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7 pages, 481 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Working Fluid Selection for Biogas-Powered Organic Rankine Cycle-Vapor Compression Cycle

by Muhammad Talha, Nawaf Mehmood Malik, Muhammad Tauseef Nasir, Waqas Khalid, Muhammad Safdar and Khawaja Fahad Iqbal

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023001 - 25 Jul 2025

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Abstract

The worldwide need for energy as well as environmental challenges have promoted the creation of sustainable power solutions. The combination of different working fluids is used for an organic Rankine cycle-powered vapor compression cycle (ORC-VCC) to deliver cooling applications. The selection of an [...] Read more.

The worldwide need for energy as well as environmental challenges have promoted the creation of sustainable power solutions. The combination of different working fluids is used for an organic Rankine cycle-powered vapor compression cycle (ORC-VCC) to deliver cooling applications. The selection of an appropriate working fluid significantly impacts system performance, efficiency, and environmental impact. The research evaluates possible working fluids to optimize the ORC-VCC system. Firstly, Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-derived models are used for exergy destruction ( E d t o t ) and heat exchanger total heat transfer capacity ( U A t o t ). Later on, multi-objective optimization was carried out using the acquired models for E d t o t and U A t o t using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) followed by the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The optimization results showcase Decane ORC-R600a VCC as the best candidate for the ORC-VCC system; the values of E d t o t and U A t o t were found to be 24.50 kW and 6.71 kW/K, respectively. The research data show how viable it is to implement biogas-driven ORC-VCC systems when providing air conditioning capabilities. Full article

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8 pages, 3432 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage via FeCoS/RGO Composites

by Muhammad Tariq and Mohsin Ali Marwat

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023002 - 25 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Supercapacitors are considered a bridge between batteries and capacitors due to their significant energy density, as well as power density. Herein, we prepared two novel electrodes of Fe_0.8Co_0.2S and Fe_0.8Co_0.2S/rGO composites and analyzed their supercapacitor [...] Read more.

Supercapacitors are considered a bridge between batteries and capacitors due to their significant energy density, as well as power density. Herein, we prepared two novel electrodes of Fe_0.8Co_0.2S and Fe_0.8Co_0.2S/rGO composites and analyzed their supercapacitor performance. The results indicated that Fe_0.8Co_0.2S/rGO, prepared through co-precipitation and annealing, exhibited a higher specific capacitance value and improved electrochemical properties in comparison to Fe_0.8Co_0.2S due to the synergistic effect of rGO with Fe_0.8Co_0.2S. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the desired phases of Fe_0.8Co_0.2S, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) verified the microstructures and desired elements. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) confirmed an enhanced oxidation current from +25 mA to +49 mA at 10 mV/s, while galvanometric charge–discharge (GCD) showed an enhanced discharge time from 78 s to 300 s. As a result, the specific capacitance and energy density were enhanced from 74.3 F/g to 285.7 F/g and 2.84 Wh/kg to 10.9 Wh/kg, respectively. This contributed to a more than 283% increase in specific capacitance, as well as energy density. Overall, Fe_0.8Co_0.2S/rGO shows great potential for small-scale energy storage devices. Full article

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9 pages, 1792 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Comparative Analysis of the Impact Behavior of Honeycomb Sandwich Composites

by Yasir Zaman, Shahzad Ahmad, Muhammad Bilal Khan, Babar Ashfaq and Muhammad Qasim Zafar

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023003 - 29 Jul 2025

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Abstract

The increasing need for materials that are both lightweight and strong in the aerospace and automotive sectors has driven the extensive use of composite sandwich structures. This study examines the impact response of honeycomb sandwich composites fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding [...] Read more.

The increasing need for materials that are both lightweight and strong in the aerospace and automotive sectors has driven the extensive use of composite sandwich structures. This study examines the impact response of honeycomb sandwich composites fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique. Two configurations were analyzed, namely carbon–honeycomb–carbon (CHC) and carbon–Kevlar–honeycomb–Kevlar–carbon (CKHKC), to assess the effect of Kevlar reinforcement on impact resistance. Charpy impact testing was conducted to evaluate energy absorption, revealing that CKHKC composites exhibited significantly superior impact resistance compared to CHC composites. The CKHKC composite achieved an average impact strength of 70.501 KJ/m², which is approximately 73.8% higher than the 40.570 KJ/m² recorded for CHC. This improvement is attributed to Kevlar’s superior toughness and energy dissipation capabilities. A comparative assessment of impact energy absorption further highlights the advantages of hybrid Kevlar–carbon fiber composites, making them highly suitable for applications requiring enhanced impact performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of high-performance honeycomb sandwich structures for impact-critical environments. Full article

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10 pages, 1309 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Sustainable Approach to Cooking: Design and Evaluation of a Sun-Tracking Concentrated Solar Stove

by Hasan Ali Khan, Malik Hassan Nawaz, Main Omair Gul and Mazhar Javed

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023004 - 29 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Access to clean cooking remains a major challenge in rural and off-grid areas where traditional fuels are costly, harmful, or scarce. Solar cooking offers a sustainable solution, but many existing systems suffer from fixed positioning and low efficiency. This study presents a low-cost, [...] Read more.

Access to clean cooking remains a major challenge in rural and off-grid areas where traditional fuels are costly, harmful, or scarce. Solar cooking offers a sustainable solution, but many existing systems suffer from fixed positioning and low efficiency. This study presents a low-cost, dual-axis solar tracking parabolic dish cooker designed for such regions, featuring adjustable pot holder height and portability for ease of use. The system uses an Arduino UNO, LDR sensors, and a DC gear motor to automate sun tracking, ensuring optimal alignment throughout the day. A 0.61 m parabolic dish with ≥97% reflective silver-coated mirrors concentrates sunlight to temperatures exceeding 300 °C. Performance tests in April, June, and November showed boiling times as low as 3.37 min in high-irradiance conditions (7.66 kWh/m²/day) and 6.63 min under lower-irradiance conditions (3.86 kWh/m²/day). Compared to fixed or single-axis systems, this design achieved higher thermal efficiency and reliability, even under partially cloudy skies. Built with locally available materials, the system offers an affordable, clean, and effective cooking solution that supports energy access, health, and sustainability in underserved communities. Full article

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10 pages, 1457 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Semi-Automated Framework for Standardized Vertebral Measurement with Enhanced Reproducibility in Lumbar Spine MRI Analysis

by Muhammad Hasan Masrur, Rana Talha Khalid, Khair Ul Wara, Abdul Alber, Faizan Ahmad, Zainab Bibi and Jawad Hussain

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023005 - 30 Jul 2025

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Abstract

A semi-automated framework for vertebral measurement has been developed to overcome clinical limitations of subjectivity and poor reproducibility in spinal assessment. The framework integrates watershed segmentation with level-set functions and deterministic cylindrical modeling to convert pixel-based measurements to physical dimensions, achieving 2% reproducibility [...] Read more.

A semi-automated framework for vertebral measurement has been developed to overcome clinical limitations of subjectivity and poor reproducibility in spinal assessment. The framework integrates watershed segmentation with level-set functions and deterministic cylindrical modeling to convert pixel-based measurements to physical dimensions, achieving 2% reproducibility error. Interactive region-of-interest selection enables the effective handling of multi-vertebrae cases while preserving clinical expertise input. Validation using a lumbar spine MRI dataset on 515 patients confirms measurements fall within established anatomical parameters for L3–L5 vertebrae. This methodology provides a transparent, reproducible approach for standardized vertebral assessment that balances automation with clinical reasoning, offering immediate implementation potential without the computational demands and regulatory challenges associated with complex AI systems. Full article

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8 pages, 810 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Towards Cost Modelling for Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Technology-Based Investment Casting Process for Development of Low-Cost Dies

by Samina Bibi and Muhammad Sajid

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023006 - 30 Jul 2025

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Abstract

In precision manufacturing, selecting the most economically viable process is essential for low-volume, high-complexity applications. This study compares the machining process (MP), conventional investment casting (CIC), and rapid prototyping (RP) through a mathematical cost model based on the activity-based costing (ABC) approach. The [...] Read more.

In precision manufacturing, selecting the most economically viable process is essential for low-volume, high-complexity applications. This study compares the machining process (MP), conventional investment casting (CIC), and rapid prototyping (RP) through a mathematical cost model based on the activity-based costing (ABC) approach. The model captures detailed cost drivers across design, logistics, production, and environmental dimensions. Results show that MP incurs the highest production cost (94.45%) but minimal logistics (3.43%). CIC bears the highest total cost and significant production overhead (93.2%), while RIC achieves the lowest total cost, driven by major savings in production (84.6%) and labor. Although RIC has slightly higher logistics than MP, it demonstrates superior economic efficiency for small-batch, high-accuracy production. This study provides a unified quantitative framework for cost comparison and offers valuable guidance for manufacturers aiming to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and profitability across diverse fabrication strategies. Full article

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12 pages, 953 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Lie Optimal Solutions of Heat Transfer in a Liquid Film over an Unsteady Stretching Surface with Viscous Dissipation and an External Magnetic Field

by Haris Ahmad, Chaudhry Kashif Iqbal, Muhammad Safdar, Bismah Jamil and Safia Taj

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023007 - 30 Jul 2025

Abstract

A lie point symmetry analysis of flow and heat transfer under the influence of an external magnetic field and viscous dissipation was previously conducted using a couple of lie point symmetries of the model. In this article, we construct a one-dimensional optimal system [...] Read more.

A lie point symmetry analysis of flow and heat transfer under the influence of an external magnetic field and viscous dissipation was previously conducted using a couple of lie point symmetries of the model. In this article, we construct a one-dimensional optimal system for the flow model to extend the previous analysis. This optimal system reveals all the solvable classes of the flow model by deducing similarity transformations, reducing flow equations, and solving the obtained equations analytically. A general class of solutions that encompasses all the previously known lie similarity solutions is provided here. Full article

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3090 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Investigating Mesh Sensitivity in Linear and Non-Linear Buckling Analysis of Composite Cylindrical Shells

by Shahmeer Khalid Chatha, Muhammad Sher Ali, Muhammad Noman Butt and Muhammad Usman

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023008 - 31 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study investigates mesh sensitivity in the buckling analysis of composite cylindrical shells using the finite element methods. Two Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) models with distinct layups were subjected to linear (Eigenvalue) and non-linear (Riks) analyses under axial compression. Mesh sizes ranging from [...] Read more.

This study investigates mesh sensitivity in the buckling analysis of composite cylindrical shells using the finite element methods. Two Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) models with distinct layups were subjected to linear (Eigenvalue) and non-linear (Riks) analyses under axial compression. Mesh sizes ranging from 50 mm to 2.5 mm were tested using Abaqus. The results revealed that the non-linear analysis is more mesh-sensitive and computationally demanding. Model-1 showed better convergence in non-linear analysis, with <1% error, while Model-2 favored linear analysis, with <0.5% error at finer meshes. The comparison of models results with the experimental data highlights the importance of an empirical correction factor. These findings provide practical guidelines for mesh selection in composite shell analysis. Full article

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1887 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Experimental Evaluation of Coefficient of Friction for Fretting Regimes

by Shumaila Fatima, Shahid Mehmood, Muhammad Awais Hamza, Atta Ur Rahman, Hafiz Samama Sumair, Soban Ullah, Muhammad Ammar Nasir, Muhammad Ehtisham and Husnain Zulfiqar Ali

Mater. Proc. 2025, 23(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025023009 - 31 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear behavior in fretting regimes—stick, stick–slip, and gross sliding—under dry and oil-lubricated conditions. Fretting tests were conducted by increasing oscillation amplitude from a few micrometers to 48 µm. In dry conditions, displacement amplitude initially [...] Read more.

This study investigates the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear behavior in fretting regimes—stick, stick–slip, and gross sliding—under dry and oil-lubricated conditions. Fretting tests were conducted by increasing oscillation amplitude from a few micrometers to 48 µm. In dry conditions, displacement amplitude initially rose rapidly, stabilizing after about 5 million load cycles, indicating steady-state behavior. The friction ratio (FR) surged early, peaking between 0.7 and 1.0, before declining to stable values, suggesting a shift from adhesive to stable frictional interaction. The minimal slip amplitude confirmed the predominance of the stick regime. Conversely, in oil-lubricated conditions, displacement amplitude stabilized after an initial increase, achieving higher amplitudes than in dry tests. The FR started below 0.2, gradually increasing to a peak around 10,000 load cycles for higher oscillation amplitudes (e.g., 15 µm), reflecting the lubricant’s role in reducing metal-to-metal contact. COF curves in lubricated tests showed smoother transitions and lower peak values compared to dry tests. These findings highlight the lubricant’s effectiveness in minimizing adhesion and enhancing sliding efficiency, offering insights for optimizing material performance in engineering applications. Full article

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