Browse Topic: Bodies and Structures

Items (12,894)
It is a general practice to test aero engines to evaluate their performance in specially designed indoor test facilities after assembly, repaired or overhaul. Acoustic features are provided in the test facility to attenuate the noise level to a comfortable and acceptable level. Design of these features specially air intake and exhaust silencers are a challenging task in a flow field like aero-engine test facility considering the very high sound pressure level generated by them during test containing a very wide frequency band. Moreover, growing population and location of these facilities in the vicinity of residential areas has added this challenge in multifold. Also, the capital investment in building these facilities is huge due to their large size and longer construction time. Hence, the correct execution at first shot including design, fabrication and commissioning is very important. An attempt has been made to reduce design errors or improve the accuracy in the design stage by
Gouda, Bansidhar
Acoustic-induced vibrations pose a significant risk to launch vehicle hardware and payload reliability during critical phases such as lift-off and transonic phase. Reducing such vibrations is especially challenging when the hardware has already been fabricated, limiting the possibility of structural redesign. This study demonstrates a practical post-fabrication solution using a thin viscoelastic polymer coating applied externally to fully assembled hardware. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted using both acoustic testing and Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) before and after coating application. During acoustic test, a substantial decrease in structure response from 150Hz to 2000Hz, with a reduction of approximately 50% in the grms values was observed for the coated structure demonstrating significant vibration mitigation over a wide frequency range. In contrast, EMA measurements using impact excitation revealed that the response transfer functions did not show a significant
Avirah, Nohin KPanda, Ajay KumarShaikh, Altafhusen
Digital engineering practices in aerospace increasingly require closely connected and traceable analysis workflows rather than isolated finite element tasks. Traditional FEA methods remain effective, but they involve considerable manual effort during pre- processing and post-processing, making rapid iteration difficult. Finite Element Analysis of STructures (FEAST), an indigenous finite element analysis software developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) ISRO, offers structural analysis capabilities through a command-based architecture, yet its manual operation limits its use in automated studies. This work develops a flexible scripting-driven framework that links geometry creation, load-case definition, solver execution, and result interpretation within a unified digital engineering pipeline. The framework automates repetitive tasks, incorporates Design of Experiments (DoE) for systematic parameter variation, and supports sensitivity and automation studies. Its performance is
Gupta, ShivangiT J, Raj ThilakP, Deepak
This study presents a comprehensive methodology for optimizing critical UAV structural nodes—specifically Arm Clamps, Landing Gear, and Motor Mounts—using Generative Design (GD) tailored for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) with PLA+. Traditional “plate-and-standoff” UAV constructions often utilize orthogonal geometries that induce stress concentrations and fail to leverage the geometric freedom of additive manufacturing. Furthermore, reliance on expensive CNC machining or injection molding creates supply chain bottlenecks for custom or short-run UAV production. While FFF offers geometric freedom, applying it to structural airframe parts introduces challenges regarding anisotropy, layer adhesion, and material brittleness. This research optimizes these components for standard commercial 3D printers by strictly enforcing manufacturing constraints, including a 40-degree maximum overhang and a 0.4 mm nozzle size, to ensure printability without internal support structures. A significant
Krishna Bansal, Vaibhav
Initial weight estimation from Top Level Aircraft Requirements (TLAR) is a critical first step in aircraft design, yet existing empirical methods are inadequate for novel configurations such as those using Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) or Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). This paper presents a hybrid methodology for top-level weight estimation of such unconventional aircraft. The approach is based on modifying a conventional baseline aircraft, integrating a new statistical model with component-specific weight estimations. A multivariate regression model to estimate the empty weight fraction (We/W0) was developed from a dataset of 44 conventional aircraft, yielding an R-squared value of 0.833. This statistical model was integrated with physics-based models for novel components, including cryogenic fuel tanks and fuel systems. The methodology accounts for iterative changes to fuselage structure and parasitic drag. Four configurations were analyzed: fuel types being Jet A1, SAF, LH2 with aft
Goyal, Tushar
Submarine-launched missiles with domed nose cones are highly vulnerable to cavitation erosion as they travel at high speed through an underwater launch tube and then into the air from the sea surface. The collapse of vapour cavities crystallizes intense damage on the vehicle surfaces so that the vehicle structure and aerodynamic performance are threatened. In this work, we show the full 3D numerical and analytical analysis of surface protection concepts for the reduction of cavitation damage on such an axisymmetric dome-shaped body. A computational methodology was developed by importing a complex computer-aided design (CAD) model of a dome and the connecting tubular structure into a high-fidelity simulation environment. The geometry was simplified by omitting non-essential details to facilitate the generation of quality mesh for CFD analysis. Simulations have been carried out to analyze the flow field and pressure distribution under two critical stages, at two angles of attack of 0
Velayudhan, GauthamP S, PremkumarS, Suhail AhmedP, KrishnakumarVasantharaj, C
This study systematically evaluated the wear resilient performance of AZ61 magnesium alloy reinforced with 15 wt.% SiC and diverse amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) under dry sliding circumstances adopting pin-on-disc apparatus (ASTM G99). To identify the influence of factors like sliding speed (SS) (1-3 m/s), axial load (AL) (10-30 N), and MWCNT concentration (0-3 wt.%) that affect tribological performance, experiments were developed using a Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM). SEM micrographs revealed a dispersion optimum near 2 wt.% MWCNT, where CNTs anchor to SiC and bridge the α-Mg matrix, while 3 wt.% shows agglomerates and micro-voids. Findings showed that wear loss (WL) and friction coefficient (CoF) was greatly amplified by increasing AL owing to localized heating and contact stresses. A compacted tribolayer was formed by increasing SS, which decreased WL but marginally raised the CoF. At low AL (10 N), SS (2.09 m/s), and
Senthilkumar, N.
Launch vehicle structures are designed to withstand flight loads while fulfilling their intended functional requirements. Most of these structures use cylindrical geometries and employ stiffened configurations—such as isogrid, orthogrid, or skin-stiffened designs—comprising multiple long panels to efficiently carry dominant compressive loads. Traditional FE analyses generally use simplified or idealized imperfection models, which often do not represent the imperfections present in actual hardware and therefore tend to over/under-predict load-carrying capacity based on the initial assumed imperfection level. In reality, long stiffened panels are highly sensitive to geometric imperfections introduced during manufacturing. These include spring-back effects from roll bending as well as deviations accumulated during assembly. Such manufacturing-induced variations can significantly diminish the effective load-bearing capability of the structure. The subject hardware—an isogrid cylindrical
Sharma, AmitSingh, NishantXavier, ShijoR, Suresh
The paper presents a method for enhancing the static pressure calibration of a high-performance aircraft. Despite the pre-flight calibration using CFD and Wind Tunnel techniques, position errors are generally observed in the free stream parameters, which necessitate further calibration of air data sensors using flight test data. In the present research, the pressure coefficient is estimated as a time-varying parameter in the flight path reconstruction environment implemented using the Extended Kalman Filtering technique. Aircraft kinematic equations were used for the implementation of the state and measurement models, and flight test data from full flight sorties were used in the estimation process. An extensive validation of the on-board air data calibration tables was conducted. Mean values of the static pressure coefficient were updated using data from multiple sorties, each including computed mean errors from three independent sensors. A comparative analysis between the pre
TK, Khadeeja NusrathPatel, Dr. Ambalal VJ, Prabhavathi Bhai
Achieving zero-waste manufacturing in aerospace requires a shift from end-of-pipe waste mitigation toward circular design principles embedded early in product development. This paper presents a practical framework for integrating circularity into aerospace systems through five design pillars: design for modularity and disassembly, material substitution to enhance recyclability, waste segregation and characterization, component-level circularity readiness scoring, and collaborative supplier engagement. To operationalize this approach, a Circularity Readiness Assessment Tool (CRAT) is developed to evaluate design alternatives against criteria such as disassembly ease, material recyclability, manufacturing waste potential, end-of-life recovery pathways, and supplier take-back mechanisms. The framework supports multi-criteria decision-making by complementing traditional aerospace design drivers including weight, performance, cost, and safety. The methodology is demonstrated through a case
S, Chaitra
The payload fairing of a launch vehicle is subjected to extremely high acoustic loads, with peak levels occurring during lift-off and transonic aerodynamic regimes. The external acoustic field penetrates the fairing, producing intense internal sound pressure levels that can challenge the integrity of spacecraft components. Accurate characterization of the vibroacoustic behavior of the payload fairing and its enclosed cavity is therefore essential to ensure spacecraft survivability. The internal acoustic field is governed by the coupled dynamics of the fairing structure and the spacecraft configuration, making it critical to quantify the acoustic environment for different payload arrangements. This study presents a detailed vibroacoustic analysis of a payload fairing with multiple spacecraft configurations to evaluate the resulting internal sound pressure distribution. Vibroacoustic finite element analysis is employed in the low frequency range, while statistical energy analysis is
S R, Arun RajJayan, MahindGeorge, P
As the trend toward larger wind turbines continues, the increasing length of blades imposes higher demands on their structural properties. And in actual engineering, wind turbine blade accidents occur frequently. Consequently, ultra-long flexible blades at the hundred-meter scale typically employ composite materials. However, due to the high cost of composites, it is necessary to minimize blade weight to control costs. This study utilizes the MATLAB simulation platform combined with pattern search algorithms to optimize the composite layup of large wind turbine blade structures. The structural properties of the optimized design are then compared and analyzed against those of the reference structure. Simultaneously investigate the impact of different loads on the optimization results. The results demonstrate that the pattern search algorithm can optimize blade layup thickness, spar chordwise position, and spar width, yielding a new blade structure with improved performance. During
Cao, GuangchuanGuo, XiaMeng, Hang
This article describes multi-body dynamics simulation to investigate door jitter issues caused by the limiter during door operations. A simulation model integrating a rigid limiter and a flexible door-body system was developed to replicate the dynamic process of wide-angle door opening/closing. Through iterative refinements—including correlation of simulation results with test data, optimization of internal door connection methods, and solid-element hinge modeling—simulation accuracy was improved to over 89.7%. Using the validated model, quantitative metrics were established to evaluate door jitter severity. Key parameters that influence the door operation smoothness were identified, and an optimization scheme was proposed for a specific vehicle model, incorporating slope-holding performance requirements under hill-parking conditions. Finally, prototype testing validated the approach’s effectiveness. The developed simulation method provides a technical foundation for virtually
Xiao, YongfuDeng, JianjiaoLi, JingtanYang, TaoHou, HangshenHan, ChaoGao, MengWang, YiqiLiu, Yihong
In this article, the aerodynamic features of two configurations of Lotus EMEYA are introduced. The first configuration includes a fixed air dam and an active rear spoiler (ARS) assembly, which has two active blades in order to obtain the aerodynamic drag and lift performance required. The second configuration includes an Active Air Dam (AAD) assembly and a gurney flap mounted on the ARS in order to achieve more aggressive aerodynamic performance. The aerodynamic bandwidths and the lift balances of both configurations are demonstrated, and the strategies of active aero components of the two configurations are also introduced. Through active aerodynamics and control strategies, the two configurations of Lotus EMEYA can meet the performance requirements of users in different scenarios.
Yuan, QingpengYang, LeiLi, BoNi, LiTo, Chi HinXiong, Zhenfeng
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is crucial for automotive design, requiring analysis of 3D point clouds to investigate how vehicle geometry affects pressure fields and drag. Running CFD on high-resolution 3D geometry quickly becomes computationally heavy, and many solvers slow down noticeably as the geometric detail increases. We therefore introduce a dual-task deep learning framework, named AeroFormer, that predicts aerodynamic quantities directly from the vehicle’s surface geometry and avoids the need for full CFD simulations. The model is organized into two parts. One branch, AeroFormer-Cd, predicts the overall drag coefficient (Cd), while the other, AeroFormer-Press, reconstructs the pressure distribution over the vehicle’s surface. Both branches rely on a shared curvature-guided adaptive sampling process and a physics-aware attention encoding module, which enable the network to emphasize fine geometric details in aerodynamically sensitive regions such as the front bumper, A
Yan, ShengmaoDeng, ShisongJiang, YanzhenJin, XinyuCai, Zhengyang
This study investigated how vehicle front-end geometry, impact speed, and vehicle category influence injury risk to a midsize male pedestrian. Eighty-one generic vehicle (GV) models representing sedans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), pickup trucks, and minivans sold in the United States were developed by morphing three base models using an automated pipeline. Front-end parameters that were varied included ground clearance (GC), bumper height (BH), hood leading-edge (HLE) height, hood length (HL), bumper lead angle (BLA), hood angle (HA), and windshield angle (WSA). Each vehicle impacted the Global Human Body Models Consortium 50th percentile male simplified pedestrian (GHBMC M50-PS) model at 30, 40, and 50 kph, totaling 243 simulations. Boundary conditions followed the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) pedestrian test protocol. Thirty-five injury metrics were extracted across the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities. Linear mixed-effects regression
Poveda, LuisMiller, Logan E.Edwards, Colin C.Pollock, MadelineArmstrong, William M.Hsu, Fang-ChiGayzik, Scott F.Weaver, Ashley A.Stitzel, Joel D.Devane, Karan S.
The objective of this study was to characterize and compare pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) pulses in modern light vehicles to understand the loading environment that vehicle occupants are being exposed to during PAEB maneuvers. PAEB tests (n = 8008) conducted using 2018–2023 vehicle model years were analyzed. Pulse, vehicle, and impact characteristics (e.g., jerk, peak acceleration, pedestrian scenario, etc.) were derived from each PAEB test. Two k-means clustering analyses were used to group PAEB pulses with and without target collisions based on their similarity between characteristics. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed on the PAEB pulse characteristics to examine differences between clusters (p < 0.05). Two non-collision clusters (NC1 and NC2) were identified for PAEB pulses without collisions: NC1 had a statistically significant lower jerk (0.8 ± 0.4 g/s) and peak acceleration (1.0 ± 0.1 g) compared to NC2 (1.6 ± 0.8 g/s and 0.9 ± 0.1 g
Witmer, MaitlandKidd, DavidGraci, Valentina
The objective of this research was to understand the impact of transition window duration on success and performance during nominal transitions from conditional driving automation (SAE level 3). Because the driver can be disengaged from driving when conditional driving automation is engaged, the central challenge is how to safely transition from automated control to human control. Past research from the literature on Level 3 Automated Driving Systems (L3 ADS) has focused on safety-critical event responses (e.g., responding to a hazard) and on automation that operates at high speeds, which is not representative of the systems currently deployed that operate in lower-speed traffic jam situations [4, 5]. This article presents an analysis of data from several transition-of-control studies with conditional driving automation in a high-fidelity driving simulator. A range of transition window durations were compared, and different transition-of-control behaviors were coded from video data
Gaspar, JohnAhmad, OmarSchwarz, ChrisFincannon, ThomasJerome, Christian
Specifications, test methods, and usage provisions for safety glazing materials used for glazing of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment operating on land highways.
Glazing Materials Standards Committee
The scope of this SAE Recommended Practice is to promote compatibility between child restraint systems and vehicle seats and seat belts. Design guidelines are provided to vehicle manufacturers for certain characteristics of seats and seat belts and to child restraint system (CRS) manufacturers for corresponding CRS features so that each can be made more compatible with the other. The CRS accommodation fixture (see Figure 1) is used to represent a CRS to the designers of both the vehicle interior and the CRS for evaluation of each product for compatibility with the other. The features of the accommodation fixture are described as each is used.
Children's Restraint Systems Committee
This SAE Recommended Practice is intended to cover plastic safety glazing for use in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. Nominal specifications for thickness, flatness, curvature, size, and fabrication details are presented principally for the guidance of body engineers and designers. For additional information on plastic safety glazing materials for use in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, please refer to SAE J673.
Glazing Materials Standards Committee
This document covers external lighting for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (E-VTOL) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles. It discusses lights that may be installed both to meet regulatory requirements as well as for customer comfort and aircraft recognition. It also discusses the differences between UAM vehicles and other aircraft and how those differences impact the lighting.
A-20B Exterior Lighting Committee
In order to improve the comfort performance in commercial vehicles, this study proposes a hierarchical control strategy that integrates the evaluation and migration of control algorithms. First, a quarter-vehicle model with four-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) is constructed, incorporating the dynamics of the wheel, frame, driver’s cab, and seat. The key modal characteristics of the model are then verified through amplitude–frequency analysis, confirming their consistency with the typical vibration patterns observed in actual commercial vehicles, which provides the foundation for subsequent control strategy evaluation and migration. Then, based on a standard two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) suspension model, a weighted comprehensive evaluation function is developed to account for comfort, structural safety, handling stability, and both time- and frequency-domain performance indicators. Using this evaluation function, various control algorithms—including Skyhook control (SH), acceleration-based
Pan, TingPang, JianzhongWu, JinglaiZhang, JiuxiangKang, GongZhang, Yunqing
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) provides the user with standardized guidelines for the measurement of effective intensity of short pulse width strobe anticollision lights for aircraft in the laboratory, in maintenance facilities, and in the field. A common source of traceability for calibration of the measurement systems, compensation for known causes of variation in light output such as the use of colored lenses, and recommendations which minimize sources of errors and uncertainties are included in this document. Estimates of uncertainty and error sources for each class of measurement are discussed.
A-20B Exterior Lighting Committee
Cycloidal rotor pumps are widely used in industries such as automotive and aerospace due to their advantages of compact structure, large displacement per unit volume, and low flow pulsation. With the development of new energy vehicles, rotor pumps are required to operate stably for extended periods under higher speeds, higher pressures, and harsher conditions, placing greater demands on their reliability. Addressing the specific problem of fracture failure of the inner rotor in a certain cycloidal rotor pump during bench testing, this paper first conducted a theoretical analysis of the inner rotor's metallographic structure. The metallographic results indicated that the inner rotor fracture was unrelated to material quality but was instead caused by the improper positioning of the slot on the pump's inner rotor, making the slot root the weakest part of the entire rotor material. Furthermore, sharp corners existed on the inner slot surface, leading to significant stress concentration at
Li, MengXie, JIaQin, GongyuYang, HanmingWang, Liangmo
In the context of automotive lightweighting and efficient manufacturing, welding is a key joining method for aluminum body structures due to its maturity, versatility, and cost effectiveness. This study investigates MIG butt welding of AA6063-T6 sheets using a sequential thermo-mechanical finite element model with a double-ellipsoid heat source. Thermocouple histories and macroscopic metallography of the weld-pool morphology are used to validate the predicted temperature field, and post-weld deformation measured by a coordinate measuring machine is compared with the simulation to confirm overall model reliability. Hardness mapping across the joint partitions the material into weld metal (WM), heat-affected zone (HAZ), and base metal (BM). Miniature tensile specimens extracted along the weld provide local mechanical properties, from which linear strength–hardness relations are established. Building on these results, a five-material equivalent strength model covering WM, HAZ-I, HAZ-II
Shao, JiyongMeng, DejianXiang, YaoGao, Yunkai
In high-end motorsport engineering, aerodynamic devices such as front and rear wings are prone to aeroelastic deformations under certain conditions, which can be exploited for vehicle performance gains. Considering the complex interactions between the aerodynamics and structures, experimental evaluation can prove to be a time-effective approach for design, optimisation, research and development regarding aeroelastic bodies. This study presents the development and experimental validation of a deformation tracking system using depth-sensing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) camera technology. The system is based on the use of reflective markers mounted on a given model of interest; this project, a front wing model with a flexible, 3D printed flap element was used as a benchmark. Surface deformation is captured by post-processing point cloud data to extract three-dimensional displacement vectors. A series of controlled measurement tests were first conducted to assess accuracy and
Altinbas, KoraySoares, Renan F.
In the automotive industry, the perceived quality of a vehicle is heavily influenced by the ease and effort required to close its doors (which is governed by total door closing energy), particularly when all windows and other doors are closed. A major contributor to increased door closing energy is the air bind energy, a phenomenon caused by the rapid compression of trapped air within a sealed vehicle cabin during door closure. Studies have shown that this transient event leads to a significant rise in cabin pressure. This study presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method to evaluate the impact of air bind energy on door closing during the early stages of vehicle design. By simulating the cabin pressure dynamics during door closure, the research identifies key parameters influencing the air bind energy, such as door closing velocity, pressure relief valve and airflow escape paths. Other mechanical factors like hinge friction, check arm, and door seal etc. are excluded from the
Jagtap, RohitParida, ShaswatiPimpalkhare, NinadKhanna, SusheelPasunurthi, Shyam Sundar
Variation studies are an important part of the product development process. They help to understand and estimate real-world deviation from nominal design parameters, optimize designs for robustness, reliability, and cost-efficiency. CAE and Virtual tools enable us to simulate variation types and capture the full bandwidth of actual field performance- rather than the validation from a limited number of physical tests. In this study, the effects of various factors on vehicle performance during low-speed impacts, utilizing a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach have been investigated through virtual simulation. Low-speed impacts, typically defined as collisions occurring at speeds less than 2.5 mph, are critical for understanding vehicle insurability and compliance with regulatory standards. The factors examined include vehicle impactor position, impact speed, angle of collision, part thickness variation, material property variation. The DOE methodology allowed for a systematic analysis
Suravaram, Raghu Mohan ReddyIslam, ABM IftekharulLarson, JohnTehrani, BabakKoch, LisaMathur, Mohit Sain
Weather-strip sealing systems are critical to automotive closure performance, influencing water- and dust-tightness, aerodynamic noise control, and overall NVH quality. Conventional validation often relies on flat or straight JIG-based tests that inadequately represent the curved, angled, and non-uniform geometries of real closures such as doors, tailgates, hoods, roofs, and fixed or movable glass. This disparity limits the predictive accuracy of sealing performance in actual vehicles. This study proposes a vehicle-integrated validation framework that mirrors true geometric and contact conditions. The methodology combines finite element analysis (FEA) of both flat JIG and full-vehicle CAD geometries with experimental JIG tests, establishing a baseline for pressure distribution, compression load, and sealing contact behavior. A comparative analysis highlights significant deviations between flat-section predictions and vehicle-specific closure profiles. Results demonstrate that the
Ganesan, KarthikeyanSeok, Sang Ho
Moving ground wind tunnels offer a more accurate test environment for ground vehicle drag coefficient measurement due to their highly realistic representation of the boundary layer phenomenon. However, historically most vehicles have been tested on static ground wind tunnels. As a result, the measured drag coefficient of these vehicles may not be sufficiently realistic for certification purposes. Therefore, it is valuable to build statistical models to estimate moving ground wind tunnel drag coefficient by using information from a static ground wind tunnel and other relevant vehicle characteristics such as presence of aerodynamic devices (spoilers, air dams, etc.). However, to build accurate statistical models, appropriate predictive features must be identified as a first step. In this paper, an aerodynamic feature selection study has been conducted to identify vehicle characteristics that contribute to drag coefficient estimation discrepancies between a static- and a moving ground
Singh, YuvrajJayakumar, AdithyaRizzoni, Giorgio
Open wheel race cars present a challenge to the aerodynamic designer because of the numerous wakes and vortices created by the various body components. The present study follows the development of a high-downforce race car and investigates possible vortex manipulations to increase its aerodynamic efficiency. The tools used for this study involved computational fluid dynamics and small-scale wind tunnel testing. Once the basic geometry of the racecar was finalized, cost effective measures were tested to improve its downforce to drag ratio. As an example, by fine tuning the position of different body components, such as the rear wing location relative to the underfloor diffuser exit, vehicle’s aerodynamic performance can be modified. The results of both the wind tunnel and the computational investigations indicated that such simple modifications can positively improve the race-car downforce to drag ratio. Also, once the baseline vehicle’s geometry was frozen and observing that the
Okpysh, ChristianKatz, JosephShute, Robin
The front wing of a Formula 1 car is one of the most important aerodynamic components in design development. Particularly, as it is the first to interact with the upcoming airflow, the aerodynamic flow structures generated will have a strong interaction with the remainder of the car’s components. In 2026, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile will introduce new regulations that incorporate new aerodynamic philosophies for the front wing, including active aerodynamics. This paper presents a design methodology study for the development of a Formula 1 2026 front wing, compliant with Issue 9 of the technical regulations. A computational-based, structured optimisation series was conducted to enhance the aerodynamic performance of a front wing concept with a focus on improving downforce, maximising efficiency, and enhancing trailing flow for the remainder of the car. The final front wing concept at 40%, running at 30 m/s, generated 189 N of downforce and 19 N of drag. Active
Jacoulot, SantiagoSoares, Renan F.Marshall, David W.
Object detection and distance prediction have advanced significantly in recent years. The YOLO toolbox has released its 11th version, along with numerous variants that have been applied across various fields. Meanwhile, the Detection Transformer (DETRs) has repeatedly set new state-of-the-art (SOTA) records in the field of object detection. Depth Anything also released its second version last year, further pushing the boundaries of distance detection. Although these models achieve impressive performance, they often require substantial computational resources. However, for the algorithms intended for real-world applications and deployment on onboard devices, computational efficiency are extremely critical. Inference time per frame is a critical factor in ensuring an algorithm’s reliability and feasibility. Designing a model that operates in real time without sacrificing accuracy remains an extremely challenging problem, and extensive research is ongoing in this area. To address this
Li, TaozheWang, HanchenHajnorouzali, YasamanXu, Bin
MSIL (Maruti Suzuki India Limited), India’s leading automotive manufacturer, offers a diverse range of SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) in its portfolio. Traditionally, SUVs are associated with an assertive stance and a commanding road presence; however, this bold design language often compromises aerodynamic drag performance. Over the past decade, demand for this segment has surged, while CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulations have become increasingly stringent. To address this growing market need, MSIL conceptualized a new SUV - Victoris - targeted to deliver best-in-class aerodynamic efficiency in MSIL SUV portfolio. This paper details the aerodynamic development process using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and full-scale WTT (Wind Tunnel Testing). Initially, the aggressive styling of Victoris negatively impacted drag performance. Strategic exterior surface refinements and integration of aero components enabled recovery of aerodynamic efficiency. Key interventions
Dey, SukantaSingh, ShekharKumar, ChandanAlphonse, Felix Regin
This study examines the ongoing challenge of balancing sufficient forward illumination for vehicle operation with the need to limit glare experienced by other road users. This analysis specifically focuses on the portion of a headlight's beam pattern intensity distribution located above the horizontal plane, which is particularly relevant for lighting overhead signs and the upper portions of vulnerable road users but is also a potential contributor to glare. In particular, the study investigates how the adoption of LED headlamp technology has influenced upward-directed lighting relative to historical halogen beam intensity distributions. Two different comparative analyses were performed within this study. The first analysis was the calculation of intensity on targets positioned at multiple locations relative to the headlamps considering vehicle conditions. The second analysis was performed as at selected discrete points referenced directly to the headlamp and independent of vehicle
Allen, Jodi Mary Jean
In vehicle development, noise reduction is critical for ensuring passenger comfort. As electric vehicles become prevalent and engine noise is minimized, wind noise becomes more noticeable. Modulated wind noise, which causes a sense of fluctuation due to atmospheric turbulence, wind gusts, and preceding vehicle wakes, can cause significant discomfort. This noise is characterized as a high frequency sound above 1 kHz, modulated at low frequencies owing to the wind velocity and direction fluctuating at several Hz. The mechanisms behind wind noise modulation are not fully understood, and no established countermeasures have been developed. This is because wind noise perceived through the side window is primarily caused by the A-pillar vortex and door mirror wake, which coexist as complex turbulent flows around the vehicle. Therefore, identifying the source of modulated wind noise around vehicles under fluctuating wind conditions is difficult. This study aims to identify the source of the
Tajima, AtsushiHirata, TakumiIkeda, JunKamiwaki, TakahiroWakamatsu, JunichiTsubokura, Makoto
In the stringent market of BEV, the development of integrated Drive Modules (iDM) fitting environmental and customer needs is mandatory. It is important to extract the best from the less. To achieve those goals, a deep insight into complex multiphysics phenomena occurring in an iDM has been achieved by accurate and validated models. This engineering methodology is applied through the development of BorgWarner products, comprising non-exhaustively iDM 180-HF, Externally Excited Synchronous Machine and Multi-Level Inverter. The paper will review the methodology development for deeper understanding involving in-house technical excellence and complemented by strategic partnerships with academic institutions and start-ups. It will present the approach of integrating advanced multiphysics models with high-quality experimental validations, specifically on loss evaluation on electrical machines and inverters. Complex models involving multiphysics such as thermal/fluid coupling or electric
Leblay, ArnaudBourniche, EricBossi, AdrienDavid, PascalNanjundaswamy, Harsha
In frontal collisions of automobiles, the bumper beam at the front of the vehicle plays a crucial role in absorbing energy and protecting the vehicle body during a collision. To enhance the collision resistance of a specific type of special vehicle with a non-load-bearing body structure, this paper focuses on this type of vehicle and conducts a study on the design and collision performance of an integrated vehicle front bumper - anti-collision beam structure based on aluminum alloy additive manufacturing technology. A novel bumper structure is proposed, which integrates the front bumper and the front anti-collision beam of the vehicle and is integrally formed using aluminum alloy additive manufacturing technology. This integrated structure is directly connected to the vehicle frame. Firstly, based on the appearance of the special vehicle body and the form of the front anti-collision beam of traditional passenger vehicles, an integrated design of the vehicle front bumper- anti-collision
王, XufanYuan, Liu-KaiZhang, TangyunWang, TaoZhang, MingWang, Liangmo
Autonomous platforms such as self-driving vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and intelligent aerial drones demand real-time video perception systems capable of delivering actionable visual information at ultra-low latency. High-resolution vision pipelines are often hindered by delays introduced at multiple stages—sensor acquisition, video encoding, data transmission, decoding, and display—undermining the responsiveness required for safety-critical decision making. This study introduces a holistic system-level optimization framework that systematically reduces end-to-end video latency while maintaining image fidelity and perception accuracy. The proposed approach integrates hardware-accelerated encoding, zero-copy direct memory access (DMA), lightweight UDP-based RTP transport, and GPU-accelerated decoding into a unified pipeline. By minimizing redundant memory copies and software bottlenecks, the system achieves seamless data flow across hardware and software
Indrakanti, Rama Kiran Kumar
Wind-tunnel tests were conducted using a 30%-scale DrivAer model, in estateback and notchback rear-geometry configurations, to investigate aerodynamic performance changes associated with snow and ice buildup on passenger vehicles. Around 20 snow/ice accumulation patterns were tested, at a Reynolds number of 2.8 × 106 based on model wheelbase, for each of the notchback and estateback variants. 5 additional patterns were tested on the estateback with roof-rack support bars. Snow accumulation was modelled with foam, while ice accumulation was simulated with aluminum tape hand-formed to the desired shape. A simulated full-scale snow thickness of 58 mm on the hood, roof and trunk increased the wind-averaged drag coefficient by 16% for both model variants. With 90 mm of snow, the drag of the estateback variant increased by 19%. Drag changes increased with, but were not proportional to, snow thickness. Chamfered front and rear edges, representing windblown shapes, reduced the drag penalty
de Souza, FenellaMcAuliffe, Brian
Safety assurance of Cooperative, Connected, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) systems is a crucial factor for their successful adoption in society, yet it remains a significant challenge. The SUNRISE project has consolidated previous and on-going efforts, and developed a harmonised Safety Assurance Framework (SAF) designed to operationalise the UNECE New Assessment/Test Method (NATM), targeting a wide range of stakeholders including (but not limited to) certifiers, regulators, manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and assessors. It incorporates a scenario-based approach, underpinned by the system’s Operational Design Domain (ODD) and behaviour for safety assessment. In line with NATM, the SAF consists of multiple pillars: the Audit of manufacturer processes and Safety Management Systems, In-Service Monitoring and Reporting (ISMR) to ensure continued safety during deployment, and Performance Assurance to generate and evaluate safety evidence pre-deployment. While all pillars are integral
Zhang, XizheKhastgir, Siddarthade Vries, StefanHillbrand, BernhardOp den Camp, OlafBolovinou, AnastasiaBourauel, BryanEhrenhofer Gronvall, John FredrikMenzel, ThaddäusNieto, MarcosStettinger, GeorgJennings, Paul
This study presents a simulation method for reproducing slush accumulation on underbody components, with a particular focus on the floor undercover, during vehicle operation on slush-covered roads. As electrified vehicles become increasingly important in the pursuit of carbon neutrality, the adoption of aerodynamic undercovers to improve driving range has accelerated. However, these components are exposed to various environmental stresses, including water, chipping, and especially snow and slush, which can lead to damage and performance degradation. While previous research has addressed water and chipping stresses through simulation, studies on slush-induced stress have been limited. To address this gap, the Moving Particle Semi-implicit (MPS) method was applied, incorporating a power-law model to represent the non-Newtonian flow characteristics of slush. Parameter identification was conducted through steel ball drop tests and tire scattering tests, ensuring both qualitative and
Matsuura, TadashiAnnen, TeruyukiHarada, TakeyukiUeno, ShigekiAsai, MikioWatanabe, Haruyuki
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