Jaguar Land Rover Research Articles

A psychophysical study of colour perception using digital and real objects

This study presents an application of the ‘method of limits’ psychophysical technique to identify the digital colour which corresponded most closely to the colour of a real object. A chromatic scale composed of a series of digital hues was first developed to measure colour sensation. The hues were systematically presented to the participants, who were tasked with matching them to the colour of a real car model. The study was conducted under two different illuminations (white/warm light) and against two types of background contrasts (white/black) to investigate their effects on colour perception. Post-experimental analyses revealed that background contrast is a significant factor but not illumination. The results were validated at the Jaguar Land Rover Virtual Reality (VR) suite. Going forward, the methodology developed in this study could be used to examine other factors such as depth perception and viewing angles.

A Phenomenological Open Circuit Voltage Model for Lithium-Ion Cells

We propose a generic parametric open circuit voltage (OCV) model to simulate electrode and cell voltages of commercial secondary lithium-ion (li-ion) cells. The model accounts for the phase transitions occurring during the intercalation and de-intercalation processes in both positive and negative electrodes by calculating the redox potential of each phase of the two electrode materials using Fermi-Dirac statistics [1]. Models for OCV are important in both electrochemical and empirical dynamic battery models, which are used for design studies and also to construct estimators for internal battery states, such as the state of charge (SOC) and the state of health (SOH). Most OCV functions used in dynamic battery models are purely empirical and parameterised by fitting the measured cell voltage at a single operating point [2-4]. This approach does not generally allow for variable operating temperatures or the estimation of the SOH of the electrodes. However, physically motivated OCV models may be complex [5, 6], or may lack capability to model the subtle impact of the phase transitions within the electrode materials on the OCV [7]. The proposed phenomenological model consists of two electrode sub-models and a unifying cell model. The electrode sub-models are comprised of a flexible number of additive terms to calculate the redox potential of each phase transition in the positive electrode (PE) and each graphite stage in the negative electrode (NE). This approach facilitates adaptation to different cell chemistries. The parameters of the electrode sub-models are estimated by fitting the models to half-cell measurements using a constrained minimisation algorithm. The electrode sub-models are combined into the full cell model by fitting the loading ratio (the capacity ratio between NE and PE) and the offset of the electrodes (unutilized portion of the PE capacity). To validate the model using electrode and cell voltage measurements, PE and NE half-cells were constructed from a commercial 740 mAh LiNiMnCoO2 pouch cell, in a coin cell format. Disks of PE and NE material were cut out from the commercial electrodes and used as working electrodes against lithium counter electrodes in the coin cells. The half-cells and the commercial cell were cycled at C/30 to obtain voltage profiles close to OCV. We demonstrate minimal errors of less than 2 mV RMS between the C/30 discharge measurement and the simulated cell voltage (see Figure 1). Acknowledgements We would like to thank Jaguar Land Rover Limited and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for their kind support.

Ultra Boost for Economy: Extending the Limits of Extreme Engine Downsizing

The paper discusses the concept, design and final results from the ‘Ultra Boost for Economy’ collaborative project, which was part-funded by the Technology Strategy Board, the UK's innovation agency. The project comprised industry- and academia-wide expertise to demonstrate that it is possible to reduce engine capacity by 60% and still achieve the torque curve of a modern, large-capacity naturally-aspirated engine, while encompassing the attributes necessary to employ such a concept in premium vehicles. In addition to achieving the torque curve of the Jaguar Land Rover naturally-aspirated 5.0 litre V8 engine (which included generating 25 bar BMEP at 1000 rpm), the main project target was to show that such a downsized engine could, in itself, provide a major proportion of a route towards a 35% reduction in vehicle tailpipe CO2 on the New European Drive Cycle, together with some vehicle-based modifications and the assumption of stop-start technology being used instead of hybridization. In order to do this vehicle modelling was employed to set part-load operating points representative of a target vehicle and to provide weighting factors for those points. The engine was sized by using the fuel consumption improvement targets and a series of specification steps designed to ensure that the required full-load performance and driveability could be achieved. The engine was designed in parallel with 1-D modelling which helped to combine the various technology packages of the project, including the specification of an advanced charging system and the provision of the necessary variability in the valvetrain system. An advanced intake port was designed in order to ensure the necessary flow rate and the charge motion to provide fuel mixing and help suppress knock, and was subjected to a full transient CFD analysis. A new engine management system was provided which necessarily had to be capable of controlling many functions, including a supercharger engagement clutch and full bypass system, direct injection system, port-fuel injection system, separately-switchable cam profiles for the intake and exhaust valves and wide-range fast-acting camshaft phasing devices. Testing of the engine was split into two phases. The first usied a test bed Combustion Air Handling Unit to enable development of the combustion system without the complication of a new charging system being fitted to the engine. To set boundary conditions during this part of the programme, heavy reliance was placed on the 1-D simulation. The second phase tested the full engine. The ramifications of realizing the engine design from a V8 basis in terms of residual friction versus the fuel consumption results achieved are also discussed. The final improvement in vehicle fuel economy is demonstrated using a proprietary fuel consumption code, and is presented for the New European Drive Cycle, the FTP-75 cycle and a 120 km/h (75 mph) cruise condition.

Internationalization of Tata Motors: The Case of JLR

As a frontrunner among the vigorously internationalizing entities hailing from an emerging economy, Tata Motors as the source of a third of Tata Group’s yearly revenue has an internationalization strategy with a range of unique features, with respect to industry, market and global financial realities. In this paper, we looked into those realities with those features in them along with a range of internationalization theories, aiming at conducting a systematic review of Tata Motors’ major internationalization moves with a particular focus on the 2008 acquisition of the British Jaguar Land Rover. Theories are enforced to do a background check on Tata Motors’ international entry modes for the JLR takeover, followed by a general investigation of its capability creation and group embeddedness advantage. In light of details drawn out, Uppsala model is taken as a basis to evaluate Tata Motors’ internationalization steps. Each theoretical evaluation is followed by notes about their limitations faced while applying them to the real Tata Motors chain of events.

Considering mobile learning? A case study from Jaguar Land Rover

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore where mobile learning (ML) fits into the overall learning landscape and learn from the lessons of deploying mobile learning using a case study from global automotive company Jaguar Land Rover.Design/methodology/approachUsing the case study, the paper identifies the key challenges that were faced by the organization and the route they chose to solve those challenges. Lessons learnt are drawn into hints and tips for organizations currently looking at mobile learning.FindingsMobile learning is not a replacement for traditional learning, but a supportive technology that can strengthen the effectiveness of learning efforts in organizations. It was found through this case study that one of the more challenging aspects of deploying mobile learning was not that of learning content, but the distribution and management of content.Originality/valueThe use of the case study to look at mobile learning has been limited to date and to the author's knowledge this is the first of its kind looking at the lessons of a large global automotive company. The article would be of interest to anyone considering implementing mobile learning in the workplace.

Racing to the top? Catch-up strategies of Chinese and Indian independent car manufacturers

The study examines the attempts of five independent automobile latecomer firms (BYD, Chery, Geely, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra) to catch-up with their rivals from advanced economies. While catch-up speed is influenced by the country-specific context, the firms’ capability acquisition is generally based on leveraging directly accessible resources of advanced automotive firms (e.g., through reverse engineering, supplier involvement, in-licensing, or small scale M&As), and on progressively developing independent design and manufacturing skills. In this stage, international sales are confined to other developing countries only. After the initial fast catch-up trajectory, the firms’ incremental learning and capability building processes come up against a more challenging ‘catch up barrier’. The acquisitions of Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo by Tata Motors and Geely can be seen as attempts to ‘leapfrog’ over this otherwise lengthy and uncertain ‘last mile’ of the catch-up process.

Business focus

Jaguar Land Rover ironically raises it British-icon status as it moves into China, while Germany's troubled ThyssenKrupp sacks half its board.

Modelling A-Pillar Water Overflow: Developing CFD and Experimental Methods

Water accumulating on a vehicle's wind screen, driven over the A-pillar by a combination of aerodynamic forces and the action of the windscreen wipers, can be a significant impediment to driver vision. Surface water film, or streams, persisting in key vision areas of the side glass can impair the drivers' ability to see clearly through to the door mirror, and laterally onto junctions. Common countermeasures include: water management channels and hydrophobic glass coatings. Water management channels have both design and wind noise implications. Hydrophobic coatings entail significant cost. In order to manage this design optimisation issue a water film and wiper effect model has been developed in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover, extending the capabilities of the PowerFLOW CFD software. This is complimented by a wind-tunnel based test method for development and validation. The paper presents the progress made to date. The test method, based on installing a rain grid in a climatic wind tunnel, is described. Boundary condition data is extracted to aid CFD model development. This includes: flow similarity assessment against a full scale aerodynamic wind tunnel, water spray flux measurements, screen water distribution, and A-pillar overflow measurements. The CFD method is described and its predictions are compared to experimental data. This includes a simple model to represent the effect of the wiper system. Finally, areas for further improvement in both experimental and computational methods are identified. Language: en

Governing inter-organisational R&D supplier collaborations: a study at Jaguar Land Rover

This article discusses the importance of collaboration with suppliers and partners during research and development (R&D) technology projects. It details how this can be accomplished using the collaborative enterprise governance (CEG) concept to manage a technology project. CEG is based on the premise that parts of companies work with parts of other companies, which are reconfigured on dynamic bases according to a variety of different internal and external factors. This article presents an overview of the founding literature, the CEG and its methodology, and examples based at Jaguar Land Rover in the UK. CEG has been used here to explain why some technology projects have succeeded while others have done less well. This article concludes by offering new propositions, inducted through grounded theory, relating to the successful management of R&D projects, which should be picked up by future research studies in the area.

Collaboration online

Hospices face the challenge of managing small and large projects, from developing a new service to a refurbishment or new build. An online system enables people to collaborate and share...

Jaguar Land Rover bosses get to grips with performance management

PurposeThis paper aims to describe a training program that was designed to underpin the launch of a new behavior framework and performance‐management process at car‐maker Jaguar Land Rover.Design/methodology/approachExamines the reasons for the training program, the form it took and the results it has obtained.FindingsReveals that the training program focused on practical‐skills acquisition reinforced by role‐play, using performance‐management‐conversation scenarios designed to reflect the daily business context of the participants, therefore enabling direct transfer of skills back to the workplace.Practical implicationsDescribes how the impact of the training program was enhanced by allowing participants to practice the techniques being taught, before attempting to apply them in their performance‐management conversations with their respective team members.Social implicationsHighlights the ways in which the program supported the pace of organizational change in the face of increasingly competitive market demands.Originality/valueDetails a program that will be of value to a wide range of organizations seeking to implement a behavior framework‐based performance‐management process, and needing to increase the skills and effectiveness of line managers in addressing performance issues in their teams.

Jaguar Land Rover “transition to high performance” training program

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a training program that was specifically designed to underpin the launch of a new behavior framework and performance management process, required to support the pace of organizational change in the face of increasingly competitive market demands.Design/methodology/approachThe core focus of the training program was on practical skills acquisition reinforced by role‐play, using performance management conversation scenarios designed to reflect the daily business context of the participants – therefore enabling direct transfer of skills back to the workplace. The impact of the training program was greatly enhanced by allowing participants to practice the techniques being taught, before attempting to apply them in their performance management conversations with their respective team members.FindingsThe training program resulted in the successful launch of the new behavior framework and performance management process, and engagement of the management population in applying the new process consistently: with a significant increase in evidence‐based assessment and an associated willingness by the participants to conduct appropriate difficult performance‐related conversations in their line management roles.Originality/valueThe design and methodology of this performance management training program will be of value to a wide range of organizations across all business sectors seeking to implement a behavior framework‐based performance management process; and needing to increase the skills and effectiveness of line managers in addressing performance issues in their respective teams.

Hardware-in-the-Loop System for Testing Automotive Ecu Diagnostic Software

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to testing ECU diagnostic software using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The increasing complexity of embedded software for automotive electronic control units (ECUs) requires a convenient and flexible environment for system testing. On-board diagnostic software represents a significant proportion of ECU software and consequently, the effort, in terms of time and manpower required to determine the validity of ECU software is becoming excessive. The process for validating on-board diagnostic software is traditionally achieved using tests carried out with actual vehicles. Some tests are difficult and expensive to perform in vehicles. Automated testing offers an approach that can improve the validation process whilst providing the potential for cost saves. Since JLR utilises ECUs from different suppliers, the development of a generic approach to automated testing is vital.

Reaping benefits from diversity

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of diversity management initiatives using three good practice examples from employers operating in the manufacturing, IT and charity sectors in the UK.Design methodology/approachUsing IBM, Jaguar Land Rover and Scope as case studies, the paper follows the introduction and maintenance of diversity policies based on internal research and market developments.FindingsCorporations without well thought‐out diversity policies tend to miss out on recruiting top talent as well as running the risk of a backlash among job seekers. Making diversity part of corporate culture requires buy‐in from senior management all the way through the organization and must be reflected in all facets of business dealings.Originality/valueThe paper presents the key drivers behind these initiatives, how they have been implemented and what measures are used to assess impact, and highlights what other organizations can learn from this.

Prediction of impact performance of plastics mouldings Part 2 Finite element simulations

This paper is concerned with finite element predictions of the impact performance of plastics mouldings using elastic–plastic models. It is the second part of two papers. Part 1 contains detailed descriptions of three elastic–plastic models: von Mises, linear Drucker-Prager and the National Physical Laboratory developed cavitation model plus calculation of the relevant model parameters. This part contains complementary coverage of the elastic plastic models. The main emphasis of this part is the use of these models to predict the deformation of subcomponents cut from interior door trim mouldings supplied by Jaguar Land Rover. Predictions are compared with measurements at a range of loading speeds. The finite element simulation has been analysed by using different element types (solid/shell), different analysis types (rate independent/rate dependent) and studying the influence of friction and impact location. Results are presented of a small study carried out to indicate how sensitive the predictions are to changes in the cavitation model parameters.

HCCI with standard and alternative fuels at moderate compression ratios

Work with different fuels: gasoline, natural gas, biogas, ethanol, propane, mixtures of gasoline and diesel at the authors’ Future Power Systems Group in Birmingham University reveals great potential for the use of moderate compression ratio engines (from 10.4 to 15), particularly when additional engine facilities such as EGR (external and internal via negative valve overlap and low lift cams), some degree of intake heating and/or hydrogen addition (from fuel reforming) are employed. Possibilities, benefits and demands of these technologies are outlined, additional challenges specific to application of HCCI in multi-cylinder engines in vehicle applications are discussed and on-going work on the CHASE (Controlled Homogeneous Autoignition Supercharged Engine) is outlined. The team who contributed to this work includes colleagues from Birmingham University, Jaguar Land Rover, Johnson Matthey plc, National Engineering Laboratory and Shell Global Solutions.