Two-Dimensional Contact Area of a Pneumatic Tire Subjected to a Lateral Force

A mathematical model of a two-dimensional contact patch of pneumatic tires rolling over a rigid flat road surface at arbitrary slip and camber angles has been developed. The model is simple in concept, contains few parameters and is applicable to any tire simulation models. In addition to tire geometric parameters and vertical deflection, the carcass camber angle is introduced in the model. This angle is alone responsible for the asymmetric shape of the tire contact patch when the tire undergoes a lateral force. The computed contact patches agree well with the measured patches of an automotive tire at different slip and camber angles. Lastly, the influence of the contact patch geometry on the tire cornering and aligning properties has been discussed through a computational example. It has been shown that the effect of tire contact patch geometry on the steady state behavior is rather remarkable.     

Fatigue life reliability prediction of a stub axle using Monte Carlo simulation

A stub axle is a part of a vehicle constant-velocity system that transfers engine power from the transaxle to the wheels. The stub axle is subjected to fatigue failures due to cyclic loads arising from various driving conditions. The aim of this paper was to introduce a probabilistic framework for fatigue life reliability analysis that addresses uncertainties that appear in the mechanical properties. Service loads in terms of response-time history signal of a Belgian pave were replicated on a multi-axial spindle-coupled road simulator. The stress-life method was used to estimate the fatigue life of the component. A fatigue life probabilistic model of a stub axle was developed using Monte Carlo simulation where the stress range intercept and slope of the fatigue life curve were selected as random variables. Applying the goodness-of-fit analysis, lognormal was found to be the most suitable distribution for the fatigue life estimates. The fatigue life of the stub axle was found to have the highest reliability between 8000–9000 cycles. Because of uncertainties associated with the size effect and machining and manufacturing conditions, the method described in this paper can be effectively applied to determine the probability of failure for mass-produced parts.     

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.     

Sequential Approximate Optimization of MacPherson Strut Suspension for Minimizing Side Load by Using Progressive Meta-Model Method

In a MacPherson strut suspension, the side load is inevitably generated and it causes friction at the damper reducing riding comfort. In this paper, to solve this problem, progressive meta-model based sequential approximate optimization (SAO) is performed to minimize the side load. To calculate the side load, a wheel travel analysis is performed by using flexible multi-body dynamics (FMBD) model of suspension, which can consider both finite element method (FEM) and multi-body dynamics (MBD). In the optimal design process, meta-model is generated by using extracted sampling points and radial basis function (RBF) method. As a result of optimal design, spring setting positions that minimize the side load are obtained and by using optimal spring setting positions, the suspension FMBD model was constructed.     

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.     

Improvement of combustion efficiency and emission characteristics of IC diesel engine operating on ESC cycle applying Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) with vaneless turbine volute

Based on experimental data, the present study investigates the influence of turbine adjustment in a turbocharger with vaneless turbine volute on diesel combustion efficiency indices and emission characteristics. Experimental investigations were conducted on engine modes as set out by the European Stationary Cycle (ESC). The adjustment algorithms selected for the experiment under ESC modes included adjustment to achieve minimal values of specific fuel consumption (SFC), NOx, CO and particulate matter (PM). In present research only VGT adjustment was investigated, the factors like fuel injection timing and EGR were not investigated. As a result we were able to make a comparison of the engine combustion efficiency and emission indices for VGT and a common turbocharger running on ESC cycle modes.     

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.     

Wet Single Clutch Engagement Behaviors in the Dual-Clutch Transmission System

A frictional torque was generated by a lubricated slip contact between a wet clutch pad and a steel separator during a wet clutch engagement. It is necessary to understand the generation of frictional torque to improve the performance of the frictional torque transfer and the durability of the wet clutch system. The analytical modeling of wet clutch torque transfer considers the effects of surface roughness, permeability, the elastic modulus of the frictional material, lubricant viscosity, temperature, etc. Experimental apparatus for wet clutch engagement was designed for the measurement of frictional torque transfer during wet clutch engagement. The experimental results were compared with the analytical results under various operational conditions for the verification of the theoretical analysis to evaluate the performance of the wet clutch system. Some correlations were investigated between the experimental and analytical results. We found that computation by analytical modeling can predict the effects of oil temperature, applied force, and slip speed, as well as engagement period and frictional torque transfer shapes.     

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.