Search Results

The field performance of a machine is conventionally analyzed using tools of virtual validation such as physics-based simulation models. Machine performance test data is typically not incorporated for performance evaluation using these tools. The present work aims to demonstrate the use of Data Analytics (DA) as a tool to analyze this data for predictive purposes. It aims at establishing numerical relationships of engineering interest within the data, which would otherwise be complex if done only using physics-based models. Engine operation data spanning over three months, comprising of multiple channels, of an off-highway machine, is used for model development. Machine fuel burn rate is chosen as the dependent variable. Several independent variables such as engine speed, charge air pressure, NOx production level, are chosen based on their correlation with the dependent variable and upon engineering interest.

This paper proposes a practical optimal-time window-based path-planning approach for a fleet of autonomous vehicles. Specifically, autonomous vehicles in this work refers to fleet of tractors that performs spraying operations in a vineyard field. The approach involves two main steps. In the first step based on a behavior and actions of the tractors that mimic manual spraying operations, a linear integer programming (ILP) optimization model is constructed. The second step then seeks a solution for this MIP model to obtain paths for autonomous navigation of the tractors in a vineyard field. The simulation results on a real-world data collected using Google Maps application for Sula vineyards located in the Nashik region [1] is reported. The obtained results show effectiveness of the proposal with respect to manual operator driven fleet management.

Paddy farming in India needs extensive water usage. Due to the rapidly declining ground water and ever increasing monsoon uncertainty, there is significant drive on water conservation for paddy farming through sustainable agriculture practices. The wide variability of irrigation water in Indian rice field, as high as 160 mm, necessitates an extra 100 mm of water in the field to provide complete water coverage. This is primarily due to inaccurate manual land leveling, often practiced in Indian paddy farming. In the present work, architecture of laser land leveler has been created by integrating low cost electronics, hydraulics and GPS technology. This paper will provide an overview of the current practices and suitable operating mode to meet the future demand on land leveling. The presentation would compare the laser land leveler with GPS land leveler solution architectures. The technological differences along with individual merits and limitations would be detailed.

The automotive electronic systems are composed of two major mechanical elements: an equipment housing or enclosure, and a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. The PCB is made up of alternating layers of copper and FR-4 glass epoxy laminated together. An estimation of the mechanical reliability of a PCB in an electronic system is considered to be an important part of the overall reliability estimate of the entire system and vibration is often one of the key causes of system and component failures. As different kind of electronic components (like transformers, capacitors, chips etc) are mounted on both sides of the PCB using solder joints, adhesive etc, various complexities are encountered while modeling them for analysis. For avoiding those, simple PCBs without any components are considered for the present study. This paper focuses on the methodology to understand and predict the dynamic behavior of the system using various mechanical tests and simulations.