The tribological properties of Lithium grease specimens with different concentrations of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were investigated using a pin on disc apparatus under different sliding speeds and normal loads. Results showed that Al₂O₃ nanoparticles enhanced the tribological properties of lithium grease and reduced the COF and wear scar width by approximately 57.9% and 47.5% respectively.

This study experimentally investigates vibration-based approaches for fault diagnosis of automotive gearboxes. The primary objective is to identify methods that can detect gear-tooth cracks, a common fault in gearboxes. Vibrational signals were supervised on a gearbox test rig under different operating conditions of gears with three symmetrical crack depths (1, 2, and 3 mm). The severity of the gear-tooth cracks was predicted from the vibrational signal dataset using an artificial feedforward multilayer neural network with backpropagation (NNBP). The vibration amplitudes were the greatest when the crack size in the high-speed shaft was 3 mm, and the root mean square of its vibration speed was below 3.5 mm/s. The vibration amplitudes of the gearbox increased with increasing depth of the tooth cracks under different operating conditions. The NNBP predicted the states of gear-tooth cracks with an average recognition rate of 80.41% under different conditions. In some cases, the fault degree was difficult to estimate via time-domain analysis as the vibration level increases were small and not easily noticed. Results also showed that when using the same statistical features, the time-domain analysis can better detect crack degree compared to the neural network technique.

Light detection and ranging (lidar) imaging systems are being increasingly used in autonomous vehicles. However, the final technology implementation is still undetermined as major automotive manufacturers are only starting to select providers for data collection units that can be introduced in commercial vehicles. Currently, testing for autonomous vehicles is mostly performed in sunny environments. Experiments conducted in good weather cannot provide information regarding performance quality under extreme conditions such as fog, rain, and snow. Under extreme conditions, many instances of false detection may arise because of the backscattered intensity, thereby reducing the reliability of the sensor. In this work, lidar sensors were tested in adverse weather to understand how extreme weather affects data collection. Testing setup and algorithms were developed for this purpose. The results are expected to provide technological validation for the commercial use of lidar in automated vehicles. The effective ranges of two popular lidar sensors were estimated under adverse weather conditions, namely, fog, rain, and snow. Results showed that fog severely affected lidar performance, and rain too had some effect on the performance. Meanwhile, snow did not affect lidar performance.

This paper thoroughly addresses the risks and challenges associated with ammonia as a fuel and asserts that we can effectively harness its potential. We underscore the imperative of implementing safe production, transportation, and utilization frameworks to mitigate any new environmental or safety concerns. The time for action is not in the distant future but now. By ensuring these safe frameworks, we can confidently move forward with ammonia as a fuel alternative. The world is navigating significant challenges, including a growing resource shortage and accelerating environmental degradation. Amid rising global energy demands, ammonia has emerged as a promising yet complex fuel alternative. Its adoption, however, requires careful consideration to ensure safety and sustainability. Liquefied ammonia has emerged as a compelling solution and is already used in the USA. It is produced in ammonia plants through established methods and nuclear reactors. This process requires no new technological breakthroughs; it is already successfully implemented where large quantities of liquefied ammonia are produced and distributed safely. Ammonia condenses into a dense liquid under moderate compression, making transportation straightforward. Furthermore, nuclear ammonia production, particularly when utilizing thorium-fueled molten salt breeder reactors, generates zero greenhouse gas emissions, relying on clean electrical energy, water, and air. These reactors, due to their cost-effectiveness and sustainability, enhance the appeal of ammonia as a fuel alternative.

Risk encompasses the inherent potential for adverse consequences stemming from a variety of hazards and conditions that can impact our operations. It is imperative that we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of both the severity of potential outcomes and the probability of these occurrences, allowing us to prioritize our response strategies effectively. Our business is faced with a multitude of operational risks that are critical to our success. These include challenges related to construction logistics—such as supply chain disruptions, equipment delays, and resource allocation—alongside vital concerns regarding personnel safety, which encompasses training, adherence to safety protocols, and emergency response procedures. Additionally, we must remain vigilant about well integrity and facility integrity to prevent environmental incidents and operational failures. Aviation safety is another pivotal area where protocols must be meticulously followed, given the critical nature of air transport in our operations. Lastly, we recognize the importance of robust security measures to safeguard our assets, personnel, and sensitive information against potential threats. In light of these complexities, we are fully committed to conducting thorough and systematic Risk Assessments. These assessments are designed to determine the significance of various risks we face and to guide our decision-making regarding necessary actions for risk reduction or mitigation when warranted. Effective Risk Management is an essential cornerstone of our operational strategy. It encompasses the systematic application of established principles and best practices to identify, assess, and control risks in a structured manner. Our goal is to protect not only human life and the environment but also our physical assets and the integrity of our company’s reputation—doing so in a manner that optimizes cost-effectiveness. We emphasize responsible stewardship of resources and prioritize transparent communication regarding our risk management processes and outcomes, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in our risk mitigation efforts.