Structural Characterization and Mechanical Behavior of Al 6061 Nanostructured Matrix Reinforced with TiO2 Nanoparticles for Automotive Applications

The main aims of the present chapter are to: learn synthesis procedure of AA 6061‐x wt.% TiO2 nanocomposites (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 wt.%) by mechanical alloying (MA); investigate structural characterization of manufactured nanocomposite powders using X‐ray line profile analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM); examine consolidation method and mechanical behavior in terms of sintered density, Vickers hardness and compressive stress‐strain behavior; study the improvement of ductility in nanocomposites; and simulate the mechanical behavior using ANSYS. Here, the synthesized nanocomposites via MA were consolidated using conventional uniaxial die compaction; then, the green compacts were sintered at different temperatures. TEM microstructures of as‐milled powder samples showed the matrix crystallite sizes ranging from 45 to 75 nm, which depended on the amount of reinforcement. A remarkable decrease in matrix powder particles size with the function of reinforcement was observed due to the ceramic nano TiO2 particles acted as milling agent. The sintered nanocomposites yielded maximum strength of 1.126 GPa. The study of trimodeled composite and its mechanical behavior revealed the possibility of achieving improvements in ductility and toughness for nanocomposites. The simulated mechanical behavior results using finite element method were good agreement with experimental results

Finite element modeling of nano-indentation technique to characterize thin film coatings

Thin films and coatings are increasingly being used almost in every engineering field. Many properties such as tribological, strength and magnetic can be improved by application of thin film. Especially in mechanical they are being applied in engines parts, prone to worn out and corroded parts, biomedical implants and cutting tools. Under service life, these coatings may incur failure thereby resulting in loss of the system as a whole. Therefore, it is unavoidable to investigate the critical loads that lead to ultimate fracture. Among many techniques available to assess the service performance of coatings, nanoindentation technique is a versatile nondestructive and has been applied frequently for this purpose. Further, it is imperative to simulate nanoindentation by powerful FEM software to extract plenty of mechanical properties like hardness, elastic modulus, endurance loads and various parameters like optimal thickness and optimal critical load, stress distribution and contact pressure between substrate and layer can be obtained through load-displacement curve. In this article review, a detailed procedure of nanoindentation experiment and its finite element analysis have been presented and latest development in this area has been provided while keeping focus on thin films. Keywords: Nanoindentation, Coatings, Finite element method

A Review on Techno-Economic Study for Supporting Building with PV-Grid-Connected Systems under Saudi Regulations

As the demand for electricity continues to grow in Saudi Arabia, finding ways to increase power generation becomes increasingly important. However, conventional power generation methods such as burning fossil fuels contribute significantly to environmental pollution and harm human health through the emissions of greenhouse gases. One potential solution to this problem is the use of solar energy, which has the advantage of being abundant in Saudi Arabia due to its location in the sun belt. When compared to conventional power generation methods, solar energy is a viable alternative, particularly when the indirect costs of fossil fuels, such as harm to the environment and human health, are considered. Using photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy is a key method for producing clean energy. Despite the initial cost of investing in solar energy infrastructure, it is ultimately less expensive than electricity derived from fossil fuels. In recognition of the potential of solar energy, the Saudi government has outlined an ambitious plan to install 41 GW of solar capacity and invest USD 108.9 billion by 2032. Additionally, financing and significant tax benefits have been provided to promote the development of the solar industry. This research article reviews the techno-economic analysis of PV power plants and examines previous policy papers and the existing research on the topic

A Study on the Techno-Economics Feasibility of a 19.38 KWp Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System at Al-Abrar Mosque, Saudi Arabia

This research paper presents a comprehensive study on the implementation of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems at Al-Abrar Mosque in Saudi Arabia. The primary objective was to explore optimal regional solar power strategies. By synergistically integrating technical evaluations of the PV system with economic analyses, including the payback period and levelized cost of energy (LCOE), alongside an investigation of net metering and net billing scenarios, we delineated a pathway toward achieving net zero billing for the mosque’s energy requirements. This study examined two scenarios: Scenario I involved net metering, while Scenario II explored net billing. Our theoretical and simulation results, derived from detailed analyses conducted using PVsyst software, unequivocally demonstrated the superiority of net metering for this specific application. With net metering, the mosque’s energy needs can be efficiently met using minimal infrastructure—comprising only 34 photovoltaic modules and a single inverter. In contrast, net billing requires significantly higher resource demands, underscoring the economic and spatial advantages of net metering. Additionally, the payback period for Scenario I is 7.9 years, while for Scenario II, it extends to 87 years. Through rigorous simulations, this study reaffirmed the practicality and feasibility of the net metering approach within the context of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, our research provides actionable insights for implementing sustainable solutions at specific sites, such as the Al-Abrar Mosque, and contributes to advancing renewable energy knowledge in the region

Influence of Milling Time and Ball-to-Powder Ratio on Mechanical Behavior of FeMn₃₀Cu₅ Biodegradable Alloys Prepared by Mechanical Alloying and Hot-Forging

FeMn30Cu5 is a biodegradable and multi-component alloy that can be used to repair bone defects in load-bearing parts in the medical field. This work focuses on studying the influence of milling time and ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) on the mechanical behavior of FeMn30Cu5 alloys via mechanical alloying and hot-forging. Three different milling times (1, 5.5, and 10 h) and BPRs (5:1, 10:1, and 15:1) were used as the main independent variables. MA was performed at 300 rpm in ethanol; the synthesized powders were dried, hot-compacted at 550 MPa, and sintered under an inert atmosphere (1000 °C, 15 min) using a medium-frequency induction furnace and hot-forging. The mechanical behavior in terms of Vickers hardness, compressive stress–strain curves, and percentage theoretical density was investigated. This experimental work revealed that both milling time and BPR significantly influenced the grain size reduction owing to variations in the severe plastic deformation and mechanical collisions produced by the milling medium. The hardness and ultimate strength of the FeMn30Cu5 alloy processed at 10 h and 15:1 BPR were 1788.17 ± 4.9 MPa, which was 1.5 times higher than those of the same alloy processed at 1 h and 5:1 BPR (1200.45 ± 6.5 MPa). Austenite iron (g-Fe), ferrite-iron (a-Fe), a-Mn, and a-Cu phases were observed in XRD and SEM images. The formed a-Mn and a-Cu overlapped with the g-Fe lattice because of the diffusion of Mn and Cu atoms during sintering and hot-forging. The incorporated 30 wt.% of Mn and 5 wt.% of Cu stabilize the austenite phase (good for MRI scans in medical applications), which contributed to promoting superior mechanical properties with milling time (10 h) and BPR (15:1) due to severe structural defects

Influence of Milling Time and Ball-to-Powder Ratio on Mechanical Behavior of FeMn30Cu5 Biodegradable Alloys Prepared by Mechanical Alloying and Hot-Forging

FeMn30Cu5 is a biodegradable and multi-component alloy that can be used to repair bone defects in load-bearing parts in the medical field. This work focuses on studying the influence of milling time and ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) on the mechanical behavior of FeMn30Cu5 alloys via mechanical alloying and hot-forging. Three different milling times (1, 5.5, and 10 h) and BPRs (5:1, 10:1, and 15:1) were used as the main independent variables. MA was performed at 300 rpm in ethanol; the synthesized powders were dried, hot-compacted at 550 MPa, and sintered under an inert atmosphere (1000 °C, 15 min) using a medium-frequency induction furnace and hot-forging. The mechanical behavior in terms of Vickers hardness, compressive stress–strain curves, and percentage theoretical density was investigated. This experimental work revealed that both milling time and BPR significantly influenced the grain size reduction owing to variations in the severe plastic deformation and mechanical collisions produced by the milling medium. The hardness and ultimate strength of the FeMn30Cu5 alloy processed at 10 h and 15:1 BPR were 1788.17 ± 4.9 MPa, which was 1.5 times higher than those of the same alloy processed at 1 h and 5:1 BPR (1200.45 ± 6.5 MPa). Austenite iron (g-Fe), ferrite-iron (a-Fe), a-Mn, and a-Cu phases were observed in XRD and SEM images. The formed a-Mn and a-Cu overlapped with the g-Fe lattice because of the diffusion of Mn and Cu atoms during sintering and hot-forging. The incorporated 30 wt.% of Mn and 5 wt.% of Cu stabilize the austenite phase (good for MRI scans in medical applications), which contributed to promoting superior mechanical properties with milling time (10 h) and BPR (15:1) due to severe structural defects