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Abstract Fossil fuel reserves are swiftly depleting when consumer demand for these fuels continues to rise. In order to meet the demand and diminish the pollution derived through conventional fuels, it is crucial to employ cleaner fuels made from substitutes such as waste biomass. Also, converting waste biomass to fuel can lower usage of landfills. There are many biomass resources that are suitable for fuel production, out of which groundnut is also a potential feedstock. Groundnut shell biomass was chosen for this study, as it is a waste leftover during shelling of groundnuts for various commercial applications. The procured groundnut shells were converted to oil using pyrolysis process and was distilled. Both the pyrolysis oil and the distilled oil were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared instrument wherein the presence of functional groups such as alcohols, amines, and carboxylic acids were identified.

Abstract This study demonstrates the defossilized operation of a heavy-duty port-fuel-injected dual-fuel engine and highlights its potential benefits with minimal retrofitting effort. The investigation focuses on the optical characterization of the in-cylinder processes, ranging from mixture formation, ignition, and combustion, on a fully optically accessible single-cylinder research engine. The article revisits selected operating conditions in a thermodynamic configuration combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. One approach is to quickly diminish fossil fuel use by retrofitting present engines with decarbonized or defossilized alternatives. As both fuels are oxygenated, a considerable change in the overall ignition limits, air–fuel equivalence ratio, burning rate, and resistance against undesired pre-ignition or knocking is expected, with dire need of characterization.

Abstract A new revolution has taken place in the automobile industry in recent years, intelligent and connected vehicle (ICV) [1] has achieved a higher market share in recent years and relevant technologies have been quickly developed and widely accepted, so the auto industry needs to make regulations for automated driving system (ADS) on ICVs, mainly to assure the safety of ICV. To meet the requirements above, the definition of operational design domain (ODD) [2, 3] was put forward by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) a few years ago. ODD defines necessary external environment conditions for the ADS to operate, but the internal status of the vehicle is also a key part of judging whether ADS can operate safely.

Abstract Super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) is a type of stainless steel made of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe). In the present work, a 1.6 mm wide thin sheet of SDSS is joined using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The ideal parameter for a bead-on-plate trial is found, and 0.216 kJ/mm of heat input is used for welding. As an outcome of the welding heating cycle and subsequent cooling, a microstructural study revealed coarse microstructure in the heat-affected zone and weld zone. The corrosion rate for welded joints is 9.3% higher than the base metal rate. Following the corrosion test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that the welded joint’s oxide development generated a larger corrosive attack on the weld surface than the base metal surface. The percentages of chromium (12.5%) and molybdenum (24%) in the welded joints are less than those in the base metal of SDSS, as per energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.

Abstract This article introduces a methodology for conducting comparative evaluations of vibration-induced discomfort. The aim is to outline a procedure specifically focused on assessing and comparing the discomfort caused by vibrations. The article emphasizes the metrics that can effectively quantify vibration-induced discomfort and provides insights on utilizing available information to facilitate the assessment of differences observed during the comparisons. The study also addresses the selection of appropriate target scenarios and test environments within the context of the comparative evaluation procedure. A practical case study is presented, highlighting the comparison of wheel corner concepts in the development of new vehicle architectures. Currently, the evaluation criteria and difference thresholds available allow for comparative evaluations within a limited range of vehicle vibration characteristics.

Abstract After a severe lane change, a wind gust, or another disturbance, the driver might be unable to recover the intended motion. Even though this fact is known by any driver, the scientific investigation and testing on this phenomenon is just at its very beginning, as a literature review, focusing on SAE Mobilus® database, reveals. We have used different mathematical models of car and driver for the basic description of car motion after a disturbance. Theoretical topics such as nonlinear dynamics, bifurcations, and global stability analysis had to be tackled. Since accurate mathematical models of drivers are still unavailable, a couple of driving simulators have been used to assess human driving action. Classic unstable motions such as Hopf bifurcations were found. Such bifurcations seem almost disregarded by automotive engineers, but they are very well-known by mathematicians. Other classic unstable motions that have been found are “unstable limit cycles.”

Abstract In autonomous technology, uncrewed aircraft systems have already become the preferred platform for the research and development of flight control systems. Although they are subjected to following and satisfying complicated scenarios of control stations, this high dependency on a specific control framework limits them in their application process and reduces the flight self-organizing network. In this article, we present a developed multilayer control system protocol with the additional supportive manned aircraft layer (Tender). The novelty of the introduced model is that uncrewed aircraft systems are monitored and navigated by the tender, and then based on the suggested scheme, data flows are controlled and transferred across the network by the developed cloud–robotics approach in the ground station layer.

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Abstract Fully flexible valve actuation (FFVA) is a key enabling technology of internal engine combustion research and development. Two laboratory electro-hydraulic FFVA systems have been developed and implemented in R&D test cells. These FFVA systems were designed using repetitive control (RC), which is based on internal model principle (IMP), for constant engine speed operation. With the engine operating in a steady-state condition, the valve profile input is periodic. This can be accommodated by a repetitive controller, which provides the function of flexible control to step changes in valve lift, valve opening duration, and cam phase angle position. During engine speed transients, as the valve reference trajectory becomes aperiodic in the time domain, the controllers based on the linear time invariant (LTI) IMP, such as RC, are no longer applicable. Engine speed transient control is a desired function to engine research and other similar applications, such as motor control.

Abstract This article presents a novel approach to optimize the placement of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors in autonomous driving vehicles using machine learning. As autonomous driving technology advances, LiDAR sensors play a crucial role in providing accurate collision data for environmental perception. The proposed method employs the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm, which takes the vehicle’s surface geometry as input and generates optimized 3D sensor positions with predicted high visibility. Through extensive experiments on various vehicle shapes and a rectangular cuboid, the effectiveness and adaptability of the proposed method are demonstrated. Importantly, the trained network can efficiently evaluate new vehicle shapes without the need for re-optimization, representing a significant improvement over classical methods such as genetic algorithms.

Abstract This research was initiated with the goal of developing a significantly stronger aircraft transparency design that would reduce transparency failures from bird strikes. The objective of this research is to demonstrate the fact that incorporating high-strength tempered glass into cockpit window constructions for commercial aircraft can produce enhanced safety protection from bird strikes and weight savings. Thermal glass tempering technology was developed that advances the state of the art for high-strength tempered glass, producing 28 to 36% higher tempered strength. As part of this research, glass probability of failure prediction methodology was introduced for determining the performance of transparencies from simulated bird impact loading. Data used in the failure calculation include the total performance strength of highly tempered glass derived from the basic strength of the glass, the temper level, the time duration of the load, and the area under load.

Abstract An automatic collision avoidance control method integrating optimal four-wheel steering (4WS) and direct yaw-moment control (DYC) for autonomous vehicles on curved road is proposed in this study. Optimal four-wheel steering is used to track a predetermined trajectory, and DYC is adopted for vehicle stability. Two single lane change collision avoidance scenarios, i.e., a stationary obstacle in front and a moving obstacle at a lower speed in the same lane, are constructed to verify the proposed control method. The main contributions of this article include (1) a quintic polynomial lane change trajectory for collision avoidance on curved road is proposed and (2) four different kinds of control method for autonomous collision avoidance, namely 2WS, 2WS+DYC, 4WS, and 4WS+DYC, are compared. In the design of DYC controller, two different feedback control methods are adopted for comparison, i.e., sideslip angle feedback and yaw rate feedback.

Abstract This study underscores the benefits of refining the intralogistics process for small- to medium-sized manufacturing businesses (SMEs) in the engineer-to-order (ETO) sector, which relies heavily on manual tasks. Based on industrial visits and primary data from six SMEs, a new intralogistics concept and process was formulated. This approach enhances the value-added time of manufacturing workers while also facilitating complete digital integration as well as improving transparency and traceability. A practical application of this method in a company lead to cutting its lead time by roughly 11.3%. Additionally, improved oversight pinpointed excess inventory, resulting in advantages such as reduced capital needs and storage requirements. Anticipated future enhancements include better efficiency from more experienced warehouse staff and streamlined picking methods. Further, digital advancements hold promise for cost reductions in administrative and supportive roles.

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Abstract The exponentially growing electrification market is driving demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high performance. However, LIB thermal runaway events are one of the unresolved safety concerns. Thermal runaway of an individual LIB can cause a chain reaction of runaway events in nearby cells, or thermal propagation, potentially causing significant battery fires and explosions. Such a safety issue of LIBs raises a huge concern for a variety of applications including electric vehicles (EVs). With increasingly higher energy-density battery technologies being implemented in EVs to enable a longer driving mileage per charge, LIB safety enhancement is becoming critical for customers. This comprehensive review offers an encompassing overview of prevalent abuse conditions, the thermal event processes and mechanisms associated with LIBs, and various strategies for suppression, prevention, and mitigation.

Abstract This study investigated the influence of high-strength low-alloy steel on the fatigue life of a load-bearing member with a non-load-bearing transverse welded attachment (T-joint). It compared high cycle fatigue data to two fatigue design codes, namely BS 7608 and Eurocode EN 1993-1-9. Different base and filler material combinations of varying material strengths were investigated, resulting in a total of three different specimen configurations. Two material combinations had a high-strength steel (Strenx® 700 MC D) for the base material, with one combination having a matched filler material and the other having an undermatched filler material. The third material combination had a lower-strength steel (S 355 JR AR) for the base material, with a matched filler material. Tensile tests were performed to confirm the base material mechanical properties and weld quality of the manufactured specimens.

Abstract The United Nation Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation 155—Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Management System (UN R155) mandates the development of cybersecurity management systems (CSMS) as part of a vehicle’s lifecycle. An inherent component of the CSMS is cybersecurity risk management and assessment. Validation and verification testing is a key activity for measuring the effectiveness of risk management, and it is mandated by UN R155 for type approval. Due to the focus of R155 and its suggested implementation guideline, ISO/SAE 21434:2021—Road Vehicle Cybersecurity Engineering, mainly centering on the alignment of cybersecurity risk management to the vehicle development lifecycle, there is a gap in knowledge of proscribed activities for validation and verification testing.

Abstract Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is a key aspect in the vehicle development. Reducing noise and vibration to create a comfortable environment is one of the main objectives in vehicle design. In the literature, many theoretical and experimental methods have been presented for improving the NVH performances of vehicles. However, in the great majority of situations, physical prototypes are still required as NVH is highly dependent on subjective human perception and a pure computational approach often does not suffice. In this article, driving simulators are discussed as a tool to reduce the need of physical prototypes allowing a reduction in development time while providing a deep understanding of vehicle NVH characteristics. The present article provides a review of the current development of driving simulator focused on problems, challenges, and solutions for NVH applications.

Abstract The sinking and trimming of the hull in the channel would directly affect the handling and navigation safety of the ship. In view of the ship sinking, a series of empirical formulas to estimate the subsidence have been put forward for vessel in spacious shallow water areas. However, most of the equations are based on seagoing vessels. They are not suitable for inland ships with small scales, shallow drafts, and narrow navigation width. Till now, research on ship squat in intermediate channel has not yielded more practical results. Here, a generalized physical model is used to study the sinking of 500t class ships in restricted intermediate channel under different channel widths, water depths, and speeds. The main factors affecting the squat are analyzed, the empirical relation is compared with the measured squat. The Barrass equation is modified, and the calculation relation of the settlement suitable for inland river ships is proposed.

Abstract Since the complexity of modern vehicles is increasing continuously, car manufacturers are forced to improve the efficiency of their development process to remain profitable. A frequently mentioned measure is the consequent integration of virtual methods. In this regard, objective evaluation criteria are essential for the virtual design of driving dynamics. Therefore, this article aims to identify robust objective evaluation criteria for the nonlinear combined longitudinal and lateral dynamics of a vehicle. The article focuses on the acceleration in a turn maneuver since available objective criteria do not consider all relevant characteristics of vehicle dynamics. For the identification of the objective criteria, a generic method is developed and applied. First, an open-loop test procedure and a set of potential robust objective criteria are defined.