RBEI) to understand knowledge behaviors of employees. Subsequent to an exploratory analysis, the survey methodology was used to collect data from members of RBEI. A proposed theoretical model was then validated using partial least squares.

Findings

Empirical findings suggest that to motivate participation, organizational KM practices need to be geared towards promoting curiosity and engaging learners. Results indicate that overt recognition of knowledge seeking behaviors by HR could be counterproductive.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to an MNC engineering organization in one geographic location; one must be cautious when generalizing these results. Replicating this study in multiple organizations will help mitigate this limitation.

Originality/value

Little is known on the effect of KM and HR practices on knowledge seeking behaviors. This work addresses this gap and presents a comprehensive model.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 50 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 June 2020

Umesh and Manoj Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to obtain the highly accurate numerical solution of Lane–Emden-type equations using modified Adomian decomposition method (MADM) for unequal step-size…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain the highly accurate numerical solution of Lane–Emden-type equations using modified Adomian decomposition method (MADM) for unequal step-size partitions.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors describe the standard Adomian decomposition scheme and the Adomian polynomials for solving nonlinear differential equations. After that, for the fast calculation of the Adomian polynomials, an algorithm is presented based on Duan’s corollary and Rach’s rule. Then, MADM is discussed for the unequal step-size partitions of the domain, to obtain the numerical solution of Lane–Emden-type equations. Moreover, convergence analysis and an error bound for the approximate solution are discussed.

Findings

The proposed method removes the singular behaviour of the problems and provides the high precision numerical solution in the large effective region of convergence in comparison to the other existing methods, as shown in the tested examples.

Originality/value

Unlike the other methods, the proposed method does not require linearization or perturbation to obtain an analytical and numerical solution of singular differential equations, and the obtained results are more physically realistic.

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2017

Syed Tauseef Mohyud-din, Muhammad Asad Iqbal, Umar Khan and Xiao-Jun Yang

This paper aims to propose a method by merging Legendre wavelets method and quasilinearization technique to tackle with the nonlinearity and to get better and more accurate…

120

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a method by merging Legendre wavelets method and quasilinearization technique to tackle with the nonlinearity and to get better and more accurate results.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the significance of the proposed scheme, the authors applied the method on the model representing magneto-hydrodynamic squeezing flow of a viscous fluid between two parallel infinite disks, where one disk is impermeable and the other is porous with either suction or injection of the fluid. For the sake of comparison, numerical solution by using RK-4 is also computed. From the graphs and tables, it is evident that the proposed method shows an excellent accordance with the numerical solution.

Findings

The solution converges to the numerical solution when the degree of Legendre polynomials m is increased. For m = 20 in all the three cases, for different values of S, M and A, the graphs of solutions obtained by Legendre wavelet quasilinearization technique show an excellent agreement with numerical solution. Also, it is evident from figures that suction and injection affects the velocity profile in opposite way. For suction, maximum velocity is seen to be at the center of the channel. Magnetic field can be used to regularize the flow and it stabilizes the flow behavior.

Originality/value

Magnetic field can be used to regularize the flow and it stabilizes the flow behavior.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1992

A. Sreenivasa Ravi, A. Hariharan and B. Sadananda RAO

Rich collections of conference proceedings are available in major science and technology (S & T) libraries in India. Unfortunately, no bibliographic tool is available to provide…

Abstract

Rich collections of conference proceedings are available in major science and technology (S & T) libraries in India. Unfortunately, no bibliographic tool is available to provide access to these information sources at national/regional level at present. Recognising this fact, Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC) has set up a project of creating a database and publishing a union catalogue of S & T conference proceedings available within the country. In the first phase, 30 major research and development institutions in the city of Bangalore, South India have been covered and the first volume of the union catalogue was published in 1991. It is printed using a desktop publishing system and the database is available on Unesco's CDS/ISIS mini‐micro version 2.3.

Details

Program, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

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