Search Results

The spray characteristics and inside flow of a marine diesel injector were investigated both experimentally and numerically. From the experiments, we observed that the penetration of the sprays in the early injection stage gradually increases. This phenomenon differs significantly from that of the small automobile diesel injector, in which penetration increases linearly with time. Using the momentum method to obtain injection rate measurements, we observed an injection rate spike at each injection event just after the injection began. The observed spray results show that the small portion of fuel remaining inside the nozzle from the previous injection event is ejected first, and then the main volume of fuel is ejected. Both fuels accumulate as spray droplets and gradually accelerate after the early injection stage. Numerical simulations of the injector's inside flow show that the fuel injection rate becomes saturated in needle lifts larger than 0.3 mm.

This paper describes a newly developed microcomputer-based drowsiness warning system, which detects changes in the driver's alertness through his steering behavior. In developing this system, we first quantified several levels of alertness based on such physiological factors as brain activity and blinking. Tests were then conducted in which drivers fell into different degrees of drowsiness. Using the quantified alertness levels, we defined the “drowsy driver” and found unique steering patterns that could not be seen in normal driving. These patterns were entered into the memory unit of the microcomputer. When the sensor built into the steering wheel detects a drowsy steering pattern, the microcomputer recognizes the driver's drowsiness and activates a buzzer to warn the driver. In this paper, the process of determining the alertness levels is explained, along with the steering characteristics of the drowsy driver.

Judging from viewpoint of automotive safety and more space by eliminating a spare tire, the development of the run-flat tires is important. Many problems relating to weight increase and usability had to be solved in the course of the development of such tires. The “ N ” type run-flat tire, described in this paper, has a simple structure with reinforced side walls and additional beads to fit the rim flanges. Though this tire system brought about a small amount of weight increase, it needs no special part, therefore the conventional road wheels, air valves and tire changers may be used. We have tested and evaluated this tire system equipped with passenger cars as well as on the test machines. Especially vehicle dynamics such as steering, stability and so forth were tested. The test results indicated that this tire system is practical enough.