Browse Topic: Market research

Items (110)
Improvement of Practical Electric Consumption by Drag Reducing under Cross Wind2016-01-16264/5/2016
Reducing vehicle fuel consumption has become one of the most important issues in recent years in connection with environmental concerns such as global warming. Therefore, in the vehicle development process, attention has been focused on reducing aerodynamic drag as a way of improving fuel economy. When considering environmental issues, the development of vehicle aerodynamics must take into account real-world driving conditions. A crosswind is one of the representative conditions. It is well known that drag changes in a crosswind compared with a condition without a crosswind, and that the change depends on the vehicle shape. It is generally considered that the influence of a crosswind is relatively small since drag accounts for a small proportion of the total running resistance. However, for electric vehicles, the energy loss of the drive train is smaller than that of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Therefore, drag represents a relatively larger proportion of the total running resistance. That makes it necessary to consider the influence of a crosswind in order to reduce electric power consumption in real-world driving. In this study, representative test conditions taking into account a crosswind were proposed for wind tunnel tests based on an analysis of U.S. market data such as vehicle speeds and wind speeds. The test results made clear the mechanism causing drag to change under the representative test conditions. The representative test conditions were calculated by the Monte Carlo method using real-world driving data. It was found that a yaw angle of 4 degrees is the most influential yaw angle. The mechanism causing drag to change was studied in wind tunnel tests. The factors affecting the change in drag were identified, and measures for reducing that change were examined.
Kawamata, HideyukiKuroda, SatoruTanaka, ShingoOshima, Munehiko
Conceptual Development of a Multi-Material Composite Structure for an Urban Utility/Activity Vehicle2016-01-13344/5/2016
The Deep Orange framework is an integral part of the graduate automotive engineering education at Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). The initiative was developed to immerse students into the world of an OEM. For the 6th generation of Deep Orange, the goal was to develop an urban utility/activity vehicle for the year 2020. The objective of this paper is to describe the development of a multimaterial lightweight Body-in-White (BiW) structure to support an all-electric powertrain combined with an interior package that maximizes volume to enable a variety of interior configurations and activities for Generation Z users. AutoPacific data were first examined to define personas on the basis of their demographics and psychographics. The resulting market research, benchmarking, and brand essence studies were then converted to consumer needs and wants, to establish vehicle target and subsystem requirement, which formed the foundation of the Unique Selling Points (USPs) of the concept. The various sub-systems within the vehicle were then developed; a systems integration approach was used to balance design, engineering, and project (cost, weight, and timing) compromises. The paper discusses the BiW as an enabler of the vehicle USPs, including an very low, flat floor, a utility-oriented asymmetric door concept, and an integrated hatch and rear bumper which create a low lift-over height for loading and unloading. The development of the topology, geometry, and properties of the BiW structure in relation to the chassis, powertrain, and occupant packaging elements required balancing design space, functionality, cost, and weight. Novel manufacturing processes, materials, and joining techniques are described in addition to elaborations on the final realization of the BiW concept.
Flegel, ChristopherBhivate, ParthLi, LiangMathur, YashPhalgaonkar, SanketBenton, MarkMuralidharan, PrasanthBrooks, JohnellPilla, SrikanthVenhovens, PaulLewis, DavidDeBry, GarrettPayne, Craig
Development of an Algorithm to Automatically Detect and Distinguish Squeak and Rattle Noises2015-01-22586/15/2015
Squeak and rattle (S&R) noises are undesirable noises caused by friction-induced vibration or impact between surfaces. While several computer programs have been developed to automatically detect and rate S&R events over the years, no reported work has been found that can detect squeak and rattle noises and distinguish them. Because the causes of squeak noises and rattle noises are different, knowing if it is a squeak noise or rattle noise will be very helpful for automotive engineers to choose an appropriate measure to solve the problem. The authors have developed a new algorithm to differentiate squeak noises and rattle noises, and added it to the S&R detection algorithm they had developed previously. The new algorithm utilizes a combination of sound quality metrics, specifically sharpness, roughness, and fluctuation strength. A three-dimensional space defined by the maximum values of sharpness, roughness, and fluctuation strength of the noise are used to differentiate squeak and rattle noises. The developed algorithm has been applied to 86 recorded squeak and rattle noises and the results have shown that the correct type of noise was successfully identified nearly 100% of the time. Also discussed are possible performance improvement and best application of the developed S&R differentiation algorithm.
Lee, Gil-JunKim, KichangKim, Jay
Powertrain Model for Selection of Reduction Ratio and Estimation of Energy Requirement2014-01-17814/1/2014
This paper presents a mathematical model of an electric driveline consisting of one battery pack, two independent Permanent Magnet DC (PMDC) motors and motor-controllers and two fixed-ratio planetary gearboxes, all located inside the rear frame of the vehicle. The proposed analysis has been performed with the objective of: (i) Determination of acceleration run time for a straight patch of 75 meters; (ii) Determination of lap times and energy consumption for endurance track of 23 laps. A model of a PMDC motor and motor controller has been developed based on response analysis by conducting experiments on a jig setup. The motor controllers are compared for two control modes- Speed mode and Torque mode. A simplified race car model for longitudinal vehicle dynamics is derived from forces acting on the car including the effect of losses due to drag forces, rolling resistance, transmission inefficiency and inertial losses due to rotary elements. The effect of reduction ratio on acceleration run times and endurance lap times and energy consumption is compared and an optimum gear ratio is finalized considering acceleration performance and mass and inertia of resulting gearbox. An estimate of maximum energy utilized during the endurance run is obtained based on motor current profile and speed-torque characteristics, and the battery pack size and configuration is decided accordingly. The cells for the battery pack have been selected after extensive market research based on constraints like energy requirement, weight and maintenance cost. This concludes the entire mathematical model for the driveline of the vehicle pertaining to the most optimized performance.
Sakhalkar, SiddheshDhillon, ParveenBakshi, SoovadeepKumar, PranayArora, Puneet Singh
Design and Optimization of Planetary Gearbox for a Formula Student Vehicle2014-01-17804/1/2014
This paper presents the method of designing an optimized light weight, cost effective planetary gearbox for a Formula Student vehicle. The gearbox has a high speed functioning capability, in addition to the compact size and light weight. The iterative optimization procedure used provides a technique for selecting the best possible configuration of the gearbox. Conventional gearboxes used for this purpose are generally two step reduction gearboxes, which are bulkier in terms of weight and volume. Also, a review of the existing market reveals that the planetary gearboxes manufactured in India are not capable of handling high speeds, thus rendering them futile for racing applications. The target reduction ratio for the gearbox is a fixed parameter. The method involves design and optimization of the gear-train with the calculated ratio. A detailed algorithm has been used, which involves developing a mathematically modelled code for deciding gear characteristics, physical modelling using CAD, and structural testing of the same through simulation, with repeated iterations with a target to reduce both weight and volume. The program used has been modelled on the theoretical data acquired through perusal of available literature. The selection of bearings have been made after calculating the forces acting on the bearings, followed by market research to select bearings with the requisite load capability. The shafts for the gears have also been designed according to force calculations, followed by structural analysis. The casing for the gears is constructed around the gear-train for efficient packaging and validated through static structural simulation. A preliminary thermal analysis has been completed to verify the design according to thermal considerations. The result of the same has been presented.
Bakshi, SoovadeepDhillon, ParveenMaruvada, Teja
Interpretation of Time-Frequency Distribution Cross Terms2008-01-02704/14/2008
Noise and vibration signals which are stationary are frequently analyzed for frequency content using Fourier Transform methods. Frequency content can be clearly displayed, but temporal characteristics of signals can easily be obscured in a frequency spectrum. Several commonly available methods of analyzing nonstationary signals are available, such as short-time Fourier Transform and wavelet analysis. Smearing of data in the time and/or frequency domains leads to limited usefulness of these methods in analyzing rapidly varying signals. This also applies to stationary signals with perceivable temporal characteristics. The Wigner Distribution is a time-frequency analysis which can analyze rapidly varying signals and show the effects of rapid changes in signal characteristics. It is appealing because it fully preserves all the information present in the original signal. However, the Wigner Distribution of a measured signal typically contains cross terms which do not correspond to spectral components in the original signal. Much success has been achieved at reducing cross terms by modifying the Wigner Distribution (at the expense of losing some of the original signal information). The objective of this paper is to show that these cross terms contain information about temporal variations of the signal envelope and are not just artifacts of the Wigner Distribution calculation.
Sorenson, Steven R.Lock, Aaron M.
Responsabilidade Social Empresarial: Ética ou Estética? – Uma análise do setor automobilístico brasileiro2005-01-417011/22/2005
This paper has as objective to investigate the reasons of the companies to adopt the concept of Social Responsibility, as well as the respective alignment between this concept and the purpose of the actions for them undertaken. The concepts of Social Responsibility, Ethical Enterprise and Enterprise Social Responsibility had been used to analyze as the Social Responsibility is used in the strategy of marketing of the companies, combined with the tool Marketing for Social Causes, in order to understand the reason of the companies to practice action of this nature. Another argued aspect was the increasing evolution of variable that before was not part of the strategical development of the company, together with the biggest concern of the company - the profit -, for the attainment of an increase of recognition of the society, beyond a on interest to the question of the improvement of its institutional image. An increasing persistence for the association of these social actions in practical is perceived that go beyond the obligations imposed for the official legislation. In this context, through secondary research, it was analyzed the behavior and the perception of the consumers, who each more time have access to the diverse sources of information and as they process this knowledge and suffer influences in the process from consumption of the products and services. To illustrate the constructed problem, an important sector of the Brazilian economy was chosen: the automobile industry. This segment configured excellent base for the premises development for the study for its economic importance. For practical complementation of the work, a qualitative research through interviews with executives of the four biggest automobile companies sector was carried through. In these interviews interests had been investigated that mobilize the automakers to practice the Enterprise Social Responsibility.
FARAH, MÁRIO LUÍSMUKAI, CASSIA YUKIPERINI, MARCELA PAMPLONA
Evaluation Of Commercial, Biodegradable, Synthetic Or Biosourced Hydraulic Fluid For Use In Military Combat/Tactical Vehicles2005-01-18034/11/2005
The U.S. Army has been involved in the development of biodegradable hydraulic products since the 1990's. Such products concentrated primarily on industrial type hydraulic fluids. Current work is targeted at the development of biodegradable, bio-based hydraulic fluids that can be used in tactical/combat systems. This evaluation is being conducted in three phases. The first two phases have been completed which were laboratory evaluations wherein the fluids underwent laboratory testing by the Fuels and Lubricants Technology Team (FLTT) of the U. S. Army Tank - Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). A market survey was conducted which identified companies manufacturing biodegradable products from biomass feedstock. Products were requested from these companies and sixteen candidate fluids were received for evaluation. The sixteen candidate fluids were evaluated in Phase I, which screened the products for basic properties they were required to meet. These properties included but not limited to viscosity, freeze point, and flash point. The candidate fluids passing the screening tests will be fully evaluated in the laboratories during Phase II. Products that pass Phase II will continue to Phase III, a scheduled field demonstration where the candidate fluid(s) will be placed in military tactical and combat vehicles for a period of one year. The results obtained so far for Phases I and II are being reported in this paper.
Tebbe, JillMowery, Ralph B.Villahermosa, Luis A.Wright, Bernard R.
Exploring Anthropometric Data through Cluster Analysis2004-01-21876/15/2004
Anthropometric databases consisting of both multimedia and relational content are increasingly becoming commonplace. These databases are huge and contain data with diverse formats, representations and models. Data mining provides a powerful mechanism to further explore and explain the data as contained in these heterogeneous repositories, focusing on discovering new relationships which cannot be found using standard information retrieval techniques. In particular, cluster analysis is a data mining technique which is used to group data records into unlabeled classes, e.g. to group individuals with similar body types, income and education levels into a cluster, using unsupervised learning. This paper introduces cluster analysis as a method to explore 3D body scans together with the relational anthropometric and demographic data as contained in an integrated multimedia anthropometric database. The paper provides an overview of different cluster analysis algorithms and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each approach when mining 3D objects together with relational attributes. Cluster analysis algorithms are evaluated in terms of scalability, the number of attributes that can be processed, the level of human intervention required and the characteristics of the clusters, amongst others. This is followed by a discussion on the application of cluster analysis to anthropometric data. The use of cluster analysis to group the data records into clusters based on both the 3D body scans and the relational attributes lead to a new understanding of the data and their interrelationships.
Abdali, OsamaViktor, HernaPaquet, EricRioux, Marc
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