Your Destination for Mobility Engineering Resources

This study provides an updated characterization of real-world frontal crash types—considering overlap and obliquity—based on their overall frequency and associated injury outcomes. The results of this study will support an evaluation of how well NHTSA’s frontal oblique crash test condition addresses the current population of serious frontal crashes, as compared to frontal test modes in existing crashworthiness programs. U.S. field crash data from 2017 to 2023 were analyzed to classify frontal crashes by coded damage characteristics. Oblique frontal crashes were defined as those with principal direction of force between 10°–40° and 320°–350°. Non-ejected belted first and second row occupants in model year 2000 and newer passenger vehicles absent a rollover event were included. Occupants were stratified by sex, age, and body mass index, and injury outcomes based on moderate, serious, and fatal thresholds were analyzed across crash configurations. Among the belted first row occupants
Rudd, Rodney W.
This article investigates the optimization problem of fuel economy for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. A Dynamic Programming–Based Fuel-Saving Predictive Cruise Control (DP-FSPCC) method is proposed, which is based on the Bellman optimality principle and uses the cost function to evaluate the optimal feedback control gain, thereby improving the fuel economy of heavy-duty commercial vehicles on complex roads with varying slopes. To address the issues of low accuracy in road feature representation and poor adaptability to different driving conditions in existing slope reconstruction algorithms, the road ahead is dynamically segmented for high-precision processing by integrating ADASIS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Interface Specifications) map information with significant turning point detection and dynamic sensitivity analysis. An engine fuel consumption mapping model based on local gradient information is established to provide an accurate cost function for dynamic programming
Jin, DapengShuai, YueWu, XinJia, TongQiao, ZhiyuanChang, ShiweiMu, Tong
Mechatronic and cyber-physical systems emerge from interdisciplinary design efforts, integrating software (SW), electronics, and mechanical components. Developing such systems places high demands on organizations and processes, particularly regarding efficient collaboration across domains. A key challenge lies in establishing organizational structures and workflows which allow cross-discipline work and at the same time ensure compliance with regulations and adherence to standards such as Automotive Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (ASPICE). In response, the authors have developed an Engineering Process Framework (EPF) grounded in International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) systems engineering principles. The EPF provides a structured approach for system development and therefore defines company-wide processes and methods. This paper presents the development of the EPF’s functional logic and its implementation within a tool landscape. Furthermore, a
Gehrt, Jan-JöranGranrath, ChristianCaglayan, EbruReckeweg, ThomasRichert, Felix
Currently, adult anthropomorphic test devices used in regulatory and consumer information crash testing in the United States are targeted to represent a small female (5th percentile) and an average male (50th percentile). The anthropometry determined previously might not represent the current population, or as investigated in the current study, those that are at least moderately injured during a motor vehicle crash. The objective of this study was to use field data to determine if the current frontal anthropomorphic test devices are representative. Data from the National Automotive Sampling System–Crashworthiness Data System (2010-2015) and Crash Investigation Sampling System (2017–2023) were queried for sex, age, size, and injury information for front seat occupants in frontal crashes. Additional datasets used were from the National Trauma Data Bank and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to field data, the most frequently injured female and male is approximately
McNeil, ElizabethAtwood, JonathanRudd, RodneyCraig, Matthew
To reduce traffic fatalities through vehicle safety measures, particular attention must be given to cyclist-related fatalities. Clarifying the characteristics of hazardous events leading to cyclist fatalities, not only by vehicle speed range but also by vehicle type, is essential and should be based on analyses of real-world accident data. Accordingly, this study aimed to characterize fatal cyclist accidents involving vehicles traveling at low and high speeds in Japan. We used macro accident data from the Japanese Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis covering the period from 2013 to 2022. Based on nine vehicle types, we investigated the effects of road type, vehicle behavior, and accident type on cyclist fatalities. Additionally, we identified the five most frequent accident scenarios separately for each low- and high-speed category. At signalized intersections, the proportions of cyclist fatalities involving vehicles traveling at low speeds were higher than those
Matsui, YasuhiroOikawa, Shoko
Objective: This study investigated injury outcomes and body kinematics in obese occupants exposed to frontal impacts while seated in reclined postures. With increasing interest in non-traditional seating configurations and a growing population of obese vehicle occupants, the objective was to evaluate how seat stiffness and restraint features influence injury patterns and whole-body excursions. Methods: Nine obese post-mortem human surrogates (PMHS; mean age: 64 years, stature: 1.70 m, body mass: 102 kg, BMI: 35 kg/m2) were tested under frontal impact conditions simulating a delta-V of 50 kph. All specimens were seated on a spring-controlled seat with a 45° reclined seatback and restrained by a three-point belt system with pretensioner and load limiter. Three configurations were evaluated: (1) stiffer seat, (2) softer seat, and (3) stiffer seat with a knee bolster 100 mm from the knees. Each subject underwent one test. Whole-body kinematics were captured using a VICON motion analysis
Somasundaram, KarthikYoganandan, NarayanPintar, Frank
The development of technologies capable of expanding the operational flexibility of internal combustion engines—particularly through advanced valve actuation strategies—has become essential for improving energy efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions. This work presents the design, manufacturing, and experimental evaluation of a novel, mechanically simple, and low-cost valve control system intended for spark-ignition engines originally designed to operate under the Otto cycle. The proposed innovation, designated VVT-D (Variable Valve Timing—Duration), introduces continuous and independent control of intake valve opening duration using a concentric tube camshaft architecture. Unlike conventional variable valve timing systems limited to phase control, the VVT-D concept enables continuous transition between Otto- and Miller-equivalent operating conditions by modulating intake valve duration as a function of engine load. This approach allows engine load control via Late Intake Valve
Alvares, Gabriel Coelho RodriguesWoiski, Emanuel Rochados Santos, Paulo Sergio BarbosaKashani, Masoud GhanbariGasche, José Luiz
Objective: This study sought to implement pressure mapping methodology to assess variation in children’s center of force positions in reclined vehicle scenarios. Methods: Thirty-four children between 4 and 12 y (8.1 ± 2.0 y) were statically evaluated on a vehicle seat across two seating conditions (with and without a backless booster) and three seatback recline conditions (25°, 45°, and 60°). Center of force was recorded using pressure sensors attached to the seating surface. Average center of force fore/aft positions were calculated and transformed into the vehicle coordinate system using 3D coordinate measurements. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA were used to assess variation in center of force position across seating and recline conditions, with subject included as a random effect. Results: Center of force fore/aft position varied (p < 0.05) with recline condition, seating condition, and the recline/seating condition interaction term. On the booster, the average
Baker, Gretchen H.Connell, Rosalie R.Graci, ValentinaMansfield, Julie A.
Traffic collision reconstruction traditionally relies on human expertise and, when performed properly, can be incredibly accurate. However, attempting to perform pre-crash reconstruction, i.e., reconstructing the driver and vehicle behaviors that preceded the actual crash, poses significantly more challenges. This study develops a multi-agent artificial intelligence (AI) framework that reconstructs pre-crash scenarios and infers vehicle behaviors from fragmented collision data. We present a two-phase collaborative framework combining reconstruction and reasoning phases. The system processes 277 rear-end lead vehicle deceleration (LVD) collisions from the Crash Investigation Sampling System (CISS; 2017–2022), integrating textual crash reports, structured tabular data, and visual scene diagrams. Phase I generates natural language crash reconstructions from multimodal inputs. Phase II performs in-depth crash reasoning by combining these reconstructions with the temporal event data
Xu, GeruiChen, BoyouGuo, HuizhongLeBlanc, DaveKusari, ArpanYarbasi, EfeAhmed, AnannaSun, ZhaonanBao, Shan
For centuries, steel has been a cornerstone material for structural construction; by contrast, adhesive joining is a relatively nascent technology, particularly in heavy structural applications. The present article aims to provide the reader a review of the applications of adhesive joining in steel-based applications. Steel being a popular material in many industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, but traditional joining methods might have certain limitations viz. ability to withstand vibrations or movement, distortion, difficult to repair, and the like. Adhesive joining provides an alternative approach that offers advantages like reduced weight, improved corrosion resistance, enhanced aesthetics, ability to join multi-materials, ability to resist vibrations to a certain limit, and the like. This article examines the use of steel within the automotive and construction industries, intentionally narrowing its scope from steel’s broader range of applications. This article
S., ShrrayArora, Kanwer Singh
As motorsports evolve with technological advancements, aerodynamics plays a crucial role in race car performance. This review examines the impact of aerodynamics on car design and its evolution, presenting a statistical analysis of existing sports cars. We highlight key performance factors like engine power, top speed, drag, and weight. The key contribution of this review is the critical synthesis of the safety-performance trade-off, especially linking aerodynamic optimizations to the stability and safety of sports cars. Furthermore, we explore mathematical modeling of vehicle aerodynamics to enhance the understanding of performance aspects such as top speed, acceleration, cornering, and braking. This article also provides a review of recent active and passive aerodynamic devices to assist researchers in selecting designs, with an emphasis on the importance of ground effect. We also present recent numerical methods, particularly 3D simulations. The statistical data can help researchers
Eftekhari, HesamAl-Obaidi, Abdulkareem Sh. MahdiEftekhari, Shahrooz
The objective of this study was to investigate occupant injury patterns and predictors in rear-impact crashes using recent US field data. Cases were queried from the Crash Investigation Sampling System (CISS, 2017–2023) and the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN, 2017–2024), yielding 1923 front-row outboard occupants from 1533 crashes. Crash documentation and vehicle photographs were manually reviewed to classify seatback deformation magnitude and secondary impact severity. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated associations between occupant, vehicle, and crash characteristics and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥ 2 and AIS ≥ 3 injury outcomes across body regions. Sensitivity analyses included CISS-only, weighted, single-event, and interaction models. Thoracic injuries were further subdivided into skeletal and cardiopulmonary categories. Findings reflect associations within the pooled CISS + CIREN analytic sample rather than nationally representative injury
Lockerby, JackRudd, Rodney
This SAE Recommended Practice covers equipment capabilities and the test procedure to quantify and qualify the shear strength between the friction material and backing plate or brake shoe for automotive applications. This SAE Recommended Practice is applicable to: bonded drum brake linings; integrally molded disc brake pads; disc brake pads and backing plate assemblies using mechanical retention systems (MRS); coupons from drum brake shoes or disc brake pad assemblies. The test and its results are also useful for short, semi-quantitative verification of the bonding and molding process. This Recommended Practice is applicable during product and process development, product verification and quality control. This Recommended Practice does not replicate or predict actual vehicle performance or part durability.
Brake Linings Standards Committee
This paper presents crash rate benchmarks for evaluating US-based automated driving systems (ADSs) for multiple urban areas, distinguishing between freeway and surface street crash rates, and breaking them down by crash severity and type. The purpose of this study was to extend prior benchmarks focused only on surface streets to additionally capture freeway crash risk for future ADS safety performance assessments. Using publicly available police-reported crash and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data from Arizona, California, Georgia, and Texas, the methodology details the isolation of in-transport passenger vehicles, road type classification, and crash typology. Key findings revealed that freeway crash rates exhibit large geographic dependence variations with any-injury-reported crash rates being approximately three times higher in Atlanta (2.3 IPMM; the highest) when compared to San Diego (0.7 IPMM; the lowest). The results show the critical need for location-specific benchmarks to
Scanlon, John M.McMurry, Timothy L.Chen, Yin-HsiuKusano, Kristofer D.Victor, Trent
Limited published research has critically examined the impact of Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) structures on the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performance of electric vehicles (EVs), with most studies focusing on conventional Cell-to-Pack (CTP) systems. A concern is that vehicles employing CTC architectures may exhibit compromised NVH performance due to the absence of a dedicated floor panel. To investigate the NVH performance implications of the CTC structure, this study adopts a comprehensive methodology encompassing: (1) theoretical Sound Transmission Loss (STL) analysis utilizing mass law and double-panel principles, (2) finite element (FE) modeling of STL, (3) in-vehicle Acoustic Transfer Function (ATF) testing, and (4) interior noise measurements conducted at a constant 60 km/h on a smooth asphalt road. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared to a conventional CTP floor system, the studied CTC structure achieves a 5–40 dB increase in STL across the 200–2000 Hz frequency
Xu, XueyingWang, XiaomingMa, CaijunLi, Guofu
G-3, Aerospace Couplings, Fittings, Hose, Tubing Assemblies
As already well-understood/enormous engineering practices, the inverter AC-side NVH phenomena/mechanisms/measures for motor-equipped vehicle, are already pretty clear. In addition to inverter AC side–induced NVH issues, DC ripple induced by PE switching leads to NVH issues manifesting on the capacitor, inductor, and conductor in terms of reverse piezoelectricity, electrostriction, magnetostriction, Laplace force, and so forth. These DC-side NVH issues are already literally analyzed by a couple of literatures, and mechanisms/measures are explored/applied to electric drive development. And yet, the phenomenon that a pulsating magnetic field inside a battery pack induced by DC current ripple off PE switching brings noise at switching frequency inside the vehicle cabin is newly captured/analyzed by our research, and that has been barely searched during the literature survey. This newly discovered phenomenon is the pivotal point in this paper. Although the noise features like the
Zhao, QianZhao, YihanNiu, HaolongLi, QiweiZhang, WenchaoXue, HongbinCheng, YananLi, JingKang, Ming
The rapid evolution of autonomous vehicle (AV) systems requires scalable, adaptable, and intelligent software architectures to cater for high demands in security, reliability, and real-time processing. This paper introduces a novel software-defined architecture combining generative artificial intelligence (AI) with cloud computing for extending the performance and capabilities of AVs. The proposed methodology uses generative AI models for dynamic perception, route planning, and anomaly detection and is implemented on cloud computing infrastructure to lend orders of magnitude larger computational resources for scaling on-the-fly learning among distributed AV fleets. Decoupling hardware-specific features and transitioning toward a software-defined paradigm, the processing platform allows for quick updates, continuous learning, and flexible deployment of world-leading AI models. Experimental results and simulated scenarios show better situational awareness, response time, and system
Namburi, Venkata Lakshmi