Browse Topic: Concept vehicles

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A Large Concept Model Approach for Summarizing Automotive Documents and Enhancing Vehicle Data Query2026-26-06761/16/2026
Technological advancement in automobile production, regulations, sales, and services leads to extensive technical documents and manuals. However, lengthy documentation, language barriers make it challenging to find quickly, highlighting the importance of summarization to bridge this knowledge gap. The Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated impressive capabilities in tasks like Q&A, coding, drafting, and scientific acumen, and are commonly used to condense many complex documents. Despite LLMs being widely used in various sectors like research and journalism, LLMs face challenges in reliably summarizing content. Their word-by-word tokenization can sometimes fail to capture the true meaning and context, especially for abstractive summaries. This paper explores Large Concept Models (LCMs), which operate on principles of semantic reasoning, cross-modality integration, and hierarchical structuring at a higher conceptual level. This makes LCMs language and modality agnostic
Singh, Samagra, Ravi, Utkarsh, Vikram, Prateek, Shenoy, Lakshmi, Awasthi PhD, Anshuman
Vehicle-to-Vehicle negotiation via Manoeuvre Coordination Messages for Cooperative Cut-In scenarios2026-26-02741/16/2026
The automotive industry is rapidly extending the capabilities of automated systems by incorporating connectivity and cooperation features that enable real-time information exchange between vehicles and road infrastructure. Within the Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) framework, Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication is expected to play a key role in improving road safety, traffic efficiency, and driving comfort. This work addresses a practical implementation of the standardized Manoeuvre Coordination Messages (MCMs), as defined in the ongoing ETSI standard (ETSI TS 103 561). The proposed approach is demonstrated through a cooperative cut-in use case in which two vehicles negotiate a lane change manoeuvre. In the considered scenario, the ego vehicle, driven by a Highway Pilot (HWP) system, receives the intention to cut-in from a neighbouring cooperative vehicle through an MCM. In response, the ego vehicle adapts its behaviour by decelerating to generate a safe
Leiva Ricart, Gisela, Domingo Mateu, Bernat
Virtual Powertrain Development and Calibration methodology: The Role of Model-in-the-Loop in Calibration and Testing of EV power Train integrated with real road simulation tools.2026-26-04721/16/2026
The automotive industry has witnessed significant advancements in powertrain development over recent years, with further evolution expected in the near future. Modern vehicle propulsion systems now encompass a broad spectrum, including fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid models, mild 48V hybrid powertrains, and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This growing variety demands extensive engineering efforts for development and testing across different powertrain configurations. To facilitate the simultaneous advancement of multiple powertrain technologies while keeping costs manageable, optimizing calibration and testing processes is crucial. A combination of cutting-edge simulation techniques and state-of-the-art testing equipment offers an effective solution, introducing innovative testing methodologies that streamline the development of sophisticated propulsion architectures. This paper explores the implementation of Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) testing as a key methodology
Elumalai, Elakkia, P, SahayaSurendiraBabu, S, Sivashankar, J, Frederick Royston, S, Gowtham
Accelerating Product Development Life Cycle through Digitalization of Fatigue Life for Structural Components2026-26-04961/16/2026
In today’s competitive market, accelerating product development without compromising durability is critical. Durability is a key benchmark for assessing the quality and reliability of automotive products. To meet rising customer expectations and regulatory demands, the industry must develop vehicles that offer high performance and reduced weight while ensuring safety. A well-engineered vehicle must retain structural integrity and functionality under normal operating conditions and withstand extreme load events without critical failure. Achieving this requires effective Road Load Data Acquisition (RLDA), integrated with robust design practices and efficient validation processes. However, physical RLDA is time-consuming and costly, as it depends on prototype vehicles that are often available only in the later development stages. Failures identified during these late-stage tests can delay the product launch significantly. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a digital
Kokare, Sanjay, Dwivedi, Sushil, Siddiqui, Arshad, Iqbal, Shoaib
A High-Fidelity Transient Fluid-Structure-Interaction Methodology for Evaluation of Rear Bumper Flutter of a Vehicle2026-26-04101/16/2026
The need for fuel efficient and pedestrian safe cars leads to the use of thinner and lighter car exteriors. Interaction of these exterior car components at high speed with an aerodynamic load can lead to undesirable aero-elastic vibration and flutter. Early identification and mitigation of such vibration can bring significant cost and time benefit, by reducing dependence on prototype testing and recalibration of prototype tooling at later stages. The present work demonstrates a transient Fluid-Structure-Interaction based numerical methodology for estimation of aerodynamic-induced flutter of the rear bumper of an SUV. The proposed method performs coupled-high fidelity transient full vehicle aerodynamic Finite Volume based and dynamic rear bumper structural Finite Element based simulations required for flutter estimation. The method has been put through a two-step validation against experimental wind tunnel test data of a prototype car with modified bumper for the specific test-case. The
CHOUDHURY, SATYAJIT, Yenugu, Srinivasa, Walia, Rajat, Zander, Daniel, Gullapalli, Atchyut, BALAN, ARUN, Astik, Pritesh
Infotainment-Free Sunroof Control Testing Using National Instruments Framework2026-26-05191/16/2026
Verification of sunroof operation via voice commands conventionally necessitates a fully assembled vehicle platform integrated with an updated Body Control Module (BCM) and infotainment software. This hardware-software dependency presents significant limitations, particularly during the early stages of development, where rapid validation and iteration are critical. Additionally, vehicle availability and software readiness often act as bottlenecks in the validation process. To address this, a novel approach has been developed to simulate sunroof operations—including both physical switch and voice command inputs—using a National Instruments (NI) system. This setup eliminates the reliance on the vehicle’s BCM and infotainment system by simulating LIN commands directly through the NI interface. The integration of the sunroof module with the NI system facilitates comprehensive bench-level testing, including functional validation, endurance evaluation, and abuse case simulation. This
GHANWAT, HEMANT, Lad, Aniket Suryakant, Joshi, Vivek, More, Shweta
Hardware in Loop Validation of Gear Selection Switch2026-26-05401/16/2026
The increasing complexity of modern automotive drive control systems necessitates the adoption of robust validation methods to ensure functional safety, reliability and customer satisfaction. This paper presents the development and implementation of a comprehensive Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing framework designed specifically for a specific ECU known as Gear Selection Switch (GSS)/Drive control switch (DCS) system. Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing is a simulation-based testing technique where real physical hardware (like an electronic control unit, switch or sensor) is tested by connecting it to a virtual simulation of the rest of the system — instead of testing it inside a real vehicle. Following the analysis of all the field failure incidents reported till date for GSS, detailed root cause investigations were conducted using in-house testing and Ishikawa diagram analysis. A critical failure mode was identified and addressed through targeted mechanical design modification and
Bhuyan, Anurag, Jahagirdar, Shweta, Khandekar, Dhiraj Baburao
Powertrain System Analysis for an Urban Air Mobility Tiltwing Concept VehicleF-0081-2025-00735/20/2025
In support of research and development for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing a fleet of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) concept vehicles. These vehicles aim to identify key areas for technological growth and provide reference data to the UAM community. A six-passenger Tiltwing concept recently added to the fleet offers new opportunities to explore the UAM design space through trade studies of the power and propulsion systems. In this paper, a turboelectric powertrain is designed and analyzed using the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) tool, the NPSS Power System Library, and a motor drivetrain optimization tool. Direct and geared motor drivetrains are designed and compared across a UAM design mission. Sensitivity of the Tiltwing maximum takeoff weight to motor drivetrain weights and efficiencies is estimated and used to inform optimal motor and gearbox selection. Results indicate that direct-drive
Horton, Jeshurun, Chapman, Jeffryes, Tallerico, Thomas
An Initial Flight Performance Assessment of New Urban Air Mobility Concept Vehicles for Medical Rendezvous OperationsF-0081-2025-03135/20/2025
A novel multirotor concept is proposed for airlifting the emergency medical personnel without the use of a rescue helicopter (designed for patient transport) during the first line emergency services. Based on this concept, two configurations are designed and introduced, comprising a common quadrotor system with single and dual pusher propellers, respectively. An initial flight performance assessment is conducted for the introduced configurations by means of trim calculations in two distinctive flight modes across the entire designated flight speed range, initially without rotor-rotor interactions, and subsequently, with their inclusion. For this purpose, an existing mid-fidelity rotor-rotor interaction method is extended to capture the interactions in all three directions between the rotors that are arbitrarily positioned and oriented to each other. The trim calculations including rotor-rotor interactions show a 10% increase in the vehicle power at the maximum flight speed. The
Atci, Kagan, Weiand, Peter, Inac, Hilal
Flight Dynamics and Control Analysis for Motor Sizing and Failure Accommodation for a Lift+Cruise eVTOL Near HoverF-0081-2025-01515/20/2025
This paper demonstrates methods of aircraft sizing, flight dynamics modeling, and performance analysis using a lift+cruise concept vehicle with an electric powertrain and variable-speed rotors. The central focus is the development of methods to relate the aircraft design sizing constraints to achievable maneuverability and predicted handling qualities. A toolchain is demonstrated that performs aircraft sizing, mass moment of inertia estimation, powertrain modeling, trim optimization, dynamics linearization, handling qualities prediction, and quantification of achievable maneuverability under both nominal conditions and control effector failures. A convex optimization problem framework is introduced to compute agility bound estimates without requiring control system design or control allocation, potentially supporting rapid design iteration as well as early detection of deficiencies and undesirable operating conditions. This analysis is supplemented with more conventional methods of
Hartman, David, Suh, Peter, Altamirano, George
Follow-on Study on the Applicability of Fly Neighborly Noise Recommendations to UAM Quadrotors in Steady ManeuversF-0081-2025-00535/20/2025
A follow-on study to the 2024 paper by Kottapalli, Silva, and Boyd is presented with improved acoustics tools to examine whether the Vertical Aviation International (VAI) Fly Neighborly operational recommendations that are designed for single main rotor/tail rotor configurations will hold for non-conventional UAM rotorcraft with multiple rotors. The 6-occupant quadrotor concept vehicle designed under the NASA Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project is studied. The tip speed is 550 ft/sec, with three blades per rotor. Predictions are made for three steady maneuvers: level turns, descending turns, and climbing turns. The RVLT Toolchain is exercised using CAMRAD II, pyaaron/AARON/ANOPP2 and AMAT (ANOPP2 Mission Analysis Tool). Quadrotor noise trends are analyzed using Sound Exposure Level (SEL) ground maps because it is anticipated that the upcoming updated Fly Neighborly recommendations will involve SEL maps. Importantly, unlike conventional helicopters with a single main
Kottapalli, Sesi, Boyd, Jr., Douglas
Enhancements, Verification, and VMS Integration of VTOL Concept Vehicle Simulation ModelsF-0080-2024-12255/7/2024
Advanced Rotorcraft Technology (ART) and the NASA Ames Aeromechanics branch have jointly developed FLIGHTLAB® simulation models for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) VTOL concept vehicles. The overarching purpose of the simulation model development is to establish a set of well defined reference vehicles for FLIGHTLAB users and the rotorcraft community. The ongoing research effort and enhancement of these AAM simulation models to fulfill the role of quality reference vehicles is this paper's focus. The content of this paper expands on the established characteristics of these AAM models in three primary areas. First, enhancement of the lift+cruise and tiltwing models with elastic airframe properties is discussed. The process of setting up the elastic airframe model in FLIGHTLAB, as well as the impacts on flight characteristics are explained. The introduction of the elastic airframe modeling allows these models to be used in flight dynamics, loads, and vibration analysis of the configuration
Gladfelter, Matthew, Silva, Christopher, Malpica, Carlos, Singh, Raghuvir, Caudle, David, Saberi, Hossein, He, Chengjian
Vehicle Dynamics Simulation Correlation : Impact of Flexible Tyre and Flexible Frame in Comfort Prediction of Two Wheelers Motorcycles and Scooters2024-26-00531/16/2024
For any two wheeler vehicle development, rider and pillion comfort while driving the vehicles over different kinds of road perturbations holds high importance. Designing a vehicle for comfort starts at the very beginning of its layout definition through vehicle geometric parameters, key hardpoints, mass-inertia distribution of subsystems and suspension characteristics. There is a need for highly reliable simulation models for comfort predictions as any change in layout during subsequent design stages is a very costly affair. Accurately predicting comfort using a full vehicle model is a challenging task though as it depends on how realistic the Simulation Model is to that of actual vehicle. While suspension stiffness and damping characteristics remain critical parameters for the comfort, selection of tyres are known to hold equal importance in vehicle comfort. The details to which the tyres are captured in the simulation model and the formulation of tyre interaction with roads in a
Govindula, Srikanth, Pandey, Pradyumn, Saraswat, Udit, Mishra, Ashish
System Validation with Battery-in-the-Loop Configuration using a Virtual Testing Toolchain2024-26-01161/16/2024
Challenge Today, the battery development process for automotive applications is relatively decoupled from the vehicle integration and system design validation phase. Battery module design targets are very much linked to vehicle-level requirements, such as performance, lifetime and cost but are often disregarded at very early design phases. Converging these requirements to more specific battery pack criteria is not straightforward and often based on previous vehicle generation data or cell testing measurements usually performed after prototyping and via artificial charge and discharge patterns Solution To reduce time to market, AVL proposes here a methodology guided by virtual testing techniques to consider vehicle-level validation steps at the very early phase of battery testing. In a first step, AVL utilises a vehicle system simulation supported with real-world test scenarios and high-fidelity battery models. To generate such realistic scenarios, AVL uses an online digital map and
Kolar, Ales, Santiago, Prabhu, Kural, Emre
ONE DIMENSIONAL (1-D) SIMULATION MODEL FOR RIDE AND COMFORT EVALUATION OF A TWO AXLE TRUCK.2024-26-02991/16/2024
In automotive industry, testing and validation teams are highly dependent on availability of prototype vehicles for testing and evaluation of ride & comfort behavior of vehicles. Special test tracks surfaces are also used (namely Tar road, Belgian random track, Express way and driving over a Cleat) to evaluate the ride & comfort through jury evaluation (subjective evaluation). Ride is largely affected by transmissibility of road excitations to the driver and other occupant's seats, influence of suspension, bushes and tire are the major contributors in the transfer path of vibrations. A configurable 1-D simulation model of a Two Axle Truck is developed for quick evaluation of the ride & comfort behavior which is need of the hour for the testing team in optimizing the number of iterations in physical testing. These simulations will help in understanding the ride & comfort behavior and its sensitivity to changes in the component's characteristics in absence of physical test vehicles. The
SONI, YASH, Bagal, Vikram, GHANWAT, HEMANT, Mullapudi, Dattatreyudu, Chaskar, Mithun
Key Technology Challenges of Electric Ducted Fan Propulsion Systems for eVTOLEPR202302711/22/2023
Electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles for urban air mobility (UAM) are garnering increased attention from both the automotive and aerospace industries, with use cases ranging from individual transportation, public service, cargo delivery, and more. Distributed electric propulsion systems are their main technical feature; they determine vehicle size and propulsion efficiency and provide distributed thrust to achieve attitude control. Considering the intended role of eVTOL vehicles, ducted-fan systems are ideal choice for the propulsor, as the duct provides a physical barrier between the rotating blades and the human, especially during the take-off and landing phases. Key Technology Challenges of Electric Ducted Fan Propulsion Systems for eVTOL introduces the main bottlenecks and key enablers of ducted-fan propulsion systems for eVTOL applications. Based on the introduction and discussion of these important issues, this report will help eVTOL engineers understand the
Key Technology Challenges of Electric Ducted Fan Propulsion Systems for eVTOLEPR2023027-TEST-REC11/22/2023
Electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles for urban air mobility (UAM) are garnering increased attention from both the automotive and aerospace industries, with use cases ranging from individual transportation, public service, cargo delivery, and more. Distributed electric propulsion systems are their main technical feature; they determine vehicle size and propulsion efficiency and provide distributed thrust to achieve attitude control. Considering the intended role of eVTOL vehicles, ducted-fan systems are ideal choice for the propulsor, as the duct provides a physical barrier between the rotating blades and the human, especially during the take-off and landing phases. Key Technology Challenges of Electric Ducted Fan Propulsion Systems for eVTOL introduces the main bottlenecks and key enablers of ducted-fan propulsion systems for eVTOL applications. Based on the introduction and discussion of these important issues, this report will help eVTOL engineers understand the
Enhanced Flight Dynamics Models with Aerodynamic Interference for Real-Time Simulation of VTOL Concept VehiclesF-0079-2023-181135/16/2023
Gladfelter, Matthew, Malpica, Carlos, He, Chengjian, Saberi, Hossein, Johnson, Wayne, Silva, Christopher
A study on active sound design and control method for vehicle interior hybrid noise to enhance sound quality2025-01-00115/5/2023
With the current popularity of new energy vehicles and the continuous development of intelligent cabin technology, the demand for acoustic comfort within automotive cockpit is increasing. A multi-channel feedforward active sound design and control method was proposed to improve the sound quality of the hybrid broadband and narrowband noise inside the test vehicle. The method selectively designed the target amplitudes for broadband noise and narrowband noise in the vehicle to satisfy passengers comfort, mainly including the sound design phase and the control phase. During the sound design phase, objective sound quality parameter analysis was first conducted on the noise of the prototype vehicle, followed by an evaluation of the sound quality with semantic differential method. An active acoustic design strategy focusing on comfort, motivation sense and annoyance perception were proposed, including a formula for the target amplitude of adjustment order and sound pressure level. The sound
Liu, Xuexian, Xu, Wenxuan
HV-BATTERY IMPACT ON CAR BODY ACOUSTICS AND DAMPING PACKAGE OPTIMIZATION OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE2025-01-00415/5/2023
Damping treatments are playing an important role in the definition of efficient acoustic packages for passenger cars with all types of propulsion systems. Many parts of the damping layout are identical for all vehicles including treatments of wheelhouses, spare wheel area, roof panels etc. However, there are some characteristics in car body acoustics associated with the presence of the battery in electric vehicles, which need to be considered in the definition of the efficient damping package. The presented paper investigates the impact of the HV-battery on interior noise related characteristics of the car body using laser scanning vibrometry and 3D acoustic intensity test methods. Findings are used in the subsequent optimization of the initial damping package resulting in various package proposals with different lightweight and acoustic requirements. New damping package variants are evaluated in the lab by laser vibrometry tests and the impact on interior noise is addressed by road
Unruh, Oliver, Gielok, Martin
A Dynamic Tire Concept Model for Early Phases of Ride Comfort Development2023-01-50021/3/2023
In order to correctly predict the impact of tire dimensions and properties on ride comfort in the early phases of the vehicle development process, it is necessary to fully understand their influence on the dynamic tire behavior. The currently existing models for reproducing tire forces often need many measurements for parametrization, simplify physical properties by empiric functions, or have an insufficient simulation speed to analyze many variants in the short periods of early process phases. In the following analysis, a tire concept model is presented, which utilizes relations between the static and dynamic behavior of tires in order to efficiently predict the dynamic forces in the vertical and longitudinal direction during obstacle crossing. The model allows for efficient parametrization by minimizing the number of parameters as well as measurements and ensures a high simulation speed. To realize this, initially, a selection of tires is measured on a tire test rig. Based on the
Computational Analysis of Pitch Sensitivity for a Concept Race Car2022-01-506510/6/2022
The present numerical study investigates the design and analysis of a concept model Le Mans Grand Touring Prototype (LMGTP) car. Through analysis, aerodynamic pitch sensitivity and related factors are found to be detrimental to the straight-line stability of these high-speed race cars. Simulations are carried out on a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool for varying pitch angles of the car from −1° to +2.5°. For each pitch angle, steady-state pressure contours, velocity contours, and streamlines are presented. Additionally, coefficients and force values of lift and drag are calculated with the k-omega turbulence model implemented. Obtained numerical results are validated via Ahmed Body studies reported in the literature, and an average error deviation of 1.013% is exhibited. It is observed that lift force at the front axle increases with increasing pitch angles, leading to reduced pitch stability. At a peak of 2.5° pitch angle, the destabilizing lift force peaks at 1872 N
Anbalagan, Satheesh, Deepak, Chirag, Virmani, Kartik, Madhogaria, Tanishq, Ramesh, Rathan, Narendhra, Tharun M.V., Panneerselvam, Padmanathan
The Short-flight Alternative22AVEP04_084/1/2022
The Budget Airline Car is an EV alt-shuttle seating six adults, with luggage storage in each door. Short-haul airline flights can be a great convenience for travelers, but they produce more CO2 emissions - about 250 g/km per person - than any other form of passenger transportation, including compact EVs and electric trains. That's about 25% more emissions than long-haul flights, because short-hop flying uses proportionately more fuel at takeoff and landing. Could an automotive alternative offer a solution? That is what Car Design Research (CDR), a U.K.-based consultancy, set out to investigate, working with design associates Yichen Shu in China and Aditya Jangid in India. The resulting concept is the Budget Airline Car, one of six new passenger-vehicle types that CDR director Sam Livingston and his team feel would be enabled by new mobility technologies.
Kendall, John
Aerodynamic optimization using add-on devices: comparison between CFD and wind tunnel experimental test2022-01-10823/29/2022
JUNO is an urban concept vehicle (developed at the Politecnico of Torino), equipped by an ethanol combustion engine, designed to obtain low consumptions and reduced environmental impact. For this goals the main requirements that were considered during the designing process are mass reduction and aerodynamic optimization, at first on the shape of the car body and then, thanks to external appendix. JUNO’s aerodynamic development follow a defined workflow: geometry definition and modelling, CFD simulations and analysis, and finally geometry changes and CFD new verification. In this paper are compared the results of the CFD simulations (using STARCCM+, RANS k-ε) with a corresponding 1/1 scale wind tunnel (of FCA group in Orbassano- Torino), tests made using the real vehicle. Particularly, the results in term of: total drag coefficient (Cx), total lift coefficient (Cz), the total pressure scene in the side and rears analyzing twenty different aerodynamics configurations made up of different
Carello, Massimiliana, Verratti, Marco
Practical Uses for Road Noise Cancellation2021-01-10188/31/2021
Today’s automotive customers have come to expect luxury and electric vehicles to be quiet and refined pieces of machinery. As customers have come to expect powertrain cancellation in most vehicles today, they are also increasingly looking for a reduction in road noise to improve their overall perception of luxury and electric vehicles. While the field of noise cancellation is ever expanding, several auto makers are exploring the possibility of introducing a real time Road Noise Cancellation (RNC) system to meet these customer expectations. An RNC system can be integrated into the vehicle infotainment system and be utilized to either noticeably reduce or shape the vehicle noise floor. This paper will look at the current traditional Noise and Vibration (N&V) methods of reducing road noise and then also the benefits associated with actively controlling the amount of road noise using an RNC system.
Valeri, Frank, Stirlen, Chris
Hazard Analysis Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis for NASA Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Concept VehiclesF-0077-2021-168555/10/2021
ABSTRACT
Beiderman, Allan, Darmstadt,  Patrick
DA-IVE: MLP Based Data Association Method for Instantaneous Velocity Estimation Using Multi-Radar: An Experimental Validation Study2021-01-00924/6/2021
This paper describes a novel Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLP) learning-based association algorithm that is used in conjunction with an Instantaneous Velocity Estimator (IVE) to estimate the velocity of a surrounding vehicle using multi-radar sensors. The IVE algorithm requires at least two targets to be able to provide a velocity estimate. The approach suggested in this paper performs three stages of filtering on a list of targets available for the association to a given track. The algorithm identifies the one pair of targets that will provide the best instantaneous velocity estimation from all possible pairs. The three stages of filtering described ahead are, I - Semantic gating, II - MLP scoring, and III - Algebraic scoring. The IVE algorithm performs linear regression on the pair of targets it is finally provided to come up with a velocity estimation. This research also describes a novel method of labeling radar targets for use in the training of the neural network in association stage
Shakibajahromi, Bahareh, Krishnan, Anirudh Sarathy, Ati, Dilip, Jabalameli, Amirhossein, Kanzler, Steven, Shayestehmanesh, Saeed
Engineering FORD'S FUTURE21AUTP03_013/1/2021
Product platform and operations chief Hau Thai-Tang on navigating the microchip shortage, compact-unibody trucks, EV and AV challenges, and driving engineering efficiencies amid the lockdown. Security at Ford's Dearborn Proving Ground was tight on a frigid January day when we arrived for SAE's interview with Hau Thai-Tang. The gate guards were armed with infrared thermometers, and signs everywhere demanded masks be worn. Not even Bill Ford was permitted on site without a temperature check and PPE, we were told. The reasonable and safe ground rules for our wide-ranging conversation with Ford's chief product platform and operations officer included sitting 10 feet apart in an empty hall adjacent to the test track. We elevated our voices to cut through the mask muffling. A striking blue Mustang Mach-E provided a backdrop for talking electrification strategy. It also gave context for sharing his view of the other pandemic: the industry's worsening microchip shortage.
Brooke, Lindsay
Crashworthiness of a Lift plus Cruise eVTOL Vehicle Design within Dynamic Loading EnvironmentsF-0076-2020-1625810/5/2020
To aid in the development of electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) technology, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has undertaken research initiatives to evaluate and optimize design features of eVTOL aircraft. One such initiative has been to develop energy attenuating design mechanisms to improve eVTOL vehicle crashworthiness. In this study, crashworthiness design mechanisms, implemented within a six-passenger lift plus cruise (LPC) eVTOL concept vehicle, were evaluated under multi-axis dynamic loading conditions. This work builds upon crashworthiness design concepts previously optimized within a simplified vehicle-loading environment. The results of this study found the effectiveness of energy attenuating design mechanisms to be dependent on the complexity of load environment in which they were employed. An increase in off-axis loading resulted in a decrease in occupant protective capability. These results indicate the necessity for evaluating vehicle design
Putnam, Jacob, Littell, Justin
Cadillac reveals Lyriq electric vehicle20AUTP09_129/1/2020
Cadillac recently revealed its Lyriq crossover, the first of a coming stable of electric vehicles (EVs) from Cadillac and GM's other brands. And although Cadillac already trails many other luxury-brand rivals in launching an EV, the Lyriq - which Cadillac for now is choosing to call a “show car” - will not be in showrooms until sometime in late 2022. The midsize, five-passenger crossover is built on GM's dedicated EV architecture and will be powered by the company's new Ultium lithium-ion battery system (https://www.sae.org/news/2020/03/gm-electrification-unveil) in an approximately 100-kW pack capacity that is claimed to provide up to 300 miles (482 km) of driving range. The Lyriq also will be fitted with the latest version of GM's Super Cruise (SAE Level 3) assisted-driving capability that adds automatic lane-changing to the hands-off driving experience on approximately 200,000 miles (321,868-km) of high-definition-mapped U.S. roads.
Visnic, Bill
Mars 2020 – Looking for LifeTBMG-370286/1/2020
The Mars 2020 mission addresses high-priority science goals for Mars exploration including learning more about the potential for life on Mars. Tech Briefs spoke with NASA’s Ken Williford, Mars 2020 Deputy Project Scientist, to learn more about the science capabilities of Perseverance.
Underwriters Labs Publishes First AV Safety Standard20AVEP05_105/1/2020
UL 4600 is not a test. Its goal is to standardize how an AV company describes that its vehicles are safe. On April 1, 2020, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) announced that it published UL 4600 as an American National Standard. With its publication, UL 4600 became the auto industry's first dedicated standard for fully autonomous-vehicle (AV) safety. Consumers who are familiar with UL safety certifications might assume that the 281-page UL 4600 document would prescribe the necessary technology and testing required to ensure AV safety. But this standard instead focuses on the quality of the safety argument.
Berman, Bradley
An Experimental Methodology for Measuring Resistance Forces of Light-Duty Vehicles under Real-World Conditions and the Impact on Fuel Consumption2020-01-03834/14/2020
A vital element of any vehicle-certification test is the use of representative values for the vehicle resistance forces. In most certification procedures, including the WLTP recently adopted by the EU, the latter is achieved mainly through coast down tests. Subsequently, the resistance values measured are used for setting up the chassis-dyno resistances applied during the laboratory measurements. These reference values are obtained under controlled conditions, while a series of corrections are applied to make the test procedure more repeatable and reproducible. In real driving, the actual vehicle road loads are influenced by a series of factors leading to a divergence between the certified fuel consumption values, and the real-world ones. An approach of calculating representative road loads during on-road tests can help to obtain a more unobstructed view of vehicle efficiency and, when needed, confirm the officially declared road loads. This approach is also essential for validating
Komnos, Dimitrios, Fontaras, Georgios, Ntziachristos, Leonidas, Pavlovic, Jelica, Ciuffo, Biagio
Electrifying GM20AUTP03_013/1/2020
After two decades of hybrid development, General Motors puts its full futurepropulsion focus on BEV technology-with vertically integrated development and production. General Motors' long, convoluted journey toward vehicle electrification has finally arrived at an earlier-than-expected destination: total commitment to a battery-electric future. GM is officially “all in” on BEVs as its future propulsion strategy, with some 20 electric models slated for launch by 2023. The Detroit-Hamtramck plant is being transformed into GM's first dedicated EV production facility. Its product cadence, set to begin within the year, will be led by electric Chevrolet and Cadillac crossovers. Joining them is GM's first electric pickup that will resurrect the still-popular Hummer nameplate within the GMC brand. The company aims to sell one million EVs globally by 2026, asserts CEO Mary Barra, while it continues to evolve its profit-driving IC-powered trucks and crossovers (and develop self-driving vehicles
Superior Interiors20AVEP01_031/1/2020
New-mobility thinking is changing how vehicle interiors will work for everyone. Future-vehicle interior renderings have always stoked our imaginations for what may be possible in the cabin environment. Automated vehicle (AV) developments, including high-function driver assistance features and mobility as a service (MaaS), are bringing new dimensions to those possibilities. Ironically, while near-term prospects for privately-owned autonomous (SAE Level 4) AVs have hit the hype curve's downward slope, research and development into how passengers will interact with new-mobility technology promises interior designs and features that will likely be on the market long before most consumers experience self-driving cars.
Visnic, Bill
Reducing winter range loss for electric trucks19TOFHP12_0212/1/2019
Researchers at the Austrian Institute of Technology have developed an air exchange system that's capable of reducing heat load by 37% in real-world tests. Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) range loss from winter use of PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heating has become a source of major concern as the industry works to make EVs a mainstream choice. Addressing this particular problem area with an economically viable solution was deemed a worthwhile effort by the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), which is jointly owned by the Austrian government and the Federation of Austrian Industries. A fleet test of electric delivery trucks is underway on European roads. The AIT project, results of which were presented at the recent SAE Thermal Management Systems Symposium (TMSS), began by noting a 20% loss in range at −15°C (+5°F) from the heating system. AIT set a target of recovering 25% of that loss, primarily with the use of a ventilation module. Available reference data (at −10°C/+14
Weissler, Paul
Composite Steering Strategy for 4WS-4WD EV Based on Low-Speed Steering Maneuverability2019-01-505211/4/2019
A composite steering control strategy, which combines four-wheel steering (4WS) and differential steering, is proposed in this paper, to optimize steering maneuverability in the conditions where the vehicle speed is below 15 Km/h, mainly for U-turning and parking conditions. A dynamic model is developed for the steering system and the tire system. Taking different steering wheel inputs into consideration, a 4WS control strategy proportional to the front wheel steering angle is quoted to improve the steering maneuverability in the low speed conditions and guarantee the manipulability by controlling the side slip of the vehicle. Based on the 4WS system, this paper explores the possibility of further improving the low-speed maneuverability of the vehicle through differential steering. And the differential steering control strategy is developed, including four hub-motor output modes. A composite steering controller is designed based on the 4WS-4WD electric vehicle platform. Through the
Wang, Yang Yang, Liu, Zhi Guang, Jiang, Yuan Xing
Bollinger Motors showcases second-gen Class-3 EV prototypes19AUTP11_1611/1/2019
Bollinger Motors recently unveiled its second-generation Class-3 EV prototypes. The start-up, based in Ferndale, Michigan, revealed the latest beta of its B1 SUV and B2 truck prototypes, highlighting the amount of in-house engineering and design. As a Class 3 (GVWR 10,001 to 14,000 lb.) vehicle, the Bollinger Motors truck and SUV are in the same classification as a Ford F-350 or Ram/Chevy 3500 truck. “This is the only all-electric Class 3 truck with off-road capability,” founder and CEO Robert Bollinger said of the B2. “Our beta version vehicles look very much like the original alpha prototype vehicle that debuted in 2017, but almost every component on our B1 SUV and B2 truck prototypes is different,” said Karl Hacken, Bollinger Motors chief engineer. The four-door B1 and B2 are identical from the C-pillar forward, with the B2 truck's 139-in wheelbase stretching 20 inches longer than the SUV. Both aluminum-bodied prototypes feature a vehicle-length 16×14-in pass-through enabled by
Buchholz, Kami
Frankfurt with an ‘E’19AUTP10_1310/1/2019
Early September's Frankfurt Motor Show was all about production-ready or near-production electric vehicles (EVs), as Europe's propulsion transformation gains momentum. With European Union-wide carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions regulations closing in and societal pressure on the auto sector's contribution to climate change and sustainability, Europe's automakers-particularly those in Germany - are hastening their EV development timelines. Whether there will be a market for the vehicles environmentally-concerned customers (and regulators) claim are necessary is another matter. Porsche's formidable Taycan will start at $150,000 when it hits U.S. showrooms next year. The sublime Honda 3 city car, not coming to the U.S., has limited utility beyond city-car use but will cost nearly 30,000 euros. Such is the same for Volkswagen's larger ID.3.
Visnic, Bill
About Face!19AVEP09_059/1/2019
To win acceptance, deployment of facial-recognition technology needs to fit within a picture-perfect consumer and legal framework that balances benefits with privacy protection. Whether it's using your face to confirm payment over your smartphone, monitoring your child at day-camp, or being confirmed as a ticketholder going to a concert, the possibilities for facial recognition technology are virtually endless-and the technology already has become ubiquitous. It's a natural expansion to see automotive applications including vehicle entry and starting and driver-monitoring features. But as we seek new uses, test existing technology and launch practical solutions, there are risks and considerations that might impact certain deployments, as well as the underlying design and testing.
Dukarski, Jennifer
ZF's Current Work Builds for the EV, AV Future19AVEP07_097/1/2019
The Tier-1 giant's “vision” for improving future mobility leverages its latest safety and chassis-development innovations. As the product-development landscape for light-vehicle electrification and automated-driving technologies becomes less cluttered, it's apparent that established automotive Tier 1 mega-suppliers are intent on merging their established competencies with whatever new product lines are required in the electrified, automated future…whenever it comes. This strategy was recently on display at a technology background event conducted in the U.S. by ZF. Long regarded for its transmission, driveline and chassis expertise, ZF showed customers and journalists various prototype systems intended to merge current-generation components to create higher-level functionality-and value.
Visnic, Bill
NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space CenterTBMG-347437/1/2019
On September 1, 1961, NASA requested appropriations for initial land purchases on Merritt Island on Florida’s east coast to support the Apollo Lunar Landing Program. Designers quickly began developing plans for Launch Complex 39 facilities, which include the Launch Control Center, Pads A & B, and the huge hangar now known as the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).
Modeling Turboshaft Engines for the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology ProjectF-0075-2019-146865/13/2019
Turboshaft engine performance and weight models were developed to support conceptual propulsion and vehicle mission design in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Aeronautics Mission Research Directorate's (ARMD) Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project. These models were developed using open data sources, assuming current and advanced technology levels, and range from 650 to 7,500 shaft output horsepower (485 to 5,600 kW). Documenting the methodology, assumptions, and resulting performance realizes important benefits for NASA and the aviation community. NASA concept vehicle efforts using these propulsion models can more readily shared among the government, industry and university community as common baselines to support current and future work. Assessing the benefits of advanced technologies and new configurations can be facilitated using these models, which helps guide technology investment. As the various modeling conceptual vehicle and
Snyder, Christopher, Tong, Michael
Computational Study of the Side-by-Side Urban Air Taxi ConceptF-0075-2019-144895/13/2019
High-fidelity computational fluid dynamics simulations of NASA's Side-by-side air taxi concept have been carried out. The three-dimensional unsteady Navier-Stokes equations are solved on overset grids using high-order accurate schemes, dual-time stepping, and a hybrid turbulence model. The flow solver has been loosely coupled with a heli- copter comprehensive analysis code in order to get the trimmed flight solution. The vehicle simulated is a six-passenger side-by-side intermeshing rotor helicopter with hybrid propulsion for air taxi operations, also known as urban air mo- bility applications. This concept vehicle is intended to focus and guide NASA research activities in support of aircraft development for emerging aviation markets, in particular vertical take-off and landing air taxi operations.
Diaz, Patricia, Johnson, Wayne, Ahmad, Jasim, Yoon, Seokkwan
Evaluation of Impact Energy Attenuators and Composite Material Designs of a UAM VTOL Concept VehicleF-0075-2019-145545/13/2019
The development of Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles for the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) markets presents a need for light weight vehicle structures with effective occupant protection capabilities. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been working to fill that need, recently developing a cadre of concept vehicles to help characterize UAM design feasibility. This paper describes a study, using these concept vehicles, to evaluate the use of advanced composite structure and energy attenuating designs in the UAM vehicle design space. A finite element model (FEM) of a single passenger quadrotor concept vehicle was developed in LS- Dyna® and simulated under nominal and off-nominal vertical impact conditions. A variety of energy attenuating design mechanisms were implemented within this model to quantify their effectiveness in improving occupant safety. The use of carbon composites in both the energy attenuation mechanisms and vehicle structure was evaluated
Putnam, Jacob, Littell, Justin
Numerical Investigation of Wiper Drawback2019-01-06404/2/2019
Windscreen wipers are an integral component of the windscreen cleaning systems of most vehicles, trains, cars, trucks, boats and some planes. Wipers are used to clear rain, snow, and dirt from the windscreen pushing the water from the wiped surface. Under certain conditions however, water which has been driven to the edge of the windscreen by the wiper can be drawn back into the driver’s field of view by aerodynamic forces introduced by the wiper motion. This is wiper drawback, an undesirable phenomenon as the water which is drawn back on to the windscreen can reduce driver’s vision and makes the wiper less effective. The phenomena of wiper drawback can be tested for in climatic tunnels using sprayer systems to wet the windscreen. However, these tests require a bespoke test property or prototype vehicle, which means that the tests are done fairly late in the development of the vehicle. Furthermore, these results do not provide significant insight into the mechanisms driving the wiper
Jilesen, Jonathan, Gaylard, Adrian, Linden, Tom
Application of Simplified Load Path Models for BIW Development2019-01-06144/2/2019
Simplified load path models (SLMs) of the body in white (BIW) are an important tool in the body structure design process providing a highly flexible, idealized concept model to explore the design space through load path evaluation, material selection, and section optimization with rapid turnaround. In partnership with Altair Engineering, the C123 process was used to create and optimize SLMs for BIW models at FCA US LLC. These models help structures engineers to develop efficient load paths, sections, and joints for improved NVH as ultra-high-strength steels enable thinner gauges throughout the body structure. A few key differences in the SLM modeling method are contrasted to previous simplified BIW modeling methods. One such example is the parameterization of cross sections through response surface models rather than using contemporary finite element descriptions of arbitrary cross sections. Another difference is the modeling of structural joints as 1-D spring elements rather than high
LeVett, Marshall, Truskin, James, Zagorski, Nicolas, Nelson, Eric
Honda E Prototype ‘makes it simple,’ again19AUTP04_104/1/2019
In 2017, Honda's Urban EV concept pointed the way for the brand to escape its current busy and contrived design language in favor of clean, modern forms-and at the recent Geneva International Motor Show, the company unveiled the e Prototype, a preview of the production version of Honda's first electric vehicle. The stark matte white sheetmetal remains in this production prototype, along with the signature gloss black single-frame grille, gloss black charging port in the hood and long-wheelbase, short-overhang proportions. The concept car's fashionable 20-in wheels have not carried over to the e Prototype, however, replaced by more-practical and cheaper smaller-diameter wheels.
Carney, Dan
CES 2019: Blueprint for future auto shows?19AUTP02_022/1/2019
Mobility technology of every stripe was showcased at this year's techfest in Vegas. The mammoth annual trade event formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show has escalated into an automotive techfest, with OEMs and suppliers of every size and from every industry segment using the week-long event to showcase their advanced technologies. It's a mind-boggling, often unwieldy and grueling grind in Las Vegas for reporters, but CES is undeniably a must-attend event both for media and for all organizations working in autonomous and connected mobility. Talk about diversity: At what other trade show would you see demonstrations and displays by John Deere, PACCAR (which showed the latest iteration of its hydrogen-fueled Kenworth tractor powered by two Toyota fuel cells), Bell Helicopter (displaying its vertical-takeoff, electric-fan-propelled Air Taxi), along with expansive booths from Honda, Daimler, Hyundai, Ford, Aptiv, Delphi, Continental, ZF and others?
Brooke, Lindsay, Costlow, Terry, Eisenstein, Paul, Visnic, Bill
ZF's current innovations build for EV, AV future19AUTP02_112/1/2019
As the product-development landscape for light-vehicle electrification and automated-driving technologies begins to become less cluttered, it's apparent that established automotive Tier 1 mega-suppliers are intent on merging their established competencies with whatever new product lines are required in the electrified, automated future. Whenever it comes. This strategy was recently on display by ZF at a technology background event in the U.S.. Long regarded for its transmission, driveline and chassis expertise, ZF showed journalists (and customers) the potential not just of prototypes of proposed systems, but also how the company intends to (or already does) merge current-generation components to create higher-level functionality-and value.
Visnic, Bill
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