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Abstract The transportation sector’s growing focus on addressing environmental and sustainable energy concerns has led to a pursuit of the decarbonization path. In this context, hydrogen emerges as a promising zero-carbon fuel. The ability of hydrogen fuel to provide reliable performance while reducing environmental impact makes it crucial in the quest for net zero targets. This study compares gasoline and hydrogen combustion in a single-cylinder boosted direct injection (DI) spark ignition engine under various operating conditions. Initially, the engine was run over a wide range of lambda values to determine the optimal operating point for hydrogen and demonstrate lean hydrogen combustion’s benefits over gasoline combustion. Furthermore, a load sweep test was conducted at 2000 rpm, and the performance and emission results were compared between gasoline and optimized hydrogen combustion. An in-depth analysis was conducted by varying fuel injection time and pressure.

Abstract Transient temperature analysis is involved in the thermal simulation of the heat treatment process, in which the hot metal temperature changes with respect to time from an initial state to the final state. The critical part of the simulation is to determine the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) between the hot part and the quenching medium or quenchant. In liquid quenching, the heat transfer between the hot metal part and water becomes complicated and it is difficult to determine HTC. In the current experimentation a medium carbon steel EN 9 rod with a diameter of 50 mm and length 100 mm was quenched in water and ethylene glycol mixture with different concentrations. A part model was created; meshed and actual boundary conditions were applied to conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. In order to validate CFD analysis the experimental trials were conducted.

Abstract With population aging and life expectancy increasing, elderly drivers have been increasing quickly in the United States and the heterogeneity among them with age is also increasingly non-ignorable. Based on traffic crash data of Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2019, this study was designed to identify this heterogeneity by quantifying the relationship between age and crash characteristics using linear regression. It is found that for elderly driver-involved crashes, the proportion leading to casualties significantly increases with age. Meanwhile, the proportions at night, on rainy days, on snowy days, and involving driving under the influence (DUI) decrease linearly with age, implying that elderly drivers tend to avoid traveling in risky scenarios. Regarding collision types, elderly driver-involved crashes are mainly composed of angle, rear-end, and hit-fixed-object collisions, proportions of which increase linearly, decrease linearly, and keep consistent with age, respectively.

Abstract In this article, we investigated the effects of material parameters on the clinching joint geometry using finite element model (FEM) simulation and machine learning-based metamodels. The FEM described in this study was first developed to reproduce the shape of clinching joints between two AA5052 aluminum alloy sheets. Neural network metamodels were then used to investigate the relation between material parameters and joint geometry as predicted by FEM. By interpreting the data-driven metamodels using explainable machine learning techniques, the effects of the hard-to-measure material parameters during the clinching are studied. It is demonstrated that the friction between the two metal sheets and the flow stress of the material at high (up to 100%) plastic strain are the most influential factors on the interlock and the neck thickness of the clinching joints. However, their dependence on the material parameters is found to be opposite.

Abstract This research looks into how abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) can be used on carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials, specifically how the kerf characteristics change with respect to change in process parameters. We carefully looked into four important process parameters: stand-off distance (SOD), water pressure (WP), traverse rate (TR), and abrasive mass flow rate (AMFR). The results showed that as SOD goes up, the kerf taper angle goes up because of jet dispersion, but as WP goes up, the angle goes down because jet kinetic energy goes up. The TR was directly related to the kerf taper angle, but it made the process less stable. The kerf drop angle was not greatly changed by AMFR. When it came to kerf top width, SOD made it wider, WP made it narrower, TR made it narrower, and AMFR made it a little wider. When the settings (SOD: 1 mm, WP: 210 MPa, TR: 150 mm/min, AMFR: 200 g/min) were optimized, the kerf taper angle and kerf top width were lowered.

Abstract This article presents the design and the analysis of a control logic capable of optimizing vehicle’s energy consumption during a braking maneuver. The idea arose with the purpose of enhancing regeneration and health management in electric vehicles with electro-actuated brakes. Regenerative braking improves energy efficiency and allows a considerable reduction in secondary emissions, but its efficiency is strongly dependent on the state of charge (SoC) of the battery. In the analyzed case, a vehicle equipped with four in-wheel motors (one for each wheel), four electro-actuated brakes, and a battery was considered. The proposed control system can manage and optimize electrical and energy exchanges between the driveline’s components according to the working conditions, monitoring parameters such as SoC of the battery, brake temperature, battery temperature, motor temperature, and acts to optimize the total energy consumption.

Abstract Measurements of air–fuel ratio (AFR) and λ (AFRactual/AFRstoich) are crucial for understanding internal combustion engine (ICE) performance. However, current λ sensors suffer from long light-off times (on the order of seconds following a cold start) and limited time resolution. In this study, a four-color mid-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) sensor was developed to provide 5 kHz measurements of temperature, CO, CO2, and NO in engine-out exhaust. This LAS sensor was then combined with 1 kHz hydrocarbon (HC) measurements from a flame ionization detector (FID), and the Spindt exhaust gas analysis method to provide 1 kHz measurements of λ. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time-resolved measurement of λ during engine cold starts using the full Spindt method. Three tests with various engine AFR calibrations were conducted and analyzed: (1) 10% lean, (2) stoichiometric, and (3) 10% rich.

Abstract This article presents a strategy for the virtual calibration of a large-scale model representing a self-piercing rivet (SPR) connection. The connection is formed between a stack of three AA6016-T4 aluminum sheets and one SPR. The calibration process involves material characterization, a detailed riveting process simulation, virtual joint unit tests, and the final large-scale model calibration. The virtual tests were simulated by detailed solid element FE models of the joint unit. These detailed models were validated using experimental tests, namely peeling, single-lap joint, and cross-tests. The virtual parameter calibration was compared to the experimental calibration and finally applied to component test simulations. The article contains both experiments and numerical models to characterize the mechanical behavior of the SPR connection under large deformation and failure.

Abstract In this article, the effects of mixture dilution using EGR or excessive air on adiabatic flame temperature, laminar flame speed, and minimum ignition energy are studied to illustrate the fundamental benefits of lean combustion. An ignition system developing a new active pre-chamber (APC) design was assessed, aimed at improving the indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) of a 1.5 L four-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. The engine combustion process was simulated with the SAGE detailed chemistry model within the CONVERGE CFD tool, assuming the primary reference fuel (PRF) to be a volumetric mixture of 93% iso-octane and 7% n-heptane. The effects of design parameters, such as APC volume, nozzle diameter, and nozzle orientations, on ITE were studied. It was found that the ignition jet velocity from the pre-chamber to the main chamber had a significant impact on the boundary heat losses and combustion phasing.

Abstract This study focused on the synthesis and characterization of monodisperse spherical TiO2 nanoparticles doped on the surface with Se (IV) in order to increase the mechanical properties of the bonded joint reinforcing. Work will begin with the synthesis of monodisperse quasi-spherical TiO2 nanoparticles with a modal diameter of less than 20 nm, using the sol-gel technique. Se (IV) selenium surface doping changed the specimen’s chemistry and physics. Different initial concentrations of the doping element will be tested. Next, a physicochemical characterization of the different solid systems will be carried out in order to determine the effect of the doping element on the properties of titanium dioxide. Their morphology and size will be studied through transmission electron microscope observations; volume chemical composition by X-ray diffraction analysis, EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray), and XRF (X-ray fluorescence).

Abstract AISI H13 hot work tool steel is commonly used for applications such as hot forging and hot extrusion in mechanical working operations that face thermal and mechanical stress fluctuations, leading to premature failures. Cryogenic treatment was applied for AISI H13 steel to improve the surface hardness and thereby fatigue resistance. This work involves failure analysis of H13 steel specimens subjected to cryogenic treatment and gas nitriding. The specimens were heated to 1020°C, oil quenched followed by double tempering at 550°C for 2 h, and subsequently, deep cryogenically treated at −185°C in the cryochamber. Gas nitriding was carried out for 24 h at 500°C for 200 μm case depth in NH3 surroundings. The specimens were subjected to rotating bending fatigue at constant amplitude loading at room temperature.

Abstract This study aims to explore the wear characteristics of fused deposition modeling (FDM) printed automotive parts and techniques to improve wear performance. The surface roughness of the parts printed from this widely used additive manufacturing technology requires more attention to reduce surface roughness further and subsequently the mechanical strength of the printed geometries. The main aspect of this study is to examine the effect of process parameters and annealing on the surface roughness and the wear rate of FDM printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) parts to diminish the issue mentioned above. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) G99 specified test specimens were fabricated for the investigations. The parameters considered in this study were nozzle temperature, infill density, printing velocity, and top/bottom pattern.

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 In recent years, the use of cutting fluids has become crucial in hard metal machining. Traditional non-biodegradable cutting fluids have long dominated various industries for machining. This research presents an innovative approach by suggesting a sustainable alternative: a cutting fluid made from a blend of glycerol (GOL) and distilled water (DW). We conducted a thorough investigation, creating 11 different GOL and DW mixtures in 10% weight increments. These mixtures were rigorously tested through 176 experiments with varying loads and rotational speeds. Using Design-Expert software (DES), we identified the optimal composition to be 70% GOL and 30% DW, with the lowest coefficient of friction (CFN). Building on this promising fluid, we explored further improvements by adding three nanoscale additives: Nano-graphite (GHT), zinc oxide (ZnO), and reduced graphene oxide (RGRO) at different weight percentages (0.06%, 0.08%, 0.1%, and 0.3%).

Abstract For taking counter measures in advance to prevent accidental risks, it is of significance to explore the causes and evolutionary mechanism of ship collisions. This article collects 70 ship collision accidents in Zhejiang coastal waters, where 60 cases are used for modeling while 10 cases are used for verification (testing). By analyzing influencing factors (IFs) and causal chains of accidents, a Bayesian network (BN) model with 19 causal nodes and 1 consequential node is constructed. Parameters of the BN model, namely the conditional probability tables (CPTs), are determined by mathematical statistics methods and Bayesian formulas. Regarding each testing case, the BN model’s prediction on probability of occurrence is above 80% (approaching 100% indicates the certainty of occurrence), which verifies the availability of the model. Causal analysis based on the backward reasoning process shows that H (Human error) is the main IF resulting in ship collisions.

Abstract Compared to other age groups, older adults are at more significant risk of hip fracture when they fall. In addition to the higher risk of falls for the elderly, fear of falls can reduce this population’s outdoor activity. Various preventive solutions have been proposed to reduce the risk of hip fractures ranging from wearable hip protectors to indoor flooring systems. A previously developed rubberized asphalt mixture demonstrated the potential to reduce the risk of head injury. In the current study, the capability of the rubberized asphalt sample was evaluated for the risk of hip fracture for an average elderly male and an average elderly female. A previously developed human body model was positioned in a fall configuration that would give the highest impact forces toward regular asphalt.

Abstract The water droplet erosion (WDE) on high-speed rotating wheels appears in several engineering fields such as wind turbines, stationary steam turbines, fuel cell turbines, and turbochargers. The main reasons for this phenomenon are the high relative velocity difference between the colliding particles and the rotor, as well as the presence of inadequate material structure and surface parameters. One of the latest challenges in this area is the compressor wheels used in turbochargers, which has a speed up to 300,000 rpm and have typically been made of aluminum alloy for decades, to achieve the lowest possible rotor inertia. However, while in the past this component was only encountered with filtered air, nowadays, due to developments in compliance with tightening emission standards, various fluids also collide with the spinning blades, which can cause mechanical damage.

The initial cost of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is higher than internal combustion engine-powered vehicles (ICEVs) due to expensive batteries. Various factors affect the total cost of ownership of a vehicle. In India, consumers are concerned with a vehicle’s initial purchase cost and prefer owning an economical vehicle. The higher cost and shorter range of BEVs compared to ICEVs severely limit their penetration in the Indian market. However, government subsidies and incentives support BEVs. The total cost of ownership assessment is used to evaluate the entire cost of a vehicle to find the most economical option among different powertrains. This study compares 2W (two-wheeler) and 4W (four-wheeler) BEV’s cost vis-à-vis equivalent ICEVs in Delhi and Mumbai. The cost analysis assesses the current and future government policies to promote BEVs. Two assumed policies were applied to estimate future scenarios.

Abstract This article presents a technical study on the integration of hybrid renewable energy sources (RES) with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, aiming to enhance energy efficiency, grid stability, and mitigating power imbalances. The growing adoption of RES and electric vehicles (EV) necessitates innovative solutions to mitigate intermittency and optimize resource utilization. The study’s primary objective is to design and analyze a hybrid distribution generation system encompassing solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power stations, along with a conventional diesel generator, connected to the utility grid. A V2G system is strategically embedded within the microgrid to facilitate bidirectional power exchange between EV and the grid. Methodologically, MATLAB/Simulink® 2021a is employed to simulate the system’s performance over one day.

Abstract A multiple output dynamically adjustable capacity system (MODACS) is developed to provide multiple voltage output levels while supporting varying power loads by switching multiple battery strings between serial and parallel connections. Each module of the system can service either a low voltage bus by placing its strings in parallel or a high voltage bus with its strings in series. Since MODACS contains several such modules, it can produce multiple voltages simultaneously. By switching which strings and modules service the different output rails and by varying the connection strategy over time, the system can balance the states of charge (SOC) of the strings and modules. A model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is formulated to accomplish this balancing. MODACS operates in various power modes, each of which imposes unique constraints on switching between configurations.