Advancement in Combustion Technologies Towards Net Zero Carbon Emission

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Part 1

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Parametric Impact Analysis of Delayed Inlet-Valve Closure and Ignition Timings on Methane and Sewage Sludge Producer Gas Blend-Operated SI Engine Using Numerical Modelling

      Priyaranjan Jena, Pushpendu Kasaudhan, Jeewan Vachan Tirkey

      Abstract

      Dependency on renewable energy resources is unavoidably attributed to the energy crisis and limited conventional fuel reserves. Despite this, combustion-driven technologies alarmingly contribute to 80% of net high-grade energy demand, chiefly from the transportation sector (Paykani et al., Prog Energy Combust Sci 90:100995, 2022). Alternate fuel utilization in the established IC engine technology via hybrid mode application is a potential solution, however, this demands more inexpensive explorations. Therefore, this investigation incorporates Quasi-dimensional thermodynamic modelling (QDTM) in integration with two-zone combustion model to predict dual-fuel (DF) mode spark-ignition (SI) engines’ performance and emission characteristics. The developed DF-SI engine simulation considers fuel blends of producer gas (PG) and methane. Towards apprehending the waste-to-energy potential, sewage sludge-based producer gas (SSPG) is considered. The simulation model is first validated using a referred-experimental result and then is utilized to capture the impacts of varying inlet-valve closure (IVC) delays and ignition-start timings (IT), as the control parameters. Impacts on output parameters, namely indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) with CO emission, and brake power (BP) with NO emission, were studied simultaneously. Miller cycle-based IVC-delay resulted in a 9.66% ITE rise, and 29.31% derated BP. Moreover, IT advancement showed a 23.63% and 54.3% decrease in CO and NO emissions, respectively. RSM-generated regression models and EXCEL 3D-surface plots intercepted the impact.

3. Part 2

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Emission Analysis of Gasoline Surrogates in a Multi-point Fuel Injection Spark Ignition Engine

      Jami Paparao, Paramvir Singh, Sudarshan Kumar

      Abstract

      The escalating global demand for energy has spurred a critical search for alternative fuels to power internal combustion engines (ICEs). The formulation and application of gasoline surrogates in multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) spark ignition (SI) engines have gained significant interest in assessing their viability compared to commercial gasoline. Understanding the emission profiles of these surrogates is essential for optimizing engine performance and minimizing environmental impact. In MPFI SI engines, gasoline surrogates can alter combustion dynamics, thereby influencing the production of emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NO_x). In this current study, the formulation of three gasoline surrogates and their emission analysis were carried out in an MPFI SI engine. The results demonstrated that both S-C and S-B surrogates exhibited lower CO and HC emissions compared to baseline gasoline operations. This improvement can be attributed to better combustion facilitated by the additional oxygen present in these surrogates.

4. Part 3

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Numerical Analysis of Forward Strut Effects on Scramjet Engine Performance

      Rohit Kumar Prasad, Ritesh Mane, Mansi Sharma, Uma Shanker, Royal Madan

      Abstract

      This study investigates a modified scramjet design, termed the forward strut model, based on the DLR scramjet, where two smaller struts are positioned ahead of the main strut. Numerical simulations using the density-based SST k-ω turbulence model at supersonic Mach numbers, with hydrogen as the fuel, were conducted to assess the effects of this design on combustion and fuel–air mixing efficiencies. The forward strut model demonstrated a 3.9% improvement in combustion efficiency, reaching 63.9% compared to 60% in the baseline model. Additionally, it achieved complete fuel–air mixing 20 mm earlier, with full mixing at 260 mm compared to 280 mm in the baseline model, which showed 96% efficiency at that location. These findings suggest that the forward strut configuration enhances fuel–air interaction, improves combustion efficiency, and offers valuable insights for optimizing scramjet performance at supersonic speeds, contributing to advancements in high-speed aerospace propulsion.

5. Part 4

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Evaluating Crankrod Performance: Fatigue Stress and Life Cycle of Structural Steel Versus Carbon Fiber Glass in Diesel Engines

      Vivek Kumar, Mohd Aman, Gaurav Verma, Dharmendra Tiwari, Gopal Ji, Manvandra Kumar Singh

      Abstract

      In this study, specimens of various materials (structural steel and CFG) were subjected to low-cycle fatigue testing to assess their stress response and lifespan. An investigation was conducted on the failure of a diesel engine crankrod made from two different materials. A 3D model of the crankrod was created using the CATIA software suite. The analysis was performed separately for each material, with both the steel and CFG specimens evaluated using ANSYS under fully reversed low-cycle conditions at temperatures of 25 °C and 1000 °C. The temperature range from 25 °C to 1000 °C was selected due to the high ductility exhibited by low-carbon structural steel at temperatures above 1000 °C. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed on both materials to appraise how stress magnitudes assorted at critical points along the crankrod. The FEA prophecy of the crankrod’s fracture clearly indicated the charisma of shoreline marks, a telltale sign of fatigue failure, athwart both materials. These marks were observed at various points during the analysis, further confirming the impact of cyclic loading. Upon examining the crack initiation zone further intimately, it was determined that the crack’s origin was not associated with any inherent material defects or the charisma of corrosion products. In addition to FEA, hardness testing was conducted on the fractured crank pin, revealing high Rockwell C-scale inflexibility values at the core of the pin for both materials. However, the hardness levels at the edge of the cylindrical pin surface, where the crack originated, were significantly lower than in the midsection, indicating a potential weak point that contributed to the failure. The finite element method was moreover applied to identify the essential causes of the dent observed in the crankrod. The analysis decorated that the regions experiencing the highest stress during engine maneuver, particularly at crest control, were located near the crack initiation zones for both materials under study. The research emphasized that high-cycle fatigue, which predominantly affected the outer regions of the crank pin, was the primary cause of premature failure. This area, which had a small structural radius, played a crucial role in the material’s degradation. In light of these findings, recommendations were made to choose materials that would improve the fatigue resistance and extend the service life of the crankrod in future designs.

6. Part 5

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Surface Scratch Behaviour of Selective Laser Melted Inconel 718 Superalloy

      Sankata Tiwari, Santosh Kumar, Gagan Bansall, Ashwani Kumar Ranjan, Manvandra Kumar Singh, Gopal Ji

      Abstract

      Nickel-based superalloys, like Inconel 718, are ideal for gas turbines, aircraft engines, and nuclear reactors due to their high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and fatigue resistance. Due to its work-hardening properties, conventional Inconel 718 manufacturing often fails, causing tool wear and material loss. Modern additive manufacturing (AM), especially Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), produces near-net form components with improved material efficiency. This study evaluates LPBF-produced Inconel 718 surface scratch characteristics in various conditions. After scratch tests on solution-treated substrates, visual inspection and SEM microstructural analysis were performed. The study studies load effects on surface integrity and material deformation. Stress increases scratch breadth and surface degradation. Microstructural analysis showed Nb segregation and δ-Ni₃Nb phases near grain boundaries after heat treatment, promoting surface hardness. The study examined scratch behaviour and mechanical properties, including microhardness, and found that additive manufacturing’s detailed thermal cycles caused hardness to decrease across regions. The results demonstrate LPBF Inconel 718’s high-performance potential and the need for improved processing and post-treatment.

7. Part 6

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Comparative Study of Pid and Fuzzy Logic Control Strategies for Twin-Engine Aircraft Fuel Systems

      Moniya, Dheeraj Minglani, Uma Shankar, Amit Kumar, Anushka Gupta

      Abstract

      This study compares the use of fuzzy logic controllers (FLC) with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers in the modeling and simulation of a fuel system for a twin-engine aircraft using MATLAB-Simulink. After developing a thorough mathematical model of the fuel system, both control systems were put into practice in order to evaluate how well they performed in various operational conditions. The outcomes demonstrate that the FLC outperforms the PID controller in handling nonlinearities and system uncertainties. Notably, the FLC settles faster (0.0392 s versus 0.0589 s for PID) and shows a lower overshoot (7.07%) than PID (11.02%). Although the FLC exhibits more effective stabilization and smoother system control than the PID controller (0.0107 s against 0.0095 s), the PID controller has a somewhat faster rise time.