Innovation in Engineering

Analysis of the influence of some factors on the temperature distribution and tire durability

2025-12-22T13:53:34+00:00

Increasing vehicle operating speeds place greater thermal and mechanical demands on automotive tires, making the assessment of tire behavior under varying speed conditions essential for safety and durability. This study investigates the effects of speed, load, and inflation pressure on the temperature distribution and durability of the Bridgestone ECOPIA EP150 tire using numerical simulation in Ansys Workbench. The results indicate that the shoulder region exhibits the highest temperature, which rises with increasing vehicle speed. Inflation pressure and vertical load significantly influence the contact area and stress distribution. An inflation pressure of 34 psi is identified as optimal, limiting localized heat generation and maintaining tire durability under realistic operating conditions. The findings provide practical guidance for tire selection and usage, particularly in tropical climates, and support improved safety and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the simulation-based approach demonstrates the effectiveness of numerical analysis as a predictive tool for evaluating tire performance under complex operating conditions, reducing reliance on extensive experimental testing.

Design, CFD analysis, and experimental validation of a NACA 4415 ducted hydrokinetic turbine for low-velocity river applications

2026-01-19T04:37:12+00:00

Hydrokinetic turbines represent a promising solution for renewable energy generation in low-velocity rivers where conventional hydropower systems are not technically or economically feasible. Despite increasing interest in ducted hydrokinetic turbines, experimental validation of turbines employing the NACA 4415 airfoil under low-flow river conditions remains limited. This study presents the design, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, and experimental validation of a horizontal-axis ducted hydrokinetic turbine using the NACA 4415 airfoil, specifically optimized for low-velocity river applications. Numerical simulations and field experiments were conducted for water velocities ranging from 0.89 to 1.03 m/s to evaluate turbine performance in terms of rotational speed, torque, power output, and power coefficient. The results indicate that the four-bladed ducted turbine achieved a maximum experimental power output of 67 W at a flow velocity of 1.03 m/s, corresponding to a power coefficient of 0.32. The diffuser-augmented configuration enhanced flow acceleration and rotational speed compared to theoretical predictions and numerical simulations, although performance discrepancies were observed due to hydrodynamic losses and mechanical inefficiencies. Overall, the findings demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of NACA 4415 ducted hydrokinetic turbines for decentralized renewable energy generation in low-flow river environments, contributing valuable experimental data for the development and optimization of small-scale hydrokinetic systems.

Developing a robotics-based advocacy framework for electronics engineering using an integrated KANO–IPA–QFD approach

2026-03-23T06:53:15+00:00

Electronics Engineering (ECE) remains strategically important to national technological capability and workforce development in the Philippines, yet student interest in the field is often weak and insufficiently structured. Although educational robotics has been widely associated with positive STEM-related outcomes, fewer studies have examined robotics as a discipline-specific advocacy strategy, and even fewer have translated student-valued robotics attributes into a structured framework for promoting a specific engineering discipline. Addressing this gap, this study developed a Robotics-Based Advocacy Framework for Electronics Engineering using an integrated KANO Model, Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach within a multiphase mixed-method framework development design. In Phase 1, 25 robotics learning attributes were analyzed. KANO results identified three Attractive attributes, hands-on robot building, sensor integration, and confidence-building tasks, while Better–Worse analysis showed the highest satisfaction gains for affordable robotics kits (56.19%), sensor integration (55.56%), and hands-on robot building (55.14%), with the strongest dissatisfaction risk found in clear learning modules and tutorials (-23.36%). IPA showed that 14 attributes were located in Quadrant I, while only community-centered robotics (F22) fell in Quadrant II, marking it as the primary enhancement area. QFD ranked Experiential Robotics Ecosystem first (64.5422; 22.32%), followed by Structured Curriculum Framework (54.9790; 19.02%), Faculty Development (31.5294; 10.91%), and Mentorship and Industry Linkages (30.0270; 10.39%). In Phase 2, pilot results showed positive mean gains across five domains, with the overall mean increasing from 3.02 to 3.44. The study produced a theory-informed, learner-centered, and data-driven advocacy framework, with pilot findings providing preliminary support for its practical relevance.

Performance evaluation of ethanol-derived waste cooking oil biodiesel in a forced-draft commercial burner system

2026-02-24T07:16:51+00:00

The improper disposal of waste cooking oil (WCO) presents significant environmental challenges, yet its potential as a renewable fuel remains underutilized. This study optimized the conversion of WCO into biodiesel through a two-step esterification and transesterification process and evaluated its performance in a commercial burner system compared to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The process employed acid-catalyzed esterification followed by alkaline transesterification using ethanol and potassium hydroxide, with ethanol-to-oil molar ratios of 11:1, 12:1, and 13:1. The 13:1 ratio was identified as optimal, yielding 165.85 g of crude biodiesel per 100 g of oil with reduced glycerol formation. Physicochemical characterization revealed a flash point of 160°C and a calorific value of 35.65 MJ/kg, satisfying key ASTM D6751 requirements. However, the density of 0.9756 g/mL exceeded the standard range, suggesting the presence of residual ethanol and the need for improved post-treatment purification. Performance testing showed that the biodiesel-fueled burner heated 1 L of water in 381.33 s, compared to 420.67 s for LPG, demonstrating enhanced heating performance. The system achieved a thermal efficiency of 19.46% and a specific fuel consumption of 1.48 MJ/L. Emission analysis confirmed complete combustion, with carbon monoxide levels of 22.3 ppm and zero hydrocarbon emissions. The improved performance is attributed to the use of a forced-draft burner system, which enhances fuel atomization and combustion stability. Overall, the results demonstrate that transesterified WCO is a viable and cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuels, offering a practical waste-to-energy solution for small-scale commercial cooking applications.

Extended drain interval performance of SAE 15W40 CI-4 diesel engine oil under plain and inclined terrain operations

2026-02-28T21:10:50+00:00

Engine oil plays a critical role in ensuring efficient engine operation and prolonging service life by reducing friction, dissipating heat, and protecting components from wear. This study evaluates the performance of SAE 15W40 mineral multigrade diesel engine oil operated beyond the original equipment manufacturer’s recommended drain interval under varying terrain conditions. Four passenger buses powered by Yuchai, Weichai, and Cummins engines were subjected to a 20,000-kilometer road test covering inclined and plain terrain without oil or filter replacement. Oil condition was assessed using standardized ASTM methods for kinematic viscosity and Total Base Number (TBN). Viscosity values at both 40°C and 100°C remained within acceptable limits throughout the extended interval. TBN values remained above 50% of the fresh oil baseline, indicating retention of alkalinity reserve and additive effectiveness. These results demonstrate that SAE 15W40 diesel engine oil can maintain functional integrity up to 20,000 km under mixed terrain conditions.