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A method for measurement of rolling resistance of vehicles using only a single accelerometer measurement has been developed and a simple instrument has been constructed. Results of typical measurements on large, electrically propelled off-highway trucks are discussed.

A four-legged, 3000 lb, walking truck test bed has been developed and the test results have proved the feasibility of walking machines. Effectiveness of this control method where the machine mimics man’s arm and leg movements was shown by a variety of maneuverability experiments. Therefore, it has been proved that it is possible to develop this vehicle concept, and the control method involved, to effectively emulate animals in the way they travel on rough terrain. Human perception, judgment, and agility are transmitted through the machine in a manner that lets the operator easily imagine that the machine is merely an effective extension of his own appendages. The human psychomotor action, coupled with the power and ruggedness of the machine, provides a valuable marriage. It opens new vistas not only for rough terrain vehicles but also for a variety of other manipulative machines. Many jobs require the sensing acuity of man but are too tough for the frail human flesh.

An organic Rankine Bottoming cycle added to Diesel engines used for long-haul trucks has the potential of improving their peak fuel economy by up to 15% over a typical duty cycle. General Electric has developed a multi-vane rotary expander which has a measured isentropic brake efficiency of 80+% over a wide range of speed and power levels with organic working fluids. High cycle efficiency for design and off-design conditions is achieved with the multi-vane expander. The potential advantages of the multi-vane expander for the Diesel engine bottoming cycle include the elimination of a high speed gear box and the potential for over 80% isentropic engine efficiency. The multi-vane expander is a ruggedly built component running at Diesel engine speed. This paper describes the design and evaluation of a nominal 40 HP multi-vane expander for this application.

Today's instrument panel specifications for passenger cars are also applied to most light trucks and vans because internal company standards are dictating that light trucks and vans should approach the occupant safety of existing cars. In this presentation, we will examine the traditional specifications for pre-1988 model year, which center on a few key materials and part performance properties, and the increasing number of specifications which are being called for in 1988 model year and beyond, which require altogether new materials and processing systems. (Throughout this discussion, it should be noted that in referencing “automobiles” we are including light trucks and vans.)