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Cars are undergoing major design changes, and typical usage scenarios are already showing significant departures from the main goal. What used to be mostly a transportation means is quickly becoming a mobile micro-world that replicates features, functions and services traditionally available in homes and offices. This paper will identify industry trends in the Driver-Machine-Interface area, and will try to anticipate how quickly and to what extent cars will morph into smart assistants to make the driving experience richer and even more enjoyable than it is today.

The EUROMIR-95 flight was selected as model for the HUBES experiment: a similar duration (135 days), a similar crew (3 men), similar schedule organisation (8 hours work, 8 hours sleep, 8 hours off-duties), similar workload for the crew and the mission control (performance of scientific experiments), similar setup for communication and data processing, and similar layout of the MIR station, as the simulation was performed in the MIR simulator located at the Institute for BioMedical Problems (IBMP) in Moscow. The Scientific Programme of HUBES had been elaborated by integration of 31 experiments from more than 80 research proposals from Principal Investigators from Europe, USA and Russia, in domains of Physiology, Psychology, Operations and Technology.

The demand for improved fuel economy in both cars and trucks has emphasized the need for lighter weight components. The application of high strength steel to wheels, both rim and disc, represents a significant opportunity for the automotive industry. This paper discusses the Ranger HSLA wheel program that achieved a 9.7 lbs. per vehicle weight savings relative to a plain carbon steel wheel of the same design. It describes the Ranger wheel specifications, the material selection, the metallurgical considerations of applying HSLA to wheels, and HSLA arc and flash butt welding. The Ranger wheel design and the development of the manufacturing process is discussed, including design modifications to accommodate the lighter gage. The results demonstrate that wheels can be successfully manufactured from low sulfur 60XK HSLA steel in a conventional high volume process (stamped disc and rolled rim) to meet all wheel performance requirements and achieve a significant weight reduction.

This paper describes Programmed Ride Control (PRC), the automatic adjustable shock absorber system designed and patented by Ford Motor Company. The system utilizes low shock absorber damping under normal driving conditions to provide soft boulevard ride, automatically switching to firm damping when required for improved handling. The system's microprocessor control module “learns” where the straight ahead steering wheel position is, allowing the system to respond to absolute steering wheel angle. A closed loop control strategy is used to improve system reliability and to notify the driver in the event of a system malfunction. Fast acting rotary solenoids control the damping rate of the shock absorbers.

This paper describes the development and application of the 1D thermo-fluid dynamic research code GASDYN to the simulation of a Lamborghini 12 cylinder, V 60°, 6.2 L automotive S.I. engine. The model has been adopted to carry out an integrated simulation (thermodynamic, fluid dynamic and chemical) of the engine coupled to its intake and exhaust manifolds, in order to predict not only the wave motion in the ducts and its influence on the cylinder gas exchange process, but also the in-cylinder combustion process and the pollutant emission concentration along the exhaust system. The gas composition in the exhaust pipe system is dictated by the cylinder discharge process, after the calculation of the combustion via a thermodynamic multi-zone model, based on a “fractal geometry” approach.

This study focuses on variable amplitude loadings applied to automotive chassis parts experiencing carmaker’s specific proving grounds. They are measured with respect to time at the wheel centres and composed of the six forces and torques at each wheel, within the standard vehicle reference frame. In the scope of high cycle fatigue, the loadings considered are supposedly acting under the structure yield stress. Among the loadings encountered during the vehicle lifetime, two classes stand out: Driven Road: loads measured during the vehicle manoeuvre; Random Road: loads mainly coming from the road asperity. To separate both effects, a frequency decomposition method is proposed before applying any lifetime assessment methods. The usual Rainflow counting method is applied to the Driven Road signal. These loadings, depending on the vehicle dynamics, are time-correlated. Thus, the load spectra is set only thanks to the vehicle accelerations time-measurement.

Sudden tire deflation, or blow-out, is sometimes cited as the cause of a crash. Safety researchers have previously attempted to study the loss of vehicle control resulting from a blow-out with some success using computer simulation. However, the simplified models used in these studies did little to expose the true transient nature of the handling problem created by a blown tire. New developments in vehicle simulation technology have made possible the detailed analysis of transient vehicle behavior during and after a blow-out. This paper presents the results of an experimental blow-out study with a comparison to computer simulations. In the experiments, a vehicle was driven under steady state conditions and a blow-out was induced at the right rear tire. Various driver steering and braking inputs were attempted, and the vehicle response was recorded. These events were then simulated using EDVSM. A comparison between experimental and simulated results is presented.

In this paper, we present a real-time 360 degree surround system with parking aid feature, which is a very convenient parking and blind spot aid system. In the proposed system, there are four fisheye cameras mounted around a vehicle to cover the whole surrounding area. After correcting the distortion of four fisheye images and registering all images on a planar surface, a flexible stitching method was developed to smooth the seam of adjacent images away to generate a high-quality result. In the post-process step, a unique brightness balance algorithm was proposed to compensate the exposure difference as the images are not captured with the same exposure condition. In addition, a unique parking guidance feature is applied on the surround view scene by utilizing steering wheel angle information as well as vehicle speed information.

A novel CFD simulation technique has been developed that unites realistic three-dimensional resolution of diesel particulate filter systems with computational efficiency. Three-dimensional resolution of the thermofluiddynamic behaviour during transient soot loading and regeneration is necessary for the optimization of the function, durability, weight and cost of DPF systems. Computational efficiency is required to allow its use as a standard development tool during all engineering phases and to allow the simulation of driving cycles. The detailed conclusions that can be drawn about soot distribution and thermal characteristics during the regeneration assist in ensuring the DPF function and avoiding DPF failures over the operational lifetime.

The possibility of 2 Channel anti-lock system, which controls each of two independent hydraulic circuits of diagonal split braking system of FWD car seperately, were studied. Theoretical investigation suggested two out of four possible control logics to be promising and they were proved to be practically satisfactory through vehicle test. This system is almost as effective as expensive 3-channel or 4-channel system, when the braking force distribution between front and rear axles is correct as required by EEC Braking regulation. Under extreme condition that rear wheels lock earlier than fronts, the compromise between stopping distance and stability is necessary.

This paper introduces the characteristics of the 4 wheel independent driving/4 wheel independent steering (4WID/4WIS) electric vehicle (EV). Models of Subsystems and the vehicle are constructed based on Matlab/simulink. The vehicle model allows the inputs of different drive torques and steer angles of four wheels. The dynamic characteristics of drive motors and steer motors are considered, and also it can reflect the vehicle longitudinal dynamics change due to the increase of the mass and inertia of the four wheels. Besides, drive mode selection function that is unique to this type vehicle is involved. Simulations and analyses of crab, oblique driving and zero radius turning which are the special conditions of 4WID/4WIS EV are conducted. The results show that the model can reflect the dynamic response characteristics. The model can be used to the simulation analyses of handling, stability, energy saving and control strategies verification of 4WID/4WIS EVs.

FOUR-WHEEL STEERING (4WS) is beginning to find widespread use as a new approach to improving vehicle dynamics, especially in the medium and high speed ranges. Steering the rear wheels in the same phase as the front wheels enhances vehicle stability. Four-wheel steering systems have an even greater potential to improve stability and steering response through suitable control over the transient characteristics of the rear wheel steer angle. This paper traces the course of Nissan research and development work on four-wheel steering and the evolution of Nissan's HICAS (4WS) technology. It also describes research activities under way on vehicle dynamics using a newly developed Simulator Vehicle, equipped with a front and rear angle transient control system which makes it possible to vary the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle instantaneously and at will while driving.

Four new 2-cylinder 4-stroke concepts are displayed as design and fitted in vehicles. These four different concepts comprise a Modular Concept V2- and W3-cylinder a MotoGP / Superbike concept with 2 and 3 cylinders, a narrow angle V-engine and a Building Block System Commuter CVT engine. Each engine concept is designed to meet the different requirements of the four segments. Specific analysis and simulation concerning 1D thermodynamics, vehicle simulation and delivered performance and tractive force was done for each concept. The concepts are compared in the aspects of uniform rotation, inertia forces and moments, and the effect on performance by the pulse effects of the manifolded intake and exhaust systems. The Modular Concept contains an OHC engine with a wide range of displacements and commonality of many parts. Good versatility is obtained as the concepts can be applied for sport- or custom bikes.

To optimize the tyre contact patch in a sports car, Ferrari has developed an active camber and toe (ACT) system comprising of 4 actuators for the rear axle. This complex and completely new system is difficult to model accurately and for this reason, it was decided to combine a physical prototype with a full vehicle model to carry out the functional tests. The method of combining a virtual model with a physical test is known as hybrid simulation. This functional testing of both the actuators and the vehicle dynamics logic will be performed on an MTS 6DOF bench test prior to physical track testing on a prototype vehicle using Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy. In support of this functional testing, we will use hybrid simulation techniques with software and methods specifically developed. The planned hybrid test system described in the paper will allow dynamic coupling between the physical bench test and a modified full vehicle simulation model.

Unguided sounding rockets, also known as sub-orbital rockets, are vehicles that carry scientific experiments and/or sensors to collect data during their trajectory. These rockets lack active control but are capable of traversing the Earth’s atmosphere. It is crucial to thoroughly analyze the flight parameters during the preliminary design phase. The Open Rocket flight simulation software, developed by Sampo Niskanen, is a widely used open-source project. However, it has some simplifications in comparison to its documentation. It does not specify the calculations of critical parameters required for the rocket’s stability during its flight. Additionally, it does not calculate data related to dynamic stability, which encompasses the system’s ability to make disturbances corrections during the rocket’s trajectory. Consequently, this study presents a flight simulation of a rocket with 6 degrees of freedom using Matlab/Simulink.

The measurement of the contact forces between road and tires is of fundamental importance while designing road vehicles. In this paper, the design and the employment of measuring wheels for trucks and heavy vehicles is presented. The measuring wheels have been optimized in order to obtain high stiffness and the approximately the same mass of the wheels normally employed. The proposed multicomponent measuring wheels are high- accuracy instruments for measuring the dynamic loads during handling and durability testing. The measuring wheels can replace the wheels of the truck under normal operation. Such family of wheels plays a major role in modern road vehicles development. The measuring wheel concept design is based on a patented three-spoke structure connected to the wheel rim. The spokes are instrumented by means of strain gauges and the measuring wheel is able to measure the three forces and the three moments acting at the interface between the tire and the road.

This paper discusses the features and systems of a new compact skid steer loader. Special features of the new loader are a single member lift arm and worm gear wheel drives. The general systems of the machine will be discussed along with the special PTO option.

The MTS 329LT six degree-of-freedom road test simulator (6DOF RTS) provides additional controls for camber and steer moments resulting in more realistic simulation results compared with results for a 4DOF RTS. However, the 6DOF RTS requires that additional transducers be installed on the data acquisition vehicle to provide the road load information necessary to control these additional moments. Occasionally, road load data available for drive file development may not include the necessary information for controlling steer and camber moments (typically for 4DOF applications). Under such circumstances, it is still possible to develop drive files for solid-axle-type rear suspensions. A technique used to accomplish this task is presented in this paper.

Wing panels for Boeing's new 777 airplane are assembled using fastening machines called Wing Fastener Systems (WFS). Compared to the wing riveting machines currently used to squeeze rivets for other airplane models, the 777 WFS provides significantly more features in that it also installs two part fasteners, collects process data for Statistical Process Control analysis, plus other functions. Historically, new operators for wing riveting machines have needed six months of on-the-job training to achieve basic qualification. Because of the increased functionality of the 777 WFS, an eight to nine month O.J.T. requirement was anticipated. Training requirements were further compounded by our need for up to thirty qualified operators in a relatively short time frame and a maintenance staff thoroughly trained in the new control architecture. Boeing's response to this challenge was to use simulation methods similar to those used to train pilots for our customer airlines.