Light Truck Powertrain Optimization Techniques and Procedures

During the last decade, political and economic forces have prompted the United States Government to issue regulations establishing minimum fuel economy standards for trucks.

In response to this challenge, powertrain engineers took steps to design more efficient powertrain components. These components had to be matched to achieve optimal vehicle performance and fuel economy. It was the responsibility of the Powertrain Optimization Engineer to develop vehicle simulation programs and analytical methods, which could be used in powertrain matching studies.

The purpose of this paper is to explain what role the Powertrain Optimization Engineer plays in the overall vehicle design process. Also, its purpose is to describe the analytical methods used by the POE to design powertrains that achieve a reasonable balance between good fuel economy and acceptable performance.