Search Results (22)

Safe and efficient operation of port cranes is vital for maintaining the efficiency of global maritime logistics. However, traditional non-destructive testing methods face significant limitations in harsh port environments, such as periodic inspection intervals, restricted access to structural components, and a lack of real-time monitoring. This review explores the emerging paradigm of remote non-destructive testing through the integration of vibration and acoustic emission sensors with Internet of Things platforms. By enabling continuous, real-time monitoring, these sensor systems can detect early indicators of mechanical degradation, structural fatigue, and corrosion. This study synthesizes findings from over 100 peer-reviewed sources and identifies a significant gap in the application of these technologies to port cranes. Although vibration and acoustic emission sensors have been widely studied in various fields, their application to port cranes remains underexplored, presenting a novel and promising avenue for future research and practical applications. The unique operational demands and structural complexities of port cranes, coupled with their critical role in global trade logistics, make them ideal for leveraging these sensors in tandem with Internet of Things solutions. This integration not only overcomes the limitations of traditional non-destructive testing methods, but also offers substantial benefits, including enhanced safety, reduced inspection costs, and improved operational efficiency. This review concludes by proposing future research directions to enhance sensor performance, data analytics, and Internet of Things integration, paving the way for predictive maintenance strategies that increase operational uptime and improve safety in port crane operations. Full article

Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are critical for evaluating the structural integrity of and detecting defects in composite materials across industries such as aerospace and renewable energy. This review examines the recent trends and successful implementations of NDT approaches for composite materials, focusing on articles published between 2015 and 2025. A systematic literature review identified 120 relevant articles, highlighting techniques such as ultrasonic testing (UT), acoustic emission testing (AET), thermography (TR), radiographic testing (RT), eddy current testing (ECT), infrared thermography (IRT), X-ray computed tomography (XCT), and digital radiography testing (DRT). These methods effectively detect defects such as debonding, delamination, and voids in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The selection of NDT approaches depends on the material properties, defect types, and testing conditions. Although each technique has advantages and limitations, combining multiple NDT methods enhances the quality assessment of composite materials. This review provides insights into the capabilities and limitations of various NDT techniques and suggests future research directions for combining NDT methods to improve quality control in composite material manufacturing. Future trends include adopting multimodal NDT systems, integrating digital twin and Industry 4.0 technologies, utilizing embedded and wireless structural health monitoring, and applying artificial intelligence for automated defect interpretation. These advancements are promising for transforming NDT into an intelligent, predictive, and integrated quality assurance system. Full article

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) pipes have emerged as a preferred alternative to conventional metallic piping systems in various industries, including chemical processing, marine, and oil and gas industries, owing to their superior corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and extended service life. However, ensuring the long-term reliability and structural integrity of FRP pipes presents significant challenges, primarily because of their anisotropic and heterogeneous nature, which complicates defect detection and characterization. Traditional non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, which are widely applied, often fail to address these complexities, necessitating the adoption of advanced digital techniques. This review systematically examines recent advancements in digital NDT approaches with a particular focus on their application to composite materials. Drawing from 140 peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2024, this review highlights the role of numerical modeling, simulation, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) in enhancing defect detection sensitivity, automating data interpretation, and supporting predictive maintenance strategies. Numerical techniques, such as the finite element method (FEM) and Monte Carlo simulations, have been shown to improve inspection reliability through virtual defect modeling and parameter optimization. Meanwhile, ML and DL algorithms demonstrate transformative capabilities in automating defect classification, segmentation, and severity assessment, significantly reducing the inspection time and human dependency. Despite these promising developments, this review identifies a critical gap in the field: the limited translation of advanced digital methods into field-deployable solutions specifically tailored for FRP piping systems. The unique structural complexities and operational demands of FRP pipes require dedicated research for the development of validated digital models, application-specific datasets, and industry-aligned evaluation protocols. This review provides strategic insights and future research directions aimed at bridging the gap and promoting the integration of digital NDT technologies into real-world FRP pipe inspection and lifecycle management frameworks. Full article

The integrity of multi-bolted flanges is crucial for ensuring safety and operational efficiency in industrial systems across sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment. Traditional non-destructive testing (NDT) methods often require operational downtime and may lack sensitivity for early-stage defect detection. This review examines acoustic emission testing (AET), a real-time monitoring technique for detecting acoustic waves generated by material defects. An analysis of 145 studies demonstrated AET’s effectiveness in detecting early-stage defects across various materials and industrial applications. Recent advances in sensor technology and signal processing have significantly enhanced AET’s capabilities. However, challenges remain regarding environmental noise interference and the need for specialized expertise. The review identifies knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions, including planned laboratory experiments to characterize defect signals in multi-bolted flange systems under different operational conditions. The findings position AET as a transformative solution for industrial inspection and maintenance, offering enhanced safety and reliability for critical infrastructures. Full article

Fiber-reinforced composites are widely utilized across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and marine, due to their outstanding mechanical properties and lightweight characteristics. Natural fibers, as promising reinforcements, have the potential to replace synthetic fibers in certain areas to meet the growing demand for environmental protection and sustainability. These biocomposites offer numerous benefits, including reduced carbon footprints, diminished reliance on non-renewable resources, and increased natural biodegradability. In addition, utilizing such eco-friendly materials is a critical strategy for balancing industry progress and environmental protection. Kenaf fiber, a superior bast fiber known for its excellent mechanical properties and high cellulose content, presents considerable advantages for enhancing the performance of biocomposites. This review explores the potential of kenaf fiber-reinforced biocomposites for marine applications, focusing on their fabrication and testing methods to evaluate their physicochemical and mechanical properties. This paper examines the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the kenaf fiber, investigates the excellent performance advantages of kenaf fiber-based biocomposites by hybridization manufacturing, and provides an overview of the status and challenges of applying such biocomposites in marine environments. Based on this review, it is evident that kenaf fiber-reinforced biocomposites have significant superiority for marine applications with the advancement of manufacturing techniques. Full article

This study investigates the application of Phased Array Corrosion Mapping (PACM) as a non-destructive testing (NDT) method for detecting and monitoring corrosion growth on hot stainless steel (SS) surfaces, specifically focusing on SS 304 and SS 316. Conducted across a temperature range of 30 °C to 250 °C, the research evaluates the effectiveness of PACM in high-temperature environments typical of the petrochemical industry. Experiments were conducted using specimens with machined slots and flat-bottom holes (FBHs) to simulate corrosion defects. The results demonstrate that PACM effectively detects and maps corrosion indicators, with color-coded C-scan data facilitating easy interpretation. Temperature variations significantly influenced ultrasound signal characteristics, leading to observable changes in FBH indications, particularly at elevated temperatures. Increased ultrasound attenuation necessitated adjustments in decibel settings to maintain accuracy. SS 304 and SS 316 exhibited distinct responses to temperature changes, with SS 316 showing higher dB values and unique signal behaviors, including increased scattering and noise echoes at elevated temperatures. Detected depths for slots and FBHs correlated closely with designed depths, with deviations generally less than 0.5 mm; however, some instances showed deviations exceeding 2 mm, underscoring the need for careful interpretation. At temperatures above 230 °C, the disbanding of probe elements led to weak or absent signals, complicating data interpretation and requiring adjustments in testing protocols. This study highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of PACM for corrosion detection on hot SS surfaces, providing critical insights into material behavior under thermal conditions. Future research should include physical examination of samples using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to validate and enhance the reliability of the findings. The integration of non-contact NDT methods and optimization of calibration techniques are essential for improving PACM performance at elevated temperatures. Full article

Natural composites are emerging as promising alternative materials for 3D printing in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, sustainability, and unique mechanical properties. The use of natural composites offers several advantages, including reduced environmental impact, enhanced biodegradability, and improved tissue compatibility. These materials can be processed into filaments or resins suitable for various 3D printing techniques, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM). Natural composites also exhibit inherent antibacterial properties, making them particularly suitable for applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and biomedical implants. This review explores the potential of utilizing natural composites in additive manufacturing for biomedical purposes, discussing the historical development of 3D printing techniques; the types of manufacturing methods; and the optimization of material compatibility, printability, and mechanical properties to fully realize the potential of using natural fibers in 3D printing for biomedical applications. Full article

Highly efficient fiber-reinforced composites find extensive application in diverse industries. Yet, conventional fiber-reinforced composites have significant environmental impacts during both manufacturing and disposal. Environmentally friendly fiber-reinforced composites have garnered significant attention within the framework of sustainable development. Utilizing natural fibers in place of synthetic fibers and progressively decreasing the use of synthetic fibers are the main approaches to achieving a balance between economic progress and environmental quality. Attention is increasingly being drawn to natural fiber-reinforced biocomposites that exhibit outstanding environmental performance, exceptional physical and mechanical capabilities, and biological features. The lightweight and high-strength characteristics of these biocomposites enable them to significantly decrease the weight of structures, making them increasingly popular in many industries. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of hybrid fiber-reinforced biocomposites in marine applications, specifically examining their mechanical characteristics, resistance to seawater, and ability to absorb moisture, all while advocating for sustainable material methodologies. To achieve this objective, the paper delineates the distinction between synthetic and natural fibers, examines the benefits of hybrid fiber-reinforced biocomposite materials, and addresses the obstacles and effective approaches in their production and application in seawater. Considering the review analysis, it can be inferred that the use of fiber-reinforced biocomposites in maritime applications shows significant potential and has abundant untapped growth prospects in the future years. Full article

This study introduces a novel methodology for enhancing the efficiency of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through azimuthal solar synchronization and aerodynamic neuro-optimization, leveraging the principles of slime mold neural networks. The objective is to broaden the operational capabilities of solar UAVs, enabling them to perform over extended ranges and in varied weather conditions. Our approach integrates a computational model of slime mold networks with a simulation environment to optimize both the solar energy collection and the aerodynamic performance of UAVs. Specifically, we focus on improving the UAVs’ aerodynamic efficiency in flight, aligning it with energy optimization strategies to ensure sustained operation. The findings demonstrated significant improvements in the UAVs’ range and weather resilience, thereby enhancing their utility for a variety of missions, including environmental monitoring and search and rescue operations. These advancements underscore the potential of integrating biomimicry and neural-network-based optimization in expanding the functional scope of solar UAVs. Full article

This review paper aims to understand the current processing plant maintenance systems and further identify on-stream phased array corrosion mapping (PACM) to reduce turnaround maintenance (TAM) activity during plant operations. Reducing the TAM duration and extending the TAM interval are common goals of most researchers. Thus, a detailed review was performed to understand the maintenance systems and the problems faced. Furthermore, a review of the current PACM application and the possibility of applying it during on-stream inspection was also performed. PACM has better detectability for localized corrosion, and the results can be obtained for a range of thicknesses, which is the main advantage of this method. However, applying PACM during on-stream inspections at elevated temperatures presents challenges owing to the limitations of the ultrasonic properties and increased probe contact. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of PACM on piping systems that can be utilized for inspection during plant operation at elevated temperatures. This will enable the detection of general and localized corrosion in common materials, thereby reducing the TAM duration and extending TAM intervals. Detecting and monitoring corrosion growth without shutdown is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of the processing plants. This literature review provides a more precise direction for future research to address these challenges and to advance the field of on-stream corrosion monitoring. Full article

Precision manufacturing requirements are the key to ensuring the quality and reliability of biomedical implants. The powder bed fusion (PBF) technique offers a promising solution, enabling the creation of complex, patient-specific implants with a high degree of precision. This technology is revolutionizing the biomedical industry, paving the way for a new era of personalized medicine. This review explores and details powder bed fusion 3D printing and its application in the biomedical field. It begins with an introduction to the powder bed fusion 3D-printing technology and its various classifications. Later, it analyzes the numerous fields in which powder bed fusion 3D printing has been successfully deployed where precision components are required, including the fabrication of personalized implants and scaffolds for tissue engineering. This review also discusses the potential advantages and limitations for using the powder bed fusion 3D-printing technology in terms of precision, customization, and cost effectiveness. In addition, it highlights the current challenges and prospects of the powder bed fusion 3D-printing technology. This work offers valuable insights for researchers engaged in the field, aiming to contribute to the advancement of the powder bed fusion 3D-printing technology in the context of precision manufacturing for biomedical applications. Full article

To address the weight, cost, and sustainability associated with fibreglass application in structural composites, plant fibres serve as an alternative to reduce and replace the usage of glass fibres. However, there remains a gap in the comprehensive research on plant fibre composites, particularly in their durability for viable structural applications. This research investigates the fatigue and impact properties of pultruded kenaf/glass-reinforced hybrid polyester composites tailored for structural applications. Utilising kenaf fibres in mat form, unidirectional E-glass fibre direct roving yarns, and unsaturated polyester resin as key constituents, pultruded kenaf/glass hybrid profiles were fabricated. The study reveals that pultruded WK/UG alternate specimens exhibit commendable fatigue properties (18,630 cycles at 60% ultimate tensile strength, UTS) and fracture energy (261.3 kJ/m²), showcasing promise for moderate load structural applications. Notably, the pultruded 3 WK/UG/3WK variant emerges as a viable contender for low-load structural tasks recorded satisfactory fatigue properties (10,730 cycles at 60% UTS) and fracture energy (167.09 kJ/m²). Fatigue failure modes indicate that the stress applied is evenly distributed. Ductile failures and delaminations during impact test can be attributed to damping and energy absorbing properties of kenaf fibres. Moreover, incorporating kenaf as a hybrid alternative demonstrates substantial reductions in cost (35.7–50%) and weight (9.6–19.1%). This research establishes a foundation for advancing sustainable and efficient structural materials and highlights the significant role of materials design in shaping the future of engineering applications. Full article

Over the past few years, there has been an increasing fascination with electric unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) because of their capacity to undertake demanding and perilous missions while also delivering advantages in terms of flexibility, safety, and expenses. These UAVs are revolutionizing various public services, encompassing real-time surveillance, search and rescue operations, wildlife assessments, delivery services, wireless connectivity, and precise farming. To enhance their efficiency and duration, UAVs typically employ a hybrid power system. This system integrates diverse energy sources, such as fuel cells, batteries, solar cells, and supercapacitors. The selection of an appropriate hybrid power arrangement and the implementation of an effective energy management system are crucial for the successful functioning of advanced UAVs. This article specifically concentrates on UAV platforms powered by batteries, incorporating innovative technologies, like in-flight recharging via laser beams and tethering. It provides an all-encompassing and evaluative examination of the current cutting-edge power supply configurations, with the objective of identifying deficiencies, presenting perspectives, and offering recommendations for future consideration in this domain. Full article

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) usage is increasing drastically worldwide as UAVs are used in various industries for many applications, such as inspection, logistics, agriculture, and many more. This is because performing a task using UAV makes the job more efficient and reduces the workload needed. However, for a UAV to be operated manually or autonomously, the UAV must be equipped with proper safety features. An anti-collision system is one of the most crucial and fundamental safety features that UAVs must be equipped with. The anti-collision system allows the UAV to maintain a safe distance from any obstacles. The anti-collision technologies are of crucial relevance to assure the survival and safety of UAVs. Anti-collision of UAVs can be varied in the aspect of sensor usage and the system’s working principle. This article provides a comprehensive overview of anti-collision technologies for UAVs. It also presents drone safety laws and regulations that prevent a collision at the policy level. The process of anti-collision technologies is studied from three aspects: Obstacle detection, collision prediction, and collision avoidance. A detailed overview and comparison of the methods of each element and an analysis of their advantages and disadvantages have been provided. In addition, the future trends of UAV anti-collision technologies from the viewpoint of fast obstacle detection and wireless networking are presented. Full article

Petrochemical plants use on-stream inspection often to detect and monitor the corrosion on the equipment and piping system. Compared to ultrasonic thickness gauging and pulse-echo A-scan, phased array corrosion mapping has better coverability and can scan a large area to detect general and localized corrosion. This paper’s objective is to obtain documentary evidence for the accuracy of corrosion detection from 30 °C to 250 °C on A36 low-carbon steel by carrying out simulation experiments every 10 °C step. A minimum of three sets of phased array corrosion mapping data in each temperature were collected to study and evaluate the detectability. The data evidence could enhance the confidence level of the plant’s end users in using phased array mapping in the future during inspections. The experiments were found to be insufficiently thorough despite addressing the initial concerns, leaving more area for discussion in further studies, such as expanding the investigation to thicker carbon steel, stainless steel, and wedge materials. Full article