Abstract The text presents the description of a research work that has as its main objective the development of a technological tool to support the maintenance activity of buildings, with resort to new information and visualization technologies. There were analyzed three main components of the building: roofs, facades and interior walls. A building’s roof covering of ceramic tiles constitutes a component of... The text presents the description of a research work that has as its main objective the development of a technological tool to support the maintenance activity of buildings, with resort to new information and visualization technologies. There were analyzed three main components of the building: roofs, facades and interior walls. A building’s roof covering of ceramic tiles constitutes a component of its surrounding and possesses an important function in the performance of an edifice, namely in its protection against the permeation of moisture and rain water; Facade coatings play a significant role in the durability of buildings, since they constitute the exterior layer that ensures the protection of the wall against the aggressive actions of physical, chemical or biological nature; The paint coating applied to interior walls conveys their aesthetic character, performs an important function of protection, and is exposed to agents of deterioration related to the building use. A survey of the main anomalies that occur in these components, the respective causes and the adequate interventions, in order to plan maintenance strategies was conducted. The information collected serves as a basis in the implementation of applications using interactive visualization technologies, to support the planning of building maintenance. During this work the basic knowledge related to the materials, the techniques of rehabilitation and conservation and the planning of maintenance is outlined and discussed in addition, methods of interconnecting this knowledge with the virtual applications were explored. The implemented prototypes were trialed in real cases. This research work brings an innovative contribution to the field of maintenance supported by emergent technology. Read More Read Less

Abstract Natural gas based engines have significant contribution in different sectors and hence a very large no of studies have addressed this issue. In the current research we described the simulation process of non-premixed combustion in a direct injection natural gas engine. Direct injection natural gas engines are used in many heavy duty vehicles. Similar to diesel engines, high thermal efficiency and power... Natural gas based engines have significant contribution in different sectors and hence a very large no of studies have addressed this issue. In the current research we described the simulation process of non-premixed combustion in a direct injection natural gas engine. Direct injection natural gas engines are used in many heavy duty vehicles. Similar to diesel engines, high thermal efficiency and power density is maintained in such direct injection natural gas engines. Due to the non-premixed nature of the combustion occurring in such engines, non-premixed combustion model of ANSYS FLUENT 13 can be used to simulate the combustion process. The CFD modeling of fuel injection and, combustion were performed to simulate these phenomena and processes in a compressed natural gas direct injection engine. The details of the engine geometry chosen for the calculations were given along with and explanation for the modeling choice. The simulation we have introduced has potential applications in the forth-coming studies as combustion chamber geometry, injection timing and duration, compression ratios and piston geometry in order to increase the efficiency of the combustion process. We have described the work with good amount of experimental data. Read More Read Less