Fatigue and buckling analysis of automotive components considering forming and welding effects

Some vehicle components are developed by setting target weights to the gram level at their design stages to accomplish a lightweight design. Recently, there have been many studies that have focused on lightweight design through the use of ultra-high-strength steels. However, a lightweight design can face many challenges if the reliability of the analysis is not also secured at the design stage. Such challenges include difficulties in coupled analyses when the file formats are different among PAM-STAMP, ABAQUS, and NASTRAN. In this study, we developed a mapping interface that enables mapping between the file formats of various software programs. Buckling analysis was coupled to the forming analysis, in which pre-strain test data were applied in considering the material’s strain hardening, to evaluate the rigidity of the front lower control arm that controls the wheels and transfers loads. The influence of forming effects on endurance was evaluated, and residual stresses around the weld zone were calculated. A comparison of experimental and analytical results indicated that the proposed analysis was highly reliable.     

The trophic state of the Baltic Sea a century ago: a model simulation study

We apply a 3-D circulation model with a biogeochemical module (ERGOM) for the simulation of trophic conditions in the Baltic Sea a century ago. One aim is to provide reference or background data for nitrogen, phosphorus and chlorophyll, which is required for the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). We assume that the situation a century ago serves this purpose well. Model input for this long-term simulation study are the regionally differentiated riverine and atmospheric nutrient loads to the Baltic Sea, which were compiled and calculated for a situation 100 years ago on the basis of various literature sources. For the mixed surface layer of the open Baltic Sea, we suggest maximum winter concentrations for dissolved phosphorus (dissolved inorganic nitrogen) of 0.23–0.35 (2.7–3.7) mmol/m³. Maximum chlorophyll-a concentrations are between 1.8 and 2.4 mg/m³. The concentrations of all parameters for different coastal waters vary in a wide range, depending on exposure to nutrient sources. Our nutrient concentrations for the situation a century ago are close to early measured data (1950–1960) and suggest that this data is suitable as reference data, as well.     

Discharge headway at signalized intersections in Hong Kong

This paper reports the analysis and comparisons of discharge headways at 26 sites in Hong Kong. Previous studies here established good understanding of the average discharge headway under various conditions but very few studies dealt with discharge headway of individual vehicles which is a vital component in the traffic simulation at signalized intersections. This study that looked into the discharge headway of individual vehicles found that the discharge headway at different queue position follows the Type I Extreme Value Distribution. A method of estimating site‐specific parameters for this distribution has also been proposed.     

An Internal State Variable Model for the Low Temperature Tempering of Low Alloy Steels

QuanitativelyaccuratePredictionsofquenchinduceddistOnionandresidualstressrelyontheabilitytopredictthemicrosthectUralevolUtionthroughOutthequenchProcess.InlowaIloysteels,cUrrenresearchMshavefOcusedontheformationldneticsoffetrite,pearlite,bainiteandmartensite.However,temPeringcanhavealargeinfluenceondistOnionandresidualstrCss,andeffortstoaccountforthislagbehindthemodelingofthePrimnyphasetransihons.AsafirststeptowardsaccountingfortemPerillg,wehavedevelOpedanintemalstatevariablemodelthatuses…     

The effect of the inflation pressure of tyres on motorcycle weave stability: experiments and simulation

Increasing the stability of a motorcycle requires an understanding of the optimal conditions of the tyre. The inflation pressure is one of the main parameters that directly affects the tyre properties, which in turn influences motorcycle stability and safety. This paper focuses on the effect of the inflation pressure of the tested tyres on motorcycle weave stability. Experimental data are collected from tests carried out in straight running at constant speed. The data analysis is based on stochastic subspace identification methods. Simulations are performed using an advanced motorcycle multi-body code with parameters measured from the tested vehicle. Finally, the comparison between simulations and experimental tests is discussed. The research results show an agreement between experimental tests and simulations where weave stability increases with inflation pressure for the specified range of tyre pressure.     

顶湖—仙渡345 kV地下输电线路工程设计与施工

因都会区用电量增加,且为减低输电线路对市区景观及环境冲击,台电公司于台北市北投区大度路旁兴建地下电缆洞道,由顶湖超高压变电所引入345 kV二回线至仙渡超高压变电所。采用潜盾工法以降低交通及环境冲击的问题,因施工遭遇软硬不同土层及高水压影响,且穿越捷运淡水线关渡隧道下方,紧邻大度陆桥,因此在设计上采用大洞道方案、2道止水条、发进井调整位置及角度等方案,以降低施工对于附近结构物之冲击。     

Assessment of the pedestrian friendliness of a vechicle using subsystem impact tests

Annually, thousands of unprotected pedestrians are killed or suffer serious injuries in accidents with moving vehicles. Numerous automobile organizations have performed research on pedestrian safety. The European Enhanced Vehicle- Safety Committee (EEVC), Working Group 17 (WG17) proposed three component subsystem tests to evaluate the friendliness of a vehicle to pedestrians: the legform to hood test, the upper legform to bonnet leading edge test and the headform to bonnet top test. In assessing the pedestrian friendliness of a vehicle, the present study adopted the WG17 regulations of the three component subsystem tests. We herein describe in detail a finite element subsystem model built to analyze the pedestrian friendliness of a vehicle using LS-DYNA. The first objective of this study was to simulate these three component subsystem impact tests and evaluate car front aggressiveness. The second objective was to analyze the frontal structures of a vehicle and, based on the simulation results, identify dangerous areas and provide suggestions for vehicle front design that may decrease pedestrian injuries. The analysis of these models and the results obtained may be used to help evaluate the pedestrian friendliness of a vehicle and guide the future development of pedestrian-friendly vehicle technologies.     

Automated driving and autonomous functions on road vehicles

In recent years, road vehicle automation has become an important and popular topic for research and development in both academic and industrial spheres. New developments have received extensive coverage in the popular press, and it may be said that the topic has captured the public imagination. Indeed, the topic has generated interest across a wide range of academic, industry and governmental communities, well beyond vehicle engineering; these include computer science, transportation, urban planning, legal, social science and psychology. While this follows a similar surge of interest – and subsequent hiatus – of Automated Highway Systems in the 1990s, the current level of interest is substantially greater, and current expectations are high. It is common to frame the new technologies under the banner of ‘self-driving cars’ – robotic systems potentially taking over the entire role of the human driver, a capability that does not fully exist at present. However, this single vision leads one to ignore the existing range of automated systems that are both feasible and useful. Recent developments are underpinned by substantial and long-term trends in ‘computerisation’ of the automobile, with developments in sensors, actuators and control technologies to spur the new developments in both industry and academia. In this paper, we review the evolution of the intelligent vehicle and the supporting technologies with a focus on the progress and key challenges for vehicle system dynamics. A number of relevant themes around driving automation are explored in this article, with special focus on those most relevant to the underlying vehicle system dynamics. One conclusion is that increased precision is needed in sensing and controlling vehicle motions, a trend that can mimic that of the aerospace industry, and similarly benefit from increased use of redundant by-wire actuators.     

A spatial decision support system for retail plan generation and impact assessment

Current geographic information systems typically offer limited analytical capabilities and lack the flexibility to support spatial decision making effectively. Spatial decision support systems aim to fill this gap. Following this approach, this paper describes an operational system for integrated land-use and transportation planning called Location Planner. The system integrates a wide variety of spatial models in a flexible and easy-to-use problem solving environment. Users are able to construct a model out of available components and use the model for impact analysis and optimization. Thus, in contrast to existing spatial decision support systems, the proposed system allows users to address a wide range of problems. The paper describes the architecture of the system and an illustrative application. Furthermore, the potentials of the system for land-use and transportation planning are discussed.     

Managing community acceptance of major industrial projects

Abstract

In some cases, the major risk encountered by an industry seeking to site a facility is that of community acceptance. Without community acceptance of a proposed project, construction can be delayed, taxes can be prohibitive, and operations can be prevented through the opposition and influence of local groups. This paper describes the community acceptance risk, the traditional industrial approach to countering local opposition, and a positive approach to achieving community acceptance. This positive approach entails careful site selection; affirmative management of the community acceptance problem, including explicit planning of the community acceptance effort, assignment of staff with specific responsibilities to implement plans, and a budget for mitigating the impacts of the project on the community; acquisition of sufficient land to buffer unavoidable impacts of the project; a carefully formed corporate policy on the public release of information concerning the project; and constructive participation in state and local government policy development.