International Journal of Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering Technology
The International Journal of Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering Technology (IJMSE) serves as a premier platform for researchers, practitioners, and innovators to share cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and sustainable solutions in the interdisciplinary fields of mechanical engineering and sustainability. By bridging traditional mechanical engineering practices with emerging sustainable technologies, IJMSE fosters a holistic approach to engineering that addresses global challenges in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental protection. The journal welcomes high-quality original research articles, review papers, case studies, and technical notes in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, renewable energy technologies, sustainable transportation, biomedical engineering, and environmental engineering, with a particular emphasis on their intersection with sustainability. IJMSE particularly values interdisciplinary research that combines mechanical engineering with other fields to promote comprehensive sustainable solutions, aiming to be at the forefront of integrating sustainability principles into mechanical engineering practices and contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge in this crucial area.
Mixed-Method Assessment of Indoor Environmental Quality in an Educational Multipurpose Hall: A Case Study of Dewan Jubli Perak, Politeknik Ungku Omar
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is important for occupant comfort, health and concentration in educational buildings, especially in multipurpose halls used for examinations and formal activities. However, these spaces are often assessed based on complaints rather than systematic measurement. This study evaluated the IEQ performance of Dewan Jubli Perak, Politeknik Ungku Omar, using a selected-parameter mixed-method approach. Seven parameters were assessed: air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) and illuminance. Continuous measurements were conducted from 7 to 10 May 2026 at a representative occupied zone, while illuminance was measured using a 10 × 10 grid consisting of 100 points. Occupant perception was obtained through a 15-item questionnaire involving 40 hall users. The measured data were benchmarked against ICOP-IAQ 2010, ASHRAE Standard 55-2020, MS 1525 and the New Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Standard. The results showed that air temperature ranged from 22.51 to 26.12 °C and was generally close to the recommended range, while air velocity remained acceptable between 0.172 and 0.200 m/s. PM₁₀ ranged from 3.76 to 13.52 µg/m³, and PM₂.₅ was recorded at 15.65 µg/m³, indicating acceptable particulate levels. CO₂ was mostly below the 1000 ppm ceiling, although short exceedances above 1100 ppm occurred during peak occupancy. The main deficiencies were relative humidity and illuminance. Relative humidity reached 73.67%, exceeding the 70% upper limit, while average illuminance was only 77 lux, approximately 61.5% below the 200 lux minimum requirement. Questionnaire responses supported the measured findings, particularly regarding lighting discomfort, breathing difficulty during full occupancy and drowsiness during prolonged use. Overall, the hall showed acceptable performance for several air-quality indicators but did not fully comply with the selected IEQ benchmarks. Priority improvements should include LED lighting upgrades, better humidity control, occupancy-based ventilation monitoring and periodic IEQ reassessment using multiple sampling points and longer monitoring periods
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering Technology
Failure Mechanisms of SA213-TP304L Stainless Steel Tubes in Steam Generator Applications: A Review
Stainless steel (SS) SA213-TP304L is widely used in heat exchanger tubes due to its excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability and reliable performance. However, in real-world refinery operations, unexpected failures have been reported in tubes made from this material. This review discusses findings from past research to better understand how and why these failures occurred before the expected service life which is minimum lifespan of 20 years for SS tube. The main degradation modes identified include Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC), corrosion due to poor Boiler Feed Water (BFW) treatment and damage from thermal stress. Key studies using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) are summarised to highlight microstructural and elemental insights, while computational simulation methods such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are reviewed for their role in predicting stress and heat transfer behaviour. This review aims to improve understanding of premature failures in refinery heat exchanger systems.
Numerical analyses of the thermal performance of SiC nanofluids in flat tube with twisted tapes
This study numerically investigates the thermal performance of a flat tube with a SiC/water nanofluid as the working medium. The study investigates the effects on different twisted tape insert models, including double twisted tapes (varying twist ratios), triangle corrugated tapes, and double twisted circular corrugated tapes. The results are compared to those of a flat tube without twisted tape to make sure they are correct. The results indicate that tubes with twisted tapes have much better thermal performance than plain tubes. According to the findings, flat tubes with twisted tapes perform significantly better thermally than flat tubes. The greatest improvement in heat transfer by a double-twisted tape with a 25 mm twist pitch (Model 4), which increased the Nusselt number by 44%. A double twisted tape with a triangle corrugation (Model 5) also showed an impressive improvement of 38%. But Model 4's enhanced thermal performance means that it has a much higher friction factor than Model 5, for both water and nanofluid.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering Technology
Operation Mechanisms and Scalable Manufacturing Methods for Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review
This review explores the working principles and manufacturing techniques of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a fast-growing and highly promising area in solar energy research. In recent years, PSCs have attracted considerable attention because of their high efficiency, affordable fabrication, and use of versatile materials. What makes them stand out is their ability to convert sunlight into electricity efficiently using lightweight, low-cost, and flexible materials, which are easier and cheaper to process than traditional silicon-based cells. With the increasing global demand for clean and renewable energy, PSCs offer a pathway to affordable and scalable solar power. Studies have shown that using methylammonium lead iodide (CH₃NH₃PbI₃) a commonly used perovskite material along with a smart device design, can result in energy conversion efficiencies up to 3.81%, supported by high incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) and short-circuit current density (Jsc). Further improvements were achieved using zinc oxide (ZnO) films with a 440 nm thickness, which showed 10.8% efficiency thanks to their porous structure and excellent electron transport properties. Additionally, three-dimensional nanocomposites combining mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO₂) with CH₃NH₃PbI₃ were found to enhance performance significantly. Doping TiO₂ with nickel further improved the system by raising the Fermi level and boosting charge mobility in the electron transport layer, allowing better movement of electric charges within the device. Moreover, PSCs are compatible with a range of fabrication methods, including spin coating, inkjet printing, and roll-to-roll processing, which are cost-effective and suitable for large-scale production. This flexibility in manufacturing opens the door for applications such as flexible solar panels, solar fabrics, building-integrated solar modules, and portable energy solutions. In summary, the ongoing devewelopment of new materials and structures, combined with innovations in scalable manufacturing, continues to improve the performance, stability, and commercial potential of perovskite solar cells making them one of the most exciting technologies for the future of clean energy.
Review on Development Techniques of Small-Scale Axial Flow Fans
This review presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of recent studies devoted to optimizing the aerodynamic performance of small-scale axial flow fans by adjusting critical design parameters. Key focus areas include winglet configurations, blade geometry, casing treatments, and tip clearance, all of which directly impact efficiency, pressure development, and noise levels. The paper is organized into two main parts: the first explores how each parameter affects aerodynamic performance, while the second estimates the research methodologies used to model, simulate, and optimize the behavior. Emphasis is placed on computational approaches, including CFD, surrogate modeling, and multi-objective optimization. By integrating insights from design and methodological perspectives, this review identifies effective optimization strategies, evaluates trade-offs among techniques, and provides a solid foundation for guiding upcoming aerodynamic enhancements in axial fan systems.
Performance Evaluation Investigation for Conventional Solar Still with Different Additives
The demand for freshwater is on the rise due to a multitude of human activities and a rapidly expanding global population. The yielding of pure water heavily depends on the utilization of traditional sources of energy, which in turn contributes to environmental contamination. Consequently, there is a necessity to explore alternative options, such as clean energy (specifically solar energy). Numerous systems for desalination have been devised to confront this inadequacy. One such system is the conventional solar still (CSS), which is easy to production, operate and continue, but the limited production has prompted researchers to consider various improvements to increase the productivity of the still. This study elucidates a sustainable way to diminishing the duration required for the evaporation process, thereby augmenting the efficiency of clean water solar energy production. All investigates were operated under the local weather circumstances of Najaf city, central-western Iraq. The peak time for the experimental work is 14:00 PM. The Everyday output of the CSS, MSS1 and MSS2 is 2.225, 2.860 and 3.939 L/m2.day, respectively. The outcomes displayed that the maximum value of the thermal efficiency and the exergy efficiency were obtained estimated at 29.34% and 3.96% for CSS, 40.1% and 4.85% for MSS1 and 59.45% and 6.75% for MSS2. While the cost of 1 litter of pure water improved by 14.67% for MSS1 and 40.02% for MSS2 as compared with that from CSS
Controlled Degradation in Bone Tissue Scaffolds: A Review of PCL-Enhanced PLA Composites with Naturally Derived Hydroxyapatite
Bone tissue engineering demands scaffolds with degradation rates that precisely match natural bone regeneration, a challenge that has driven research into composite biomaterials. Traditional polymer-based scaffolds often exhibit sub-optimal degradation profiles, with polylactic acid (PLA) typically degrading too rapidly while creating potentially harmful acidic environments. This review examines how polycaprolactone (PCL) enhances PLA scaffolds in reinforcing naturally derived hydroxyapatite (HAp) from cockle shell to achieve tuneable degradation behaviour for bone tissue applications. Literature review of various PCL/PLA ratios indicates that compositions containing 30-50% PCL have been reported to provide favourable degradation profiles while maintaining adequate mechanical support throughout the regeneration process. Current research demonstrates that PCL-enhanced PLA/HAp composites exhibit more gradual degradation with improved mechanical property retention compared to single-polymer systems. However, significant gaps remain in understanding the complex interactions between HAp synthesis parameters and polymer degradation mechanics, as well as in establishing reliable correlations between in vitro and in vivo performance. Future research should focus on systematically investigating these relationships while developing advanced manufacturing techniques that precisely control spatial component distribution for optimized degradation profiles that match specific anatomical requirements
Revolutionizing Lattice Core Sandwich Structures: From Design and Manufacturing to Static Behavior Under Concentrated Load
Sandwich panels with core lattice are used in many engineering applications due to their excellent mechanical properties and light weight, there are fundamental challenges facing their use, the most important of which is the separation between the core and the faces, which limits their effectiveness in real conditions. In this study, a practical solution to this problem was presented by manufacturing sandwich panels as a single piece using 3D printing technology, which eliminates the need for traditional adhesives and enhances the structural integrity. The mechanical performance of these new structures under the influence of a concentrated load was analyzed through numerical simulation using ANSYS software and practical tests. The research focused on studying the effect of design factors such as the thickness of lattice struts, thickness of face sheets, and width of lattice unit cell, on the mechanical properties, including deformation, stress, and strain energy. The results showed a high agreement between the numerical simulation and practical tests, confirming the accuracy of the used numerical model. In addition, the results confirmed that the single-piece design leads to a significant improvement in stiffness and reduction of deformation and stresses, while achieving high energy efficiency. It was observed that increasing the thickness of the struts and faces enhances the stiffness, whereas, increasing the width of the lattice unit showed a mixed effect
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering Technology
Mesh Convergence Study of A106 Grade B Carbon Steel Pipe on Different Type of Ceramic Pads in Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT)
A mesh convergence study in finite element analysis was conducted using various mesh sizes to determine if the result varied. This study aims to obtain accurate data before comparing it with analytical results. A joining pipe with different types of ceramic pads, such as standard pad, thick wall pad, long strip pad, and short strip pad was modeled using Solidworks software. The thermal profiles and thermal expansion of the pipe were analyzed using various converged mesh sizes and mesh modes. A temperature of 650 ℃ was applied to the ceramic pad, as it acts as an insulator that spreads heat across the pipe. It was found that mesh number 10 (size: 0.05) was selected for the standard pad, and mesh number 6 (size: 0.13) for the thick wall pad, as the data had already converged, making the mesh size accurate and reliable with relative errors of 0.019% and 2.41%, respectively. For the long strip pad and short strip pad, mesh number 13 (size: 0.02), and mesh number 9 (size: 0.06) were selected as the most optimal meshes, providing a converged solution with minimal relative errors of 0.06% and 0.02%, respectively.
Unveiling Research Trends: A Latest Bibliometric Analysis of Heat Stress
Climate change has placed heat stress at the forefront of global concerns, leading to a surge in research activity, particularly in areas like physiological responses and adaptation strategies. This bibliometric analysis, focusing on publications within 2022 to 2024 (until May 2024) retrieved from the established Scopus database, aims to map the intellectual landscape of heat stress research. By examining publication trends, authorship patterns, and frequently cited keywords, the study seeks to unveil the field's underlying structure and identify emerging frontiers, such as the potential impact of heat stress on mental health. This analysis, while acknowledging limitations inherent to bibliometric methods, is expected to provide valuable insights into the evolution of heat stress research, highlighting areas of focus and potential knowledge gaps. These findings will inform researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders about future research directions, potentially guiding efforts towards developing heat mitigation strategies in a warming world
Recent Research on Aluminium/SCBA Composites: A Review
Sugarcane bagasse, a fibrous residue resulting from sugar production, has great potential as a valuable resource for various applications. However, various limitations and challenges prevent widespread use. This review document provides a comprehensive analysis of the limitations associated with sugarcane bagasse and examines its limitations from multiple perspectives. The discussion addresses the variability of moisture content, low energy density, variations in composition and the influence of storage conditions on bagasse quality. In addition, this review examines the impact of these limitations on key applications such as bioenergy, biofuels, and value-added products. In addition, the document highlights ongoing research efforts and innovative approaches to overcome these limitations, including drying techniques, pretreatment methods, and process optimization strategies. By uncovering limitations and possible solutions, this overview aims to provide researchers, industry experts and policy makers with valuable information to promote sustainable and efficient use of sugarcane bagasse.
Thermal Comfort Assessment of High Air Conditioning Setting Temperatures in Small Office Room with Fan Assisted Ventilation
Thermal comfort is essential for occupant productivity, satisfaction, and health in an interior area. Achieving appropriate thermal comfort in office environments is crucial because it has a direct impact on occupant activities. This study investigates thermal comfort in small office spaces using fan-assisted ventilation at an elevated air conditioning setpoint of 27°C. Conducted at UTHM with three male occupants, measurements were taken at a single point in the room to assess air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and mean radiant temperature. The study examines three ventilation scenarios: Situation 1 (air conditioner only), Situation 2 (air conditioner with portable fan), and Situation 3 (portable fan only). Results show Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) values of +0.67, - 0.16, and +1.43 for Situations 1, 2, and 3 respectively, alongside Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) ratings of 0, -1, and +0.33. These findings suggest that fan-assisted ventilation at 27°C can effectively maintain neutral to slightly warm thermal sensations, indicating energy-efficient solutions for indoor comfort in small office environments.
Investigation of Airflow Patterns and Thermal Efficiency in Different Ducting Configurations by using CFD
Centralized air-conditioning systems are essential for maintaining thermal comfort in commercial buildings, with Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems offering superior energy efficiency but facing operational challenges such as under or over-actuated conditions in different zones. These issues can lead to discomfort and energy wastage, impacting occupant productivity and building performance. This study employs Ansys FLUENT to design and evaluate Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) ducting systems, focusing on creating two configurations for thermal comfort analysis. Simulations with varied damper sizes ensure temperatures in Chamber A achieve the optimum temperature for thermal comfort, critical for consistent indoor conditions conducive to occupant comfort and productivity. The first design achieves uniform temperature and airflow distribution, indicating efficient cooling with minimal turbulence, while the second design requires optimization to match performance. Insights from damper size simulations provide practical guidance for real-world applications, emphasizing precise ducting design's role in enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Leveraging Ansys FLUENT enables detailed analysis and practical recommendations to optimize HVAC systems, contributing to improved indoor environmental quality and operational efficiency through advanced design strategies.
Test Rig Design: Advancement and Experimental Approaches for Enhanced Thermal Comfort Study
Indoor environmental quality, especially thermal comfort, is a crucial aspect of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system performance. This study addresses the challenge of accurately capturing thermal dynamics in current test rig designs. The primary objective is to enhance the thermal test rig's design by implementing specific modifications and analysing their impact on the thermal behaviour of tested chambers. The research focuses on improvements in ducting design, design positioning and mixing boxes. An experimental approach is utilized to assess the modifications. The study aims to improve the rig's performance and ensure reliable replication of specified thermal conditions. The results demonstrate significant enhancements in the test rig’s efficiency and provide valuable insights into the thermal dynamics within the chambers following the modifications.
The Use of LED Lighting on Malaysian Highways: Review on Key Benefits, Challenges, and Environmental Impacts
One of the most important components of Malaysia's ambitions for sustainable infrastructure is the installation of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting on the nation's roadways. Modern lighting technology is a desirable option for road lighting since it provides a number of benefits. Significant benefits come with LED lighting on Malaysian roadways, including reduced power usage of up to 50%, improved safety and visibility, longer lifespan and cheaper maintenance costs, and environmental benefits (no mercury or greenhouse gas emissions). There are, however, additional difficulties to consider, like the tropical heat of Malaysia's maintenance and dependability issues, local conditions like monkey damage adaptation, and certification requirements. The usage of LED lighting on Malaysian highways can have both beneficial and bad effects on the environment. LED lights are recognized to reduce energy consumption and light pollution, but because some of them have a spectral composition that can cause skyglow, they may also have unexpected effects on animals. It is essential to use LED lighting with the right colour temperatures and optics to reduce these environmental issues. The widespread adoption of LED lighting on Malaysian highways has produced a number of benefits, including improved road safety, lower costs, and higher energy efficiency, making it an essential part of the nation's sustainable infrastructure development.
Study Of Energy Saving Potential of Three Residential Building in Tun Fatimah Residential College (KKTF) By Using Energyplus Software
Since Malaysia's growing demand for electric energy, this study examines how energy is used in residential buildings at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)'s Tun Fatimah Residential College (KKTF). EnergyPlus and OpenStudio are two examples of simulation tools that will be used in the project to design and evaluate energy models of individual buildings with an emphasis on possible energy savings. Data gathering, energy-saving scenario simulations, and validation against previous energy audits are all part of the protocols. Building orientation and window features have an impact on sunlight exposure, and the EnergyPlus simulations improved our understanding of the thermal conditions, solar exposure, and energy performance of KKTF buildings dramatically. Energy-saving measures including installing photovoltaic systems, overhanging structures, and energy-efficient LED lighting have been shown to be successful by identifying patterns in daily and annual energy consumption. It's noteworthy that rooftop solar systems cut usage by 37.98% annually and as much as 41.13% monthly. These results highlight the vital role that sustainable construction techniques play in helping Malaysia achieve its environmental goals. Specifically, they highlight the ways that deliberate architectural changes improve energy efficiency, lower costs, and advance sustainability in KKTF complexes.
Evaluation Dye Penetration for Detecting Flaws In Aircraft Components
Non-destructive methods are important in the maintenance of an aircraft due to their application and clear results. This study explores the efficacy of Dye Penetrant Testing in identifying defects or flaws in aircraft components such as propeller blades, bolts and nuts, modified exhaust engines, and towing bars. DPT is a non-destructive testing method to ensure the structural integrity and safety of aircraft by detecting surface-breaking flaws. This study compares three application methods of spraying, brushing, and clothing. These several methods are to determine the most effective technique for detecting defects such as cracks. The inspection results demonstrate that while spraying provides quick and uniform coverage, brushing provides only targeted areas and more controlled application, and clothing offers thorough surface contact. By comparing these several results, the spraying method concludes that the percentage of time is 28.3% and the cost effectiveness is about 32.1%, resulting in a lower percentage than the brushing and clothing methods. The study highlights the importance of dwell time in the penetrant process with a different method. To conclude, this research contributes to enhancing the aviation safety industry by optimising DPT techniques and providing an evaluation of cost-time effectiveness.
Frequency Optimization of Eddy Current Testing for Surface Flaw Detection in Aluminum and Stainless-Steel Aerospace Components
Fatigue in aircraft components has caused numerous issues and accidents, manifesting at different phases of flight. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Eddy Current Testing (ECT) as a non-destructive testing (NDT) method for identifying surface and near-surface defects in aerospace components, specifically aluminum and stainless steel. Using the Olympus Nortec 600 with a pencil probe operating at 100kHz – 500kHz, the research assesses ECT's sensitivity, penetration depth, and overall efficiency. A significant focus is on inspecting components without removing protective coatings, thereby reducing maintenance time and preserving material integrity. The results were recorded and collected for consistently 5 days, to compare which frequency results are recorded the best and to ensure the readings are done right in between those days. By comparing ECT results on calibration blocks and actual aircraft parts, the study measures the method's accuracy in detecting flaws such as cracks, pores, and corrosion pits. The analysis also considers the impact of environmental factors on ECT performance and explores strategies to enhance its application on modern composite materials and advanced alloys. With the concluded results, aluminum’s high conductivity and lower density make 400kHz optimal, while stainless steel’s lower conductivity and higher density make 500kHz more effective. Key findings indicate that ECT provides rapid and efficient inspections, capable of detecting defects through coatings without extensive surface preparation, thus proving practical for operational settings. The research highlights ECT's strengths and limitations, recommending its integration into routine maintenance protocols to improve safety, reduce downtime, and achieve cost savings.
Understanding The Influences Of Different Ethanol-Petrol-Polyisobutylene Ratios To The Performance Of A Single Cylinder S.I. Engine
The project focused on the use of polyisobutylene (PIB) additive in ethanol-blended fuels (E5P1, E5P5, E25P1, E25P5) for a 150 cc spark-ignition engine. The experiments tested different fuel compositions at road speeds from 30 to 90 km/h under part-load (PL) and wide-open throttle (WOT) conditions. The results show that E5P5 achieved optimal torque at 60 km/h, while E25P1 had the highest torque at 50 km/h under WOT. For fuel consumption, E0 had the lowest BSFC at part-load, but E5P5 consumed 26% less fuel than E0 at 90 km/h. Ethanol's higher octane allowed for a leaner mixture without sacrificing performance. BMEP data showed E25P5 generated 30% greater BMEP than E0 at 50 km/h PL. In terms of BTE, E5P1 had the highest BTE at PL, while E25P5 had the highest at WOT. Ethanol's oxygen content improved combustion. As speed increased, E25P5 had lower emissions than other blends and gasoline, though it was not always the "lowest" polluting option.
A Bibliometric Review of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Culture Studies
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems are critical in maintaining air quality and ensuring safety in industrial and laboratory settings. However, a comprehensive review article needs to be published covering all aspects of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) research. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of LEV research from 2020 to 2024, aiming to elucidate the current state, trends, and collaborative patterns in this field. Utilising the Scopus database, we employed various bibliometric techniques, including temporal analysis, author productivity assessment, subject classification, citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence, co-authorship network analysis, and co-citation network mapping. The results reveal a fluctuating publication trend, with a peak of 67 publications in 2022 and a decline in subsequent years. Engineering, Environmental Science, and Medicine emerged as the dominant subject areas, collectively accounting for 52.2% of the publications. The analysis identified key contributors, with Logachev, K.I., Averkova, O.A., and Wang, Y. as the most productive authors. Geographically, the United States, China, and the Russian Federation led in research output. Keyword analysis focused on specific industrial contexts, such as construction, welding, and occupational exposure concerns. Co-authorship network analysis revealed solid international collaborations, while co-citation mapping identified influential authors and research clusters. This study provides valuable insights into the interdisciplinary nature of LEV research, its key contributors, and collaborative networks. The findings can guide future research directions, resource allocation, and policy formulation to enhance occupational health and safety through effective LEV system implementation.