Highly developed societies have many associated environmental problems, such
as the
maintenance of the natural environment, waste treatment and recycling,
conservation of air quality
and water quality, and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (via utilization of
renewable energy).
This division has offered and will continue to offer useful information on these
difficult problems
from the standpoint of mechanical engineering. In order to undertake this
challenging task based on
the broad scope of mechanical engineering, this division has the following four
technical
committees.
With regard to noise and vibration control, we highlight mechanical design and countermeasures to ensure people’s comfort.
In the past, the following themes have been discussed in this group.
- Relationship between mechanical noise and acoustic environment
- Design of comfortable acoustic environments
- Mechanical noise and vibration control with respect to sound quality
- Technical approaches for the optimal design of machinery with respect to noise and vibration.
“The advanced design and evaluation of mechanical noise and vibration for a comfortable environment” has been chosen as a key theme at this stage. In addition, much research is being conducted to enhance the engineering of machinery from an environmental perspective.
The relationship between energy and waste treatment technology is becoming
increasingly close. In
order to realize a sustainable city, finding the optimal combination of
recycling technology and WtE
(waste to energy) technology is important. Mechanical engineering is a key field
involved in solving
these problems. In many cases, new technologies as well as earlier systems or
technologies can
provide effective solutions. Thus, our activities are focused on a wide variety
of technological areas.
We contribute to the development of control technologies to reduce NOx, SOx,
and particulate
matter emissions associated with combustion, immobilization of CO2, NOx
reduction technologies and so on. In the field of water conservation, we address various environmental
issues, ranging from eutrophication in closed water area to endocrine disruptors and technologies for
recycling water to establish a recycling-based society. We also study the sterilization of
microorganisms in air and water.
Global warming leads to many problems such as food
shortages, desertification, and rising sea
levels. To counter these problems, it is important to employ energy technologies
that are in harmony with the natural environment.
The 4th technical committee introduces energy technologies to
realize comprehensive systems that encompass not only natural, social, and economical environments,
but also culture, welfare, amenities, and health. Based on this, a sustainable environment can be
artificially established using renewable and more efficient energy systems.