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Article
Publication date: 9 April 2018

Shanti Kiran Zade, Suresh Babu V. and Sai Srinadh K.V.

The purpose of this study is to manufacture test boards for re-enacting plant or field situations where vacuum chamber for expelling gas bubbles and autoclave equipment would not…

665

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to manufacture test boards for re-enacting plant or field situations where vacuum chamber for expelling gas bubbles and autoclave equipment would not be accessible. This research focuses on the examination and enhancement of tensile strength for the nanocomposites consisting of uniaxial glass fiber mats, nanoclay (NC) and epoxy.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters considered are the weight content of Cloisite 15A NC, the volume of glass fiber (Vgf) and the direction of glass fibers (θ). The composites are made by hand lay-up technique and tested according to ASTM D 638 standard. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array is used to design the experiments.

Findings

The results imply that the orientation of fibers exhibited high significance with a p-value of 0.001 for the upgrade of strength. NC percentage and the volume of fiber have a low effect as the p-values obtained were 0.375 and 0.294. Confirmation tests were performed at the optimal levels of parameters and the outcomes were in the permissible range of the anticipated values of S/N ratio and mean tensile strength. The negligible effect of nanoclay is due to the lack of infusion of resin into the d-spacing of clay layers due to the low configuration settings of mixing conditions which was confirmed by XRD studies. The negligible effect of glass fiber volume is due to the void content and lack of stress transfer between fibers uniformly due to the void content and improper mixing of nanoclay.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is that a low-speed mechanical stirrer was used to mix NC in the epoxy and the mixture was not subjected to vacuum and ultrasonication for degassing and deagglomeration.

Practical implications

These composites can be used as substitute materials in place of metallic parts in the aerospace and automobile sector. These composites can be used in civil structures instead of steel and concrete, which have low strength-to-weight ratio and where the requirement of strength is in the range of 60 to 390 MPa.

Social implications

The composites can be used in a variety of applications, for example, structural works, automotive panels and low-cost housing.

Originality/value

This research gives an idea about the combined contribution of NC, Vgf and “θ” to the improvement of tensile strength of the glass-epoxy composite.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 12 May 2022

Aswathy Sreenivasan and M. Suresh

This study aims to “identify”, “analyse” and “categorise” the lean-sustainability enablers for start-ups during the COVID-19 epidemic using total interpretive structural modelling…

342

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to “identify”, “analyse” and “categorise” the lean-sustainability enablers for start-ups during the COVID-19 epidemic using total interpretive structural modelling (TISM).

Design/methodology/approach

A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data in addition to the scheduled interview. The TISM methodology is used to determine how the variables interact, and the matrice d’Impacts croises-multiplication applique´ a classement (MICMAC) method is used to rank and categorise the lean-sustainability enablers.

Findings

This study identified ten lean-sustainability enablers for start-ups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study says that the key factors are leadership and managerial commitment, implementation of employee skills and abilities, strategic need, personnel engagement and financial ability.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused primarily on lean-sustainability characteristics for start-ups.

Practical implications

This research will aid key stakeholders and academics in better understanding the factors that contribute to lean-sustainability in start-ups.

Originality/value

This study proposes the TISM technique for start-ups, which is a novel attempt in the subject of lean-sustainability in this industry.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

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Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Suresh V., Kathiravan Balusamy and Senthilkumar Chidambaram

An experimental investigation of hemispherical forebody interaction effects on the drag coefficient of a D-shaped model is carried out for three-dimensional flow in the…

23

Abstract

Purpose

An experimental investigation of hemispherical forebody interaction effects on the drag coefficient of a D-shaped model is carried out for three-dimensional flow in the subcritical range of Reynolds number 1 × 105 ≤ Re ≤ 1.8 × 105. To study the interaction effect, hemispherical shapes of various sizes are attached to the upriver of the D-shaped bluff body model. The diameter of the hemisphere (b1) varied from 0.25 to 0.75 times the diameter of the D-shaped model (b2) and its gap from the D-shaped model (g/b2) ranged from 0.25 to 1.75 b2.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were carried out in a low-speed open-circuit closed jet wind tunnel with test section dimensions of 1.2 × 0.9 × 1.8 m (W × H × L) capable of generating maximum velocity up to 45 m/s. The wind tunnel is equipped with a driving unit which has a 175-hp motor with three propellers controlled by a 160-kW inverter drive. Drag force is measured with an internal six-component balance with the help of the Spider 3013 E-pro data acquisition system.

Findings

The wind tunnel results show that the hemispherical forebody has a diameter ratio of 0.75 with a gap ratio of 0.25, resulting in a maximum drag reduction of 67%.

Research limitations/implications

The turbulence intensity of the wind tunnel is about 5.6% at a velocity of 18 m/s. The uncertainty in the velocity and the drag coefficient measurement are about ±1.5 and ±2.83 %, respectively. The maximum error in the geometric model is about ±1.33 %.

ractical implications

The results from the research work are helpful in choosing the optimum spacing of road vehicles, especially truck–trailer and launch vehicle applications.

Social implications

Drag reduction of road vehicle resulting less fuel consumption as well as less pollution to the environment. For instance, tractor trailer experiencing approximately 45% of aerodynamics drag is due to front part of the vehicle. The other contributors are 30% due to trailer base and 25% is due to under body flow. Nearly 65% of energy was spent to overcome the aerodynamic drag, when the vehicle is traveling at the average of 70 kmph (Seifert 2008 and Doyle 2008).

Originality/value

The benefits of placing the forebody in front of the main body will have a strong influence on reducing fuel consumption.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

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Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

A. John William, M. Suresh and Nagamani Subramanian

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a major source of employment and revenue growth in developing nations like India, but they also face challenges from resource…

489

Abstract

Purpose

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a major source of employment and revenue growth in developing nations like India, but they also face challenges from resource shortages, shifting consumer demand and heightened competition. This research aims to discover the aspects that enhance SMEs' competitiveness and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing literature and consulting experts, 10 factors that boost a firm's competitiveness were identified. The total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) method was then used to determine their interaction and structural hierarchy. Neutrosophic-MICMAC analysis was employed to assess the driving-dependence power of each factor.

Findings

The study discovered that the factor, namely “entrepreneurial orientation,” was found to be a significant one. “Manufacturing strategy” was found to be extremely dependent on the remaining competitive advantage factors.

Research limitations/implications

This SME-focused framework can be adopted by large businesses to enhance organizational performance by focusing on critical factors. The study depends on experts' judgment, which might be biased. Findings will assist SMEs in identifying significant factors influencing competitive advantage and relationships, increasing awareness of factors contributing to competitive edge.

Practical implications

The results of the research may encourage SME sector managers and practitioners to prioritize the factors that contribute to a firm's competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The majority of research on SME competitive advantage focuses on individual aspects. To add to the body of knowledge on the subject, this study applies the TISM technique to Indian SMEs to identify the contextual interactions among factors that increase long-term competitiveness.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 14 July 2022

Velmani M. and Suresh V.

This paper aims to numerically investigate the influence of shock wave and freestream turbulence interaction on the parabolic and spherically blunted nose cones at supersonic…

126

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to numerically investigate the influence of shock wave and freestream turbulence interaction on the parabolic and spherically blunted nose cones at supersonic speed.

Design/methodology/approach

Using density-based solver, the three-dimensional steady-state simulation is carried out. The working fluid is calorically perfect that obeys ideal gas law and the no-slip boundary conditionis given to the surface of the nose cone. Pressure far-field boundary condition is imposed at the boundary of the computational domain by giving freestream Mach number, freestream static pressure and temperature.

Findings

The growth rate of the boundary layer is faster on the spherically blunted nose cone, hence, the overall drag force is higher than the parabolic nose cone. Temperature at the edge of the boundary layer is increased due to the early ampli-fication of instabilities by the upstream disturbance. In this sense, the effects of freestream turbulence depend on its level, freestream conditions, strength and type of shock wave and zone of influence.

Research limitations/implications

Simulations are carried out for the flow Mach number 2.0 at zero angles of attack for the freestream conditions of the flow at an altitude of 10,000 m.

Practical implications

The phenomenon of shock wave–turbulence interaction occurs in flow regimes from transonic to hypersonic speeds and finds a wide range of applications, especially in the design of aircraft and missiles configurations.

Originality/value

The phenomenon of compression wave and freestream turbulence interaction around the commonly used nose cones in the case of aircraft, missiles, etc., is investigated. The performance characteristics such as aerodynamic drag, boundary layer dynamics and the nature of flow around the different nose cones at zero angle of attack are illustrated.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

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Article
Publication date: 23 August 2021

Jayaraman Chillayil, Suresh M., Viswanathan P.K., Sushanta Kumar Mahapatra and Sasi K. Kottayil

In the realm of energy behaviour studies, very little research has been done to understand industrial energy behaviour (IEB) that influences the willingness to adopt (WTA…

221

Abstract

Purpose

In the realm of energy behaviour studies, very little research has been done to understand industrial energy behaviour (IEB) that influences the willingness to adopt (WTA) energy-efficient measures. Most of the studies on energy behaviour were focused on the residential and commercial sectors where the behaviour under investigation was under volitional control, that is, where people believe that they can execute the behaviour whenever they are willing to do so. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors influencing the industry’s intentions and behaviour that leads to enhanced adoption of energy efficiency measures recommended through energy audits. In particular, this paper aims to extend the existing behaviour intention models using the total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) method and expert feedback to develop an IEB model

Design/methodology/approach

TISM technique was used to determine the relationship between different elements of the behaviour. Responses were collected from experts in the field of energy efficiency to understand the relationship between identified factors, their driving power and dependency.

Findings

The results show that values, socialisation and leadership of individuals are the key driving factors in deciding the individual energy behaviour. WTA energy-saving measures recommended by an energy auditor are found to be highly dependent on the organisational policies such as energy policy, delegation of power to energy manager and life cycle cost evaluation in purchase policy.

Research limitations/implications

This study has a few limitations that warrant consideration in future research. First, the data came from a small sample of energy experts based on a convenience sample of Indian experts. This limits the generalizability of the results. Individual and organizational behaviour analysed in this study looked into a few select characteristics, derived from the literature review and expert feedback, which may pose questions about the standard for behaviours in different industries.

Practical implications

Reasons for non-adoption of energy audit recommendations are rarely shared by the industries and the analysis of individual and organisational behaviour through structured questionnaire and surveys have serious limitations. Under this circumstance, collecting expert feedback and using the TISM method to build an IEB model can help to build strategies to enhance the adoption of energy-efficient measures.

Social implications

Various policy level interventions and regulatory measures in the energy field, adopted across the globe, are found unsuccessful in narrowing the energy-efficiency gap, reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming. Understanding the key driving factors can help develop effective intervention strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.

Originality/value

The industry energy behaviour model with driving, linking and dependent factors and factor hierarchy is a novel contribution to the theory of organisational behaviour. The model takes into consideration both the individual and organisational factors where the decision-making is not strictly under volitional control. Understanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help design an effective intervention strategy that addresses the barriers to energy efficiency improvement. The results imply that it is important to carry out post energy audit studies to understand the implementation rate of recommendations and also the individual and organisational factors that influence the WTA energy-saving measures.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Available. Content available
34

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 9 January 2024

Kathiravan Balusamy, Vinothraj A. and Suresh V.

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of aerospike and hemispherical aerodisks on flow characteristics and drag reduction in supersonic flow over a blunt body…

109

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of aerospike and hemispherical aerodisks on flow characteristics and drag reduction in supersonic flow over a blunt body. Specifically, the study aims to analyze the impact of varying the length of the cylindrical rod in the aerospike (ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 times the diameter of the blunt body) and the diameter of the hemispherical disk (ranging from 0.25 to 0.75 times the blunt body diameter). CFD simulations were conducted at a supersonic Mach number of 2 and a Reynolds number of 2.79 × 106.

Design/methodology/approach

ICEM CFD and ANSYS CFX solver were used to generate the three-dimensional flow along with its structures. The flow structure and drag coefficient were computed using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation model. The drag reduction mechanism was also explained using the idea of dividing streamline and density contour. The performance of the aero spike length and the effect of aero disk size on the drag are investigated.

Findings

The separating shock is located in front of the blunt body, forming an effective conical shape that reduces the pressure drag acting on the blunt body. It was observed that extending the length of the spike beyond a specific critical point did not impact the flow field characteristics and had no further influence on the enhanced performance. The optimal combination of disk and spike length was determined, resulting in a substantial reduction in drag through the introduction of the aerospike and disk.

Research limitations/implications

To predict the accurate results of drag and to reduce the simulation time, a hexa grid with finer mesh structure was adopted in the simulation.

Practical implications

The blunt nose structures are primarily employed in the design of rockets, missiles, and re-entry capsules to withstand higher aerodynamic loads and aerodynamic heating.

Originality/value

For the optimized size of the aero spike, aero disk is also optimized to use the benefits of both.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 10 March 2022

Vishal Ashok Wankhede and S. Vinodh

The purpose is to assess Industry 4.0 (I4.0) readiness index using fuzzy logic and multi-grade fuzzy approaches in an automotive component manufacturing organization.

880

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose is to assess Industry 4.0 (I4.0) readiness index using fuzzy logic and multi-grade fuzzy approaches in an automotive component manufacturing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

I4.0 implies fourth industrial revolution that necessitates vital challenges to be dealt with. In this viewpoint, this article presents the evaluation of I4.0 Readiness Index. The evaluation includes two levels with appropriate criteria and factors. Fuzzy logic approach is used for assessment. Furthermore, the results obtained from fuzzy logic have been benchmarked with multi-grade fuzzy approach.

Findings

The proposed assessment model has successfully utilized fuzzy logic approach for assessment of I4.0 readiness index of automotive component manufacturing organization. Based on fuzzy logic approach, readiness index of I4.0 has been found to be (4.74, 6.26, 7.80) which is further benchmarked using multi-grade fuzzy approach. Industry 4.0 readiness index obtained from multi-grade fuzzy approach is 6.258 and thus, validated. Furthermore, 20 weaker areas have been identified and improvement suggestions are provided.

Research limitations/implications

The assessment module include two levels (Six Criteria and 50 Factors). The assessment model could be expanded based on advancements in industrial developments. Therefore, future researchers could utilize findings of the readiness model to further develop multi-level assessment module for Industry 4.0 readiness in organization. The developed readiness model helped researchers in understanding the methodology to assess I4.0 readiness of organization.

Practical implications

The model has been tested with reference to automotive component manufacturing organization and hence the inferences derived have practical relevance. Furthermore, the benchmarking strategy adopted in the present study is simple to understand that makes the model unique and could be applied to other organizations. The results obtained from the study reveal that fuzzy logic-based readiness model is efficient to assess I4.0 readiness of industry.

Originality/value

The development of model for I4.0 readiness assessment and further analysis is the original contribution of the authors. The developed fuzzy logic based I4.0 readiness model indicated the readiness level of an organization using I4RI. Also, the model provided weaker areas based on FPII values which is essential to improve the readiness of organization that already began with the adoption of I4.0 concepts. Further modification in the readiness model would help in enhancing I4.0 readiness of organization. Moreover, the benchmarking strategy adopted in the study i.e. MGF would help to validate the computed I4.0 readiness.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 15 January 2021

Jayaraman Chillayil, M. Suresh, Viswanathan P.K. and Sasi K. Kottayil

Energy-efficiency leads to productivity gains as it can lower operating and maintenance costs, increase production yields per unit of manufacturing input and improve staff…

260

Abstract

Purpose

Energy-efficiency leads to productivity gains as it can lower operating and maintenance costs, increase production yields per unit of manufacturing input and improve staff accountability. Implementation of energy-efficient technologies amongst industries, the factors influencing them and the barriers to their adoption have been the subject of several studies during the past three to four decades. Though energy-use behaviours of individuals or households are sufficiently explored, industrial energy conservation behaviour is scarcely studied. This study identifies the relationship between the different behavioural elements to open up a door for behaviourally informed intervention research.

Design/methodology/approach

Total interpretive structural modelling technique was used to determine the relationship between different elements of the behaviour of energy managers. Expert responses were collected to understand the relationship between the behavioural elements, through telephone interviews.

Findings

The study identified the relationship between the behavioural elements and found imperfect evaluation as the key element with the highest driving power to influence other elements.

Research limitations/implications

The authors postulate that a behaviourally informed intervention strategy that looks into the elements with high driving power such as imperfect evaluation, lack of focus on energy-saving measures and the lack of sharing energy-saving objectives can lead to: an increase in the adoption of energy efficiency measures and thereby a reduction in the energy efficiency gap; greater productivity gains and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; Preparation of M&V protocol that incorporates behavioural, organisational and informational barriers.

Social implications

Various policy level interventions and regulatory measures in the energy field which did not address the behavioural barriers are found unsuccessful in narrowing the energy-efficiency gap, reducing the GHG gas emissions and global warming. Understanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help to design an effective intervention strategy to address the barriers to energy efficiency improvement.

Originality/value

Understanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help to design an effective intervention strategy to address the barriers to energy efficiency improvement. This study argues that through the systematic analysis of the imperfect evaluation of energy audit recommendations, it is possible to increase the adoption of energy efficiency measures that can lead to greater productivity gains and reduced GHG emissions.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

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