Octane Rating or Octane Number

picture: wikimedia

Octane rating or octane number is a standard measure of the anti-knock properties (i.e. the performance) of a motor or aviation fuel. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating. In broad terms, fuels with a higher octane rating are used in high-compression engines that generally have higher performance.

Octane is a hydrocarbon liquid that is used as a reference standard to describe the tendency of gasoline, petrol, or benzin fuels to self ignite during compression prior to the desired position of the piston in the cylinder as appropriate for valve and ignition timing. The problem of premature ignition is referred to as pre-ignition and also as engine knock, which is a sound that is made when the fuel ignites too early in the compression stroke.

Severe knock causes severe engine damage, such as broken connecting rods, melted pistons, melted or broken valves and other components. The octane rating is a measure of how likely a gasoline or liquid petroleum fuel is to self ignite. The higher the number, the less likely an engine is to pre-ignite and suffer damage.

The most typically used engine management systems found in automobiles today monitor the level of knock that is being produced by the fuel being used. In modern computer controlled engines, the timing of the ignition will be automatically altered by the fuel management system to reduce the pre-ignition to an acceptable level.

The octane rating of gasoline is measured in a test engine and is defined by comparison with the mixture of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (iso-octane) and heptane that would have the same anti-knocking capacity as the fuel under test: the percentage, by volume, of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane in that mixture is the octane number of the fuel. For example, petrol with the same knocking characteristics as a mixture of 90% iso-octane and 10% heptane would have an octane rating of 90.[1] A rating of 90 does not mean that the petrol contains just iso-octane and heptane in these proportions, but that it has the same detonation resistance properties. Because some fuels are more knock-resistant than iso-octane, the definition has been extended to allow for octane numbers higher than 100.

Octane rating does not relate to the energy content of the fuel (see heating value). It is only a measure of the fuel's tendency to burn in a controlled manner, rather than exploding in an uncontrolled manner. Where the octane number is raised by blending in ethanol, energy content per volume is reduced.

It is possible for a fuel to have a Research Octane Number (RON) greater than 100, because iso-octane is not the most knock-resistant substance available. Racing fuels, avgas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and alcohol fuels such as methanol may have octane ratings of 110 or significantly higher. Typical "octane booster" gasoline additives include MTBE, ETBE, isooctane and toluene. Lead in the form of tetra-ethyl lead was once a common additive, but since the 1970s, its use in most of the industrialised world has been restricted, and its use is currently limited mostly to aviation gasoline.

Research Octane Number (RON)

The most common type of octane rating worldwide is the Research Octane Number (RON). RON is determined by running the fuel in a test engine with a variable compression ratio under controlled conditions, and comparing the results with those for mixtures of iso-octane and n-heptane.

Effects of Octane Rating

Higher octane ratings correlate to higher activation energies: This being the amount of applied energy required to initiate combustion. Since higher octane fuels have higher activation energy requirements, it is less likely that a given compression will cause uncontrolled ignition, otherwise known as autoignition or detonation.

It might seem odd that fuels with higher octane ratings are used in more powerful engines, since such fuels ignite less easily. However, detonation is undesirable in a spark ignition engine, and is signified by audible "pinging" or in more extreme cases "knock".

A fuel with a higher octane rating can be burnt in an engine with a high compression ratio without causing detonation, as such fuels are less prone to detonation. Compression is directly related to power and to thermodynamic efficiency (see engine tuning), so engines that require a higher octane fuel usually develop more motive power and therefore do more work in relation to the calorific value of the fuel (BTU) being used. Power output is a function of the properties of the fuel used, as well as the design of the engine itself, and is related to octane rating of the fuel. Power is limited by the maximum amount of fuel-air mixture that can be brought into the combustion chamber. When the throttle is partly open, only a small fraction of the total available power is produced because the manifold is operating at pressures far below that of the external atmosphere (depression). In this case, the octane requirement is far lower than when the throttle is opened fully and the manifold pressure increases to almost that of the external atmosphere, or higher in the case of forced induction engines (See supercharged or turbocharged engines).

Many high-performance engines are designed to operate with a high maximum compression, and thus demand fuels of higher octane. A common misconception is that power output or fuel efficiency can be improved by burning fuel of higher octane than that specified by the engine manufacturer. The power output of an engine depends in part on the energy density of the fuel being burnt. Fuels of different octane ratings may have similar densities, but because switching to a higher octane fuel does not add more hydrocarbon content or oxygen, the engine cannot develop more power.

However, burning fuel with a lower octane rating than that for which the engine is designed often results in a reduction of power output and efficiency. Many modern engines are equipped with a knock sensor (a small piezoelectric microphone), which sends a signal to the engine control unit, which in turn retards the ignition timing when detonation is detected. Retarding the ignition timing reduces the tendency of the fuel-air mixture to detonate, but also reduces power output and fuel efficiency. Because of this, under conditions of high load and high temperature, a given engine may have a more consistent power output with a higher octane fuel, as such fuels are less prone to detonation. Some modern high performance engines are actually optimized for higher than pump premium (93 AKI in the US). The 2001 - 2007 BMW M3 with the S54 engine is one such car. Car and Driver magazine tested a car using a dynamometer, and found that the power output increased as the AKI was increased up to approximately 96 AKI.

Most fuel filling stations have two storage tanks (even those offering 3 or 4 octane levels): those motorists who purchase intermediate grade fuels are given a mixture of higher and lower octane fuels. "Premium" grade is fuel of higher octane, and the minimum grade sold is fuel of lower octane. Purchasing 91 octane fuel (where offered) simply means that more fuel of higher octane is blended with commensurately less fuel of lower octane, than when purchasing a lower grade. The detergents and other additives in the fuel are often, but not always, identical.

The octane rating was developed by chemist Russell Marker at the Ethyl Corporation in 1926. The selection of n-heptane as the zero point of the scale was due to its availability in high purity. Other isomers of heptane produced from crude oil have greatly different ratings.

What is Nitrous Oxide System or NOS and How Does It Make The Car Go So Fast?

If you've watched the new 'Fast & Furious' movie maybe you've noticed that just like the first one 'The Fast and the Furious' you keep seeing those blue NOS bottles. So what is Nitrous Oxide or NOS and how does it make the car go so fast?


What is Nitrous? Simply put, Nitrous (N2O) creates large amounts of horsepower by creating more oxygen in the engines combustion chamber while simultaneously introducing additional fuel. The added oxygen allows the additional fuel to burn which creates increased horsepower for short bursts of torque and speed.

In applications for vehicle racing, nitrous oxide (often referred to as just "nitrous") allows the engine to burn more fuel by providing more oxygen than air alone, resulting in a more powerful combustion. The gas itself is not flammable at a low pressure/temperature, but it delivers more oxygen than atmospheric air by breaking down at elevated temperatures. Therefore, it is often mixed with another fuel that is easier to deflagrate.
Nitrous oxide is stored as a compressed liquid; the evaporation and expansion of liquid nitrous oxide in the intake manifold causes a large drop in intake charge temperature, resulting in a denser charge, further allowing more air/fuel mixture to enter the cylinder. Nitrous oxide is sometimes injected into (or prior to) the intake manifold, whereas other systems directly inject right before the cylinder (direct port injection) to increase power.

The technique was used during World War II by Luftwaffe aircraft with the GM-1 system to boost the power output of aircraft engines. Originally meant to provide the Luftwaffe standard aircraft with superior high-altitude performance, technological considerations limited its use to extremely high altitudes. Accordingly, it was only used by specialized planes like high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, high-speed bombers, and high-altitude interceptor aircraft.

One of the major problems of using nitrous oxide in a reciprocating engine is that it can produce enough power to damage or destroy the engine. Very large power increases are possible, and if the mechanical structure of the engine is not properly reinforced, the engine may be severely damaged or destroyed during this kind of operation. It is very important with nitrous oxide augmentation of internal combustion engines to maintain proper operating temperatures and fuel levels to prevent "preignition", or "detonation" (sometimes referred to as "knock"). Most problems that are associated with nitrous do not come from mechanical failure due to the power increases. Since nitrous allows a much denser charge into the cylinder it dramatically increases cylinder pressures. The increased pressure and temperature can cause problems such as melting the piston or valves. It may also crack or warp the piston or head and cause preignition due to uneven heating.

Automotive-grade liquid nitrous oxide differs slightly from medical-grade nitrous oxide. A small amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2) is added to prevent substance abuse.[29] Multiple washes through a base (such as sodium hydroxide) can remove this, decreasing the corrosive properties observed when SO2 is further oxidized during combustion into sulfuric acid, making emissions cleaner

Watch this interactive video and learn more than you ever thought you'd know about Nitrous Oxide.


Source: en.wikipedia.org + boxwrench.net

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Swimming With 9 Amphibious Vehicles

Credit World War II for making cars that can swim. And though the largest numbers of amphibian passenger cars were made way back in the 1960s, the prospect of a car that can navigate waterways like a boat continues to attract inventors.

Amphicar

Amphicar
Even though less than 5000 German-designed Amphicars were built, you can still see them. Most came to America and many are still in use.

The Amphicar was built for five years starting in 1961; it was a compact convertible with a steel unibody and double seals on the doors. Using a 1.2-liter four-cylinder Triumph engine mounted in the rear, it drove the rear wheels through a Porsche transaxle. A transfer case switched power to two 12-inch propellers when you entered the water. With 11 inches of ground clearance, entering a lake or river was easy, and the Amphicar would cruise at 8 knots. The front wheels served as rudders. Top speed on the highway for the 43-hp car was 70 mph.

To publicize the car, the company once drove it across the English Channel. Legend has it that President Lyndon Johnson liked to terrify joyriding houseguests by pretending that his car's brakes had broken and driving the Amphicar into a lake.

Gibbs Aquada

Gibbs Aquada
Alan Gibbs of New Zealand commissioned British automaker Lotus in 1996 to undertake an engineering viability study for an amphibious car. Neil Jenkins, who helped build the Jaguar XJ220, contributed to the clever frame and body/hull design; he now runs Gibbs Sports Amphibians, which announced this year it is beginning to work on producing the Aquada.

The Gibbs will come with hydraulically retractable wheels on struts. A single 165-hp 2.5-liter Rover four-cylinder engine will power the rear wheels and also a jet pump drive for marine travel. That engine will get the 4000-pound plastic-hull aluminum-framed Aquada to 100 mph on land and 30 mph in the water. A prototype crossed the English Channel in 40 minutes in 2004.

VW Schwimmwagen

VW Schwimmwagen
VW Beetle creator Ferdinand Porsche produced the four-wheel-drive Kübelwagen for the German Army in WWII. He then made an amphibious version of it in 1941, followed by a smaller version of the first amphibious car called the Schwimmwagen. It was powered by a 1.2-liter air-cooled flat four, which also drove a single propeller. The amphibious car used the front wheels as rudders when in the water. On land, the propeller would swing up, disengaging it from the engine. The Schwimmwagen was heavy and slow but had good traction off-road.

U.S. Army DUKW

U.S. Army DUKW
GM built the DUKW, called Duck when it was produced, for the U.S. military in 1942. It was adapted from a troop-carrier truck. The awkward name came from GM's official designations: D meant the 1942 model year, U stood for utility, K was GM's code for front-drive, and W was the code for two rear axles.

The DUKW's capacity was 5000 pounds or 25 soldiers. It'd do 50 mph on land or 5 mpg in the water. George Patton made the vehicle famous by using 1000 DUKWs to land in Sicily in 1943; 2000 participated in the D-Day landing in France in 1944.

In sum, GM built 21,000 Ducks. Today the amphibious cars are mostly seen giving aquatic tours. Milwaukeean Melvin H. Flath bought a surplus DUKW and charged 50 cents for tours in 1946; now tour companies in various cities use a couple hundred of the vehicles.

Terra Wind Motorhome

Terra Wind Motorhome
In September 2004, commercial pilot John Giljam built an amphibious motor home that cost $1.2 million and was 42 feet long. Powered by a rear-mounted 330-hp diesel engine, the all-aluminum bodied home on wheels uses two propellers and two rudders when it's floating. It has two inflatable pontoons on its sides for stability but can travel on water without them. Giljam now builds other amphibious machines through a company called Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International, which also builds DUKW-type vehicles for tour companies.

Dobbertin Surface Orbiter

Dobbertin Surface Orbiter
Using a double-wall stainless-steel milk tank from the back of a truck, Rick Dobbertin from Cazenovia, N.Y., built an amphibious truck that he drove from Florida to South America via the Gulf of Mexico, and back to the U.S. on land in 1995. It took him four and a half years to build the craft, which is 32 feet long, 7.5 feet wide, 10 feet high, and weighs 9 tons fully loaded. Its GM diesel V-8 makes 250 hp and powers all six wheels. The "surface orbiter" has traveled 33,000 miles on land, 3,000 in the sea, and was sold in a 1999 divorce auction for $200,000.

Rinspeed Splash

Rinspeed Splash
Well-known Swiss sportscar tuning firm Rinspeed built an amphibious car in 2003 that can go 120 mph on land and 45 knots on water. Under 30 knots, the Rinspeed can cruise in water like a conventional boat. Above 30 knots, fold-down hydrofoils raise the car's a lightweight carbon composite body shell 12 feet above the water. A single propeller lowers into water with the foils, and the wheels can lift out of the water.

Power comes from a 140-hp two-cylinder 750-cc engine running on natural gas. The vehicle's total weight is just 1800 pounds.

SeaRoader

SeaRoader
Englishman Mike Ryan designed and built his first Land Rover-based SeaRoader amphibian in 30 days back in the 1980s. He's built amphibious motorcycles, a Lamborghini-bodied amphibian, and his shop engineered the three floating cars featured on Top Gear in 2006.

The SeaRoader is Ryan's first production amphibian, made with steel body panels. It sells for $42,000. The on-road propulsion comes from the Land Rover's original 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine. In the water, a separate marine engine and output jet in the back can push the SeaRoader to 6 mph.

U.S. Army LARC

U.S. Army LARC
In 1952, the massive Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo amphibious vehicle, capable of carrying a 60-ton tank, made its maiden voyage in Washington state. Gross weight fully loaded: 319,000 pounds. One GMC 265-hp marine diesel engine powered each of the LARC-60's nine-and-a-half foot tall Firestone tires. The same four engines were used to drive two propellers in the rear via a transfer transmission. The 17-foot tall, 63-foot long LARC can travel at 20 mph on land and 7 mph in the water.
Two smaller versions were also produced—one that could carry 5 tons and another that could carry 15 tons.


Source: popularmechanics.com

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Flood Driving Safety Tips

Autogearhead: Flooded roadSome areas are more prone to flooding than others. This problem is set to increase in the UK with the onset of global warming.
Floods can occur when rivers burst their banks, after a period of heavy rainfall. Large volumes of water can cause flash-floods, or floods in urban areas where the sewers and drains can't cope and there is nowhere for the water to soak away.
As with all driving emergencies prevention is better than cure; in the case of flooding this means watching the weather forecasts before you set out on a journey, if flooding is widespread you might be better off cancelling trips that are not absolutely necessary.

If you are in a flood affected area consider moving your car to a place of safety when you first hear the warnings, but also be aware that if flooding has started moving your vehicle could pose a serious risk - never underestimate the dangers of flood water.

Eight things to think about when driving through floods.

1. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. In the UK they are usually cause when rivers break their banks.
2. You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
3.  Never attempt to drive through a flood that you couldn't walk through and be aware that water hides dips in the road. Worse still, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can wash away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.
4. Slow down into waterJust six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars; this depth can cause loss of control or possible stalling as water is sucked into the exhaust or washes into the air intake.
5. If negotiating a flooded section of road, drive in the middle where the water will be at its shallowest.
6. Consider other drivers - pass through flooded sections one car at a time, don't drive through water against approaching vehicles.
7. Many cars will start to float in as little as one foot of water - this can be extremely dangerous because as the wheels lose grip, you lose control.
8. Two feet of flowing water can sweep away most vehicles — including large four-wheel drive cars. Don't try driving through fast-moving water, for example approaching a flooded bridge – your car could easily be swept away.

Negotiating floods

Driving at speed into water that is more than about 15 centimetres deep can have dramatic effects - it could almost feel like driving into a brick wall with loss of control. This is why it's especially important to watch your speed on roads where there might be unexpected patches of water (perhaps hidden by a bend or a dip in the road).

I caught the cars on the right on camera driving into about six centimetres of standing water at around 25mph - an instant after this picture was taken the red car lost control, luckily an accident was avoided. perhaps next time the driver might not be so lucky. In 15 minutes I saw several near misses at the same spot.

Use a low gearIf you intend to drive through a flooded section of road, your first task is to check the depth of the water. In normal vehicles you should never attempt to drive through water that is more than about 25 centimetres deep (or up to the centre of your wheels).

It's also worth checking where the air intake is on your engine. If water is sucked into the engine it will stall, but worse than this, it can cause severe damage that will require the engine to be stripped down in order to bring it back to life. Do not try to restart an engine that has sucked in water - the plugs or injectors should first be removed to allow the water to be expelled.

Some four-wheel-drive vehicles are equipped with high level air intakes allowing them to be driven through water several feet deep, however, you can say goodbye to your deep pile carpet and Gucci Sneakers if you attempt this! And as mentioned above - even 4x4 vehicles can be washed away in flowing water. If the water is fast-moving - even 30 centimetres depth of fast-moving water could wash your car off the road.

Where possible flooded roads are best negotiated by one vehicle at a time. wait for approaching vehicles to clear the water before you start to drive through.

Using first or second gear (L or 1 in an automatic) drive slowly to avoid creating a large 'bow wave' (a small wave can be helpful but too much and the water can wash back into the engine). Slipping the clutch and revving the engine will also help to keep the exhaust clear and keep the engine running if water splashes onto the electrics. In an automatic keep your foot on the gas in the lowest held gear and use the brake to control your speed (and hope for the best!).

Try your brakesIn some cases a stalled engine can result in water being sucked back through the exhaust into the cylinders - this can cause extensive and expensive damage. Do not change gear because this can also cause water to be sucked back through the exhaust (due to the change in engine speed and manifold depression).

Another potential cause of damage in floods is a cracked catalytic converter ('cat'). The 'cat' is part of the exhaust system and works at high temperatures; if it comes into contact with very cold water there is a possibility that the rapid contraction of the metal could crack the welded sides - OK if you have plenty of money to replace it!

If your wheels start to lose grip partway through a flooded section it could be that the car is trying to float. To counter this, open a door and allow some water into the car, this will weigh it down, enabling the tyres to grip again - it's probably best to get a passenger to do this so that you can continue revving your engine and slipping the clutch.

After driving through a flooded section of road or a ford across a river, test your brakes (whilst still driving slowly) and be prepared to drive them off by touching the brake pedal very lightly with your left foot (practice this on an empty stretch of road next time you go out driving to discover what very lightly means!).

If your car has been abandoned and has stood in deep water for a long period (an hour or more) it's worth getting a mechanic to look at it before you try and start it. Alternatively, if you know a little about engines and have the appropriate tools, remove the spark plugs (or injectors) and turn the engine over to expel any water from the cylinders before trying to start the engine.

Stay calm - stay safe!

Source: www.smartdriving.co.uk

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Ford Transit to Get EcoBoost V-6 in 2013

Autogearhead: In December, it became official: Ford would replace the E-Series with a version of its new generation global Transit van under Ford's "One Ford" program. Details were scarce at the time, but Ford is finally starting to dish about the new Transit, and just announced that the van will receive Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 found under the hood of numerous Blue Oval offerings.

The announcement was made at the National Truck Equipment Association Work Truck show in Indianapolis. Ford divulged just one specific detail on the Transit EcoBoost: It will be a rear-drive model. We don't yet know if all-wheel drive will be an option.

We do know that the U.S.-spec Transit is likely to be called the T-Series. It will be built at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri, with production starting later this year. Though we don't know the transmission options or power specs for the Transit's EcoBoost, it is unlikely to deviate much from the F-150's, which has become a popular option for Ford truck buyers.

In the F-150, the engine is paired to a six-speed automatic good for 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Exterior styling will bear elements of Ford's "kinetic design" language, and shouldn't be wildly different from that of the Ford Tourneo Custom Concept Ford is unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Source: automobilemag.com



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The Threatening Dangers in Automobiles

AutoGearhead: This very informative article is about the threatening dangers in automobiles  was written by Brian Turner for autogearhead.com. Asbestos is one of the most threatening dangers in automobiles. The sturdy but dangerous substance was a common additive in automotive parts manufacturing. For most of the last century, manufacturers used asbestos in brake parts, heat seals, hood liners, clutch components, valves, gaskets, and more. 

Toxic Dangers in Automotive Parts

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that was once heralded for its strength, durability, and fireproof qualities. The public learned of its toxic dangers in 1977, when the United States government started regulating its use. Until then, asbestos was popular in many industries -- the automotive industry, of course, but also appliance manufacturing, building construction, and more. 

Numerous clinical studies have linked asbestos exposure to lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer. The disease has a long latency period, and a mesothelioma prognosis is grim. Automobile mechanics, body shop workers, and vintage car enthusiasts are most at risk for asbestos contact. Even those who do not develop mesothelioma may still experience respiratory problems like asthma and allergies. 

Toxic Dangers Outside the Car

Unfortunately, asbestos is not the only threatening danger in automobiles. Car emissions contain numerous health hazards. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, and other exhaust chemicals pose serious threats to public health and the environment.

Medical research has found a link between benzene and the development of leukemia. Other car emissions have been known to cause damage to the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Exhaust toxins may also harm the immune system and reproductive health. And certain birth defects are associated with exposure to emission chemicals.

Toxic Dangers Inside the Car

Modern vehicles are just as dangerous inside the cab -- in early models and late models, alike. The intoxicating smell of a brand new car stems from a combination of chemicals that include bromine, chlorine, and lead. Flame-retardants, plasticizers, and conditioners on the seats, floors, arm rests, and dashboards release harmful chemicals that increase in toxicity upon exposure to sunlight.

Chronic exposure to the threatening dangers inside a car can lead to liver and kidney disease and cancer. Pregnant women can give birth to premature infants with congenital defects. These children may later experience learning disabilities.

Preventing Automobile Dangers

Awareness of automotive safety issues, road hazards, the dangers of texting and driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. These are some of the threatening dangers of driving. Automotive toxins are the threatening dangers in automobiles themselves. Awareness, education, and prevention are the best ways for drivers to protect themselves against all dangers, both seen and unseen. (Brian Turner)

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Peugeot 208, the most beautiful car of the year 2011

Peugeot 208

AutoGearhead: The Peugeot 208 is in the final round to become the most beautiful car of the year 2011. Discover eight details of the 208 design.

Stylistic regeneration, the 208 gives form to and refines the new aesthetic codes of the Marque. ‘Floating’ grille, light signature, ‘boomerang’ rear lamps - each detail is designed in complete coherence with the balance of the car, structured by a "spine" the impression of which is even visible on the roof. Sculpted, athletic, both pure and sophisticated, its style projects the Marque towards a renewed and attractive modernity, suggesting sensuousness and energy, smoothness and mischief. The two body types have been given entirely different treatments, with the style of the quarter panel of the three-door version recalling one of its illustrious older siblings.

"A small group, very closely knit, we had the same vision of the direction we should take. That is what inspired us, gave us the strength and energy to succeed in realising all our ideas."
Pierre Authier, 208 Style Manager

"The strength of the 208 lies in its style: it is a real ball of energy. It has the potential to please everyone, without being a compromise, like a popular piece of music that touches the human soul regardless of culture."
Gilles Vidal, Peugeot Style Director

Source: mostbeautifulcar.eurosport.com




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