This book is a guide to the application of ionic liquids (ILs) in the oil industry. It includes ten chapters that review basic and advanced topics. Starting with a general introduction to IL structure and properties, the book comprehensively explains the use of ILs in key petroleum extraction processes such as pollutant removal, demulsification, crude oil transport and oil recovery. Additional applications that are important for the sustainability management of petrochemical operations such as deepwell hydrate inhibition, CO2 capture, corrosion engineering, catalysis, hydrocarbon separation, bitumen extraction and stabilization are also included. Each chapter also provides bibliographic references for further reading. The wide range of topics makes this an informative reference to students and professionals in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering programs and any other training course that requires reading material for an understanding of the oil industry. General readers and researchers interested in the fascinating chemistry of ionic liquids will also enjoy this book.

Passive Location Method Based on Phase Difference Measurement presents groundbreaking information for developing passive positioning technologies. The author has put forward a series of innovative solutions from the perspective of engineering application theory with the aim of giving a basic understanding of the application of unambiguous phase difference localization techniques for long-range passive detection. On the basis of the existing linear solution of the double basis path difference positioning equation and the analysis of its intrinsic properties, this book starts from the study of the phase difference measurement method of the phase difference change rate, puts forward the concept of the differential function of the path difference per unit wavelength length and also discovers its jump law. It provides a possible way to solve the problem of unambiguous phase difference measurement. These results are of great significance to the development of passive localization techniques based on unambiguous phase difference measurement. Key Features: - Sequentially presents theoretical frameworks to build the readers knowledge for better understanding the topics - Presents a variety of unique method for solving kinematic positioning parameters and Doppler signal parameters by using unambiguous phase difference measurement. - Presents a variety of direction-finding and ranging methods based on short baseline array and using unambiguous phase difference measurement technology, and exhibits the method of constructing long baseline two-station direction finding and ranging with short baseline array - Presents a variety of two-station passive positioning methods based on angle measurement which are beneficial to improve the positioning accuracy on the basis of studying the relationship between the phase difference and angle - Presents the means to convert Doppler detection to the non-fuzzy phase difference measure, for the localization problem in which it is difficult to use the phase difference localization equation directly, since the accuracy of the phase difference measurement is better than that of the Doppler frequency difference - Presents a variety of new positioning methods and several novel concepts while demonstrating the theoretical exploration of passive location problem based on unambiguous phase difference measurement This reference is a resource for scholars, engineers and technicians involved in radio positioning research and the improvement of radar, satellite navigation systems, unmanned systems and Internet of Things infrastructure.

This book is a review of recent artificial intelligence approaches, initiatives and applications in engineering and science fields. It features contributions that highlight the use of techniques such as machine learning, mining engineering, modeling and simulation, and fuzzy logic methods in the fields of communication, networking and information engineering. The collection of chapters should inspire scholars involved in theoretical and applied sciences to contribute to research using computational intelligence principles and methods in their respective research communities. Professionals working on systems engineering, communications, innovative computing systems and adaptive technologies for sustainable growth, will also be able to benefit from the information provided in the book.

This reference distills information about emerging technologies and applications for smart city design and sustainable urban planning. Chapters present technology use-cases that have radical novelty and high scalability with a prominent impact on community living standards. These technologies prepare urban and rural dwellings for the transformation to the smart world. Applications and techniques highlighted in the book use a combination of artificial intelligence and IoT technologies in areas like transportation, energy, healthcare, education, governance, and manufacturing, to name a few. The book serves as a learning resource for smart city design and sustainable infrastructure planning. Scholars and professionals who are interested in understanding ways for transforming communities into smart communities can also benefit from the cases presented in the book.

This book encapsulates current information about the science behind solar energy and the solar thermal systems available to meet domestic needs. Several scholars have contributed to the chapters in the text in an effort to distill research-oriented topics for learners. The book starts with an explainer on the fundamentals of thermodynamics, heat transfer and solar energy in the first 2 chapters. The basics of some solar thermal devices along with their thermal modeling are covered in the next few chapters, along with solar distillation systems. This is followed by information about the design, development and applications of solar cookers along with their thermal modeling. Thermal modeling of semi-transparent PVT systems and their applications are discussed in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 covers the development in solar photovoltaic technology. Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 discusses thermal modeling of greenhouse solar dryers and presents a case study on a hybrid active greenhouse solar dryer. Chapter 13 covers the thermal analysis of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) air heaters employing thermoelectric modules (TEM). The applications of various solar systems in building sectors and the development in this field are covered in Chapter 14. Chapter 15 deals with energy and environ- economics analysis of bio-gas integrated semi-transparent photo-voltaic thermal (Bi-iSPVT) systems for Indian climates. The book has a broad scope and is intended as a resource for students, researchers and teachers in universities, industries, and national and commercial laboratories to help learn the fundamentals and in-depth knowledge of thermal modeling and recent developments in solar heating systems.

This textbook bridges the gap between introductory and advanced numerical methods for engineering students. The book initially introduces readers to numerical methods before progressing to linear and nonlinear equations. Next, the book covers the topics of interpolation, curve fitting and approximation, integration, differentiation and differential equations. The book concludes with a chapter on advanced mathematical analysis which explains methods for finite difference, method of moments and finite elements. The book introduces readers to key concepts in engineering such as error analysis, algorithms, applied mathematics with the goal of giving an understanding of how to solve engineering problems using computational methods. Each of the featured topics is explained with sufficient detail while retaining the usual introductory nuance. This blend of beginner-friendly and applied information, along with reference listings makes the textbook useful to students of undergraduate and introductory graduate courses in mathematics and engineering.

A smart city uses technology to provide services and solve problems to improve urban policy efficiency, reduce waste, improve quality of life, and maximize social inclusion. By 2050, 66% of the world's population is expected to be urban, which is a key driver of a global trend toward the creation of smart cities. This trend creates many opportunities for urban planning committees to learn how to design, modernize, and operate smart cities intelligently and effectively. Facets of a Smart City: Computational and Experimental Techniques for Sustainable Urban Development is a collection of topics that are relevant to the design of a smart city. This book aims to complement technical journal articles that require advanced knowledge of the subject of smart cities and applications for readers. It aims to bridge knowledge gaps in sustainable urban design by providing background information via case studies to facilitate students, recent graduates and new practitioners in urban design and planning. Key Features: - This book features 9 chapters that cover 6 major domains, which include (i) information modelling, (ii) internet of things, (iii) intelligent transportation systems, (iv) water supply, (v) waste management and (vi) sustainable environment - Computational techniques are included in the book. These include artificial neural networks, stochastic models, particle swarm optimization, machine learning, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy Inference systems. - Goals of case studies presented in this book use computational techniques to offer readers examples of supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning strategies in the context of smart city applications - References are provided for further reading

Long-standing artworks and monuments show the wisdom and cultural identity of an ancient society along with the educational, material and spiritual merits of the people of that time. However, many historical artifacts and cultural monuments have been eroded over time and are in danger of deterioration beyond repair. There is a need to protect and conserve these artifacts. Restoration and preservation requires a multidisciplinary understanding of the inherent properties of these works based on the type of material and sufficient information in the properties of protective and conservation materials and research methods. Protective Material Coatings For Preserving Cultural Heritage Monuments and Artwork aims to familiarize students with the recent practices in conservation and restoration science in recent years by presenting a modern orientation on the subject focused on material coatings. Readers will be able to understand the properties of different materials in antique objects and how to adopt appropriate treatment methods based on these properties. This book consists of 5 chapters. In the first chapter, materials analysis techniques are described for historical monuments along with coatings used to preserve them. The second chapter introduces the properties of metals, alloys, and their common corrosion and explains protection strategies for metal monuments. An emphasis is given to nanocomposite coatings to prevent decay, especially through electrochemical corrosion. Chapter 3 is devoted to studying natural leather and parchments and their conservation from damage by environmental factors such as UV radiation, temperature, and humidity. The fourth chapter deals with stone works, which are in many historical objects. Chapter 5 introduces the reader to additional preservation materials and innovative methods employed to protect historical monuments and cultural heritage sites. Information about the removal of materials, cleaning of improper prior repairs is also given. Protective Material Coatings For Preserving Cultural Heritage Monuments and Artwork is an ideal book for students of archeology, architecture, materials science and contemporary arts courses who are required to learn about the techniques of preserving antique buildings and works of art. It also serves as a handy reference for professionals and general readers interested in the curation of museums and the conservation of buildings, and cultural heritage sites.

Soft robotics is a subfield of robotics that encompasses the design and fabrication of robots with soft and compliant materials. Soft robots represent components like human prosthetics or biomimicking systems. Soft robotics relies on technically astute designs based on the correct choice of materials to enable a level of dexterity not possible with rigid components alone. The basic prime movers (actuators) and perception (sensors) require control systems capable of accommodating imprecise feedback data and often unpredictable reaction times. Mobility in such robots is more akin to entomological or marine systems than conventional guided vehicles. This reference is a guide to materials and systems used in soft robotics. If features 6 chapters contributed by robotics experts that review fundamental and applied topics that are important for understanding the requirements of soft robotics design projects and the physics of the polymers involved. Chapters are organized for easy reading and include references. The topics include: - Aspects of materials processing and engineering for the development of soft robotic devices - A review on biological gripping principles and their application to robotics - Information about self-sensing electroadhesive polymer grippers with magnetically controllable surface geometry - Theoretical and experimental investigations of magnetic hybrid materials - Modeling and dynamic analysis of a novel rotary soft robotic arm by transfer matrix method - Design and control of a portable continuum robot for pipe inspection assisted by a rigid manipulator This book is a suitable reference for scholars and engineers who are seeking knowledge about materials and design principles in soft robotics with its practical applications.

This reference is an accessible update on combustion synthesis and the chemical technology for synthesizing composite materials. Nine chapters offer an overview of the subject with recent references, giving the reader an informed perspective. The book starts with an introduction to thermodynamic models used in combustion synthesis. Subsequent chapters explain the application of combustion synthesis to manufacture different materials such as nanostructured non-ferrous alloys, ceramic powders, functionally graded materials, boron carbide-based superhard materials, shape memory alloys, biomaterials, high-entropy alloys and rare earth phosphates. The range of topics makes this book a useful guide for students, scientists and industrial professionals in the field of chemical engineering, metallurgy and materials science.