Experimental investigation of abrasive flow machining effects on injector nozzle geometries,engine performance,and emissions in a di diesel engine

The effects of the Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) process on a direct injection (DI) Diesel engine fuel injector nozzle are studied. Geometry characterization techniques were developed to measure the microscopic variations inside the nozzle before and after the process. This paper also provides empirically-based correlations of the nozzle geometry changes due to the AFM process. The resulting impact of the process on the engine performance and emissions are also assessed with a DI Diesel engine test setup. This study shows that properly AFM-processed injectors can enhance engine performance and improve emissions due to the improved quality of the nozzle characteristics. However, an extended process can also cause enlargement of the nozzle hole as a side effect, which can adversely affect emissions. Emission measurements show the trade-off for the minimum levels as the process proceeds. Since the enlargement of the hole during the AFM process is not avoidable and must be minimized, strict control over the process is required. This control can be enforced by either limiting the AFM processing period, or by properly preparing the initial hole diameter so as to accommodate the inevitable changes in the nozzle geometry.     

Analysis of the transient atomization characteristics of diesel spray using time-resolved PDPA data

The transient atomization characteristics of a single-hole diesel spray were investigated to clarify the time-dependent droplet formation process of the spray through time-resolved analysis of the droplet size data acquired by using a 2-D PDPA (phase Doppler particle analyzer). Comparisons among the three single-hole diesel nozzles on the atomization characteristics were made to confirm the effects of the hole-diameter. The hole diameter of the single-hole diesel nozzles varied with d_n=0.22, 0.32 and 0.42 mm. The time-resolved diameter, SMD (Sauter mean diameter) and AMD (arithmetic mean diameter) of droplets in diesel spray injected into still ambient air were measured. The SMD and AMD decreased with decreasing nozzle hole diameter. The SMD distribution along the spray centerline steeply decreased with increasing axial distance before reaching a constant value. In the time-dependent analysis of the SMD of the whole flow field, the SMD gradually increased with time after the initiation of injection, reached a maximum value, and then decreased.     

Investigation on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of diesel engine EGR coolers

An important goal in diesel engine research is the development of a means to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The use of a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is one of the most effective techniques currently available for reducing nitrogen oxides. Since PM (Particulate Matter) fouling reduces the efficiency of an EGR cooler, a tradeoff exists between the amount of NOx and PM emissions, especially at high engine loads. In the present study, we performed engine dynamometer experiments and numerical analyses to investigate how the internal shape of an EGR cooler affects the heat exchanger efficiency. Heat exchanger efficiencies were examined for plain and spiral EGR coolers. The temperature and pressure distributions inside these EGR coolers were obtained in three dimensions using the numerical package program FLUENT.     

Development of an active front steering (AFS) system with QFT control

This paper investigates an active front steering control strategy based on quantitative feedback theory (QFT). By incorporating feedback from a yaw rate sensor into the active steering system, the control system improves the dynamic response of the vehicle. The steering response of a vehicle generally depends upon uncertain quantities like mass, velocity, and road conditions. Thus, QFT is used to design a controller with robust performance. A multi-degree-of-freedom nonlinear model is co-simulated here by MATLAB Simulink and ADAMS/CAR. The performance of the control system is evaluated under various emergency maneuvers and road conditions. The result shows that the designed robust control system has good control performance and can efficiently improve handing qualities and stability characteristics.     

Prediction of interior noise by excitation force of the powertrain based on hybrid transfer path analysis

In the early design stage of a vehicle, simulation of interior noise is useful for assessment and enhancement of the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance. Traditional transfer path analysis (TPA) technology cannot simulate interior noise since it uses an experimental method. In order to solve this problem, hybrid TPA is employed in this paper. Hybrid TPA uses simulated excitation force as the input force, which excites the flexible body of a car at the mount points, while traditional TPA uses the measured force. This simulated force is obtained by numerical analysis of the finite element (FE) model of a powertrain. Interior noise is predicted by multiplying the simulated force by the vibro-acoustic transfer function (VATF) of the vehicle. The VATF is the acoustic response in the compartment of a car to the input force at the mount point of the powertrain in the flexible car body. The trend of the predicted interior noise based on the hybrid TPA corresponds very well to the measured interior noise, with some difference due to not only experimental error and simulation error, but also the effect of the airborne path.     

An improved dynamic model of friction draft gear with a transitional characteristic accounting for housing deformation

A white-box friction draft gear model has been developed. All components of the draft gear are considered. The distinctive feature of the model, as compared to its predecessor, is the transitional characteristic, which accounts for the effect of elastic deformations of the draft gear housing on the position of the friction wedge system components under loading. The adjustment of the model parameters for improved agreement with experimental data is discussed. The new model can be used in the simulation of shunting impacts for single cars and car groups represented by detailed finite-element models. An example of the simulation is presented and compared with experimental data obtained using a shunting hump test stand.     

Design of a compact 18-speed epicyclic transmission for a personal mobility vehicle

This paper describes the design and shifting dynamics of a novel and small-sized transmission which composed of three epicyclic gear modules and a hub shaft in conjunction with several clutches. The proposed epicyclic gear train can be used in a personal mobility vehicle such as an electric utility vehicle and small car, etc. And it is distinguished from others for its small size, light weight, high efficiency, and wide speed range up to 18 gear steps. In this paper, its dynamic behavior is dealt with in order to ensure the automatic and robust shifts according to the shift commands, focused on the shift mechanism design. First the overall structure and operating principles of the transmission are described in detail. Based on the CAD data of whole components, a detailed multibody dynamic model is built using ADAMS software which can analyze the dynamic behavior of a mechanical system. Then numerical simulations are performed during the shift and whole operating period. From the simulation and experiment results, the overall performance and operating principles of the 18 speed epicyclic transmission are discussed and the design of shift device is optimized to ensure the robust shift finally.     

用于预报离岸管线膨胀的简化技术（英文）

In this study, we propose a method for estimating the amount of expansion that occurs in subsea pipelines, which could be applied in the design of robust structures that transport oil and gas from offshore wells. We begin with a literature review and general discussion of existing estimation methods and terminologies with respect to subsea pipelines. Due to the effects of high pressure and high temperature, the production of fluid from offshore wells is typically caused by physical deformation of subsea structures, e.g., expansion and contraction during the transportation process. In severe cases, vertical and lateral buckling occurs,which causes a significant negative impact on structural safety, and which is related to on-bottom stability, free-span, structural collapse, and many other factors. In addition, these factors may affect the production rate with respect to flow assurance, wax, and hydration, to name a few. In this study, we developed a simple and efficient method for generating a reliable pipe expansion design in the early stage, which can lead to savings in both cost and computation time. As such, in this paper, we propose an applicable diagram, which we call the standard dimensionless ratio(SDR) versus virtual anchor length(LA) diagram, that utilizes an efficient procedure for estimating subsea pipeline expansion based on applied reliable scenarios. With this user guideline,offshore pipeline structural designers can reliably determine the amount of subsea pipeline expansion and the obtained results will also be useful for the installation, design, and maintenance of the subsea pipeline.     

Social networks,social influence and activity-travel behaviour: a review of models and empirical evidence

ABSTRACT

The study of social networks in activity-travel research has recently gained momentum because social activities and social influence were relatively poorly explained in activity-based models of travel demand. Over the last decade, many scholars have shown interest in identifying personal social networks that constitute an important source of explanation of activity-travel behaviour. This paper seeks to review two research streams: social networks and activity-travel behaviour, and social influence and travel decisions. We classify models, summarise empirical findings and discuss important issues that require further research.