A self-healing non-ferrous metal-matrix composite is prepared by the high-pressure die-casting process. It includes casting set-up, sample preparation of metal matrix composite (MMC), microstructural characterization, and analysis of its ability to close the crack. Aluminum alloy (A356) is deployed as a matrix material in the MMC. Nitinol is a smart alloy produced by a combination of Nickel and Titanium in equal mass proportion. Apart from excellent mechanical properties it also exhibits super-elasticity and shape-memory effect. The wire of the Nitinol is integrated as reinforcement within the matrix of A356 alloy through a high-pressure die-casting process. The recovery percentage of the metal matrix composite and microstructural evaluation are reported. The deployment of shape memory wire provides the ability to recover the matrix material even from plastic strain by just heating the sample slightly above the activation temperature of the Nitinol wire. Microstructural evaluation indicates fair integration of the reinforcement within the matrix material. Gaining the ability for 30.27% angular restoration and 19.37% crack closer is a very positive sign for designing self-healing metallic materials.

The driving force behind this work is to investigate the microstructure of hybrid green aluminium matrix composite (AMMCs) made of AA2024/SiC/carbonised eggshell by using the stir casting method. The stir casting procedure is utilised in this study to allow (SiC and carbonised ES) hybrid reinforcement particles to mix equally in AA2024 matrix. The composition of reinforcements in this study varies from 3 to 12 wt

In this work, modeling and simulation of the melting process of phase change material using the Finite Volume Method (FVM) were carried out for storing solar energy in form of latent heat in phase change material. The mathematical model is a fixed-grid formulation in which the energy equation coupled with Navier–Stokes equations was solved for the domain of the solid, liquid, and liquid–solid region (mushy zone). However, enthalpy formulation was implemented in the energy equation. The evolution of the liquid–solid interface was determined by the Gulliver–Scheil relation. The mushy zone was modeled as porous media. The simulation results were validated with the experimental data available in the literature. Post-validation, simulation is carried out for various conditions. These results show that conduction is the dominant mode of energy transfer at commencement melting. However, convection is the dominant mode of heat transfer after partial melting. The developed model is useful for predicting the performance of energy storage in the form of latent heat of phase change material.

With the advancement of utilization and optimization of energy management over the past few decades with the aim to alter the existing energy into various other forms, people have found out intensive ways to improve their superiority of life. Ever since the past energy crisis, scientists and researchers are finding out new and advanced techniques to conquer the outcomes of the crisis and mould various forms of energy into highly efficient and effective forms. Such a concept includes this study of the thermoelectric generators. With the capability of converting heat energy into electrical energy with the advanced usage of Seebeck effect, these allow the rejected thermal energy to be converted, even under harsh conditions pertaining environment into electrical power in isolated places with non-sufficient energy supplies helping micro-sensors to be powered and well driven. The paper highlights the various trends, analysis and applications pertaining the thermoelectric generators focusing on the exquisite quality of utilizing the rejected heat and conversion into electrical energy with the help of micro-sensors. It even highlights the principal model, design, working and the nomenclature to give a detailed descriptive report pertaining the comprehensive application that thermoelectric generators hold into the modern life. Numerous current applications are proposed and stressed upon with a scope of future application in the field of thermodynamics with a cost-effective planning. The sole purpose of this paper is to clearly exhibit the advancements of the applications of the thermoelectric generators and making it viable and usable to any machinery or equipment where heat is rejected from a hot-source to a cold-source.

The current demand for novel and self-healing material in today's industries is one of the key challenges. Many engineering applications required tailored properties including self-healing characteristics in novel engineering materials. In this regard, an attempt is made to develop the metal matrix composite of aluminum A356 alloy by utilizing the properties of Nitinol alloy (wire) through a semi-solid metal processing technique. The investigation was validated by light-microscope images of the developed material. Further, filed emission scanning electron microscopy images are taken from the specimens for morphological examination. The elemental confirmation of the produced material is conducted through Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) spectrum. The results revealed the random dispersion of reinforcement in the matrix phase and EDX confirms that the major constituents of A356 alloy and the Nitinol wires. At last, the crack analysis is conducted before and after hearing which reveals that the interlocks of Nitinol wire with the alpha Al phase of base alloy can provide the ability to close the crack and it can recover the deformed surface by 17.35%.

Two-wheelers are the most preferred mode of transport by the majority of the Asians due to its size, price range and fuel requirement. But there is not much safety equipment present in accordance with the fact that the driver is directly in contact with the atmosphere. So, this paper deals with the various technologies under research and development and some safety technologies already in market to ensure safety in two-wheelers. This basically covers the different types of passive safety systems for the protection of the upper body of the rider. A detailed study of each technology including its principle, components, design, working and the advantages and disadvantages of each technology is covered. It covers the pre-requisite design conditions, general types of the safety systems and a detailed study of some of the most effective and feasible safety system.

The current objective is to develop hybrid green AMCs that not only possess strength but are also eco-friendly and cost-effective by utilising reinforcements that are readily available at negligible or minimal cost and can be extracted from waste material. Chicken eggshell (ES) is one such example of waste material because it is an industrial and aviculture byproduct whose disposal causes a severe environmental hazard. Chicken eggshell can be utilised in consumer goods to create new low-cost, low-density materials. With these factors in mind, the objective of this work is to fabricate AA2024/SiC/carbonized eggshell hybrid green MMCs by the stir casting method. In this study, hybrid reinforcement particles (SiC and carbonised eggshell) are allowed to uniformly mix in the AA2024 matrix by the stir casting technique. The composition of reinforcements in this study varies from 0 to 12 wt% of SiC and ES particles together in a step of 3 i.e., (0, 3, 6, 9, 12) as per earlier researchers. The term “green” is being added to signify waste reduction from the environment by employing ES as a waste reinforcement and to make our environment sustainable and eco-friendly.

ABSTRACT Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) is one of the most innovative Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) methods used for grain refinement of materials up to ultra-fined or Nano structured level which leads to superior mechanical properties. Computer simulation is one of the best alternative of actual ECAP deformation to know the influence of each processing parameters on end results. In the present work, AA2024 alloys is used, which is a demanding material in aircraft structure and automotive applications. To understand the process/die design parameter, 3D FEM simulation is done on ECAP process using DEFORM-3D software. Simulation was done on different channel angles such as 90º, 105º, 120º and 135º and corner angles such as 0º, 10º, 20º and 30º. The ECAP process was simulated for a single ECAP pass. The results concern to the extrusion load, developed stresses, effectivestrain and temperature variation on the processed material were noted obtained. From the observed results, it was found that the minimum channel angle produces the maximum temperature profile on the material, develop maximum stress and strain at deformation zone. Additionally, the outcome acquired by such computational technique illustrate that the shear strain decrease with increase in channel and corner angle.

The catalytic converter is used to reduce the emission from the vehicles. Long run reduces the efficiency of the catalytic converter. Pollution is increasing due to the increase in the number of cars. The cars emit harmful gases. These gases are affecting human beings and the environment in different ways. CO, HC, SOx, NOx, and PM 2.5 are harmful emission present in the exhaust emission. A new novel device is introduced in this research to reduce diesel engine emissions. The device uses a freezer gel pack, carbon black, and alkali solution (NH4OH), in association with the catalytic convertor. For performing the experiments, an experimental setup is fabricated. For measuring the emission, AVL DIGAS 444 Automobile Exhaust Gas Analyzer is using a probe. NOx is reducing by 63%, CO2 by 70%, and PM2.5 by 99% with the use of the proposed novel system.

To attain the growing demand of industries a large number of new energies, high strength and lightweight materials are introduced and have become a major area of research for various researchers. Hybrid metal matrix composites with superior properties have found numerous applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. In present work fabrication of hybrid MMC of Al 7075/SiC/Mg and a comparative investigation of rotary electric discharge machining (REDM) and compressed air electric discharge machining (CAEDM) of hybrid MMC of Al7075 mixed with SiC and Mg has been carried out. In this investigation influence of the input variables namely duty cycle, peak current, pulse on time, and RPM of the tool electrode on output variables such as MRR and EWR were analyzed. The results showed that high MRR is achieved in CAEDM than REDM of hybrid MMC of Aluminum 7075 alloy owing to ameliorated flushing of debris from the machining gap. However, low EWR was obtained using CAEDM as compared to the REDM.

Metal matrix-based carbon nanotube (CNT) composites are being extensively explored because of their superior mechanical properties. Among metals, magnesium due to its low density and low melting point is widely used in making light weight composite material. Addition of small amount CNTs in magnesium matrix can produce high strength, light weight material. In this work, mechanical properties of CNT/Magnesium composites are being investigated. Three-dimensional representative volume element is extracted from the composite, for the analysis. Four different types of models are constructed, each made of square shape consisting of 16 CNTs. Adequate properties of single-walled CNT/Magnesium composite are examined with RVE undergoing stretch and transverse loading conditions. The results are obtained for different percentages of CNT volume fraction in magnesium matrix. For closely simulating the properties of composite material, the interphase is developed between CNT and matrix material and random orientation of carbon nanotubes in the matrix is considered. With the insertion of 2.4% of CNTs in the magnesium matrix material, 31.64% rise in Young’s modulus is observed. The results acquired from the present analysis are validated with the rule of mixture results. The present results are observed to be in line with the experimental results from the literature.

Pollution is the biggest problem in today’s world. Cars are the primary source of air pollution. They emit harmful gasses into the environment like HC, NO, and CO with hazardous health effects. To reduce the pollution cars are assembled with catalytic converter which works on chemical reactions. Due to the continuous use or gasket oil leak, the efficiency of the catalytic converter decreases. The aim of this research is to clean the catalytic converter using different fluid compounds (gaseous elemental compound, Acidic, Alkaline and Water based). For pressurized cleaning, an automatic system was developed which can be fitted before the catalytic converter. The phase change material (PCM) is used to maintain the temperature after the shut of engine which reduces the cold start time. Experimental setup is fabricated, and comparative study was done. Based on the experimental results it was observed that the best performance is obtained when the converter is cleaned with the acidic compound. After continuous use of acidic compound, the catalytic converter gets eroded, so only air and water should be used for pressurized cleaning. Furthermore, the decrease in the level of NO, CO, and HC by 16%, 54%, and 83% respectively was observed during the cold start time. The time was reduced for the cold start from 150 seconds to 75 seconds using the PCM material.

For extended emission from the vehicles has been of great concern. Harmful emissions that are left unchecked and enter the environment create health hazards and harm the environment. Many researchers have worked to find out the solution to this problem and invented the catalytic convertor. It works on the principle of chemical reactions. Prolonged use of the vehicle reduces the efficiency of the catalytic convertor. This research makes a novel system, which conjugates with the catalytic converter using the electrochemical technique. In this electrochemical technique, SO2 changes into the H2SO4 solution, and H2 gas releases into the environment whereas, NH4OH solution absorbs the CO2 and forms the ammonium carbonate solution in the chamber of the novel system. The existing system joins with the novel system to conduct the experiments. The experimental data was stored for further processing, and a comparison study was conducted to see the new effectiveness of the novel system. The result shows a significant decrease in the level of SO2, CO2 reduction, and PM 2.5. This research concluded that using the novel system in conjugation with the catalytic converter reduces air pollution significantly.

Adhesives are widely used for making joints in various structures. A strong and durable joint is required for heavy duty structures. Various reinforcement materials are being used for improving the strength of adhesives. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are observed as strong reinforcing material in the development of nanocomposites. In this work multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), reinforced epoxy adhesives are used for strengthening tubular joints in pipe sections. Continuum modeling approach using finite element method is applied for the design and analysis of tubular joint. Stresses at the joint section are analyzed under tensile and torsion loading conditions. Effect of geometrical parameters such as adhesive thickness, overlap length and pipe material in the strength of the joint is determined. The results obtained can be used to optimize the joint. The simulation technique used in this work is found to be useful for the composite pipe designers for designing joints for pipe applications. A comparison of von mises stresses for MWCNT-reinforced epoxy adhesive and epoxy adhesive indicates that MWCNT filled epoxy joints provide higher bonding strength than the epoxy joints. The present model is validated with Lubkin and Reissner’s model. The plot of normalized stresses for both models reveals that the finite element results are in good agreement with the theoretical results.

To enhance performance of industrial tools and components, deposition of thin film or coating presents a good option. Coating is done on the surface of the objects such as machine parts, tools, and on other similar components. For protecting components from erosion, wear, and corrosion, this method presents a cost-effective method. Thermal spray is one of the coating methods. Thermal spraying is a well-known technique in industries for improving the surface properties of the components. Thermal spraying can be used to apply coating of different materials such as metals, ceramic blends, alloys, and carbides many more on variety of components. Thermal spray provides benefits like repairing engineering component, improves performance, and extended life of the components. Many materials can be deposited through thermal spray coating such as Zn, Al, Ni, WC, Fe, Cr, and even the combination of materials. These coatings have considerable effect on performance without affecting environment.

Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) is one of the most effective techniques for the formation of ultra-fine grained bulk material. The material is passed through the channel in the specially designed die in the ECAP process. The die design parameters like corner angle, channel angle and other parameters play an important role in the formation of ultra-fine grains. The die with optimum design parameters, with channel angle 90 degrees and corner angle 20 degrees, was designed and fabricated in the laboratory and commercial Aluminium AA6063 was used as sample material to investigate the mechanical behaviour/properties before and after the ECAP process. In the present work, the mechanical behaviour of commercially pure Aluminium processed by ECAP die with an optimum die design parameter is studied and examined. The path adopted was B-C and pressing was done from 0 to 3 numbers of times. The results revealed that the grain size reduced from 530 to 220 nm and tensile strength increases from 275.8 to 368.4 MPa after three numbers of ECAP passes.

The heavyweight, reduced mobility, and less flexibility of Conventional body armour’s have led to the user becoming easily exhausted. In this work, study and modelling of armours which are lighter in weight, offer greater flexibility and impact resistance than its Conventional archetype has been done. Finite Element methods have been thoroughly employed to better perform the simulation, which encapsulates the analysis of both, the projectile (bullet) and the Impact (Body armour). Models are developed for neat Kevlar layers and Kevlar with Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) impregnated between the layers. The effect of shear thickening has been represented and is simulated as friction between the different Kevlar layers. Analysis of energy absorption for neat Kevlar and STF introduced Kevlar is performed and a comparative study specifying the Depth of indentation for both the models has been done, thereby giving results in terms of greater energy absorption capability or resistance of STF infused Kevlar.

The various types of advanced coatings play an important role in today's modern industrial application. Based on the type of application and base metal, the process of deposition and the type of coatings' constituents needs to be selected properly. One such deposition method is physical vapour deposition (PVD). PVD method has gained and gathered ton of variations and improvements in the last few decades, in order to enhance the properties of the coatings. Nanocomposite/thin film coatings of transition metal nitrides have major significance in improving the overall property of bulk material. Some of the most common industrially used coatings are Al-Cr-N and Ti-Al-N. This review paper is aimed to summarize physical vapour deposition of two nitride based coating and analyzing in respect of mechanical and tribological properties.

This issue of International Journal of Vehicle Structures and Systems covers a special issue covering the best papers selected on peer review basis and edited by the Guest Editors as above. These 7 papers are from the research papers presented in the special session on “Vehicle Structure and System Design” at the 2nd International Conference on Future Learning Aspects of Mechanical Engineering (FLAME - 2020) organised by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University,, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India from 5th August to 7th August 2020. A short biography of each Guest Editor is also provided as further information for this special issue.

With everchanging technology and constantly increasing demand of energy, superconducting materials can play a crucial role as by offering lowest possible electrical resistance.In this quest, Niobium (Nb) thin films synthesized by magnetron sputtering has been analyzed at diverse sputtering constraints.Different parameters as Nitrogen (N 2 ) partial pressure, power densities, magnetization are explored by Usadel equation.Usadel equation integrating Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory of superconductivity, analyzed dependence of superconducting transition temperature on varied sputtering parameters by computational technique.It has been found that Nioubium Nitride (NbN) operating at elevated temperature exhibits superconductive properties.Optimal growth is found at N 2 partial pressure ~15 Standard Cubic Centimeters per Minute (SCCM) where power densities ranges from 200 to 500W at a critical temperature of 14.5K.