bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The i-REAL Personal Mobility Vehicle
Authors: Akihiro Yanaka , Makoto Morita , Takeo Moriai
Published: November 2023

The need for small personal mobility vehicles is growing as urbanization, the aging of society, traffic congestion, and parking become major issues, particularly in inner-city areas. The aging of society also means that more short trips within communities will be made. The i-REAL personal mobility vehicle is a next-generation single-passenger electric vehicle that enables the driver to move around town using a smaller amount of energy. This compact EV has three wheels: two front wheels driven by in-wheel motors and one rear wheel. According to the driver's needs, the i-REAL switches driving modes by changing its wheelbase. It can go slowly, allowing the driver to meet the eyes of passers-by when driving in parks, on sidewalks, or inside shopping malls. When on the road, it can lower its height and drive quickly like a bicycle or motorcycle. The body of the i-REAL leans automatically based on the speed and the turn angle to maintain the balance of the vehicle for any driver. For safety, the i-REAL detects obstructions and people ahead by radar and slows down automatically. In addition, areas likely to be impacted in collisions are made of softer materials. The i-REAL also has built-in contact sensors that stop the vehicle automatically if a collision occurs. Demonstration tests have been held at the Chubu International Airport from June 2009 toward practical use of the i-REAL in the future.
A NEW PHILOSOPHY FOR HYBRID VEHICLE EFFICIENCY OPTIMISATION: SIMULTANEOUS OPTIMISATION OF COMPONENT SIZE AND CONTROL STRATEGY FOR REAL-WORLD EFFICIENCY IN HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Authors: Guttenberg Philipp , Chubbock Stuart , Gilbert Tim
Published: November 2023

Range Extender Hybrid Vehicles (REHVs) offer a highly practical real-world solution exploiting the benefits of plug-in electric vehicle driving covering the majority of drivers daily requirements, with the elimination of range anxiety. Romax Technology have developed a new philosophy for hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain design focused on efficiency optimisation. Here we describe our approach and explore the design issues of REHVs to show the benefits.
The application of VHDL-AMS multi-domain HV simulation to the power performance and the fuel economy during warming up process
Authors: Tsuji Kimitoshi , Kido Yasunari , Abe Takashi
Published: November 2023

In order to reduce CO2, EV and Hybrid Vehicle (HV) are effective. Those type vehicles have different power train from conventional vehicle. Those new power trains drastically improve their efficiency from conventional vehicle with keeping same or superior power performance. On the other hand, those vehicles have the issue for thermal energy shortage during warming up process. The thermal energy is very large. The thermal energy seriously affect on the fuel economy for HV and the mileage for EV.

In this paper, the power performance, the fuel economy and the effect of heat energy recovery from the exhaust gas are discussed for HV. For the power performance, the simulated acceleration time of 0-100km/h was 11.8sec and the measured vehicle time was 11.9sec. The error between simulation and actual measurement result was 1.2%. As for the fuel economy, the energy management using exhaust gas heat exchange system improved 10.3% of the fuel consumption during warming up. We showed that the application of VHDL-AMS multi-domain HV simulation is effective for the vehicle concept planning. Since the HV model embedded real control software, the VHDL-AMS modeling can be used as SILS at system control developing stage.
Development of the HiSIM-IGBT Model for EV/HV Electric Circuit Simulation
Authors: Hirose Masuhisa , Hamada Kimimori , Shizuku Kanade , Miyake Masataka , Miura-Mattausch Mitiko , Mattausch Hans Juergen , Feldmann Uwe
Published: November 2023

An IGBT model for use in circuit simulations (called the “HiSIM-IGBT model” below) has been developed that can be applied to the design of electrical characteristics occurring in accordance with the complex control methods adopted by the power converters of electric and hybrid vehicles. Since the HiSIM-IGBT model expresses carrier behavior inside the IGBT with physical formulas, electrical characteristics can be simulated with high accuracy, enabling very precise and rapid design of electrical characteristics using IGBTs.
Prediction of Air Cooling System for EV/HEV Battery Pack*
Authors: Wang Zongguang , Ukita Tetsuji , Nomura Eiji , Masuda Yuichi
Published: November 2023

An efficient cooling system will ensure the reliability of the EV/HEV (Electric Vehicle/Hybrid Electric Vehicle) battery system and extend their lifetime. In order to shorten design period or increase design iterations, a high-speed and high-precision prediction method for cooling is indispensable. For models, such as Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which use fresh air to cool batteries in the battery pack, a transient approach based on loosely coupled method is developed to predict temperature change of batteries. The results by our new approach are in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, for the EV/HEV using circulated air to cool its batteries, a second approach is also developed, which can predict the temperature variations of both EV/HEV batteries in the battery pack and the cooling air.
Engine Performance, Emission and Combustion in Common Rail Turbocharged Diesel Engine from Jatropha Curcas Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Silitonga A.S. , Masjuki H.H. , Ong Hwai Chyuan , How H.G. , Kusumo F. , Teoh Y.H. , Mahlia T.M.I.
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the performance, emission and combustion of a four cylinder common-rail turbocharged diesel engine using jatropha curcas biodiesel blends (JCB). The test was performed with various ratios of jatropha curcas methyl ester (JCME) in the blends (JCB10, JCB20, JCB30, and JCB50). An artificial neural networks (ANN) model based on standard back-propagation algorithm was used to predict combustion, performance and emissions characteristics of the engine using MATLAB. To acquire data for training and testing of the proposed ANN, the different engine speeds (1500-3500 rpm) was selected as the input parameter, whereas combustion, performance and emissions were chosen as the output parameters for ANN modeling of a common-rail turbocharged diesel engine. The performance, emissions and combustion of the ANN were validated by comparing the prediction dataset with the experimental results. The results show that the correlation coefficient was successfully controlled within the range 0.9798-0.9999 for the ANN model and test data. The value of MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) was within the range 1.2373-6.4217 and the Root Mean Square (RSME) value was below 0.05 by the model, which is acceptable. This study shows that modeling techniques as an approach in alternative energy can give improvement advantage of reliability in the prediction of performance and emission of internal combustion engines.
SI Engine with Direct Injection of Methanol Reforming Products - First Experimental Results
Authors: Tartakovsky Leonid , Amiel Ran , Baibikov V. , Fleischman R. , Gutman M. , Poran A. , Veinblat M.
Published: November 2023

In this paper we describe conversion of the gen-set gasoline-fed carburetor single-cylinder SI engine to the direct-injection version operating with the gaseous hydrogen-rich methanol reforming products, and present the first experimental results.

It was found that engine feeding by methanol steam reforming products has a great potential of pollutant emissions mitigation as compared with gasoline. NOx concentrations in the exhaust gas were reduced by a factor of 7 as a result of the lean combustion and lowering in-cylinder temperatures. Particle mass emissions were mitigated to zero-impact levels. Harmful emissions of the target pollutants THC, CO and the GHG gas CO2 were reduced by a factor of 6, 25 and 1.5, respectively. The achieved efficiency improvement of the engine fed by the directly injected methanol reformate calculated for primary liquid methanol consumption was found to be in the range of 20-70% (depending on the operating mode) as compared with the carburetor-fed gasoline. Higher values of the improvement were observed at lower engine loads.

The in-cylinder maximal pressure and the value of pressure-rise rate were higher under the reformate feeding by 75% and 37%, respectively at the same ignition timing.
Application of OSC Estimation Technology of the Catalyst to the Air-Fuel Ratio Control of the Motorcycle
Authors: Yanase Daisuke , Kuratani Shinichi , Abe Takashi , Koga Hiroyuki
Published: November 2023

The regulation for emission gas of the motorcycle is rapidly being strengthened as the concern about global environment grows around the world, and manufacturers are facing the problem to reduce the toxic materials in the emission gas more. As the technology to reduce the toxic materials, it is common to install a three way catalyst (TWC) on an exhaust system and optimize the oxygen concentration at the inlet of TWC by maintaining air fuel ratio (A/F) on stoichiometric A/F with the control of fuel injection quantity. Furthermore, TWC itself is designed to maintain proper oxygen concentration by the addition of a substance with oxygen storage capacity (OSC), which is able to suppress the variation of the oxygen concentration. However, TWC losses OSC during transient operation with the effect of a large disturbance of A/F and the conversion efficiency of TWC is not able to recover right after the disturbance even though maintaining the A/F near the stoichiometric A/F, which is regarded as a future problem. Therefore the authors focused on maintaining OSC properly with A/F control in order to solve the above problem, which means that the model which estimates the amount of stored oxygen by using the A/F at the inlet of TWC was developed and applied to A/F controller. This controller was applied to a motorcycle and its effectiveness was tested, then the result was found that the controller improved the conversion efficiency of TWC and reduced the toxic materials more during the transient operation.
Detection of Cylinder-to-Cylinder Injection Variation in a Four-Stroke Diesel Engine by Monitoring the Turbocharger Speed
Authors: Vichi Giovanni , Stiaccini Isacco , Becciani Michele , Ferrara Giovanni , Ferrari Lorenzo , Bellissima Alessandro , Minamino Ryouta
Published: November 2023

In order to ensure a high level of performance and to comply with more severe limitations in term of fuel consumption and emissions reduction, a continuous supervision of the engine operating conditions, by monitoring several parameters, is needed.

The growing use of turbocharger (TC) in ICE for automotive and industrial applications suggests to use the TC speed as a possible feedback of engine operating condition. Indeed, the turbocharger behavior is connected to the thermo-dynamic and fluid-dynamic conditions at the engine cylinder exit: this feature suggests that the turbocharger speed could give useful information about the engine cycle.

In previous studies, a preliminary investigation of the relationship between the engine performance and the turbocharger speed of a four-stroke multi-cylinder turbo-diesel engine was carried out by varying the operating conditions of the engine such as fuel mass flow rate, EGR rate and back pressure at the turbine outlet. The analysis was performed by taking advantage of a 1D numerical model calibrated through the comparison with experimental data in the whole operating range of the engine. The numerical and experimental sensitivity analysis highlighted the link between the average TC speed and the engine torque. Moreover, the study underlined that the only use of the average TC speed does not allow one to univocally detect the cause of variations in the engine working conditions. Consequently, at least another parameter must be monitored.

Furthermore, the previous numerical activity underline the sensitivity of the instantaneous TC speed to the cylinder-to-cylinder injection variation. The variation of the injection characteristics with respect to the nominal operating condition is usually due to the injector individual tolerance and the time degradation. In the present study, the authors focus on the experimental validation of the model in terms of instantaneous TC speed in the whole operating range of the engine. The model results was verified both in the standard engine operating conditions and in the case of non-uniform injected fuel quantity among cylinders.

The numerical-experimental comparison confirmed that the instantaneous TC speed could be used to identify the cylinder-to-cylinder injection variation. In the future activity, an injection monitoring strategy based on the instantaneous TC speed will be defined by taking advantage of the numerical model, with the aim to quantify the injected fuel in each cylinder.
An Experimental Methodology for the Evaluation of the Trapped Air-Fuel Ratio of a Small 2S LPDI Engine
Authors: Romani Luca , Balduzzi Francesco , Vichi Giovanni , Ferrara Giovanni
Published: November 2023

A typical issue of the two-stroke engine in monitoring the combustion process is to measure the actual burning mixture with a conventional 02-sensor placed in the exhaust duct. In fact, the short circuit of fresh charge affects the correct acquisition of the residual oxygen associated to the completeness of the combustion process, leading to the overestimation of the trapped air-fuel ratio.

In a conventional homogenously scavenged two-stroke engine, a possible solution to the aforementioned issue is the direct measurement of the mass flow rate of both the intake fresh air and the fuel delivered by the fuel supply system. This methodology cannot be applied to 2S direct injection engine because air and fuel are not premixed.

The paper shows the application of a methodology for the evaluation of the trapped air-fuel ratio of the mixture inside the combustion chamber in a small two-stroke low pressure direct injection (LPDI) engine. More in detail, the air short circuit is estimated by coupling the measurement of intake airflow and O2 raw emissions, while the fuel short circuit is estimated by coupling the measurement of injected fuel quantity with CO, CO2 and HC raw emissions.

The results showed the feasibility of this kind of approach and the correlation between the CO emissions and the actual trapped air-fuel ratio in a wide operating range of a 2S LPDI engine.
Analysis of Mixture Formation Process in a PFI Motorcycle Engine
Authors: Moriyoshi Yasuo , Kuboyama Tatsuya , Goto Hisashi , Iida Minoru
Published: November 2023

PFI (Port Fuel Injection) gasoline engines for motorcycles have some problems such as slow transient response because of wall wet of fuel caused by the injector's layout. Hence, it is important to understand the characteristics of fuel sprays such as droplet size and distribution of fuel concentration. Considering the spray formation in a port, there are three kinds of the essential elements: breakup, evaporation and wall impingement. However, it is difficult to observe three of them at the same time. Therefore, the authors have made research step by step.

In the authors' previous study, the authors focused on the wall collision, droplet sizes, droplet speeds and the space distribution of the droplets. In this study, the authors focused on evaporation. A direct sampling method using FID (Flame Ionization Detector) for evaporating fuel was established and the concentration distribution of evaporating fuel in the port was measured and analyzed. As a result, it was found that higher velocity in the port increases fuel concentration with enhanced atomization and that evaporating fuel is easier to be affected by the flow and fuel distillation characteristics.
A Novel Concept for Mixture Preparation in Port Fuel Injected Engines
Authors: Jain Saransh , Anand T.N.C.
Published: November 2023

Every year, large numbers of two wheelers are sold in India and other Asian countries. A majority of these engines still tend to be carbureted due to cost and fuel quality issues. As an alternative to the carburetor, port fuel injectors (PFI) have started being introduced in the last few years for small two wheeler vehicles. Although PFI systems offer better metering of fuel and better transient response compared to carbureted systems, they are more expensive and require more power to pressurize the fuel. More importantly, wall film formation is observed in both the technologies, which reduces the effectiveness of the PFI system. Hence, a new technology is proposed which includes a PFI system along with an ultrasonic atomizer. The purpose of the proposed system is to improve the transient response and hence improve the fuel economy of gasoline engines and lower the emissions especially under cold conditions.

The proposed concept was tested standalone on a laboratory setup. A transparent duct of square section was fabricated and fuel was injected in it. High speed schlieren imaging was done to qualitatively visualize the vapor concentration in the proposed system compared to a conventional port fuel injection system. Mass measurement of the fuel atomized was done to quantitatively characterize the proposed system. The proposed system was found to be better than the existing conventional PFI system. It has metering capability like PFI with potentially better transient response at a similar cost.
A Study of Stoichiometric Bio-Mass Gas Engine
Authors: Nakazono Toru , Watanabe Yuta
Published: November 2023

Bio-mass fuel gas is very important because bio-mass gas is renewable and carbon free. Especially, woody chips are very popular and are not used efficiently. Gasifier makes the producer gas from woody chips. Conventionally, dual fuel engines are used to generate electricity by producer gas and light oil. As the dual fuel engine can run under the low heating value gas, dual fuel engine is very useful. As light oil is fossil oil, it is not carbon free. If bio-mass gas engine can run only by producer gas, this power unit is carbon free. As the heat value of producer gas is very low and fluctuates always, bio-mass gas engine should be controlled A/F precisely. As the producer gas contains of hydrogen from 15 to 18%, NOx should be higher on concentration of 15 % hydrogen. Output of bio-mass gas engine should be low because of low heat value of producer gas. The three way catalyst can reduce NOx and CO. Stoichiometric mixture can make output higher than lean burn. Stoichiometric bio-mass gas engine has not developed yet now. Stoichiometric bio-mass gas engine was made as prototype and tested with the gasifier of wood chips. The type of the bio-mass gas engine are 4 cycle, water cooled. The displacement is 3.3L with natural aspirated. The number of cylinders is 4cylinders. The output is 20kW at 1900 rpm. This paper reported a study of stoichiometric bio-mass gas engine by using producer gas from woody chips.
Current Findings in Measurement Technology and Measurement Methodology for RDE and Fuel Consumption for Two-Wheeler-Applications
Authors: Hiesmayr Johannes , Schmidt Stephan , Hausberger Stefan , Kirchberger Roland , Zinner Christian , Filips Patrick , Wanker Roland , Friedl Hubert
Published: November 2023

Real world operating scenarios have a major influence on emissions and fuel consumption. To reduce climate-relevant and environmentally harmful gaseous emissions and the exploitation of fossil resources, deep understanding concerning the real drive behavior of mobile sources is needed because emissions and fuel consumption of e.g. passenger cars, operated in real world conditions, considerably differ from the officially published values which are valid for specific test cycles only [1].

Due to legislative regulations by the European Commission a methodology to measure real drive emissions RDE is well approved for heavy duty vehicles and automotive applications but may not be adapted similar to two-wheeler-applications. This is due to several issues when using the state of the art portable emission measurement system PEMS that will be discussed.

Hence, the aim of this paper is to present current experimental investigations in measurement technology and methodology for RDE and fuel consumption with measurement equipment that is used in automotive applications and was adapted for a motorcycle. Aside the installation and calibration, cross influences of these measurement instruments and side effects will be discussed. Furthermore, measurement results will be introduced as a base to subsequently evaluate real driving behavior of motorcycles and its RDE combined with fuel consumption. In this context, special measurement methods and their comparison are presented. This publication also entertains the idea of adapting the state of the art portable measurement equipment for motorcycles in terms of weight and packaging.
Improvement of Spray and Combustion Process by Applying CO
2
Gas Dissolved Fuel
Authors: Mukayama Tomoyuki , Nishigami Ryota , Bhikuning Annisa , Asai Go , Kuribayashi Masaki , Matsumura Eriko , Senda Jiro
Published: November 2023

The CO2 gas dissolved fuel for the diesel combustion is effective to reduce the NOx emissions to achieve the internal EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) effect by fuel. This method has supplied EGR gas to the fuel side instead of supply EGR gas to the intake gas side. The fuel has followed specific characteristics for the diesel combustion. When the fuel is injected into the chamber in low pressure, this CO2 gas is separated from the fuel spray. The distribution characteristics of the spray are improved and the improvement of the thermal efficiency by reduction heat loss in the combustion chamber wall, and reduce soot emissions by the lean combustion is expected. Furthermore, this CO2 gas decreases the flame temperature. Further, it is anticipated to reduce NOx emissions by the spray internal EGR effect.

In this paper, the n-tridecane and CO2 gas were used as a basic fuel spray research, and shadowgraph photography and luminescence flame photography were conducted to measure the evaporation characteristics and flame characteristics of the fuel spray. In addition, chemiluminescence photography and luminous flame photography were conducted in the RCEM (Rapid Compression and Expansion Machine) for the combustion characteristics. Effervescence of CO2 gas improves evaporation of the spray, and it promotes air-fuel mixture formation. The temperature and KL factor become lower with the increase in dissolved pressure. The simultaneous reduction of NOx and soot can be achieved by use of the CO2 gas dissolved fuel.
Indirect Time-Resolved Visualization of Propagating Flame on Methane-Oxygen Mixture by Densely Installed Multiple Ion-Probes
Authors: Yatsufusa Tomoaki , Kii Keigo , Takatani Kentaro , Miyata Shinsuke
Published: November 2023

Multiple ion-probes method has an advantage for detailed measurement on high-intensity combustion including engine combustion, oscillation combustion in gas turbine or burner. Multiple ion-probes are installed individually on the surface of the confinement wall in combustion chamber. Detailed behavior of the flame propagation along the chamber wall can be reproduced by the datasets of the flame arrival time detected by individual ion-probes. Main target of this study is to clarify the measurement performance of this multiple ion-probes method for various type of propagating flames generated in confined combustion tube. The characteristics of the flame is largely varied by changing the ratio of dilution with nitrogen on methane-oxygen stoichiometric mixture. No dilution, which means methane-oxygen stoichiometric mixture only, results fastest speed and relatively stable propagation. On the other hand, heavier dilution, which is diluted by larger amount of nitrogen, results lower speed and tabulated propagation.

Heavily diluted condition results the propagating flame with lower propagating speed and heavily bent flame front. In addition, propagation velocity was considerably different at each location and each moment. On the other hand, no diluted condition results stable detonation and planner flame front accurately perpendicular to the combustion tube axis was captured. Although measured propagation velocity in 200mm average corresponds to theoretical detonation velocity within 0.5%, fluctuation of 2.4% on velocity was observed in special span of 10mm. This fluctuation seems to be caused by macro-explosion in cell-structure of detonation front. Therese results indicate that developed measuring method has an ability to capture precisely both slowest propagating flame and fastest knocking line flame in actual reciprocating gasoline engine.
Precise Measurement of Propagating Flame in 2-Stroke Gasoline Engine by Multiple Ion-Probes
Authors: Yatsufusa Tomoaki , Takatani Kentaro , Kii Keigo , Miyata Shinsuke
Published: November 2023

Multiple ion-probes method provides fine measurement on propagating flame by using multiple ion-probes installed tow-dimensionally on the wall surface of confined chamber. Each ion-probe detects the arrival of propagating flame and the detecting time is recorded. The data set of flame detecting times is able to re-generate the temporary and spatially detailed behavior of flame propagation. Because ion-probe itself generally has physical and thermal strength, multiple ion-probe method is suitable method for detailed measurement of the combustion resulting pulsatile high pressure such as in reciprocating piston engines.

In the present study, flame measurement technic by multiple ion-probes has been experimentally introduced for measuring the combustion in 2-stroke gasoline engine. The present paper reports the detailed results of measurement on propagating flame in the engine. In addition, newly clarified technical issues of this technic is also mentioned. Experimental results shows that this technic is able to capture the flame even in IDLE operation, which usually results weak combustion and very small flame signal. This is realized by high-speed and high-amplification gain by spatially designed amplification circuit. Finally, temporally and spatially resolved flame propagation behavior was re-generated by averaged flame detecting time data in each ion-probe.
Optical Analysis on the Mixture Preparation and Combustion Behavior of Small Two-Stroke SI Engines Fueled with Alcohol-Blends
Authors: Weßling Justus , Rauber Fabian , Titus Fabian , Beck Kai W. , Seidel Tilman , Schweiger Stefan , Schumann Florian , Gegg Tim
Published: November 2023

Small gasoline engines are used in motorcycles and handheld machinery, because of their high power density, low cost and compact design. The reduction of hydrocarbon emissions and fuel consumption is an important factor regarding the upcoming emission standards and operational expenses. The scavenging process of the two-stroke engine causes scavenging losses [1]. A reduction in hydrocarbon emissions due to scavenging losses can be achieved through a better understanding of the inner mixture formation. The time frame for fuel vaporization is limited using two-stroke SI engines by the high number of revolutions. With crank angle resolved optical methods it is possible to analyze the mixture formation behavior and combustion. A topic of these investigations is the use of alternative fuels such as alcohol- or butanol-blends and the analysis of their impact on the engine behavior. These fuels show high potential for further reduction of exhaust emissions while simultaneously increasing the engine power output.
Potential of a Production DI Two-Stroke Engine Adapted for Range Extender and Motorcycle Applications
Authors: Duret Pierre , Venturi Stéphane , Sciarretta Antonio , Foxhall Nigel , Hinterberger Walter
Published: November 2023

The main purpose of this paper will be to investigate if a small snowmobile gasoline Direct Injected (DI) two-stroke engine has the potential to be adapted for two other types of applications: as a range extender (REX) for electric vehicles and for a motorcycle application.

For the REX application, the main requested specifications (NVH, lightweight, compactness, minimum production cost and easy maintenance), correspond well to the main features of DI 2-stroke engines. The potential of a modified production engine operating in part load ultra-low NOx Controlled Auto Ignition (CAI) to meet the Euro 6 emissions standards on the NEDC cycle has already been demonstrated in a previous paper. In the first part of this new paper, we will investigate which solutions can be used to maintain this potential with even stricter legislations based on Euro 6d, WLTP cycle and Real Driving Emissions (RDE).

In the second part of this paper, the feasibility of using the same production DI 2-stroke base engine for a motorcycle application will be studied. To meet the future Euro 4 and 5 motorcycle emissions standards on the new WMTC driving cycle, new combustion strategies have to be implemented. They are based on the use of CAI at part load and of the control of the air-fuel ratio at higher load combined with a 3-way catalyst aftertreatment technology.

The encouraging results achieved show that such small DI 2-stroke engine could be a very attractive candidate for a low emissions motorcycle application as well as for a range extender application in an electric vehicle.
Analysis of Supercharged HCCI Combustion Using Low-Carbon Alternative Fuels
Authors: Togawa Masaaki , Nishiyama Takeshi , Agui Keito , Takamura Yuki , Iijima Akira , SHOJI Hideo
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effects of recirculated exhaust gas (EGR) and its principal components of N2, CO2 and H2O on moderating Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion. Experiments were conducted using two types of gaseous fuel blends of DME/propane and DME/methane as the test fuels. The addition rates of EGR, N2, CO2 and H2O were varied and the effects of each condition on HCCI combustion of propane and methane were investigated. The results revealed that the addition of CO2 and H2O had the effect of substantially delaying and moderating rapid combustion. The addition of N2 showed only a slight delaying and moderating effect. The addition of EGR had the effect of optimally delaying the combustion timing, while either maintaining or increasing the indicated mean effective pressure and indicated thermal efficiency ηi.
Development of Low Fuel Consumption Tire for Small Motorcycles
Authors: Takayanagi Shinji , Sakai Kiyotaka , Iwasa Takashi , Matsumura Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Tanaka Kenji
Published: November 2023

A low fuel consumption tire with an affordable price that is applicable for small motorcycles marketed mainly for India and Southeast Asian countries was developed. Two contradicting requirements, which are reduction of the rolling resistance and retention of the wet grip performance, were satisfied by applying a method based on viscoelastic properties of the tread rubber. Regarding the composition of compound of the tread rubber, the amounts of carbon black and oil were reduced instead of using silica. In addition, a polymer having a high glass transition temperature was employed. Moreover, response to the roll motion, which is unique in motorcycles, was made satisfactory to the requirement by modifying the dynamic modulus E* of the tread rubber. With those measures, the rolling resistance was reduced by more than 15% to conventional tires while maintaining the basic performances such as tire grip and stability in maneuvering.
Development through Simulation of a Turbocharged 2-Stroke G.D.I. Engine Focused on a Range-Extender Application
Authors: Nuccio P. , De Donno D. , Magno A.
Published: November 2023

An original 2-stroke prototype engine, equipped with an electronically controlled gasoline direct-injection apparatus, has been tested over the last few years, and the performances of these tests have been compared with those obtained using a commercial crankcase-scavenged 2-stroke engine. Very satisfactory results have been obtained, as far as fuel consumption and unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas are concerned. Large reductions in fuel consumption and in unburned hydrocarbons have been made possible, because the injection timing causes all the injected gasoline to remain in the combustion chamber, and thus to take part in the combustion process. Moreover, a force-feed lubrication system, like those usually exploited in mass-produced 4-stroke engines, has been employed, because of the presence of an external pump. In fact, it is no longer necessary to add oil to the gasoline in the engine, as the gasoline does not pass through the crankcase volume. The aim of this paper is to present the main features of a new 2-stroke engine, which mainly pertain to the adoption of a turbo compressor for the scavenging and supercharging processes, as well as a small volumetric impeller for the start transitory. Because of its limited size, weight and high specific power output, this engine should be of particular interest for range extender applications in electric vehicles. A numerical simulation has been carried out, to confirm results of the experimental phase, by means of a one-dimensional model that has furnished encouraging results.
Development of Hydrogen Powered Fuel Cell e-Snowmobiles
Authors: Pertl Patrick , Aggarwal Martin , Trattner Alexander , Hinterberger Walter , Foxhall Nigel
Published: November 2023

In the highly innovative and holistic flagship project HySnow (Decarbonisation of Winter Tourism by Hydrogen Powered Fuel Cell Snowmobiles), funded by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund, the decarbonization of winter tourism is being demonstrated. Within this project, two prototype e-snowmobiles have been developed including the adaption of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEM-FC) system for the low temperature and high-performance targets and the integration of the drivetrain into the vehicle.

In this paper the drivetrain development process of the prototype e-snowmobiles will be presented with the aim to derive specifications for the drivetrain components as PEM-FC system, hydrogen storage system, electric drive, battery and power electronics. Based on typical use cases for snowmobiles overall vehicle specifications and requirements are defined. Associated driving cycles are investigated and used as input for the development process. Subsequently, analyses regarding possible drivetrain topologies based on technical and economical vehicle requirements are carried out. In parallel, vehicle implementation concepts based on standardized development processes are performed. The development and the design process are verified by verification and optimization loops.

The results define technical specifications of the PEM-FC, the battery along with the required hydrogen tank; to give an optimum concerning required drivetrain efficiency, and hence driving range as well as vehicle space and weight. It is expected that the hydrogen powered e-snowmobiles with high power, drivability, driving fun, and the lack of noise emission, pollutants, and GHG will convince the users of the concept benefits.
Calcium in Oil Effects on Pre-ignition of Two-stroke Engine
Authors: Eto Kuniyoshi , Kihara Masaki
Published: November 2023

Investigations of the influence of calcium on pre-ignition in a two-stroke engine have shown that the lower the calcium concentration, the lower the frequency of pre-ignition. Pre-ignition problems can occur in small, air-cooled, two-stroke engines such as a chainsaw. In contrast, in a supercharged automobile engine, it has been reported that calcium, which is a detergent component in engine oil, causes low-speed pre-ignition. The oil for two-stroke engines also contains calcium and is mixed with the fuel and lubricated before being supplied to the combustion chamber. This makes, two-stroke engines more likely to be affected by oil components. Based on this, we investigated the influence of calcium on pre-ignition of a two-stroke engine. First, we investigated driving conditions in which pre-ignition is likely to occur, such as warming up the engine. Under this condition, oil with calcium concentrations ranging from 0 ppm to 1,500 ppm were tested at a mixing ratio of 2%. The results show that the lower the calcium concentration, the lower the incidence rate of pre-ignition. Which could also occur at 0 ppm. The incidence rate was 4.6% at 1,500 ppm and 2.3% at 0 ppm.
Extraction of modified parts of mechanical structures based on mutual mode kinetic energy distribution for vibration reduction
Authors: Matsubara Masami , Morikawa Koki , Takahashi Kohei , Kawamura Shozo , Furuya Kohei , Ise Tomohiko
Published: November 2023

Three-dimensional computer aided design technology has made remarkable advances in the manufacturing industry and has been applied to various products and scopes (e.g., motorcycle manufacturing). In addition, by adopting the finite element method (FEM), we can analyze the dynamic behaviors of products accurately. In the design stage, modal analysis using FEM calculates the natural mode shapes and frequencies of an object or structure during free vibration. To reduce the vibration or noise, natural mode shapes and the kinetic and potential energy distribution are confirmed. However, it is still difficult to design mechanical components for vibration reduction based on this information. This study presents the extraction of mechanical components for vibration reduction and a mechanical design using the tuned frequency of that component. Mechanical components, which are candidates for modified design, are extracted by mutual kinetic modal energy calculated by natural mode shapes and the mass matrix of the element. The natural frequencies of the entire structure without the candidate component and that of the candidate component alone are calculated by component modal analysis. In this case, the natural frequency of the candidate component is very close to that of the main structure, and the height of the resonance peak can be decreased. Finally, the proposed method is verified by application to a finite element model of a motorcycle.
The Experimental Investigation of the Performance and Emissions Characteristics of Direct Injection Diesel Engine by Bio-Hydro Fined Diesel Oil and Diesel Oil in Different EGR
Authors: Bhikuning Annisa , Li Xin , Koshikawa Shoi , Matsumura Eriko , Senda Jiro
Published: November 2023

Bio-hydro fined diesel (BHD) oil is known as a second generation oil made from bio hydro finning process. Biodiesel in the first generation is made from transesterification process and it has several disadvantages such as high density and increased the viscosity that can cause operational problems because can make some deposits in the engine. To overcome this, the second generation process of biodiesel has been modified from the first generation oil. BHD is made from the waste cooking oil by using the hydro finning process without the trans-esterification process. The results of BHD oil has nearly the same with diesel oil. BHD oil has low viscosity and high oxidation stability. Therefore, BHD oil can be used in the diesel engine without making any modifications in the engine.

In this study, the comparison of performance and emissions characteristics from BHD oil, waste cooking oil, and diesel oil are investigated. The experimental conditions are varied for loads (low load and partial load) and exhaust gas circulations (EGR) are zero, 10, and 20%. The engine speed was constant at 2000 rpm. The results show that the BHD oil can be an alternative fuel to replace the diesel oil because the emissions can be reduced from diesel oil, therefore it is friendly to the environment.
Development of a method to predict performance of sensing system with air mass flow sensor by CFD
Authors: Suematsu Kosuke , Nosaka Kento , Okazaki Tadao
Published: November 2023

With the strengthening of exhaust gas regulations such as EU Stage 5 and China’s 4th regulation, the engine such as external EGR and aftertreatment device has become complicated. In addition, Kubota’s industrial engines are used not only in agricultural and construction machines but also in various machines with different applications around the world, there are many variations of intake and exhaust systems, and the engines are diversified.

For an engine adopting an external EGR and a aftertreatment device, a hot wire type mass air flow rate sensor is widely adopted in an intake piping in order to control the EGR valve appropriately and the regeneration control of the DPF. However, it is known that the sensitivity of this sensing system varies depending on the shape of the intake piping. When the sensitivity varies, the engine is controlled based on the incorrect air mass flow rate, so that the exhaust performance may be deteriorated. It is confirmed that the variation of sensitivity does not exceed the limit value by measuring the sensitivity of this sensing system using the prototype and considering the variation of the assembling error and the like. If the sensitivity variation exceeds the limit value, we must change the shape and mounting position of the intake piping. Therefore development lead time will be prolonged in order to design intake piping, prototype, shipment from overseas and experiment again.

In this paper, we investigate the factors that vary the sensitivity of this sensing system by flow rig test of the intake piping and a CFD focusing on the convective heat transfer amount of the hot wire inside the sensor. It was confirmed that the influence by velocity and turbulent kinetic energy were large. CFD is carried out with various intake piping, limit value are set based on the characteristic of physical quantity with large sensitivity variation, and we developed method to predict the possibility that the sensitivity variation of the air mass flow rate sensor exceed the limit value before prototyping.
Visualization and Analysis of Droplets Behavior in Aftertreatment Systems: I. Experimental Study by Acrylic SCR Dosing Simulator
Authors: Nohara Tetsuo , Sugiyama Naoki , Ochiai Masayuki
Published: November 2023

Diesel engines have been extensively used as a primary power source for truck and off-road applications. Exhaust gas emissions from the engines, in particular Nitrogen oxides (NOx) is reduced using Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) dosing systems in aftertreatment systems. The injection of urea aqueous solution spray in the exhaust pipe of the small off-road diesel engines significantly eliminate NOx emissions. However, the crystallization of urea from the evaporative aqueous solution droplets and wall deposit formation in exhaust pipes are main issues in SCR dosing systems. The issues are critical deterioration of performance in aftertreatment systems. Nevertheless, the visualization study hasn't been investigated for the inside of exhaust pipes yet. This paper describes visualization experiments of the injected droplets behavior by Acrylic SCR dosing simulator. First visualization technique was applied measuring the gas flow distribution and directions with a smoke generator. Then, the injected spray and droplets behavior are validated with actual application conditions. The details of droplets behavior with gas distributions were confirmed by multiple Highspeed video cameras and PIV (Particle image velocimetry) analysis. From the visualization results show the details of SCR spray impingements, injected droplet directions and evaporated behavior in the exhaust pipe conditions. The results were clarified complicated gas and droplets flows inside of exhaust pipes. This time, our study has established new visualization experiment methods for the aftertreatment systems, especially Macro-Meso scale of SCR dosing systems. As a result, we have found that the visualization study shows effective utilization of SCR dosing systems.
Development of Hybrid Natural Fiber Reinforced Composite Material for Automotive Applications
Authors: Malkapuram Devaiah
Published: November 2023

Industrialization concerns are stimulating research in development of new materials for automotive industries. Natural fibers which are available abundantly can be extracted naturally from environment. Preventing further pollutants on environment from depleting dwindling wood resources from forests and earth surface.

Natural fibers are derived from renewable sources, making them environmentally friendly. Their use in composites reduces dependence on non-renewable resources and helps lower the carbon footprint of automobiles. Natural fibers, such as hemp, jute, and flax are lightweight materials. By incorporating them into polymer composites, the overall weight of automobile components can be reduced, leading to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Natural fibers are generally less expensive than synthetic fibers, incorporating natural fibers into polymer composites can help reduce material costs in automobile manufacturing. Natural fiber polymer composites can be recycled at the end of their life cycle, contributing to a more sustainable automotive industry.

In this project work, we have opted Hemp and Short carbon as fiber composite and prepared three composites of Hemp, Short Carbon and hybrid composite of both fibers. The composites are prepared by employing Hand Lay-up technique and evaluated the Density, Water Absorption Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength of the Hemp, Short Carbon and Hemp/Short Carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites.
Application of Optimization Technique on Spark Erosion Machining of AA 2014 Alloy for Aircraft Components
Authors: Pasupuleti Thejasree , Natarajan Manikandan , Ramesh Naik Mude , D Palanisamy , Kiruthika Jothi , Polanki Vamsinath
Published: November 2023

Due to their various features, aluminum alloy can be used in various applications. These include aerospace, automotive, and electrical and thermal applications. Compared to structural steels, aluminum offers superior corrosion resistance and specific strength. Aluminum alloy known as AA 2014 exhibits various mechanical properties. These include its improved strength and weight ratio. It can also be used in military and aircraft applications. Aluminum alloy is commonly used in various engineering applications, such as the manufacturing of structures and aircraft components. Due to its corrosion resistance, it can be utilized in severe environmental environments. Different methods are used in unconventional ways to generate complicated forms of electrical components. One of these is wire electro-discharge machine (WEDM). This process involves making intricate shapes out of conductive materials. The research conducted on the use of WEDM technology on AA 2014 aluminum alloy adopted the approach of Taguchi. The experiments were planned according to the various parameters involved in the process, such as the pulse on time, peak current, and off time. Some of the performance factors that were considered were the removal rate, surface roughness, and the dimensional deviation. Through the analysis of the various process variables, Taguchi was able to provide a comprehensive view of the process and its efficiency. This study will help manufacturers improve the machining performance.