Stereovision-based real-time occupant classification system for advanced airbag systems

Occupant classification in a passenger seat is one of the critical components for any advanced airbag system. Many automotive electronic suppliers and engineers predict that the camera will be the next generation sensor for active and passive safety systems because it has several advantages compared to other sensors. The present paper describes a stereovision-based occupant classification system (OCS) and intelligent algorithm with embedded system by which triggering of the airbag deployment can be controlled. The system consists of a pair of stereo cameras and dual Digital Signal Processor (DSP): the first DSP is for the stereo matching processing, and the second is for occupant classification. The results show that the reaches 97%, and the processing time is 960 ms. Such performance indicates that the feasibility of the system as an embedded OCS is high.     

La voie étroite du « facteur 4 » dans le secteur des transports: quelles politiques publiques, pour quelles mobilités ?

Today, numerous works conclude that transport seems to be completely coupled to economic and export/import growth. Therefore, as a direct consequence of economic development, transport sits today as one of the major final energy consumers and as one of the most important sources of carbon dioxide emissions. Consequently, this situation of continuous increase in transport clearly poses an environmental problem. In this paper, we propose to asses a certain number of possible solutions through scenario building in a backcasting manner using the TILT (Transport Issues in the Long Term) model. In particular, we evaluate three different scenarios that address how technology and different public policies can contribute towards a sharp reduction in CO₂ emissions. Each scenario allows a quick comprehension of the types of results that can be obtained through different policy mixes. In sum, realistic technological hypothesis show that a 50% reduction in emissions, from the 2000 level, is a clear possibility, and that the remaining 25% reduction in emissions is possible through different types of policy mixes.     

Accumulated tolerance analysis of suspension by geometric tolerances based on multibody elasto-kinematic analysis

Tolerance design of vehicle suspension is an important factor that affects the ride and handling quality and cost of the vehicle. Also, applying geometric tolerance to an analysis model is found to be a difficult process. This paper presents a method for tolerance analysis of wheel alignment of vehicle suspension. Monte-Carlo simulation method is applied to multibody elasto-kinematic model to analyze the accumulated geometric tolerances. As an example, Macpherson Strut Type front half car model is used, and wheel alignment dispersion and contribution ratio to the dispersion by accumulated geometric tolerances is computed. This paper also presents an efficient modeling and analysis method for elasto-kinematic model of vehicle suspensions by computing the stiffness matrix analytically. The simulation results of a Macpherson Strut Type demonstrates the validity and accuracy of the proposed method.     

Analysis on Gas Characteristics of the Sichuan Red-bed Section of ChengduGuiyang Railway and Suggestion on Division of Gas Working Areas in the Survey Stage北大核心CSCD

Combining with the borehole gas concentration tests for the Sichuan red-bed section of the Chengdu-Guiyang Railway, this paper analyzes its correlation with the stratum chronology geological structure, and tunnel depth on the basis of data statistics, and puts forward the suggestion to qualitatively and quantitatively divide gas working areas. The results show that the correlation between the tunnel gas concentration and the stratum chronology is not significant in the Sichuan red-bed section of the Chengdu-Guiyang Railway (except coal-bearing strata); geological structure plays a controlling role in gas transport and accumulation; and the positive correlation between the gas concentration and the tunnel depth is significant. According to the above conclusions, it could qualitatively divide the gas working areas according to the geological structure and mapping information collected during the survey stage, and quantitatively divide the gas working areas according to the gas concentration test results. The final categorization of gas working areas can be determined by combining the qualitative and quantitative results. © 2022, Editorial Office of "Modern Tunnelling Technology". All right reserved.     

General Construction Technology Scheme of Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Urumqi-Yuli Expressway北大核心CSCD

With a total length of about 22 km, Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Urumqi-Yuli Expressway is currently the longest expressway tunnel under construction in the world. It adopts the construction scheme of "3 tunnels (2 D& B main tunnels and 1 TBM-driven middle pilot tunnel) + 4 shafts", which is characterized by great construction difficulty and high technical standard requirements. The tunnel construction is faced with technical challenges such as TBM passing through large fault fracture zones, long-distance construction ventilation in three tunnels, deep and large shaft construction and logistics organization in two-main tunnel construction assisted by middle pilot tunnel. In the parallel three-tunnel method design of Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the TBM-driven middle pilot tunnel can not only play the role of advanced pilot tunnel, but also assist the construction of the two main tunnels and speed up the construction progress. For the middle pilot tunnel, the TBM excavation diameter is 8.4 m, and the initial support is designed as 100% force-bearing capacity in construction period, which can meet the requirements for two-way material transportation, ventilation and belt mucking in the pilot tunnel. Vault suspension scheme is adopted for the continuous belt conveyor, which can reduce the impact on the material flow organization in the cross passages. Multifunctional service vehicles (MSVs) independently developed by CCCC Group are used for the transportation of TBM materials and prefabricated inverted arch blocks, which can realize double-headed driving. TBM will pass through two large fault fracture zones F6 and F7. According to the stability of the surrounding rock at the tunnel face, the targeted treatment measures would be adopted. If necessary, the scheme of "steel segment + extruded concrete" shall be used for the initial support. In case of serious machine jamming or rock collapse, the heading expansion excavation method or bypass heading method shall be used. Tianshan Shengli Tunnel adopts phased forced ventilation option, and the ventilation mode is designed in stages with the change of tunnel construction stage. The fans and air pipes used are imported ones, and a ventilation management team is set up to strengthen ventilation management and ensure ventilation quality. Highly mechanized construction is used for the two D& B main tunnels, the application of equipment such as three-arm rock drilling jumbo and wet shotcrete machine is promoted, so as to reduce the number of workers and labor intensity, and improve work efficiency. The deep shafts of Tianshan Shengli Tunnel are constructed by short-section excavation and lining mixed operation method, and the initial support is lined by formwork pouring concrete, so as to realize safe and rapid excavation. According to the research results, the construction technology scheme for Tianshan Shengli Tunnel can meet the needs of tunnel construction. The research results can be directly used to guide the construction of Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, and provide reference for the construction of extra long highway tunnels in high-altitude areas. © 2022, Editorial Office of "Modern Tunnelling Technology". All right reserved.     

Optimal controller design for a constrained polynomial vehicle system with an input-state linearized model

This paper presents a new controller design method based on a data-mining polynomial algorithm. We show application of a polynomial data-mining algorithm, where an input-state linearized polynomial vehicle model is developed for very low speed operation and, without introducing any processes with fudge factors, control inputs of a nonlinear system are obtained in the original coordinates. We verify the developed modeling method and controller design method through numerical experiments.     

Combustion and emission characteristics of BD20 reformed by ultrasonic energy for different injection delay and EGR rate in a diesel engine

The purpose of this study is to understand the operational characteristics of a diesel engine that uses BD20 reformed by ultrasonic energy irradiation. In particular we study the effects of tuning injection delay and EGR rate. BD containing about 10% oxygen has attracted attention due to soaring crude oil prices and environmental pollution. This oxygen decreases soot by promoting combustion, but it also increases NOx. To solve this problem, injection timing may be delayed or an EGR system may be applied. These adjustments normally lower engine power and increase exhaust emission but, in using fuel reformed by ultrasonic energy irradiation (which is changed physically and chemically to promote combustion), we may hope to circumvent this problem. To control the duration of the ultrasonic energy irradiation, the capacity of the chamber in an ultrasonic energy fuel supply system was tested at 550cc and 1100cc capacities. As for the results of the experiment, we could identify the optimum EGR rate by investigating the engine performance and the characteristics of exhaust emissions according to the injection timing and the EGR rate while ultrasonically irradiated BD20 was fed to a commercial diesel engine. With UBD20 (at an injection timing of BTDC 16°), the optimum EGR rate, giving satisfactory engine performance and exhaust emissions characteristics, was in the range of 15∼20%.     

Development and performance analysis of an automotive power seat for disabled persons

As the number of disabled people grows, independence and mobility become a priority for those individuals. To achieve this goal, a ‘Turny-type power seat’ was developed in this study to assist a disabled person rise from a vehicle without trouble. The design and modeling of the power seat were performed using AutoCAD and CATIA software. The major motions of the power seat system are swiveling, sliding, and extending, which are accomplished primarily by DC motors, chains, and gears. Most of the power seat parts were made from mild steel. Welding technology was used throughout the frame fabrication. To ensure the safety and stability of the power seat, various tests were performed, and the results analyzed. The static analysis of the power seat was carried out by ANSYS 11.0. The results showed that the power seat conformed to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The durability test was performed by repeatedly rotating and sliding the power seat under loading conditions. Dynamic crash simulation was carried out using the LS-DYNA software. The durability test ensured a longer life of the power seat, while the crash analysis showed a small rotational distortion that was not harmful to passengers. However, the front seat had a slightly larger forward displacement, which was not comfortable for passengers. Therefore, further modifications of the power seat should be done to improve the performance, with attention given to the reduction of the forward displacement in the event of a crash.     

Effects of head restraint and vehicle damage severity on neck injury risk

Domestic automobile insurance claims were investigated to correlate the driver neck injury risk with the safety rating of the head restraint, the severity of vehicle damage, and other human factors. The results of our statistical analysis reveal that the risk of neck injury for the driver is significantly different for vehicle size, use, driver gender, driver age, impact direction, accident location, and safety rating of head restraint, depending on vehicle the damage level which is assumed to imply impact severity during a rear-end crash accident. One of the unique findings from domestic insurance claims from low-speed rear-end crash accidents is the frequent reports of lower back injury together with whiplash. Thus, the risk of lower back discomfort is also included in this statistical analysis.     

Evaluation of low-temperature diesel combustion regimes with n-Heptane fuel in a constant-volume chamber

The concept of Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) has been advancing rapidly because it may reduce emissions of NOx and soot simultaneously. Various LTC regimes that yield specific emissions have been investigated by a great number of experiments. To accelerate the evaluation of the spray combustion characteristics of LTC, to identify the soot formation threshold in LTC, and to implement the LTC concept in real diesel engines, LTC is modeled and simulated. However, since the physics of LTC is rather complex, it has been a challenge to precisely compute LTC regimes by applying the available diesel combustion models and considering all spatial and temporal characteristics as well as local properties of LTC. In this paper, LTC regimes in a constant-volume chamber with n-Heptane fuel were simulated using the ECFM3Z model implemented in a commercial STAR-CD code. The simulations were performed for different ambient gas O₂ concentrations, ambient gas temperatures and injection pressures. The simulation results showed very good agreement with available experimental data, including similar trends in autoignition and flame evolution. In the selected range of ambient temperatures and O₂ concentrations, soot and NOx emissions were simultaneously reduced.