Biomass Characterization and Insulation Optimization Studies

<p>This study indicates how biomass materials can be effectively used as naturally sustainable alternatives to insulation materials. Barley grains and oak leaves, straw, and jute are collected, and crushed into powders/ chopped pieces. The physical characteristics are measured to characterize each powder. The biomass powder reinforced composites are manufactured in varying weight ratios. The density and thermal conductivity of composite materials are measured. The properties of composites compared to those of commercial insulation materials are found to be close to them. Furthermore, genetic algorithms (GA) can be used to achieve multi-objective optimization entailing maximizing insulation (minimizing heat transfer) and simultaneously maximizing sustainability (minimizing carbon footprint) of a designed insulation structure. The two resulting nonlinear competing objective functions will be maximized by means of evolutionary optimization techniques within a defined design space. The multi-objective optimization is achieved by building a Pareto front and determining the points of best compromise between the two objectives.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year

2022

Author dc:creator

• Saad, Hussein Awad Kurdi

• biomass insulation powders
• physical properties
• composite materials
• heat transfer
• carbon footprint
• Heat Transfer, Combustion
• Manufacturing

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/edt/695

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:edt-1725