Noreffendy Tamaldin

Effect of hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles as an additive on the extreme pressure properties of engine oil

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles on extreme pressure (EP) properties when used as an additive in lubricating oil. Design/methodology/approach The nano-oil was prepared by dispersing an optimal composition of 0.5 vol. per cent of 70 nm hBN in SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil using a sonication technique. The tribological testing was performed using a four-ball tribometer according to the ASTM standard. Findings It was found that the nano-oil has a potential to decelerate the seizure point on the contact surfaces, where higher EP can be obtained. More adhesive wear was observed on the worn surfaces of ball bearing lubricated with SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil as compared with the nano-oil lubrication. Originality/value The results of the experimental studies demonstrated the potential of hBN as an additive for improving the load-carrying ability of lubricating oil.

Improving Engine Oil Properties by Dispersion of hBN/Al2O3 Nanoparticles

This paper provides oil properties study of conventional diesel engine oil enriched with hBN/Al2O3 nanoparticles. In this study, an optimal composition (0.5 vol.%) of hBN and Al2O3 nanoparticles separately dispersed in SAE 15W40 diesel engine oil by sonication technique. The oil properties were studied by measuring the Viscosity Index (VI), Total Acid Number (TAN), Total Base Number (TBN) and flash point temperature. The results reveal that the nano-oil with hBN nanoparticles could improves or at least maintain the key lubrication properties, though the TAN value is slightly increased. The results presented here may facilitate improvements in the conventional diesel engine oil performance.

Development of formula varsity race car chassis

Three chassis designs have been developed using commercial computer aided design (CAD) software. The design is based on the specifications of UTeM Formula VarsityTM 2012 (FV2012). The selection of the design is derived from weighted matrix which consists of reliability, cost, time consumption and weight. The score of the matrix is formulated based on relative weighted factor among the selections. All three designs are then fabricated using selected materials available. The actual cost, time consumption and weight of the chassiss are compared with the theoretical weighted scores. Standard processes of cuttings, fittings and welding are performed in chassis mock up and fabrication. The chassis is later assembled together with suspension systems, steering linkages, brake systems, engine system, and drive shaft systems. Once the chassis is assembled, the studies of drivers ergonomic and part accessibility are performed. The completion in final fittings and assembly of the race car and its reliability demonstrate an outstanding design for manufacturing (DFM) practices of the chassis.

The effect of dimple size on the tribological performances of a laser surface textured palm kernel activated carbon-epoxy composite

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dimple size on the tribological performances of laser surface-textured palm kernel-activated carbon-epoxy (PKAC-E) composite. Design/methodology/approach A PKAC-E disc 74 mm in diameter was fabricated using the hot compression moulding technique. Five different types of surface contacts were prepared using a CO2 laser surface-texturing machine: a non-textured surface, and surfaces with dimples between 500 and 1,200 μm in diameter. The area density, contact ratio and depth were kept constant. A sliding test was carried out using a ball-on-disc tribometer under boundary lubricated conditions with constant sliding speed, sliding distance and applied load. Findings In general, the results showed that the friction coefficient decreased with an increasing dimple diameter of surface-textured PKAC-E composite. However, the appropriate dimple diameter for maintaining low friction coefficient is proposed in the range of 800 to 1,000 μm. Originality/value This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to investigate the effects of dimple size, which is larger than 500 μm, on the tribological performances of laser surface-textured PKAC-E composite.

Hardware in the loop simulation of active front wheel steering control for yaw disturbance rejection

This paper introduces an Active Front Wheel Steering (AFWS) control for the purpose of reducing unwanted yaw motion. Side wind forces are considered to be the sources of yaw disturbance in this study. The proposed control strategy for the AFWS is a lateral directional control with yaw rate feedback. The AFWS controller was implemented on Hardware in the Loop Simulation (HILS) using an AFWS test rig. From the simulation and experimental results, AFWS control is able to perform the task of yaw disturbance attenuation by providing additional steering correction for maintaining the original direction of the vehicle.

Frictional wear stability mechanisms of an activated carbon composite derived from palm kernel by phase transformation study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanisms of frictional wear stability of an activated carbon composite derived from palm kernel using phase transformation study. Design/methodology/approach The unlubricated sliding test was executed using a ball-on-disc tribometer at different loads with a constant speed, sliding distance and temperature. Findings Results of this paper suggest that stability of friction and wear of the test materials are primarily due to the phase transformation of the composite surface layer. Research limitations/implications However, the effectiveness of the transfer layer as a medium for low friction and wear is only limited at certain applied loads. Originality/value This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to find out the mechanisms of low frictional wear properties of an activated carbon composite derived from palm kernel using phase transformation study.

A brief review on the wear mechanisms and interfaces of carbon based materials

Abstract The demand for reducing wear and friction has become the chief aim in the automotive industry nowadays. The usage of lubricant is not considered enough as there is still room for improvements. As a solution, much research has arisen towards what we called self-lubricating ideas, in order to reduce friction better than lubricant. This paper presents an overview wear mechanism and the interface of carbon-based materials. This paper will also discuss the interfaces by carbon as substrate and coating layer. The findings show that for metals, the predominant wear mechanisms were abrasion and fatigue. Meanwhile, for polymers and coating (DLC), they were abrasive along with adhesive wear. The surface roughness of the substrate plays a crucial role in increasing the excellent performance of the DLC coating. The interfaces of carbon elements definitely give huge impact on both self-lubricant materials and coatings where the coefficient of friction and wear rate changes drastically even with 1 wt.% addition. Nevertheless, a clear understanding of the factors that affect the tribological performance is very essential in performance improvement for potential applications.

Design and Development of Low Cost All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

Two units of all terrain vehicles (ATV) have been designed and developed by 3rd year automotive students of Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). The purposes of this project are to design and develop low cost ATVs. The students have to organize themselves to design and build the ATVs within budget constraint. This project emphasizes on the practical and engineering applications of the subjects Vehicle Dynamics and Automotive Technology which are taken by the students within the same semester (Semester II, Session 2012/2013). The students have all the freedom in deciding the specifications of the ATVs. A 110 cc 4 strokes motorcycle engine is used for the powertrain. Design and analysis of the components are performed using commercial computer aided design (CAD) software. Basic fabrication processes such as cutting, fitting and welding are carried out by the students. The ATVs are evaluated based on functionality and design. The low cost conceptual ATVs have been successfully designed, developed and tested. With further development and research, the ATVs are subjected for improvement. The sustainability of the design and development of the ATVs depends on the material selection, design criteria and components availability.

Energy Harvesting and Regeneration from the Vibration of Suspension System

Two conceptual designs of energy regenerative suspension have been developed using commercial computer aided design (CAD) software. The designs are based on the available conventional suspension. They consist of basic magnet and coil for electrical energy regeneration and additional components for magnet support and coil winding circular holder. The selection of the design is based on weighted matrix which consists of reliability, cost, time consumption and weight. The score of the matrix is formulated based on relative weighted factor among the selections. All designs are fabricated using selected and available materials. The actual cost, time consumption and weight of the suspensions are compared with the theoretical weighted scores. Standard processes of cuttings, fittings and welding are performed in fabrication. Suitable magnet design is attached on the suspensions. The other moving part of the suspensions is attached by coil and coil holder. The suspensions are tested with various strokes and frequencies for feasibility studies and energy regeneration capability using suspension test rig. The evaluation of the suspensions is performed based on actual experimental results of voltage and power regenerated.

Principle of generator HHO hybrid multistack type production technologies to increase HHO gas volume

Hydrogen isclassified as New Energy and also considered as the most promising transportation fuel candidate in the future. Various pilots test of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by the worlds leading automotive industries since the last 50 years have begun to show bright spot in the utilization of hydrogen-based fuel cells as vehicle fuel. The electrolysis process of water (H2 O) would produce H2 (hydrogen) and O2 (oxygen). The conventional method resulted in inconsistent volume and quality of HHO gas. However, the current development of HHO gas production through electrolysis process varies in term of materials, production process, design of certain tools, and technical modifications to obtain optimum results. In this research, the Hybrid Multistack TypeHHO generator has been designed and developed by combining two types of dry and wet cell generators. In this study using both cell type generator (wet and dry cell) or called as a hybrid type. Through the process of electrolysis in HHO enclosure space, the HHO gas was produced. The volume of HHO gas obtained from the HHO generator as an alternative fuel is strongly influenced by the electrical current supplied and the concentration of KOH catalyst used. The test was conducted with four stages of catalyst amount from 5.6g/L; 11.2g/L; 16.8g/L; and 22.4g/L. The applied current is linearly increased, with the increasing HHO gas production. It is proven when with the amount of catalyst used at 22.4g/L, the average HHO gas produced is 230.3mL/min. The author analyzes the performance of the generator in term of current and HHO gas production at a predetermined 12V constant voltage.