Informatics Publishing Limited

T Anil Kumar ¹, Hemavathy S ¹, Balasubramanya H S ¹, Shankara Shankara ², Divakara Shetty A S ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka 560054, IN
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, Bengaluru, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, IN
3 Engineering Department, University of Technology and Applied Sciences IBRI, Sultanate of Oman, IN

Abstract

Aluminium alloy Al7075 is a novel alloy used in various applications where strength is critical factor compared to its corrosion resistant behaviour. It has been reported in many literatures that fine-grained equiaxed microstructure results in improved quality of the metal in turn reduction in cracking. Many investigators have also found that when mechanical vibrations induced during solidification of metals and alloys, modify its microstructures. During solidification process, when high intensity ultrasonic waves are made to propagate through the molten metals, results in formation of fine-grained equiaxed structure by the suppression of columnar grains. In the present investigation the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) particulate addition and effect of ultrasonic vibration on mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of aluminium metal matrix (Al-MMC) composites has been investigated. A specially fabricated die assisted with ultrasonic vibration module was employed for investigation. The specimens were fabricated as per ASTM standards. Laboratory experiments were conducted on prepared specimens for different frequencies and a constant amplitude. The mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength and yield strengths are determined for both alloy and for the alloy with reinforcement. The findings are analysed. Microstructure examination reveals the presence of a aluminium dendrites surrounded by fine secondary phase particles. Hardness measurements have also been carried out. Dry sliding wear studies on composites were carried out using pin-on-disc testing machine for varying speeds and loads. The experiments were conducted for three different loads 1kg, 2kg and 3kg and disc speed of 400, 600 and 800 rpm for a test duration of 5 minutes. Weight loss method has been considered for the analysis. The weight loss of the composites was found to increase with the increase in normal load. With increased speed increase in the weight loss has been observed. Reduction in weight loss were noticed after SiC reinforcement additions and specimens with castings taken at higher ultrasonic frequency. The result indicates that SiC and ultrasonic frequency has an influence on the wear properties of the composite.

Keywords

Ultrasonic processing, supply frequency, ASTM standard.

Full Text

     

Siddaraju C ¹, Deepak S ¹, Balasubramanya H S ¹, Shankara ², Divakara Shetty A S ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560054, IN
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, Bengaluru, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham,, IN
3 Professor, Engineering Department, University of Technology and Applied Sciences IRBI, Sultanate of Oman 516., IN

Abstract

Smart grid is a network created through information technology, communication technology and electrical power systems. It is simply a “smarter” power grid which ensures a two-way communication between user and the power supplier. This work proposes a smart microgrid design hybrid renewable energy system based on solar, grid and wind energy resources. The optimization has been performed using homer software programme to get the best and optimal operation system. Hybrid system combines several energy systems together which offer increased energy reliability and security, and carry a large economic opportunity in terms of cost saving. A typical microgrid system would also include intelligent management that interfaces with the equipment via wired or wireless communication protocols. In the present work the optimization model has been developed for the optimal operation of the system. The modelled system collects meteorological and load data from a town. The optimal hybrid system design is realized by satisfying the load demand, nonlinear seasonal variations and equipment constraints. The main focus of the system is on operation of smart microgrids to maximize usage of green energy, reduction of environmental emissions, decrement of levelized cost of electricity and intelligent management of overall system.

Keywords

Homer software, smart grids, india, renewable resources, energy access, optimization model.

Full Text

     

Girish V Kulkarni ¹, Balasubramanya H S ¹, Nagesh B V ², Yogesha Lakkegowda ³, Omkaresh B R ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (Affiliated to Visveswaraya Technological University, Belgaum), Bangalore 560054, IN
2 Department of Physics, M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (Affiliated to Visveswaraya Technological University, Belgaum), Bangalore 560054, IN
3 Department of Physics, Government Science College (Autonomous), Hassan 573201, IN
4 Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumakuru, IN

Abstract

This paper presents the process of developing an aerodynamics package and a suspension system for a Formula SAE race car, with the help of computational methods for the aerodynamics design and analytical methods for the suspension design. Aerodynamics package involving Front and Rear wings and a suspension system involving a strut activated damper with double wishbones is developed. Vehicle parameters such as wheelbase, track width, etc. and the geometry for the front and rear wings are specified by conducting a review of the SAE rule book. 2D CFD simulations are performed on a wide range of high lift low Reynolds number Airfoils at various geometric configurations to select an airfoil configuration with best performance characteristics. 3D models of front and rear wings are made from the data obtained from 2D simulations to conduct 3D simulations of the wings and the entire assembly of the car with and without the wings. A kinematic analysis is performed on the suspension system since it plays a very important role in the dynamics of the vehicle. Data obtained from the aero simulations and suspension analysis is analyzed in a lap time simulator to predict and compare the performance and lap times of the car with and without the aerodynamic package.

Keywords

suspension system, Aerodynamics, simulations.

Full Text