Nicholas's Blog

A brochure by Nissan (2024) introduces the VR38DETT engine used in the Nissan GT-R R35. The VR38DETT is a 3.8L high-performance, twin-turbocharged V6 engine renowned for its reliability and performance. Its key features include a bore x stroke of 95.5mm x 88.4mm, a compression ratio of 9.0:1, a direct fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft with 24 valves. These combinations allow the engine to produce up to 550 horsepower, and 632 Nm of torque. The engine adopts a ladder frame structure to provide the crankshaft with additional support, considering the high torque figures produced by the engine. To ensure the reliability of the engine, the engine cylinder block and pistons are both made with aluminum for strength and lightness. Additionally, its aluminum block and DOHC 24-valve design enhance both durability and responsiveness, making it a hallmark of Nissan’s engineering excellence (CarBuzz, n.d.). Thesis statement: The VR38DETT Nissan engine exemplifies versatility, cap...

As stated in a brochure by Nissan (2024) introduces the VR38DETT engine used in the Nissan GT-R R35. The VR38DETT is a 3.8L high-performance, twin-turbocharged V6 engine renowned for its reliability and performance. Its key features include a bore x stroke of 95.5mm x 88.4mm, a compression ratio of 9.0:1, a direct fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft with 24 valves. These combinations allow the engine to produce up to 550 horsepower, and 632 Nm of torque. The engine adopts a ladder frame structure to provide the crankshaft with additional support, considering the monstrous torque produced by the engine. To ensure the reliability of the engine, the engine cylinder block and pistons are both made with aluminum for strength and lightness. Additionally, its aluminum block and DOHC 24-valve design enhance both durability and responsiveness, making it a hallmark of Nissan’s engineering excellence (CarBuzz, n.d.).  Thesis statement: The VR38DETT Nissan engine exemplifies ...

 Initial Research Pathway of VR38DETT Nissan Engine. 1. Raiyan and I were considering to conduct research on either the Porsche 911 T-hybrid engine or the Nissan VR38DETT engine. 2. We chose the Nissan VR38DETT engine ultimately as it has been around for longer, and there are more details on it online. 3. Firstly, we plan to start the report by introducing the engine, such as the engine components and the engine specifications. 4. Secondly, we plan to list out the improvement of the VR38DETT engine over its predecessor, the RB26DETT engine. 5. Lastly, we plan to research on the common problems of the VR38DETT engine and the steps taken to rectify them.

Dear Professor Blackstone, This letter serves as a self introduction to provide you with a better understanding of who I am. My name is Nicholas and I am from your Critical Thinking and Communication class (S20 [2024/25 T1]). I have a Diploma in Clean Energy Management from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I developed an interest for engineering since young. As a kid, I always scored well in my math and science subjects, while scoring badly for subjects that involved being creative. Hence, my teachers always told me that I was "engineering material". Therefore, I guess the thought that I am "engineering material" has been ingrained in me since young. Another catalyst for my interest in engineering is my love for cars. I like to read and learn about anything and everything about cars, from how their engines work, to the history of the automotive industry. Therefore, I have always wanted to become an engineer to work in the automotive industry. Regarding my communication skills,...

   I have paired up with Dong Xuan to both offer our own perspectives on the following quote by Merybeth Miceli, President of Miceli Infrastructure Consulting, USA in 2011.      “I contend that we (engineers) are undervalued because of our widespread inability to explain what we do to the general public (and why it is so important). It is one of the hardest goals to accomplish, to be able to boil down difficult concepts into a short and easily understood presentation or elevator pitch”.      The way I read and understand the quote is that engineers as a whole tend to be unable to communicate in a manner that the general public can understand as most of the communication relies on the existing knowledge of those conversing. Without such forehand knowledge, one might not offer critical thinking to the conversation at hand.      An example from aerospace, a field of particular interest to me, is the concept of lift and t...