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This study involves the preparation of in situ TiC-reinforced zinc-aluminum alloy (ZA-37) composites and analysis of their high-stress abrasive wear behavior. The wear rate, friction coefficient, and frictional heating of the composites are investigated using a pin-on-disk wear tester. The experiments are carried out based on a plan created using Taguchi's technique. TOPSIS methodologies are used to determine the effects of applied load, abrasion distances, TiC contents on wear rate, coefficient of friction, and frictional heating throughout the wearing process. The results reveal that the composite with 10 wt% TiC exhibits the highest level of wear resistance among all samples. It is found that ploughing, microcutting, and delamination were the dominant wear mechanisms in general. However, in the optimum combination, mild abrasion and microploughing prevail. As per TOPSIS analysis, the reinforcement content affects the wear rate of test materials the most followed by applied load and abrading distance. Under the optimal combination of parameters, the in situ TiC composite has the potential of replacing the conventional gray cast iron utilized in bearing applications.

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The use of solar air heaters (SAH), which convert solar energy into heat energy, is one of the most efficient methods currently available for capturing the energy of the sun. However, because SAH have lower thermal efficiency, researchers have been concentrating on developing methods to modify the flow field to artificially boost thermal performance. In this work, a numerical investigation that focuses on a SAH that has been deliberately roughened using broken arc ribs is presented. This numerical analysis aims to determine the impact of incorporating broken arc ribs compared to smooth ones and how various roughness factors affect the friction factor and Nusselt number (Nu). The RNG k-[Formula: see text] turbulence model was used for the simulation. To solve the continuity, momentum, and energy equations, version R19.2 of Ansys FLUENT software was used. The results of the CFD study show that the average Nusselt number increases if there is a greater relative roughness pitch, and it achieves its highest value once relative roughness pitch ([Formula: see text]. The friction factor, on the other side, decreases as the Reynolds number (Re) increases, reaching its lowest value when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Maximum value of the thermohydraulic performance factor is observed to be 1.92 when applied to the geometry that corresponds to relative roughness height ([Formula: see text], ([Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text].

Microfluidic technologies have garnered interest due to their capacity to rapidly process samples and accurately control fluids in an assay. This short study seeks to introduce readers to the fascinating realm of microfluidics by introducing some fundamental theoretical principles and illustrative applications. Additionally, the physics of microfluidic devices, the worldwide market, and material types employed are discussed. In the end, the authors analyze promising developments and extrapolate lessons that will help microfluidic technologies advance in the future.