Informatics Publishing Limited

M. Palanivendhan ¹, Manav Wadhawan ², Rohit Selvagandhi ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Automobile Engineering, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram - 603 203, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram - 603 203, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Shape Memory Alloys have been used in fields of assistive engineering, robotics, medicine and space industry for many years. This paper elaborates the possibility of a hand exoskeleton primarily designed using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) as actuators and conceptualized around its notable structural transformation characteristics which have been displayed with an electrically induced change of temperature. In this study, an orthotic device was designed to enable hand gripping. The mechanical design of the orthotic device has been modeled in CATIA and electrical schematics have been made on Psim. Many exoskeletons have been developed using electro-mechanical actuators making them bulky. This study is concentrated on making the design simple without compromising on its functionality. The system utilizes two SMA wires, along with an indigenous mechanism to selectively actuate one of them and thus, making the process of gripping easy to perform for the user. The concept proposed removes the requirement of feedback sensors thereby, making the system compact and light. Keeping in mind the one way property of SMA, a retraction link has been included to make the system a two way process. Due to the reliance of SMA on heat to transform, this paper also provides a feasible solution for improving response time of actuators. The mechanism can be tailored to perform other hand postures like fist and point. Also the proposed concept can be used on other joints of the human anatomy and thus, helping in rehabilitation.

Keywords

Hand Functions, Orthosis, Shape Memory Alloy, Two Way Mechanism

Full Text

   

D. Boopathi ¹, P. Parthiban ¹, M. Palanivendhan ¹, S. Devanand ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Automobile Engineering, SRM University, Kattankulathur - 603203, Kancheepuram Dist, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objective: Vegetable oils are being investigated as a potential source of environmentally favorable lubricants, due to their unique combination of biodegradability, renewability and excellent lubrication performance. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this testing, the thermocouple was mounted in the crankcase drain plus, gas outlet to exhaust and coolant outlet to conduct the experiments. Lubricants like SAE 40, palm oil and palm oil-castor oil blend were used in a conventional diesel engine. In this experiment, maintaining temperature plays a vital role, the temperature of crankcase oil, the coolant temperature and the exhaust gas temperature were compared at various conditions with different load conditions. And the crankcase oil temperature, coolant temperature, exhaust gas temperature was analyzed. Findings: The crank case oil temperature, coolant temperature and exhaust gas temperature was found at no load, 2.5 kg, 5 kg, 7.5 kg load conditions. The crankcase oil temperature, coolant temperature and exhaust gas temperature for palm oil and palm oil castor oil blend were found to be lower than SAE 40. Compared to the mineral-based commercial oils, palm oil-based lubricants exhibits superior tri-biological properties but offers no clear advantage on engine and emission performance.

Keywords

Biodegradable Lubricant, Diesel Engine, Palm Oil, SAE 40.

Full Text

   

M. Palanivendhan ¹, U. Banwar ¹, S. Vyas ¹, S. Bohra ¹

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Automobile Engg., SRM University, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Most vehicles today employ conventional steering system where the front wheels are solely responsible for steering the vehicle, due to this the rear wheels remain dependent of the front wheels in the dynamic condition which is not allowing the vehicle to reach its maximum potential. On the other hand, in a four-wheel steering system the rear wheels along with the front wheels steer the vehicle improving its manoeuvrability. Four wheels steering also produces better acceleration as power is distributed to all the four-wheels enhancing the net traction and reducing the overall rolling resistance. Vehicles today are designed to under-steer a little with a steering ratio ranging between 14 and 22, this phenomenon fails in few scenarios where it takes longer to manoeuvre a vehicle in case of lane emergencies. Implementing in-phase and counter-phase steering mechanisms in a vehicle allow sharper turn, reduces tire wear and improves the overall manoeuvrability of the vehicle. Factors like steering torque, turning angle and velocity of the vehicle are taken into consideration for devising a proper method to shift between different steering modes. The input from steering angle and torque at a certain speed, allows the vehicle to choose between the crabs, parallel or counter steering mechanism during a turn for best performance. Thereby, integrating these mechanisms in a single vehicle would invariably stabilize and provide a better control to the driver in high as well as slow speed conditions.

Keywords

Under-Steer, Over-Steer, Sharp Turns, Steering Torque, Turning Angle.

Full Text

   

M. Palanivendhan ¹, J. Chandradass ¹, Ajith Rajendran ¹, Nishanth M. Govindarajan ¹, M. Adwait Krishnaa ¹

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Automobile Engg., SRM Institute of Sci. and Tech., Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

In the present study, alumina reinforced copper metal matrix composites were prepared by stir casting method. Three different specimens were prepared by changing the weight ratio of alumina to copper. The samples were prepared by adding 10%, 20% and 30% alumina to copper matrix. The three specimens were subjected to mechanical, thermal and corrosion testing, in order to find out the properties of the material. Various mechanical tests like hardness, impact and corrosion were performed including thermal conductivity to understand the behaviour of the specimens under combined loads. Specimen number 2 which was 80%-20% copper to alumina was found to be the best combination for such type of applications.

Keywords

Alumina, Metal Matrix Composite, Stir Casting, Wear Test.

Full Text