The static failure behavior of innovative wood-based sandwich panels with wood-based core and face sheets made of glass fiber reinforced polymer was investigated. The sandwich panels were subjected to three-point bending and compression tests to determine their strengths and their failure mechanisms. The honeycomb core of medium density fiberboard (MDF) was manufactured to reduce the weight of the whole panel as well as the consumption of wood elements. The hollow portions of the honeycomb core were filled with wheat straw to increase the heat resistance of the whole structure by maintaining a lightweight. The tests showed that the mechanical characteristics of solid MDF structures were high as compared to MDF honeycomb panels. But, MDF honeycomb structures were superior because of their capability to sustain against the load after the failure. Load absorption capabilities and strength of honeycomb sandwich panels filled with wheat straw were little improved. The major fracture modes were transverse shear, longitudinal shear, and delamination. The delamination at core and facing interface was the significant problem which can effectively be reduced by using inserts into the core above face sheets.
To control the drastically changing environment, fossil fuels to sustainable resources transition are indispensable. Biomass has huge potential as sustainable power generation fuel, but the detailed investigation is needed to ensure the profitable usage of biomass. The principal aim of this study is to investigate the energy conservation opportunities in a biomassfuelled boiler. An extensive thermodynamics analysis (using energy and exergy mathematical models) of a rice husk-based fixed bed boiler has been conducted. Research has provided measures to optimise the operational parameters of the boiler. Energy and exergy pathways of the boiler have been critically analysed to trace the pivotal cause of losses and irreversibilities in the boiler. A robust parametric study has evaluated the impacts of excess air percentage, stack gas temperature, and stack gas oxygen content on the boiler performance. Cycle tempo software is used to trace the energy losses through the stack gas. Based upon recommended improvements, analysed boiler efficiency can be increased by 3-4% with minimum savings of 150,000 US$/year. It is concluded that rice husk is an environmental-friendly fuel and it has huge potential as sustainable cogeneration fuel. This comprehensive analysis has provided a framework for future studies to analyse the performance of any boiler.
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