Vehicle Simulation Research Articles

Reducing CO2 Emissions of Hybrid Heavy-Duty Trucks and Buses: Paving the Transition to Low-Carbon Transport

This study investigates the CO2 reduction potential of powertrain hybridisation on heavy-duty lorries and city buses. The analysis considers modern parallel and serial hybrid architectures, assessing their efficiency and limits in CO2 emission reduction through vehicle simulation in VECTO, which is the official tool of the European Commission for calculating heavy-duty vehicle fuel and energy consumption. The results reveal distinct trends for each vehicle type and architecture. In lorries, more significant improvements are observed in urban delivery profiles, reaching up to ~16%, indicating the benefits of hybridisation in transient conditions with energy recuperation opportunities. City buses, particularly those with serial architectures, exhibit significant emission reductions that reach 36%, making them suitable for urban environments. The optimisation of electric motor size and performance plays a crucial role in achieving emission reductions, while battery capacity must be carefully considered to avoid adverse effects. For lorries in urban delivery use, further improvements of 17.5% can be achieved by utilising a 160 kW engine motor and 30 kWh battery. Buses are already quite well optimised, with serial architecture presenting the highest benefits with a 120 kW electric motor and a battery of 11 kWh. Future research should focus on supercapacitors and gearboxes to improve efficiency at higher vehicle speeds and assess hybridisation potential in interurban coach travel. The heavy-duty vehicle sector can make significant strides towards low-carbon transport by maximising hybrid powertrain efficiency and emission reductions.

Assessing the Transformative Potential: An Examination of the Urban Mobility Impact Based on an Open-Source Microscopic Traffic Simulator for Autonomous Vehicles

Integrating autonomous vehicles (AVs) into urban areas poses challenges for transportation, infrastructure, building, environment, society, and policy. This paper goes beyond the technical intricacies of AVs and takes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach by considering the implications for urban design and transportation infrastructure. Using a complex methodology encompassing various software types such as Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO 1.17.0) and STREETMIX, the article explores the results of a simulation that anticipates the implementation of AVs through different market penetration scenarios. We investigate how AVs could enhance the efficiency of transportation networks, reducing congestion and potentially increasing the throughput. However, we also acknowledge the dynamic nature of the scenarios, as new mobility patterns emerge in response to this technological shift. Furthermore, we propose innovative urban design approaches that could harness the full potential of AVs, fostering the development of sustainable and resilient cities. By exploring these design strategies, we hope to provide valuable guidance for urban planners and policymakers as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of these advanced technologies.

Realistic U.S. Long-Haul Drive Cycle for Vehicle Simulations, Costing, and Emissions Analysis

Although heavy-duty trucks constitute the backbone of freight transportation in the United States, they also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Various alternative powertrains to reduce emissions have been assessed, but few specific to U.S. long-haul applications with a consistent basis of assumptions. To enable a more accurate assessment for all stakeholders, a representative drive cycle for long-haul truck operations in the United States is introduced (USLHC8) for modeling and simulation purposes. This was generated from 58,000 mi of real driving data through a unique random microtrip selection algorithm. USLHC8 covers a total driving time of 10 h 47 min, an average vehicle speed of 55.58 mph, and road grade ranging from −6% to +6%. To establish a benchmark for further powertrain comparisons, a vehicle-level simulation of a conventional diesel powertrain was paired with USLHC8. Benchmarks are presented for fuel consumption, well-to-wheel emissions, and total cost to society under different scenarios (present-day, mid-term, and long-term).

Coordinate-free Lie-group-based modeling and simulation of a submersible vehicle

<abstract><p>Submersible vehicles may be regarded as complex systems because of their complex interaction with the surrounding fluid. This paper presents a mathematical model of a submersible vehicle formulated in a coordinate-free manner through the language of Lie groups and Lie algebras. The d'Alembert virtual-work principle was applied in conjunction with the minimal-action principle for a rigid body in order to incorporate into the mathematical model external influences such as fluid-current-induced deflection and control inputs. Such a method from mathematical physics can also take into consideration how a vehicle interacts with the fluid it is immersed in under the form of added (or virtual) mass. The resulting equations of motion were given over the Lie group of three-dimensional rotations as (non-pure) Euler-Poincaré relations. A numerical simulation technique based on Lie-group integrators was also briefly recalled and deployed to simulate the behavior of such mathematical model of an existing, academic-design-type submersible vehicle.</p></abstract>

Modelling and simulation of an autonomous vehicle based on Alexnet for traffic sign recognition

Modelling and simulation of an autonomous vehicle based on Alexnet for traffic sign recognition

Application and analysis of cool storage device in emergency situation of high-speed trains

The article introduces the plan of emergency cold storage measures, analysis of fresh air volume, and simulation of the entire vehicle. It also analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of emergency cold storage measures from aspects such as vehicle transformation, use and maintenance, and cost. Based on the comparative analysis results of emergency cold storage measures, the application of cooling storage technology in emergency situations of Multiple unit has greater advantages, and has higher research and reference value. In addition, it can ensure the comfort in the vehicle within the emergency ventilation time by adjusting the existing emergency ventilation mode. The article introduces the scheme of emergency cold storage measures and the analysis of fresh air volume. The focus is on the simulation analysis of the application of phase change cold storage technology in emergency situations of high-speed trains. Theoretically, the application of cold storage technology in emergency situations of high-speed trains has significant advantages and has high research and reference value. In addition, with the adjustment of existing emergency ventilation modes, the comfort inside the train can be ensured during emergency ventilation time.

Design and Simulation of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Design and Simulation of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Control Simulation of Flapping-Wing Micro Aerial Vehicle Based on Multi-Level Optimization Model Predictive Control

Control Simulation of Flapping-Wing Micro Aerial Vehicle Based on Multi-Level Optimization Model Predictive Control

Learning-Observer-Based Adaptive Tracking Control of Multiagent Systems Using Compensation Mechanism

This paper focuses on the adaptive consensus tracking problem for nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs) with unmeasurable state and input saturation. For unmeasurable state and nonlinearities, a learning-observer inspired by the idea of extended state observer (ESO) and the learning ability of neural network (NN) is established to observe the reconstructed system. In view of input saturation, a nonlinear auxiliary system with the same order is constructed to obtain the compensation signals. Different from the previous auxiliary system, the proposed method simultaneously compensates the change of nonlinearity caused by input saturation. Subsequently, a consensus tracking error is designed to ensure that the follower tracks the neighbor compensated output. Moreover, an adaptive consensus tracking control method based on learning-observer and compensation mechanism is proposed under the backstepping framework. The stability analysis is given by virtue of the Lyapunov theory. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control algorithm are verified through the simulation of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) with one virtual leader and four followers.

Robust Interaction using Generalized Super-Twisting Impedance Control

With the goal of performing robotic intervention tasks reliably with high accuracy under uncertainty and unknown disturbances, robust control methods such as sliding mode are appealing. However, contact forces cannot be considered as disturbances in this setting and compliance to the unknown contact geometry and forces is crucial. Impedance control and passivity-based techniques can guarantee closed-loop stability when interacting with passive environments, but at the loss of precision. In this paper, we use the generalized super-twisting algorithm to obtain a controller which achieves the desired impedance even with disturbances like ocean currents and model errors. Global asymptotic stability is proved under perturbations with a bounded time derivative. The performance of the proposed super-twisting impedance control law is demonstrated in simulations of an underwater vehicle. It is compared with pure impedance control and first-order sliding mode and achieves the desired impedance with respect to the contact force despite model errors and ocean currents, with a continuous control input.

Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Modeling, Path Tracking, and Simulation: A MATLAB Implementation Approach

Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Modeling, Path Tracking, and Simulation: A MATLAB Implementation Approach

Stability Control Research of Tire Blowout Vehicle Simulation Model in Collaboration with Carsim

Stability Control Research of Tire Blowout Vehicle Simulation Model in Collaboration with Carsim

Matematičko modelovanje i simulacija sistema za oslanjanje vozila u poprečnoj ravni

Introduction/purpose: The study of vehicle suspension is a challenge for researchers in the field of vehicles regarding the impact of the suspension system on vehicle performances such as ride comfort, road holding, and working space. This paper presents the simulation of the Land Rover Defender 110 vehicle in the roll plane (half vehicle) in Simulink/MATLAB. The obtained results were compared with the results obtained in the ADAMS/CAR software package of the Land Rover Defender 110 simulation model previously experimentally validated. The Defender 110 vehicle has a dependent suspension system in both axles and a passive suspension type with four degrees of freedom (4 DOF). Methods: The equations of the system can be solved mathematically with a scheme in Simulink/MATLAB while half-vehicle modeling has been done in ADAMS/CAR. Results: The comparison of the vehicle characteristics obtained by the two simulation methods was done for three different scenarios, and it was noticed that there is a good correlation between them. Conclusion: It was concluded that the Defender 110 vehicle simulation model in Simulink/MATLAB is validated. The validated model can be used to perform suspension system optimization in future work.

Influence of Realistic Perception and Surroundings on Qualitative Results in Automated and Connected Vehicle Simulation

Influence of Realistic Perception and Surroundings on Qualitative Results in Automated and Connected Vehicle Simulation

A Simple State-Space Model of Human Driver Applicable to Windy Conditions

The paper is concerned with the design, verification and evaluation of a car-driving test scenario for human driver assessment. The scenario implemented in Unreal Engine adds four different wind characteristics which disturb the motion of a simulated vehicle. Besides, the driver is instructed to change the driving lane at defined intervals. These forcing functions enable the identification of the human-machine loop using state-space models. The parameters characterising the human dynamics are extracted from the model of the whole loop. As opposed to rather obsolete McRuer models, this approach follows the recent trends in the modelling of human-machine systems as multiloop systems or quadratically optimal controllers. Our results suggest that the model relying on a single transfer function with 4 parameters loses prediction capabilities during more realistic scenarios, in which random disturbances, such as wind gusts, affect the vehicle. In such cases, the multiloop model with the same number of parameters is able to capture human behaviour more accurately than McRuer model.

Design, Simulation, and Prototype of an 18-Wheeler Electric Vehicle with Range Extension using Solar PV and Regenerative Braking

In response to California's initiative to propel the advancement of hybrid and electric vehicles toward achieving zero emissions, this study undertakes the design of a hybrid 18-wheeler aligning with the state's stringent standards. The motivation stems from the imperative need to address the research and development in the domain of hybrid/electric class 8 vehicles, specifically focusing on the pivotal segment of 18-wheelers. The research team developed a realistic theoretical design, verified it using MATLAB Simulink simulation, and ultimately built a prototype. The truck's novel features, namely, 60% electric power, regenerative braking, and solar PV for range extension, are included in the design and partially implemented in the prototype. Two motors, a DC and an AC, are used as the prototype drives where the system control is mostly automatic. Simulation of the electric 18-wheeler design shows that the model works properly. It follows the speed command closely while the acceleration and deceleration behaviors are normal. Testing of the prototype shows that it functions appropriately. The DC motor speed can be regulated over a wide speed range while the AC motor can run at two different speeds as designed. The prototype microcontroller logic is followed, ensuring safe operation of the solar PV system and the battery, and effective control of the motors. Overall, the project succeeded in achieving a harmonious blend of simulation, design, and physical implementation. It can be used as an engineering and public education tool. Further, by exploring cutting-edge technologies such as regenerative braking and solar power for truck range extension, the project contributes to raising vehicle efficiency and finding sustainable transportation solutions, which make the transportation sector more friendly to the environment.

A Study on the Comparison of Engine Performance and Vehicle Losses of a Gasoline Vehicle in WLTC and Artemis Rural Driving Cycles

In this study, engine performance and vehicle energy losses of a passenger-type vehicle with a gasoline internal combustion engine were examined in 2 different driving cycles of the new generation with the help of the GT-SUITE vehicle simulation program. All parameters of the vehicle and the driving cycle were defined with the help of the simulation program. According to the simulation results, the number of gear changes and transmission losses were higher in the Artemis driving cycle, which had a higher average acceleration and deceleration acceleration, along with it. Torque converter losses were 4.73 times less in the Artemis cycle, where the torque converter locking clutch was used in greater quantities. The high average acceleration also increases tire and braking losses. When a comparison was made in terms of vehicle energy losses, it was found that Artemis driving cycle losses were 22% higher.

Simulation of a motor vehicle braking with the unlocked steering wheel

In this paper the results of a simulation of a sports vehicle’s braking maneuver in the adopted road conditions has been presented. The aim of this paper was to analyze the results and compare them with the ones obtained in the previous paper by the author, also prepared for the acceleration maneuver. At the same time considerations on the damaging effect of the road irregularities have been presented as this time no straightforward steering was included, so the vehicle could move freely. The simulated braking of the vehicle’s model started at the speed of 100 km/h and its duration was 10 s.As in the previous paper the random road irregularities had three different amplitudes which enabled analysis of vehicle’s deceleration on a different road conditions each time. Almost different profiles were also assumed for the left and the right wheels of the vehicle’s model which moved on the dry and the icy road surface.

Research into the world of Cloud-Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality technology has not been able to penetrate the mainstream consumer market due to restrictions on hardware and content. With the advancement of cloud computing technologies, Virtual Reality hardware and technology applications may now be supported strongly. The metaverse, cloud VR gaming, and cloud VR stimulator are just a few of the real-world applications that are now employing cloud computing in Virtual Reality. We can lower the cost of Virtual Reality technology which would begin a new era of many users to apply cloud-based technologies. With the aid of technology, it will be possible to operate from anywhere without having to transport a lot of equipment. The performance, usability, and compatibility of Virtual Reality software and hardware can be improved by cloud computing on the level of hardware and content. The VR dataset is made available for public collaboration through the Internet using a VR-Cloud server. The digital asset that represents the layout of our pedestrian bridge comprises images of all the streets, buildings, trees, and other urban amenities. In the virtual environment of the metropolitan area, where they run and stroll according to predetermined behaviour scenarios, the cars and people are created and entered. By employing cloud communication software to analyse simulations of vehicles and pedestrian crowds and to debate design ideas, users share the VR reality by connecting to the VR Cloud servers from remote devices. This research demonstrates how VR-cloud may be combined with Neuralink and NFT in the virtual world for future enhancement. This paper is a research note on cloud computing and its application using the Virtual Reality (VR) platform for the modern world with futuristic innovations. Keywords: Cloud Computing, Metaverse, Neuralink, Virtual Reality, VR-Cloud.)

Boosting N2O Decomposition by Fabricating the Cs-O-Co Structure over Co3O4 with Single-Layer Atoms of Cs.

Developing effective catalysts for N2O decomposition at low temperatures is challenging. Herein, the Cs-O-Co structure, as the active species fabricated by single-layer atoms of Cs over pure Co3O4, originally exhibited great catalytic activity of N2O decomposition in simulated vehicle exhaust and flue gas from nitric acid plants. A similar catalytic performance was also observed for Na, K, and Rb alkali metals over Co3O4 catalysts for N2O decomposition, illustrating the prevalence of alkali-metal-promotion over Co3O4 in practical applications. The catalytic results indicated that the TOF of Co3O4 catalysts loaded by 4 wt% Cs was nearly 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of pure Co3O4 catalysts at 300 °C. Interestingly, the conversions of N2O decomposition over Co3O4 catalysts doped by the same Cs loadings were significantly inhibited. Characterization results indicated that the primary active Cs-O-Co structure was formed by highly orbital hybridization between the Cs 6s and the O 2p orbital over the supported Co3O4 catalysts, where Cs could donate electrons to Co3+ and produce much more Co2+. In contrast, the doped Co3O4 catalysts were dominated by Cs2O2 species; meanwhile, CsOH species was generated by adsorbed water vapor led to a significant decrease in catalytic activity. In situ DRIFTS, rigorous kinetics, and DFT results elaborated the reaction mechanism of N2O decomposition, where the direct decomposition of adsorbed N2O was the kinetically relevant step over supported catalysts in the absence of O2. Meanwhile, the assistance of adsorbed N2O decomposition by activated oxygen was observed as the kinetically relevant step in the presence of O2. The results may pave a promising path toward developing alkali-metal-promotion catalysts for efficient N2O decomposition.