Automotive Engineering Commons^™

Limited Assessment Of A Selected Particulate Matter Sensor Technology In Emission Measurement Applications On Diesel Vehicles, Svetlana Korotkova Espinosa

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The study assessed the ability of a novel particle sensor to provide adequate evaluation of real-time emissions from modem diesel engines and estimate the effectiveness of emission control devices. Emission data were obtained from vehicles in real-world field conditions under various test cycles. The datasets were used to determine whether there is an association between particulate matter (PM) measurements produced by particle sensor and the PM measurements from reference instrument. Exploratory analysis was combined with statistical techniques to investigate suitability of particle sensor to adequately measure PM mass concentrations in exhaust gases of modem diesel vehicles. Results of the study …

Development Of A Modular Dual Engine Hybrid Electric Vehicle Simulation Model, Kenan Baltaci

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Depleting resources of fossil fuel, climate change impacts, high oil prices, and strict emission requirements are leading to the research on efficient, environmentally friendly, and lowered fossil fuel dependent solutions in the transportation field. While a number of studies used computer modeling and simulation tools to investigate hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), very few attempted to model and simulate a dual-engine hybrid vehicle. Designing a vehicle engine to meet energy needs in the fully loaded condition is not an optimal solution for manufacturers and customers. The larger the engine, the higher the manufacturing costs for companies, and higher fuel consumption for …

Hydrogen Production Through The Process Of Electrolysis Can Benefit Fuel Conservation In Automobiles, Wade D. Stahr

Graduate Research Papers

Every day over 8.5 million barrels of gasoline are consumed in America alone. Since fuel prices have skyrocketed there is more need than ever for a fuel-conserving device that the public can use in any automobile and will result in true savings both financially and environmentally. Many people and organizations have talked about an all hydrogen-powered vehicle; while this is a wonderful concept, the actuality of it happening throughout the entire country is less that probable. Due to many factors, mainly financial, the use of hydrogen to power vehicles on a mass scale could take many years to incorporate. However, …

Inventory Simulation And Optimization Using System Dynamics, Structural Modeling Equations And Genetic Algorithms In The Drivetrain Division Of An Automotive Manufacturer, Marco Sisfontes-Monge

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Strategic planning and control are among the most critical activities that modern enterprises require to succeed in the global economy. This research is an original study that investigated the combination of tools and methodologies in order to apply them to a midwestern tractor manufacturer. The current study identified the constraints applicable to a polishing line in the Drivetrain Division of a major tractor manufacturer interested in exploring alternative techniques to improve its worldwide manufacturing operations.

The specific questions that this project tried to respond are stated as follows:

1. What were the most important variables that affected inventory levels of an …

Building A Comprehensive Energy Model For Off-Highway Vehicles With Emphasis On Vehicle Thermal Control Systems, Ayhan Zora

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Utilizing machine and thermal system simulations (vehicle energy models) can be very helpful for vehicle manufacturing companies to develop a machine with acceptable component temperatures, less heat loads to the vehicle cooling systems, and reduced emissions that will also reduce overall product development cycle.

Energy models of vehicles were developed mostly in the automotive industry, and most of these studies were based on partial energy models.

The aim of this research study was to create a comprehensive energy model for agricultural machinery, which will be a basis for future work on similar products. A tractor model from a Midwest off-road …

A Literature Review On Methods Being Used For Hot Tearing And Shrinkage Prevention In The Permanent Mold Casting Of Aluminum Alloys, Matthew D. Nolte

Graduate Research Papers

Statement of the Problem: What can be done to eliminate the threat of hot tears and shrinkage in the production of aluminum rims?

Research Questions:

The research being carried out will use a library research or a literature review methodology. The research will provide answers to the following questions:

1. What do sources of authority cite as being the most effective ways to prevent hot tearing and shrinkage in the production of aluminum rims?

2. Is there a way to predict where hot tearing and shrinkage will occur in a casting before any castings are poured?

3. What is being …

An Investigation Into The Skills Needed For The Workforce In The Year 2005 For Midwest Manufacturing, George A. Ritland

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to define the collaborative skills identified by John Deere and provide the personnel who are involved in the hiring process at John Deere those results in order to assist them in evaluating potential employees for employment in the year 2005.

An Introduction To Web-Based Training For Statistical Process Control (Spc), Richard A. Juel

Graduate Research Papers

John Deere Waterloo Works had been using statistical process control in its manufacturing and assembly operations since the mid-nineteen seventies. Over the years this process had evolved from using hand-written paper control charts to using computer devices to collect data and generate charts. A variety of computer hardware and software products were being used. Training on statistical concepts and use of the various devices had deteriorated to the point that it was no longer a formal process. SPC training passed from one employee to another in the course of break-in to perform a specific job.

A team had been formed …

An Evaluation Of John Deere Waterloo Works Internal Quality System Audit Process With Recommendations For Improving Its Effectiveness, Karl J. Bultsma Sr.

Graduate Research Papers

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the internal quality system audit process at the John Deere Waterloo Works. This evaluation is necessary to identify improvements to ensure continued quality system registration and make the auditing process as efficient and effective as possible for improved business performance.

Oil Consumption Measurements Of A Production Engine Using The Sulfur-Trace Method, Verlyn Royal Benson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Controlling the oil consumption of diesel engines is important for customer satisfaction. Existing oil consumption measurement methods are adequate; however, improved methods offer the possibility of faster and more comprehensive results. The sulfur-trace method is an example.

Major objectives of this investigation were to adopt a sulfur-trace analyzer for oil consumption measurements, to improve the oil consumption measurement process, and to demonstrate application of the sulfur-trace instrument to individual cylinder sampling. To achieve these objectives, four research questions were applied:

1. What procedures and attention to detail are required?
2. How can results be reported to maximize data interpretation?
3. How do the …

The Characteristics Of Agile Manufacturing That Can Be Implemented In The Manufacture Of Agricultural Equipment, Irvin L. Wilhelms

Graduate Research Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the characteristics of agile manufacturing and their applicability to a manufacturer of heavy agricultural equipment.

Vehicle Maintenance Pollution Prevention, University Of Northern Iowa. Small Business Pollution Prevention Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Book Gallery

Pollution prevention can be defined as: "The use of materials, processes, or practices that reduces or eliminates the creation of pollutants or wastes at the source.” (EPA) Pollution prevention represents a shift away from the old school of thought, “pollution control,” in which waste was not dealt with until after it was generated. Through pollution prevention, we look at the processes that generate the waste to see if we can avoid creating a waste in the first place, or at least reduce the hazardous nature of the waste. When this is not possible, the next best solution to prevent wastes …

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Fuel Injection Nozzle Roto Flow And Hydra Flow And The Engine Torque Of A Diesel Engine, Guang Jin

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of reducing diesel engine torque variation by optimizing fuel injection nozzle tip configuration. In order to reduce engine torque variation, test runs were conducted to determine whether fuel injection nozzles affected diesel engine torque. There was a further effort to determine whether a correlation existed between the fuel injection nozzle roto flow and hydra flow, and the engine torque at specified engine speeds.

Engines installed in cotton pickers and tractors were used for this study. Engines, five from the cotton picker and five from the tractor group were chosen randomly …

A Study Of The Manufacturing Costs Of Grille And Side Screens On John Deere Tractors, John M. Beierschmitt

Graduate Research Papers

The problem discussed in this paper was the development of a process for the manufacture of a new, low cost, quality grille screen that previously had been made on conventional tooling, and now can not be made with the conventional process or tooling. The research comparison in this paper was done to show the financial advantage of this type of tooling.

An Investigation Into Manufacturing Quality Planning Concepts For New Manufactured Products With Recommendations For John Deere, Michael A. Henning

Graduate Research Papers

President Bush was quoted in 19 90 saying, "The improvement of quality in products and the improvement in services -these are national priorities as never before." (National, 19 9 0). Leadership through quality was also called the new competitive frontier by David Keams, Chief Executive Officer of Xerox Corporation (DeToro, 198 7) and 198 9 winner of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. For a manufacturing organization like Xerox a quality product is the result of many factors. Other corporations have come to the same realization of the importance of quality throughout their operations (Crosby, 19 9 1). He pointed …

An Investigation Of Digital Microprocessor Algorithms In Active Suspension Systems, Toby L. Mcclellan

Graduate Research Papers

The need for knowledge and understanding of these systems at the technician level will increase dramatically as other manufacturers develop production systems in the 90's. Current technical literature on the subject of active and semi-active suspension systems does not well explain a major aspect of these systems, the origin and nature of the control algorithms used. A review of 30 articles and technical papers, and a title search of over 300 others discovered only 2 vague presentations of the actual control logic used in such systems. Furthermore, the control information that was printed was presented in terms of Laplace transforms …

An Analysis Of The Importance Of Selected Applied Physics Concepts As Prerequisites To Training In Automotive Technology, Patrick Michael Mccleskey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study has been to develop information that may be useful in the preparation of curriculums and materials dedicated to the remediation of applied physics knowledge and skill deficits demonstrated by entering automotive technology students. The problem was to identify and rank-order the importance of applied physics concepts within the mechanical, fluidal, electrical/electronic, thermal, and chemical domains that are foundational to training in automotive technology.

A questionnaire containing 77 concept statements with a corresponding graphic rating scale was administered via mailed correspondence to all 196 of California's full-time community college automotive instructors. Of these, 130 (66.33%) were …

The System Design And Evaluation Of A Microprocessor Controlled Dispenser Using A Radar Ground-Speed Sensor, Yu-Charn Chen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This experimental research focused on the design of a new approach to control seed dispensers and to analyze the performance characteristics of a Doppler radar ground speed sensor for a microprocessor control dispenser. The research focused on comparing the effectiveness of using a radar unit with a fifth-wheel encoder for measuring ground speed when both were connected to a microprocessor controlled seed dispenser.

The system designed for this study consisted of hardware and a computer program in 6502 assembly language. The hardware for this study consisted of a monitor device, microprocessor control unit, stepper motor, fifth-wheel encoder, Doppler radar and …

The Job Competencies Of Auto Mechanics In Northeast Iowa's Automobile Dealership's Service Centers, Daniel D. Bertsch

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to identify the tasks performed by auto mechanics and the special equipment and/or tools that were being used to perform these tasks. This study analyzed the actual tasks that were being performed in automobile dealerships' repair shops. The study also identified specific equipment and/or tools that were being used in these shops. The information collected can be used by administrators and teachers in Iowa vocational schools to assist them in revising and developing appropriate classes for the auto mechanic student. The information can also be used by the counseling staff of these vocational schools …

Automotive Engine Lubrication Oil Analysis And Its Value In Determining Internal Engine Component Wear, Nathan Northey

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the research was to validate the process of Oil Analysis as used to determine engine wear. This method of testing was designed to detect mechanical failure before it occured. By inspecting the internal parts of engines that had received oil analysis testing the research would determine the validity of the testing procedure.

Accelerated Testing To Compare The Corrosion Control Abilities Of Common Barrier Coatings Used By Autobody Repair Technicians, Kelvin Karl Kramer

Graduate Research Papers

The autobody repair technician has a choice of several different brands of undercoatings to be used to provide barrier protection against corrosion. This study attempted to determine if the corrosion control ability varied among the products available when those products were tested using accelerated corrosion testing procedures.

The Rotary Engine: Principles And Operations, Del Simpson

Graduate Research Papers

This study will be concerned with tracing the development of the rotary engine and to help prepare a unit for a high school industrial arts class.

It is the purpose of this study to: 1) review available literature on rotary engines, 2) write to manufacturers of various rotary engines seeking technical and educational information, 3) determine feasibility of new developments, 4) present information orally to the class and a written paper to the Department of Industrial Technology.

Electronic Ignitions, Leo A. Green

Graduate Research Papers

It is the purpose of this study to (1) review all available literature on electronic ignitions; (2) study the function and application of electronic ignitions; (3) determine the advantages of a capacitive-discharge ignition system over a conventional system; (4) develop an instructional unit around the function and application of electronic ignitions; and (5) prepare a written and oral report on electronic ignitions.

Automotive Emission Control, Thomas P. Schultz

Graduate Research Papers

Emission control systems required by the federal government to reduce exhaust, crankcase, and fuel system emissions a.re resulting in engines that have a. totally new set of fundamental characteristics. This paper is intended to examine the various emission control systems and attempt to gain insight into their effect on engine performance, economy, service and trouble shooting techniques that will make servicing these engines more effective.

A Study Of Air Cleaners And The Effect Of Air Cleaner Design On Horsepower, Roger D. Mcculley

Graduate Research Papers

It is the purpose of this study to investigate air cleaners and the effect of air cleaner housing design, intake snorkel tube design and filter media on engine horsepower. In doing the investigation, the writer will determine how horsepower is affected by: (1) the size and shape of the intake snorkel, (2) the placement of the intake snorkel in the engine compartment, (3) the size (volume) of the air cleaner housing, (4) the type of filtering media used, (5) the size of the filter element, (6) breather holes drilled in the filter housing, and (7) a partially clogged filter element.

A Theory On Interpreting Engine Noises, Robert C. Erickson

Undergraduate Student Work

Mechanics have always used sounds to "trouble shoot" an engine. To a trained ear, each sound is different. Since an ear can be this sensitive, this paper will attempt to prove that electronic equipment can be considerably more accurate in detecting engine problems. The writer of this paper has attempted a project in which he hopes to prove that valve and bearing problems can be located by studying oscilloscope displays. These displays would picture the sound frequencies of valve and bearings in operation. The writer assumed that a comparison could be made of the displays of a normal engine operation …

The Static And Dynamic Balance Of Rotating Mechanisms In The Automobile, Joel E. Tjelmeland

Graduate Research Papers

What are the physics and mechanics involved in the static and dynamic balance of rotating mechanisms in the automobile? To what degree is balance necessary in the various mechanisms? What machines are available for balancing the various mechanisms? What are the skills involved in the balance of these mechanisms? How can the materials available best be organized into a unit which can be used in the industrial arts power and automotive programs?