Search Results

Abstract Introduction: This study evaluates driving ability in those with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Type 1A, a hereditary peripheral neuropathy. Methods: Individuals with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Type 1A (n = 18, age = 42 ± 7) and controls (n = 19; age = 35 ± 10) were evaluated in a driving simulator. The Charcot Marie Tooth Neuropathy Score version 2 was obtained for individuals. Rank Sum test and Spearman rank correlations were used for statistical analysis. Results: A 74% higher rate of lane departures and an 89% higher rate of lane deviations were seen in those with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Type 1A than for controls (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Lane control variability was 10% higher for the individual group and correlated with the neuropathy score (rS = 0.518, p = 0.040), specifically sensory loss (rS = 0.710, p = 0.002) and pinprick sensation loss in the leg (rS = 0.490, p = 0.054).

Abstract Gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) are important aftertreatment components that enable gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines to meet European Union (EU) 6 and China 6 particulate number emissions regulations for nonvolatile particles greater than 23 nm in diameter. GPFs are rapidly becoming an integral part of the modern GDI aftertreatment system. The Active Exhaust Tuning (EXTUN) Valve is a butterfly valve placed in the tailpipe of an exhaust system that can be electronically positioned to control exhaust noise levels (decibels) under various vehicle operating conditions. This device is positioned downstream of the GPF, and variations in the tuning valve position can impact exhaust backpressures, making it difficult to monitor soot/ash accumulation or detect damage/removal of the GPF substrate. The purpose of this work is to present a unique example of subsystem control and diagnostic architecture for an exhaust system combining GPF and EXTUN.

Abstract This article presents a fault diagnosis approach for roller bearing by applying the autocorrelation approach to filtered vibration measured signal. An optimal Morlet wavelet filter is applied to eliminate the frequency associated with interferential vibrations; the raw measured signal is filtered with a band-pass filter based on a Morlet wavelet function whose parameters are optimized based on maximum Kurtosis. Autocorrelation enhancement is applied to the filtered signal to further reduce the residual in-band noise and highlight the periodic impulsive feature. The proposed technique is used to analyze the experimental measured signal of investigated vehicle gearbox. An artificial fault is introduced in vehicle gearbox bearing an orthogonal placed groove on the inner race with the initial width of 0.6 mm approximately. The faulted bearing is a roller bearing located on the gearbox input shaft - on the clutch side.

Abstract More than a decade ago, we proposed combined use of direct injection (DI) and jet ignition (JI) to produce high efficiency, high power-density, positive-ignition (PI), lean burn stratified, internal combustion engines (ICEs). Adopting this concept, the latest FIA F1 engines, which are electrically assisted, turbocharged, directly injected, jet ignited, gasoline engines and work lean stratified in a highly boosted environment, have delivered peak power fuel conversion efficiencies well above 46%, with specific power densities more than 340 kW/liter. The concept, further evolved, is here presented for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. Results of simulations for a new DI JI ICE with rotary valve, being super-turbocharged and having gasoline or methanol as working fuel, show the opportunity to achieve even larger power densities, up to 430 kW/liter, while delivering a near-constant torque and, consequently, a nearly linear power curve over a wide range of speeds.

Abstract This study discusses the experimental investigation on WEDM of combustor material (i.e., nimonic 263). Experimentation has been executed by varying pulse-on time (Ton), pulse-off time (Toff), peak current (Ip), and spark gap voltage (Sv). Material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (SR), and wire wear rate (WWR) are employed as process performance characteristics. Experiments are designed as per the box-Behnken design technique. Parametric optimization has also been performed using response surface methodology. Besides this, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and an optical microscope are utilized to characterize WEDMed and worn-out wire surfaces. It is observed that both surfaces contain micro-cracks, craters, spherical droplets, and a lump of debris. Furthermore, the mechanism of recast layer formation has been critically evaluated to apprehend a better understanding of the technique. The key features of the experimental procedure are also highlighted.

Abstract Constant area section length downstream to the fuel injection point is a crucial dimension of scramjet duct geometry. It has a major contribution in creating the maximum effective pressure inside the combustor that is required for propulsion. The length is limited by the thermal choking phenomenon, which occurs when heat is added in a flow through constant area duct. As per theory, to avoid thermal choking the constant area section length depends upon the inlet conditions and the rate of heat addition. The complexity related to mixing and combustion process inside the supersonic stream makes it difficult to predict the rate of heat addition and in turn the length. Recent efforts of simulating the reacting flow inside scramjet combustors are encouraging and can be useful in this regard. The presented work attempts to use simulation results of scramjet combustion for predicting the constant area section length for a typical scramjet combustor.

Abstract The use of simulation is a long-standing industry standard at every level of flight training. Historically, given the acquisition and maintenance costs associated with such equipment, full-motion devices have been reserved for advanced corporate and airline training programs. The Motion Cueing Seat (MCS) is a relatively inexpensive alternative to full-motion flight simulators and has the potential to enhance the fixed-base flight simulation in primary flight training. In this article, we discuss the results of an evaluation of the effect of motion cueing on pilot workload and performance during primary instrument training. Twenty flight students and instructors from a collegiate flight training program participated in the study. Each participant performed three runs of a basic circuit using a fixed-base Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) and an MCS.

Abstract An accurate and rapid thermal model of an axle-brake system is crucial to the design process of reliable braking systems. Proper thermal management is necessary to avoid damaging effects, such as brake fade, thermal cracking, and lubricating oil degradation. In order to understand the thermal effects inside of a lubricated braking system, it is common to use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to calculate the heat generation and rejection. However, this is a difficult and time-consuming process, especially when trying to optimize a braking system. This article uses the results from several CFD runs to train a Stacked Ensemble Model (SEM), which allows the use of machine learning (ML) to predict the systems’ temperature based on several input design parameters. The robustness of the SEM was evaluated using uncertainty quantification.

Abstract Automotive-grade high-strength steels are galvanized for improved corrosion resistance. However, selective oxidation of alloying elements during annealing heat-treatment may influence the subsequent zinc (Zn) coating quality. The formation of internal and external oxides depends on the alloy composition, especially the Si/Mn ratio, and the oxygen potential of the annealing atmosphere. In this work, a dual-phase (DP) steel was intercritically annealed with varied fuel-to-air ratios in a direct-fired furnace and then galvanized in a Zn bath with 0.2 wt% Al. The type of internal and external oxides and the interfacial structures between the steel substrate, the Al-Fe-Zn inhibition layer, and the Zn coating were examined by using site-specific focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Abstract The preliminary gas turbine combustor design process uses a huge amount of empirical correlations to achieve more optimized designs. Combustion efficiency, in relation to the basic dimensions of the combustor, is one of the most critical performance parameters. In this study, semi-empirical correlations for combustion efficiencies are examined and correlation coefficients have been revised using an experimental air-blasted tubular combustor that uses JP8 kerosene aviation fuel. Besides, droplet diameter and effective evaporation constant parameters have been investigated for different operating conditions. In the study, it is observed that increased air velocity significantly improves the atomization process and decreases droplet diameters, while increasing the mass flow rate has a positive effect on the atomization—the relative air velocity in the air-blast atomizer increases and the fuel droplets become finer.

Abstract A two-dimensional model of three elements, high-lift airfoil, was designed at a Reynolds number of ?????? using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to generate downforce with good lift-to-drag efficiency for a formula student open-wheel race car basing on the nominal track speeds. The numerical solver uses the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation model coupled with the Langtry-Menter four-equation transition shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model. Such model adds two further equations to the ?? − ?? SST model resulting in an accurate prediction for the amount of flow separation due to adverse pressure gradient in low Reynolds number flow. The ?? − ?? SST model includes the transport effects into the eddy-viscosity formulation, whereas the two equations of transition momentum thickness Reynolds number and intermittency should further consider transition effects at low Reynolds number.

Abstract When commercial vehicles drive in a mountainous area, the complex road condition and long slopes cause frequent acceleration and braking, which will use 25% more fuel. And the brake temperature rises rapidly due to continuous braking on the long-distance downslopes, which will make the brake drum fail with the brake temperature exceeding 308°C [1]. Meanwhile, the kinetic energy is wasted during the driving progress on the slopes when the vehicle rolls up and down. Our laboratory built a model that could calculate the distance from the top of the slope, where the driver could release the accelerator pedal. Thus, on the slope, the vehicle uses less fuel when it rolls up and less brakes when down. What we do in this article is use this model in a real vehicle and measure how well it works.

Abstract Today’s explosive condition of the market is compelling the manufacturing organizations to switch from traditional manufacturing (TM) to lean manufacturing (LM) to create a footprint in this competitive era. In this article, 16 critical success factors (CSFs) for LM implementation are identified through a vast literature review, the opinion of academicians and industry experts and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to create interrelationships among the identified CSFs, and interpretive ranking process (IRP) rank these CSFs based on dominance with respect to performance dimensions. Leadership and management made the foundation of an ISM model while the training and people development have secured the first rank in the IRP model. Implementation of such ISM- and IRP-based models of CSF would give a clear understanding of these CSFs so that LM researchers, decision-makers, managers, and practitioners of LM will use their resources more efficiently.

Abstract The ability of senior citizens as well as other members of the general population to engage in an effective manner with technology is of increasing importance as new and innovative technologies become available. While recognizing the challenges that technologies can have on different populations, the ability to interact successfully with new technologies will, for seniors, have important consequences that can affect their quality of life and those of their families in numerous and important ways. This study, building upon previous research, examines the major dimensions of decision-making regarding attitudes toward autonomous vehicle technologies (ATVs) and their use. The study utilized data from a study of senior citizens in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area and compared the results with a sample of graduate students from a local university.

Abstract TOC

Abstract TOC

Abstract TOC

Abstract In this article, an adaptive state estimation algorithm for precise air-fuel ratio (AFR) control is presented. AFR control is a critical part of internal combustion engine (ICE) control, and tight AFR control delivers lower engine emissions, better engine fuel economy, and better engine transient performance. The proposed control algorithm significantly improves transient AFR control to eliminate and reduce the amplitude of the lean and rich spikes during transients. The new algorithm is first demonstrated in simulation (using Matlab/SimulinkTM and GT-PowerTM) and then verified on a test engine. The engine tests are conducted using the European Transient Cycle (ETC) with HoribaTM double-ended dynamometer. The developed algorithm utilizes a nonlinear physics-based engine model in the observer and advanced control principles with modifications to solve real industrial control issues.

Abstract To solve the problem that it is difficult for drivers to control the vehicle at low speed, a new setting scheme of pedal map is proposed to ensure that the vehicle has the speed controllability in the full speed range. In this scheme, based on obtaining the maximum and minimum driving characteristics of the vehicle and the driving resistance characteristics of the vehicle, the pedal map is divided into a sensitive area and insensitive area. In the insensitive area, acceleration hysteresis is formed, which ensures that the throttle is slightly fluctuated and has good speed stability. At the same time, the sensitive area of the accelerator pedal is formed far away from the driving resistance curve to ensure that the vehicle has a great acceleration ability. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, the data of a commercial vehicle is selected for the design of the pedal map, and the driver-vehicle closed-loop test based on the driving simulator is conducted.

Abstract The current publication considers several methodologies to minimize tailpipe (TP) nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions during cold start operation. A standard, 2019 aftertreatment design of diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR)/ammonia oxidation catalyst (AMOX) was used as the baseline. Cold start NOx conversion and TP NOx emissions improvements were measured when a larger SCR, dual diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dosing, and an electric heater were added to the exhaust configuration. Additional improvements were achieved by an improved cold start combustion mode was developed.