Advances in Fluid, Heat and Materials Engineering

Thermal Distribution and Airflow in Data Centre At Uthm: Pusat Teknologi Maklumat, Block A5

Muhammad Ammar Baharuddin — 2024-12-18

This research work is concerned with the investigation of thermal management and air circulation in the data centre at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, which is situated in Block A5. The facility has no windows, natural ventilation, or air conditioning systems, making it difficult to achieve and maintain appropriate temperatures for storing and processing data. The disparity in temperature felt in the centre called for enhancing the cooling systems as a means of enhancing the efficiency and durability of the equipment. The simulations focused on temperature distributions at different heights of the data centre, including the middle of the room and at one-quarter and half heights. Furthermore, the rack cooling index (RCI) was used to measure the rack cooling performance in accordance with the ASHRAE guidelines on data centre cooling. The results revealed significant variations in the temperature pattern, with some server racks having higher heat densities and the cooling units nearby having to work harder to achieve the set temperatures. Such an imbalance in the cooling system requires strategic changes. To improve the cooling performance, specific suggestions were made, such as increasing the airflow from some air-conditioning units to address hot spots. These changes should help mitigate moderate temperature fluctuations within the data centre and in turn improve the efficiency of the cooling system. The proposed strategies for controlling the airflow and cooling aim at reducing the energy consumption and increasing the lifespan of critical server components. Finally, this study highlights the need for customized cooling systems in data centres and offers practical recommendations for enhancing the sustainability of data centre cooling systems.

Design and Analysis of Hydrogen Storage Tank for Small Aircraft

Azrayqal Firdaus Zulkeflee — 2024-12-18

Hydrogen, a chemical element with a high energy density of approximately 120 MJ/kg, presents significant potential as an alternative fuel for aviation. However, its low volumetric density poses a critical challenge, necessitating large storage tanks to accommodate sufficient fuel for practical use. This study aims to design a hydrogen storage system specifically for light aircraft, focusing on the widely used Cessna 172. The proposed design considers evaluating three materials: aluminum, titanium, and steel alloys, under operational pressures of 200 bar and 300 bar. These materials were selected based on their compatibility with existing manufacturing processes to ensure cost-effectiveness. The storage tank features a cylindrical body with spherical domes at both ends to optimize structural integrity and minimize weight. Dimensions are tailored to fit the Cessna 172 cabin, with the tank positioned in the aircraft’s rear section. Simulation results using SolidWorks revealed that aluminum alloy 2014-T6, while lightweight, experienced the highest stress, strain, and displacement, requiring reinforcement for high-pressure applications. Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V showed a promising balance between strength and weight, although it is heavier compared to aluminum alloy. On the other hand, Steel Alloy ASTM A514 demonstrated superior strength but was impractically heavy for small aircraft. Overall, the study highlights the limitations posed by the mass of these pressure vessels, emphasizing the need for reinforcements, alternative lightweight materials or composite designs.

Computational Analysis of Temperature Distributions on the Malignant Tumour

Khairul Shafaiz Jesni — 2024-12-18

Breast cancer is a critical illness in Malaysia, as shown in the statistical data listed by the National Institute of Cancer. Typically, the patient undergoes lumpectomy or mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, patients experience side effects after treatment. Based on our previous findings, heating the body from 40°C to 44°C is an alternative treatment to reduce the side effects of this medical treatment. Thus, this study investigated heat propagation in malignant tumours of different sizes. Three different breast tumour models with different sizes were created. The heat propagation was simulated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Three different temperatures were applied to malignant tumours exposed to infrared sources. From the observations, model 2 mm showed the highest temperature propagation compared to the others. Heat propagation in blood vessels also exerts a significant radiation effect, as observed in tumours. However, the velocity and pressure of blood vessels did not significantly change in the models. In conclusion, heat propagation via infrared sources managed to penetrate tumours, and early-stage tumours experienced better heat propagation compared to others.

Investigation of Component Structure Materials for the Development of a Small-Scale Wing-in-Ground Effect (WIG) Craft

Ahmad Zuhairi Aszman — 2024-12-18

A Wing-in-Ground Effect (WIG) craft is a vehicle resembling an aircraft that operates using the ground effect phenomenon. This phenomenon occurs when lift force is enhanced as the craft’s wings glide close to the earth’s surface, either water or ground within a two-meter height boundary. Although well-documented in aeronautics, the fabrication of WIG crafts remains in its early stages, with limited research on the materials suitable for constructing these hybrid air-ground vehicles. This research investigates the mechanical performance of four materials for WIG craft components: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), Aluminum Alloy 7075-T6, and Inconel 718 Alloy. Using SolidWorks Simulation software, static tests were performed to evaluate stress, strain, and displacement across key components, including the fuselage, wings, engine mount, and tail structures. The results revealed that CFRP, with its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, is the most suitable material for the fuselage and wings, ensuring structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency. Aluminum Alloy 7075-T6 was selected for the horizontal and vertical tail structures due to its strength and durability. Inconel 718 Alloy, with its superior resistance to high temperatures and mechanical stress, was identified as the optimal material for the engine mount. These findings establish a practical framework for material selection in WIG craft development. Recommendations for future research include exploring alternative materials, optimising component design, and conducting experimental validations to enhance the robustness and efficiency of WIG craft fabrication.

Advancing Semi-Active Suspension Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Magneto-Rheological (MR) Dampers

Ahmad Hafizal Mohd Yamin — 2024-12-18

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers have emerged as pivotal components in semi-active suspension systems, bridging the gap between traditional passive and advanced active technologies. Utilizing the unique properties of MR fluids, these dampers offer real-time adaptability, enhancing ride comfort, vehicle stability, and handling. With a response time of less than 10 milliseconds, MR dampers outperform passive systems by dynamically adjusting to road conditions almost instantaneously. Furthermore, they deliver a 30% improvement in energy efficiency compared to active systems, making them an attractive choice for sustainable automotive applications. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the working principles, integration strategies, and performance metrics of MR dampers. Key advantages, such as rapid response time, energy efficiency, and a wide range of damping forces, are highlighted alongside challenges including high manufacturing costs, temperature sensitivity, and system complexity. Advanced control algorithms, including skyhook and adaptive models, are discussed in optimizing damper performance. Furthermore, potential advancements, such as cost-effective materials and innovative fluid formulations, are explored to address existing limitations. This review underscores the transformative potential of MR dampers in revolutionizing next-generation suspension systems, making them integral to the future of automotive engineering.