The purpose of this work is to visualize the flow behaviour in critical sections of a pressurized gating system.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this work is to visualize the flow behaviour in critical sections of a pressurized gating system.
Design/methodology/approach
The investigation was carried out using water models of gating system that were designed, invoking the principles of similitude. Water was used as the filling medium, and the manner of flow through various sections of the gating system and the cavity was recorded with a high-speed camera capable of capturing images up to 10,000 frames per second. This was followed by an analysis of the results obtained from each phase. Finally, computer simulations of flow were carried out using commercial software. The manner of filling as observed during experiments and that during simulation were compared so as to draw some useful conclusions on the utility of flow visualization using water models and the capability of software to predict the filling pattern during casting process. It was understood that water models are powerful aids for understanding the intricacies of flow through critical sections of the gating systems.
Findings
It was observed that water models are a reliable indicator of the mould-filling process. Further, substantial differences in the filling pattern were observed between water model experiments and filling simulation using commercial software.
Research limitations/implications
The findings are limited to horizontal plate-type castings. Also, the influence of surface roughness in the flow through the runner is not considered.
Originality/value
This work facilitates understanding of the importance of flow visualization on the quality and reliability of castings.
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Rajyalakshmi K. and Nageswara Rao Boggarapu
Scatter in the outcome of repeated experiments is unavoidable due to measurement errors in addition to the non-linear nature of the output responses with unknown influential input…
Abstract
Purpose
Scatter in the outcome of repeated experiments is unavoidable due to measurement errors in addition to the non-linear nature of the output responses with unknown influential input parameters. It is a standard practice to select an orthogonal array in the Taguchi approach for tracing optimum input parameters by conducting a few number of experiments and confirm them through additional experimentation (if necessary). The purpose of this paper is to present a simple methodology and its validation with existing test results in finding the expected range of the output response by suggesting modifications in the Taguchi method.
Design/methodology/approach
The modified Taguchi approach is proposed to find the optimum process parameters and the expected range of the output response.
Findings
This paper presents a simple methodology and its validation with existing test results in finding the expected range of the output response by suggesting modifications in the Taguchi method.
Research limitations/implications
Adequacy of this methodology should be examined by considering the test data on different materials and structures.
Originality/value
The introduction of Chauvenet’s criterion and opposing the signal-to-noise ratio transformation on repeated experiments of each test run will provide fruitful results and less computation burden.
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Dharmendra B.V., Shyam Prasad Kodali and Nageswara Rao Boggarapu
The purpose of this paper is to adopt the multi-objective optimization technique for identifying a set of optimum abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) parameters to achieve maximum…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to adopt the multi-objective optimization technique for identifying a set of optimum abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) parameters to achieve maximum material removal rate (MRR) and minimum surface roughness.
Design/methodology/approach
Data of a few experiments as per the Taguchi’s orthogonal array are considered for achieving maximum MRR and minimum surface roughness (Ra) of the Inconel718. Analysis of variance is performed to understand the statistical significance of AWJM input process parameters.
Findings
Empirical relations are developed for MRR and Ra in terms of the AWJM process parameters and demonstrated their adequacy through comparison of test results.
Research limitations/implications
The signal-to-noise ratio transformation should be applied to take in to account the scatter in the repetition of tests in each test run. But, many researchers have adopted this transformation on a single output response of each test run, which has no added advantage other than additional computational task. This paper explains the impact of insignificant process parameter in selection of optimal process parameters. This paper demands drawbacks and complexity in existing theories prior to use new algorithms.
Practical implications
Taguchi approach is quite simple and easy to handle optimization problems, which has no practical implications (if it handles properly). There is no necessity to hunt for new algorithms for obtaining solution for multi-objective optimization AWJM process.
Originality/value
This paper deals with a case study, which demonstrates the simplicity of the Taguchi approach in solving multi-objective optimization problems with a few number of experiments.
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Abdel-Aziz Ahmad Sharabati, Sharief Ahmad Al-Atrash and Iyad Yousef Dalbah
Supply chain control tower (SCCT) has emerged as a new tool for SC management. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of SCCT on the competitive advantage of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Supply chain control tower (SCCT) has emerged as a new tool for SC management. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of SCCT on the competitive advantage of the Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (JPM) Organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
To actualize this study, the data are collected from 132 managers working at JPM Organizations by questionnaire. After confirming the normality, validity and reliability of the tool, descriptive analysis carried out, and the correlation between variables checked. Finally, the impact tested by multiple regressions.
Findings
The results show that the JPM organizations implement both SCCT elements and competitive advantage dimensions. Results show that there is a strong correlation among SCCT elements, among competitive advantage dimensions and between SCCT and competitive advantage. Finally, results indicate that SCCT has a significant positive effect on the total competitive advantage. SCCT affects quality, cost, reliability and responsiveness respectively; however, it does not have a significant effect on innovation.
Research limitations/implications
The current study conducted on JPM Organizations. Therefore, to check results generalizability, it is recommended to conduct such research on other industries and countries.
Practical implications
Managers should apply SCCT, because it provides real-time information, which is visible to all partners. Therefore, SCCT has to be included within organizations’ vision, mission, strategies and implemented in daily practices.
Social implications
SCCT helps to improve quality and reduce cost, which enhances the quality of life and society welfare.
Originality/value
This study may be considered as one of the few studies that tackle the issue of SCCT in pharmaceutical industry.
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Yuvaraj K.P., Joshua Gnana Sekaran J. and Shanmugam A.
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ultrasonic vibration (UV) and tool pin profile on mechanical properties and microstructural behaviour of AA7075-T651 and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ultrasonic vibration (UV) and tool pin profile on mechanical properties and microstructural behaviour of AA7075-T651 and AA6061-T6 joints was analysed.
Design/methodology/approach
The joints were fabricated using three different tool pin profiles such as cylindrical, square and triangle. For each tool pin profile, two different UV powers of 1.5 kW and 2 kW were used.
Findings
On both the advancing and retreating sides of the weld, the thermo-mechanically affected zone has the lowest microhardness. In all joints, the tensile fracture locations match to the minimum hardness values. Field emission scanning electron microscope fractography of tensile tested specimens reveals heterogeneous modes of brittle, shear and ductile fracture. Three-point bending analysis was performed to determine the ductility and soundness of the weld joint. The acoustic softening effect of UV, as well as the static and dynamic ratio of tool pin profile, plays an important role in determining the material flow and mechanical behaviour of the joint.
Practical implications
Dissimilar aluminium joining fascinates many applications like aircraft, aerospace, automobiles, ship building and electronics, where fusion welding is a very intricate process because of the deviation in its physical and chemical properties.
Originality/value
From this study investigation, it is found that the square pin profiled tool with 2 kW UV power produces metallurgical defect-free and mechanically sound weld with maximum tensile strength, hardness and bending load of 297 MPa, 151HV and 3.82 kN, respectively.
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Hassan Younis, Omar M. Bwaliez, Mohammad Hamdan Garibeh and Balan Sundarakani
This study aims to investigate the impact of implementing various robotic systems in logistics and supply chain management on corporate performance in Jordanian manufacturing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of implementing various robotic systems in logistics and supply chain management on corporate performance in Jordanian manufacturing companies, focusing on environmental, operational, economic, and social dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quantitative approach, data was collected through a survey questionnaire to measure the relationship between robotic systems and several performance dimensions. Various established constructs were employed, and the structural relationships were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the complex interdependencies within the model.
Findings
The results of this study indicate that the adoption of robotic systems has a positive influence on the environmental, operational, economic, and social performance of Jordanian manufacturing companies. In contrast to prior research that revealed inconsistencies in the social dimension, our findings align with previous studies highlighting the benefits of robotics in logistics and supply chain management. However, it’s worth noting that this study did not uncover similar inconsistencies, particularly in terms of the impact on social performance.
Practical implications
The study provides valuable insights for manufacturing companies considering the implementation of robotic systems, highlighting the need to evaluate the environmental, operational, social, and economic consequences. This understanding can help organizations make informed decisions to leverage the benefits of robotics for sustainable growth.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the growing literature on robotics in logistics and supply chain management, specifically focusing on the unique context of Jordanian manufacturing companies. By examining the multifaceted impact of robotic systems, this study extends the understanding of the role of technology in enhancing corporate performance.
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Ibtissem Alguirat, Fatma Lehyani and Alaeddine Zouari
Lean management tools are becoming increasingly applied in different types of organizations around the world. These tools have shown their significant contribution to improving…
Abstract
Purpose
Lean management tools are becoming increasingly applied in different types of organizations around the world. These tools have shown their significant contribution to improving business performance. In this vein, the purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of lean management on both occupational safety and operational excellence in Tunisian companies.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted among Tunisian companies, and it resulted in the collection of 62 responses that were analyzed using the software SPSS. In addition, a conceptual model linking the practices of the three basic concepts was designed to highlight the hypotheses of the research. Subsequently, factor analysis and structural equation method analysis were conducted to assess the validation of the assumptions.
Findings
The results obtained have shown that lean management has a significant impact on occupational safety. Similarly, occupational safety has a significant impact on operational excellence. However, lean management does not have a significant impact on operational excellence.
Originality/value
This work highlighted the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprise’s managers from emerging economies in the studied concepts’ practices. Likewise, it testified to the impacts of lean management on occupational safety and operational excellence in the Tunisian context.
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Unstructured data such as images have defied usage in property valuation for a long time. Instead, structured data in tabular format are commonly employed to estimate property…
Abstract
Purpose
Unstructured data such as images have defied usage in property valuation for a long time. Instead, structured data in tabular format are commonly employed to estimate property prices. This study attempts to quantify the shape of land lots and uses the resultant output as an input variable for subsequent land valuation models.
Design/methodology/approach
Imagery data containing land lot shapes are fed into a convolutional neural network, and the shape of land lots is classified into two categories, regular and irregular-shaped. Then, the intermediate output (regularity score) is utilized in four downstream models to estimate land prices: random forest, gradient boosting, support vector machine and regression models.
Findings
Quantification of the land lot shapes and their exploitation in valuation led to an improvement in the predictive accuracy for all subsequent models.
Originality/value
The study findings are expected to promote the adoption of elusive price determinants such as the shape of a land lot, appearance of a house and the landscape of a neighborhood in property appraisal practices.
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Mariana Ferreira de Mello Silva and Eduardo Raupp de Vargas
This study aims to examine the extant literature to analyze the relationship between quality assurance (QA) and innovation in the higher education context.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the extant literature to analyze the relationship between quality assurance (QA) and innovation in the higher education context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study selected 63 articles through a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science databases and performed a descriptive and thematic synthesis-analysis on the sample.
Findings
The research identifies several perspectives discussed on QA systems covering experiences, criticisms and practice implications. The literature review shows there is no clear consensus on whether innovation in higher education institutions (HEIs) is fostered or hindered by QA processes. However, it seems that the likelihood of innovativeness and positive QA outcomes are directly linked to how these processes are managed in universities.
Research limitations/implications
This review highlights the university management concerns that emerge with QA issues as it is not yet clear to what extent innovation is actually promoted in scenarios where QA is applied. Hence, this literature review could be considered comprehensive but not exhaustive. Further studies are recommended to improve the understanding of how HEIs can both innovate and ensure quality at the same time.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by advancing the opportunities and challenges that HEIs face due to QA system features.
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Keywords
I.C. Nwuzor, Atuanya C.U. and Olisa O.
The production of car bumper composites based on glass fibers and carbon fibers has been a continuous trend. These materials have standard properties; however, they are very…
Abstract
Purpose
The production of car bumper composites based on glass fibers and carbon fibers has been a continuous trend. These materials have standard properties; however, they are very expensive and are not readily available. Therefore, focus on the choice of reinforcement fibers is gradually shifting toward natural sources. Natural fibers are becoming attractive alternatives to traditional high‐performance fibers such as glass and carbon fibers for reinforcement in composites in structural applications. To produce a car bumper that will be less expensive and available leads to the development of Momordica angustisepala fibers (MAf) and anthill particles/ polyester hybrid composites.
Design/methodology/approach
The composite was produced by hand lay method. The physical, mechanical, microstructure and thermal properties of the composites were used as criteria for the selection of the material for car bumper application. The validation of the tensile properties was done using the finite element method.
Findings
The results should impact energy of 7.82J/mm2, 145.28 per cent improvement in tensile strength of the polyester increased by the addition of 6wt per cent MAf, and 5wt per cent anthill particles. Flexural modulus of 2269.01 and 2435.19 Mpa and flexural strength of 56.61 and 85.45 Mpa were obtained for the polyester and composite. The maximum temperature of decomposition was 370.00 and 472.00oC for polyester and composite. Validation of the tensile properties shows that with the difference between predicated yield strength the experimental gave a percentage error of 6.43 per cent and safety of 68.12 per cent. It can be concluded that the composite formulation with 6 wt per cent MAf and 5 wt per cent anthill particles in polyester can be used in the production of car bumper because the mechanical properties obtained are within the ranges used for car bumper application.
Originality/value
The composition of 5 wt per cent anthill particles and 6 wt per cent MAf in polyester has never been used in the production of car bumper before now; hence this work is novel and contributed to knowledge materials development.