Design framework for FlexRay network parameter optimization

Because the FlexRay protocol has more than 70 configuration parameters and these parameters correlate with each other, designing a FlexRay network is a complex and difficult task. In this study, we propose a design framework that optimizes the two main FlexRay network parameters that are highly relevant to the application algorithm. The design process is composed of two steps for optimizing parameters. In the first step, the static slot length is optimized using a frame-packing algorithm. This algorithm binds network signals into static frames based on their periods and signal groups. In the second step, the communication cycle length is optimally designed with frame-scheduling algorithm and worst-case reponse time analysis. Based on the frame-scheduling algorithm, the response times are analyzed. The proposed design framework was applied to a unified chassis control system as a case study, and the analytical results were verified.     

Finite element modeling of static tire enveloping characteristics

To investigate static tire enveloping characteristics, a three dimensional (3-D) finite element model is proposed. The vertical stiffness of the tire is studied on a flat surface with and without cleat. Tire rubber materials and cord layers are represented independently using “rebar” elements available in MSC Marc Mentat. Comparisons of numerical and experimental results are given to show the validity of the proposed model. It is shown that after a certain displacement, the results of the proposed model agree well with experimental results. In addition, the model results show that regardless of the type of the cleat placed under the rim center (hub center), all vertical force curves intersect after a certain displacement, which indicates typical static enveloping characteristics. Moreover, another typical characteristic of the radial tires that is unlike those of bias-ply constructions confirms that the contact patch does not expand laterally after a level vertical load is applied to the tire, which is directly related to fuel consumption and tire tread life.     

Comprehensive lateral driver model for critical maneuvering conditions

A new comprehensive driver model is presented for critical maneuvering conditions with more accurate dynamic control performance. In order to achieve a safe maneuvering mode, a new path planning scheme to maintain stability of the vehicle was designed. A new steering strategy, considering the errors of vehicle position and yaw angle between the real track and the planned path, was established to obtain the steering angle. Therefore, the vehicle can be adjusted to accurately follow the desired path with the driver model, and the stability of the vehicle and the smoothness of the steering angle input were comprehensively considered. Simulation results were used to validate the control performance in comparison with the optimal preview driver model proposed by Macadam.     

Engine performance and toxic gas analysis of biobutanol-blended gasoline as a vehicle fuel

A comprehensive study evaluating the performance of biobutanol-blended gasoline in passenger cars was conducted because biobutanol is considered a better biofuel than bioethanol as it has no water solubility and it has a higher caloric value, giving it a higher energy value. Several kinds of samples—suboctane gasoline, 8 volume percentage and 16 volume percentage biobutanol—blended gasoline, and a 10 volume percentage MTBE-blended market sample (as the oxygencontaining gasoline)-were tested to evaluate the engine performance in terms of the detergency of the intake valves and combustion chambers, power, emissions, and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the toxicity of the emissions from these biobutanolblended samples was tested in order to assess the viability of biobutanol as one of the competitive potential substitutes for MTBE as an oxygenator in the near future. The results show that biobutanol-blended gasoline samples had relatively better detergency, relatively higher power, and similar levels of emissions compared with those of MTBE-blended gasoline. Formaldehyde was emitted from all of the samples at almost the same levels and within the error range, whereas biobutanolblended gasoline samples emitted approximately three times the amount of acetaldehyde than did the suboctane gasoline. This study shows that biobutanol is one of the best alternative bioalcohol fuels for use in the near future.     

Development of hot stamped center pillar using form die with channel type indirect blank holder

The hot stamping process has been used in the automotive industry to reduce the weight of the body-in-white and to increase passenger safety via improved crashworthiness. However, defects such as fracture and wrinkle occur when hot stamping is performed using a conventional drawing or forming method. In this study, a channel-type indirect blank holder (CIBH) is proposed to develop a high-strength center pillar in form-type hot stamping, so that the aforementioned drawbacks are overcome. This type of blank holder plays an important role in reducing severe wrinkling at the flange; such wrinkling leads to folding after the completion of form-type hot-stamping. First, we investigated the effect of the channel shape on the indirect blank holding force by using a simplified two-dimensional plane-strain stamping process. Second, we selected the slope angle and corner radius of the channel as the main shape parameters by finite element analysis and artificial neural network (ANN). It is known that fracture at the hot formed wall and wrinkle at the flange are significantly affected by the slope angle of the channel, and the appropriate value for eliminating fracture and wrinkle is determined to be 99°. By performing hot stamping using a form die with the selected channel, we can manufacture a high-strength center pillar without wrinkle and fracture.     

Exact Equations for Tractrix Curves Associated with Vehicle Offtracking

Vehicle offtracking behavior at low speeds is closely approximated by a geometric entity called a tractrix. This paper presents differential equations for generalized coordinates of a planar multibody vehicle model based on tractrix behavior. The equations are exact, can be used with any type of input path, are valid for forward and backward movements, and are much simpler than previously published formulations used to compute transient offtracking. The differential equations can be integrated using conventional numerical integration algorithms to obtain plots of the low-speed tracking performance of articulated vehicles. The equations were formulated symbolically by a computer program used to analyze the kinematic and dynamic behavior of multibody systems. Example numerical results are plotted.     

Application of Inverse Models to Vehicle Optimization Problems

This paper presents a nonlinear inverse model of a road vehicle which simulates combined steering and braking/driving. The inputs to the model are the lateral and longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle's sprung mass center. The simulation returns the steering wheel angle and brake/drive torques required to obtain the desired accelerations. An example is presented which demonstrates the utility of inverse models for optimization purposes.     

Crosswind Sensitivity of Passenger Cars and the Influence of Chassis and Aerodynamic Properties on Driver Preferences

Results of vehicle crosswind research involving both full-scale driver-vehicle tests and associated analyses are presented. The paper focuses on experimental crosswind testing of several different vehicle configurations and a group of seven drivers. A test procedure, which utilized wind-generating fans arranged in alternating directions to provide a crosswind “gauntlet”, is introduced and described. Driver preferences for certain basic chassis and aerodynamic properties are demonstrated and linked to elementary system responses measured during the crosswind gauntlet tests. Based on these experimental findings and confirming analytical results, a two-stage vehicle design process is then recommended for predicting and analyzing the crosswind sensitivity of a particular vehicle or new design.     

Stochastic Optimal Control of Highway Tractors with Active Suspensions

Stochastic optimal control and estimation theories are used to design an active suspension system for a cab ride in a tractor-semitrailer vehicle. A discrete-continuous vehicle model with eleven degrees of freedom is augmented by a stochastic road excitation model and a human perception of vibration shape filter. Both perfect measurement and estimated state cases are considered. The impact of the measurement noise on the design of the optimal controller is demonstrated. The performance of the optimally controlled system is compared with an optimal passive system. It is shown that significant improvements in ride comfort can be achieved through the use of actively controlled cab suspensions.