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An inexpensive driving simulation system with sufficient fidelity has been developed. The system produces motion cues of four degrees of freedom, visual and auditory cues, and control feel on the steering wheel. This paper describes the features of this newly developed system and gives examples that demonstrate its effectiveness. The motion cues provided in this system are yaw, heave, and lateral and fore/aft accelerations. The lateral and fore/aft accelerations are simulated by tilting the simulator compartment. A computer-processed road image is given through a CRT monitor. The restoring torque of the steering wheel is produced by an electrical servosystem via a coil spring. Cruising sound is given in order to improve speed perception. Since the system uses digital computers, the vehicle characteristics are altered easily by merely rewriting the software. This enables us to simulate special vehicle dynamics such as front & rear wheel steering.

Motor vehicle standards in Japan was systematically established in 1951 for the first time. On the other hand, in Europe, the United States and Australia, etc., there are EEC directive, FMVSS and ADR, etc. However, it is desirable to harmonize these standards as harmonization of motor vehicle standards will contribute to the improvement of productivity for motor vehicle development and manufacture. As for the international harmonization, ECE WP29 has been playing a key role. Therefore, Japan has positively supported the standard harmonizing activities of ECE WP29. We must promote the international harmonization in co-operation with ECE WP29.

A procedure has been developed for evaluating equivalent drive cycle emission results from raw exhaust gas emissions data obtained from an engine under test on a computer controlled Vehicle Simulator Engine Dynamometer. The emitted species data is integrated with the air intake flow rate to determine the total mass of emissions, after correcting for the reduction in exhaust gas mass due to precipitation of the moisture of combustion. This procedure eliminates the need for the Constant Volume Sample (CVS) System attached to the vehicle exhaust while undergoing simulated drive testing on a chassis dynamometer to evaluate compliance of the test vehicle with the Australian Design Rules, ADR27 and ADR37. Sources of error with the procedure are examined by comparing the fuel consumption measured using a volumetric technique during the test with that evaluated by a carbon balance procedure as given in the Australian Design Rules.

An all-ceramic swirl chamber has been developed and analyses and evaluations concerning the strength of silicon nitride ceramic (Si3N4) have been performed with a view to using it for the entire internal wall surface of the swirl chamber. The strength characteristics of Si3N4 and their effect and variation have been determined. On the basis of measurements and analyses of thermal stresses, assembling stresses, etc., investigation of the most suitable construction and assembling methods to reduce load stresses on ceramic, and various kinds of duration tests, the swirl chamber has been confirmed to have the required durability. This engine was found to comply with the 1987 U.S. diesel particulate regulation.

For the purpose of satisfying today's market demands, new 8 and 11 liter diesel engines, named "STORM" series, have been developed and moved into production in 1986. Based on the predecessors which have been produced since 1975, the development of the STORM series aimed high performance, low emission, long life-time and low operating costs. In order to consult customers' convenience, exchangeability of engine parts and commonality of vehicle installations with the former engines had to be maintained. This paper describes the development work of STORM engines, and the design aspects and performance characteristics of these engines.

The influence of the tyre properties on the driving behaviour of single-track vehicles has been measured by performing running tests with full-scale vehicles. The indoor dynamic tyre measurements using the sideslip angle as the input signal reveale that the sideforce and self-aligning moment characteristics are helpful explaining the measured driving behaviour. The obtained tyre parameters values and second order equations have been implemented in the simulation program ADINA-MOBSIP. This program is specially conceived for the simulation of the driving behaviour of single-track vehicles and is based on the finite element method.