Editorial Board

This study investigated the feasibility of anaerobic co-digestion of giant reed (GR) inoculated with waste manure as a co-substrate for biogas production. The performance of co-digestion was evaluated in 4 anaerobic digesters operated in batch mode at different conditions. The effects of alkali pretreatment with NaOH (4% w/v) solution, inoculum type, and thermal condition were studied. The results demonstrated that the alkali-pretreatment of GR enhanced the biogas generation by about 15% at mesophilic conditions. Thermophilic conditions enhanced the biogas recovery from both alkali-free and alkali pretreated GR by 15% and 127%, respectively. The kinetic study of the co-digestion process of GR for biogas recovery suggeste

A composite section is made up of a concrete slab attached to a steel beam by means of shear connectors. Under positive and negative bending moment, part of the slab will act as a flange of the beam, resisting the longitudinal compression or tension force. When the spacing between girders becomes large, it is evident that the simple beam theory does not strictly apply because the longitudinal stress in the flange will vary with distance from the girder web, the flange being more highly stressed over the web than in the extremities. This phenomenon is termed "shear lag". In this paper, a nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis is employed to evaluate and determine the actual effective slab width of the composite steel-concrete

The effective stress method is developed to predict the axial capacity of piles in clay. This
method is based on the principle that, at failure, the available shear resistance at the pile soil
interface is related to the mean normal effective stress at the pile face and the effective stress
friction angle for the soil sliding on the pile material.
In this paper, the coupled non-linear finite element method is used to analyze some pile-soil
interaction problems. This computer program ( CRISP ) is used for this task. Eight- node
isoparametric elements were used for displacements while four- node elements are used for
pore pressure. Interface elements are used to simulate the interaction between the pile and the
soil

The present investigation considers the effect of curing temperatures (30, 40, and 50˚C) and curing compound method on compressive strength development of high performance concrete, and compares the results with concrete cured at standard conditions and curing temperature (21˚C). The experimental results showed that at early ages, the rate of strength development at high curing temperature is greater than at lower curing temperature, the maximum increasing percentage in compressive strength is 10.83% at 50C˚ compared with 21C˚ in 7days curing age. However, at later ages, the strength achieved at higher curing temperature has been less, and the maximum percentage of reduction has been 5.70% at curing temperature 50C˚ compared with 21

The ability of using aluminum filings which is locally solid waste was tested as a mono media in gravity rapid filter. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of variation of influent water turbidity (10, 20and 30 NTU); flow rate(30, 40, and 60 l/hr) and bed height (30and60)cm on the performance of aluminum filings filter media for 5 hours run time and compare it with the conventional sand filter. The results indicated that aluminum filings filter showed better performance than sand filter in the removal of turbidity and in the reduction of head loss. Results showed that the statistical model developed by the multiple linear regression was proved to be
valid, and it could be used to predict head loss in aluminum filings

The major aim of this research is study the effect of the type of lightweight aggregate (Porcelinite and Thermostone), type and ratio of the pozzolanic material(SF and HRM) and the use of different ratios of w/cm ratio(0.32 and 0.35) on the properties of SCLWC in the fresh and hardened state. SF and HRM are used in three percentage 5%,10%, and 15% as a partial replacement by weight of
cement for all types of SCLWC. The requirements of self-compatibility for SCC are fulfilled by using the high performance superplasticizer (G51) at 1.2liter per 100 kg of cement. The values of air dry density and compressive strength at age of 28 days within the limits of structural lightweight concrete. The air dry density and compressive strength at a

This research presents a method of using MATLAB in analyzing a nonhomogeneous soil (Gibson-type) by
estimating the displacements and stresses under the strip footing during applied incremental loading
sequences. This paper presents a two-dimensional finite element method. In this method, the soil is divided into a number of triangle elements. A model soil (Gibson-type) with linearly increasing modulus of elasticity with depth is presented. The influences of modulus of elasticity, incremental loading, width of footing, and depth of footing are considered in this paper. The results are compared with authors' conclusions of previous studies.

Mechanical degradation hampers the practical usage of polymers for turbulent drag reduction
application. Mechanical degradation refers to the chemical process in which the activation energy of
polymer chain scission is exceeded by mechanical action on the polymer chain, and bond rupture
occurs. When a water-soluble polymer and surfactant are mixed in water solution, the specific structures
(aggregates) are formed, in which polymer film is formed around micelle. In this work, Xanthan gum (XG) –
Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SELS) complex formation and its effect on percentage viscosity reduction
(%VR) was studied. It was found that SELS surfactant reduced the mechanical degradation of XG much
more efficiently than th

This study produces an image of theoretical and experimental case of high loading stumbling condition for hip prosthesis. Model had been studied namely Charnley. This model was modeled with finite element method by using ANSYS software, the effect of changing the design parameters (head diameter, neck length, neck ratio, stem length) on Charnley design, for stumbling case as impact load where the load reach to (8.7* body weight) for impact duration of 0.005sec.An experimental rig had been constructed to test the hip model, this rig consist of a wood box with a smooth sliding shaft where a load of 1 pound is dropped from three heights.
The strain produced by this impact is measured by using rosette strain gauge connected to Wheatstone

The study is devoted to both static and earthquake response analysis of retaining structures acted upon by lateral earth pressure. Two main approaches were implemented in the analysis, namely, the Mononobe-Okabe analytical method and the numerical Finite element procedure as provided in the ready software ABAQUS with explicit dynamic method. A basic case study considered in the present work is the bridge approach retaining walls as a part of AL-Jadiriya bridge intersection to obtain the effects of the backfill and the ground water on the retaining wall response including displacement of the retaining structure in addition to the behavior of the fill material. Parametric studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of several factors

ان اكثر المشاكل التي تواجهنا هي إشاعة الأساليب القديمة والتعود عليها ، وقد كان الأسلوب التقليدي ( المقاول العالم ) وعند جدول الكميات الذي يعمل على وفق الشروط العامة المقاولات اعمال الهندسة المدنية المعتمدة من وزارة التخلية في العراق ومؤسسة الفيديك هما الأكثر شيوعا واستبعادا لدى الجهات الفنية والإدارية بمختلف مستوياتها ومواقعها ، ولذا أصبح من الضروري البحث عن قواعد تعاقدية معينة يمكن استخدامها كبديل مفصل

Flutter is a phenomenon resulting from the interaction between aerodynamic and structural dynamic forces and may lead to a destructive instability. The aerodynamic forces on an oscillating airfoil combination of two independent degrees of freedom have been determined. The problem resolves itself into the solution of certain definite integrals, which have been identified as Theodorsen functions. The theory, being based on potential flow and the Kutta condition, is fundamentally equivalent to the conventional wing-ection theory relating to the steady case. The mechanism of aerodynamic instability has been analyzed in detail. An exact solution, involving potential flow and the adoption of the Kutta condition, has been analyzed in detail. Th

This paper studies the adaptive coded modulation for coded OFDM system using punctured convolutional code, channel estimation, equalization and SNR estimation. The channel estimation based on block type pilot arrangement is performed by sending pilots at every sub carrier and using this estimation for a specific number of following symbols. Signal to noise ratio is estimated at receiver and then transmitted to the transmitter through feedback channel ,the transmitter according to the estimated SNR select appropriate modulation scheme and coding rate which maintain constant bit error rate
lower than the requested BER. Simulation results show that better performance is confirmed for target bit error rate (BER) of (10-3) as compared to c

This paper presents a numerical simulation of the flow around elliptic groynes by using CFD ‎software. The flow was simulated in a flume with 4m long, 0.4m wide, ‎and 0.175m ‎high ‎‎with a constant bed slope. Moreover, the first Groyne placed at 1m from the flow ‎‎inlet with a ‎constant the Groyne height of 10cm and a 1cm thickness, and the ‎width of Groynes equals ‎7cm‎. A submergence ratio of the elliptic Groynes of 75% was assumed, corresponding to a discharge of ‎0.0057‎m³/sec. The CFD ‎model showed a good ability to simulate the flow ‎around ‎Groynes with ‎ good accuracy. The results of ‎CFD software showed that when using double elliptic Groy

In this research an analysis for improving the fatigue behavior (safety factor of fatigue) of non- articular prosthetic foot (SACH) in the region (Bolt Adapter).The laser peening was carried to the fatigue specimens to improving the fatigue properties of bolt’s material. The tests of mechanical properties and fatigue behavior were carried for material that the bolt manufacture from it, a region where the failure occur and inserted of these properties to the program of engineering analysis (Ansys) to calculate the safety factor of fatigue. The results showed that the safety factor after hardening by laser is increased by 42.8%.

This research aims to investigate and evaluate a reactive powder concrete (RPC) cast using economical materials. Its mechanical properties were investigated and evaluated by studying the effects of using different cement and silica fume contents and locally steel fibers aspect ratios as reinforcement for this concrete. A compressive strength of about 155.2MPa, indirect tensile strength of 16.0MPa, modulus of elasticity of 48.7GPa, flexural strength of 43.5MPa, impact energy of 3294.4kN.m and abrasion loss 0.59%  have been achieved for reinforced RPC contains  910 kg/m³ cement content, silica fume content 185 kg/m³ of cement weight and fiber volume fraction 2%. The water absorption values w

In this study, the effect of construction joints on the performance of reinforced concrete beams was experimentally investigated. Seven beam specimens, with dimensions of 200×100×1000 mm, were fabricated. The variables were considered including; the location and configuration of the joints. One beam was cast without a joint (Reference specimen), two specimens were fabricated with a one horizontal joint located either at tension, or compression zone. The fourth
beam had two horizontal joints placed at tension, and compression area. The remaining specimens were with one or two inclined joints positioned at the shear span or beam’s mid-span. The specimens were subjected to a monotonic central concentrated loading until the failure. T

Smear zone is usually formed around the prefabricated vertical drains (PVD’s) due to mandrel driving. The geotechnical properties of the soil in this zone exhibit significant changes that affect the performance of the PVD’s. The most relevant property in this respect is the coefficient of permeability. So far, no serious attention is paid to investigate the effects of shearing under large shear strains on the geotechnical properties of the soft soil in Fao region. In this study, an extensive laboratory testing program was conducted to assess the characteristics of the smear zone with an emphasis on the permeability coefficient of Fao soft soil. The results show that the permeability of the smear zone is about 70% of

Tendon is important structure of the human body, since it can sustain tensile loading. The primary function of this tissue is to stabilize the joints they attached to it during daily activities. As well as, tendon has viscoelastic properties that can determine their response to loading and restrict the potential of injuries. One of the major points that this paper works with is the study of the biomechanical behaviour of tendon in response to tensile loading to describe their biological behaviour. Also, conclude the mathematical expression that may illustrate the tendon behaviour. All of the experiments were made in Physiology laboratories / Medical College/ Al- Nahrain University on ten rats "Rattus Norvegicus" of [108- 360] gm weight f

This study “discusses the benefit of “addition waste paper as a “new cellulose material “in mortar mixes. A partial addition of waste paper by cement weight was achieved to produce cement composite mortar.  Pulp and paper is the third major industrial dumper of air, soil and water. In recent year, paper and paperboard constitute a greater portion of many countries’ urban solid discarded generation. Beside, it increases characteristic “strength due to existence “of hydrogen links “in the microstructure of “paper. Furthermore, it consume “better thermal protection. The addition percentages “of waste paper used “in this work were (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) by “mass of cement to measure and evaluat

In this work chemical vapor deposition method (CVD) for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been improved by the addition of S. Steel mesh container (SSMC) inside which the catalyst (Fe/Al2O3) was placed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation method used to study nanotubes produced, showed that high yield of two types of (CNTs) obtained, single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) with diameter and length of less than 50nm and several micrometers respectively and nanocoil tubes with a diameter and length of less than 100nm and several micrometers respectively. The chemical analysis of (CNTs) reveals that the main component is carbon (94%) and a little amount of Al (0.32%), Fe (2.22%) the reminder is oxygen. It was also fou

In this paper, the computational complexity will be reduced using a revised version of the selected mapping (SLM) algorithm. Where a partial SLM is achieved to reduce the mathematical operations around 50%. Although the peak to average power ratio (PAPR) reduction gain has been slightly degraded, the dramatic reduction in the computational complexity is an outshining achievement. Matlab simulation is used to evaluate the results, where the PAPR result shows the capability of the proposed method.  

This study uses load factor and loss factor to determine the power losses of the electrical feeders. An approach is presented to calculate the power losses in the distribution system. The feeder’s technical data and daily operation recorded data are used to calculate and analyze power losses.

This paper presents more realistic method for calculating the power losses based on load and loss factors instead of the traditional methods of calculating the power losses that uses the RMS value of the load current which not consider the load varying with respect to the time. Eight 11kV feeders are taken as a case study for our work to calculate load factor, loss factor and power losses. Four of them (F40, F42, F43 and F

The investigation included PHE performance variation with heat exchanger dimensions, plate spacing, inlet air velocities and inlet air temperatures. The momentum and energy equations were solved in 3-dimensions by using FLUENT 5.3 software and heat exchanger performance parameters were extracted from the post processing of the numerical data. In addition, a 2-dimensional fluid flow and heat transfer numerical analysis for the crossflow PHE was carried out. A numerical code based on the finite difference method and the SIMPLE algorithm was developed to solve the governing equations. The result of the numerical study for PHE performance shows that for both air streams the maximum thermal gradient occurs at 0.5 m/s inlet air velocity while

The planning engineering is considered a vital part in the industrial operations series that leads to achieve the proposed production plan. Because of scientific advancement and technical development in the industrial field, the managements of the companies and job shops start to automate the engineering and management activities for the aim of quickness and accuracy in making proper decisions for the production process in order to get final product in a better quality and minimum cost. This is achieved by the future estimation of production plan. The research concern with evaluating the size of work arrival to the manufacturing shops and determining the amount of capacity that is required to perform these evaluated job volume in a manne

Foam concrete is a type of concrete that is widely used in civil engineering as a high-quality building material with low weights and usually low compressive strength. Improving the compressive strength is the main objective of this paper by supplying this type of concrete with different proportions from carbon fibers. This study included preparing an experimental mixture to produce foam concrete consisting of optimal ratios of water-to-cement ratio (0.35), sand-to-cement ratio (1:1.5), and superplasticizer (1.8 %). The appropriate dosage of foaming agent was selected to obtain lightweight foam concrete with an appropriate compressive strength of up to 17.4 MPa and a target density of (1300-1350) kg/m³ after 2

The utilization of Solar Water Heating Systems (SWHS) is a potential solution to use as an alternative to fuel and electricity in areas where these resources are scarce, costly, and not easily accessible. Research was conducted in Duhok City, Kurdistan of Iraq to evaluate the efficiency of a traditional type of SWHS, namely the serpentine collector variant. An active system collector that employed a moving water pump to facilitate the circulation of water inside the systems was used in the experiment. An analysis was conducted to assess the performance of the collector concerning solar irradiation, wind speed, and mass flow rate. This study utilized a Flat Plate Collector (FPC) with a tubular serpentine shape absorber ma

Presented in this paper is a new study of the damaging effect of the tank loads on flexible pavements. The equivalent load was developed on the basis of mechanistic - empirical approach. It was found that the damaging effect of the studied tank loads is 0.898 to 2.356 times the damaging effect of the standard 18 kips (80 kN) axle load. It was found that the damaging effect of tank braking forces is 2.375 times the damaging effect of tank weight only in terms of tensile stain (fatigue cracking). It was found that the damaging effect of tank turning maneuver is 1.216 times the damaging effect of tank weight only in terms of tensile stain (fatigue cracking). These loads have also severe damaging effects on the functional serviceability of t

      Self-compacted concrete (SCC) is a highly flowable concrete, with no segregation which can be spread into place by filling the structures framework and permeate the reinforcement without any compaction or mechanical consolidation ACI 237R-14. One of the most important problems faced by concrete industry in Iraq and Gulf Arab land is deterioration due to internal sulfate attack (ISA) that causes damage of concrete and consequently reduces its compressive strength, increases expansion and may lead to its cracking and destruction. The experimental program was focused to study two ordinary Portland cements with different chemical composition with (5, 10 and 15) % percentage of high reactivity metakaoline (HRM)