The Madras Engines and Emission Research Foundation (MEERF) Chennai, India
The department of Mechanical Engineering organized the seminar on “The Challenges in the Automotive Engines and Emissions Sector Globally and in India” at Mirza Seminar Theatre on 27.06.2018 from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm.
The seminar was extremely useful and packed with current engine emission technologies and the audience gained knowledge about the challenges in the engine emission testing requirements.It shapes the methodology for BS VI engine emission norms in India. We gained a clear idea about how engine manufacturers are overcoming the emission trade-offin engines. And also they presented details about the program they roll-out in India for engineering students.
Dr. Bharadwaj Sathiamoorthy,started his presentation withthe NOx emission levels of recent modern diesel vehicle generations observed in several real world driving conditions which were observed to be clearly higher than demanded in the type approval procedure. Due to the growing number of modern diesel engine concepts equipped with coated catalytic exhaust after treatment, the fraction of NO2 of the total tailpipe NOx emissions is predicted to continue to increase in the next few years.
Bearing in mind the upcoming tightening of the NO2 air quality limits and the steady increase of traffic volumes, excesses of the NO2 air quality limits at roadside locations have to be expected to an increasing extent for the beginning of the next decade.
He also described about the issue of particulate emissions originated from the diesel engine combustion process can be regarded as being technically solved due to the extensive introduction of diesel particle filters in the vehicle fleet if these systems will prove a high efficiency over the entire vehicle life in real world operation conditions.
However, particulate emissions from road transport will continue to be in the focus of public attention due to particle emissions caused by dust re-suspension and abrasion processes.
Then we came to know about MEERF- a Non-Profit Organisation which engages in research projects to reduce automotive, commercial and off road engine emissions in India. With strong research faculty at its core, working relationships with OEM’s and test laboratories across India, they aim to empower the academic community through research and testing based Programs. He also shared the different concepts and projects which are tested in their lab.
Mr. Ranganathan Narasimhanexplained about the opportunities for undergraduates and graduate level students to pursue and apply work on research projects
THE MEERF R&D PROGRAM FOR RESEARCH ASPIRANTS:
The program is a 10-12 Month Research Program and each candidate will work on current trending research topic in the Automobile industry under guidance of their research mentor. Accepted candidates gain access to wherein, candidates will train in Emissions Testing, set up, Engine Test setup, Data Acquisition, Calibrations, Design of Experiments, Statistical Data Analysis and Reduction.
All Programs are directed by Leading Scientists (Mentors) from West Virginia University, US and India. Letters of Recommendation & Support from MEERF and MEERF scientists for MS and PhD Admissions & Scholarships in any US, Europe and Australian Universities.
Career Assistance (Jobs):Ashok Leyland, Ford, Tenneco, Ecocat, TVS, TAFE, and Mahindra & Mahindra etc. Candidates will also have access to our connected network of Professors and Scientists in Clemson, Carnegie Mellon, UC, Riverside, University of Houston, and MIT etc
The speaker did keep us excited with his efficacy of language and spontaneous interactive approach. The students were then allowed to ask questions which were well answered by the speakers. It was an overall enriching experience and we look further for other such opportunities where both the staff and the students can be benefitted.