International Journal of Materials and Mechanical Structures Engineering

Modular Interface Design and Trade Study for a Rapid Deployment CubeSat

2025-08-12T08:18:38+00:00

Between 2000 and 2024, a large number of small satellite missions fell short of their goals, with NASA pointing to structural and integration issues as common causes. Building satellites faster and at lower cost has become a major goal, especially as space systems grow more complex. Modular designs have emerged as one way to meet this demand, but the lack of reliable, reusable structural connections has limited progress. To better understand the trade-offs, this work looked at four connection methods for CubeSats: solenoid latches, rack systems, Wedge-Lok clamps, and screw fittings using L-shaped rails. Each one was reviewed using weighted criteria such as readiness for flight, expected weak points, physical size, and assembly ease. The screw and Wedge-Lok types came out ahead, mostly because of their simplicity and proven use in past missions. They also show promise for teams looking to simulate system performance before launch. Designs that allow last-minute changes, support system integration, and enable compatibility with digital models are especially useful as engineering shifts toward virtual prototyping and model-based development. The process used here can help teams decide on mechanical interfaces based on actual performance needs, not just legacy or convenience. What sets this work apart is the clear method it provides for selecting structural options that match modern space project demands. The main contribution is a flexible, criteria-driven approach for choosing CubeSat interface hardware suited to modular builds and digital system modeling.

Development of a Predictive Model for Dredging Operations

2025-07-21T06:58:22+00:00

This study focuses on assessing sand production in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by examining four dredging locations from two different firms. As urban development escalates, the necessity for sand for construction, river dredging, and various other applications is rising, making dredging operations increasingly prevalent. An analysis revealed four significant categories of grain sizes organized according to the output from each site. Theoretical evaluations were conducted with a focus on production costs and the output rates of each dredging site, factoring in elements such as the dredger's capability, operational hours, pipe dimensions, and digging depth, among others. A predictive model was developed using the MATLAB application designer to foresee future dredging activities based on the collected data from these Niger Delta sites. This application model was utilized to forecast potential dredging variables utilizing different grain types, including fine sand, coarse sand, medium grain, and gravel. The findings indicated a cumulative production volume of 971,444 m³ alongside an anticipated profit of ₦ 513,585,446 for fine sand; 703,986 m³ with a profit of ₦510,126,507 for coarse sand; 729,716 m³ yielding a profit of ₦592,386,149 for medium grain; and 394,070 m³ resulting in a profit of ₦363,582,627 for gravel (10mm). This information will assist both current and prospective investors in Nigeria’s dredging sector in comprehending the effects of dredging operations and the factors influencing sand production.

Design Improvement of a Pneumatic Waste Removal System

2025-08-01T07:05:01+00:00

This research examined the design evaluation of an underground pneumatic waste collection system in the Ikwerre Local Government Area, located in Rivers State. Urban centers are facing challenges in managing solid waste due to increasing populations. Among the various technologies proposed as a solution is the underground pneumatic collection method. This approach holds promise for contributing to the development of intelligent and sustainable urban environments. The focus of this study is an automated waste management system that utilizes underground piping in conjunction with a pneumatic transport mechanism, with the primary aim of analyzing the system’s design and operation. In this initiative, various aspects of selecting and designing the pneumatic conveyance system were assessed, including material characteristics, transportation velocities, and the distance covered during conveyance. Performance optimization for the automated waste collection system has been explored through finite element analysis and modal analysis. Given the pneumatic nature of this system, an important operational aspect hinges on the air produced and controlled by the propulsion mechanism. The design of the pneumatic waste collection system was subjected to experimental vibration assessments, resulting in measurements of natural frequencies, the second-order vertical moment of the engine, the required number of blades for effective propulsion, and the revolutions per minute needed to transport waste with a significant weight of 136029.6 kg daily. The finite element model was used to forecast both dynamic and static responses of the pneumatic waste collection system, and several outcomes were validated with experimental findings. It was experimentally determined that a propulsion system with four blades requires a maximum force of 1988.108 N, while a three-blade system necessitates a maximum force of 35725.8 N to successfully convey a daily waste mass of 136029.6 kg without any risk of system failure.