Scientific Bulletin – Automotive Series
Scientific Bulletin – Automotive Series
DOI: 10.26825/bup.ar.YYYY.III
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Alexandra IORDACHE-SABO, Ștefan VOLOACĂ
The paper presents the analysis of the driver and the occupants’ perception in the case of using composite materials to some cabin components. There were analyzed four biocomposite materials with reinforcements of wool, wool & cotton, bamboo and bamboo & cotton. They were analyzed for the dashboard, door panels and A&B pillar using a part of an ecological design – CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment). Having the four types of biocomposite materials it was necessary to determine their properties like color, texture, grain, bump, material flakes and emissivity, all of them with a special scanner. The data was uploaded into the Deltagen software to analyze every component at a real-life scale. The CAVE made possible analyzes of different light environment conditions, the grain, colors, shines, and the reflections to windshield, windows or mirrors. Thus, with the CAVE was done a digital testing by changing materials of the components in a short amount of time and with low costs. In the Beginning of Life of a vehicle, by using the CAVE and biocomposite materials for motor vehicles’ components it is possible to obtain clean and sustainable product development.
Danut MARINESCU, Cristian Liviu POPESCU, Liviu CĂLIN, Nicuşor MIERLOIU
The paper presents the electric concept 4WD type, DUSTER Z.E.RO 4WD developed within the Alternative Propulsion Systems for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles laboratory, from Automotive Engineering Research Centre, University of Pitesti, in order to create a green and versatile electric all-wheel drive. This concept car was built on the platform DACIA DUSTER 4WD by implementing a new electric equipment that contains Renault ZE components already launched on the market for commercialized vehicles: Renault Kangoo Z.E and Renault Fluence Z.E. The electric drive, mono-motor type includes a synchronous electric motor type placed transversely, 44 kW, a gears’ reducer with two speeds: L- Low for all terrain and H- High for the road and a mechanical all-wheel drive system. The driver to choose from three different driving modes: 2WD front-wheel drive, Auto, in which the rear-wheel drive is engaged automatically and Lock, whereby 50 % of torque is consistently fed through the rear axle. The traction battery is lithium-ion, Lithium ion Manganese Oxide (LMO) type, 400 V, 22 kWh. The estimated performances are: maximum speed: 130 km/h; autonomy NEDC (New European Driving Cycle): 130 km; standard charging: 6 to 8 hrs with home WALL BOX.
Gina-Mihaela SICOE, Daniel-Constantin ANGHEL
This paper aims to analyze the ergonomic design of a workstation dedicated to the use of a 3D printer, focusing primarily on the storage and organization of raw materials used in additive manufacturing. The study is based on a real-world scenario in which the materials were initially placed randomly on shelves, without consideration for their usage frequency or weight. This disorganized arrangement led to repeated or awkward operator movements, such as reaching above shoulder level or excessive bending, which may cause discomfort or musculoskeletal disorders over time. Furthermore, this inefficient setup negatively affected operator performance. To improve the ergonomics of the workstation, we proposed a reorganization of the materials based on ergonomic principles, considering both the weight and usage frequency of the items. Heavier and less frequently used materials were relocated to the lower shelves, while lighter, frequently accessed items were positioned within the operator’s comfort zone—around waist to chest height. The goal was to reduce physical strain, enhance operational efficiency, and prevent occupational health risks. The study also includes an evaluation of the redesigned workstation using the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) method, in order to quantify the biomechanical load in both the initial and improved configurations.
Mihai ŞTIROSU, Ştefan TABACU
Finite elements simulation benefit from a considerable decrease in the associated expenses with an optimal design of components. Numerical models are an efficient tool for performance evaluation, monitoring of structures, damage detection, prediction of service life, and identification of optimal maintenance methods. The success of these numerical predictions is dependent on the quality of the constitutive model adopted for material. When assessing the ultimate resistance of components as fracture as a failure mode, the use of cumulative damage models is required to provide reliable results.
The journal publishes original research on automotive engineering topics.
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