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Water and ethylene glycol are considered as conventional coolants from years in automotive industry for engine cooling. With the advancements in nanotechnology, Nano fluids have become prominent in increasing the rate of heat transfer compared to that of conventional fluids. Present study enlightens the CFD simulation of Nano-fluids in a radiator with base fluid as Ethylene glycol- water and Al2O3 as nanoparticles at different volume concentrations. The Nano fluid rheology is simulated in Ansys-Fluent CFD tool using standard k-ε two equation turbulence model with enhanced wall treatment and a standard y plus values. Various available fluent single phase and multiphase models are evaluated and compared with the experimental results in a simple circular pipe to setup the standard simulation methodology for radiator analysis. The effective temperature dependent thermos-physical properties of Nano fluids were estimated from the literatures.

This paper proposes a practical optimal-time window-based path-planning approach for a fleet of autonomous vehicles. Specifically, autonomous vehicles in this work refers to fleet of tractors that performs spraying operations in a vineyard field. The approach involves two main steps. In the first step based on a behavior and actions of the tractors that mimic manual spraying operations, a linear integer programming (ILP) optimization model is constructed. The second step then seeks a solution for this MIP model to obtain paths for autonomous navigation of the tractors in a vineyard field. The simulation results on a real-world data collected using Google Maps application for Sula vineyards located in the Nashik region [1] is reported. The obtained results show effectiveness of the proposal with respect to manual operator driven fleet management.

Wheel loaders are heavy earth moving machines used in construction field for applications like truck loading, stockpiling and various other material handling operations. Wheel loaders are classified according to their operating weight and pay load capacities in the construction equipment market. Wheel loaders are equipped with articulated steering using two hydraulic cylinders connecting the front and rear frame. The speed of steering is controlled by the steering control valve, which controls the hydraulic oil flow rate to the steering cylinder. The expansion and retraction of the two cylinders make the wheel loader to articulate with pin joint connecting the frames. During articulation of the machine, the front and rear frames hit against each other inducing a system (Impact) force. The system force caused due to the steering influences the operator comfort, stability and durability of the structural components in the machine.

Continuous improvement and weight reduction are key contributors to success of most of the Product Engineering Organizations. This helps to keep the product competitive in market from cost, weight and performance stand point. It needs to be ensured to have enough strength in the structures to support the external loads along with quality requirements. This can be ensured by removing material from redundant zones and provide it at necessary areas carrying loads. In current paper, author covers information about utilization of topology optimization tool to achieve the weight reduction and in turn cost reduction to contribute in the organizations Value Improvement efforts. Stabilizer foot optimization is an opportunity explored in construction vehicle (Backhoe). Current stabilizer foot is a common design across multiple models that range in performance and weight capability.