scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis of Fuel Usage and Thermostat Settings

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Certuse
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
The United States ◽  
Building Damage ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Fuel Savings ◽  
Fuel Delivery ◽  
Forensic Case ◽  
Forensic Engineering

According to the Insurance Institute, frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of building damage in the United States. In the forensic engineering analysis of building damage due to burst pipes, fuel tank runout orexcessive thermostat setback are common causes of these losses — and may lead to a fuel provider being culpable for a late fuel delivery or the property owner being responsible due to excessively turning down thermostat settings. This paper will address the relationship between thermostat settings and fuel consumption. From abuilding’s demonstrated fuel consumption and known thermostat settings, corresponding changes in thermostat settings and the resulting fuel consumption will be discussed. Department Of Energy adjustments for fuel savings in relation to thermostat setback will be discussed as well as a fuel usage study in an exemplar home. Forensic case examples utilizing this relationship will also be presented.

Low-Level Automated Light-Duty Vehicle Technologies Provide Opportunities to Reduce Fuel Consumption

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (24) ◽  
pp. 60-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Vasebi ◽  
Yeganeh M. Hayeri ◽  
Constantine Samaras ◽  
Chris Hendrickson
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Aerodynamic Force ◽  
The United States ◽  
Route Guidance ◽  
Conventional Vehicle ◽  
Automated Vehicle ◽  
Fuel Savings ◽  
Light Duty ◽  
Vehicle Systems ◽  
Light Duty Vehicle

Gasoline is the main source of energy used for surface transportation in the United States. Reducing fuel consumption in light-duty vehicles can significantly reduce the transportation sector’s impact on the environment. Implementation of emerging automated technologies in vehicles could result in fuel savings. This study examines the effect of automated vehicle systems on fuel consumption using stochastic modeling. Automated vehicle systems examined in this study include warning systems such as blind spot warning, control systems such as lane keeping assistance, and information systems such as dynamic route guidance. We have estimated fuel savings associated with reduction of accident and non-accident-related congestion, aerodynamic force reduction, operation load, and traffic rebound. Results of this study show that automated technologies could reduce light-duty vehicle fuel consumption in the U.S. by 6% to 23%. This reduction could save $60 to $266 annually for the owners of vehicles equipped with automated technologies. Also, adoption of automated vehicles could benefit all road users (i.e., conventional vehicle drivers) up to $35 per vehicle annually (up to $6.2 billion per year).

scholarly journals Effects of Evidence Spoliation on Forensic Engineering Analysis of Alleged Brake Servicing Defects

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Leffler
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Forensic Investigation ◽  
Significant Evidence ◽  
The Road ◽  
Forensic Case ◽  
Forensic Engineering

A forensic case involved an allegation of defective minivan brake repairs. On a wet two-lane road, the minivan left the road while stopping, and impacted a telephone pole. The plaintiff driver’s complaints implied a dragging brake, and the plaintiff ’s expert reported a bent lower caliper bolt. This forensic investigation involved instrumented exemplar analysis of the effects on caliper drag that could be caused by a bent caliper bolt. The investigation methodology was chosen (in part) based on significant evidence spoliation on the part of the plaintiff ’s expert. This paper will also discuss the effects of the spoliation and resulting limitations on the scope of the analysis.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis Of A Kite Surfing Accident

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Rocky Shore ◽  
The United States ◽  
Release Mechanism ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Quick Release ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Foreign Standard ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Proper Operation

The Investigation Of Recreational Accidents Often Involves An Analysis Of Unique Circumstances And Unique Equipment Not Commonly Found In More Traditional Forensic Engineering Investigations. In The Case Of The Kite Surfing Accident Which Is The Subject Of This Paper, It Was Alleged That The Quick-Release Mechanism Failed To Function Properly, Which Caused The User To Be Dragged To A Rocky Shore Causing Injuries. The Engineer Had To Familiarize Himself With The Various Components Of The Kite And Harness System, How The Interaction Of Those Components Under The Control Of The User Led To The Accident, And How The Accident Could Have And Should Have Been Avoided. Conditions Specific To The Subject Accident Were Investigated, Including The User Familiarity With Equipment And Emergency Protocols, Wind Patterns Present At The Time Of The Accident, And Geography Of The Accident Location. Finally, Research Revealed That There Were No Standards Or Regulation Of The Kite Surfing Industry In The United States, But That The Manufacturers Of The Equipment Claimed Compliance With A Foreign Standard. The Equipment Was Then Tested To Determine Whether It Was In Compliance With That Foreign Standard. This Paper Will Address The Proper Operation Of The Kite Surfing Equipment, And Will Describe The Testing That Was Performed By The Engineer To Determine The Effectiveness Of The Quick-Release Component Of The System. It Also Addresses Actions That Were Taken By The User To Attempt Avoidance Of The Accident.

scholarly journals Small Enterprise Strategies in an Unstable Public Environment

2016 ◽  
Vol 02 ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Daryl D. Green ◽  
Thomas Kohntopp ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
The United States ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Small Enterprise ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
The Public ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Public Environment

Many small business owners in the United States dream about getting a large contract with the federal government, feeling that their lives would be easier if they did. Ironically, there have been numerous occasions where small businesses have gone out of business after being overwhelmed by a government contract. This case study addresses how small businesses can improve their survival and success rate in the public sector with a strategic approach to their operations. It begins by discussing the preparation that goes into federal contracting by small businesses. Case examples of four American companies involved in contracting with the Department of Energy are evaluated. Data collection is achieved through qualitative analysis. The application of these conclusions could increase the survival rate of small businesses operating in an unstable public environment. The study is significant because this research widens contemporary assumptions about strategic thinking for small businesses engaged in government contracting.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Riding Lawnmower Child Backover Blade Contact Accidents

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Smith Reed
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Travel Distance ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Information Time ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Distance Data ◽  
Slow Moving

Since The Mid 1960s, The Popularity And Use Of Riding Lawnmowers And Lawn & Garden Tractors In The United States Have Grown Steadily. With The Growing Popularity Of These Machines Has Also Come Increased Numbers Of Riding Mower-Related Accidents, Including Children Being Backed Over Or Run Over And Injured By The Mowers Spinning Blades. Reconstructing Such Child Backover Or Runover Blade Contact Accidents Requires The Forensic Engineer To Pay Specific Attention To Certain Factors That Are Unique To Such Incidents... While This Paper Provides Background Information About Child Backover Blade Contact Accidents, And Provides Information About No-Mow-In-Reverse, The Primary Purpose Is To Offer A Tool That Has Been Found To Be Helpful And Effective In Organizing, Analyzing And Displaying Information, Time-Related Events And Travel Distance Data In Off-Road Slow-Moving-Event Accidents, Accidents Such As Child Backover Blade Contact Accidents, So That A Reasoned Reconstruction Of The Accident Can Be Developed, A Range Of Assumptions Can Be Studied, And What If Questions Can Be Isolated And Compared - All In A Format Understandable To The Layperson.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Report- Children Falling Through Window/Guardrails

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman L. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Expert Witness ◽  
The United States ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Existing Structures ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Code Changes

More Than 1000 Children Are Killed And More Than 6000 Children Are Injured By Falls Through Windows And Guardrails Each Year In The United States. Beginning In 2006, The International Codes (Now Adopted At Least In Part Of All 50 Of The United States) Require 4 Maximum Window Gaps Within 24 Of Floor, And Since The 1990s The Codes Have Required 4 Maximum Guardrail Gaps. Implementation Of These Codes On Many Existing Structures Is Required (Not Grandfathered), But Is Generally Not Enforced Which Would Prevent A High Percentage Of These Tragedies. Relevant History, Grandfathering, And Forensic Engineering Advocacy Are Discussed, Expert Witness Case Examples Are Presented, And Recommendations Are Made For Enforcement And Code Changes.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Golf Course Cart Club And Ball Accidents

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura L. Liptai ◽  
Johnstone Michael
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Golf Course ◽  
Golf Club ◽  
Federal Regulations ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Contact Sport ◽  
Mixed Use ◽  
Forensic Engineering

With Over 27.8 Million Golfers And More Than 16,000 Golf Facilities In The United States, Golf Is A Non-Contact Sport With Statistically Low Risk For Injury. However, Research Has Documented Golf Related Injuries Can Be Disproportionally Serious Or Even Fatal. Federal Regulations And Countermeasures To Improve Golf Safety Are Outlined. A Spectrum Of Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Golf-Related Incidents Illustrates The Broad Range Of Resulting Trauma. Categories Of Golf Incidents Include: Cart Collisions With Other Vehicles Resulting From Mixed Use On Automotive Roadways, Cart Solo Incidents Including Ejection With And Without Rollover, Errant Golf Ball Impacts, Inadvertent Golf Club Impacts, Trip And Fall Incidents As Well As Golf Cart Fires.

A Commented Synopsis of the Report of the Committee for the National Tire Efficiency Study4

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-93
Author(s):  
Marion G. Pottinger ◽  
Joseph D. Walter ◽  
John D. Eagleburger
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Safety ◽  
Rolling Resistance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Highway Traffic ◽  
National Academy Of Sciences ◽  
Scrap Tire ◽  
National Highway Traffic Safety ◽  
Fuel Savings ◽  
Time Required

Abstract The Congress of the United States petitioned the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study replacement passenger car tire rolling resistance in 2005 with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The study was initiated to assess the potential for reduction in replacement tire rolling resistance to yield fuel savings. The time required to realize these savings is less than the time required for automotive and light truck fleet replacement. Congress recognized that other factors besides fuel savings had to be considered if the committee’s advice was to be a reasonable guide for public policy. Therefore, the study simultaneously considered the effect of potential rolling resistance reductions in replacement tires on fuel consumption, wear life, scrap tire generation, traffic safety, and consumer spending for tires and fuel. This paper summarizes the committee’s report issued in 2006. The authors, who were members of the multidisciplinary committee, also provide comments regarding technical difficulties encountered in the committee’s work and ideas for alleviating these difficulties in further studies of this kind. The authors’ comments are clearly differentiated so that these comments will not be confused with findings, conclusions, and recommendations developed by the committee and contained in its final report.

Stirling system optimization for series hybrid electric vehicles

2021 ◽  
pp. 095440702110180
Author(s):  
Charbel R Ghanem ◽  
Elio N Gereige ◽  
Wissam S Bou Nader ◽  
Charbel J Mansour
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Hybrid Electric Vehicle ◽  
Combustion Engine ◽  
Optimization Technique ◽  
System Optimization ◽  
Energy Management Strategy ◽  
Fuel Savings ◽  
Auxiliary Power ◽  
Hybrid Electric ◽  
External Combustion

There have been many studies conducted to replace the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with a more efficient engine, due to increasing regulations over vehicles’ emissions. Throughout the years, several external combustion engines were considered as alternatives to these traditional ICEs for their intrinsic benefits, among which are Stirling machines. These were formerly utilized in conventional powertrains; however, they were not implemented in hybrid vehicles. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility of implementing a Stirling engine in a series hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV) to substitute the ICE. Exergy analysis was conducted on a mathematical model, which was developed based on a real simple Stirling, to pinpoint the room for improvements. Then, based on this analysis, other configurations were retrieved to reduce exergy losses. Consequently, a Stirling-SHEV was modeled, to be integrated as auxiliary power unit (APU). Hereafter, through an exergo-technological detailed selection, the best configuration was found to be the Regenerative Reheat two stages serial Stirling (RRe-n2-S), offering the best efficiency and power combination. Then, this configuration was compared with the Regenerative Stirling (R-S) and the ICE in terms of fuel consumption, in the developed SHEV on the WLTC. This was performed using an Energy Management Strategy (EMS) consisting of a bi-level optimization technique, combining the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA) with the Dynamic Programming (DP). This arrangement is used to diminish the fuel consumption, while considering the reduction of the APU’s ON/OFF switching times, avoiding technical issues. Results prioritized the RRe-n2-S presenting 12.1% fuel savings compared to the ICE and 14.1% savings compared to the R-S.

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