For the first time, low-cost open-source 3-D printing provides the potential for distributed manufacturing at the household scale of customized, high-value, and complex products. To explore the potential of this type of ultra-distributed manufacturing, which has been shown to reduce environmental impact compared to conventional manufacturing, this paper presents a case study of a 3-D printable parametric design for recreational vehicle (RV) solar photovoltaic (PV) racking systems. The design ...
The purpose of this paper is to provide a technical and economic evaluation of the value of the RepRap as an entry-level 3-D printer in the developing world and provide a cost effective solar photovoltaic (PV) racking solution to better serve the developing world and aid in the acceleration of their economic and socioeconomic growth. A customizable open-source PV racking concept is designed, prototyped for three types of modules, constructed into systems, and outdoor tested under extreme cond...
Through reduced 3-D printer cost, increased usability, and greater material selection, additive manufacturing has transitioned from business manufacturing to the average prosumer. This study serves as a representative model for the potential future of 3-D printing in the average American household by employing a printer operator who was relatively unfamiliar with 3-D printing and the 3-D design files of common items normally purchased by the average consumer. Twenty-six items were printed in ...
An open-source 3-D printable laboratory sample rotator mixer is developed here in two variants that allow users to opt for the level of functionality, cost saving and associated complexity needed in their laboratories. First, a laboratory sample rotator is designed and demonstrated that can be used for tumbling as well as gentle mixing of samples in a variety of tube sizes by mixing them horizontally, vertically, or any position in between. Changing the mixing angle is fast and convenient and...
Recent advancements in open-source self-replicating rapid prototypers (RepRap) have radically reduced costs of 3-D printing. The cost of additive manufacturing enables distributed manufacturing of open source appropriate technologies (OSAT) to assist in sustainable development. In order to investigate the potential this study makes a careful investigation of the use of RepRap 3-D printers to fabricate widely used Black Mamba bicycle components in the developing world. Specifically, this study...
Lowcost gas metal arc welding (GMAW)based 3D printing has proven effective at additive manufacturing steel and aluminum parts. Early success, however, was based on handwriting Gcode, which is inadequate for the majority of potential users. To enable automated slicing a 3D model and generating Gcode for an acceptable path for GMAW 3D printing, this paper reports on upgrading of the free and open source CuraEngine. The new slicer, MOSTMetalCura, provides the following novel abil...
Some inventions are glamorous and very sophisticated – microchips embedded system technology –and more while some others are quieter, yet not less relevant in easing the work that man has to do with his own energy. Pumps do fall in the latter category (Mario, 2001). This project is intended to model a portable solar powered suction pump. Pumps are devices that transfer fluids (liquid or gas) from one point to another through some mechanical means. Pumps generally have being in use for cen...
Solar powered systems have been built for various applications ranging from public lighting to water supply units but robust efforts have not been made in the development of pumping systems that can effectively replace the manually operated pumps used in field applications. Designing a machine that can pump the fluid without the need of so much energy on the part of the operator as well as boycott the use of direct electricity will hence be a reasonable contribution to field of maintenance an...
Analysis of Longitudinal Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Aircraft Model with and Without Winglet Altab Hossain a *, Prithvi Raj Arora b , Ataur Rahman c , Abdul Aziz Jaafar b , A.K.M. Parvez Iqbal a a Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Industry Selangor, Jln Timur Tambahan, 45600 Batang Berjuntai, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia b Department of Aerospace Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia c Department of Mechanical Engineering, International Islam...
Abstract: Inhibition of corrosion on AISI 4137 steel in H2SO4 using Cascabela thevetia and Jatropha curcas leaves as inhibitor was studied using gravimetric and gasometric analysis. It was found that the leaves extract of both plants act as a good corrosion inhibitor for AISI 4137 steel in all concentrations of the extract ranging from 0.3 - 1.5 g/l and the inhibitive efficiency increases with increasing concentration of inhibitor. Cascabela thevetia has better surface coverage than J...
ABSTRACT The importance of Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motors in modern day technology cannot be overemphasized. Its improved performance in terms of efficiency, reliability, noise and dynamic response, better speed versus torque characteristics, higher speed range, and durability over the Brushed Direct Current motors could not be wished away. This work investigates the performance of a BLDC motor with the application of PI controller, PD controller, PID controller, and fuz...
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: trolling body weight, reducing the chances of heart diseases, reducing the risk of diabetes and some other chronic diseases by improving the functions of the heart, lungs and improving the biomechanical system of the body. Aside surgeryand medication, several methods have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of heart conditions. One of such methods is the use of regulated and supervised exercise as therapy both for prevention of ...
This project covers the design and construction of a power generating windmill. The designs was carried out based on long-term available wind data of bida at 10m above the ground level. The average wind speed for Bida is 5.24m/s and rated turbine wind speed is 6.29m/s. The design of each components of the system were carefully constructed in a well equipped workshop within the school premises. Calculations were done manually for each components of the system and the results was match with the...
A model to predict the dry sliding wear behaviour of Aluminium-Jute bast ashparticulate composites produced by double stir-casting method was developed in termsof weight fraction of jute bast ash (JBA). Experiments were designed on the basis ofthe Design of Experiments (DOE) technique. A 2k factorial, where k is the number ofvariables, with central composite second-order rotatable design was used to improvethe reliability of results and to reduce the size of experimentation without loss ofacc...
Abstract Indirect combustion noise had not been attracting research in the past, but recent indication seems to prove that it could be a threat in the future if not addressed. Means of reducing this type of noise to a low decibel value was also included. Noise is due to the ingestion of distorted atmospheric turbulence, as the two set of blades rotate in different direction. Open rotor noise is higher since the rotors are fully exposed to oncoming turbulence and lack ducting or a nacelle to a...