JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH Vol. 11 No. 2


INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

Vol. 11 No.2 December, 2017.



Published by:

Cambridge Research and Publications International,

Centre for African Humanity and Development Circle (CAHDC),

University of Nigeria, Nsukka,Enugu State, Nigeria.

Copyright © 2017 Cambridge Research and Publications International.

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THE ROLE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS/TECHNOLOGISTS IN ACHIEVING UNPRECEDENTED TRANSFORMATION: A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, BAUCHI.

SALIHU.I.I,   ALHASAN.A. M, ABUBAKAR, M. A., CHRISTOPHER INNOCENT

 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Federal polytechnic, Bauchi, Nigeria

Abstract

Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest, broadest, and oldest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers use the principles of energy, materials, and mechanics to design and manufacture machines and devices of all types. They create the processes and systems that drive technology and industry. This paper attempt to discuss how the Institution of Mechanical Engineers was founded in 1847 in Birmingham and how it was founded in Nigeria as the Mechanical Division of The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) established in December 2002 at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Mechanical Engineering Division of the NSE in Port Harcourt. The paper also attempts to appraise the performance of mechanical engineering to the development of the society. The key characteristics of the profession are its breadth, flexibility, and individuality.  The career paths of mechanical engineers are largely determined by individual choices, a decided advantage in a changing world. Engineering is still far from where they ought to be, considering the population ratio of engineers worldwide. This researcher has acquired enormous experience working in the machine tool workshop of the federal polytechnic, Bauchi for over two decades, his experience counts in this presentation.

Keywords: Engineering, Mechanical, disciplines, energy, manufacture, Institution, Technology.

 

 

FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA AS POTENTIAL FEEDSTOCK FOR BIO-LUBRICANT PRODUCTION.

  1. YUSUF1, A.J. HAUWA2, HUSSAINI Y.3, SAGIR T4.

1Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 2,3,4 Department Of Science Laboratory Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria

ABSTRACT

The urgent need for replacing petroleum-based lubricants with sustainable, environmental-friendly alternatives has encouraged the developments of vegetable oil-based materials as bio-lubricants. Neem oil is fully biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, renewable source of lubricants and its abundant in Nigeria. Mineral oils based lubricants were discovered to be one of the contributor to environmental pollution due to their poor degradability which makes them remain in the eco-system for a very long time. Thus, large sums of money have to be spent for the elimination of the damages caused by them When considered as a lubricant, crude neem vegetable oil was obtained from Nigerian Institute of Research and chemical Technology Zaria and purified using degumming process. The thermal properties of the purified oil was measured which includes; the specific heat capacity, viscosity, density, pour point and flash point. The results show that the thermal properties of the purified oils are suitable for lubrication.

Keywords: Properties, Azadirachta, Indica, Potential, Feedstock.

 

DEVELOPMENT OF A PALM KERNEL AND FIBRE SEPERATOR

BALOGUN S. A., ALHASSAN A. M., IGE S. I & ALIYU M. A.:

Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi .

Abstract

Palm oil is one of the major oil consumed in Nigeria and other part of West Africa, especially when it is not bleached or decolorized. Traditionally, it is produced using a wet method where the process of extracting the oil is through flushing the digested nut with hot water, then separating the constituents of the palm nut which are: kernel, fiber, oil and nonoil substance. A palm nut fiber and kernel remover machine was designed, constructed, and tested. The basic features of the machine are the frame, hopper, cylinders, beater shafts, screw shaft,   gateways and electric motor. The machine has three units namely: the digester, kernel and fiber separator, and accumulator. It was found out that the machine can completely separate the kernel and fiber of 2kg of palm nut in 3 minutes. Practical efficiency of the digester was found as 93% while that of the kernel and fiber separator was 89% and that of the accumulator was 84%. The overall efficiency of the machine was found to be 70%.

Keywords: Traditional, wet method, Nonoil substance, accumulator, digester.

 

FUZZY-PI CONTROLLER FOR DC-DC BOOST CONVERTER: INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF USING FUZZY INTEGRAL CONSTANT

  1. S. SHEHU I. MUSA, I. SIYAKA

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

Abstract

Dc-Dc converter is an essential component in today’s energy conversion systems. In this paper, Proportional Integral (PI) based fuzzy controller was developed for  a dc-dc boost converter for the purpose of investigating the effect of using only fuzzy integral constant as  control decision variable. The continuous and discontinuous (switching mode) model of the converter unit was first presented, based on the general knowledge of PI characteristic fuzzy control rules with Integral constant as control signal to the Pulse Width Modulation switching process was formulated. The closed loop fuzzy controlled system was simulated using Matlab-Simulink involving s-function as the programming tool. Results that demonstrate merits and demerits of the control approach was presented. 

Keywords: DC-DC Converter, Boost Converter, Fuzzy-PI controller, Integral Constant, Pulse Width Modulation

 

MODELLING THE VULNERABILITY OF BIODIVERSITY GAIN DUE TO A LOWER VARIATION OF THE INTER-COMPETITION COEFFICIENTS

1EKE, NWAGRABE 2EKAKA-A, E. N. 3ATSU, J. U.

1Department of Mathematics/Statistics, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State 2Department of Mathematics, Rivers State University Nkporlu–Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State 3Department of Mathematics/Statistics, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar.

Abstract

The tendency of losing biodiversity gain will have a devastating effect on the sustainability of the ecosystem services and its consequence on the human-wellbeing. In this study, we have found out that a ten (10) percent variation of the intrinsic growth rates together under the scenario of 0.01 random disturbance, will dominantly produce biodiversity loss with the first yeast species being almost twice more vulnerable to depletion than the second yeast species. These novel results that we have obtained have not been seen elsewhere; these are presented and discussed quantitatively.

Keywords: Biodiversity gain, Human-wellbeing, ecosystem services, percentage variation, random disturbance, intrinsic growth rate.

 

STUDIES ON HEAVY METALS IN SOILS USING INSTRUMENTAL NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS (INAA)

1IDRIS M.C. AND 2 SEYDOU H.

1 Department of Physics, Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Nigeri.2Department of Physics, Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria

Abstract

Samples of soil were collected from three (3) different locations in Zaria, northwest part of Nigeria and the Geo-accumulation index () was used to check the level of pollution in the soil. The result shows that of the metals falls within the class of 0 and 1. Considering permissible levels of metals, this reveals that the soil in Zaria and environ is not enriched in these potentially toxic elements. Also the concentrations of the elements determined were compared to the range, mean, and median values of the World soil.

Keywords: Soil; Toxic Elements; Radioisotopes; Neutrons; Zaria

 

PRODUCTION OF A GLASS-BASED ABRASIVE WHEEL

OJO, PETER ODESANMI, AJAYI, OLUMIYIWA BAMIDELE & AYO-AJAYI, OLUWAGBENGA OLAOLUWA

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the procedures and products of a locally manufactured abrasive wheel from locally sourced natural materials such as glass, coke, sodium silicate, silica sand and sawdust with glass (quartz material) as the parent material. Five local raw material substitutes were identified as listed above through pilot study and with the initial mix of the identified materials. Suitable mould was constructed; the materials were measured and input into the furnace for a required period. The produced abrasive wheel is of very high quality suitable for use in grinding operations such as removal of weld marks, imperfections, rust, paint and dirt.

Keywords: Manufacture, Abrasive wheel, Grinding, Production, Materials, Glass, Optimal formulation.

 

A REVIEW OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN IMPROVING ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: IMPLEMENTATION OF PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES

1A. B. ABUBAKAR, 2Z, U, JIDDA, 3S. ABUBAKAR

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The concept of opting for Total Quality management in both manufacturing industries as well as human services sector, lead to a greater competition among their peers to win consumers satisfaction and  needs by providing quality products/services. With the emergence of TQM philosophy in the mid-20th century under Deming’s guidance. A lot of models and theories resurface to developed TQM and its implementation in organizational performance to deal with current challenges in quality improvement with utmost efficiency and effectiveness. Total quality implementations meet numerous challenges in improving performances. This paper reviews the concept of performance practice and implementation. Recommendation will be provided to overcome these challenges.

Keywords: Total quality management (TQM), manufacturing, organizational performance, challenges, implementation.

 

MINERALOGY AS SOLUTIONS FOR SOME OF THE PROBLEMS OF NIGERIA’S MINERAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENTS

NATHAN DANIEL GUMWOS & PAUL MESHACK AKUSHAI

Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, School of Engineering, Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources Engineering

ABSTRACT

Most causes of Economic backwardness of States is as a result of wars between nations in a bid to control its mineral resources. The aim of this research is to conscientise Nigerians about mineralogy, some mineral resources and some mineral reserves of some parts of Plateau state with respect to some of their importance. This research works also seeks to highlight some of the causes of socio-economic breakdown of the Nigerian Economy. The method of this research work this involve traverse to some localities in Plateau State, prospecting for mineral potentials as indicated mineral ores and how some mineral analytical instruments such as the Neutron Generators is deployed for the identification of some mineral ores such as Cassiterite or Tin, Columbite, Lead, Zinc, Gold, Copper, Baryte, Kaolin, Gemstones, Silver, Tantalite and so on which can propel Nigeria to higher industrial and socio-economic pedestals. It is hereby recommended that the Mineral Deposits discovered should be properly mined and the Nigeria Mining Corporation be revived and developed in order to eradicate poverty and promote excellent peace.

Keywords: Mineralogy, Socio-economic advancements, Mineral resources, Mineral reserves and the West African Economy.

 

DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL MOISTURE LEVEL DETECTOR FOR HIGH VOLTAGE ASSETS PROTECTION

1TIJANI, B. O.,2 OLADOSU, D.A., 3ASHIM, M.O.

1&3:-Department of Electrical Engineering, the Polytechnic, Ibadan, 2: Department of Computer Engineering, the Polytechnic, Ibadan

Abstract

The quest for maintenance of high voltage components has been called for a great concern, due to exorbitant amount being spent on replacement of those equipments. One major of factors which constitutes to defect of those components is moisture. Hence this study presents a cheap, affordable, and efficient Digital Moisture Level Detector, it comprises of power supply, humidity sensor, PIC 16F628 and Seven Segment Display. It was designed to measure humidity remotely and the objective was quite achieved when intensive test conducted at different locations to verify the effectiveness of the circuit implemented. It is hereby recommended to be used so as to serve as a moisture detector for high voltage equipment.

 

 

A MATLAB ALGORITHM OF CO-EXISTENCE AND SURVIVAL SCENARIOS UNDERGOING CHANGING RANDOM NOISE FLUCTUATIONS (0.01, 0.1, 1.2) PROVIDED THE INTRA-COMPETITION COEFFICIENTS OUTWEIGH THE INTER-COMPETITION COEFFICIENTS

1JAMES GALADIMA AND E. N. EKAKA-A2

1Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai,Niger State, Nigeria 2Department of Mathematics and Computer Science,Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract

In this study, we have fully explored the application of the numerical scheme called the ODE of order 45 to examine the effects of three distinct variations of the random noise environmental fluctuations on the ecological co-existence and survival scenarios. The novel results that we have obtained which we have not seen elsewhere are presented and discussed quantitatively.

Keywords: Competition, Changing, Fluctuations, Random, Noise

 

USING LOCUST BEAN WASTE ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR CEMENT IN CONCRETE.

SHEIKH YUSUF1, HAMZA ALIKO, SALEH M.A

 Department of Civil Engineering Kaduna Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2021, Kaduna

Abstract

This research is aimed at assessing the compressive strength of concrete produced by replacement of 5%, 10% and 15%and 20% replacement with locust bean waste ash ( LBWA) for grade 30 concrete  with mix  ratio 1:2:3. The cubes were cured for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The compressive strength tested at various ages of curing days are: Control, 14.54, 15.72, 19.65 and 22.80 N/mm2, 5% replacement: 12.78, 13.93, 15.82 and 19.89 N/mm2, 10% replacement: 10.85, 11.88, 12.01 and 13.25 N/mm2, 15% replacement: 10.42, 10.93, 11.24 and 11.85 N/mm2 20% replacement: 10.30, 10.52, 11.19 and 11.44N/mm2 respectively. The results are all higher than the 2.5 N/mm2recommended by the Nigerian Industrial Standards and also higher than the 3.5 N/mm2 recommended by the British Standards. This means that that LBWA can replace cement up to 20%, without any cause for alarm.

Keywords: Locust beans waste ash, concrete, replacement, compressive strength.