Bayesian kriging regression for the accuracy improvement of beam modeled T-junctions of buses and coaches structures with a methodology based on FEM behavioral analysis

This paper has been developed in the framework of the alternative beam T-junction solution previously propoused by the authors (Alcalá et al., 2013), with the scope of optimizing the behavior of buses and coaches upper structures modeled with beam type elements. The alternative beam T-junction model proposed by the authors, had a total of six elastic elements at the junction level allowing to modify the localized rigidity of any modeled T-junctions, therefore improving their behavior and avoiding the well known rigidity issue these elements have. A fundamental aspect behind the use of these alternative beam models is related to the necessity of correctly estimating the rigidity values of the elastic elements for each modeled T-junction. In this context, we propose applying a surrogate model for the reference calculations which is based on statistical Bayesian kriging predictors. Statistical predictions have the added value, with respect to deterministic solutions, of providing a quantification of uncertainty. The development of the kriging predictors has required the application of a statistical methodology including computer experiment design, computation of moments of inertia, graphical and ANOVA type sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo computation of Bayesian inference. The results of the application have been a very satisfactory trade-off between accuracy of approximation (prediction) and computational cost. The surrogate kriging models also provide an useful tool for a better understanding of the input-output relationships involved in the reference computations.     

Robustness analysis of ESC ECU to characteristic variation of vehicle chassis components using HILS technique

The ESC system, since its introduction in the mid 90s, has greatly contributed to prevention of vehicle accidents with its capability of maintaining vehicle stability in severe driving conditions. Due to its significant advantages, many nations are now adopting regulations that mandate installation of the ESC system in all classes of passenger vehicles — from mini to luxury. Accordingly it became important to know whether an ESC ECU can yield good performance on a wide range of vehicle parameter changes. In this paper, robustness analysis was conducted to study how characteristic variation of the main chassis components affect the performance of the ESC ECU. This analysis was carried out using a HILS system built on an actual ESC ECU. The variation range of each chassis component was carefully selected considering the component’s design criteria adopted in automotive industries. Based upon the robustness analysis results, the allowable variation ranges of the chassis components for ensuring sound performance of an ESC ECU were proposed.     

Nonlinear sliding mode observer for exhaust manifold pressure estimation in a light-duty diesel engine

In this paper, a sliding mode observer is proposed to estimate exhaust pressure for a diesel engine equipped with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. Since the exhaust pressure directly affects generation of the VGT power and the EGR rate in the cylinder, the exhaust pressure information is important for precise control of the VGT and EGR systems. In order to estimate the exhaust pressure accurately, a dynamic model of intake and exhaust pressure was derived. Furthermore, the mass flow rate and temperature of the air system in the diesel engines were modeled by consideration of physical phenomena and the thermodynamic law. Based on the developed models, a nonlinear sliding mode observer was designed to estimate the exhaust pressure. Convergence of the proposed observer was verified by the Lyapunov stability criterion. The proposed observer was implemented on a real-time embedded system and validated with the engine experiments. The experimental results show that the observer estimates the exhaust pressure accurately in both steady and transient engine operating conditions. Moreover, as a case study, the estimation results of the proposed observer could be applied for detecting a fault of the EGR system. The fault of the EGR system was detected precisely using the estimation result and the limited sensor information in mass-produced engines.     

Engine performance powered by a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen fuel obtained from water electrolysis

In this work, the performance of an SI engine powered with both gasoline and HHO as supplement fuel was studied and compared with pure gasoline-fuelled engine. The amount of HHO gas quantities added was 1, 1.5, and 2 LPM. The engine speed was varied from 1350 to 2250 rpm. The performance was found by measuring the engine torque, the brake power, the brake specific fuel consumption and the thermal efficiency, while gas analyzer was used to measure the amounts of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide that are emitted from the engine during operation. It was found that the engine performance was best when 2 LPM HHO gas was used with pure gasoline fuel. Further, it was found that, at high amount of HHO gas addition, the nitrogen oxide decreases. Further, the CO level increased when using HHO gas as supplement fuel.     

Experimental study on mobility of a vehicle with CTIS in soft soil

Recently, the domestic military vehicles currently being developed are installed with a central tire inflation system (CTIS) to control the pressure of tires to increase the contact area between the tires and the ground and improve mobility on soft soils. On the other hand, it is difficult to find technical data based on experiments for designing a CTIS. In this study, to obtain the technical data to set proper pressures according to road conditions a range of mobility tests were performed on soft soil roads, such as sand and clay, according to the CTIS operating modes to obtain the technical data to set proper pressures according to the road conditions. The characteristics of the mobility and its correlation with the tire pressures in each operating mode were analyzed. The results confirmed that a wheeled vehicle with a CTIS showed better performance on soft soil than a vehicle without a CTIS.     

磁流体推进稳定性的解析研究（英文）

In this paper an analytical solution for the stability of the fully developed flow drive in a magneto-hydro-dynamic pump with pulsating transverse Eletro-magnetic fields is presented. To do this, a theoretical model of the flow is developed and the analytical results are obtained for both the cylindrical and Cartesian configurations that are proper to use in the propulsion of marine vessels. The governing parabolic momentum PDEs are transformed into an ordinary differential equation using approximate velocity distribution. The numerical results are obtained and asymptotic analyses are built to discover the mathematical behavior of the solutions. The maximum velocity in a magneto-hydro-dynamic pump versus time for various values of the Stuart number, electro-magnetic interaction number, Reynolds number, aspect ratio, as well as the magnetic and electrical angular frequency and the shift of the phase angle is presented. Results show that for a high Stuart number there is a frequency limit for stability of the fluid flow in a certain direction of the flow. This stability frequency is dependent on the geometric parameters of a channel.     

Energy-efficient operation of rail vehicles

This paper describes an analytical process that computes the optimal operating successions of a rail vehicle to minimize energy consumption. Rising energy prices and environmental concerns have made energy conservation a high priority for transportation operations. The cost of energy consumption makes up a large portion of the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) costs of transit especially rail transit systems. Energy conservation or reduction in energy cost may be one of the effective ways to reduce transit operating cost, therefore improve the efficiency of transit operations.From a theoretical point of view, the problem of energy efficient train control can be formulated as one of the functions of Optimal Control Theory. However, the classic numerical optimization methods such as discrete method of optimum programming are too slow to be used in an on-board computer even with the much improved computation power, today. The contribution of this particular research is the analytical solution that gives the sequence of optimal controls and equations to find the control change points. As a result, a calculation algorithm and a computer program for energy efficient train control has been developed. This program is also capable of developing energy efficient operating schedules by optimizing distributions of running time for an entire route or any part of rail systems.We see the major application of the proposed algorithms in fully or partially automated Train Control Systems. The modern train control systems, often referred as “positive” train control (PTC), have collected a large amount of information to ensure safety of train operations. The same data can be utilized to compute the optimum controls on-board to minimize energy consumption based on the algorithms proposed in this paper. Most of the input data, such as track plan, track profile, traction and braking characteristics, speed limits and required trip time are located in an on-board database and/or they can be transmitted via radio link to be processed by the proposed algorithm and program.     

Thermal anaysis of an electric water pump for internal combustion engine vehicles

An electric water pump for engine cooling system has an advantage which particularly in the cold start, the use of the electric water pump saves fuel and leads to a corresponding reduction in emissions. However, the electric water pump for internal combustion engine generates much more heat loss than that for hybrid electric vehicle or electric vehicle since it is operated by electric power of high current and low voltage. In this study, the fluid flow and thermal characteristics of the canned type electric water pump with an inverter integrated has been investigated under the effects of heat generation. The analysis conditions such as outdoor air temperature of 125°C, water pump speed of 6000 rpm, coolant temperature of 106°C and coolant flow rate of 120 L/min were used as a standard condition. Therefore, the thermal performance of the canned type electric water pump’s motor and inverter was evaluated by comparison with that of mechanical seal type. In the motor, the temperature reduced by over 10°C, and in the inverter, the amount of temperature decrease equaled to the maximum temperature difference, about 18.7°C. Also, canned type electric water pumps of variable materials were compared for the evaluation of thermal transfer performance for variable thermal conductivity of a can. The motor and inverter were cooled lower to 42°C at motor and about 40°C at inverter for reasonable selection of can’s thermal conductivity.     

Vibration path analysis and optimal design of the suspension for brake judder reduction

Brake judder is abnormal vibration, which is mainly generated by uneven contact between the brake disc and pad. The abnormal vibration from BTV (Brake Torque Variation) is transferred to the suspension and the steering system during braking. In this paper, judder simulation is carried out using a multi-body dynamic analysis program to analyze the relationship between judder and the transfer mechanism, which consists of the suspension and the steering system. In order to verify the analytical model, test results are compared with the simulation results. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out. In addition, an optimization method is presented for judder reduction, using the design of experiments.     

Study on the performance of active front steering system

The performance of a steering system equipped with active front steering (AFS) device is investigated with the consideration of AFS intervention and a proposed dynamic model. Firstly, the kinematics and dynamics of AFS are illustrated based on the mechanism of AFS with planetary gear set and a detailed dynamic model. Furthermore, a basic control on the voltage of DC motor at AFS actuator is proposed. It is realized by a proportional controller that the input is the difference of desired steering ratio and a conventional gear ratio. Finally, two numerical simulations are carried out. One is on-center handling test to demonstrate the basic characteristics of AFS. The other simulation is to demonstrate the effects of vehicle speed, frequency of steering input and AFS intervention on steering system performance. It is shown that the proposed AFS dynamic model is capable to simulate dynamic performance of AFS. The effect of AFS intervention on turning efforts at hand steering wheel is inevitable and the turning comfort is deteriorated to some extent.