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In 1973, Kohler Co. completed the construction of a semi-anechoic chamber, to be used for the acoustical analyses of its small-engine (4-24 HP) line. This paper discusses the acoustical response characteristics of Kohler Co.'s semi-anechoic chamber. The chamber is first evaluated as a system. Then, an analysis of the room's sound absorptive wedges is discussed.

In order to prove that the aluminum structured vehicle technology (ASVT), that was jointly developed by Alcan International and Gaydon Technology, could be used to produce satisfactory automobiles, a fleet of replica vehicles was built using the technology and was subjected to a comprehensive series of test track and road evaluation programs. This paper describes the novel way in which six Austin Rover Metro replicas were built using the ASV technology. It then goes on to describe the tests that were performed on the vehicles and the results obtained. The tests included static torsion, 1000 mile pave (Belgian block), pothole braking, accelerated corrosion and 30 mph barrier impact.

In partly autonomous driving such as level 2 or level 3 automatic driving from SAE international classification, the switching of the driving right between the human driver and the machine plays an important role in the driving process of vehicle [1]. In this paper, the data collected from vehicle states and the driving behavior of drivers is completed via a simulator and self-report questionnaires. A fuzzy analytic network process (Fuzzy-ANP) model is developed to evaluate the driving capability of the drivers in real time from vehicle states due to its direct inherent link to the change of the driving state of drivers Moreover, in this model, the idea of group decision and multi-index fusion is adopted. The questionnaire is required to identify the experimental results from the simulator. The results show that the proposed Fuzzy-ANP model can evaluate the driving capability of the participants in real time accurately.

AN improved method, applicable to either motored or fired engines, for evaluating energy release rate occurring during preflame reactions is described in this paper. A unique feature of this method is the use of a mechanical computer to handle calculations. A smooth energy-release-rate curve can be obtained with this improved analysis technique-something not possible with two previous methods. However, the mean rate of energy release as determined by all three methods is in general agreement.

In recent years, progress has been made in reducing the viscosities of manual transmission fluids (MTFs) and automatic transmission fluids (ATFs). Lower viscosities of MTFs and ATFs are expected to improve the fuel economy of automobiles by reducing the viscous resistance. Examples of low-viscosity ATFs already commercially available include Toyota Auto Fluid WS and ZF Friedrichshafen AG's ZNF 13014. This paper first reports methods for measuring the torque transmission efficiency in manual and automatic transmissions. We explain a simple rig test that we developed using an IAE gear test machine, and we describe oil temperature increase tests and torque measurement tests using actual transmissions and fuel economy tests using actual vehicles. Next, we describe the effects of lower viscosities on the torque transfer efficiency as measured with these measurement methods.

In order to secure effective occupant protection at vehicle collisions, it is necessary to conduct close examination into vehicle crash characteristics as well as interior parts, etc. This paper analyzes the behavior of a HYBRID III dummy restrained by three point seatbelt using MVMA2D computer simulation program at a 35 mph vehicle frontal barrier crash. As a result, it is found for good agreement between experiment and simulation that the exact input data of successive toeboard intrusion play an important role. As for the parametric study on vehicle crashworthiness, the authors propose the convenient method to represent the actual crash pulse by two simplified trapezoids. Then using these trapezoids, the parametric study clarifies the influence of vehicle deformation characteristics as well as the interior parts on dummy injury.

The combustion of cylinder lubricating oil (called as cylinder oil for short) is one of the major sources of PM emissions of low-speed 2-stroke marine diesel engines. For pre-mixed combustion low-speed 2-stroke marine gas engines, the auto-ignition of cylinder oil might result in knock or more hazard abnormal combustion - pre-ignition. Evaporation is a key sub-process of the auto-ignition process of cylinder oil droplets. The evaporation behavior has a profound impact on the auto-ignition and combustion processes of cylinder oil droplets, and a great influence on engine combustion performance and emission characteristics. This paper applied an oil suspending apparatus to investigate the evaporation behavior of cylinder oil droplets and base oil droplets. The effects of ambient temperatures on the evaporation process were measured and analyzed. The results indicate that the evaporation of cylinder oil includes heating, evaporating, pyrolysis, and polymerization.

The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) based on Urea-Water-Solution (UWS) injection is an effective technique to reduce the nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from the exhaust gases of diesel engines. The evaporation characteristics obtained for single Urea-Water-Solution (UWS) droplet using CFD code AVL FIRE is compared with experimental values. 3D numerical model of the injection of UWS and its interaction with the exhaust gas flow and exhaust tubing is developed. The model accounts for all relevant processes appearing from the injection point to the entrance of the SCR catalyst, especially during evaporation and thermolysis of droplets, hydrolysis of isocyanic acid in gas phase, heat transfer between wall and droplets and spray/wall-interaction. The spray wall deposition is found to be varying with temperature and residence time.

Until about 2015 the design and calibration of a powertrain were considered fixed after the vehicle left the production plant. The developers considered efficiency and performance degradation due to wear and added the required procedures to follow when replacing components. The technology advancements and increasing share of SW-based functionality have led to the point that since around 2020 Over-The-Air SW updates during the life of the vehicle have become a common practice. The customers of the OEMs have started to request this functionality as well. When an SW update is possible also Upgrades by means of SW are a possibility. For the powertrain, this can vary from performance gains to trailer towing efficiency. The UN regulation R156 for Software Update Management System defines conditions to implement such upgrades while still complying with the type approval. The codification makes them clear for both OEM and Technical services.

Axial forces were applied between the shoulders and the skull of eight male Macaca mulatta monkeys. Forces from 556 to 1444 Newtons produced marked changes in blood pressure, heart rate and distraction of the cervical spinal column with minimal ligamentous disruption. Somatosensory evoked potentials recorded at the cortical and thalamic levels following dorsal column or peripheral nerve stimulation were altered prior to or during changes in heart rate or blood pressure. Similar findings were observed in the efferent responses recorded from electrodes placed on the thoracic spinal cord following stimulation of sensorimotor cortex. Studies in four monkey cadaveric isolated cervical column preparations indicate that disruption occurs with axial loads which are approximately one-third of the maximum used in the in vivo studies.

Recent progress in micro-electronics has paved the way for new driver information systems. Driver information is to be improved by quality rather than by quantity. Liquid crystal displays, twisted nematic, are the right choice for vehicular displays. Together with new sensors and electronics they form the basis for a family of instruments, which allows for a rational hierarchy of driver information.

The trend in recent years towards increased engine ratings across the whole range of piston applications has led to an increase in the durability requirements for piston alloys. New piston alloy development has been particularly important in the light vehicle diesel (LVD) field, where the race for improved engine performance has led to significant increases in the temperatures and pressures experienced by the piston during engine operation. The demand by oem's for cost effective material solutions for these high per-formance, high volume applications has required piston manufacturers to develop improved aluminium based casting alloys in a short timeframe. Federal-Mogul has been at the forefront of both material and process development in the area of cast aluminium alloys for high duty applications.

This paper discusses the Contemporary Period, from Model-T to T-Bird -- a half century of progress of body engineering during the period of increasing production and high volume. Body engineering activities expanded and changed logically under the impact, of the Keller die sinking machine and new techniques of arc and spot welding. The clay model forced the body to be designed from the outside-in, rather than the inside-out. The complexity of the body components and the increased number of body types brought about changes in body engineering techniques. Greater emphasis on styling and market conditions caused program compression and forced the need for further expansion within body engineering.

For the 1992 SAE/I.Mech.E. exchange lecture, the Chairman of the Automobile Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers reviews the background to the major evolutions in bus design in Europe over the past decade or so. This includes a review of the bus and its environment, together with the effect of legislation. An overview of European bus operations is included, with comments on the climate of change within the industry in Great Britain. Trends in bus production levels in Europe are also examined. Considered in the bus design evolution are: the changing nature of vehicle configurations with a movement towards low floor one step entry products, changes in engine design to achieve diesel exhaust emission standards, and innovations in transmission design yielding benefits in fuel economy and improved foundation brake life. Views are expressed on future design needs, including alternative fuels and vehicle electrics. The progress towards a European bus is reviewed.

The growth of hydraulics applied to construction equipment has been qualitatively and quantitatively dramatic in the past 25 years. The purpose of this paper is to review the past, view the present, and speculate on the future hydraulic systems with particular focus on the evolution of operator comfort and safety, air, and noise pollution control and energy conservation.

Software systems on electronically controlled diesel truck engines typically provide diagnostic features to enable the engine mechanic to identify and debug system problems. As future systems become more sophisticated, so will the diagnostic requirements. The advantages of serviceability and accuracy found in todays electronic systems must not be allowed to degrade due to this increased sophistication. One method of maintaining a high level of serviceability and accuracy is to place an even greater priority on diagnostics and servicing in the initial design phase of the product than is done today. In particular, three major goals of future diagnostic systems should be separation of component failures from system failures, prognostication of failures and analysis of engine performance. This paper will discuss a system to realize these goals by dividing the diagnostic task into the Electronic System Diagnostics, Engine System Diagnostics and the Diagnostic Interface.

To establish a criteria for engine oil requirements for Mack diesel engines, a program was conducted to establish a specification based on the use of a production multicylinder engine. Laboratory engine tests were supplemented by field tests to assure correlation. Subsequently modifications were made to the engine test procedures to accommodate modifications in engines being marketed. Oil monitoring and oil analysis programs were also implemented to further assist in assuring adequate engine lubrication.

The utilization of engineering thermoplastics in automotive applications has increased dramatically since a modest start in the early 1950’s. Major application areas include electronic, engine cooling fan and system components; head lamp and instrument panel retainers; and window lift mechanisms. The evolution of engineering thermoplastics in automotive applications is traced through examination of these application areas. Projections of future evolutionary trends are presented based on anticipated application requirements and material performance potential.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213 specifies requirements for child restraint systems used in motor vehicles and was first introduced by the National Highway Safety Bureau in 1971. In 1981, the standard was modified to require dynamic testing of child restraints. Over the following 21 years, Standard No. 213 was modified on numerous occasions, most recently in June of 2003. This paper outlines the history of Standard No. 213 with a discussion of the changes that have been proposed, the comments submitted to NHTSA in response to these proposed changes, and NHTSA's final decision (rule making) regarding which changes to adopt. Detailed discussion is included regarding NHTSA's May 2002 proposal to change the crash pulse, test dummies, injury criteria, and test bench required as part of the dynamic testing. The 2002 proposal also included expansion of the standard to cover child restraints for children weighing up to 65 pounds.

FibrMat™ is a dry cellulose fiber mat which can be formed into complex shapes and contours. The history, processing and end-product characteristics are discussed. Tooling and part design suggestions are made. Comparisons with competitive types of material are made.