Algerian Journal of Engineering and Technology

A Experimental investigation and artificial intelligence modeling of stability of Agbabu Bitumen Emulsion using green-based surfactant

Ojeyemi Mattew Olabemiwo — 2025-01-09

One of the challenges that affected the optimal utilization of 42.47 billion tons of natural bitumen deposit in Nigeria is its high viscosity and high pumping cost in current state. This research investigated the possibility of reducing viscosity of Agbabu Bitumen (AB) through formation of emulsion using plant sourced surfactant solution. AB Emulsion (ABE) was prepared by homogenizing 60 vol. % of bitumen and 40 vol. % of water in the presence of surfactant solution extracted from Sanya root bark (surfactant solution was varied with respect to the volume of aqueous phase). Effect of increase in volume of extract, pH and salinity of extract was tested on the stability of the prepared emulsion. Emulsification Stability Index (ESI) was computed for all ABE prepared. Viscosity, pour, flash and fire point were determined for the emulsion formed while further analysis were conducted on the emulsion using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The surfactant solution extracted ABE prepared from AB and water which was enhanced in alkaline solution, a 64% reduction in viscosity was recorded in emulsion prepared, and the pour point of emulsion drastically reduced when compared with that of AB.

A Design and fabrication of an angle of repose apparatus for granular material analysis

Abdulganiyu Abdulrasak Sulaiman — 2024-12-28

The angle of repose (AOR) plays a crucial role in analyzing the flowability of granular materials, which are widely used in fields such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and civil engineering. This study outlines designing and constructing an affordable, user-friendly Apparatus for accurate AOR measurement. Built for both laboratory and field applications, the Apparatus was made from materials that are easily accessible and include an adjustable funnel, a central column, and a sturdy base to ensure consistent and precise measurements. Experimental tests using agricultural materials such as rice, beans, wheat, and millet yielded reliable results with low standard deviations. A paired t-test indicated significant statistical differences between the newly designed Apparatus and conventional methods (t-statistic of -2.98, p-value of 0.015), though these differences fell within an acceptable experimental range of ±0.5°. The mean difference of -0.26° and a 95% confidence interval of [-0.43°, -0.09°] illustrate a slight downward bias in the Apparatus while confirming its reliability and accuracy. This research provides a practical solution for measuring AOR, especially in resource-constrained environments, and suggests potential enhancements, like incorporating digital sensors for greater precision and changeable orifice opening sizes for the funnel ranging from 10 mm to 22 mm.

Proposal for a standardized backplane interface board to support the development of future Algerian CubeSats

Elhabib Bensikaddour — 2024-12-28

The CubeSat standard provides access to space industries without the need to manufacture complex satellites requiring specific and costly resources. This type of satellite has proven its ability to accomplish several missions, namely, the demonstration of technology, scientific research, and even commercial missions. While various internal architectures exist for CubeSats, including PC104 and backplane configurations, the backplane approach offers superior modularity and simplicity. This makes it particularly suitable for collaborative development between organizations, especially universities. This paper proposes a standardized backplane architecture for future Algerian CubeSats, presenting both an internal configuration and a preliminary design for a backplane interface board. The proposed design enhances modularity, streamlines integration procedures, and provides a scalable foundation for Algeria's emerging CubeSat program. By establishing this standard, we aim to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative development within Algeria's space technology sector.

Neutron defect emulation using ion beam in zircaloy-4

Mahmoud Izerrouken — 2024-12-28

The present study is devoted to study ion beam induced defects in zircaloy-4. We focused on the effect on the surface morphology modifications. The samples are first polished and then bombarded with 20 MeV Au ion and 0.7 MeV Cu ion at room temperature to a dose of 4.5 dpa. After irradiation the samples were subjected to chemical etching in 47 ml nitric acid (HNO3), 3 ml hydrofluoric acid (HF) and 50 ml water (H2O). Optical microscopy observation showed drastic changes in the microstructure after irradiation. The observation at the interface between the irradiated part and non-irradiated part revealed a clear shrinkage parallel to the ion beam direction. Fine grain of about 10 µm diameter are formed on the surface of zircaloy-4 irradiated at low energy (S_n/S_e << 1) while a hillocks-like nanostructure is observed in the case of high energy irradiation (S_n/S_e >> 1). Both cases can affect the zircaloy-4 corrosion resistance.

Neutron irradiation effect on dielectic loss of bi-stretched polyethylene naphthalate

Abdelhakim Belouadah — 2024-12-28

In the present work, the study of the evolution of the β^∗ process in both pristine and neutron irradiated bi-stretched polyethylene naphthalate films, is realized at a constant temperature and in the frequencies domain comprised between 10² and 10⁶ Hz by using the impedance spectroscopy technique. The results show the presence of dielectric loss peak determined in 10⁵ to 10⁶Hz frequency range, where the shape, position and the intensity are affected by morphological damage due to the large quantity of neutron beam energy transferred to the polymeric molecules that were highlighted by different structural analysis such as the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the polarized light optical microscopy (PLOM). At room temperature, the FTIR technique showed an increase in the quantity of the carbonyl and naphthalene groups responsible of the presence of the Sub-Tg dielectric relaxation in the volume of the irradiated BSPEN (IR-BSPEN) film due to the amorphization phenomena traduced, respectively, by the absence and presence of the absorption bands characteristics of crystalline and amorphous phases. The PLOM characterization, revealed change in the texture of the IR-BSPEN surface indicating by the appearance of microcracks which contribute to the oxidation of macromolecular chains. The study of the effect of temperature on the dielectric behavior of non irradiated BSPEN film, in β^∗ region, showed that the dielectric parameters such as the maximum of dielectric losses and its position are thermally activated. This dielectric response has not identified in the case of irradiated BSPEN film, for which the evolution of losses with temperature change above T = 333K.