Browse Topic: Concept vehicles

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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
Research Report
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
Research Report
HV-BATTERY IMPACT ON CAR BODY ACOUSTICS AND DAMPING PACKAGE OPTIMIZATION OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE2025-01-004105/05/2023
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
Technical Paper
A study on active sound design and control method for vehicle interior hybrid noise to enhance sound quality2025-01-001105/05/2023
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
Technical Paper
A Dynamic Tire Concept Model for Early Phases of Ride Comfort Development2023-01-500201/03/2023
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
Technical Paper
Computational Analysis of Pitch Sensitivity for a Concept Race Car2022-01-506510/06/2022
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
Technical Paper
The Short-flight Alternative22AVEP04_0804/01/2022
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
Magazine Article
Aerodynamic optimization using add-on devices: comparison between CFD and wind tunnel experimental test2022-01-108203/29/2022
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
Technical Paper
Mars 2020 – Looking for LifeTBMG-3702806/01/2020
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.
Magazine Article
Electrifying GM20AUTP03_0103/01/2020
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
Magazine Article
Reducing winter range loss for electric trucks19TOFHP12_0212/01/2019
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
Magazine Article
Bollinger Motors showcases second-gen Class-3 EV prototypes19AUTP11_1611/01/2019
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
Magazine Article
Frankfurt with an ‘E’19AUTP10_1310/01/2019
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
Magazine Article
NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space CenterTBMG-3474307/01/2019
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).
Magazine Article
ZF's Current Work Builds for the EV, AV Future19AVEP07_0907/01/2019
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
Magazine Article
Application of Simplified Load Path Models for BIW Development2019-01-061404/02/2019
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
Technical Paper
Numerical Investigation of Wiper Drawback2019-01-064004/02/2019
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
Technical Paper
Honda E Prototype ‘makes it simple,’ again19AUTP04_1004/01/2019
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
Magazine Article
CES 2019: Blueprint for future auto shows?19AUTP02_0202/01/2019
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
Magazine Article
ZF's current innovations build for EV, AV future19AUTP02_1102/01/2019
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
Magazine Article
Eying Mobility's Next Phases19AVEP01_1201/01/2019
At the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, automakers and mobility experts examine mobility's ongoing transformation The next decade will likely see an explosion of ‘what-if’ scenarios for personal mobility. It's also likely that many of today's visions will materialize in a re-imagined way as new possibilities emerge for travel within large urban zones. “I really think people will start using more modes of transportation because the offerings will be so compelling,” Rachel Nguyen, Nissan Motor Co.'s Executive Director of Future Lab, said in an Autonomous Vehicle Engineering interview on the sidelines of the 2018 Los Angeles auto show. The company held a daylong future-mobility conference-Nissan Futures-in conjunction with the L.A. auto show.
Buchholz, Kami
Magazine Article
AV testing is for DUMMIES18AUTP11_1211/01/2018
Rapid development of automated vehicles is driving ATD innovations, as Humanetics' CEO explains. A few years ago, Chris O'Connor started to notice a common talking point emerging from within the many autonomous vehicle conferences and meetings he was attending. “It seemed that many people in the industry, and those in Congress, were saying: ‘With autonomous cars, we won't have traffic accidents anymore,’” noted O'Connor, the CEO of Humanetics Innovative Solutions, the leading developer of anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs), commonly known as crash-test dummies. “And since there won't be crashes, we will no longer have to worry about occupant safety,” he recalled many pronouncing.
Brooke, Lindsay
Magazine Article
Schaeffler debuts new Mover concept at Detroit symposium18AUTP10_1110/01/2018
As part of its 11th Schaeffler Symposium, the Tier 1 supplier debuted a new urban e-mobility vehicle concept called the “Schaeffler Mover.” The symposium, held once every four years, is a forum for Schaeffler to present its technologies and component forecasts to auto-industry professionals and media. The Mover concept is a flexible and emission-free platform engineered for a range of different low-speed vehicle applications. All the drive and chassis components are integrated in one vertical unit called the “Schaeffler Intelligent Corner Module,” which integrates in-wheel motors with discreet steering capability at each corner to save space and enhance maneuverability. Flexibility was a key engineering goal on the Mover.
Seredynski, Paul
Magazine Article
AUTO TECH COMES ON STRONG AT CES 201818AUTP02_0302/01/2018
The automotive sector showed up at CES with autonomy announcements by the score and a wide spectrum of new-technology unveilings.
Visnic, Bill, Costlow, Terry
Magazine Article
SAE Truck & Off-Highway Engineering: February 201818TOFHP0202/01/2018
Electrification not a one-size-fits-all solution Efforts in the off-highway industry have been under way for decades, but the technology still faces implementation challenges. SuperTruck redux A year plus into phase two of the promising DOE program to dramatically improve freight efficiency, project leads from three of the participating truck OEMs share their progress thus far and technology paths moving forward. From research to reality Danfoss works closely with off-highway OEMs throughout the development process, testing and demonstrating machines packed with new technology features. Big Data a focus for 2018 SAE President Mircea Gradu Velodyne CQO sees use of Big Data as a way to capitalize on multiple industry trends including vehicle electrification and automated vehicles. Editorial Commercial vehicles invade CES Komatsu building AI into construction sites Gaining the Manufacturing 4.0 advantage with data-driven in-process testing Paccar reveals new and future tech at CES 2018
Magazine Issue
Toyota unveils autonomous e-commerce concept vehicle, development alliance18TOFHP02_1102/01/2018
Toyota used the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), to reveal an all-new, battery-electric commercial vehicle targeted for emerging e-commerce and mobility business applications. The pod-like e-Palette vehicle is designed to employ certain Toyota-developed foundation technologies but to also be flexible enough to allow companies purchasing or leasing the vehicle to apply their own or a preferred automated-driving system. In addition, the e-Palette, which is intended to be built in three different sizes, also is the centerpiece of a new mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) development alliance Toyota formed with initial partners Amazon, Didi, Mazda, Pizza Hut and Uber. Toyota said the e-Palette Alliance launch partners “will collaborate on vehicle planning, application concepts and vehicle verification activities.”
Visnic, Bill
Magazine Article
2019 Acura RDX brings world's-first chassis tech18AUTP08_0901/01/2018
Few words are as inspiring to an engineering team as “all-new.” For the 2019 Acura RDX, the engineers behind the compact SUV's third generation had a host of all-new to manage, including a dedicated platform, five-link rear suspension, torque-vectoring driveline and infotainment interface. Though the turbocharged engine/10-speed transmission combo have recently appeared in other products, the RDX is its first all-wheel-drive (AWD) application.
Seredynski, Paul
Magazine Article
Q&A17AUTP11_1511/01/2017
Magazine Article
Voltage spike at 2017 Frankfurt auto show17AUTP10_1310/01/2017
Judging by the wares on display at September's 2017 Frankfurt auto show, electrification suddenly is the watchword in Germany-or the watchword, at least, for some indeterminate date in the future. Because none attending the show could escape the irony that while nearly every major German manufacturer's Frankfurt effort centered on an electric vehicle, many of the show's current or near-future production models remained resolutely diesel-powered. Audi's AIcon (combining “artificial intelligence” and “concept”) was the company's vision of SAE Level 5 autonomy-it has no steering wheel or pedals. The EV architecture permits generous interior space for four passengers, Audi said, as did the concept car's 136.6-in (3470-mm) wheelbase and 82.6-in (2098-mm) width. Audi said projected power from the solid-state batteries (another buzz technology cropping up at Frankfurt) is 260 kW (248 hp) and 405 lb·ft (549 N·m) dispersed to an electric motor driving each wheel. The German makers also were
Visnic, Bill
Magazine Article
Reliability of Engineering Methods in Heavy-Vehicle Aerodynamics2017-01-700108/25/2017
The improved performance of heavy-duty vehicles as transport carriers is essential for economic reasons and to fulfil new emission standards in Europe. A key parameter is the aerodynamic vehicle drag. An enormous potential still exists for fuel saving and reducing exhaust emission by aerodynamic optimisation. Engineering methods are required for developments in vehicle aerodynamics. To assess the reliability of the most common experimental testing and numerical simulation methods in the industrial design process is the objective of this article. Road tests have been performed to provide realistic results, which are compared to the results obtained by scale-model wind tunnel experiments and time-averaged computational fluid dynamics (CFD). These engineering methods are evaluated regarding their deployment in the industrial development process. The investigations focus on the separated flow region behind the vehicle rear end. For this, the velocity field behind a full-scale tractor
Haff, Johannes, Jönsson, Mattias, Loose, Sigfried, Wagner, Claus
Technical Paper
Case unveils compact dozer loader concept at ConExpo17TOFHP04_1304/01/2017
Called “Project Minotaur,” the Case DL450 compact dozer loader is a “first-of-its-kind” machine that combines the footprint and performance of a compact track loader (CTL) with the power and dozing characteristics of a bulldozer. The crossover concept was revealed at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2017, where Case Construction Equipment conducted extensive focus groups with contractors to help determine how the machine can be further refined for production. The company would not confirm a launch date. “Unlike concept vehicles that you see from other OEMs, which are simply meant to create a reaction, Project Minotaur is very practical evolution of two product lines that will provide added machine flexibility to those in the residential and commercial construction industries,” Scott Harris, vice president - North America, Case Construction Equipment, said at the machine's reveal in Las Vegas. “It could also be a transformational piece of equipment for landscapers and other small to midsize contractors
Gehm, Ryan
Magazine Article
A Model Based Approach for Electric Steering Tuning to Meet Vehicle Steering Performance Targets2017-01-149303/28/2017
Subjective steering feel tuning and objective verification tests are conducted on vehicle prototypes that are a subset of the total number of buildable combinations of body style, drivetrain and tires. Limited development time, high prototype vehicle cost, and hence limited number of available prototypes are factors that affect the ability to tune and verify all the possible configurations. A new model-based process and a toolset have been developed to enhance the existing steering development process such that steering tuning efficiency and performance robustness can be improved. The innovative method utilizes the existing vehicle dynamics simulation and/or physical test data in conjunction with steering system control models, and provides users with simple interfaces which can be used by either CAE or development engineers to perform virtual tuning of the vehicle steering feel to meet performance targets. The process can be used not only in early phases of vehicle programs before
Wang, Dexin, Mao, Yiqin, Drotar, Timothy, Esser, Frank, van Dijk, Hessel, Paas, Michel
Journal Article
Aerodynamic Investigation of Cooling Drag of a Production Sedan Part 1: Test Results2017-01-152103/28/2017
The airflow that enters the front grille of a ground vehicle for the purpose of component cooling has a significant effect on aerodynamic drag (engine airflow drag). Furthermore, engine airflow is known to be capable of influencing upstream external airflow (interference drag). The combined effect of these phenomena is commonly referred to as cooling drag, which generally contributes up to 10% of total vehicle drag. Due to this coupled nature, cooling drag is difficult to understand as it contains influences from multiple locations around the vehicle. A good understanding of the sources of cooling drag is paramount to drive vehicle design to a low cooling drag configuration. In this work, a production level Lincoln MKZ was modified so that a number of variables could be tested in both static ground and moving ground wind tunnel conditions. All tests were conducted at 80 MPH. The variables studied were: underbody shield coverage, heat exchanger resistance, cooling pack configuration
Larson, Levon, Woodiga, Sudesh, Gin, Ronald, Lietz, Robert
Journal Article
Study on Energy Loss due to Cornering Resistance in Over-Actuated Vehicles using Optimal Control2017-01-156803/28/2017
As vehicles become electrified and more intelligent in terms of sensing, actuation and processing; a number of interesting possibilities arise in controlling vehicle dynamics and driving behavior. Over-actuation with in- wheel motors, all wheel steering and active camber is one such possibility, which facilitate the control strategies that push boundaries in energy consumption and safety. Optimal control can be used to investigate the best combinations of control inputs to an over-actuated system. This paper shows how an optimal control problem can be formulated and solved for an over-actuated vehicle case, and highlights the translation of this optimal solution to a real-world scenario, enabling intelligent means to improve vehicle efficiency. This paper gives an insight into Dynamic Programming (DP) as an offline optimal control method that guarantees the global optimum. Therefore the optimal control allocation to minimize an objective function and simultaneously fulfill the defined
Bhat, Sriharsha, Davari, Mohammad Mehdi, Nybacka, Mikael
Journal Article
AUTONOMOUS plows ahead17MEIP03_0303/01/2017
Agriculture, construction, mining-even marine-are advancing autonomous technology to improve the productivity and safety of vehicles on the job. When engineers and executives discuss macro technology trends, regardless of the specific off-highway sector, increased automation of vehicles is inevitably among them. Though experts recognize that achieving full automation in production equipment will take some time, operator-assistance technologies such as automatic braking are becoming more widely available today. And companies aren't shy about revealing autonomous prototypes that promise what's on the horizon. For example, Komatsu unveiled its Innovative Autonomous Haulage Vehicle featuring a cab-less structure at MINExpo in September. Unlike its 930E and 830E autonomous models, Komatsu claims it developed this vehicle exclusively for unmanned operation to maximize the advantages.
Gehm, Ryan
Magazine Article
What's New at ConExpo & IFPE17TOFHP02_1202/01/2017
A sampling of some other new machines, technologies and concepts to be revealed in Las Vegas this March. Liebherr (Booths G4637 and S84230 at ConExpo-Con/Agg) will showcase its XPower wheel loaders with a power-split driveline concept. XPower is an integrated, innovative machine concept for the large series of wheel loaders with operating weight from 39,020 to 71,870 lb (17,700 to 32,600 kg) for L550-L586. According to Liebherr, the new concept sets new standards in terms of fuel efficiency, performance, robust design and comfort. The core of the XPower is the Tier 4 Final/Euro Stage IV power-split driveline installed as standard. It combines hydrostatic drive, which is suitable for short loading cycles and mechanical drive for long distances and when driving on slopes. Liebherr claims the combination of these two drive types in a single wheel loader ensures maximum efficiency and fuel savings in multiple applications. Liebherr XPower wheel loaders deliver standard power-split
Magazine Article
CES 2017: Lush luxury EVs, sophisticated connectivity17AUTP02_0402/01/2017
Suppliers challenge OEMs in advanced tech The view from Las Vegas as the 2017 CES (formerly the Consumer Electronics Show) opened in early January to over 160,000 attendees including engineers, product planners and policymakers: Development of advanced mobility technologies is increasingly being driven by suppliers rather than OEMs. And expect numerous acquisition or collaboration megadeals worth at least $500 million as the auto sector rushes to address technology weak points. The annual CES trade show, presented by the Consumer Technology Assoc. and not open to the public, continues to challenge global auto shows as the “first look” showcase for future mobility solutions-everything from more powerful chipsets for faster data processing, to new sensors, software, user experience and complete vehicle systems.
Ashley, Steven, Brooke, Lindsay, Costlow, Terry, Jost, Kevin
Magazine Article
SAE Eye on Engineering: Lucid Motors new EV1224012/29/2016
There appears to be no end to electric-vehicle start-up companies. The latest, Lucid Motors, is based in California and partially financed by Chinese venture capital. In this episode of SAE Eye on Engineering, Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Brooke looks at the Air, the new luxury concept car from Lucid Motors. SAE Eye on Engineering also airs Monday mornings on WJR 760 AM Detroit's Paul W. Smith Show. Access archived episodes of SAE Eye on Engineering.
Video
Ram Rebel TRX concept has 2017 Ford Raptor in its sights16AUTP11_1211/01/2016
It was a showdown between the latest full-size performance pickups at the 2016 State Fair of Texas in Dallas, where SAE torque and towing ratings are worshiped as devoutly as homemade barbeque. At this year's State Fair, Ram's Rebel TRX 2017 concept was pitted against Ford's eagerly awaited production 2017 F-150 Raptor-two trucks aimed at the most rabid fans of each brand and off-road pickup enthusiasts in general.
Shuttleworth, Jennifer
Magazine Article
Momentum: November 201616MOMP1111/01/2016
The comeback car The Cal Poly Pomona FSAE Team implements several measures to help overcome setbacks and achieve a podium finish at Formula SAE Lincoln. Going deep The uBox concept car developed as part of Clemson's Deep Orange program features a uniquely formed roof part. Creating a monster North Dakota State University SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge team brings to life a war-torn engine pieced together with parts from another.
Magazine
I.D. Concept heralds VW's electric Bolt fighter for 202016AUTP11_0911/01/2016
“Our future is in efficient and ‘connected,’” said Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess as he introduced his company's battery-electric product future at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The VW I.D. Concept, with a claimed range of up to 373 mi (600 km) on a single charge, heralds a blitz of new electrified vehicles based on the company's new MEB modular platform dedicated to battery-electric models. A production version of the I.D. is planned for 2020, Diess said, with an autonomous version following by 2025. Diess compared the new BEV to the original VW Beetle, promising “it will be a real people's car” priced about the same as today's Golf.
Brooke, Lindsay
Magazine Article
Aerodynamic Enablers Review for Automotive Applications2016-36-020310/25/2016
Automakers are seeking more efficient and green vehicles projects in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Several factors are directly related to the performance and one of the most important is the aerodynamics. Cars with smooth geometries and transitions are expected to have a better aerodynamic behavior compared with the ones with rough geometries. Regardless the vehicle geometry changes, another way to improve the aerodynamics is by adding new parts, in order to improve the drag coefficient of the car. Most of the time, these parts are added but the functionality is not well defined. The main objective of this work is to identify, explain the way it should work and some applications of additional aeroparts. Those parts could be assembled in a vehicle in order to improve the drag coefficient, have a better fuel economy and lower emissions rate. The work lists aeroparts to be assembled in the underhood, underbody, exterior and a collection of the latest enablers available in
Buscariolo, Filipe Fabian, Magazoni, Felipe, Maruyama, Flavio Koiti, Alves, Julio Cesar Lelis, Volpe, Leonardo José Della, Holl, Alexandre Faraco
Technical Paper
Electric power to revolutionize heavy-duty distribution trucks16OFHP10_1410/01/2016
Daimler Trucks displayed its Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck concept vehicle at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany, in September. The company claims the Urban eTruck is the first battery-electric 26-tonne gross weight commercial vehicle ever produced. Based on the Europe-market Mercedes-Benz Antos heavy truck, the eTruck is expected to be available with two or three axles, allowing gross vehicle weights up to 26 tonnes (57,320 lb). A production version is not expected until 2020; however, the vehicle previewed to Off-Highway Engineering prior to the IAA Show was based on an Antos 6×2 LNA chassis with rear steering and lifting axle.
Kendall, John
Magazine Article
Volvo, Uber share the ride to safety with autonomy16AUTP10_0710/01/2016
The news that Volvo Cars, renowned for its safety focus, and ride-sharing company Uber, are working together to develop next generation autonomous driving (AD) cars eventually reaching full SAE Level-5 standard (no steering wheel or controls), may bring comfort to those who are scared, skeptical or just scorn the advent of being driven by such radical robotics. But this latest development sees a further step to AD being taken in parallel with Volvo's avowed intent that no one traveling in its new models from 2020 onwards will be killed or seriously injured. That bold statement was first uttered in 2007, presaging the introduction or development of a plethora of safety features that the automaker believes will enable it to achieve its target.
Birch, Stuart
Magazine Article
Design and Development of Autonomous Amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and UAV Mountable Water Sampling Devices for Water Based Applications2016-01-200409/20/2016
In this paper we discuss about the design and development of an “Autonomous Amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (AAUAV)” that can fly autonomously to the polluted water areas where human accessibility is formidable to test the water quality. The AAUAV system is an integrated multi-copter with tilt rotor capability to facilitate easy landing, navigation and maneuver on water. A 3D CAD model has been designed and analyzed. A specific propulsion system has been devised and lab tested. A proof of concept model has been made and tested in the field with its instruments to ascertain its technical/ operational feasibility. This system can also be tailored to collect and store the water samples from the polluted sites for further comprehensive research at the laboratory. AAUAV system is the novel solution to the polluted environment through a complete integrated system. This will be an effective alternative for the conventional water sampling techniques.
Parvez Alam, M., Manoharan, Dinesh
Technical Paper
Aerodynamic Analysis of the Elytron 2S Experimental Tiltwing Aircraft2016-01-200809/20/2016
The Elytron 2S is a prototype aircraft concept to allow VTOL capabilities together with fixed wing aircraft performance. It has a box wing design with a centrally mounted tilt-wing supporting two rotors. This paper explores the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft using computational fluid dynamics in hover and low speed forward flight, as well as analyzing the unique control system in place for hover. The results are then used to build an input set for NASA Design and Analysis if Rotorcraft software allowing trim and flight stability and control estimations to be made with SIMPLI-FLYD.
Grima, Alexander, Theodore, Colin, Garrow, Oliver, Lawrence, Ben, Persson, Linnea
Technical Paper
Research on the Quad Tilt Wing Future Civil VTOL Transport2016-01-205509/20/2016
JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) has been conducting a research on a future commercial tilt wing VTOL (Vertical TakeOff and Landing) transport under JAXA's "Sky Frontier" Program aiming to develop technologies for aircraft innovation. The research focuses on QTW (Quad Tilt Wing) civil VTOL transport, which features tandem tilt wings with propellers mounted at the mid-span of each wing. The goals of the research in the present phase are to propose a concept of a QTW business VTOL transport system and to pursue the essential technologies development such as OEI (One-Engine-Inoperative) safe recovery, transition flight control and cruise efficient aerodynamic design. Nine passengers business QTW concept was designed and trade-off analysis of the propulsion system architecture for OEI safety was conducted. The result suggests the architecture having no cross-shaft mechanism with auto-failure-compensation is the most effective in terms of the system weight and operating cost
Muraoka, Koji, Hirabayashi, Daisuke, Sato, Masayuki, Aoki, Yoshihisa
Technical Paper
SAE Eye on Engineering: Case's Driverless Farm Tractor1222009/15/2016
Highways aren't the only place for automated driving. In this episode of SAE Eye on Engineering, Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Brooke looks at the Case IH Autonomous Concept Vehicle. SAE Eye on Engineering also airs Monday mornings on WJR 760 AM Detroit's Paul W. Smith Show. Access archived episodes of SAE Eye on Engineering.
Video
Racing toward autonomous future, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz reveal sultry, drive-it-yourself concept cars16AUTP09_1209/01/2016
In the autonomous-vehicle future, will the ultimate luxury become driving for yourself? That appears to be the suggestion from General Motors' Cadillac premium-car unit and Germany's Mercedes-Benz-both unveiled lusciously-proportioned concept cars at August's Monterey Car Week, where executives for both companies took pains to say the vehicles would be best enjoyed if, well, you actually drove them.
Visnic, Bill
Magazine Article
Bolt EV seat design cuts weight, delights taller passengers16AUTP08_0808/01/2016
Stepping into the back seat of Chevrolet's 2017 Bolt EV, one attribute of the car is immediately evident: the designers and engineers didn't neglect the outsized physical dimensions of tall passengers. In fact, even those whose height and inseam length are well beyond the 90th percentile-that would include the author-will appreciate the Bolt EV's surprisingly easy ingress and egress. That's because the car's front seats were designed with the back-seaters in mind, as well as being designed to reduce mass.
Brooke, Lindsay
Magazine Article
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