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Backward-facing step flow is a benchmark problem that has been studied in various fields, such as airfoils, diffusers, boilers, nuclear reactors, electronic devices, and air-conditioning ducts. In this study, a rigid rectangular flapping longitudinal vortex generator was mounted at the step of the channel to investigate the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics at three flapping frequencies (0.167, 0.25, and 0.5 Hz) in the Reynolds number range of 3000 to 8000, while maintaining at a constant heat flux. When the fluid flowed over the backward-facing step with flapping longitudinal vortex generator, a train of longitudinal vortices developed simultaneously. At a flapping frequency of 0.167 Hz, the developed high-intensity longitudinal vortices were stable and augmented the heat transfer by 38.54 % more than the smooth channel. The friction factor at 0.167 Hz was found to be 19.47 % and 25.33 % greater than at the higher frequencies of 0.25 and 0.5 Hz, respectively.

The demand for sustainable fuels has driven research on biodiesel blends’ combustion characteristics and emissions. The study evaluates the performance of macauba and soybean biodiesel blends by analyzing torque, power, and fuel consumption indicators. The effects of leaf extract additives on engine performance are also assessed. Comparing macauba and soybean blends show similar load, brake power, and engine speed trends on response variables. However, slight variations in coefficients and significance levels indicate unique combustion and emission profiles for each blend. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for optimizing engine performance and emission control strategies. Parameters analyzed include brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), exhaust gas temperature (EGT), carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, smoke opacity, cylinder pressure, heat release rate, and ignition delay. Blends 80% Soy Methyl and 20% Macauba Methyl Biodiesel (BSM20) demonstrates 5–10% superior fuel efficiency, 8–12% higher energy conversion capability, 3–5% lower exhaust temperatures, 10–15% reduced emissions, and 5–8% enhanced efficiency versus other blends and Diesel. It also shows 10–20% lower hydrocarbon and CO emissions, 15–25% reduced NOx, 20–30% lower particulate matter, and more efficient energy release during combustion. Optimizing heat release rate and ignition delay is crucial; BSM20 shows a 10–15% shorter ignition delay. Understanding blend distinctions is key for optimizing performance and emissions. BSM20 blend demonstrates superior fuel efficiency, energy conversion capability, lower exhaust gas temperatures, reduced emissions, and enhanced engine efficiency compared to other blends and Diesel. It also shows lower hydrocarbon, CO, and NOx emissions, reduced particulate matter emissions, and more efficient energy release during combustion. Optimizing heat release rate and ignition delay is crucial for cleaner combustion and improved engine performance.