This paper aims to investigate the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams considering fire resistance by adding Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregates (LECA) to the concrete mix as partial coarse aggregate replacement. LECA is a type of porous clay with a uniform pore structure with fine, closed cells and hard, tightly sintered skin. The experimental work comprised four reinforced self-compacted concrete beams. All the specimens were identical in their geometrical layout of 1600×240×200 mm, reinforcement details, and support condition (simply supported). For all the beams, the main reinforcement was provided by two bars, each having a diameter of 12 mm, while a bar of 6 mm diameter was employed for the top and shear reinforc

Background: Poly-ether-ether-ketone(PEEK) has been introduced to many dental fields. Recently it was tested as a retainer wire‎ following orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of changing the bonding spot size and location on the performance of PEEK retainer wires. Methods: A biomechanical study involving four three-dimensional finite element models was performed. The basic model was with a 0.8 mm cylindrical cross-section PEEK wire, bonded at the center of the lingual surface of the mandibular incisors with 4 mm in diameter composite spots. Two other models were designed with 3 mm and 5 mm composite sizes. The last model was created with the composite bonding spot of the canine away from the center

The aim of this study is to identify the effect of particle size and to increase the concentration of Iraqi bentonite on rheological properties in order to evaluate its performance and to know if it can be used as drilling fluid without additives or not. In this study, Iraqi bentonite was carried out by mineral composition (XRD), chemical composition (XRF) and Particle size distribution (PSD), and its rheological properties were measured at different particle size and concentration. The results showed that when the particle size of Iraqi bentonite decreased, and the rheological properties were increased with increased concentration of Iraqi bentonite. Also, Iraqi bentonite was unable to use as drilling fluid without certain additives.

A new tool geometry was used to achieve friction stir spot welding (FSSW) in which the shoulder was designed separately from the rotating pin, and in order to examine weldment strength through the modified tool, a lap joints of AA2024 aluminum alloy plate 1 mm thick were welded successfully by using 6 mm pin diameter and varying process parameters (rotational speeds, tool nose geometry, and depth of tool penetration in the lower welded plate). Experimental tests indicate that the maximum average tensile shear load was 3100 N at the best selected condition. Microstructure examination and micro hardness test along the spot zones were investigated as well as measuring pin penetration load. Visual inspection of the welded spot surface shows a g

Light naphtha treatment was achieved over 0.3wt%Pt loaded-alumina, HY-zeolite and Zr/W/HY-zeolite catalysts at temperature rang of 240-370°C, hydrogen to hydrocarbon mole ratio of 1-4 0.75-3 wt/wt/hr, liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) and at atmospheric pressure. The hydroconversion of light naphtha over Pt loaded catalyst shows two main reactions; hydrocracking and hydroisomerization reactions. The catalytic conversion of a light naphtha is greatly influenced by reaction temperature, LHSV, and catalyst function. Naphtha transformation (hyroisomerization, cracking and aromatization) increases with decreasing LHSV and increasing temperature except hydroisomerization activity increases with increasing of temperature till 300°C then began

The effect of solution heat treatment on the mechanical properties of Aluminum-Copper alloy. (2024-T3) by the rolling process is investigated. The solution heat treatment was implemented by heating the sheets to 480 C° and quenching them by water; then forming by rolling for many passes. And then natural aging is done for one month. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) are evaluated and the results are compared with the metal without treatment during the rolling process. ANSYS analysis is used to show the stresses distribution in the sheet during the rolling process.  It has been seen that good mechanical properties are evident in the alloy without heat treatment due to the strain hardening and also the mechanical

Recent research has examined the improvement of physical and dielectric properties of BaTiO₃ ceramic material by small addition of excess TiO₂ or BaCO₃. The prepared samples sintered at different temperatures and varying soaking time. The results show that increasing the sintering temperature within 1350°C and soaking time of 10 hrs give better electrical and physical properties, which indicate the reaction is complete at higher temperature and period.

Light is an important factor that influences the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae; however, little is known about how light intensity together with the wavelength affect the photosynthetic capacity and growth of marine microalgae. In the present study, the growth of the marine green microalga Dunaliella parva was studied and optimized under different light intensities (25 ~ 70 μmol m^-2 s^-1) and qualities (blue, green, and red) in comparison with white light at 40 μmol m^-2 s^-1 as a control. The growth was monitored by counting the cell number, pigment content, Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoids concentrations. The optimal growth and highest photosyntheti

The research aims to know the impact of the innovative matrix strategy and the problem tree strategy in teaching mathematics to intermediate grade female students on mathematical proficiency. To achieve the research objectives, an experimental approach and a quasi-experimental design were used for two equivalent experimental groups. The first is studied according to the innovative matrix strategy, the second group is studied according to the problem tree strategy. The research sample consisted of (32) female students of the first intermediate grade, who were intentionally chosen after ensuring their equivalence, taking into several factors, most notably (chronological age, previous achievement, and intelligence test). The research tools con