Search Results

Can you become a visionary or are you born one? How does a visionary capture an opportunity and makes it a successful business? Are engineers more qualified to solve technical problems or run companies? SAE's "The Visionary's Take" addresses these and many other questions, by talking directly with those who have dared to tackle difficult engineering problems, and create real-life products out of their experience. In these short episodes, Sanjiv Singh and Lyle Chamberlain, respectively CEO and Chief Engineer from Near Earth Autonomy, talk about their experience in creating a brand-new company in the UAV world. Founded in 2011, Near Earth Autonomy brought together a group of engineers and roboticists, looking for unconventional solutions to very hard logistics problems, presenting danger to human life. The answers were developed by pushing technology to a higher level, testing quickly and often, and keeping an open mind to alternative ways of framing engineering challenges.

This technical paper collection contains 53 technical papers. Topics covered include engine exhaust aftertreatment and integration; hybrid vehicle integration and optimization; powertrain and drivetrain NVH; advanced transmission and driveline component design; diesel engine system design; fuel economy; alternative fuels; and advanced engine component design.

Abstract Dynamic stresses exist in parts of a catalyst muffler caused by the vibration of a moving vehicle, and it is important to clarify and predict the vibration response properties for preventing fatigue failures. Assuming a vibration isolating installation in the vehicle frame, the vibration transmissibility and local dynamic stress of the catalyst muffler were examined through a vibration machine. Based on the measured data and by systematically taking vibration theories into consideration, a new prediction method of the vibration modes and parameters was proposed that takes account of vibration isolating and damping. A lumped vibration model with the six-element and one mass point was set up, and the vibration response parameters were analyzed accurately from equations of motion. In the vibration test, resonance peaks from the hanging bracket, rubber bush, and muffler parts were confirmed in three excitation drives, and local stress peaks were coordinate with them as well.

Fuel consumption reduction on medium-duty tactical truck has and continues to be a significant initiative for the U.S. Army. The Crankshaft-Integrated-Starter-Generator (C-ISG) is one of the parallel hybrid propulsions to improve the fuel economy. The C-ISG configuration is attractive because one electric machine can be used to propel the vehicle, to start the engine, and to be function as a generator. The C-ISG has been implemented in one M1083A1 5-ton tactical cargo truck. This paper presents the experimental assessments of the C-ISG hybrid truck characteristics. The experimental assessments include all electric range for on- and off-road mission cycles and fuel consumption for the high voltage battery charging. Stationary tests related to the charging profile of the battery pack and the silent watch time duration is also conducted.

This paper describes the development and testing of a Dynamic Vibration Absorber to reduce frame beaming vibration in a highway tractor. Frame beaming occurs when the first vertical bending mode of the frame is excited by road or wheel-end inputs. It is primarily a problem for driver comfort. Up until now, few options were available to resolve this problem. The paper will review the phenomenon, design factors affecting a vehicle's sensitivity to frame beaming, and the principles of Dynamic Vibration Absorbers (AKA Tuned Mass Dampers). Finally, the paper will describe simulation and testing that led to the development of an effective vibration absorber as a field fix.

This paper discusses a design of experiments (DOE) analysis that was performed to understand relevant factors that influence the acoustic performance of a sound package part used in the commercial vehicle industry for the floor mat application. The acoustic performance of the sound package part which is a double wall system and constructed of a barrier and cellular decoupler material is expressed in terms of sound transmission loss (STL). An experiment was designed using the Taguchi DOE technique with three factors and three levels to acquire the STL data and is discussed in the paper. The results of the DOE analysis and the confidence in the model are discussed as well as the benefits of predicting expected STL performances are mentioned in the paper.

This manuscript provides a review of different types and categorization of the chassis dynamometer systems. The review classifies the chassis dynamometers based on the configuration, type of rollers and the application type. Additionally the manuscript discusses several application examples of the chassis dynamometer including: performance and endurance mileage accumulation tests, fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions, noise, vibration and harshness testing (NVH). Different types of the vehicle attachment system in the dynamometer cell and its influences on the driving force characteristics and the vehicle acoustic signature is also discussed. The text also highlights the impact of the use of the chassis dynamometer as a development platform and its impact on the development process. Examples of using chassis dynamometer as a development platform using Vehicle Hardware In-the-Loop (VHiL) approach including drivability assessment and transmission calibrations are presented.

The present competitive market scenario and customer requirements demand for improved NVH quality and to meet statutory norms without increased cost. When gears are used for power transmission, gear noise is of particular concern. The noise may be created due to harmonics of the rotating and meshing internal components. This has a significant effect on the overall vehicle sound quality. Various factors contribute to gearbox noise. Some of them include shaft misalignments, gear geometry, lubrication, bearings and loose mountings. Hence it is essential to study which factors contribute to the gearbox noise and to develop countermeasures for the same. Although a number of factors may contribute to gear noise as mentioned, the scope of this paper is limited to the effect of gear geometry alone on the gearbox noise.

A new approach for detecting problems with vehicle brakes by analyzing sounds emitted during braking events is proposed. Vehicle brakes emit acoustic energy as part of the braking process; the spectra of these sounds are highly dependent on the mechanical condition of the brake and can be used to detect problems. Acoustic theory indicates that as brake linings wear thinner the resonant frequency of the shoe or pad increases, potentially enabling the monitoring of lining wear through passive acoustic sensors. To test this approach, passive acoustic sensors were placed roadside at the exit of a transit bus facility for 9 months. The sensors collected almost 10,000 recordings of a fleet of 160 vehicles braking over a variety of conditions. Spectra of vehicles that had brake work performed during this period were analyzed to compare differences between new and worn friction linings.

Exhaust noise and note are key factors when deciding which high-performance vehicle to buy. Cadence and tone of the exhaust can determine whether a customer is willing to make a purchase. To make sure the exhaust note is desirable, manufacturers must make several prototypes with each subjected to extensive testing, tuning, and customer surveying. This process can be expensive and time consuming. However, even after such processes, the final design may not be well received by consumers. Utilizing computer aided engineering (CAE), specifically computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can provide a financially viable and technically sound solution to this issue. Recent developments in CAE software have allowed for capturing the effects of aeroacoustics in exhaust systems and reproducing the acoustic signatures as well as a physical exhaust note.

Vibrations of plates are widely seen in various applications of automobile, aerospace, mechanical and civil engineering. Vibration analysis of plates in medium and high-frequency regions plays an important role in optimal design and safe operation of machines and structures in these applications. Medium and high-frequency vibration analysis of plates is usually performed by using numerical methods. Proposed in this paper is a new analytical solution method for mid- and high-frequency analysis of thin rectangular plates modeled by the Kirchhoff-Love plate theory. In the development, analytical solutions for a class of thin plates are obtained based on a hybrid formulation that combines the Distributed Transfer Function Method (DTFM) and modal expansion. The proposed method, which is an extension of the DTFM for one-dimensional continua, is called the hybrid Distributed Transfer Function Method (hybrid DTFM).

In tire development, the dynamic tire-road contact forces are an important indicator to assess structure-borne interior cabin noise. This type of noise is the dominant source in the frequency range from 50-450 Hz, especially when rolling with constant angular velocity on a rough road. The spatial force distribution is difficult or sometimes even impossible to simulate or measure in practice. So, the use of an inverse technique is proposed. This technique uses response measurements in combination with a digital twin simulation model to obtain the input forces in an inverse way. The responses and model properties are expressed in the time domain, since it is specifically aimed to trace back the impact locations from road surface texture indents on the tire. In order to do so, the transient responses of the travelling waves as a result of these impacts is used. The framework expresses responses as a convolution product of the unknown loads and impulse response measurements.

To improve overall customer experience, it is imperative to minimize the noise levels inside agricultural equipment cab. Up-front prediction of acoustic performance in product development is critical to implement the noise control strategies optimally. This paper discusses the methodology used for virtual modeling of a cab on agricultural equipment for prediction of interior noise. The Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) approach is suitable to predict high frequency interior noise and sound quality parameters such as articulation index and loudness. The cab SEA model is developed using a commercial software. The structural and acoustic excitations are measured through physical testing in various operating conditions. The interior noise levels predicted by the virtual model are compared with the operator ear noise levels measured in the test unit. The resultant SPL spectrum from SEA correlates well with the test.

Noise & Vibration refinement of automotive vehicles is becoming important parameter due to its influence on environmental aspect and comfort perceived by occupants. NVH parameters are driving factors in current vehicle design strategy. Drivers comfort is extremely important, and driver’s expectations from commercial and heavy-duty trucks are as good as refined passenger cars. Other trends in commercial vehicle segment such as engine downsizing, weight, cost reduction and meeting stringent emission norms have influenced vehicle design dynamics. These parameters are critical and often contribute to vehicle NVH issues. Considering these new trends in commercial vehicle segment, it becomes challenging for an NVH engineer to provide optimized solutions. NVH issues could be related to the various subsystems such as driveline, axle, transmission steering wheel etc. in the vehicle and its resonant frequencies.

Rotavator is an active tillage implement for breaking the Soil and for the preparation of seed bed for cultivation. The Farmers are currently facing problem due to usage of sub optimal speed of Rotavator which results in more fuel consumption, takes more time for completion of operation. Also, the Current Rental models work on Tractor + Implement as rental combination and customer not able to rent Rotavator as a standalone implement due to non-availability of Tracking information such as hours of utilization on Rotavator. Farmers not able to maintain the service periodicity, if oil change not done in prescribed duration then it may result in improper maintenance and breakdown of the Rotavator. To overcome these problems a smart Rotavator developed consists of an electronic unit fitted on the Rotavator shaft to measure the speed of the shaft rotation and in turn convert to Rotavator speed and also able to convert into Hours of usage based on the starting and stopping of the rotavator.

Minimizing rattle noises is becoming increasingly important for hybrid and electrical vehicles as masking from the internal combustion engine is missing and in view of the functional requirements of the office-like interiors of next generation automated vehicles. Rattle shall therefore be considered in the design phase of component systems. One hurdle is the modelling of the excitation mechanisms and its experimental validation. In this work we focus on excitation by loose parts having functional clearances such as gear systems or ball sensors in safety belt retractors. These parts are excited by relatively large low frequency displacements such as road-induced movements of the car body or low order rigid body engine vibrations generating multiple impacts with broad band frequency content. Direct measurement of the impact forces is in many cases not possible.

Increasing demands for high fuel efficiency requires imperative light weighting of automotive structure, but this adversely affects the NVH performance since transfer path of noise sources like engine, road, wind to vehicle interior through the panels weakens. Also increasing customer centric approach drives the urge to provide world-class comfort which is cost-effective too. Sound Packaging helps us to optimize this transfer paths through the panel, and can effectively complement efforts of testing team, by reducing the redundant iterations required to conclude to most effective trims to be put on. statistical energy analysis based simulations is employed for carrying out these iterations at the virtual validation gateway itself.

Steering system is responsible for providing a precise directional control to the vehicle. The Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering (HPAS) system is commonly used in passenger cars and commercial vehicles due to low cost. Power steering pump develops and delivers required pressure to provide assistance while steering. It reduces the effort required to steer the vehicle. Steering pump (generally vane type) is a critical part providing hydraulic pressure assistance to rack and pinion or gear box. Basically the hydraulic pump noise can be classified as ‘Moan Noise’ and ‘Whine Noise’. The noise generated by power steering pump pressure pulsation is termed as ‘Moan’ and ‘Whine’ based on operational induce frequency. As power train becomes quieter, it becomes more perceivable at typical engine operating speed range and gives impression of poor refinement and quality.

There is a higher demand for quieter tractors in the agri-industry, as the continued exposure to noise levels have disastrous effects on operator’s health. To meet the world-wide regulatory norms and to be the global market leader, its mandatory to develop the comfortable tractor which meets homologation requirements and customer expectations. Typically, Operator Ear Level (OEL) noise has been evaluated in the test, after First Proto has been made. This approach increases cost associated with product development due to late changes of modifications and testing trails causing delay in time-to-market aspect. Hence, there is a need to develop the methodology for Predicting tractor OEL noise in virtual environment and propose changes at early stage of product development. At first, full vehicle comprising of skid, sheet metals and Intake-exhaust systems modelled has been built using Finite Element (FE) Preprocessor.

This paper focuses on partial encapsulation technique for reducing air-borne noise from the rocker cover of a commercial vehicle diesel engine. Due to increasing awareness, customers demand for improvised NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) performance in modern day vehicles. Better NVH performance implies better comfort for passengers as well as vehicle operator. This further increases the driver up time due to reduced driver fatigue. In order to improve NVH performance of existing vehicle and observe different noise and vibration zones, detailed noise and vibration mapping was carried out on one of our vehicle platform. It is observed that engine noise is one of the major contributors for interior noise, apart from road inputs etc.