This paper presents a novel model abstraction and representation approach for the application of model-based reasoning (MBR) to helicopter powertrain diagnostics. Although the basic principles of MBR are well understood, its application to specific domains, especially in mechanical systems, has been restricted due to insufficient model fidelity. The traditional vibration analysis approach has b...

Current active noise control (ANC) technology cannot yield a balanced performance over broad frequency range when applied to powertrain noise control. It is because most of these ANC systems are configured with the traditional filtered-x least mean squares (FXLMS) algorithm with an inherent limitation in the frequency-dependent convergence behavior. In particular, the phase delay of the seconda...

Electric vehicles (EV) are considered a practical alternative to conventional and hybrid electric passenger vehicles, with higher overall powertrain efficiencies by omitting the internal combustion engine. As a consequence of lower energy density in the battery energy storage as compared to fossil fuels powered vehicles, EVs have limited driving range, leading to a range phobia and limited cons...

Optimal design of large engineering systems modeled as nonlinear programming problems remains a challenge because increased size reduces reliability and speed of numerical optimization algorithms. Decomposition of the original model into smaller coordinated submodels is desirable or even necessary. The article presents a methodology for optimal model-based decomposition of design problems, whet...

The use of driving simulation in vehicle design and development is growing. For maximal benefit, vehicle models used in the driving simulator must be rapidly reconfigurable and easy to develop. To evaluate potential modeling concepts, vehicle dynamics and vehicle subsystems are developed using modular model components. These are integrated with simulator cueing subsystems, using the same modeli...

The Ford GT powertrain (see Figure 1) is an integrated system developed to preserve the heritage of the LeMans winning car of the past. A team of co-located engineers set out to establish a system that could achieve this result for today's supercar. Multiple variations of engines, transaxles, cooling systems, component locations and innovations were analyzed to meet the project objectives. This...

The use of deductive techniques, such as theorem provers, has several advantages in safety verification of hybrid systems. There is often a gap, however, between the type of assistance that a theorem prover requires to make progress on a proof task and the assistance that a system designer is able to provide. To address this deficiency we present an extension to the deductive verification frame...

This study deals with the control of a hybrid vehicle powertrain, composed of three actuators (one engine, two electric machines). This powertrain belongs to the Electric-Infinitely Variable Transmission (E-IVT) class. In order to achieve low fuel consumption, drivability and electric power management, controllers have to achieve simultaneously three specifications, namely engine speed, wheel-t...

The possibilities to simulate fuel consumption and optimize a vehicle’s powertrain to fit to the customer’s needs are great strengths in the competitive bus industry where fuel consumption is one of the main sales arguments. In this master’s thesis, bus specific powertrain component models, used to simulate and predict fuel consumption, are validated using measured data collected from buses. Ad...

The international economy, in the beginning of the 20th century, is characterized by uncertainty about the supply and the price of oil. Together with the fast decrease of electrical propulsion component prices, it becomes more and more cost effective to develop vehicles with alternative powertrains. This paper focuses on two questions: Are alternative powertrains especially cost effective for s...