Multidisciplinary Innovations and Research in Applied Engineering
MIRAE is a scientific journal published by Akademi Inovasi Indonesia, which focuses on research and development in the scope of science and technology. MIRAE journal is published twice a year in January and July. All articles submitted to MIRAE journal will go through a peer review process by expert reviewers in their respective fields. The final decision on the publication of the article will be taken by the journal editor. The editors welcome the submission of manuscripts that explain current theoretical and experimental research related to: (1) Original research articles; (2) Review articles; (3) Case studies in industry. MIRAE journal publishes original and review articles that advance the understanding of the fundamentals of engineering science and its application to solutions to challenges and problems in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing, and innovative multidisciplinary fields. Manuscripts approved for publication have been reviewed by reviewers and can be downloaded for free through our website.
Optimization of Nickel Coating Thickness on Copper via Ultrasonic-Assisted Electroplating
This study provides a preliminary descriptive comparison of nickel coating thickness deposited on copper at a fixed current of 1.5 A and an electrolyte temperature of 45 °C for 60, 120, and 180 s, with and without assistance from a nominal 40 kHz ultrasonic bath. The Watts electrolyte contained nickel sulfate 300 g/L, nickel chloride 30 g/L, boric acid 30 g/L, brightener I 15 mL/L, and brightener II 1 mL/L. Based on the specimen dimensions shown in the experimental schematic and assuming that both broad faces were exposed, the nominal cathode area was approximately 29.82 cm² and the nominal current density was 5.03 A/dm²; this estimate excludes edge area and remains uncertain because masking and actual immersion were not documented. The reported local cross-sectional thickness increased from 4.76 to 8.27 µm without ultrasound and from 8.34 to 13.43 µm with ultrasonic-bath assistance as deposition time increased. Descriptive linear fits across the three time points gave R² values of 0.9995 and 0.9991, respectively. The ultrasonic-assisted values were 62.4–75.2% higher than the corresponding conventional values. Because the archived dataset contains one reported mean per condition based on repeated measurement locations rather than documented independent specimens, statistical significance, optimization, current efficiency, adhesion, uniformity, and overall coating quality are not claimed. The findings therefore constitute preliminary evidence that longer deposition time and ultrasonic-bath assistance were associated with higher locally measured nickel thickness under the reported conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Multidisciplinary Innovations and Research in Applied Engineering https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Preliminary Thermo-Mechanical Assessment of a Pneumatically Actuated Permanent-Mold Gravity-Casting Apparatus
Low-cost automation of permanent-mold gravity casting requires adequate actuator capacity, guide stiffness, and accommodation of differential thermal growth. This study presents a preliminary analytical assessment of a compact, pneumatically actuated permanent-mold gravity-casting apparatus. The assessment uses documented geometry and conservative screening assumptions for a 100 mm-bore double-acting cylinder at 0.60 MPa, a 25 mm piston rod, two 40 mm S45C guide shafts over a 0.60 m span, locally procured bronze sleeve bushings, and a ferrous mold plate that is 40 mm thick with a 0.40 m axial characteristic length. For horizontal translation, the force model excludes the full assembly weight from the cylinder-axis resistance and includes guide friction (μ = 0.15), 100 N ejector-spring resistance, a 200 N unmeasured process allowance, and a design factor of 2. The resulting factored demand is 0.748 kN. The extension and retraction load ratios are 0.159 and 0.169 relative to theoretical cylinder output, below the 0.50 guideline used for dynamic cylinder selection. The idealized guide-shaft model predicts 0.045 mm deflection and 5.97 MPa bending stress. Nominal thermal growth is 1.20 mm for the 0.40 m mold dimension and 0.44 mm for the 0.80 m rail length under assumed temperature rises, leaving a nominal 0.80 mm margin against a 2.0 mm drawing allowance before tolerance effects. Because the mold grade, bronze alloy, as-built clearance, stroke history, and trial-cycle data were not documented, no durability, measured-alignment, or material-specific PV-compliance claim is made. The contribution is an integrated and explicitly bounded force-stiffness-thermal screening framework for low-cost casting apparatuses.
Bearing Life Calculation and Experimental Evaluation of 6302-2RS Ball Bearing with Grease Lubricant Variations
Rolling bearings are critical machine elements, but catalogue rating life and short-duration workshop observations must be interpreted separately. This study calculated the ISO 281 basic rating life of a Koyo/JTEKT 6302-2RS deep-groove ball bearing (JTEKT Corp., Kariya, Aichi Japan) and conducted a preliminary comparison of three lubrication treatments. The calculation used the current JTEKT basic dynamic load rating C = 14.3 kN, an equivalent radial load P = 98.1 N, and the ball-bearing exponent p = 3. Three bearings were used (n = 1 per treatment). Their seals were removed, the factory grease was cleaned out, and the specimens were either left without reapplied grease or manually filled with Cobra® Chassis Grease Green No. 3 or Deltalube® 056 General Purpose Grease EP 2; the applied grease mass was not recorded. Each specimen was tested sequentially for 30 min at 1000 rpm and 30 min at 1500 rpm under the same radial load. The corrected basic rating life was 3.097 × 10¹² revolutions, equivalent to 5.162 × 10⁷ h at 1000 rpm and 3.442 × 10⁷ h at 1500 rpm. These very large values reflect an idealized rating-life calculation at a load far below the catalogue capacity and are not an experimentally validated service life. After cumulative testing, the recorded outer-diameter changes were 0.05 mm for the grease-free control, 0.03 mm for Cobra® grease, and 0.01 mm for Deltalube® grease; these changes are comparable with the stated caliper accuracy. At 1500 rpm, the outer-ring radial runout values were 0.30, 0.16, and 0.15 mm, respectively, while the inner-ring values were 0.09, 0.05, and 0.04 mm. Deltalube® grease produced the lowest observed dimensional change and runout under the present conditions, but the unreplicated, sequential test does not support statistical or long-term reliability claims.
Failure Analysis of a Rear-Sprocket Mounting (Nap Gear) Bolt in a 145 cc Motorcycle
Rear-sprocket mounting bolts, referred to in this study as nap gear bolts, transmit torque from the rear sprocket assembly to the wheel hub through the damper/bushing interface and may experience repeated transverse shear and bending loads. This study investigates the fracture of a rear-sprocket mounting (nap gear) bolt from a 145 cc motorcycle to determine its material characteristics, fracture mechanism, and mechanical cause of failure. The investigation combined macro-fractographic observation, spark-emission chemical composition testing, optical metallography, Vickers microhardness testing, and finite element analysis of a three-dimensional bolt model. The measured chemistry was consistent with the SAE 1015 low-carbon steel composition range, with 0.137 wt.% C and a ferrite-pearlite microstructure; however, the grade designation is reported as a chemical-consistency assessment rather than a mill-certified material identification. No abnormal microstructural difference or surface-hardening layer was observed between the failed and intact bolts. The hardness values were 179-190 HV0.5 for the failed bolt and 169-183 HV0.5 for the intact bolt. Fractography identified a proposed crack-initiation region, a crack-propagation region with beachmark-like macroscopic features, and a final-fracture region. Finite element analysis predicted a local maximum stress intensity, defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum principal stresses, of 529.6 MPa at the fracture location; the corresponding maximum shear stress was 264.8 MPa. The failure is therefore attributed to fatigue initiated at a stress-concentrated region, while the available evidence does not indicate that material selection or gross metallurgical abnormality was the primary cause.
Service-Life Analysis and Effect of Grease Lubrication on Wear of ASB 6302-2RS Ball Bearing in the AST-MPV Machine
Bearings are critical elements for supporting shaft rotation in industrial equipment. In the AST-MPV detergent-packaging machine at PT. X, ASB 6302-2RS bearings frequently experience jamming because of detergent-dust contamination. This study analyzed bearing service life and evaluated, as an initial comparative observation, the effect of additional grease under detergent-water exposure. The analytical stage used rotational speed, load conversion, dynamic equivalent load, and nominal bearing-life calculation with standardized N and kN units. The experimental stage compared two specimens: bearing A with manually applied Black Grease NLGI 3 LA and bearing B without additional grease. Both specimens were immersed in a 2 kg detergent and 1 L water mixture for five days, rotated at 1000 rpm for 30 min and 1500 rpm for 30 min, and measured using caliper and dial indicator. The corrected spring deflection was 0.006 m, and the calculated service life was 3479.1223 h at 1930 rpm. Additional grease reduced radius wear from 0.52 mm to 0.13 mm and outer-diameter wear from 0.10 mm to 0.03 mm. These findings suggest that scheduled grease lubrication may reduce wear in detergent-contaminated environments, although replicated testing is required.
Design and Structural Evaluation of an Adaptive Traction Rover Wheel for Lunar Mobility Applications
Lunar rover wheels must combine low mass, traction, compliance, abrasion resistance, and maintainability under vacuum, thermal cycling, and unconsolidated regolith. This study develops and evaluates an adaptive traction rover wheel for lunar surface mobility applications. The method combined requirement definition, terramechanics-based grouser sizing, material selection, CAD-based structural packaging, finite element evaluation, manufacturability assessment, and service-life estimation. The proposed wheel uses a two-piece Ti-6Al-4V rim, ten alternating compliant titanium spokes, ten 27 mm V-shaped grousers, a 6061-T6 aluminum hub, riveted mechanical joints, and Cr3C2-NiCr HVOF coating on soil-contact surfaces. The design achieved a diameter of 0.457 m, a width of 0.203 m, and a total mass of 2.254 kg. Linear-elastic structural screening indicated that the wheel supported a nominal normal load of 256 N with a factor of safety of approximately 2 based on a minimum Ti-6Al-4V yield-strength criterion of 828 MPa. The 3 g impact screening case produced a local peak von Mises stress of approximately 900 MPa, exceeding this conservative yield criterion and therefore requiring nonlinear analysis and experimental validation. Traction capability, wear resistance, and 1,000 km service-life estimates are analytical projections derived from geometry and wear modeling, not fully validated operational performance. The proposed architecture is therefore a lightweight, repairable, and traction-oriented wheel concept requiring targeted laboratory validation before mission use.
Design, Kinematic Analysis, and Scaled Prototype Validation of a Pneumatic Ejection Mechanism for Supersonic Re-Entry Capsule Testing
High-altitude free-flight tests require release mechanisms capable of placing sub-scale re-entry capsules into a clean supersonic freestream while minimizing wake-induced attitude perturbations. This study presents AERO, a compact pneumatic ejection mechanism developed to support NASA SPEED-class capsule-release requirements as a scientific contribution to re-entry testing technology. The method combined wake-clearance interpretation, first-order kinematic sizing, pneumatic force analysis, CAD-based packaging, manufacturability assessment, and scaled prototype testing. A two-projectile-length clearance distance of 1.33 m was adopted, giving a required initial velocity of 5.11 m/s for a 0.5 s separation target. The full-scale analytical model predicted an ejection velocity of 5.2 m/s and a 0.44 s separation time at 0.5 MPa; increasing the operating pressure to 1.5 MPa increased the velocity to 9.7 m/s and reduced the separation time to 0.15 s. A 30% scale prototype using a 32 g Genesis Firefly capsule model showed a pressure-dependent height response, increasing from 63.0 cm at 0.2 MPa to 136.8 cm at 0.6 MPa. These findings provide analytical and scaled-prototype evidence that a pressure-tunable pneumatic architecture with a balancing hugger can support rapid, repeatable, and geometry-adaptable capsule ejection; flight-representative performance remains to be validated.
Copyright (c) 2025 Multidisciplinary Innovations and Research in Applied Engineering https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Dynamic Characteristics of SS400 Steel Using Experimental Modal Analysis
Heat treatment can alter the stiffness-related and energy-dissipation behaviour of structural steels, but its influence on the modal response of SS400 steel is still rarely reported using direct experimental modal testing. This study evaluates the effect of annealing temperature on the dynamic characteristics of SS400 steel specimens under free-free boundary conditions. Four specimen conditions were investigated: raw material and annealed specimens at 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C. Each specimen had dimensions of 200 mm x 20 mm x 5 mm. Experimental modal analysis was conducted using an impact hammer with a fixed uniaxial accelerometer, six roving-hammer measurement points, 10 kHz sampling rate, H1 frequency response function, Hanning windowing, and PolyLSCF stabilization. The first two bending modes were identified. The first natural frequency decreased from 491.655 Hz in the raw material to 434.364 Hz after annealing at 900 °C, corresponding to an 11.65% reduction. The second natural frequency decreased from 1327.165 Hz to 1173.168 Hz, corresponding to an 11.60% reduction. Damping ratios also decreased with increasing annealing temperature, with the largest reduction observed at 900 °C. The results indicate that annealing temperature strongly affects the modal properties of SS400 steel, particularly by reducing frequency- and damping-related indicators at higher temperatures. The contribution of this work is the direct comparison of raw and annealed SS400 modal parameters using the same free-free impact-testing configuration, which provides a baseline modal-response dataset for vibration-sensitive SS400 applications.
Effect of Flow Rate Variation on Solar Water Heater Performance
Solar energy potential in Indonesia is very large, yet its utilization for daily thermal needs still requires improvement through simple, economical, and efficient collector designs. This study analyzes the effect of fluid flow-rate variation on the performance of a trickle-type solar water heater with a V-shaped collector under local outdoor testing conditions. The novelty of the work lies in the combined evaluation of a V-shaped zinc-sheet absorber, trickle-type flow arrangement, north-facing 30° collector orientation, and practical flow-rate range of 2, 4, 6, and 8 L/min. The outdoor experiment was conducted from 09:00 to 12:00 Western Indonesia Time with repeated field observations for each flow-rate condition. Inlet temperature, outlet temperature, ambient temperature, collector temperature, cover temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation intensity were recorded and processed to determine useful heat gain, heat absorbed by the fluid, collector efficiency, fluid heat-absorption efficiency, and total efficiency. The results show that a lower flow rate produces a greater increase in fluid temperature, but it does not always produce the highest total efficiency. The 4 L/min flow rate provided the best performance, with a total efficiency of 55%, fluid heat-absorption efficiency of 71%, average fluid heat-transfer rate of 559.53 W, and estimated test-period fluid energy of 1678.59 Wh (6.04 MJ) during the 3 h test period. These findings indicate an optimum balance between fluid residence time and mass flow rate in improving solar water heater performance.
Design and Development of a Pneumatically Actuated Gravity Casting Machine for Aluminum Component Manufacturing
Gravity casting using permanent metallic molds is widely adopted in small- and medium-scale foundries for producing aluminum components; however, the manual mold assembly and part-removal steps that characterize conventional practice impose physical constraints on cycle consistency, operator ergonomics, and achievable throughput. This paper presents the design and development of a pneumatically actuated Gravity Casting Apparatus Machine intended to overcome these limitations in the production of aluminum motorcycle accessory components at DTech Engineering, Ltd. The design process followed a structured engineering approach comprising problem identification, functional requirement formulation, CAD-based conceptual modeling using Autodesk Fusion 360 learning edition, component and material selection, and mechanical design calculation. The resulting machine integrates eight principal subsystems: a rigid base plate, precision S45C steel rail shafts, a pneumatically driven movable base plate, a two-part permanent mold fabricated from 40 mm iron plate, an automated ejector plate, a pneumatic air cylinder operating at 6 bar, a structural support table, and an electrical control panel with solenoid-based sequencing. Design calculations addressed pneumatic actuator sizing, rail shaft deflection under mold loading, thermal expansion of mold components, and structural safety factors. Material selection was governed by the dual requirement of mechanical rigidity and resistance to thermal deformation from the molten aluminum environment. Implementation of the machine reduced cycle time from 3.0 minutes per part to 1.24 minutes per part, confirming the validity of the design approach. The study provides replicable design guidelines for foundries seeking to modernize gravity casting operations through low-cost pneumatic automation. Quantitatively, the cycle time decreased by 58.7%, from 3.00 min/part to 1.24 min/part, increasing the estimated production capacity from 20.0 to 48.4 parts/h. The selected 100 mm bore and 25 mm rod double-acting cylinder provides theoretical closing and opening forces of 4.71 kN and 4.42 kN, respectively, at 6 bar.
Comparative Mechanical Performance of FDM-Printed PETG and ABS at Different Infill Percentages
The use of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) in additive manufacturing requires a material selection strategy that considers not only strength, but also the balance between stiffness, ductility, toughness, and surface resistance. This study evaluates the comparative mechanical performance of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% infill using FDM printing and performance-map analysis. Specimens were designed according to ASTM standards and printed using the same printer, hexagonal infill pattern, print speed, and build orientation, while material-specific parameters such as extrusion temperature, heated bed temperature, layer height, first-layer height, enclosure, and cooling fan setting were adjusted according to ABS and PETG processing requirements. Mechanical characterization included tensile, flexural, impact, Shore D hardness, and density tests. The highest tensile strength was obtained by PETG at 100% infill, reaching 40.74 MPa, while ABS at the same infill reached 38.72 MPa. PETG also showed the highest elongation at break of 16.16%, flexural strength of 59.51 MPa, and impact strength of 0.053 J/mm². In contrast, ABS produced the highest surface hardness, reaching 84.17 Shore D at 100% infill, compared with 80.42 Shore D for PETG. The density values of both materials increased with infill and became similar at 100% infill, namely 1.00 g/cm³. These findings confirm a clear trade-off between strength, toughness, resilience, and hardness in FDM materials. PETG offers a more balanced mechanical profile for applications that require strength, deformation tolerance, and impact resistance, while ABS remains relevant for applications that prioritize rigidity and surface hardness.
Static and Dynamic Performance Evaluation of Three-Wheeled Vehicle Frames Based on Aluminum and High-Grade Steel Using Finite Element Simulation
The increasing demand for energy efficiency and lightweight transportation has encouraged the development of three-wheeled vehicles with optimized structural frames. This study evaluates the static and dynamic performance of three-wheeled vehicle frames using three high-performance materials Aluminium 7075-T6, S690 steel, and ASTM A572 HSLA 60 steel. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted with Altair HyperWorks to analyze stress distribution, deformation, safety factor, and natural frequency response. Static analysis results indicate that all materials are structurally safe, with S690 steel showing the highest stiffness and safety factor, while Aluminium 7075-T6 provides the greatest strength-to-weight efficiency despite higher deformation. ASTM A572 HSLA 60 offers moderate performance as a cost-effective alternative. Modal analysis reveals similar natural frequency ranges (1.5–3.2 Hz) across all materials, indicating that dynamic behavior is more influenced by geometry than material properties. The findings highlight the trade-off between strength, stiffness, and weight, suggesting Aluminium 7075-T6 as the optimal choice for lightweight and energy-efficient applications, while S690 steel is preferable for heavy-duty requirements. Overall, this research emphasizes a holistic approach in material selection for three-wheeled vehicle frames to balance mechanical strength, vibration characteristics, and energy efficiency.
Photodegradator for Photocatalytic Enhancement of Laboratory Wastewater Quality
Laboratory activities such as practical courses, research experiments, and sample analyses often generate waste, with liquid effluents being the most prevalent. Proper treatment of these liquid wastes is essential prior to discharge into the environment to prevent contamination. Photocatalysis, a process that employs photon-activated semiconductor oxides, has emerged as a promising approach for wastewater treatment. In this study, bismuth oxide was developed as an alternative photocatalyst capable of operating under both UV and visible light. The material was synthesized via the sol–gel method and subsequently deposited using a spray-coating technique. The fabricated photocatalytic reactor was designed with integrated reaction chambers, control systems, and adjustable light intensity to enhance wastewater purification. Reactor parameters were systematically optimized to establish the most effective configuration for pollutant degradation. Experimental results demonstrated that higher light intensities significantly reduced the absorbance of liquid effluents, indicating a substantial decrease in contaminant concentration. Furthermore, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) of treated wastewater decreased by 24% and 64%, respectively.
The Effect of Infill Variation on the Tensile, Bending, Impact, Hardness, and Density Properties of PLA and ABS Materials Produced by FDM
Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing using the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) method offers high flexibility in the production of polymer components through process parameter settings, one of which is the infill percentage that affects mechanical performance. This study analyzes the effect of infill variations (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) on the mechanical properties of two popular thermoplastic materials, Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Testing was conducted according to ASTM standards, including tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, hardness, and density. The results show that PLA has higher tensile strength (47–53 MPa), bending strength, and hardness compared to ABS (33–38 MPa). Conversely, ABS demonstrates better toughness through higher impact values, while the difference in density is relatively small and insignificant. Increasing the infill percentage is proven to enhance strength and hardness in both materials, but this is accompanied by an increase in material consumption. These findings indicate a trade-off between stiffness and toughness, so material selection must be tailored to application requirements. PLA is more suitable for precision components requiring dimensional stability, while ABS is recommended for applications with dynamic loads and impact risks. This study provides a practical foundation for optimizing FDM parameters, particularly material and infill, in engineering, medical, and consumer product applications.
Antimicrobial Urinary Catheters: Fabrication Strategies and Their Role in Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections - A Narrative Review
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most frequent healthcare-associated infections, primarily caused by biofilm formation on catheter surfaces. This narrative review summarizes recent progress in antimicrobial urinary catheter development, focusing on substrate materials, functional agents, and fabrication strategies. Common substrates such as silicone, polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomers provide biocompatibility and durability but require modification to achieve antimicrobial performance. Strategies including surface coatings (e.g., dip- and spray-coating, sol–gel, and layer-by-layer deposition), impregnation, composite blending, and hybrid designs have been investigated to deliver sustained antimicrobial release, antifouling resistance, and improved patient comfort. Coating-based methods enable localized control of active agents, while bulk modifications ensure durability despite surface wear. Emerging approaches highlight multifunctional systems that integrate antimicrobial, antifouling, and lubricious properties, supported by precision techniques such as nanostructured coatings and bioinspired surface engineering. By linking material selection with fabrication design, this review underscores the need for scalable and cost-effective strategies that combine long-term antimicrobial protection, mechanical integrity, and regulatory compliance. Future research directions include hybrid fabrication methods, sustainable manufacturing, and clinical translation to reduce the global burden of CAUTIs.
Mapping the Spread of Innovation in Multidisciplinary Applied Engineering Fields: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Applications of engineering have developed to numerous sectors and generated cross- and multidisciplinary studies to the academic world and global practitioners. The present study conducts a bibliometric examination and network visualization of applied engineering studies between 2014 and 2024, based on data taken from the Scopus database. Focus on studies included within the subject area multidiscipline, the examination delves into international linkage research, author-delineated themes, and index keyword arrangements to identify emerging tendencies and conceptual aggregations. Visualization conducted with the help of VOSviewer identifies the dominance of nations like China, the United States, and the United Kingdom both by publishing output as well as collaborative strength, with increasing participation by emerging nations like India, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Author keyword examination identifies conventional sectors of engineering like mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering, along with computational techniques like machine learning and optimization. On the other side, index keyword examination identifies the dominance of bioengineering themes involving metabolism, genetics, tissue engineering, and gene expression, with these terms possessing the greatest overall link strengths within the collection. By charting innovation across conceptual as well as geographic dimensions, the paper outlines the intricate, intertwined character of the contemporary applied engineering.
Copyright (c) 2024 Multidisciplinary Innovations and Research in Applied Engineering https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Design, Construction, and Testing of an Electric Wheelchair Operated by Arduino Uno R3 Microcontroller
The research aims to design and develop an electric wheelchair based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller as a mobility solution for individuals with disabilities. A conventional wheelchair was modified by integrating an electric drive system controlled by an analog joystick, which is connected to the Arduino Uno and DC motors via a BTS 760 motor driver. The wheelchair design complies with ISO 7176-5 standards and is adapted to the anthropometric dimensions of Indonesian users. Test results indicate that the control system functions effectively, allowing responsive control of wheelchair movements forward, backward, left, and right according to joystick operation. However, several challenges were encountered during the chain adjustment and gear welding processes, requiring further development to achieve optimal performance. This study demonstrates that utilizing the Arduino Uno as the central control unit enables the production of an electric wheelchair at a more affordable cost.
Design and Development of a Pneumatic Bush Installation Tool for Motorcycle Engine Mounting Production Efficiency
The increasing demand for efficient and precise manufacturing processes in the automotive industry has led to the development of automated assembly systems, including pneumatic-based tools. This study focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of a pneumatic Bush installation tool for motorcycle engine mounting production efficiency. The tool was tested against manual methods (hammer and jack) to compare installation time, accuracy, and defect rates (NG). A quasi-experimental approach was used, involving trial and error testing, prototype validation, and comparative analysis. The results showed that the pneumatic system significantly outperformed the manual method, with an 80% improvement in efficiency—reducing installation time from 120 seconds (manual) to 45 seconds (pneumatic). Additionally, Bush misalignment was reduced from 40% (manual) to 10% (pneumatic), while installation-induced defects dropped from 35% to only 5%. The findings demonstrate that the pneumatic-assisted tool provides more consistent pressure control, improved accuracy, and reduced error rates, making it a superior alternative to manual methods. This study contributes to the advancement of automated assembly technologies in the motorcycle manufacturing industry.
Enhancing Atomic Force Microscopy Sample Preparation Using a Modified Microwave-Assisted Drying System
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is widely used for high-resolution topographic imaging, but sample preparation remains a critical factor influencing image quality. Wet preparation techniques improve nanoparticle dispersion but often introduce residual solvent layers that degrade imaging performance. This study investigates a modified microwave-assisted drying system designed to enhance AFM sample preparation. A commercial microwave was adapted with precise power, temperature, and time controls to optimize drying conditions and minimize aggregation. Various sample preparation methods, including dry preparation, conventional wet preparation, and microwave-assisted drying, were evaluated. AFM characterization showed that the modified microwave system produced samples with more uniform morphology, reduced particle aggregation, and improved topographic resolution. Contact angle measurements indicated enhanced solvent removal, leading to increased hydrophobicity and better substrate interaction. These results demonstrate that controlled microwave-assisted drying is an effective strategy for improving AFM imaging quality, offering a practical alternative to conventional drying methods.
Performance and Emission Analysis of Motorcycles Using Pertalite-Methanol Fuel Blends
The increasing use of motorcycles necessitates the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly fuel alternatives. This study examines the effect of mixing methanol with pertalite fuel on engine performance and exhaust emissions in carburetor motorcycles. The fuel variations tested include M0, M5, M10, M15, M20, and M25. Performance testing was conducted using a dynotest, while exhaust emissions were measured with an emission gas analyzer. The results indicate that M25 produces the highest torque and power output, particularly in the 2500–8500 rpm range. Additionally, M25 significantly reduces HC and CO emissions, with HC at 108.33 ppm vol and CO at 0.19% vol, compared to M0. The findings suggest that methanol-enhanced fuel improves combustion efficiency, enhances engine performance, and lowers emissions. Thus, methanol-pertalite blends offer a promising alternative for improving carburetor motorcycle performance while reducing environmental impact.
Enhancing Landslide Early Warning: Advances in Fiber Optic Sensor Sensitivity
Fiber optic sensors offer a high-performance alternative because they provide a low-cost solution, resistance to electromagnetic interference, multiplexing capabilities, and high integration. The performance of fiber optic sensors applies to measuring physical parameters such as pressure, bending, and temperature. This study aims to determine the optimal value of using optical fiber types in landslide early detection sensors. The method used is bending in the form of deflection on the optical fiber. The deflection values used are 0 mm - 15 mm, 0 mm - 20 mm, and 0 mm - 25 mm. The optical fiber is placed horizontally in the middle of the bending tool. This bending affects the deflection of the optical fiber, resulting in the attenuation of light in the optical fiber. The deflection phenomenon results in light attenuation in the optical fiber. The sensitivity level of a single-mode fiber optic sensor is higher than a multimode. It shows the greater linearity value in each deflection treatment. Single-mode optical fiber linearity data on deflection variations of 0 - 15 mm, 0 - 20 mm, and 0 - 25 mm, respectively, are 0.9833, 0.9871, and 0.9847. At the same time, the linearity data of multimode optical fiber is 0.8926, 0.9841, and 0.9687. Single-mode optical fiber is more sensitive than multimode optical fiber. It is caused by the core diameter of single-mode optical fiber, which is much smaller than that of multimode optical fiber. The difference in core diameter results in differences in light propagation in the optical fiber. The small diameter of the core has a low dispersion level so that more light intensity is reflected into the core. Light attenuation occurs in a single-mode optical fiber due to macro bending treatment. Meanwhile, the attenuation of light in Multimode fiber optics is due to the bending and dispersion of light. Therefore, a landslide early detection sensor design is more optimal by using a single-mode optical fiber.
Innovations in Mechanical Engineering: Bridging Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability through Cutting-Edge Research
The rapid evolution of mechanical engineering has fostered significant advancements across various sectors, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This editorial compiles and explores four key research topics that highlight these advancements: automotive braking technology, magnetorheological elastomers, heat transfer in plane walls, and titanium dioxide photocatalyst coatings. These topics illustrate the integration of innovative materials and methods into engineering practices, addressing contemporary challenges in safety, performance, and environmental impact. By reviewing these studies, this article provides insights into how modern engineering research continues to push the boundaries of technology, offering promising solutions to enhance everyday applications. The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing research and development to optimize these technologies for future industrial applications.
Optimum Calcination Temperature In Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Photocatalyst Coating For Stain-Resistant Fabrics
The utilization of wind energy in Indonesia is still low due to the average wind speed ranging from 3 m/s to 11 m/s making it the increasing demand for clothing has driven innovations to address the issue of dirt on clothes in a more practical and environmentally friendly manner. This study explores the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an anti-dirt agent on fabric through a photocatalytic coating process. TiO2 was chosen for its photocatalytic properties, which can oxidize organic compounds into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) when exposed to UV light. The fabric coating was carried out using a modified sol-gel method and tested at various calcination temperatures. The optimal result was obtained at a calcination temperature of 600°C, producing anatase crystals with the best photocatalytic properties. Fabric coated with TiO2 showed the ability to degrade stains and kill bacteria after nine coating applications, ensuring an even distribution of TiO2 particles. This study concludes that fabric coated with TiO2 is effective in self-cleaning under UV exposure, offering an environmentally friendly solution suitable for application in sunlight-rich Indonesia.
Investigation on the significance of numerical and physical parameters on a plane wall heat transfer
Heat transfer is a process that underlines many engineering applications. Temperature distribution and heat flux of a part as an effect of heat load can be analyzed for technical and economic justification. Computation has been easier with the aid of computational software based on numerical methods. The numerical method is about approximation; therefore, validation is necessary to verify the accuracy. A comparison of numerical and analytical methods on a plane wall thermal analysis had confirmed that the result from ANSYS fluent satisfies the computation. The results were strengthened by the negligible error when comparing the analytical and numerical methods. An extended study was performed to further investigate the significance of numerical and physical parameters on the result. The numerical parameter does not seem to have a significant effect, yet the physical parameters do. The study can be employed to predict the generated heat flux from various parameters under predefined operating conditions.
Influence of Carbonyl Iron Particles on the Structural and Mechanical Performance of Magnetorheological Elastomers
This study investigates the effects of different types of carbonyl iron particles on the structure and performance of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). Employing various experimental methodologies, including frequency and strain-dependent testing, the mechanical performance of both anisotropic and isotropic MREs was analyzed. Results indicate that the spatial location of particle chains, frequency, dynamic strain amplitude, and prestrain substantially influence the MREs' mechanical behavior. Special focus was given to the integration of nanoparticles, which significantly enhanced performance metrics. Comparisons were made between MREs based on epoxy, silicone rubber, and polyurethane/Si-rubber hybrids, emphasizing their rheological and morphological properties post-natural weathering in a tropical climate. Additionally, the study highlights the potential applications of MREs in automotive components and sensor technologies, with particular attention to the magnetic and mechanical properties mediated by the inclusion of carbon black and cobalt. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the adaptive magnetoelastic characteristics of MREs, contributing to their development and deployment in various smart material applications.
Advancements in Automotive Braking Technology for Enhanced Safety: A Review
This research explores advancements in braking technology with a focus on enhancing vehicle safety. The topic was chosen due to the critical importance of literature connecting braking technology developments to safety levels. The method employed was a comprehensive review of current literature concerning types and advancements in braking technologies, particularly in automotive vehicles. Analysis indicates that integrating modern braking technologies can significantly enhance driving safety and comfort, although challenges related to costs and maintenance need further attention. Further studies are recommended to optimize the future implementation of these technologies.