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The purpose of this paper is to give a description of using the new type Suspension Parameter Measurement Device. The design philosophy and specifications are elaborated on in another SAE paper entitled “Design of a New-Type Suspension Parameter Measurement Device”. The importance of using this new machine will be addressed in this paper. Because of the ease of use for this new device, testing can be accomplished in hours. To check repeatability, repeat testing can be done in a short period of time. This rapid testing is the main advantage of the new generation of SPMD's. The new SPMD collects raw data from transducers. All data are stored in the computer. Some are used directly to generate graphic outputs. Some are utilized to calculate wanted parameters. Graphs are generated so that some characteristics can be scrutinized. Parameters can be presented either by points or by cross plotting in graphs.

Multi-body simulations are very powerful tools in the modeling of dynamic mechanical systems. This study uses the multi-body simulation program ADAMS to analyze a light vehicle suspension. The paper introduces ADAMS modeling concepts and then applies them in a case study examining the effects of additional longitudinal compliance on the ride and handling behavior of a 1/4 car suspension model. The results were a marginal increase in the lateral stiffness of the vehicle, approximately the same ride performance, and an increase in the compliance steering angle.

This paper presents an evaluation of a vehicle dynamics model intended to be used for the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS). Dynamic validation for high performance simulation is not merely a comparison between experimental and simulation plots. It involves strong insight of vehicle's subsystems mechanics, limitations of the mathematical formulations, and experimental predictions. Lateral, longitudinal, and ride dynamics are evaluated using field test data, and analytical diagnostics. The evaluation includes linear and non-linear range of vehicle dynamics response.

This paper presents the methodology of the investigative techniques for examining vehicular fires. Discussion illustrating the mechanical “finger prints” that show the investigating team the mechanism of fire spread is presented. The common causes of vehicular fires and examples of each are discussed. The techniques used by the forensic chemist in determining incendiary fires and the use of specialized equipment in the investigation are illustrated. Tests are discussed to show the theories postulated in the investigative stages of the vehicle examination. Lastly, the interdisciplinary team approach to the investigation is discussed showing the validity of “forensic” engineering and chemistry in examining vehicle fires.