bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Simulation with Fine Element Method to the Processing of Sheet Metal Finning
Authors: Negoescu Florin , Santos Martin Francisco
Published: October 2014

The purpose of the paper is to establish the stress state on the piece triangular profile of the corrugated, submissive under the influence of an equally spread pressure. The results of the analysis make an estimative model for experimental approach of the behaviour of corrugated metallic diaphragms, also allowing the comparison of the results obtained by modelling, using the finite elements method with the experimental ones.
Constructive and Functional Modelling of a Pneumatic Muscle Actuated Symmetric Gripper System with Two Mobile Jaws
Authors: Negrea Doina , Deaconescu Andrea , Deaconescu Tudor
Published: October 2014

Compliance is one of the main requirements to be satisfied by a gripper system. The paper addresses this issue and proposes a compliant, pneumatic muscle actuated gripper system. Constructive and functional models of an innovative gripper system are presented, together with a discussion of its limits.
On-Line Running Tests for Validating the Numerical Simulations of the Vertical Dynamic Behavior in Railway Vehicles
Authors: Dumitriu Mădălina
Published: October 2014

The paper focuses on the validation of the numerical simulations regarding the behavior of a railway vehicle while running on a track with irregularities. These simulations are developed from a complex vehicle track system that allows the evaluation of the dynamic behavior on a vertical direction of the railway vehicles in terms of running quality, vibration comfort and the fatigue stress on the track. The validation process consists in the comparison of the acceleration spectra derived from numerical simulations and those from the data recorded during the vehicle circulation on the running line. In this context, the frequency spectra of the measured acceleration are shown that they can be classified into two categories one is of the spectra similar in shape with the ones considered in the numerical simulations, used as a basis for the validation process and the other one includes the acceleration spectra that are sensibly different than the ones derived from the numerical simulations.
The Effect of Tooth Wear on the Dynamic Transmission Error of Helical Gears with Smaller Number of Pinion Teeth
Authors: Atanasiu Virgil , Oprişan Cezar , Leohchi Dumitru
Published: October 2014

The paper presents an analytical investigation of the effect of the tooth wear on the dynamic transmission error of helical gear pairs with small number of pinion teeth. Firstly, the dynamic analysis is conducted to investigate only the effect of the time-varying mesh stiffness on the variation of dynamic transmission error along the line of action. Then, the tooth wear effect on the dynamics of helical gear with small number of pinion teeth is being researched. In the analysis, instantaneous dynamic contact analysis is used in wear depth calculations. A comparative study was performed to investigate the relation between total contact ratio, mesh stiffness and dynamic transmission error of helical gear pairs with small number of teeth.
Solutions for Measuring the Position Deviation for Internal Keyways – Case Study
Authors: Munteanu Adriana , Cioata Florentin
Published: October 2014

The measurement of symmetry and nominal position deviation from theoretical point of view is not a problem, the main issues appears when these theoretical aspects aren’t applicable in industrial practice. The problem addressed in this paper is to identify the possibility to develop a method for the intermediary control like a necessity to industrial practice but for a small series production.A theoretical analysis was developed in order to identify the measuring possibility of symmetry and nominal position deviation for a specific keyway. Using chart ideas and making a case study, we thought to find a practical solution of the intermediary control for specific keyways gears, in small series production case. The research tries to highlight some common and distinct aspects specific for those measuring methods and to solve the issue of intermediary control for a small series production in case of gears internal keyways.
Experimental Study Regarding the Computation of the Effective Power of a Spark-Ignition
Authors: Șugar Ioan Radu , Banica Mihai
Published: October 2014

Besides the actual average pressure, the actual specific fuel consumption and the actual performance, the actual torque is one of the characteristic indicators considered when designing a spark-ignition engine. In order to determine the effective power, special and quite expensive benches are required. This paper intends to determine certain computational relations for the determination of the actual torque both for a standard engine and for a ceramic-coated engine. In order to obtain the experimental results, we used the spark-ignition engine 810-99, and the actual torque was determined on a specialized bench. All measurements were performed at 28°C air temperature, and 740mmHg atmospheric pressure, the temperature of the cooling liquid being 82÷91°C and the oil temperature 92÷116°C. For the engine with ceramic crown’s piston, was maintained the same compression ratio, and the atmospheric pressure and temperature conditions were close to those of the standard engine. Both for the standard engine and for the ceramic engine all measurements were performed under full load. After computer processing the experimental data, empirical formulas were determined for the computation of the effective power both for the ceramic engine and for the standard engine.
The New Approach to Design Features Identification
Authors: Grabowik Cezary , Ćwikła Grzegorz , Janik Witold
Published: October 2014

In this paper a new solution for design features identification is show. The proposed method is based on manual arbitral identification of the potential design features. Application of this method allows identifying a set of design features which can be used for a design modelling in CAD system. As a result of application of the proposed method a user is able to identify the set of design features. This set can be next applied in the process of design production preparation subsystem formation at the stage of design feature library creation.
The Practical Approach to Freeform Shape Elements Reverse Engineering
Authors: Janik Witold , Grabowik Cezary , Ćwikła Grzegorz
Published: October 2014

Element geometry can be restored with basic measurement techniques. However if the element geometry is too complex (free form surfaces), it is not possible to take all measurements in that way. Example presented in the paper is a drop forged element (car suspension link). In situation when spare element is out of reach (product withdraw from market, producer technological process tooling redesign), the element can be reproduced (singularly or in series, what depends on producer). Reconstructed element is slightly different from a master element (impossible existence of reliably identically designed and manufactured parts), because of measurement uncertainty. Another problem is that original element is usually worn out or during disassembly process can be damaged, so it has different geometry,(when worn out is not fitting to tolerances) than newly manufactured one. The practical approach for reverse engineering is based on: measurement uncertainty extrapolation, 3D part scanning, transformation of point cloud to solid model, composition examination of an alloy. The method is a complex solution that brings: geometrical description and material assignment and heat treatment. Important part of the method is typical measurement techniques. In cases when tolerances have to be preserved, additional tolerance assignment is needed according to linkage between redesigned part of element and parts of other elements in assembly. The insurance of measurement was checked according to typical tolerance of the drop forged element. The retrieved 3D model was compared with virtual mass to real master element mass. The technological tooling reconstructed prototype and element reconstructed prototype have been made. Finally the alloy material is assigned according to measurement result analysis (electron spectroscopy EDS). Proposed example shows many important clues that can be used in order to provide properly redesigned element.
Virtual and Experimental Studies about Human Walking - Virtual Lower Leg Environment - Innovative Design of Tibia Nail
Authors: Buciu Gabriel , Tarnita Danut Nicolae , Popa Dragos Laureţiu , Lungu Mihai Aureliu , Miritoiu Cosmin , Ungureanu Aurora
Published: October 2014

To re-create a 3D parametrical environment it was used a CAD software which permits to define complex models. First, there were defined the main bone components as femur, tibia and pelvis by using the CT images. The contours of the CT images were transferred to CAD environment where, step by step, and section by section, the virtual bones were defined. The model of the pelvis and of the lower limbs during a virtual walking was recomposed by using kinematic parameters determined by filming the human subject. In this case the entire behavior of each bone component was determined, including that of the tibia. The variations of force and torque which auctioned over the tibia were determined and applied to the fractured tibia with the new models of nails.
Replica Fabrication of a Greek Paleontological Find Utilising Laser Scanning and Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Chatzikonstantinou Anastasios , Tzetzis Dimitrios , Kyratsis Panagiotis , Bilalis Nikolaos
Published: October 2014

The current work demonstrates a feasibility study on the generation of a copy, having a highly complex geometry, of a Greek paleontological find utilising reverse engineering and low-cost rapid prototyping techniques. A part of the jaw bone of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) that lived during the Pleistocene and became extinct about 10,000 years ago was digitized using a three-dimensional laser scanner. The resulting point-cloud of the scans was treated with a series of advanced software for the creation of surfaces and ultimately for a digital model. The generated model was three-dimensionally built by the aid of a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) apparatus. An analytical methodology is presented revealing the step by step approach from the scanning to the prototyping. It is believed that a variety of interested parties could benefit from such an analytical approach, including, production engineers, three-dimensional CAD users and designers, paleontologists and museum curators.
On the Generation of Complex Trajectories Using a Robotic System with Six Degrees of Freedom
Authors: Bădoiu Dorin , Petrescu Marius , Toma Georgeta , Helthuis Johannes Cornelis
Published: October 2014

In this paper a method that allows the generation of complex trajectories using a RRTRRR robotic system (with five rotation modules and a translation module) is presented. The method is based on the decoupling between the positioning function and the orientation function of the tool frame (OTxTyTzT) attached to the robot gripper. The method permits to determine all the solutions corresponding to the robot coordinates that allow obtaining the movement of the tool frame with imposed position and orientation parameters. Finally, some simulation results are presented in the case when OT is moving along a parabolic trajectory with an imposed orientation of the tool frame.
Optimization through Simulation of Poly-Articulated Mechanical Systems Used in Medical Robotics
Authors: Dumitru Violeta , Popa Dragos
Published: October 2014

Conception of certain mechanical systems used in medical robotics is limited due to the ranges of allowed values for different design factors: weight, volume, quality, safety, and cost. It was identified the need to design these products and to simplify/optimize the concept, so that, with minimal changes, can be created families like products with the same functions but with different technical characteristics. Still, there are ways to use modern instruments parametrization design, finite element analysis of dynamic behavior of a poly-articulated miniature robotic arm. The research consists in the development of a methodology applied to result concrete data relating to the design of the poly-articulated mechanical system, simulation and validation of geometric patterns models predetermined of a FEM analysis. Also, the obtained information during tests will be used to determine the final configuration of the optimized concept.
Inverse Kinematics for a 7 DOF Robotic Arm Using the Redundancy Circle and ANFIS Models
Authors: Crenganis Mihai , Breaz Radu Eugen , Racz Sever Gabriel , Bologa Octavian
Published: October 2014

In this paper we have presented a method to solve the inverse kinematics problem of a redundant robotic arm with seven degrees of freedom and a human like workspace based on mathematical equations, ANFIS implementation and Simulink models. For better visualization of the kinematics simulation a CAD model that mimics the real robotic arm was created into SolidWorks® and then the CAD parts were converted into SimMechanics model.
Model of the e-Manufacturing Environment as the Multi-Agent System
Authors: Sękala Agnieszka , Gwiazda Aleksander , Dobrzańska-Danikiewicz Anna Danuta
Published: October 2014

This article presents the model of the e-manufacturing environment as the multi-agent system. The e-manufacturing system is a joint, multi-dimensional base gathering all required information and providing fast access to data and various analyses needed for a manufacturing control system in a real time. All operations executed at the level of a manufacturing system are related to the appropriate level of a management system, thus it allows synchronizing actions at these areas. Fluent combination of operations realized at various levels of a company system allows to manufacture products of highest quality/reliability with maximum utilization of production resources and maximum adaptation of products basing on actions and decisions made pursuant to actual information from production plant. Applying the multi-agent systems for enterprise manufacturing control system enables automation of many processes which previously required human intervention, such as the inspection and control processes. Creating the environment which enables direct access to all the data coming from the production system and utilization them in a real time leads to a more correct analysis of processes taking place on all levels of the enterprise manufacturing system. Applying the multi-agent technologies significantly accelerates the information flow inside the virtual enterprise.
Quality Management in Projects - Quality Planning
Authors: Cîrţînă Liviu Marius , Cîrţînă Daniela , Luca Liliana
Published: October 2014

The project is defined as an ensemble coordinated by some activities accomplished in order to reach a well determined purpose, namely the project defines a process. Quality management in projects includes the processes necessary for providing the fact that the project satisfies the necessities it had been accomplished for. The quality planning function must remain present throughout the project life cycle. The settlement of the main (strategic) objective of the project and of the lower objectives together with the establishment of the methods by means of which these objectives are reached represent the quality planning in projects. After fixing quality strategic objective of the project it pass to the first major process of quality management in projects and namely to the quality of the planning projects.
Comparative Analysis of Awareness and Knowledge of APQP Requirements in Polish and Romanian Automotive Industry
Authors: Misztal Agnieszka , Belu Nadia , Rachieru Nicoleta
Published: October 2014

In the present financial and economic context, the automotive industry faces new challenges posed by the current crisis. Companies have to ensure that the quality products are delivered on time and in a competitive price. One of the most recommended techniques of quality management by specific standards of the automotive industry for product development is Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP). Product Quality Planning is a structured method of defining and establishing the steps which are necessary to ensure the customer satisfaction from the product. The goal of this paper is to present the results of evaluation of awareness and knowledge the APQP techniques in Polish and Romanian automotive industry.
The research method was a questionnaire with indicators to measure the awareness APQP tools. The research was conducted among design and technology professionals in Polish and Romanian automotive companies.
On the basis of questionnaire it was performed a comparative analysis of results from Poland and Romania. In this way it is shown which methods and tools of APQP are better known and understood in each country. It was pointed out which tools are difficult to use or there is lack of knowledge about them. It was also shown which methods are most often used in the Polish and Romanian automotive companies. They were also summarized the similarities and differences in the knowledge and using the APQP in both countries.
Holistic Product Analysis within Technological Changes, as Instrument for Product Sustainability Improvement
Authors: Merticaru Vasile , Rȋpanu Marius Ionuţ , Runcanu Teodora Monica , Nechita Marius Mihai , Minciu Sorin Constantin
Published: October 2014

The presented research approach is oriented toward the general problem of industrial products sustainability and the idea of extending the product maturity stage within the Product Lifecycle is more specifically targeted. As strategic solution in this sense, the intervention in later stages of product lifecycle and not only in early stages of product development is proposed. More particularly, a holistic product analysis upon such technological changes, as valuable instrument for product sustainability improvement, is subjected to study in the paper. Béhars principles for Holistic Product Design are translated as criteria for alternative product analysis within the research approach. As case study, the paper solves the problem of a comparative holistic analysis upon two industrial technologies for some particular automotive spare part, respectively for two clutch housing solutions. The two analyzed technologies consider, as first variant, the clutch housing manufactured as single body part machined from a cast aluminium alloy blank and as replacing variant, the clutch housing manufactured as assembled product from a formed sheet metal cover and three machined aluminium alloy segments. An economic efficiency analysis and a LCIA approach with the evaluation of the EI99 scores have been also developed for the considered technological change process and the obtained results are included in the paper. Finally, some adequate conclusions of the research approach are presented, oriented mainly in the direction of the impact of the technological changes upon the product sustainability improvement, criteria such as producer economic vitality, environment damage or social impact being discussed.
The Study of Disc Brake Noise on Three Different Types of Friction Materials
Authors: Mat Lazim Ahmad Razimi , Bakar Abd Rahim Abu , Kchaou Mohamed
Published: October 2014

This work investigates the effect of road grit particles and material compositions on disc brake squeal noise. Three different Non Asbestos Organic (NAO) brake pad samples and road particles with a size range between 400 μm to 500 μm are used in the squeal experiment. The relationship between the existence of road particle with the noise occurrence were studied through the change in pressure level, friction coefficient (CoF), sound pressure level (SPL) and material composition. The material compositions were analyzed before and after squealing condition using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Result has shown the road particles contribute to the emission of squeal noise and the increasing of some material composition of brake friction material components.
Indirect Clamping Force Measurement Method Using Current Sensor for Electro-Mechanical Dual Acting Pulley Continuously Variable Transmission System
Authors: Supriyo Bambang , Tawi Kamarul Baharin , Che Kob Mohd Salman , Mazali Izhariizmi , Abidin Yusrina Zainal
Published: October 2014

This paper introduces an electro-mechanical dual acting pulley continuously variable transmission (EMDAP CVT) system and presents a method of measuring belt-pulley clamping force indirectly using a DC motor current sensor. The EMDAP CVT mainly consists of two movable primary (input) and secondary (output) pulley sheaves connected by metal pushing V-belt. Two DC motor’s actuation systems adjust the CVT ratio. Additionally, the secondary actuation system controls belt-pulley clamping force by adjusting the flatness of the spring discs placed at the back of each secondary pulley sheave to keep the belt tight and prevent belt slip. Ideally, a force sensor is used to measure the belt-pulley clamping force however the use of force sensor inside transmission gearbox is not feasible due to high temperature and oily environment. A viable solution for indirectly measuring the clamping force using current sensor for DC motor is proposed. Since the DC motor actuates the movable pulleys to clamp the belt, the relationship between the DC motor current and belt-pulley clamping force can then be investigated experimentally. The results will give positive impact on precisely controlling belt-pulley clamping force of EMDAP CVT using current sensor which is relatively simpler and less expensive than force sensor.
Shape Memory Alloys in Automotive Applications
Authors: Jani Jaronie Mohd , Leary Martin , Subic Aleksandar
Published: October 2014

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators have drawn much attention and interest due to their unique and superior properties, and are expected to be equipped in many modern vehicles at competitive market prices. The key advantage is that SMA actuators do not require bulky and complicated mechanical design to function, where the active element (e.g. SMA wire or spring) can be deformed by applying minimal external force and will retain to their previous form when subjected to certain stimuli such as thermomechanical or magnetic changes. This paper describes the SMA attributes that make them ideally suited as actuators in automotive applications and to address their limitations, feasibilities and prospects.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Rheocast A319 Aluminum Alloy Using Cooling Slope
Authors: Salleh M.S. , Omar M.Z. , Syarif Junaidi , Mohammed M.N. , Alhawari K.S.
Published: October 2014

A319 aluminum alloys are commonly used in automotive industry due to a combination of good fluidity and mechanical strength. In this present work, cooling slope (CS) rheocasting process was employed to produce A319 billets with near spherical morphology of primary Al phase. The dendritic primary phase in the cast A319 alloy had readily transformed into non-dendritic when the ingots were cast over a cooling plate from pouring temperatures between 620°C and 640°C and with cooling lengths of between 300 mm and 400 mm. The shear driven flow of the solidifying melt on the cooling slope wall promotes heterogeneous nucleation of α-Al phase and subsequent separation from there due to shear driven flow of the solidifying melt produced nearly spheroidal morphology of the primary phase in the microstructure. The results show that the best combination of pouring temperature and cooling length was found to be 630°C and 400 mm respectively. The hardness of the rheocast ingots improved to 85.3 HV from 81.8 HV in as-cast condition.
Modelling and Optimizing of Joint’s Fracture Toughness between A7075-T651 and AZ31B Dissimilar Alloys Welded by GMA Spot Welding Method
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Mahadzir
Published: October 2014

Innovative technologies in dissimilar welding for lightweight metals like aluminium and magnesium alloys would achieve weight reduction, high specific strength, fuel efficiency and less environmental pollution in automobiles, aviation and marine industries. The objective of this research was to investigate, model and optimize the fracture toughness (FT) of lap weld joint between A7075-T651 aluminium and AZ31B magnesium alloys welded by gas metal arc (GMA) spot welding method using ER308L stainless steel filler. The FT of the welding joint was calculated from yield strength and absorbed charpy impact energy of the joints using Rolfe-Novak-Barsom correlation and was compared with the FT of AZ31B parent metal. The results showed that, maximum FT up to 93.08% of the FT of AZ31B parent metal can be achieved. The mathematical model had high accuracy to predict the FT and the optimization for FT has been matched with the validation test.
Experimental Study of Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Ubaidillah  , Suyitno  , Ali Imam , Budiana Eko Prasetya , Juwana Wibawa Endra
Published: October 2014

Thermoelectric generator is solid-state device which convert temperature difference, ∆T into electrical energy based on Seebeck effect phenomenon. The device has been widely used in self-powered system applications. This paper focuses on presentation of methodology for characterizing thermoelectric generators. The measurement of its behavior is performed by varying load resistances. A standard module of thermoelectric generator (TEC1-12710) is used in examination and an instrument setup consists of controllable heat source, controllable cooler, personal computer, data logger MCC DAQ USB-1208LS equipped with two sets of K-type thermocouples. The experiment is performed by measuring output voltage and output current in 4 values of temperature gradient by applying 10 values of resistive loads connected to the thermoelectric output wires. The common parameters studied in this research are output voltage, current and power. Generally, the relationship between parameters agrees with the basic theory and the procedure can be adopted for characterizing other type of thermoelectric generator.
An Analysis of the Ambient Condition Effect on Biodiesel Spray Using Constant Volume Chamber
Authors: Jaat Norrizam , Khalid Amir , Ramsy Him , Manshoor Bukhari , Basharie Siti Mariam
Published: October 2014

Diesel engines are high compression ignition engine which are now very vastly used for heavy vehicles and machineries. Diesel fuel is compressed under the right condition to ignite inside the constant volume chamber. Researchers have been studying for many years on ways to increase the efficiency of diesel engine as well as reduce the emission. The main idea of this research is to understand the effect of temperature on the spray characteristics, as well as fuel-air mixing characteristics. These are the characteristics responsible for ignition of diesel sprays. This research is first conducted by investigating the influence of biodiesel properties and ambient condition on the mixture formation especially at early stage of fuel-air premixing. This research was continued with injecting diesel fuel into the chamber using a Bosch common rail system. Direct photography technique with a digital camera was used to capture the real images of spray evaporation, spray length, and mixture formation with the time changes. The values of the temperature were recorded at ambient temperature, 55°C, 70°C, 85°C as well as 100°C. Injection pressure of 0.1 MPa up to 0.7 MPa was induced into the chamber with an increment of 0.1 MPa. The condition to which the fuel is affected was estimated by combining information on the block temperature, ambient temperature and photographs of the spray. The increase in block temperature increases the ambient temperature inside the chamber resulting in gain of spray area and wider spray angle. Thus predominantly promotes for a better fuel-air mixing.
Heat Transfer Characteristic of Thermal Barrier Coated Piston Crown for a Compressed Natural Gas Direct Injection Engine
Authors: Helmisyah Ahmad Jalaludin , Abdullah Shahrir , Ghazali Mariyam Jameelah
Published: October 2014

Compressed natural gas with direct injection (CNGDI) engine produces high temperature and pressure ultimately leading to high thermal stress. The piston crown material fails to withstand high temperature and operate ineffectively due to improper heat transfer. By insulating the surface namely; thermal barrier coating (TBC) such as ceramic based yttria partially stabilised zirconia (YPSZ), heat transfer to the piston might be reduced and lead to improvement of piston durability. Hence, in this research, YPSZ/NiCrAl coating was utilised to differentiate with the uncoated piston crowns in terms of the ability to reduce thermal stresses to the piston using finite element method and burner rig test. Several samples of AC8A aluminium alloy piston crowns were coated with bonding element of NiCrAl and ZrO2-7.5Y2O3namely the YPSZ as the top coat by using air-plasma spraying technique and were assessed by burner rig test. The results exhibited the durability of the YPSZ/NiCrAl coating could withstand the test and the heat flux for the YPSZ/NiCrAl-coated piston crown was about 98% reduction compared to the uncoated piston crown. Also, the lower the gradient value of the heat flux, the higher the heat resistance.
Study on Energy Converter from Waste Heat of Automobile Engine
Authors: Abd Rahim Irfan , Mohd Zain Mohd Zarhamdy , Asmuin Nor Zelawati
Published: October 2014

Utilization of alternative fuels and utilization of waste heat has also become a major research area. This study reports on an investigation on a development of an energy converter of heat engine that converts energy from a waste heat flow process into acoustic power. The energy power converter operates with a temperature gradient imposed on a Celcor ceramic stack which then induces pressure oscillations. The system consists of a simple stainless steel pipe tube with a range of diameter open at one end. A waste heat gas is used to model a potential heat source from automobile engine. A two heat exchanger is required while copper plates are used as the ambient heat exchanger and hot heat exchanger. Effects on pressure oscillations have been observed with a calculated heat rate of 50 W at the stack. The system which operates at atmospheric pressure with air as the working fluid indicates a potential in utilizing the heat produced from waste heat automobile engine into making a new energy resource.
A Converted Two-Stroke Cycle Engine for Compression Ignition Combustion
Authors: Andwari Amin Mahmoudzadeh , Aziz Azhar Abdul , Said Mohd Farid Muhamad , Latiff Zulkarnain Abdul
Published: October 2014

A new kind of alternative combustion concept that has attracted attention intensively in recent years is called controlled auto-ignition (CAI) combustion. CAI combustion has been proposed and partially implemented with the aim of both improving the thermal efficiency of internal combustion engines, achieving cleaner exhaust emissions and lower cyclic variation. An experimental study is conducted through a CAI two-stroke cycle engine in order to investigate the influence of internal exhaust gas recirculation (In-EGR) and external exhaust gas recirculation (Ex-EGR) variation in relation to combustion cyclic variability and exhaust emissions characteristics. Results implied that cyclic variation of both combustion-related and pressure-related parameter is substantially improved. Furthermore remarkable decreased exhaust emissions, unburned hydrocarbon (uHC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric dioxide (NOX), was observed.
Analysis of Variable Intake Runner Lengths and Intake Valve Open Timings on Engine Performances
Authors: Said Mohd Farid Muhamad , Latiff Zulkarnain Abdul , Saat Aminuddin , Said Mazlan , Abidin Shaiful Fadzil Zainal
Published: October 2014

In this paper, engine simulation tool is used to investigate the effect of variable intake manifold and variable valve timing technologies on the engine performance at full load engine conditions. Here, an engine model of 1.6 litre four cylinders, four stroke spark ignition (SI) engine is constructed using GT-Power software to represent the real engine conditions. This constructed model is then correlated to the experimental data to make sure the accuracy of this model. The comparison results of volumetric efficiency (VE), intake manifold air pressure (MAP), exhaust manifold back pressure (BckPress) and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) show very well agreement with the differences of less than 4%. Then this correlated model is used to predict the engine performance at various intake runner lengths (IRL) and various intake valve open (IVO) timings. Design of experiment and optimisation tool are applied to obtain optimum parameters. Here, several configurations of IRL and IVO timing are proposed to give several options during the engine development work. A significant improvement is found at configuration of variable IVO timing and variable IRL compared to fixed IVO timing and fixed IRL.
Effect of Density on the Sound Absorption of Date Palm Fibers
Authors: Khidir Elwaleed Awad , Nik Mohamed Nik Abdullah , Mohd Nor Mohd Jailani , Tahir Mohd Faizal Mat , Zulkifli Rozli , Nuawi Mohd Zaki
Published: October 2014

An experimental study on the effect of panel density on the sound absorption properties of a date palm fiber panel has been presented in this paper. The experiments were carried out by using impedance tube at the Acoustic Lab, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The date palm fiber was tested for densities of 77 kg/m3, 100 kg/m3 and 125 kg/m3.The results show that the values of absorption coefficient improve when increasing the density of the panel. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) was computed to compare the performance of the palm date fiber samples for the different densities. The NRC increases by increasing the density.
Sound Absorption Property of Agricultural Lignocellulsic Residue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Jayamani Elammaran , Hamdan Sinin , Heng Soon Kok , Rahman Md. Rezaur
Published: October 2014

In this research, the sound absorption coefficients of polymer matrix reinforced lignocellulosic fiber composites were investigated. The sound absorbing characteristic of composites was investigated in the impedance tube, according to transfer function method. A two microphone setup was fabricated according to American society for testing materials ASTM E1050-10 and it is used to measure sound absorption coefficients of composites. In this investigation, the influences of two kinds of polymer matrix (Polypropylene and Urea-formaldehyde) and two kinds of natural fibers (rice straw and kenaf) were studied for sound absorption coefficients. Four samples of novel sound absorbers were made with different matrix and fibers composition, Sample 1 and 2 was made of rice straw reinforced with polypropylene and Urea-formaldehyde and Sample 3 and 4 was made with kenaf fiber reinforced with polypropylene and Urea-formaldehyde matrix. Sound absorption coefficients were measured at frequencies from 300 Hz to 2000 Hz. The results showed when the frequencies increased, sound absorption increased until it reached a frequency of 2000 Hz but at 1200 Hz sound absorption decreased for all the samples this is due to specific character of natural fibers. From the result, the kind of natural fiber did not have significant influences on sound absorption coefficients. As results it was found that the matrix influence more in sound absorption properties in low frequencies; and due to that fact the above composites are low sound absorbing materials; but still they are better than other construction materials available in sound absorbing properties.
Understanding the Effect of Discomfort Level towards Motorcycle Riders among Teenagers: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Khamis Nor Kamaliana , Md Deros Baba , Nuawi Mohd Zaki
Published: October 2014

Motorcycle riders are exposed to extreme riding discomfort due to engine inertial imbalances, improper structural motorcycle design, and road excitation. This paper presents a survey on the perception regarding riding discomfort among motorcycle riders in Malaysia. The survey aims to gather information from motorcycle riders regarding the sources and effects of discomfort in the form of vibration and noise exposure. This survey highlights the components and factors that are related to all aspects of discomfort when riding a motorcycle. Thirty respondents with a mean age of 19 years old from two private universities in Selangor participated in this study. All respondents ridevarying types and sizes of motorcyclesas their main transportation to and from their homes and offices. The resultsindicatethat the vibration source on the foot pedal is the main factor that contributes to the highest discomfort level among motorcycle riders in Malaysia. Despite the small current sample, this studyobtained results that agree with those of previous literature.
Impact of Motor Size & Efficiency on Acceleration, Fuel Consumption & Emissions of Split-Axle Through-the-Road Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Zulkifli Saiful A. , Mohd Syaifuddin , Saad Nordin B. , Aziz A. Rashid A.
Published: October 2014

A split-axle parallel hybrid drive-train with in-wheel motors allows for existing combustion-engine-driven vehicles to be converted into a hybrid vehicle with minor mechanical modification, resulting in a retrofit-conversion hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). This is achieved by placing electric motors in the hub of the otherwise non-driven wheels. Due to the wheel hub’s size constraint, the allowable size and power of the electric in-wheel motor that can be installed is severely restricted to less than 10 kW per wheel, which raises the concern of lack of improved performance compared to the original vehicle. This work analyzes the influence of motor sizing and efficiency on acceleration performance, fuel consumption and emission levels of three different converted hybrid vehicles, through simulation. Results provide insight into sensitivity of different-sized vehicles with varying-size engines, to the size and efficiency of the retrofitted electric motor.
Li-Ion Battery Pack Charging Process and Monitoring in Electric Vehicle
Authors: Yusof Yushaizad , Adnan Mohd Faiz Md. , Guenther Ralf , Zaman Mohd Hairi Mohd , Ibrahim Ahmad Asrul , Ayob Afida
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the charging process procedure of Li-ion Battery pack for electric vehicle, which is implemented based on constant current and constant voltage (CC-CV) mode. All the informations regarding battery voltage level, state of charge (SOC) during charging and discharging processes, and battery temperature, is displayed on computer via battery management system (BMS). During the charging process, the BMS monitors the voltage balancing in Li-ion battery pack, as well as the cells voltage in each modules. The voltage difference between the highest voltage cell and the lowest voltage cell is very small, which validates the voltage stability and balance in battery pack during the charging and discharging processes.
Child Motorcycle Pillion Rider Anthropometric Measurement
Authors: Paiman Noor Faradila , Shabadin Akmalia , Ariffin Aqbal Hafeez , Syazwan Solah Mohd , Azhar Hamzan
Published: October 2014

In Malaysia, wheremotorcycles are often used as a family vehicle, children tend to travel as pillion riders at an early age, most commonly sat in front of the rider, either on the fuel tank or in the carrying basket, or alternatively behind the rider. This study aims to determine the possible mismatches between individual lower limb dimensions of Malaysian primary students and motorcycle pillion seat. An anthropometric survey was carried out on a sample of male and female school children aged 7-9 years (N=233), to elucidate on the anthropometric parameters of Malaysian children. A set of seen body dimensions covering most of the lower extremity, relevant to the design of riding pillion on a motorcycle were considered. Additionally, an investigation of foot-foot peg gap and knee opening length on a static motorcycle test rig was also measured. There is a significant vertical difference between child pillion riders’ feet relative to motorcycle foot pegs. The maximum height of students who were not able to reach the foot pegs was 1263 mm with a mean of 1137 mm, which is similar with student volunteers’ age 7 years old (mean = 1160 mm). Stature influences the centre of gravity and stability of motorcycle, especially during cornering. This anthropometric analysis could be used to design ergonomic-oriented motorcycles which will not only suit the small stature of child pillion riders, but also improve the level of comfort.
Estimating Energy Absorbing Performance of Motorcycle Safety Helmet
Authors: Azhar Hamzah , Ariffin Aqbal Hafeez , Syazwan Solah Mohd , Wong Shaw Voon
Published: October 2014

Motorcyclists’ fatalities are overrepresented in the national statistics for years and the figure is predicted to rise further into the year 2020. In details, head injuries have contributed approximately 60% to the records, despite the use of safety helmets. New helmets performance has been well studied and widely accepted to reduce the head injury risks to motorcyclists by way of maximizing crash energy absorption. However in-service helmets energy management capability and information are limited. Therefore, this work attempts to further explore the knowledge and seek clarification of in-service helmet energy absorbing performance by performing experimental tests relative to standards protocols. A set of in-service helmets were collected from the public through an exchange basis and impact-tested twice per sites, at 4 sites, in accordance to MS1:1996 test protocols. The main data obtained was headform centre of gravity acceleration values, in terms of g. The results indicated that energy absorbing performances of most in-service helmets were able to meet standard requirements, regardless of their service ages. A few samples, however, demonstrated out of tolerance performances especially in the successive impact test at the same sites. Appearance of microcrack in the impact foam may have contributed to these values.
Spray Characteristics of Diesel-CNG Dual Fuel Jet Using Schlieren Imaging Technique
Authors: Ismael Mhadi Abaker , Heikal Morgan Ramond , Baharoom Masri Ben
Published: October 2014

Natural gas is a low cost fuel with high availability in nature. However, it cannot be used by itself in conventional diesel engines due to its low flame speed and high ignition temperature. The addition of a secondary fuel to enhance the mixture formation and combustion process facilitate its wider use as an alternative fuel. An experimental study was performed to investigate the diesel-CNG dual fuel jet characteristics such as: jet tip penetration, jet cone angle and jet tip velocity. A constant-volume optical chamber was designed to facilitate maximum optical access for the study of the jet macroscopic characteristics at different injection pressures and temperatures. The bottom plate of the test rig was made of aluminum (piston material) and it was heated up to 500 K at ambient pressure. An injector driver was used to control the single-hole nozzle diesel injector combined with a natural gas injector. The injection timing of both injectors were synchronized with a camera trigger. Macroscopic properties of diesel and diesel-CNG dual fuel jets were recorded with a high speed camera using the Schlieren imaging technique and associated image processing. Measurements of the jet characteristics of diesel and diesel-CNG dual fuel are compared together under evaporative and non-evaporative conditions as well as different injection pressures are presented in this paper.
Preliminary Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) for Safety Assist Technologies in ASEAN NCAP – Rationalizing the Impact to Road Safety for Malaysia’s Case
Authors: Mohd Jawi Zulhaidi , Ariffin Aqbal Hafeez , Ahmad Yahaya , Abu Kassim Khairil Anwar , Mohamed Norlen , Voon Wong Shaw
Published: October 2014

The newly established New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) has incorporated Safety Assist Technologies (SATs) in its automobile safety rating scheme. In order for any assessed car to be eligible for the maximum 5-star rating, it should first be equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and fitted with seatbelt reminder (SBR). However, since these SATs are not being evaluated in their performance by the means of field testing, this paper explains the benefit of having these SATs through Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) which help to rationalize the importance of SATs in preventing road accidents or mitigating severity of injuries. Due to data limitation, this preliminary CBA assessment will only be focusing on Malaysia’s situation and is based on published sources and the authors’ best estimates. This study also includes the Cost-Benefit Analysis on Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which is the basis for ESC technology, in preparation for its inclusion in the future rating scheme to expedite the vision of making ABS as standard fit in all ASEAN’s passenger cars. The preliminary result shows that all technologies – ESC, SBR and ABS – appear to be cost-effective (benefit/cost-ratio > 3) or most likely cost effective (1 < benefit/cost-ratio < 3) in Malaysia’s road safety situation per se.
The Effect of Geometry in End-of-Life Vehicle Recovery of Safety Beams
Authors: Lashlem A.A. , Wahab D.A. , Abdullah S. , Che Haron C.H.
Published: October 2014

Issues on the end-of-life recovery of automotive component parts are now gaining importance in the automotive industry. Incorporating the idea of recovery and reuse of component parts into the earlier stages of design and development is necessary to ensure the successful recovery of automotive parts and components. In this study, the optimum design of an automobile side door safety beam was proposed and analyzed using the finite element method. Different masses of impactor were used in the impact load simulations, namely, 10 kg, 20 kg, 30 kg, 40 kg, and 50 kg, at an impact speed of 50 km/h. The side door impact beam experimental setup was carried out in accordance with the requirement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard intensity test. Numerical simulations were performed using the PAM CRASHTMsoftware to determine an optimum design of the safety beam, with improvements in energy absorption, characteristics, and durability. Different types of impact become were proposed and analyzed for energy absorption characteristics. The results indicate that the energy absorption characteristics of the proposed W-beam are approximately 40% higher than that of the existing tube-beam, depicting that W-beam may stands a better chance energy attenuation.
Stress Intensity Factors of Eccentric Cracks in Bi-Material Plates
Authors: Ismail Al Emran
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the effect of eccentric cracks on the behavior of stress intensity factors (SIF) of single edge crack in bi-material plates. According to literature, it is found that most of the research conducted previously more on central single edge crack and it is well understood. However, not many research conducted on the eccentric stress intensity factor of single edge crack in bi-material plates. In order to evaluate the SIFs of eccentric edge cracks, ANSYS finite element software is used to model plain strain single edge crack in a plate subjected mode I loadings. The present SIFs are then validated with the existing central crack and it is well agreed to each others. According to the present results, it is found that mode I SIFs decreased insignificantly and mode II SIFs decreased asymptotically when the crack situated away from the central line. As expected all types of SIFs increased when crack length is increased.