ABSTRACT Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) area prormsing alternative to conventional tools in modeling and prediction of complex and non-linear parameters. However, the selection of appropriate network parameters for optimum performance pose application challenges In this study, the modeling and predictive performances of six backpropagation learning algorithms: Levenberg-Marquardt (LM), BFGS Quasi-Newton (BFG), Resilient Backpropagation (RP), Fletcher-Powell Conjugate Gradient (CGF), Variab...
Abstract Power plant stability at lower loads is becoming ever more important, highlighting the increasing requirement for the development of advanced models and tools to analyse and design systems. Such tools enable a better understanding of the thermo-fluid processes and their dynamics, which improves the ability to specify and design better control algorithms and systems. During low load operation and transients, such as start-up and shutdown, the required water flow rate through the evapo...
The qualities of Nigerian graduates have been a source of concern.The polytechnics have come under criticisms as lacking capacities to turn out competent technologists. However,this paper picks this issue from a different angle.The graduating grade so fa sample of engineering students in apolytechnic were correlated with their entry performances (Secondary Certificate and Matriculation Examinations) over three sessions. The correlation was weak (r=0.13;Ho:=0 accepted at =0.025) whil...
ABSTRACT Transient analysis and performance prediction of passive cooling of buildings using long wave nocturnal radiation in Owerri, Nigeria are presented. Owerri is a typical urban area in southeastern Nigeria lying between latitude 5° 4' and 6° 3' N and longitude 6° 15'and 7° 34' E. The system modeled consists of the room of a building with a radiator panel attached to its roof, water storage tank located inside the room, pump to circulate water through the radiator panel at night and...
ABSTRACT This thesis examines the development of a gas propellant rocket motor using cheap local materials. The fabrication of the prototype rocket engine was achieved by using machine tools like the lathe and drilling machines. The internal radius around the nozzle throat area was made without using any special tools for curves. The engine was tested twice and readings or data taken for pressure and temperature. Two thermocouples were damaged because the temperature exceeded their ...
Abstract The design, construction and performance test of a parabolic solar cooker for domestic use are presented. The simple experimental parabolic solar cooker, made of locally available materials, consists of a parabolic dish of thickness 0.3mm, adjustable mechanism, pot, pot holder, base support and a reflecting glass surface. The concave surface of the dish was lagged with reflective glasses which serve as a reflecting surface. Commercially available (3mm) thick glass is used as glazing...
ABSTRACT This work builds on an earlier work done which used global coordinates where a large number of elements were needed to form a convergence of results for shop built spherical pressure vessels. In this work area coordinates were used. Any action that leads to an inability on the part of a structure to function as intended is known as failure. This research, therefore, investigates stresses developed in a shop built carbon steel spherical storage vessels using finite element approach...
ABSTRACT A comparative analysis of renewable energy sources for power generation in Nigeria is presented. The three renewable energy resources of solar radiation, wind energy and hydro power were investigated for six locations (Northwest, Northeasth, North-central, Southwest, Southeast and South-south) representing the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. The Hargreaves and Samani model was used to investigate the solar energy potential of the study locations of Sokoto, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Ib...
ABSTRACT The process of lifting items like motor vehicles and farm tractors for the purpose of changing tyres and other maintenance activities usually involves extensive manual effort and high risk of injuries. In other to reduce the manual effort and the risk of injuries, a remote controlled jack is developed and tested. The equipment consists of a 5-tonne capacity hydraulic jack, and a drive and control system which comprises a 12 volts, 312 Watts d c electric motor, a sliding crank mech...
ABSTRACT The technology of solar water heating is an emerging field in Nigeria. Due to the epileptic power supply in Nigeria, other energy sources are being sought. This project involves the design and fabrication of a portable solar water heater. The design of the solar water heater was done using relevant equations to size the major components of the system. The materials for the components were then selected with consideration to the design calculations, machinability, market availability ...
ABSTRACT Modeling of wind speed variation is an essential requirement in the estimation of the wind energy potential for a typical site. In this paper, the wind energy potential in Ibadan (Lat. 7.430 N; Long. 3.90 E; Alt. 227.2m) is statistically analyzed using daily wind speed data for 10 years (1995-2004) obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. The daily, monthly, seasonal, and yearly wind speed probability density distributions are modeled...
ABSTRACT The analysis of a transient 2-Dimensional heat conduction problem by the Finite Element Method is hereby presented.
ABSTRACT This paper deals with facility maintenance scheduling model which incorporates opportunity and inflationary costs.
ABSTRACT This paper aims at applying a fuzzy logic control model to profitability in a case study of the plastic recycling industry in Nigeria. The studies of profitability components of the plastic recycling industry as used to develop a model framework and the application of fuzzy logic control model to the framework are given in this paper. A brief introduction to profitability concepts as well as useful suggestions and conclusions are all integral part of this paper which is based on the...
ABSTRACT In the process of generating a cam profile, input parameters such as lift, maximum allowable pressure angle, eccentricity and roller-radius are subjected to variations.