Digital Twin Modeling of NOx Formation from Transient Vehicle Operations in Hilly Terrains
The Paseo del Norte region is recognized for its high ozone (O3) concentrations, which are largely attributed to photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds from transportation sources. This issue is particularly acute in the border city, where heavy traffic flows between the sister cities of El Paso, USA, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, significantly impact air quality. Additionally, the Paseo del Norte region is characterized by its hilly terrain, which can cause the transient operation of automobile engines with excessive NOx formation. The proposed project aims to quantify the contribution of transportation NOx from automobile transient operations in hilly terrains through collaborative research between mechanical and civil engineers. First, the NOx flow rate will be measured from on-road testing of diesel vehicles at varying traffic conditions near El Paso, Texas, while transferring the acquired data to the cloud in real time. Second, the collected data will be used to construct the digital twin model incorporating the engine simulation and NOx reaction kinetics. Lastly, the digital twin will be utilized to quantify the contribution of transient NOx at varying traffic scenarios. A thorough understanding of the NOx formation mechanism will enable policymakers to optimize transportation systems and mitigate excessive sources of NOx in urban areas. Additionally, the digital twin facilitates the evaluation of transportation NOx from neighboring regions, including Ciudad Juárez in Mexico, based on minimal traffic information. The interdisciplinary nature of the proposed study will foster future workforces in the transportation sector with unique capabilities.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $75,000.00
-
Contract Numbers:
69A3552348329
-
Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
1111 Rellis Parkway
Bryan, Texas United States 77807 -
Project Managers:
Ocon, Monica
- Performing Organizations: El Paso, TX United States
-
Principal Investigators:
Cho, Jaeyoung
- Start Date: 20250301
- Expected Completion Date: 20260831
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
- Source Data: 02-03-UTEP
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Air quality; Digital twins; Exhaust gases; Hills; Research projects
- Identifier Terms: Paseo del Norte
- Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Environment; Highways; Research;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01976243
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348329
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Jan 13 2026 4:14PM