Search Results (486)

This research has successfully addressed the technical challenge of generating nanobubbles in diesel fuel, which inherently lacks hydrophilic structures and charged ions, enabling the effective production of high-concentration nanobubble diesel fuel. This breakthrough lays a solid foundation for subsequent research into the combustion performance and combustion mechanism of high-concentration nanobubble fuels. Furthermore, it holds promising potential to advance high-concentration nanobubble fuel as a viable new type of energy source. A specialized device was designed to generate nanobubble-embedded diesel, and particle tracking analysis with n-hexadecane dilution was employed to quantify nanobubble concentration. The results demonstrate that the nanobubble concentration in diesel increases with both circulation time and pressure, reaching up to 5 × 10⁸ ± 3.1 × 10⁷ bubbles/mL under a pressure of 2.5 MPa. Stability tests indicate an initial rapid decay (50% reduction within one week), followed by a slower decline, which stabilizes at 4.5 × 10⁷ ± 3.13 × 10⁶ bubbles/mL after two months. Notably, nanobubble concentration has a minimal impact on the density and viscosity of diesel but slightly decreases its surface tension. This study presents a feasible method for preparing high-concentration nanobubble diesel, which lays a foundation for investigating the combustion mode and mechanism of nanobubble diesel fuel. With the goal of enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing pollutant emissions, this work further paves the way for the application of high-concentration nanobubble diesel as a new energy source in fields including automotive, marine, and aerospace industries. Full article

The mitigation of climate change impacts from the automotive sector is important for sustainable development, and for that purpose, synthetic liquid fuel vehicles (SLF-Vs) are being considered as a potential clean option alongside electric vehicles (EVs). However, the energy-intensive production of synthetic liquid fuels (SLFs) requires a thorough life-cycle analysis, as CO₂ emissions vary significantly depending on the power sources and feedstock production technologies. This study evaluates the life-cycle CO₂ emissions of SLF-Vs in Japan through long-term multiple scenarios up to 2050 and compares them with those of gasoline vehicles (GVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The results reveal that, in 2020, SLF-Vs’ life-cycle CO₂ emissions were more than 2.9 times higher than those of GVs. By 2050, SLF-Vs’ emissions could only decrease to BEV-like levels if Japan achieves significant decarbonization of its power grid. Even if hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis in Australia, where renewable energy is abundant, and then imported, emissions remain high if Japan’s power grid remains insufficiently decarbonized. This highlights the critical importance of expanding domestic decarbonized power sources, particularly renewable energy, to reduce the life-cycle CO₂ emissions of SLF-Vs in Japan. Full article

This review is focused on glass fibers and natural fibers, exploring their applications in vehicles and buildings and emphasizing their significance in promoting sustainability and enhancing performance across various industries. Glass fibers, or fiberglass, are lightweight, have high-strength (3000–4500 MPa) and a Young’s modulus range of 70–85 GPa, and are widely used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and marine applications due to their excellent mechanical properties, thermal conductivity of ~0.045 W/m·K, and resistance to fire and corrosion. On the other hand, natural fibers, derived from plants and animals, are increasingly recognized for their environmental benefits and potential in sustainable construction, offering advantages such as biodegradability, lower carbon footprints, and reduced energy consumption, with a sound absorption coefficient (SAC) range of 0.7–0.8 at frequencies above 2000 Hz and thermal conductivity range of 0.07–0.09 W/m·K. Notably, the integration of these materials in construction and automotive sectors reflects a growing trend towards sustainable practices, driven by the need to mitigate carbon emissions associated with traditional building materials and enhance fuel efficiency, as seen in hybrid composites achieving 44.9 dB acoustic insulation at 10,000 Hz and a thermal conductivity range of 0.05–0.06 W/m·K in applications such as the BMW i3 door panels. Natural fibers contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, supporting a circular economy through the recycling of agricultural waste, while glass fibers are instrumental in creating lightweight composites for improved vehicle performance and structural integrity. However, both materials face distinct challenges. Glass fibers, while offering superior strength, are vulnerable to chemical degradation and can pose recycling difficulties due to the complex processes involved. On the other hand, natural fibers may experience moisture absorption, affecting their durability and mechanical properties, necessitating innovations to enhance their application in demanding environments. The ongoing research into optimizing the performance of both materials highlights their relevance in future sustainable engineering practices. In summary, this review underscores the growing importance of glass and natural fibers in addressing modern environmental challenges while also improving product performance. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability, these materials are poised to play crucial roles in shaping the future of construction and transportation, driving innovations that align with ecological goals and consumer expectations. Full article

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a major toxic gas emitted from vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and incomplete fuel combustion, posing serious environmental and health risks. Catalytic oxidation of CO into less harmful CO₂ is an effective strategy to reduce these emissions. In this study, we investigated the catalytic performance of platinum (Pt) single atoms doped on C₃N monolayers with various vacancy defects, including single carbon (C_V) and nitrogen (N_V) vacancies, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results demonstrate that Pt@N_V-C₃N exhibited the most favorable catalytic properties, with the highest O₂ adsorption energy (−3.07 eV). This performance significantly outperforms Pt atoms doped at other vacancies. It can be attributed to the strong binding between Pt and nitrogen vacancies, which contributes to its excellent resistance to Pt aggregation. CO oxidation on Pt@N_V-C₃N proceeds via the Eley–Rideal (ER2) mechanism with a low activation barrier of 0.41 eV for the rate-determining step, indicating high catalytic efficiency at low temperatures. These findings suggest that Pt@N_V-C₃N is a promising candidate for CO oxidation, contributing to developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable catalysts. The strong binding of Pt atoms to the nitrogen vacancies prevents aggregation, ensuring the stability and durability of the catalyst. The kinetic modeling further revealed that the ER2 mechanism offers the highest reaction rate constants over a wide temperature range (273–700 K). The low activation energy barrier also facilitates CO oxidation at lower temperatures, addressing critical challenges in automotive and industrial pollution control. This study provides valuable theoretical insights for designing advanced single-atom catalysts for environmental remediation applications. Full article

Considering the importance of the automotive industry, reducing the environmental impact of automotive component manufacturing is crucial. Additionally, lightening of the latter promotes a reduction in fuel consumption throughout the vehicle’s life cycle, limiting emissions. This study presents a comprehensive approach to optimizing and manufacturing a MacPherson steering knuckle using topology optimization (TO), additive manufacturing, and rapid investment casting (RIC). Static structural simulations confirmed the mechanical integrity of the optimized design, with stress and strain values remaining within the elastic limits of the SG A536 iron alloy. The TO process achieved a 30% reduction in mass, resulting in lower material use and production costs. Additive manufacturing of optimized geometry reduced resin consumption by 27% and printing time by 9%. RIC simulations validated efficient mold filling and solidification, with porosity confined to removable riser regions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrated a 27% reduction in manufacturing environmental impact and a 31% decrease throughout the component life cycle, largely due to vehicle lightweighting. The findings highlight the potential of integrated TO and advanced manufacturing techniques to produce structurally efficient and environmentally sustainable automotive components. This workflow offers promising implications for broader industrial applications that aim to balance mechanical performance with ecological responsibility. Full article

Nodular Cast Iron (NCI, also known as ductile iron) is widely used in important components such as crankshafts for automotive engines and internal combustion engines, as well as storage and transportation containers for spent fuel in nuclear power plants, due to its good comprehensive mechanical properties such as strength, toughness, and wear resistance. The effect of temperature on the fracture behavior of NCI was investigated using compact tensile (CT) specimens at different temperatures. The results showed that the conditional fracture toughness parameter (K_Q) of the NCI specimens firstly increased and then decreased with decreasing temperature. The crack tip opening displacement δ_m shows a significant ductile–brittle transition behavior with the decreasing of temperature. δ_m remains constant in the upper plateau region but sharply decreases in the ductile–brittle region (−60 °C to −100 °C) and stabilizes at a smaller value in the lower plateau region. Multiscale fractographic analysis indicated that the fracture mechanism changed from ductile fracture (above −60 °C) to ductile–brittle mixed (−60 °C to −100 °C) and then to completely brittle fracture (below −100 °C). As the temperature decreased, the fracture characteristics changed from ductile dimples to dimple and cleavage mixed and then to brittle cleavage. Full article

Against the backdrop of increasingly severe global climate change, the automotive industry, as a carbon-intensive sector, has found its low-carbon transformation crucial for achieving the “double carbon” goals. This paper constructs manufacturer decision-making models under an oligopolistic market scenario for the single dual-credit policy and the “dual-credit + carbon cap-and-trade” policy, revealing the nonlinear impacts of new energy vehicle (NEV) credit trading prices, carbon trading prices, and credit ratio requirements on manufacturers’ pricing, emission reduction effort levels, and profits. The results indicate the following: (1) Under the “carbon cap-and-trade + dual-credit” policy, manufacturers can balance emission reduction costs and NEV production via the carbon trading market to maximize profits, with lower emission reduction effort levels than under the single dual-credit policy. (2) A rise in credit trading prices prompts hybrid manufacturers (producing both fuel vehicles and NEVs) to increase NEV production and reduce fuel vehicle output; higher NEV credit ratio requirements raise fuel vehicle production costs and prices, suppressing consumer demand. (3) An increase in carbon trading prices raises production costs for both fuel vehicles and NEVs, leading to decreased market demand; hybrid manufacturers reduce emission reduction efforts, while others transfer costs through price hikes to boost profits. (4) Hybrid manufacturers face high carbon emission costs due to excessive actual fuel consumption, driving them to enhance emission reduction efforts and promote low-carbon technological innovation. Full article

Thermally sprayed carbide cermet coatings, particularly those based on tungsten carbide (WC) and chromium carbide (Cr₃C₂) and produced with the high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) process, are used in tribological applications as environmentally friendly alternatives to electroplated hard chrome coatings. These functional coatings are especially prevalent in the automotive industry, offering excellent wear resistance. However, their mechanical and tribological performances are highly dependent on factors such as feedstock powders, spray parameters, and service conditions. This review aims to gain deeper insights into the above elements. It also outlines emerging advancements in HVOF technology—including in situ powder mixing, laser treatment, artificial intelligence integration, and the use of novel materials such as rare earth elements or transition metals—which can further enhance coating performance and broaden their applications to sectors such as the aerospace and hydro-machinery industries. Finally, this literature review focuses on process optimization and sustainability, including environmental and health impacts, critical material use, and operational limitations. It uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool for evaluating ecological performance and addresses current challenges such as exposure risks, process control constraints, and the push toward safer, more sustainable alternatives to traditional WC and Cr₃C₂ cermet coatings. Full article

As hydrogen fuel cell vehicles gain momentum as crucial zero-emission transportation solutions, the urgency to address hydrogen permeability through the polymer liner becomes paramount for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of Type IV hydrogen storage tanks. This paper synthesizes existing research findings, analyzes the influence of different materials and structures on gas permeability, elucidates the dissolution and diffusion mechanisms of hydrogen in plastic liners, and discusses their engineering applications. We focus on measurement methods, influencing factors, and improvement strategies for liner gas permeability. Additionally, we explore the prospects of Type IV hydrogen storage tanks in fields such as automotive, aerospace, and energy storage industries. Through this comprehensive review of liner gas permeability, critical insights are provided to guide the development of efficient and safe hydrogen storage and transportation systems. These insights are vital for advancing the widespread application of hydrogen energy technology and fostering sustainable energy development, significantly contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing the performance and safety of Type IV hydrogen storage tanks. Full article

The On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system, driven by a wide range of embedded sensors, has revolutionized the automotive industry by enabling real-time monitoring of key vehicle parameters such as engine load, vehicle speed, throttle position, and diagnostic trouble codes. Concurrently, recent advancements in machine learning (ML) have further expanded the capabilities of OBD-II applications, unlocking advanced, intelligent, and data-centric functionalities that significantly surpass those of conventional methodologies. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into ML-based applications that leverage OBD-II sensor data, aiming to enhance sustainability, operational efficiency, safety, and security in modern vehicular systems. To this end, a diverse set of ML approaches is examined, encompassing supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning (RL), deep learning (DL), and hybrid models intended to support advanced driving analytics tasks such as fuel optimization, emission control, driver behavior analysis, anomaly detection, cybersecurity, road perception, and driving support. Furthermore, this paper synthesizes recent research contributions and practical implementations, identifies prevailing challenges, and outlines prospective research directions. Full article

This study presents a comparative analysis of the water droplet erosion resistance of three compressor wheels coated with Ni-P and Si-P layers. The tests were conducted using a custom-developed experimental apparatus in accordance with the ASTM G73-10 standard. The degree of erosion was monitored through continuous precision mass measurements, and structural changes on the surfaces of both the base materials and the coatings were examined using a Zeiss Crossbeam 350 scanning electron microscope (SEM). Hardness values were determined using a Vickers KB 30 hardness tester, while the chemical composition was analysed using a WAS Foundry Master optical emission spectrometer. Significant differences in erosion resistance were observed among the various compressor wheels, which can be attributed to differences in coating hardness values, as well as to the detachment of the Ni-P layer from the base material under continuous erosion. In all cases, water droplet erosion led to a reduction in the isentropic efficiency of the compressor—measured using a hot gas turbocharger testbench—with the extent of efficiency loss depending upon the type of coating applied. Although blade protection technologies for turbocharger compressor impellers used in the automotive industry have been the subject of only a limited number of studies, modern technologies, such as the application of certain alternative fuels and exhaust gas recirculation, have increased water droplet formation, thereby accelerating the erosion rate of the impeller. The aim of this study is to evaluate the resistance of three different coating layers to water droplet erosion through standardized tests conducted using a custom-designed experimental apparatus. Full article

If new technologies can increase production efficiency and reduce the consumption of natural resources, they can also bring new environmental risks. This dynamic is particularly relevant for the automotive industry, since it is one of the sectors that invests most in R&D, but at the same time also contributes a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions and consumes a large amount of energy. This article aims to analyze the feasibility of meeting the environmental targets in place within 32 European countries in light of the recent technological trajectory of the automotive industry, namely with regard to the adoption of the propulsion model’s alternative to oil and diesel. Using data disaggregated by countries from 2000 up until 2020, in this paper, the estimated regressions aimed to not only verify whether electrical vehicles had a positive impact on CO₂ emissions found in the European market, but to also assess whether they will meet the target set for the next 30 years, with attention to the economy recovery after 2025 and a more robust EV market penetration in replacement of traditional fossil fuels cars. Full article

In the automotive industry, the increasing stringent standards to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions has driven significant advancements in turbocharging systems. The centrifugal compressor, as the most widely used power-absorbing machinery, plays a crucial role but remains one of the most complex components to study and design. While most numerical studies rely on adiabatic models, this work analyses several Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models with conjugate heat transfer (CHT) of varying complexity, incorporating real solid components. This approach allowed a sensitivity analysis of the performance obtained from the different models compared to the adiabatic case, highlighting the effects of internal heat exchange losses. Moreover, an analysis of the temperature distribution of the wheel was conducted, along with a thermal assessment of the various heat flux contributions across the different components, to gain a deeper understanding of the performance differences. The impact of including the seal plate has been evaluated and different boundary conditions on the seal plate have been tested to assess the uncertainty in the results. Finally, the influence of heat exchange between the shroud and the external environment is also examined to further refine the model’s accuracy. One of the objectives of this work is to obtain a correct temperature profile of the rotor for a subsequent thermo-mechanical analysis. Full article

Nickel’s durability and catalytic properties make it essential in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, and fuel cell technology industries. Wastewater analysis typically relies on sensitive but costly techniques such as ICP-MS, AAS, and ICP-AES, which require complex equipment and are unsuitable for on-site testing. This study introduces a novel screen-printed electrode array with 16 chemically and, optionally, electrochemically coated Au electrodes. Its electrochemical response to Ni²⁺ was tested using Na₂SO₃ and ChCl-EG deep eutectic solvents as electrolytes. Ni²⁺ solutions were prepared from NiCl₂·6H₂O, NiSO₄·6H₂O, and dry NiCl₂. In Na₂SO₃, the linear detection ranges were 20–196 mM for NiCl₂·6H₂O and 89–329 mM for NiSO₄·6H₂O. High Ni²⁺ concentrations (10–500 mM) were used to simulate industrial conditions. Two linear ranges were observed, likely due to differences in electrochemical behaviour between NiCl₂·6H₂O and NiSO₄·6H₂O, despite the identical Na₂SO₃ electrolyte. Anion effects (Cl⁻ vs. SO₄²⁻) may influence response via complexation or ion pairing. In ChCl-EG, a linear range of 0.5–10 mM (R² = 0.9995) and a detection limit of 1.6 µM were achieved. With a small electrolyte volume (100–200 µL), nickel detection in the nanomole range is possible. A key advantage is the array’s ability to analyze multiple analytes simultaneously via customizable electrode configurations. Future research will focus on nickel detection in industrial wastewater and its potential in the multiplexed analysis of toxic metals. The array also holds promise for medical diagnostics and food safety applications using thiol/Au-based capture molecules. Full article

Marine transportation contributes approximately 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While previous studies have examined biodiesel effects on automotive engines, research on marine applications reveals critical gaps: (1) existing studies focus on single-parameter analysis without considering the complex interactions between biodiesel ratio, engine load, and operating conditions; (2) most research lacks comprehensive lifecycle assessment integration with real-time operational data; (3) previous optimization models demonstrate insufficient accuracy (R² < 0.80) for practical marine applications; and (4) no adaptive algorithms exist for dynamic biodiesel ratio adjustment based on operational conditions. These limitations prevent effective biodiesel implementation in maritime operations, necessitating an integrated multi-parameter optimization approach. This study addresses this research gap by proposing an integrated optimization model for fuel efficiency and emissions of marine diesel engines using biodiesel mixtures under diverse operating conditions. Based on extensive experimental data from two representative marine engines (YANMAR 6HAL2-DTN 200 kW and Niigatta Engineering 6L34HX 2471 kW), this research analyzes correlations between biodiesel blend ratios (pure diesel, 20%, 50%, and 100% biodiesel), engine load conditions (10–100%), and operating temperature with nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide emissions. Multivariate regression models were developed, allowing prediction of emission levels with high accuracy (R² = 0.89–0.94). The models incorporated multiple parameters, including engine characteristics, fuel properties, and ambient conditions, to provide a comprehensive analytical framework. Life cycle assessment (LCA) results show that the B50 biodiesel ratio achieves optimal environmental efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases by 15% compared to B0 while maintaining stable engine performance across operational profiles. An adaptive optimization algorithm for operating conditions is proposed, providing detailed reference charts for ship operators on ideal biodiesel ratios based on load conditions, ambient temperature, and operational priorities in different maritime zones. The findings demonstrate significant potential for emissions reduction in the maritime sector through strategic biodiesel implementation. Full article