Car Interior Research Articles

Development of Bio-Composites from Milkweed Fibers Using Air-Laid Spike Process for Automobile Dashboard Applications

This study focused on examining the reinforcement of milkweed fibers in polylactic acid (PLA) bio-composites used for dashboards in car interiors. Milkweed fiber is a natural fiber with a hollow structure that provides tremendous thermal insulation and noise resistance properties. Firstly, the milkweed fibers were blended with PLA fibers in a weight ratio of 75:25 using an air-laying process. Then, several layers of nonwoven material were compressed in a hydraulic press to obtain bio-composites. Finally, three bio-composites were obtained with different numbers of layers. The density, microstructure, thermal conductivity, sound transmission loss (STL), mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and contact angles of the bio-composites were evaluated. The microstructure analysis revealed that some milkweed fibers collapsed due to the high-pressure molding process, which does not affect the bio-composite properties. The bio-composite with a higher number of nonwoven layers presented a poor interface between PLA and milkweed fibers, thus making it less homogeneous. This bio-composite showed a decrease of 5% in thermal conductivity values and a 19% increase in STL values. In addition, it exhibited a 160% increase in specific flexural strength and a 335% increase in specific flexural modulus compared to samples with a lower number of nonwoven layers. Therefore, it offers the best mechanical-property-to-density ratio, with values that conform to the specifications required for automotive dashboards.

Forensic analysis of head injuries of a driver in a fatal car injury

Among the main tasks facing a forensic expert during the examination related to an injury inside the car interior is to determine the mechanism of injury formation, its severity and the location of the victims. This often requires solving issues related to the peculiarities of the mechanism of cranial trauma formation, its morphology and severity. The purpose of the study is to determine the features of localization of injuries to the driver's head in a fatal car injury. As a result of the study, it was found that there were no significant differences in the comparison groups in the ISS scale range from 0 to 10 and 11 to 20. In the ISS intervals from 21 to 30 and 31 to 40, fatal injuries among drivers of domestic cars prevailed. In the range from 41 to 50 – drivers of foreign cars. A comparative analysis of the severity of head injuries in drivers of domestic and foreign-made cars using the ISS scale revealed significant differences in cases with fatal TBI, which suggests the presence of additional factors affecting the severity of injuries, which should be studied further and taken into account when answering the question about the location of the victim in the car interior.

Study on visual matching cognition of automobile interior and exterior.

This work aims to study the visual matching cognition of people with different professional backgrounds for automobile interiors and exteriors, using gasoline-powered automobiles and electric automobiles as the research objects. First, three classes of automobiles, B-class, C-class, and sport-type class automobiles, of different brands, with large differences in styling and styles, were taken as the experimental sample sources, and high-definition interior and exterior pictures of the two power types of automobiles were randomly selected as the experimental samples. The participants were then divided into expert and general user groups according to their professional background. The two groups of participants were asked to conduct a total of 3 groups of visual matching cognition experiments on the interior and exterior of gasoline-powered automobiles, electric automobiles, and automobiles mixed with the same number of gasoline-powered automobiles and electric automobiles. The statistical analysis of the data of the above three groups of experiments revealed that there was no significant difference between the two groups of participants in terms of the visual matching cognition of the interior and exterior of the gasoline-powered automobiles and electric automobiles. When the two types of automobiles were mixed for the experiment, the participants still showed visual matching cognition for the interior and exterior, but there were obvious differences in cognitive abilities between the two groups. Research has shown that both general users and experts have the ability to perform visual matching of automobile interiors and exteriors, however, the cognitive ability of general users is weaker than that of experts. The visual matching cognition of the automobile interior and exterior is not affected by the power type or the automobile type.

Effect of Vehicle Vibration on Interior Noise of Railway Vehicles Passing Through Rail Corrugation Sections

This study involved experimental research to analyze the effect of rail corrugation on interior noise levels inside railway vehicles. Measurements taken on the Incheon Line 2 light rail indicated that the vehicle’s age and maintenance condition have minimal effects on interior noise. Although wheel wear slightly reduces interior noise, it is insufficient to address the issue of abnormal noise. The analysis of the relationship between vehicle vibrations and interior noise revealed that at 80 km/h and with a 24 mm rail corrugation wavelength, vibrations at 920 Hz in the axle box and car body increase, coinciding with the dominant interior noise frequency of 926.6 Hz. Furthermore, an analysis using a car body sweep confirmed a relative increase in noise in the 920 Hz range. Therefore, abnormal noise in rail corrugation sections is caused by vibrations at 920 Hz due to the corrugation wavelength and train speed, which align with the car body resonance frequency, leading to increased car body vibrations and interior noise.

Effect of alkaline treatment on the thermo-physicochemical and mechanical properties of biochar powder/Washingtonia robusta fibers/PLA hybrid biocomposites

Replacing plastic products with fully biodegradable products remains a challenge in our daily lives. Biodegradable hybrid bio composites are designed for various structural and non-structural applications such as car interiors, filaments for 3D printers, biomedical, sports and electronic products, green building materials and food packaging. In this work hybrid composites fabricated using polylactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced with short plant fibers from the Washingtonia robusta (WR) palm tree and biochar powder (BC) with grain diameters less than 0.6 μm obtained from WR palm waste after carbonization at 300 °C. Initially, a portion of the untreated plant fibers was retained, while the other portion was treated with NaOH (1, 2, 3%) for 15 h. Indeed, the untreated and alkali-treated fibers were observed by SEM and then characterized by thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry. Fourier transform infrared showed physical and chemical changes with surface degradation of the WR treated at higher concentrations (3% NaOH). In addition, establish the relationship between the alkali treatments of the biocomposite reinforcement fibers and the improvement of the mechanical performance of these materials. The best results obtained for the developed biocomposite hybrid products are those of BTR3, for mechanical characteristics such as traction, flexural strength and Izod, with values of 39.56 MPa and 74.43 MPa, and 3.26 kJ/m2 respectively; and 2.30 MPa as elastic stress, also for water absorption with a percentage of 8.3%. The percentages of the alkaline treatments used revealed that the BTR3 model presents the best physical-chemical and mechanical behavior of these new materials.

The impact of active components wear on psychoacoustic parameters of noise in a car cabin

The automotive industry is undergoing an electromobility revolution. Changing a car's drive unit influences the vibroacoustics of a car's interior. Drive-train noise at low car speeds and in the low-frequency range is no longer dominant. There is no masking effect due to the noise of the combustion engine, and a passenger paradoxically may perceive the noise of a car as less pleasant. Moreover, existing vibroacoustic requirements have to some extent taken into account the change in the noise of components with the usage time, but there are still areas that require further research. This paper focuses on the study of electric adjustable seats, power windows and power exterior mirrors in different wear states, to determine the significant psychoacoustics changes of the selected car component's noises. The study is part of extensive research that aims to revise the current vibroacoustic requirements for new components and to determine how they could be tested and evaluated.

A study on road noise reduction using recycled material

Recently, there has been a shift in the paradigm of the automobile industry from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. An NVH research has also evolved rapidly from studying noise and vibration in conventional internal combustion engines to exploring methods for reducing road noise. A road noise during vehicle operation can be amplified by the resonance of the cavity inside chassis. As a countermeasure, so, filler materials have been applied inside the chassis to reduce resonance, However, fillers applied to existing cavities, such as pads and polyurethane foam, generally focus on blocking resonance inside the cavity rather than reducing vehicle road noise. In this study, a filler has been developed to fill the cavities of vehicles; Filler resources are from residual scrap gathered in manufacturing shop floor of automobile interior and exterior parts. As a result, fillers introduced in the study offer not only excellent acoustic performance but also are recyclable. The effect in terms of acoustic performance of recycled fillers was confirmed by conducting tests, sound transmission loss in reverberation and anechoic chambers. Also, actual vehicle driving tests were conducted on a proving ground.

Effect of multi-modal input to the perception of sound quality

The perception of sound quality of car interior noise is treated. The decisive factor of sound quality is car interior noise itself but our percetion varies also by the symultaneous exposure of seat and steenring wheel vibrations and the moving seanary from the window screen. We have conducted subjective experiments on the perception of car interior noise unsing car simulator located inside the sound proof room to see the effect of seat and steering wheel vibration and moving sceenary to our perception on sound quality such as pleasantness, booming sensation and powefulness. As the results, the addition of moving sceenary and seat-floor vibration together with the steering wheel viration have significant effect to our perception of sound quality.

Biocomposites reinforced with wood flour and eggshell powder: production and properties

Abstract Wood plastic composite (WPC) is one example of a biocomposite that has been applied commercially as structural materials either in the building industry and in the automobile interior parts. In this work, WPC was developed based on polypropylene (PP) from used medical mask, polyethylene (PE) from plastic pocket reinforced with wood flour mixed with eggshell powder (ESP). The study aims to target similar properties as commercial WPC with its tensile strength of 14.27 MPa, flexural strength of 37.57 MPa, water absorption 2.61 %, and flammability (burning rate) < 100 mm/min. The composition of the composites investigated was PP (45 wt. %), PE (5 wt. %), wood flour (30 wt. %), ESP (20 wt. %). The effect of calcined and uncalcined ESP on the properties was first studied and the results show no significant differences in their properties. That finding leads to prepare biocomposite samples using hot press with various applied pressures, i.e. 0.55; 0.65; and 0.75 MPa. The tests show that the samples prepared with hot press pressure of 0.55 MPa can meet all the limit target of the above properties.

Analysis and Characterization of Coconut Shell Particulates Filled HDPE Composites

Abstract: This project mainly focuses on evaluating the mechanical property of composite material that consist of High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and Coconut shell powder (CS). The matrix material is High-density polyethylene (HDPE), and reinforcement is Coconut Shell (CS) particles were created with varying weight percentages (0, 10, 20 and 30wt. percent) using the injection molding process and were tested for strength. The elemental compositions of HDPE/CS new composites were investigated mechanical characterization and FEA software analysis. The varies wt. % such that (0,10,20, and 30 wt%) CS particulates-filled HDPE composite revealed the maximum compressive strength, Shore A hardness, Tensile test, Flexural test was founded. Then the Catia V5 software FEA structural analysis test was conducted such that structural analysis and thermal analysis. The HDPE/CS composites would be utilized for applications requiring low strength rack and pinion gear, light weight, electrical insulating component, home appliances, automobile interior parts, low power transmission spur gears, automobile brake fluid reservoir, automobile radiator water storage tank

Perceived Quality in the Automotive Industry: Do Car Exterior and Interior Color Combinations Have an Impact?

Since in the automotive field colors play an important role, the present study tried to answer the following questions: is the perceived quality (PQ) of the vehicle interior color different after visually exploring the car body color? If so, how? Here, exploiting immersive virtual reality simulations and eye-tracking technology, participants were asked to visually explore an unbranded car in different exterior/interior color combinations and rate its PQ. Fixation duration (time eyes are fixed on a target) was considered as an implicit measure of visual attention allocation while PQ evaluations were considered as explicit measures of individual preferences for car colors. As for eye-tracking data, the results showed that white and red car exteriors affected the attention to interiors with the fixation duration being longer for gray than black interiors. Moreover, the subjective evaluations of car PQ predicted eye-tracking patterns: as the negative evaluation increased, the fixation duration on car interiors also increased. Overall, these preliminary results suggested the need to further explore the relationship between PQ and attentional/motivational processing as well as the role of subjective aesthetic preferences for color combinations in the automotive field.

Microwave-assisted fabrication of high-strength natural fiber hybrid composites for sustainable applications: An experimental and computational study

The present study deals with the fabrication of hybrid composites using biodegradable and ecologically friendly natural fibers and a recyclable thermoplastic matrix. Pure and hybrid natural fiber composites of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with Kenaf and Ramie fiber, 20 wt%, were fabricated using microwave-assisted compression molding. The composite's mechanical characterization was performed using tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests. X-ray diffraction was done to investigate the crystallinity percentage, and scanning electron microscopy of fractured surfaces was performed to determine failure mechanisms. The hybrid composite of HDPE/Ramie and Kenaf exhibited the highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) at 29.3 ± 1.2 MPa, surpassing HDPE/Kenaf (21.6 ± 1.1 MPa) and HDPE/Ramie (24.3 ± 1.4 MPa) composites. In terms of flexural strength, HDPE/Ramie demonstrated the highest at 19.9 ± 1.5 MPa, while HDPE/Kenaf had the lowest at 18 ± 1.1 MPa. The hybrid composite's flexural strength was intermediate at 19 ± 1.3 MPa. Impact strength followed a similar trend, with the hybrid composite leading at 40.2 KJ/m2, followed by HDPE/Ramie (26.9 KJ/m2) and HDPE/Kenaf (12.3 KJ/m2). Hardness tests revealed the highest hardness in the hybrid composite and the lowest in HDPE/Kenaf. A computational study has been performed to develop a model for predicting the hybrid composites. A strong agreement between both studies has been observed. The developed composite is deemed suitable for various light-duty applications, such as roofing, car interior panels, and mobile covers, offering potential benefits in reducing carbon footprint.

Design and optimization of acoustic packages using RSM coupled with range analysis

Acoustic packages are commonly used to reduce the mid-high frequency noise in the automobile, but fully characterizing their absorption and insulation mechanisms poses challenges. Introducing a data-driven approach to analyze their performance, existing research lacks clarity on the factors influencing acoustic package efficacy when constructing approximate models. To alleviate this, a method of optimizing the acoustic package by combining range analysis with a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model is proposed in this paper. Initially, a validated Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) model predicts automobile interior noise, pinpointing the dash panel as a key component for optimization through contribution analysis. Then, acoustic material tests are conducted to design the acoustic package. To compare the design scheme and the original scheme for the acoustic package in the automobile, the simulation and the test of the automobile ATF are performed and the automobile SEA model is verified through the test. Based on the range analysis, an RSM model is developed with the significant factors as input and the sound pressure level (SPL) of the driver’s head acoustic cavity as output. Genetic algorithm optimization is finally performed to obtain the optimized scheme within constrained thickness and weight. The results reveal that the acoustic package optimized scheme effectively improves the noise reduction effect in the mid-frequency range and decreases the weight of the acoustic package, which promotes the comprehensive performance of the acoustic package.

Effect of hybridisation on the mechanical and weathering characteristics on jute-arecanut leaf-epoxy composites

ABSTRACT Natural fibres play a crucial role in composites by offering renewable, sustainable, low cost and lightweight alternatives to synthetic fibres, promoting eco-friendly composites. Combination of natural fibres such as jute and areca nut in fabricating hybrid composites with superior properties forms the basis of this study. It was observed that mechanical properties increased with increasing natural fibre content. However, jute composites exhibited better properties (strength and rigidity) than arecanut leaf fibre composites due to their inherent superior properties. Hybridisation of fibres yielded higher properties showing that the combination of jute and areca nut fibres (30 wt % fibre content) is more effective in reinforcing the composites. Weathering characteristics revealed that the water absorption and swelling occurred in composites upon their exposure to external environment, water and chemicals. Moreover, their impact properties also decreased subsequent to weathering. Finite element analysis was carried out on these composites under tensile and flexural loading conditions yielded similar trends with experimental results. Remarkable mechanical properties exhibited due to hybridisation of these composites give them potential to be used in different domains such as automobile interiors, furniture, packaging, etc., with lower cost due to the use of natural fibres.

Study on mechanical properties of natural fiber (Jute)/synthetic fiber (Glass) reinforced polymer hybrid composite by representative volume element using finite element analysis: A numerical approach and validated by experiment

The excellent mechanical strength with low weight of polymer-based composites makes them superior over conventional materials like steel and aluminum in terms of mechanical properties. Nowadays, researchers are working to develop natural fiber-based sustainable composite. Glass fiber, when combined with jute fiber, could greatly enhance the mechanical characteristics of composites; the sequence of the layers mostly determines these properties. In this study, the hybrid laminate of jute and glass fiber with resin polyester is developed with The representative volume element utilized in ANSYS. In ANSYS material design module, the 3D microstructure of composite material is created with various fiber volume fractions of glass fiber and jute fiber. After that, the effective elastic properties of hybrid jute/glass fiber and polyester as matrix, glass fiber/polyester, and jute fiber/polyester are evaluated and the simulation-based effective elastic property is validated by existing experiment value which showed good agreement. For further study, in Ansys ACP PrepPost, the composite laminate such as hybrid jute + glass fiber/polyester, glass fiber/polyester, and jute fiber/polyester is created with desired lamina thickness, stacking sequence, and fiber orientation. Thereafter, it was transferred to a static structure module to perform tensile and bending test analysis. Ansys ACP post-processing is utilized to investigate stress induced at each lamina of the composite specimen. This study revealed that by adding glass fiber to natural fiber, the mechanical performance is enhanced significantly, whereas hybrid jute + glass fiber/polyester (S2) demonstrated the highest tensile strength 259 MPa compared to other hybrid laminate composites. Astonishingly, The hybrid composite jute + glass/polyester (S2) exhibited 10 % higher bending strength than glass fiber/polyester (S1) and 64 % more than net jute fiber/polyester (S5). Additionally, S2 demonstrated 9.5 % higher shear strength compared to S1 and 64 % more than S5. This study will give a great understanding of how adding glass fiber to jute fiber, could enhance the mechanical properties, which will contribute to the design of an efficient composite part for automotive such as car interiors, car doors, trim panels, lightweight applications, and packaging industries.

Tribological performance of the novel 3D printed PLA/Almond shell particles added PLA Single Gradient Functionally Graded Material (SGFGM)

The present study aims to develop a novel SGFGM (Single Gradient Functionally Graded Material) PLA/AlmPLA (Almond shell particles added PLA) for wear-resistant applications using 3D printing technology. The novel Almond PLA and neat PLA filaments are extruded using filament extrusion technique, the extruded filaments are used for the current study. Cylindrical-shaped sliding wear test samples are 3D printed with a 50:50 ratio of PLA and AlmPLA polymers. The tribological study is conducted to analyze the dry sliding wear resistance and frictional coefficient of the 3D printed PLA/AlmPLA samples. The samples are prepared by changing the levels of the print-factors such as Infill Density (ID), Printing Speed (PS), Layer Height (LH), and Printing Temperature (PT). The L16 Taguchi orthogonal array is developed to lessen the experimental runs and find the optimal condition for the lowest specific wear rate and co-efficient of friction of the respective PLA/AlmPLA SGFGM. The result depicts that the lowest wear and friction is observed at a LH of 0.15 mm, a PT of 210℃, a PS of 20 mm/sec, and an ID of 100 %. In the context of wear, the print-factors like PS and LH resulted in higher contribution like 28.92 % and 24.86 % while for friction, the print-factors like PT and ID developed higher influences of 31.79 % and 25.35 %. Surface features of the 3D printed samples show that the highest ID and lowest LH observe better dimensional stability at the interface, this may enhance the interfacial adhesion of the developed PLA/AlmPLA SGFGM. Overall, the developed PLA/AlmPLA SGFGM composites will be very suitable for heavy-duty industrial automobile interiors, automotive flooring trays, and bins in food packaging.

Stages of formation of the interior of a modern passenger railway carriage: historical overview

Passenger transportation in rolling stock railway carriage on Russian railways in the last third of the 19th – early 21st centuries are considered from the point of view of comfort for passengers created by the arrangement of the railway carriage body. The distinctive features of the interior of passenger cars of classes I, II, III and IV in pre-revolutionary Russia (1872–1916) are considered. Comparison of the interior of cars of different classes on railways of the late 19th – early 20th centuries. With the interior of compartment and second-class carriages used for transportation in Soviet Russia, and carriages of modern Russia, allows us to trace the evolution of technological solutions in the internal arrangement of carriages.The characteristics of the main interior detail are given — the seating and lying areas for passengers, which is taken as the main indicator of comfort for passengers. The review of reference and historical data is supported by excerpts from works of Russian classical literature of the last third of the 19th century, and additional information about the seating areas for passengers.The emphasis is placed on the use of information about the interior of passenger cars of classes I, II, III and IV, drawn from works of Russian literature of the last third of the 19th century, as illustrative material, in the course of students mastering the topic “Roads of pre-revolutionary Russia” when studying the discipline “General course of railway transport” for higher and secondary vocational education programs.

Enhancing mechanical properties of natural waste‐based composites for automobile and plastic industry

AbstractNatural fiber composites are a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic materials that combine the biodegradability and essential durability of natural fibers with adaptability. Improved adhesion between fibers and matrix can be accomplished by comparing surface treatments applied to sugarcane, water hyacinth, and banana plant wastes. This will allow us to produce composite materials that are more durable and sustainable. To study the mechanical and morphological characteristics of the composites, two surface treatments were applied: gamma radiation at a dose of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kGy and alkali treatment at a concentration of 5, 10, and 15%. The study revealed that with the increasing treatment of alkali solution, improvements in the composite's mechanical characteristics whereas gamma irradiation treatment enhanced the mechanical properties to a certain extent (2 kGy) after that the mechanical traits dwindled significantly. SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis of the developed composite samples also revealed the reasons for the improvements in mechanical properties after alkali and gamma radiation treatments. As an ecofriendly and lightweight substitute for conventional materials, bio epoxy composites reinforced with natural fibers can be used for car interior panels, eco‐friendly furniture and as a replacement for any plasticware offering eco‐sustainability for contemporary living space.Highlights Natural fiber composites offer a renewable and eco‐friendly alternative to synthetic materials, combining biodegradability with durability. Surface treatments like gamma radiation and alkali treatment enhance composite's mechanical properties. Higher concentrations of alkali treatment improve mechanical characteristics, while gamma irradiation peaks at 2 kGy. Surface treatments offer promising avenues for advancing environmentally friendly materials, contributing to sustainable innovations in material science.

Evaluation of the airflow distribution of a vertical air ventilation system in a car cabin using PIV measurements and CFD simulations

The main goal of a ventilation system in the car cabin in general is to guarantee an adequate thermal comfort for all passengers and to enable a good air quality with sufficient air supply into the cabin. Quantifying the indoor air distribution is essential to provide the necessary thermal comfort and the required air quality. The aim of this study is therefore to analyze the subsequent airflow distribution of the vertical air ventilation system presented as a possible solution for future cars with modern interior designs. With the vertical air ventilation concept, air vents are located at the ceiling and floor area of the car cabin, as ceiling and floor regions enable a large-area influx of air into the car cabin and allow accessibility to passengers in every seating position. For the analysis of the airflow distribution of the ventilation system, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been performed with a test vehicle in a climate chamber under specific conditions. Two different thermal manikins, one heated and the other unheated, have been used in the experiments. The results of the comparison between the two thermal manikins reflect a relatively low to medium impact of the human thermal natural convection on the airflow pattern around the manikin in the different air distribution modes of the vertical air ventilation system. Using the same ventilation settings, numerical simulations have been performed. The results of the numerical simulations are analyzed and compared with the results of the PIV measurements. The developed numerical model shows a good agreement with the experiments. It can hence be used for example in further studies to evaluate the thermal comfort or the air quality of the vertical airflow system as a new ventilation concept for future car interior designs.

Use possibility analysis for wind energy in autonomous car interior heating

Introduction. When driving cars in winter on intercity routes, problems may arise if the highways are covered with snow as a result of heavy snowfalls, which can last for several days or more, and movement during this period becomes impossible. An analysis of statistical data on weather events in winter has shown that in many regions, the closure of trails as a result of prolonged snowfalls can reach up to fifteen percent. In this case, an autonomous energy source, which it receives through the use of environmental properties, can provide significant assistance in improving the situation and increasing safety. The paper considers the technical solution and carries out a theoretical analysis of its characteristics aimed at solving the problem of autonomous power supply of the car interior in severe weather conditions.Materials and methods. The paper presents a technical solution and a theoretical analysis of its characteristics aimed at solving the problem of autonomous power supply of the car interior in severe weather conditions.Results. Based on the results of the information search, the design of a compact low-power wind power plant is proposed. The calculation of the heat loss of the car interior, the characteristics of a compact wind power plant was performed and the generated power required to heat the car interior in an extreme situation was determined.Discussion and conclusions. It has been established that the presented design of a low-power wind power plant can be used as a prototype for the development of an industrial design of an autonomous energy source for heating a car in extreme conditions. Similar installations can be used in other industries, for example, tourism, agriculture, and geological exploration.