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The wheel rotation sensor developed for navigation system is small and light, and generates high output voltage of 0.37V p-p without a prc-amplifier when the gap between the sensor and the multi-polarized magnetic rotor is 2.0mm. The sensor has excellent resistance to environmental conditions. Several simulation tests and car evaluations were carried out and it is confirmed that the sensor generates enough output voltage and satisfies requirements for the system including the decrease of output voltage caused by temperature, gap variation while running, and so on.

Recently, SiCr clean steel wire for springs on automotive engine valves has been developed. This report describes the characteristics of valve springs subjected to a new manufacturing process using SiCr clean steel wire. The process developed by the authors is as follows: First, form a helical spring with SiCr clean steel wire. Next, quench using the distortion preventing technic --Marquenching--. Temper at a temperature lower than the conventional temperature. Shot peen to the surface layer of the spring. And lastly, polish electrolytically to remove micro surface defects formed through shot peening. Using this new manufacturing process, a valve spring with high fatigue resistance can be produced. At the test stress of 588MPa(τm)±490MPa (τa), the number of cycles to fracture was above 100 million, while the number of cycles to fracture was 4 million using the conventional process with the SiCr clean steel which has the best fatigue resistance for commercial use.

Recently, powder metal parts have been used in a lot of automobiles. One typical powder metal part is a helical gear. Compacting helical gears is much different from conventional compacting, because a part of the tool rotates on its own axis. The important points are as follows: (1) how to guide the upper punch into a die smoothly and to fit in it, (2) how to rotate the die/punch smoothly in order that the part of gear trains may not be broken by twisting stress during pressing process and (3) how to prevent green compacts from having crack/lamination. The larger the helix angle, the more difficult its compacting. The compacting of complicated shapes such as helical gears with an irregular shape or another helical gear is more difficult. Powder metal helical gears are produced because powder metal is suitable for mass production at low cost. Most powder metal helical gears are simple shapes such as helical gears only outside or inside.

A Temperature and Humidity Control (THC) assembly an essential system in order to provide comfortable environment for crew members in Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). Development of an engineering model (EM) and a proto model (PM) of JEM THC assembly started from March 1991 and completed on March 1995 successfully. In this development phase, it is called JEM EM phase, qualification test of THC was conducted to verify the THC design. This paper presents JEM THC design and an outline of the assembly model development.

In the closed environments such as manned space station, it is necessary to remove contaminant gas to keep a suitable environment. Removal of gaseous contaminants generated from crew, animals, and plants is important function to keep the environment below the allowable level in the Closed Ecology Experiment Facilities (abbreviated as CEEF). CEEF consist of three modules for habitat, animal and plant, the supporting facilities for each module and a plant cultivation facility. CEEF are scheduled to be constructed from 1994 in Aomori Prefecture, northern part of Japan. For designing Trace Contaminant Control Assembly (TCCA) for CEEF, the following six (6) trace contaminants have been selected as major contaminant gas in CEEF; Ammonia (NH3) Methane (CH4) Ethylene (C2H4) Carbon Monoxide (CO) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Ethylene is well-known as an aggressive contaminant to plant growth and maturity.

We have developed new P/M Al-Si wrought alloys having high strength and high wear resistance for use in the rotors and vanes of rotary car air conditioners. In addition, combined with the development of near-net-shape extrusion technologies, through a joint project with Diesel Kiki Co.,Ltd., we have succeeded in the world's first mass production of rotors made of P/M aluminum wrought alloy. In this paper, the properties and production technology of vanes and rotors made with new P/M Al-Si wrought alloys are presented.

In the modern aircraft manufacturing, the cost reduction, the manufacturing time reduction, and the weight saving of aircraft are strongly demanded. The Refill Friction Spot Joining [1,2](FSJ, in other words FSSW, Friction Stir Spot Welding), which is one of innovative solid-state joining methodologies based on the Friction Stir Welding[3], is a promising technology that can replace rivets and fasteners. This technology is expected to offer cost reduction and weight saving for the aircraft manufacturing. In this study, to make stronger and reliable joints, the shoulder-plunging process of Refill FSJ was employed. The weldability of the Alodine or Chromic Acid Anodize coated materials along with a faying-surface sealant was investigated. The joint properties, such as tensile shear strengths and corrosion resistance, were evaluated.

In this study, the technology that can predict fatigue life for motorcycle exhaust systems is developed. To predict the fatigue life, analyzing the engine vibration, modeling the vibration characteristics of exhaust systems and evaluating the fatigue damage of welded joints are considered essential. This paper shows an integrated numerical simulation and evaluation method. Furthermore, it is also shown with the result of a component vibration test of the muffler assembly to validate the technology. The results indicate a good correlation between the numerical simulation and the test.

In this study on the motorcycle engine, we investigated the geometry of the newly developed intake port with an objective of improving the fuel consumption and the torque in practical range. Herein we present the results obtained. We believe that an effective measure for achieving the stated objective is to improve the combustion speed and combustion stability. To realize that, it is necessary to increase the turbulence during combustion and improve the homogeneity of air-fuel mixture. To investigate the feasible shape of the port, the CFD simulation (including fuel spray analysis) was performed and a geometry that improved the turbulent kinetic energy and mixture homogeneity at the time of ignition was selected. For confirming the combustion improvement effect achieved by tumble strengthening, an engine test was conducted with the same amount of intake air as that used in.

The joining process of silicon nitride (S13N4) turbine rotor and steel metal shaft was investigated. The process consists of brazing procedures with multi-layer metallizing and complementary steps involving shrink fitting and non-destructive tests. In the course of the brazing steps, preliminary investigations using small specimens were conducted on the formation of a highly strengthened interface at high temperature and thermal stress reduction, and superior high temperature strength and heat cycle resistance were obtained. Rotary tests at high temperature were successfully completed using the rotor joined by this process.

The impact of inlet unstart phenomena on supersonic transport (SST) was investigated by wind tunnel testing. Inlet unstart condition was simulated by controlling the captured mass flow by the inlet. Unsteady pressures on the lower surface of wing and unsteady forces of the wind tunnel model were measured. Unsteady pressure measurement was carried out to detect shock wave motion. Unsteady force measurement by using both internal balance and accelerometers was to estimate axial/angular acceleration of airframe when inlet unstart was occurred. The pressure measurement data revealed that shock location fluctuated with dominant frequency although the controlled mass flow was steady. And it was analytically shown that the dominant frequency is corresponding to the first order frequency of organ pipe resonance.

In line with the increase in the output of motorcycle engines, there has been an increase in incidents of the seizure between shift fork and gear because of the increased thrust force. We designed a test method that uses actual shift forks to simulate actual sliding conditions, then used that test method to evaluate the feature of the shift fork sliding and the different shift fork surface treatments. The shift fork slid against the gear not as surface contact but as tilted contact. We selected the candidates from the view that the surface treatment of the shift fork contact surface to give it higher seizure resistance when in tilted contact is required. We evaluated chromium nitride thin film, diamond-like carbon thin film, molybdenum sprayed coating, and sulphonitriding, and molybdenum sprayed coating exhibited the highest seizure resistance. The conformability plays a significant role in the sliding between the shift fork and the gear.

The rocker arm has a function to lead the cam shaft rotation to the valve operation. There are cases when damages are caused due to abnormal wear at the sliding part, causing certain problems. Authors classified the wear phenomenon, and realized a systematic analysis on the possible cause of the damage. As a result, it was revealed that the damage was of two types, and to prevent the hard wear, it is effective to apply shot peening before plating. The prototype rocker arm was test under various lubricating conditions, thus actually confirming that the occurrence of wear was largely reduced.

Electroimpact and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) have produced a new riveting process for the forming of Briles type rivets in Boeing 777 and 777X fuselage assemblies. The Briles rivet is typically used for fuselage assembly and is unique in that it has a self-sealing head. Unlike conventional headed rivets such as the NAS1079, this fastener does not require aircraft sealant under the head to be fluid tight. This unique fastener makes for a difficult fastening process due to the fact that interference must be maintained between the hole and fastener shank, as well as along the sides of the fastener head. Common issues with the formed fasteners include gapping under the fastener head and along the shank of the fastener. Electroimpact has employed a host of different technologies to combat these issues with Briles fastening. First, Electroimpact’s patented “Air Gap” system allows the machine to confirm that the head of the rivet is fully seated in the countersink prior to forming.

The paper deals with the end-milling machinability of α-β titanium alloy (Ti-6AI-4V alloy) by new PCD (Polycrystal-line Diamond) cutting tools at high cutting speeds in order to develop a new technology for a high productivity titanium finishing. The main focus of this paper is on investigating the relationships among cutting conditions, PCD tool materials, and tool wear. It was found that the edge engagement time of cutting tools with titanium workpiece has a great effect on PCD tool wear. Compared to cemented carbide tools, PCD tools have a longer tool life, especially at higher cutting speeds. The geometric shape of cutting edges and tool material greatly influences the performance of PCD tools in cutting titanium alloy.

ABS sensor rings for automotive use are becoming smaller and thinner because of the demand for low cost and light weight. Such small thin parts are easier to break as they must withstand the same severe conditions as larger heavier parts. Superior elongation properties, after corrosion testing, are necessary for avoiding breakage and to obtain superior corrosion resistance. We have, therefore, developed such high performance P/M stainless steel with superior elongation and corrosion resistance. Conventional stainless steel has uniform pores on its inner surface which makes allows water penetration thus making corrosion worse and decreasing elongation. It is possible to increase corrosion resistance by changing pore structure (e.g. decrease continual pores) through the addition of special alloys that accelerate the sintering process.

We have developed a new Carbon/Carbon composite (C/C) manufacturing process called the “Carbon Powder Sintering Method [1] (C.P.S.M.)”. This study was conducted to evaluate the friction characteristics of C/C manufactured by the C.P.S.M. as compared with C/C manufactured by conventional methods using a dynamometer. In general, C/C shows a high friction coefficient at a high temperature, but shows a low friction coefficient at room temperature. There is a transition temperature point between both friction coefficients. As a result of this study, it was found that the transition temperature of the C.P.S.M. C/C is lower than for any other conventional C/C.

In order to improve the fuel efficiency and the operating performance of motorcycles, there is a need to reduce their weight. Magnesium, which is the lightest of the various metals currently being used and has a high specific strength, has the potential to satisfy that need. We conducted a study to clarify the weldability and strength characteristics of, and the most suitable surface treatment for, extruded magnesium alloys and rolled magnesium alloys. Based on the stress analysis by the finite element method, we designed a magnesium swing arm and produced the prototype swing arm by pressing hot rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy plates and welding them. The prototype is about 10% lighter and has higher torsional rigidity than a conventional aluminum swing arm.

In the expansion of composite material application, it is one of the most important subjects in assembly of aircraft structure how drilling of composite/metal stack should be processed in an efficient way. This paper will show the result of development of a drill bit for CFRP/Aluminum-alloy stack by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal (SEH). In order to improve workability and economic performance, the drill bit which enables drilling CFRP/Al-alloy stack: at 1 shot; from both directions; without air blow and coolant (just usual vacuuming); was required. A best mix drill bit which has smooth multi angles edge and pointed finishing edge was produced as a result of some trials. Developed drill bit achieved required performance and contributed to large cost reduction, labor hour saving, production speed increase and work environment improvement.

In response to design requirements for lower weight and higher output, the motorcycle engine cylinder block has evolved from a cast cylinder block to an aluminum alloy cylinder block whose bore walls are surface-treated for wear-resistance. Hard-chromium plating, nickel-compound plating, and the like are in wide use as the wear-resistance surface treatment method, but spray technology has recently been attracting attention because of less impact on the environment, superior initial running-in performance and good oil retention. We have been applying a unique spraying method called wire explosion spraying to those models with a special need for wear-resistance surface. In this report we describe our wire explosion spray technology. With the aim of improving the bond strength of the sprayed coat, we studied the effects of the collided particles' form on bond strength in the wire explosion spraying conditions.