All-terrain Vehicle Research Articles

Assessing and mapping vineyard water status using a ground mobile thermal imaging platform

Water status directly affects yield and crop quality in grapevines. Precision viticulture demands the application of new available technologies and methodologies for accurate irrigation management in vineyards. The objective of this work was the development of an on-the-go thermal imaging application for the assessment and mapping of vineyard water status, building a dataset from a commercial Tempranillo (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyard over two consecutive seasons and validating it in another commercial vineyard from a different winegrowing region. Thermal imaging was performed with a thermal camera mounted in an all-terrain vehicle, moving at 5 km/h and operating at a distance from the canopy of 1.20 m. Stem water potential (Ψstem) was used for validation as the grapevine water status reference method, using a Scholander pressure chamber. Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) and Stomatal Conductance Index (Ig) from a 4-day dataset were computed and correlated with Ψstem, delivering significant (p < 0.0001) determination coefficients R2 up to 0.71. The prediction capability of this dataset was also validated in another commercial vineyard, achieving a prediction R2 up to 0.82 (RMSE of 0.123 MPa). The predicted values of both indices were thus employed for mapping vineyard water status in the second plot. These results evidence the potential applicability of on-the-go thermal imaging for assessing and mapping water status in commercial vineyards required for precision viticulture.

Electric vehicle viability: evaluated for a Canadian subarctic region company

Governments all over the world are setting policies and regulations that encourage companies to incorporate Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) as a part of their fleet and Canada is no exception. However, BEVs struggle to deliver on a wide variety of workload needs and ambient temperature changes tend to have a greater impact on their range. This study reviewed the impact of ambient temperature on BEVs and evaluated if such depressed vehicle battery capacity can deliver required vehicle work scope for the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Waste Management Areas (WMA). This study focused on three-years quantitative data of Light Duty Vehicles (LDVs) operated by CNL WMA. A Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluation compared BEVs to representative WMA Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. Findings indicate that WMA LDVs mileage needs are well within the capabilities of a 150 km capacity BEV. When ambient temperature changes to 0 °C and further to −15 °C, it impacts battery capacity, reducing the aforementioned 150 km capacity BEV by 53% and 40%, respectively. Comparatively, a 250 km capacity BEV would also not translate into meeting 100% of WMA vehicle work scope without recharging when temperature impacts are considered. TCO evaluation shows cost savings in implementing BEVs over WMA ICE LDV, with or without government rebates. There is potential for BEV technology to meet WMA Small Engine Vehicles (SEVs) i.e. all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) mileage needs without modifications, contingent on ambient temperature above −15 °C.

All-terrain vehicle use: A value-norm-perception model predicting perceived impact on coastal dunes

Coastal dunes are sensitive to human pressure, even at low use levels. With the increase of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use on dunes and the impacts associated with trampling dune vegetation, ATVs have become a primary concern for land managers charged with coastal protection. To better understand the situation, this article examined the relationships among ATV users’: (a) general value orientations (i.e., mutualism and domination, (b) norms (i.e., Awareness of Consequences, AC, and Ascription of Responsibility, AR), and (c) perceived impacts on coastal sand dunes. The two norms constructs were predicted to mediate the relationship between general value orientations and perceived impacts. Data were obtained from a systematic random sample of ATV users in the three communities in rural Canada (n = 97). Results indicated that mutualism was positively related to AC and AR and domination was negatively related to AC. Domination and AC were related to perceived impacts on coastal sand dunes. None of the other predicted relationships, however, were statistically significant.

The UMA-SAR Dataset: Multimodal data collection from a ground vehicle during outdoor disaster response training exercises

This article presents a collection of multimodal raw data captured from a manned all-terrain vehicle in the course of two realistic outdoor search and rescue (SAR) exercises for actual emergency responders conducted in Málaga (Spain) in 2018 and 2019: the UMA-SAR dataset. The sensor suite, applicable to unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), consisted of overlapping visible light (RGB) and thermal infrared (TIR) forward-looking monocular cameras, a Velodyne HDL-32 three-dimensional (3D) lidar, as well as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and two global positioning system (GPS) receivers as ground truth. Our mission was to collect a wide range of data from the SAR domain, including persons, vehicles, debris, and SAR activity on unstructured terrain. In particular, four data sequences were collected following closed-loop routes during the exercises, with a total path length of 5.2 km and a total time of 77 min. In addition, we provide three more sequences of the empty site for comparison purposes (an extra 4.9 km and 46 min). Furthermore, the data is offered both in human-readable format and as rosbag files, and two specific software tools are provided for extracting and adapting this dataset to the users’ preference. The review of previously published disaster robotics repositories indicates that this dataset can contribute to fill a gap regarding visual and thermal datasets and can serve as a research tool for cross-cutting areas such as multispectral image fusion, machine learning for scene understanding, person and object detection, and localization and mapping in unstructured environments. The full dataset is publicly available at: www.uma.es/robotics-and-mechatronics/sar-datasets.

Risk factors associated with quad bike crashes: a protocol for systematic review of observational studies

IntroductionQuad bikes are four-wheeled vehicles, driven off-road on uneven terrains by farmers for work or young adults for leisure. Quad bike accidental crashes result mostly due to the unique ecosystem...

Optimization Design and Analysis of All-terrain Vehicle Based on Modal Analysis

Under a certain stiffness and strength, the dynamic characteristics directly affect the stability and off-road quality of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when driving on complex terrain. With the innovative design of ATV, the 3D model and the finite element analysis model are established. Based on the static analysis, ANSYS analysis software is applied for the body modal simulation analysis, aiming at reducing the body deformation and improving the low-order natural frequency of ATV. By comparing the influence of the finite element modal analysis results on the dynamic characteristics and stiffness characteristics of the ATV under typical conditions, the weaknesses of the structural design are pointed out, which provides the research basis for the further improvement and technical upgrading of the prototype.

Design Optimization of Universal Joints for All-Terrain Vehicles

Universal joint mechanism widely used in the automobile power transmission systems. This joint mechanism desired to permit some angular deviations along the axis of rotation. The cardan joint comprises of the three main parts including the input drive shaft, the output drive shaft and the cross like piece. Two points of the cross piece connect to the input drive shaft and two other points connect to the output drive shaft. Connections are provided by the needle bearings. It is an important aspect of these bearings that while in action they never go through complete cycles. In other words, each of these bearings revolves only a few degrees around its axis before returning to its original position. The paper aims to develop a UV joint that is suitable for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). These types of vehicles have to traverse rough terrain and hence require taller suspension set up. Conventional universal joints limit this ability as the allowable articulation angle is very less. Due to this, they are prone to wear and malfunction and need to be replaced in comparatively short intervals of time. Naturally, it means that such parts have limited life span. We have hence developed a UV joint design which allows for better articulation angle while maintaining strength and reducing weight at the same time.

Design and topology optimization of a rack and pinion steering system using structural and vibrational analysis

The rack and pinion steering system, in automobiles, is the most commonly used steering system. Being directly connected to the suspension system in most vehicles, it is a critical component. The main intent of this research is to design a rack and pinion steering system for an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and to reduce its weight by topology optimization. The design calculations are performed using AGMA bending, and contact stress equation and modelling is done using SolidWorks. ANSYS is used for structural analysis and the stress and deformation distribution is visualized. Vibrational analysis from ANSYS is utilized to obtain the natural frequencies, which are compared with the operating frequencies of the system. Topology optimization is conducted from this analysis to obtain an optimal and lightweight design.

Drive Shaft Design and Analysis For Mini Baja

A wide variety of automobile design and racing events happening across the country to encourage the student community in the design of automobile vehicles. In this regard, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) enables a student to gain real world experience in the fields of design, analysis and manufacturing of the all-terrain vehicle by conducting such events. This paper describes about the design and analysis of drive shaft for mini BAJA vehicle that has participated in one of the national level competitions conducted by SAE. Drive shaft is one of the major components used in BAJA. The drive shaft discussed here is used to transmit the required torque from the differential to the wheels. All the components of the drive shaft were designed analytically, modeled in Solid Works and analyzed using Ansys software to ensure its safety. The main objective is to fabricate more reliable and eco-friendly drive shaft by minimizing the cost and increasing the overall performance.

Failure Analysis of Drive Axle Shaft failed under Torsional Stress

Drive axles are an essential component for power transmission in any automobile. It transfers the power from the differential to the hub of the wheels which drives the vehicle. The axles are subjected to torsional stresses due to the torque from the differential and the resisting torque present due to the frictional resistance from the ground on the wheels. Hence, they are prone to torsional failures under fatigue with and without shock loading. In this paper, a comprehensive engineering failure analysis of the failed drive axle shaft of material EN 24-T, custom designed for a 200kg BAJA SAE all-terrain vehicle was performed. Destructive, non-destructive testing and material analysis along with finite element simulations using Ansys were carried out to better understand the nature and cause of the failure. Failure analysis data hints at the flaws in design considerations and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal the formation of bainitic microstructures within the component due to improper heat treatment which lowers the ultimate tensile strength of the material.

Water Quality Monitoring for the Central Appalachian Coalfields Crayfish

Primary economic drivers over the years in the central Appalachian coalfields include coal mining, timbering, fossil fuel extraction, and all-terrain vehicle tourism. These industries cause impacts such as sedimentation, elimination of headwater streams (resulting from valley fills), destruction of riparian vegetation, and increased physiochemical pollution in montane streams. As a result of this significant habitat destruction, two species of endemic crayfishes, Cambarus callainus and Cambarus veteranus, were both federally listed in April 2016. This study will sample 12 selected sites – four degraded streams, four medium-impacted streams, and four reference condition streams – within the coalfields region of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Sampling will occur for one year, alternating monthly between two sets of six sites. General crayfish sampling will occur at each site to document the crayfish community present. Water quality monitoring will be split into four categories: long-term, point-source, photometer, and water samples analyzed for heavy metal content. Understanding the chemical composition of the target species’ habitat will enable us to properly and efficiently aid C. callainus and C. veteranus conservation efforts.

The role of robots in firefighting

PurposeThis paper aims to provide details of recently developed firefighting robots and their applications.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a short introduction, this paper, firstly, gives details of a selection of recently launched terrestrial firefighting robots. It then discusses the role of drones and describes some recent developments and applications. Finally, conclusions are drawn.FindingsThe last five years have seen the commercialisation of a growing number of terrestrial firefighting robots, which are remotely controlled, all-terrain vehicles that support fire crews operating in hazardous environments. They are equipped with imaging and other sensors, which provide firefighters with enhanced situation awareness and hazard warnings. Drones are being developed to fight fires in high-rise buildings. Some feature on-board fire extinguishing materials, whereas others can elevate a fire hose to the site of the fire. Drones equipped with advanced imaging devices are being used increasingly by firefighters to enhance situation awareness and assist in dealing with wildfires. Technologies are being developed that aim to increase the flight duration and payload capacity of firefighting drones.Originality/valueFirefighting is a recent robotic application, and this paper provides an insight into this by considering a range of products and developments.

Research on Control Strategy of the Electric Power Steering System for All-Terrain Vehicles Based on Model Predictive Current Control

Aiming at the high demand for the torque response speed and torque pulsation of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, this paper proposes to apply the Model Predictive Current Control to the all-terrain vehicle EPS system. A Novel Three-Vector Model Predictive Current Control (N3V-MPCC) is proposed in this paper to reduce the current ripple and reduce the calculation load. Two effective voltage vectors and a zero vector are selected in the control period through only six times of prediction and application of the Sector Vector Selection method. The duration of each voltage is calculated and output to the Voltage Source Inverter (VSI). Simulation and experimental results show that, compared with PID cascade Field Oriented Control (PI-FOC), N3C-MPCC can effectively reduce the ripple current of the d-axis and the q-axis. In the simulated electric power mode, the q-axis current ripple of the N3V-MPCC is reduced by 66.67%. Experimental results show that the current ripple of the motor is reduced by 60%, and the torque pulsation is reduced by 62.5%. Therefore, N3V-MPCC has a faster current response speed and smooth steering torque.

Design, Manufacturing, Validation of a Multi-Orientation Tilt Test Bench for Testing Vehicles Rollover and Tests of ATV-Quad for Agricultural Applications

A rollover test bench has been designed, manufactured, and validated for analyzing the all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-Quad overturn of diverse vehicles in different configurations, such as installing a rollover protection system (ROPS), considering drivers of different physical constitutions, the appropriate use of safety belts, or having a full or empty fuel tank. The main purpose of this research is to determine the tilt angle of the vehicle that triggers the ATV-Quad overturn. The scope of the design and development of the newly conceived bench include the mechanical structure, the electronics and the control. It can simulate static and dynamic rollover in different directions. As a main conclusion, it can be stated that the performance of the test bench was successful, since it allowed for the development of several ATV models, equipped with different dummies, in a variety of configurations. In particular, it was possible to assess the effectivity of the AD-ROPS system (automatically deployed ROPS), regarding the protection of the driver of the vehicle. Moreover, multiple tests, performed with diverse ATV-Quads in the developed bench and in different configurations, have been reported and their results discussed.

Effectiveness of original additives in waste rubbers for revulcanization after reclamation with a low-temperature mechanochemical devulcanization method

The low-temperature mechanochemical devulcanization (LTMD) method can maintain the effectiveness of the original additives in waste rubbers after rubber reclamation. To confirm this discovery, the LTMD method and the traditional high-temperature atmospheric devulcanization (HTAD) method are used to reclaim waste rubber powders. The reclaimed rubbers are mixed with different amounts of additional additives and then revulcanized alone or revulcanized after blending with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tread rubbers. The properties of the reclaimed rubbers and the revulcanized rubbers are characterized, and the results reveal that the original sulfur agent is inactive in both the LTMD and HTAD processes and that the original curing assistants maintain high effectiveness after the LTMD process but not after the HTAD process. The tensile strength of the revulcanized LTMD-reclaimed rubbers with no additional curing assistants reaches 97% of that of the revulcanized LTMD-reclaimed rubbers with full additional curing assistants, and 30% higher than that of the revulcanized HTAD-reclaimed rubbers with full additional curing assistants. When blended with 40% reclaimed rubber from ATV tread rubber, the tensile strength of the vulcanized LTMD blends with only the sulfur agent reaches 89% of the pristine ATV tread rubber while that of the vulcanized HTAD blends with full additives only reaches 76% of the pristine ATV tread rubber. The LTMD method not only achieves high-value recycling of waste rubbers but also avoids the failure of the original curing assistants in waste rubbers, thereby saving large amounts of materials and showing great application prospects.

Development of KORSAK 8x8 small-size all-terrain vehicle design project

The paper presents KORSAK 8x8 Small-Size All-Terrain Vehicle Design Project developed in Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University n.a. R.E. Alekseev. Performance specifications of the vehicle non-inferior to those of the existing similar vehicles. This all-terrain vehicle has better ergonomics and visibility from the driver seat. The cabin design of the vehicle complies with the requirements of the applicable Codes and can be certified for use in the Russian Federation. For inspection of the aesthetic properties of this all-terrain vehicle, a 1:5-scale dummy was made.

Experimental and calculation method for determining the parameters of a car suspension with an elastic elastomeric element

We present a suspension design the elastic elements of which are made of elastomers. This allows us to reduce the weight of unsprung parts of the vehicle significantly, which affects the quality of ride in a positive way. The aim of the study is to determine the elastic characteristic, the damping coefficient, the natural oscillation frequency of the sprung masses and the specific dynamic energy intensity of the suspension with elastomeric elastic elements. The determination of these parameters is carried out on the basis of experimental data got as a results of static and dynamic loading of a package of elastomeric elements. The elastic characteristic of the elastomeric element is obtained by static reduction and is not linear. Stiffness estimation of an elastomeric element for a specific point of characteristic or for a limited area is suggested. Also, there are significant friction losses during deformation, it is quite difficult to take them into account as a separate parameter when evaluating the elastomer damping properties. It is recommended to estimate their absorption capacity using a “conditional” damping coefficient. Its value is determined by the nature of the damped oscillations process under dynamic loading of an elastomeric elements package implemented on a special pendulum copra. The method of reducing the elastic characteristic and the damping coefficient of the elastomer to the “wheel” using graphoanalytic techniques is described in detail. The values of natural oscillation frequency and the energy intensity of the suspension with elastomeric elastic element are calculated based on the values of the suspension static and dynamic deflections and the forces in the tire contact with the supporting surface. Relying on experience in analyzing the standard car suspension parameters, it is concluded that using elastomeric elastic elements in the suspension design of trucks, buses and all-terrain vehicles is advisable.

Autonomous transmission control of a 2017 Yamaha Grizzly 700 all-terrain vehicle

Investigation on a designed and modified standard automatic transmission for a 2017 Yamaha Grizzly All-Terrain Vehicle was carried out to allow it to be controlled remotely and autonomously while maintaining its ability to be manually operated. The vehicle is a part of a project named AutoWeed. This project aims at developing a vehicle which can be used in the Australian outback to control and eradicate weeds. Preliminary tests were conducted on the vehicle to determine the performance parameters required to replace the movement supplied by the operator. Several devices used to achieve this motion were explored. It was concluded that the Motion Dynamics HB-DJ806 - LALI10010 electromechanical linear actuator be used as a proof of concept device for this application. This device is capable of exerting 200 N at 35 mm/seconds. It has a stroke length of 50 mm and was powered by a 12V DC motor, which drew 3 amps at maximum load. Through testing, it was found that the selected actuator did not have enough stroke length to cycle through the five gears on the ATV. This error was rectified allowing the system to function as intended. To achieve a reliable design, however, the Linak LA14 actuator was purchased as a final design as it was stronger, faster and had feedback capabilities. Before procurement, the new actuator was digitally modelled using SolidWorks 2017 and 3D printed to confirm the mounting position and method. An ANSYS FEA was conducted on all the custom-made components including the actuator bracket and mounting plate to ensure reliability. The bracket model was manufactured using 3D printing from ABS. It was recommended that for reliability, the bracket should be constructed from a stronger material such as aluminium. The results gained from testing proved that the autonomous transmission system implemented was reliable and repeatable. This was justified as the system achieved a 100% success rate when cycling through gears.

Performance analysis and optimized design of a certain frame

In recent years, energy shortages and environmental pollution have become increasingly prominent, and automobile lightweight has become an important field in the development of the automobile industry. This paper analyses the frame performance of an all-terrain single-seat off-road vehicle and optimizes the structure design. The weight of the new structure has been reduced by 4.084 kg, and the weight reduction rate has reached 12.83%. The statics analysis and modal analysis of the new frame structure show that the new structure still meets the requirements of usage.

Track snow and swamp-going vehicle with 16 t GVW

The paper handles the relevance problem of all-terrain vehicle utilization to provide for transportation in hard-to-access territories of the Russian Federation. The most advisable is the utilization of track snow and swamp-going vehicle. It has been demonstrated that, for Russian market, the most relevant is the development of vehicles with 4-6 t load capacity. Analyzed was 5901 track snow and swamp-going vehicle developed in Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University n.a. R.E. Alekseev and “Zavolzhsky Crawler Vehicle Plant” CJSC Demonstrated were better load carrying capacity, soil pressure and motor power performance values compared to the existing similar vehicles. The paper presents the basic specifications.