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The thermal comfort of passengers within a vehicle is often the main objective for the climate control engineer; however, the need to maintain adequate visibility through the front and side windows of a vehicle is a critical aspect of safe driving. This paper compares the performance of the side window defrosting and demisting mechanism of several current model vehicles. The study highlights the drawbacks of current designs and points the way to improved passive defrosting mechanisms. The investigation is experimental and computational. The experiments are carried out using full-scale current vehicle models. The computational study, which is validated by the experiments, is used to perform parametric investigation into the side window defrosters performance. The results show that the current designs of the side-defroster nozzles give maximum airflow rates in the vicinity of the lower part of the window, which yields unsatisfactory visibility.

The safety and comfort aspects of passenger cars are significant sales argument and have become a topic of rising importance during the development process of a new car. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of several current model vehicles, highlight the drawbacks of current defrosting/demisting systems and point the way to improved passive mechanisms. The investigation is experimental. The experiments are carried out using full-scale current vehicle models. The results show that the current designs of the defroster nozzle give maximum airflow rates in the vicinity of the lower part of the windshield, which decrease gradually towards the upper parts of the windshield. This hinders and limits the vision of the driver, particularly at the top of the windshield, which can be uncomfortable and indeed dangerous.

One of the vital issues being solved at development of self-contained ecosystems (of space stations, ground-level and underwater complexes) to provide the crew with the water from products of habitability. To solve this problem the revitalization water systems, using electrochemical principles, servicing module of 3 persons and capable of independent operation during 3 months, have been designed. The results of the mass exchange research are summarized by way of driving forces activity ratio that takes into account a variable input impurity concentration, as well as the ratio of phasal interaction that relates to the speed of inflow and of the electric current.

Presented are the technique, mathematical model and software for implementation of the optimal design of the radiators in terms of the criterion of the minimum total mass with the added mass of the power board system accounted for. The mathematical model takes into account the losses of pressure required for pumping the heat-transfer fluid through the hydraulic system of the radiator. The optimum values of the geometric parameters of the radiator and heat-transfer fluid flow rate are determined. The generalized geometric programming algorithm is used for optimization. Obtained are the results of solution as regards the radiators of the Orbital space station “MIR” research module. The recommendations covering reduction of the design mass of the radiators are disclosed. Both the technique the results can be used in design of other radiator systems of the space stations.

This paper deals with review of the issues associated with modelling the dynamic processes in the spacecraft two-phase thermal control systems. The work presents the results of modelling the nonstationary conditions of the evaporative and condensation heat exchangers functioning, investigates their response to the characteristic external influences. Disclosed are the results of the computer-aided modelling the two-phase thermal control system with a pump. The dynamic characteristics of the change in the inputs of pressures, temperatures and vapour content of a coolant in various branches of the system, as well as the lengths of the heat transfer zones in the evaporator and condenser under effect of the typical disturbing actions are obtained. The attained transients are analyzed.

A bi-fuel (Compressed Natural Gas [CNG] and gasoline) pickup truck has been developed using the Ford Alternative Fuel Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) process. The base vehicle's 4.9L engine has been specially modified for improved durability on gaseous fuels. The base vehicle's configuration has been designed for conversion to bi-fuel CNG operation. A complete CNG fuel system has been designed and qualified, including fuel tanks, fuel system, and electrical interface. The completed vehicle has been safety and emission certified, demonstrating CARB Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) emissions in MY95. This paper details the design objectives, development process, CNG components, and integration of the two fuel systems.

An extremely tough alumina based ceramic coating produced by a modified anodizing process developed at Moscow Aviation Institute has been evaluated for light weight, wear resistant component applications in automotive powertrain. The process details and test results from comparative evaluation of friction and wear properties for cylinder bore application, referenced to cast iron baseline, are presented and discussed.