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This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) recommends a methodology to be used for the design, analysis and test evaluation of modern helicopter gas turbine propulsion system stability and transient response characteristics. This methodology utilizes the computational power of modern digital computers to more thoroughly analyze, simulate and bench-test the helicopter engine/rotor system speed control loop over the flight envelope. This up-front work results in significantly less effort expended during flight test and delivers a more effective system into service. The methodology presented herein is recommended for modern digital electronic propulsion control systems and also for traditional analog and hydromechanical systems.
S-12 Powered Lift Propulsion Committee
Internal recirculating ball screws are widely used as linear motion components in automotive active safety systems, owing to their simple structure and compact size. The recirculation (or deflection) channel is a key feature that distinguishes this type from other ball screw designs. The objective of this article is to investigate this key feature that has been rarely addressed in existing research on internal ball screw. The conventional design method for the recirculation channel involves sweeping the cross-section along the center curve. The center curve is typically defined by various classical equations. These equations are applied in different application scenarios. In automotive braking systems, high loads and strict size constraints place critical demands on both the recirculation channel and its center curve. As a representative best-practice example, the machined channel in the screw is typically employed in this application. This article compares several classical center
Xia, XinanXia, YanzheZhao, Tina
Knocking combustions in an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) are engine damaging combustions, and reliable detection of each knocking event is very critical. Engines usually rely on piezo-electric knock sensors to monitor structure-borne noise, which outputs a complex, continuous time series signal. Typically, knock combustions have an additional noise component along with the regular combustion signal, but differentiation of knocking vs non knocking signal (signal to noise ratio) based on visual inspection of this signal alone is challenging and requires computationally intense signal processing such as Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) or Wavelet transforms followed by manual calibration [1]. In this paper, we propose an alternative to replace traditional knock detection with more reliable time-domain alternative signal decomposition technique. Here we decompose the raw sensor signal into seasonality, trend, and residual, and use the residual component as it is seen to retain
Parulekar, Tushar A.Chilukuri, SandeepMahmood, Haneefa
The mitigation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions poses a major challenge for the transportation sector, driving the need for renewable fuels. Bioethanol represents a promising fuel for Spark-Ignition (SI) engines, combining a reduced life-cycle CO₂ impact with advantageous combustion properties. However, despite its proven performance under steady-state conditions, the widespread of fuels with high ethanol content is still constrained by significant difficulties during engine cold-start operation. This study aims to experimentally assess the effect of ethanol concentration on cold-start performance and warm-up transient behavior of a Naturally Aspirated (NA), Port Fuel Injected (PFI) SI engine. Warm-up tests were conducted at an operating condition of 2000 rpm engine speed and 20 Nm torque using three fuels with increasing ethanol content: commercial gasoline (E5), E30 and E60. In addition, dedicated startability tests were carried out for E60 and neat ethanol (E100) at different
Falbo, LuigiFalbo, BiagioPerrone, DiegoCastiglione, Teresa
Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) are a novel mathematical method to generate data-driven AI surrogate models. Compared to neural networks based on the MLP standard (Multi-Layer Perceptron), these offer further mathematical interpretability and thus allow improved validation of AI for industrial applications. In this paper, we use KANs to generate an AI vehicle model of a truck as a mathematically precise AI surrogate model. To do this, we combine the KAN approach with the approach of Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (Neural ODEs) to generate predictions for the time-series of the truck’s velocity. Furthermore, we compare the results of the AI based on KANs with the traditional approach using MLP in terms of model size, accuracy, and computational time in order to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of the KAN approach. The best AI-KAN vehicle model identified in this way is then embedded in a co-simulation via the Functional Mockup Interface standard, thus opening up a wide
Vaudrevange, Patrick K.S.Halverson, JamesRuehle, FabianFabcic, TomazDingler, ChristianPiskala Dilipkumar, SanthoshkumarIbrahim, MuhammedHerrnberger, MichaelKasper, JohannaTürk, LarsKeckeisen, Michael
Software-defined, highly customizable vehicle architectures drastically increase the number of hardware–software constellations that must be validated, especially under safety and timing constraints. Traditional unit and integration testing, as well as current regression and combinatorial methods, cannot practically cover this configuration space or reliably capture emergent effects arising from complex interactions, such as bandwidth contention and non-linear latency behavior. This work presents a proof-of-concept for predictive, situational validation of self-describing hardware and software components within realistic automotive E/E architectures. Proposing a novel Machine Learning- (ML) based method for early systemic feasibility prediction of automotive configurations using Graph Neural Networks (GNNs). Specifically, the subclass Graph Isomorphism Networks (GINs) is applied to predict the compatibility of a randomly composed configuration of software and hardware components
Wizl, JensGuarda, Filippo
This year, SAE International hosts the 2026 edition of the International Powered Lift Conference (IPLC), which focuses on the latest developments in vertical and/or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft research, concepts and programs. IPLC is a joint technical meeting, held approximately biennially, co-sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), SAE International and the Vertical Flight Society (VFS). Because each technical society hosts the IPLC only once a decade, and because the event was originally begun in the 1980s, turnover of staff and volunteers with each of the organizations creates a lack of knowledge and historical context of the event. This paper provides a formal record of the history and legacy of the IPLC, as well as its role in highlighting the technical and programmatic progress of V/STOL over the ages.
Hirschberg, Michael J.
This paper assesses the efficiency limits of light-duty vehicle propulsion systems based on reciprocating internal combustion engines (ICE) in the current state of the art and in the next five-year horizon, considering their combination with technologies such as electric turbocharging and hybridization, while excluding plug-in hybrid configurations so that fuel remains the primary onboard energy source. A systematic methodology is applied to evaluate the influence of key variables—heat transfer, air–fuel ratio, and compression ratio—on engine performance, integrating these variations into a simulation model to capture their interactions and effects. The resulting parametric study enables the generation of new engine maps that exploit synergies between parameters and enhance the prediction of engine behaviour across different operating conditions, forming the basis for assessing potential advancements in hybrid powertrain architectures. These maps are then used to define performance
Pla, BenjaminDolz, VicenteSerrano, Jose R.Gómez-Vilanova, AlejandroOliva, FerminCardenas, MariaAriztegui, Javier
This paper presents Stochastic Gradient Pulse Adaptation (SGPA), a real-time adaptive pulse-charging system for rechargeable electrochemical batteries that dynamically adjusts charging aggressiveness based on the battery's internal response, as opposed to predetermined CC–CV or fixed pulse profiles. SGPA is different from traditional charging methods that use static current de-rating and conservative voltage limits. Instead, SGPA uses gradient-based feedback from terminal voltage behaviour, temperature changes, internal resistance changes, and state of charge to continuously adapt pulse amplitude and duty cycle. This algorithm boosts the charging intensity when the electrochemical circumstances are good. It lowers the pulses slowly when signs of thermal or impedance-related stress show up. Simulation-based proof-of-concept experiments on a heavy-duty multi-battery system show that charging time is less than with multi-CCCV charging, while still keeping the current distribution across
Prakashkumar, BalagopalMannar, Vignesh
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) place high demands on electric drives across a wide operating range: high efficiency in customer-related driving scenarios and maximum performance in dynamic driving modes. A promising solution to this challenge is the dynamic reconfiguration of the electric machine winding configuration between series and parallel mode, enabling optimal electromagnetic properties of the drive for different operating points. This paper presents the design and prototyping of an electronic winding reconfiguration system for high-performance traction applications. The hardware prototype has been designed and built, but has not yet been tested, which is why the results are based on simulations. Unlike mechanical winding reconfiguration concepts, which have long transition times and cannot switch under load, the proposed system enables fast and safe load transitions between the winding configurations. The study describes the topology and hardware of the switching unit
Oestreicher, RaphaelSchneider, Jörgvon Ohlen, DavidFuchs, PatrickKulzer, André Casal
Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is increasingly recognized as essential when machine learning (ML) is employed in domains that are safety-relevant, cost-intensive, or legally binding, such as the product engineering of battery electric vehicle (BEV) energy systems. UQ methods aim to estimate the aleatoric, epistemic or both uncertainties associated with the predictions of a machine learning model. However, the landscape of UQ methods is diverse and rapidly evolving, with no single approach proving optimal across all tasks. Consequently, the selection of methods in practice is often driven by experience, constrained by limited comprehensive knowledge, time, and implementation capacity. This paper introduces an application-oriented process model supporting data scientists in selecting UQ methods in ML by adapting the SPALTEN [1] problem-solving methodology and the Algorithm Selection Process Model (ASPM) into an Algorithm Selection Process Model for Uncertainty Quantification (UQ-ASPM
Holderied, NiklasHörtling, StefanBause, KatharinaDüser, Tobias
In permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) ohmic losses occur in the stator windings. Reducing these losses contributes to a higher efficiency and increases the vehicles range. An effective approach to reduce frequency-dependent AC conduction loss is the use of litz wires. In addition, direct cooling helps to reduce DC conduction loss and winding temperatures. Therefore, this work presents a multiphysical modeling approach of a direct-cooled litz wire winding in a PMSM. It combines loss modeling of the winding with novel thermal and hydraulic calculation methods. AC conduction loss due to skin and proximity effect and DC conduction loss are modeled temperature dependent. Scaled-down conjugate heat transfer simulations are used to determine the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) between wires and coolant. Additionally, the pressure drop is derived and converted into parameters for use in a porous media model. The derived parameters are used to generate surrogate models to enable
Blaschke, Wolfgang MaximilianMengoni, LeonardList, AdrianKulzer, André Casal
Trajectory tracking control and vehicle state estimation are core functionalities of highly automated vehicles and must operate reliably under strict real-time constraints as well as in the presence of model uncertainties and limited sensor availability. This paper presents an integrated, real-time capable framework for trajectory tracking control and vehicle state estimation, developed within the UShift II research project and implemented on the highly automated vehicle platform. The framework combines nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) for trajectory tracking with an extended Kalman filter (EKF) for multi-sensor state estimation within a modular system architecture. The NMPC is based on a vehicle model designed for low-speed automated driving maneuvers and explicitly accounts for actuator constraints. Trajectories are tracked based on local planned reference trajectories while ensuring smooth and physically feasible control inputs for underlying control. The EKF fuses
Fuchs, SörenNeubeck, JensWagner, Andreas
This study describes a methodology for synthesizing representative driving cycles for light commercial vehicles. The focus is on taking the usage profiles of these vehicles into account in the driving cycle synthesis. In this methodology, representative routes are simulated using the example of light commercial vehicles in the craft sector. The results of these simulations are representative speed distributions and representative altitude variations. These results are then used as target values for the actual driving cycle synthesis. Furthermore, measurement runs are carried out with a light commercial vehicle to create a database of real-world driving data. The measurement runs include different urban, rural, and motorway sections and cover a total distance of approximately 510 km. Routes with flatter and more challenging altitude profiles are driven. During the measurement runs, the speed signal and the altitude signal are measured. These signals are then processed and cut into short
Heilmann, OliverGrabow, AndreasCortès, SvenSchlick, MichaelStoll, TobiasKulzer, André Casal
The increasing regulatory complexity in automotive development places significant pressure on engineering teams to derive complete and correct requirements. This paper presents a multi-agent-based large language model (LLM) workflow designed to support requirement extraction from technical specifications and regulatory documents in compliance with automotive requirement guidelines. The approach structures the requirement derivation process across collaborating agents that interpret specification and regulatory text, generate candidate requirements for the early engineering activities, and cross-validate their outputs to improve consistency and traceability. To evaluate the applicability of the workflow in an industrial context, we applied it to the draft Euro 7 emissions regulation. The agents produced requirements for relevant functional domains, which were subsequently reviewed by domain experts at FEV. The evaluation focused on correctness, completeness, and coverage. Results
Abdalla, AbdelrahmanSchäfers, LukasSchmidt, FabianSchaub, JoschkaLee, Sung-YongAndert, Jakob
The development and validation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS) are shifting from traditional linear V-model processes toward more iterative engineering cycles. Despite faster iteration, these safety-critical systems remain subject to stringent regulations. Standards and guidance, including UNECE UN Regulation No. 157 and ISO/TS 5083, emphasize traceability, transparency, and explainability throughout development and validation. Nevertheless, as ADAS/ADS are developed and validated in faster, more iterative release cycles, additional stakeholders become involved and new explainability requirements emerge. These requirements vary between stakeholders and across development, validation, and post-market deployment phases, yet they are not systematically captured in the current state of research and practice. Therefore, to ensure that explainability supports rapid iteration, it is essential to identify relevant stakeholders and specify their
Liu, XuanhengBairy, AkhilaPaudel, BijayAdolph, LaurenzHeck, MelanieHettich, LennardNägele, Ann-ThereseRudolf, KorbinianBause, KatharinaDüser, TobiasSchwammberger, Maike
Vehicle software updates are released more frequently and in increasingly shorter cycles, which places growing pressure on vehicle quality and final assembly line stability. In production environments, software related issues do not remain limited to the digital domain, since errors introduced by software updates can interrupt flashing and commissioning processes, slow down assembly, and increase rework, thereby directly affecting production throughput. Electronic control units are particularly sensitive to software updates because they are flashed and commissioned during vehicle production under strict timing constraints, and changes to flashing sequences, memory structures, configuration parameters, or function definitions can negatively influence commissioning behavior. This paper presents a novel approach where an established quality measure – First Time Quality (FTQ) – is used to quantify the impact of software updates in the final assembly. By comparing FTQ values from production
El Asad, AimanKöhler, KatjaHahn, MichaelReuss, Hans-Christian
Current lithium-ion batteries should generally only be charged above 0 °C, as charging below this temperature can promote lithium plating and irreversible degradation. However, conventional pack-level heating elements increase system mass and design complexity. In addition, heat is transferred from outside into the cell, causing the temperature inside the cell to rise slowly. This study evaluates internal Joule heating of cylindrical Li-ion cells using a zero-mean square-wave current excitation and quantifies the associated aging impact. LG INR21700-M50L cells were tested at 0 °C, −10 °C, and −20 °C with three excitation frequencies (50 Hz, 1 Hz, 10 mHz) at 5 A amplitude. Each cycle consisted of 30 min heating followed by 60 min cooling; reference capacity-based state of health (SOH) was assessed every 50 cycles up to 400 cycles. A maximum surface temperature rise of 14.3 K was achieved, with larger temperature rise at lower ambient temperature and lower excitation frequency. Capacity
Raiber, StefanAllmendinger, FrankDegler, DavidParschau, Anke
Recent advancements in Vision-Language Models have opened new possibilities for bridging the gap between Systems Engineering artifacts and automated code generation. Traditional Large Language Models are primarily trained on textual data and generic code repositories, which limits their ability to interpret graphical engineering artifacts such as Simulink block diagrams or system architecture models. In safety-critical domains like the automotive industry, these graphical models are central to development workflows and must remain closely aligned with textual requirements and implementation code to ensure traceability, compliance, and functional correctness. This paper proposes a Vision-Language Model-centered multimodal training framework for code generation that integrates textual requirements, graphical model-based artifacts, and annotated source code into a unified learning process. By leveraging models which combine vision encoders with language backbones, the approach enables the
Padubrin, MarcelKulzer, Andre CasalGuerocak, Erol
The increasing complexity of modern software-intensive systems, particularly in the automotive domain, demands new approaches to bridge the gap between high-level engineering specifications and executable, safety-compliant code. This need is amplified by the rapid transition toward software-defined vehicles, where highly dynamic, updateable software functions significantly enlarge the scope and frequency of engineering activities and require scalable, transparent, and adaptive development processes. While recent advances in Large Language Models have demonstrated strong capabilities in automating tasks such as requirements analysis, code generation, and documentation, their deployment in safety-critical engineering workflows remains challenging due to the need for transparency, traceability, and controlled decision-making. This paper presents a modular multi-agent Large Language Model (LLM) pipeline that automates key steps of the systems engineering lifecycle - from requirement
Padubrin, MarcelKulzer, André CasalGuerocak, Erol
Level-3 and higher automated driving systems require longitudinal speed strategies that remain consistent with both physical stopping feasibility and realistic sensing constraints. This paper presents a route-based, sensor-aware speed planning method that supports safety validation and explicitly couples longitudinal driving strategy with sensor field-of-view coverage. Based on a concrete route extracted from digital maps and enriched with fleet data, point-wise maximum speeds are computed considering road curvature, speed limits, and comfort constraints. From the resulting drivable speed profile, physically consistent stopping paths and their endpoints are calculated for each route position, accounting for friction limits, scenario-dependent deceleration capabilities, and system delays between perception and braking. The set of stopping paths is aggregated into a region of interest (ROI) representing the spatial area that must be reliably perceived to guarantee safe stopping. This ROI
Kohler, Paul LeonhardResch, Michael
This paper investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within radar-based perception for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) under safety considerations aligned with ISO 26262 [1] for functional safety and ISO 21448 (SOTIF) [2] for performance-related safety of the intended functionality. The study evaluates a hybrid architecture in which AI-based perception modules are combined with deterministic supervisory mechanisms to maintain safety compliance. A simulation-based case study using CARLA with radar sensor modeling is presented to compare a deterministic radar perception pipeline with an AI-enhanced approach under nominal and degraded environmental conditions. Performance is evaluated using precision, recall, and F1 score metrics. Results indicate improved recall and F1 score under adverse scenarios for the AI-based perception module, accompanied by a moderate increase in false positives. The paper discusses architectural constraints required to limit non
Jain, Yesha
This paper presents the optimization of a Halbach magnet array applied to an axial flux machine (AFM) in a 12-pole, 18-slots yokeless and segmented armature (YASA) topology, evaluated in the torque–speed characteristics diagram. AFMs offer significant advantages in terms of compact design and high torque density compared to other permanent magnet machine topologies. However, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance is strongly influenced by cogging torque, electromagnetic torque ripple, and tooth forces. While Halbach magnet arrays are well established in high-performance radial flux machines, only limited research has investigated their influence in AFMs. A Halbach array concentrates magnetic flux on one side of the magnet arrangement, leading to increased air gap flux density and a strongly reduced need of a back iron yoke under the magnets. By using a Halbach array, the magnetic field distribution in the air gap becomes more sinusoidal, thereby reducing harmonic components
Müller, KarstenSchulz, FabianBremer, MartinBurkhardt, YvesDe Gersem, Herbert