Abstract: Design of Experiment commonly referred to as DOE is one of the extensively used methods for experimental study of many processes in engineering. It is a statistical approach in which a mathematical model is developed through experimental runs. DOE provides us the opportunity to optimize and predict possible output based on the parameters setting. In this study, a review is done on DOE techniques that have been employed for laser beam process optimization by other researches. This study predominantly focuses on the usage of response surface methodology, Taguchi’s method and factorial design in laser beam machining. A deduction is made to illustrate the significance of machining parameters to responses.

Abstract: Low Density Polyethelene is a thermoplastic resin extracted from petroleum based, whereas the wax is an oily organic component that is contains of alkanes, ester, polyester, and hydroxyester. The purpose of this research is to find out the optimum conditions of the wax produced by inducing LDPE. The experiment is carried out by mixing the wax and LDPE into four new polymer compositions, in which the higher value of the tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and hardness are obtained by mixing between 90 wt. % LDPE with 10 wt. % wax, rather than compared to pure LDPE. The results are 8.896 MPa, 247.602 MPa and 50.9 respectively. However, only the strength impact that has a lower value as much as 31.38 %. By SEM analysis, the improvement of mechanical properties value examined in which the most suitable of optimal composition is 90 wt. % LDPE with 10 wt. % wax. The LDPE/wax mixture produces a new polymer and alters the properties of pure LDPE.

Abstract: Design of experiment uses a series of structured analytic method to investigate the relation between parameters and the responses. The particular technique used in this study is response surface methodology. Using the DOE approach, a mathematical based model was developed through regression analysis to study the response prediction. It is found that for kerf width the cutting speed plays an important role. Only a high cutting speed can produce good kerf width. When considering the interaction between the parameters, duty cycle directly depends on frequency where a high duty cycle is needed for high frequency cutting and vice versa to obtain a good kerf width.

Abstract: This paper presents the implementation of Linear Frequency Modulation (LFM) pulse compression technique over acoustic waveguides at frequency range (2kHz--3kHz). The medium used for acoustic chirp propagation is air. Real time pulse compression was carried out over DSP kit (TMS320C6713). The obtained range from the compressed pulse accedes to the actual range of the target (sound source). The side lobe level of compressed pulse is -8dB and time-bandwidth product is 3. The proposed system can serve as a test bench for real time testing of signal processing algorithms when there are RF hardware limitations.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of total quality management practices on non-financial performance of SMEs. Six determinants of TQM practices were identified and their impact was measured on performance of SMEs. The investigated determinants included top management commitment, customer focus, supplier relationships, employee involvement and empowerment, work environment and benchmarking. Sample size was comprised of 60 SMEs (both ISO-9000 certified and non ISO certified SMEs) from three renowned industrial cities of Punjab province. The findings indicate that TQM practices such as supplier relationship, benchmarking, top management commitment and customer focus are critical factors and have a positive impact on performance of SMEs. Besides in comparative analysis, performance of ISO-certified SMEs was found better than non-ISO certified SMEs.

Abstract: Statistics is a branch of mathematics used extensively in natural science and also in the engineering field as well as in social science, physics and computing. The machining process selected for this study is laser cutting process of mild steel. Response surface methodology will be used as a technique for the statistical study. The influence of cutting speed, frequency and duty cycle on surface roughness will be a main portion of this study. For statistical approach, a mathematical based model has been developed through regression analysis to study the response prediction. It is found that for the surface roughness, cutting speed plays an important role. Only a high cutting speed can produce good surface roughness coupled with high duty cycle regardless of frequency.

Abstract: Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is an efficient tool for signal and image processing applications which has been utilized for perfect signal reconstruction. In this paper, twenty seven optimum combinations of three different wavelet filter types, three different filter reconstruction levels and three different kinds of signal for multi-level perfect reconstruction filter bank were implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. All the filters for different wavelet types were designed using Filter Design Analysis (FDA) and Wavelet toolbox. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) was calculated for each combination. Combination with best SNR was then implemented on TMS320C6713 DSP kit. Real time testing of perfect reconstruction on DSP kit was then carried out by two different methods. Experimental results accede with theory and simulations.

Abstract: In this paper, a robust automatic on-line signature verification system is proposed. The effectiveness of any on-line signature verification system depends mainly on the robustness of the dynamic features use in the system. Inability to extract highly discriminative dynamic features from signature has been contributing to higher verification error-rates. On-line signature verification experiments are conducted on seven dynamic signature features extracted from signature trajectories. Three features are found to be highly discriminative in comparison with others. The proposed system incorporates these three features for signature verification. Verification is based on the average of all the distances obtain from the cross-alignment of the features. The proposed system is tested with quality signature samples and it has 0.5% error in rejecting skilled forgeries while rejecting only 0.25% of genuine signatures. These results are better in comparison with the results obtained from previous systems.

Abstract: The overall objective of this study was to investigate the physical and chemical effects of supercritical CO2 attack on well cement at different temperature and pressure condition. The dissimilarity of attack was compared in two-exposure conditions i.e. CO2-saturated brine and wet supercritical CO2. Type of cement used for this invent was neat cement, Class G and was prepared according to API recommended practice 10B-2 by using Constant Speed Mixer. Curing of cement slurry and CO2 exposure test were done by using Curing Chamber and Cement Autoclave. Measurement and evolution of cement alteration against CO2 attack was determined under various temperatures and pressure condition at different exposure duration. Results from BackScattered Electron of Scanning Electron Microscopy (BSE-SEM), Energy-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and compressive strength tester was analysed and studied. At high temperature, 1200C, cement will lose its strength faster than lower temperature, 400C. Same goes to pressure, the strength will lose faster in higher pressure, 140 bar as compared to lower pressure, 105 bar. Faster reduction in strength was found in CO2-saturated brine exposure compared to wet supercritical CO2.

Abstract: In this paper, a probabilistic maintenance model relating probability of failure to maintenance activity had been developed for maintainable distribution components. This model incorporates various levels of insulation deterioration and minor maintenance state. It was applied to a distribution transformers ranging from 300 kVA to 15 MVA in Abule-Egba Business Unit network of Power Holding Company of Nigeria. The result obtained from the application study and model simulation verified the mathematical analysis of the developed model. Although this application illustrates the development of a probabilistic deterioration model for a distribution transformer, it can be applied to predict the performance of other distribution components in the electric power system network.

Abstract: Finite element modeling is used to simulate carbon nanotubes, CNTs. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model for Armchair, Chiral and Zigzag single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is presented here. The model development is based on the assumption that carbon nanotubes, when subjected to loading, behave like space-frame structures. The bonds between the carbon atoms are considered as connecting load-carrying members, while the carbon atoms themselves as joints of the members. The nodes are placed at the locations of the carbon atoms and the bonds between them are modeled using three-dimensional elastic beam elements. Young modulus is finally calculated. The Young's modulus of Chiral configuration is found to be the largest among the three configurations, while that of the Zigzag is the lowest.