Browse Topic: Interiors, Cabins, and Cockpits

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Improved Thermal Management for Operating a Battery Electric City Bus under Real Driving Conditions2026-01-0758To be published on 07/01/2026
The goal of reducing the global CO2 emissions requires actions especially for the transportation sector. To achieve the goal, electric traction motors are frequently implemented in passenger vehicles as well as in commercial vehicles like heavy-duty trucks or buses. Particularly electric city buses have the potential to reduce the local emissions in urban areas and provide local exhaust-emission-free mobility. While their number of registrations rises, research focusses on the improvement of the overall system in order to increase the energy efficiency. High importance is gained by the thermal management of the whole system. This research describes and investigates a simulative approach to improve the thermal management and therefore the energy efficiency of an electric bus system. The different thermal components of an electric city bus like drive system, battery system and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC system) are modelled. Their thermal behaviour has been
Schäfer, Henrik, Hellberg, Tobias, Meywerk, Martin
Vibro-Acoustic simulation for vehicle audio design2026-01-0670To be published on 06/20/2026
Acoustic user interfaces and audio experiences are among the leading comfort factors in new vehicle interior designs. OEMs are more and more focusing on loudspeaker design and positioning, to provide the most immersive experience to the customers. The industrial target is to be able to predict the performance of an audio system in early design phases. This paper presents a methodology to model source-receiver transfer functions in a full-scale vehicle cabin and investigates the installation effect of the speakers in a real car door. A hybrid methodology is developed to be able to model the loudspeaker in different environment.
Zerrad, Mehdi, Errico, Fabrizio, Mordillat, Philippe
Vibration Synthesis and Seat Dynamics Compensation for Single-Axis Seat Vibration in Driving Simulators2026-01-0673To be published on 06/20/2026
Realistic seat vibration reproduction is essential for delivering authentic haptic cues and enhancing driver immersion in driving simulators. Unlike direct playback of road recordings, simulator applications require vibration synthesis that responds interactively to driver inputs and vehicle dynamics. Reproducing these vibrations at the seat is complicated by actuator bandwidth, cross-axis coupling, and the dynamic behavior of the seat structure, which can alter the intended target response. This work presents vibration synthesis and seat dynamics compensation methods implemented on a dual-axis seat vibration reproduction system equipped with horizontal and vertical actuators. Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) were measured to characterize the system dynamics under both single-axis and dual-axis excitations, capturing direct responses as well as cross-axis effects. Run-up, coast-down, and combined excitation tests were then used to evaluate performance under more operational
Muthu Chaiphas, Joshua Daniel, Cuenca, Jacques, Bianciardi, Fabio, Colangeli, Claudio, Deckers, Elke, Denayer, Hervé, Janssens, Karl
Spatial Noise Acquisition at the Driver's Position in an Electric Vehicle with Increased Accuracy2026-01-0723To be published on 06/20/2026
In vehicles with electrified powertrains, high-frequency tonal noise components have become increasingly prominent and can be perceived as particularly annoying by the driver. While recent advancements in international standardization—such as ECMA-74 and ECMA-418—have led to powerful new algorithms for tonal noise visualization and analysis, like our Tonality-Heatmaps, the measurement side still lacks sensor setups that adequately reflect the spatial sensitivity of noise, especially for tonal components. This challenge is amplified in enclosed vehicle cabins, where room modes create local minima and maxima that become increasingly dense at higher frequencies. As a result, even small head movements can lead to noticeable differences in perceived tonal noise. Current measurement approaches do not sufficiently account for this spatial variability. This contribution addresses the absence of tailored solutions for the driver’s position by introducing an improved microphone arrangement that
Schecker, Daniel, Rittenschober, Thomas
Spatial Optimisation of Inner Dash Acoustic Performance using Reciprocal Holography2026-01-0712To be published on 06/20/2026
As acoustic requirements for NVH trim components become more demanding – driven by cost, weight, and increasingly, sustainability – there is growing pressure to optimise performance across multiple criteria. In complex components such as the inner dash, performance is often assessed in isolated. However, this fails to reflect real-world conditions, where contributions from ancillary systems, the instrument panel, and variable noise sources such as the power unit, gearbox, and tyres are significant. Traditional Transmission Loss (TL) measurements provide averaged results that can overlook spatial variation and lead to suboptimal design choices. To address this, an approach is presented that uses reciprocal holography to map the spatial TL performance of an inner dash. This method enables a more representative and targeted design process for achieving effective acoustic performance in fully built vehicle environments. Furthermore, the spatial Transmission Loss data can be combined with
Harry, Evan, Eandi, Giacomo
An Experimental Setup for Vibroacoustic and Fluid-Borne Noise Characterization of Electric Refrigerant Compressors using R1234yf or R7442026-01-0724To be published on 06/20/2026
The increasing electrification of vehicles leads to a broader range of tasks for heating, ventila-tion and air conditioning systems and a shift in its priority assessment. Air conditioning systems in electric cars are no longer primarily responsible for cooling the passenger compartment, but also have to temperature-control the battery, especially during rapid charging, which repre-sents a high-load operating point. Additionally, the elimination of the combustion engine as a major noise source brings the NVH behaviour of the refrigerant compressor a higher priority in product selection. In order to investigate the vibration and acoustic behaviour, as well as fluid dynamic forces resulting from the cyclic compression principle of an electric refrigerant compressor, a test rig was previously developed, allowing compressors to be operated and measured isolated in an anechoic chamber under various defined operating points. This test rig has been expanded in two ways within the scope of
Beer, Gabriel, Saur, Lukas, Schwarz, Manuel, Zemsch, Stefan, Becker, Stefan
Analysis of a sorption energy storage system for cabin air heating and dehumidification in electric vehicles2026-37-0034To be published on 06/09/2026
This work investigates the integration of a Sorption Thermal Energy Storage (TES) into the Air Conditioning (AC) system of electric vehicles. The proposed device reduces the energy demand for cabin heating under winter conditions, leading to a driving range increase. The TES dehumidifies the cabin air through a desiccant bed (zeolite 4A), preventing window fogging, enabling higher air recirculation rates, and consequently reducing the required heating power. An experimentally validated numerical model was used to analyze the adsorption and regeneration processes and to identify suitable operating conditions. Regeneration was found to be effective at moderate temperatures (around 120°C), with a counter-current airflow configuration providing faster and more efficient desorption compared to parallel-flow operation. A simplified model integrating TES, AC unit and cabin was developed and used to compare different configurations. Heating energy consumption with and without TES under
Verlingieri, Rebecca, Calabrese, Luigi, Freni, Angelo, Marocco, Luca, Scudeler, Gabriele, De Antonellis, Stefano
Adaptive HVAC Strategies for Enhanced Cabin Thermal Comfort, Air Quality and Energy Efficiency2026-26-0791To be published on 06/01/2026
Passenger comfort within vehicle and aerospace cabins relies on finely tuned management of temperature, air quality, and energy use. This paper proposes an integrated HVAC framework that combines zonal climate control, intelligent airflow distribution, and real-time sensor data to maintain thermal balance across different cabin zones. Leveraging predictive thermal load modeling and machine learning, the system anticipates environmental changes—such as sudden shifts in external temperature or passenger load—and proactively adjusts heating and cooling outputs. Simultaneously, air quality is enhanced through a multistage filtration system, active air purification technologies, and dynamic CO₂ concentration monitoring. Comfort assessment integrates PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and PPD (Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied) indices to adapt environmental conditions based on passenger feedback and physiological needs. Simulations and early-stage prototypes improve energy savings and improve
Mudavath, Lehitha Sai, Patil, Ashish, Saha, Sudipta
Evaluation of Thermal and Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Ramie Fiber/Delrin Composites for Aircraft Cabin Components2026-26-0754To be published on 06/01/2026
Abstract This study investigates the fabrication and evaluation of Delrin (polyoxymethylene, POM) composites reinforcing 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.% chopped ramie fiber (RF). The polymer composites were fabricated via injection moulding technique. Glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal conductivity, Vicat softening temperature (VST), heat deflection temperature (HDT), melt flow index (MFI), and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) were the various thermo-mechanical and thermal characteristics of the composites that were systematically evaluated as per the ASTM standards. The Delrin matrix's performance was drastically altered by the addition of RF. Within the formulations, the composite with 15 wt.% RF had the best combination of properties: higher VST and HDT values responsible for more dimensional stability at high temperatures, lower CLTE producing lesser thermal expansion, comparatively better thermal conductivity and more heat dissipation. Eventually, there was a moderate
S, Thirumalvalavan, Senthilkumar, N., Selvarasu, S
Aircraft cabin Diagnosis - Inspection of the Aircraft cabins and seats using AI2026-26-0789To be published on 06/01/2026
Operational challenges related to aircraft interiors particularly damaged seats, compromised seat cushions, and liquid or food spillages have a direct impact on airline operations and passenger satisfaction. Allowing passengers to use defective seating not only degrades the travel experience but also risks damaging the airline’s reputation. Moreover, addressing these issues often results in increased aircraft ground time, contributing to significant financial implications for airline operators. To mitigate these challenges, a predictive maintenance approach leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) is proposed. This system utilizes radar scans and high-definition camera images captured when the aircraft is unoccupied to detect interior issues. The collected data is then compared against a baseline “master scan” taken under ideal, clean, and properly maintained conditions. Advanced AI algorithms analyze these comparisons to accurately identify problem areas, down to specific seat
Nagoal, Chandrasekhar Reddy, Prathipati, Krishna Chaitanya, Kandukuri, Ravindra
Estimation of dynamic responses at internal points of a nested sub-structure with two-level Craig-Bampton reduction2026-26-0747To be published on 06/01/2026
Dynamic analyses of large and complex structural assemblies usually employ sub-structure coupling or Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) methods. The most widely used CMS method for dynamic analyses is the Craig-Bampton (CB) method. The displacement transformation of the CB method employs fixed-interface normal modes and interface constraint modes as the component modes. Dynamic analyses utilizing Craig-Bampton-reduced sub-structure matrices will provide information about dynamic responses at interface degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) and at generalized DOFs corresponding to fixed interface normal modes. However, physical responses at internal DOFs cannot be obtained directly from these analyses. In order to extract dynamic responses at selected internal DOFs, Output Transformation Matrices, which define a relation between responses at component modes and at internal DOFs, are used. In this paper, an approach to estimate and validate the internal point dynamic responses in a nested sub-structure
Ramachandran, Nirmal
Are Drivers More Distracted with Level 2 Automated Technologies? A Naturalistic Driving Study Analysis of Frequency, Duration, and Proportion of Time Drivers Engage in Secondary Tasks09-14-01-00285/4/2026
This project was designed to better understand how the activation of SAE International Level 2 (L2) system features affect the duration of secondary task engagement. Four naturalistic driving datasets were used: one that included drivers without L2 experience, two that included drivers with L2 experienced, and one that included drivers of L0 vehicles. Dependent variables that were assessed include frequency of secondary tasks, duration of secondary task, and proportion of time that drivers engaged in cell phone tasks when L2 systems were active compared to when L2 systems were available but inactive. Results suggest that both the frequency and proportion of time drivers engaged in secondary tasks were significantly higher when L2 systems were active compared to when systems were available but inactive. Drivers without L2 experience took longer to perform tasks involving the center stack/instrument panel compared to experienced L2 drivers. These results suggest that drivers demonstrate
Klauer, Sheila, Dunn, Naomi, Anderson, Gabrial T., Barnes, Ellen, Han, Shu, Fincannon, Thomas, Weaver, Starla
Biomechanical Responses and Injuries of Male Post-Mortem Human Subjects in Rear-Facing Frontal Impacts with Unreinforced Airbag-Equipped Production Seats09-14-01-00305/4/2026
Previous rear-facing post-mortem human subject (PMHS) studies utilizing a reinforced seat have prompted questions as to whether the seat could have been a contributing factor to the severe rib and pelvis injuries observed in those experiments. In response, a recent PMHS study used an unreinforced seat in a similar experiment, which was expected to mitigate severe injuries by dissipating energy from seatback deformations. However, the PMHS tested in the unreinforced seat sustained even more severe rib fracture numbers than in the reinforced seat. No studies have investigated how additional variables (i.e., countermeasures) may influence rib fractures in high-speed rear-facing frontal impacts (HSRFFI). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of an airbag-equipped seat (AES) on male PMHS responses and injuries. Rear-facing sled tests were conducted using five mid-size male PMHS seated in the AES at ΔV of 56 km/h: PMHS1 with no airbag as a baseline, PMHS2 with a seatback airbag
Kang, Yun-Seok, DeWitt, Timothy, Wensink, Timothy, Marcallini, Angelo, Jung, Yong Hyun, Lee, Dong Gil, Harm, Jae Jun, Ko, Seokhoon, Hunter, Randee, Agnew, Amanda M.
The Effect of Initial Foot Position on THOR-50M and THOR-05F Lower Leg Response in a Realistic Vehicle Buck09-14-01-00085/4/2026
This study aims to explore and evaluate the effect of various foot positions on the kinematic and kinetic response of the lower extremity during frontal crashes using a realistic vehicle interior. Frontal impact sled tests were performed with the Test Device for Human Occupant Restraint, 50th-percentile Male (THOR-50M) and Test Device for Human Occupant Restraint, 5th-percentile Female (THOR-05F) anthropometric test device (ATD) in the driver’s seat of a midsize SUV testing buck (with realistic interior components including an instrument panel with steering wheel and steering wheel airbag, seat, three-point seat belt with pretensioner and force-limiter, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, knee airbag, and seat belt retractor pretensioner). Six sled tests were performed in two principal directions of force (PDOF) [three each in frontal (0°) and oblique (−20°) configurations]. The right foot was positioned on the accelerator pedal, fully on the brake, and half on the brake. A single test was
Noss, Junior, Donlon, John-Paul, Morris, Anna, Samier, Germain, Park, Joseph, Forman, Jason
Characterization of Front Row Occupants Involved in Motor Vehicle Crashes Compared to ATDs and the U.S. Population09-14-01-00275/4/2026
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, Elizabeth, Atwood, Jonathan, Rudd, Rodney, Craig, Matthew
Determination of the Fogging Characteristics of Interior Automotive MaterialsJ1756_202604 (Current)5/2/2026
This recommended practice describes two methods for determining the tendency of interior materials used in automobiles and other vehicles to (a) produce a light scattering deposit (fog) on a glass surface, or (b) produce a measurable deposit (mass) on aluminum foil.
Textile and Flexible Plastics Committee
Performance Requirements for R-134a and R-1234yf Refrigerant Diagnostic Identifiers (RDI) for Use with Mobile Air Conditioning SystemsJ2912_202604 (Current)4/17/2026
This SAE Standard applies to refrigerant diagnostic identification equipment to be used for identifying refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) refrigerant when servicing a mobile A/C system or for identifying refrigerant in a container to be used to charge a mobile A/C system. Identification of other refrigerants is the option of the equipment manufacturer, although it shall not misidentify refrigerants, per 3.2.
Interior Climate Control Service Committee
Passenger Vehicle Windshield Demisting and Defrosting SystemsJ902_202604 (Current)4/8/2026
This SAE Recommend Practice establishes for passenger cars, light trucks, and multipurpose vehicles with GVW of 4500 kg (10000 pounds) or less, as defined by the EPA, and M1 category vehicles, as defined by the European Commission:
Interior Climate Control Vehicle OEM Committee
Quasi-Static Head Restraint Pull-Tests to Assess Retention Performance: Maximum Load and Damage Characteristic2026-01-05644/7/2026
Head restraint requirements and designs have evolved to minimize the delay in head support and reduce differential loading in the neck. As a result, head restraints have become bigger and more angled forward, sitting, closer to the occupant’s head. Head restraints separation from seatbacks are sometimes observed in the field. Are head restraint detachments resulting from occupant comfort issues prior to the crash, occupant loading during the crash or were they removed by emergency personnel for extrication? Understanding the retention strength of head restraints and the type of evidence left behind by a forced removal may help researchers resolve the question of how a head restraint may be found post-crash separated from the seat. Quasistatic pull tests were conducted to measure vertical retention capabilities, compare vertical adjustment and release mechanisms, and document deformation and damage. Eighteen different front seat head restraint designs were evaluated. The model years
Parenteau, Chantal, Burnett, Roger, Davidson, Russell
Acoustic Improvements to a Passenger Service Unit Panel with Core Filler and Facesheet Patches using Topology Optimization2026-01-05114/7/2026
Passenger comfort is becoming the forefront of luxury private jets where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. One source of structure-borne noise is the vibration of the Passenger Service Unit (PSU) panel. These vibrations originate from the outer skin, excited by turbulent boundary layer, and are transmitted through the fuselage frame to the PSU panel. This panel resides overhead of passenger seating, it is composed of a corrugated honeycomb core sandwiched between thin face-sheets. This paper presents a systematic approach to improve the vibro-acoustic performance of a honeycomb core sandwich structure by employing core filler and facesheet patches. Topology Optimization (TO) is used to determine the optimal layouts of these design modifications. The vibro-acoustic performance of the PSU panel with facesheet patches and core filler is evaluated using a frequency response analysis in the commercial finite element solver OptiStruct. The effectiveness of vibration reduction will be
Russo, Connor, Whetstone, Isobel, Patel, Anuj, Wotten, Erik, Kim, Il Yong
Use Inertial Sliding of Reclined Seat to Enhance Occupant Retention under Rear-End Crash2026-01-05634/7/2026
Autonomous vehicles may attract more passengers to recline their seat for comfort. However, under severe rear-end crashes and large reclining angle, the backward inertia could completely throw occupant out of seat. Even if the occupant body can be restrained by seatbelt, the occupant’s head could slide out of the head restraint area. Any of these situations may cause severe injuries. To address this safety concern, we developed a sliding seat system designed to enhance occupant retention. Activated by impact inertia of rear-end collision, the system allows the seat sliding backward along its track in a controlled manner, and the sliding stroke is accompanied by a restraint force and absorbs some amount of kinetic energy during the sliding. Thus, occupant retention can be enhanced, and injury risks of head and neck can be reduced. To demonstrate this concept, we built a MADYMO model and conducted a parametric analysis. The model includes a 50th percentile human model, a vehicle seat
Dai, Rui, Zhou, Qing, Puyuan, Tan, Shen, Wenxuan
Evaluating the Effects of Improper Positioning and Unbuckling of a Restraint System on a 10-Year-Old Child ATD in a Far Side Side-Impact Environment2026-01-05624/7/2026
Five sled tests were performed with a Hybrid III (H-III) 10-year-old child sized Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) positioned in the 2nd row left seat of a three row 2006 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). A HYGE Sled buck was positioned to represent/replicate a side impact collision to the passenger (right) side of the SUV, with a Principal Direction of Force (PDOF) of 60 degrees, resulting in a far side side-impact for the ATD. Of the 5 tests performed, three of the five tests were performed with a delta-V of 17 mph, and two of the tests at a delta-V of 24 mph. Of the 17 mph tests, one test was performed with a properly restrained ATD, and two tests performed with improper restraint positioning. Both of the 24 mph tests were performed with improper restraint positioning, effectively identical to the two 17 mph delta-V tests. The two improper restraint use tests (at both 17 and 24 mph delta-V) included two different improper restraint scenarios. The first scenario of improper restraint
Luepke, Peter, Hewett, Natalie, Betts, Kevin, Van Arsdell, William, Weber, Paul, Stankewich, Charles, Miller, Gregory, Watson, Richard, Sochor, Mark
Potential Regulatory Approaches for Occupant Safety in Automated Vehicles with Unique Seating Configurations – Part 2: Interior Safety Sensing and Messaging Proposals2026-01-05764/7/2026
This paper contains Part 2 of a two-part paper series proposing potential regulatory approaches for occupant safety in Automated / Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) with unique seating configurations (stagecoach and campfire seating). Part 2 focuses on interior safety sensing, associated messaging, and ride control approaches both prior to and during a ride. Assessments are also proposed after significant vehicle braking and crash events. The proposed conditions are to be assessed in a static vehicle environment with humans segmented by occupant size and an infant dummy. On the vehicle seat and on the vehicle floor occupant detection conditions are proposed along with restraint usage detection conditions for vehicle seat belt usage, Child Restraint Seat (CRS) usage, CRS seat belt usage, and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system usage. These conditions may be detected by sensors / computer algorithms and human monitoring and thus are technology agnostic. The topics of animal
Thomas, Scott
Potential Regulatory Approaches for Occupant Safety in Automated Vehicles with Unique Seating Configurations – Part 1: Occupant Protection Proposals2026-01-05784/7/2026
Some Automated / Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) have unique seating configurations (stagecoach and campfire seating) which present expanded occupant safety challenges. Significant portions of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) do not yet align with AVs containing unique seating. This paper series takes the NHTSA occupant safety standard approach for conventional forward-facing seat vehicles where many compliance evaluations are in the frequently occupied front row and expands it to stagecoach and campfire AVs where the rear seating row is anticipated to be frequently occupied. The approaches proposed are from a logic-based safety-focused analysis and in many cases previously published material. The goal of this paper series is to offer regulatory proposals that enable equivalent performance for these AVs to existing forward-facing seating vehicle occupant safety standards and meet Executive Order 13045 on child safety
Thomas, Scott
From Algorithm to Engineering Judgment: Navigating Topology Optimization’s Limits in Crash Applications2026-01-01894/7/2026
The non-linear nature of crash scenarios has led to many designs being developed through extensive trial and error based on the intuitions of the design engineer. As such, effectively utilizing topology optimization for crash applications offers opportunities to provide major improvements in cost, weight, and passenger safety. Topology optimization is known for creating stiff, lightweight structures, however its application to crash scenarios must be handled carefully. Compliance minimization, the most common optimization objective, can yield misleading designs that prioritize undesirable qualities when developing structures for crash applications. In this paper, the design process of a passenger seat assembly subject to sequentially applied enforced displacement, and crash deceleration loads is discussed. Due to the conflicting nature of compliance minimization and enforced displacement, the design was split into two types of regions; sacrificial, which are regions manually designed
Orr, Mathew, Shi, Yifan, Lee, Jake, Gray, Savannah, Park, Taeil, Wotten, Erik, LeFrancois, Richard, Huang, Yuhao, Patel, Anuj, Kim, Hansu, Burns, Nicholas, Jalayer, Shayan, Grant, Robert, Kok, Leo, Hansen, Eric, Kim, Il Yong
The Stellantis North America Aero-Acoustic Wind Tunnel Upgrade2026-01-06094/7/2026
The Stellantis North America Aero-Acoustic Wind Tunnel (AAWT) has been upgraded with a cutting-edge 5-belt Moving Ground Plane (MGP) system, featuring an 8.5-meter center belt and four Wheel Spinning Unit (WSU) belts with advanced coatings for durability and visibility. The expanded 9.4-meter turntable enables ±90° yaw and supports vehicles with wheelbases from 1800 mm to 4500 mm and weights up to 5000 kg, accommodating the full Stellantis North America product range. The original 2-stage boundary layer control system was retained, with new tertiary slots added for improved flow quality. A high-stiffness, six-component Horiba balance with integrated calibration weights and tractive force measurement ensures accurate and precise measurements. Facility enhancements include a 550 m2 building addition for equipment and vehicle prep, a dedicated compressor container for clean air supply, and a vehicle underbody wash booth for efficient cleaning. Commissioning confirmed that flow quality
Lounsberry, Todd, Ladouceur, Brent, Fadler, Gregory
Standardization of On-Vehicle Measurement of BEV Thermal System Energy Consumption and Range Impacts2026-01-01324/7/2026
This paper presents research and digital twin modeling results to support work on a methodology to properly account for the energy consumed by the thermal system of a BEV, for use within both existing Petroleum-Equivalent Fuel Economy (PEFE) calculations, and the proposed addition of hot and cold weather range values to the consumer-facing Monroney label [1]. Properly accounting for thermal system impacts would incentivize minimizing energy consumption of these systems, since 1) BEV PEFE is a direct input to an OEMs overall CAFE performance, and 2) the values on the Monroney label has some impact on consumer vehicle choice. The impetus for this work was Final Rules issued by the EPA and NHTSA in early 2024 eliminating A/C Efficiency Credits for BEVs from the 2027 MY, thus eliminating regulatory incentives to minimize energy consumption of these systems. Higher energy consumption will produce a number of negative secondary effects, including higher real-world greenhouse gas emissions
Taylor, Dwayne
Application of Topology Optimization to Production-Ready Passenger Seat Components Design2026-01-04984/7/2026
Lightweighting of components has become a key challenge in the development of modern transportation systems. In the automotive and aerospace industries, the overall mass of a vehicle has a significant impact on its fuel efficiency and manufacturing cost. Therefore, the lightweight design of vehicle components is crucial in the industrial field. Topology optimization (TO) is a computational design approach aimed at achieving lightweight designs. However, most existing studies focus on simplified academic models, with limited demonstration in real-world applications. This paper presents a revised TO workflow to obtain production-ready design and a practical implementation of TO in the design of three structural components in the aerospace industry: seatback frame, seat fuselage mount, and seat spreader. The revised TO workflow incorporates the practical demands of industry, including enhanced manufacturability and cost efficiency through TO design. The resulting designs are evaluated to
Lee, Hanbok Jake, Shi, Yifan, Gray, Savannah, Orr, Mathew, Park, Taeil, Wotten, Erik, LeFrancois, Richard, Huang, Yuhao, Patel, Anuj, Kim, Hansu, Jalayer, Shayan, Burns, Nicholas, Hansen, Eric, Grant, Robert, Kok, Leo, Kim, Il Yong
Pre-Impact Seat Rotation for Mitigating Lumbar Injury in Flying Car Crash2026-01-05584/7/2026
Flying cars have already been used in tourism, firefighting, and logistics, and might be soon used for short-distance commute. However, the lumbar spine injury risks in flying car crash accidents have raised safety concerns. This is because the crash load of a flying car is largely aligned with the orientation of the occupant’s spine. This study introduces a countermeasure of actively adjusting seat posture for mitigating lumbar injury in crash events. A flying car crash usually has a few seconds of warning time before collision to ground. The pre-impact warning time is enough to rotate the seat and occupant together using seat motors. Posteriorly rotating seat can alter the angle between the crash load and the spinal axis, thereby reducing lumbar injury risk. Using numerical simulations, the 30g deceleration pulse defined in SAE-AS-8049 was applied to seat of flying car. The THUMS (Total Human Model for Safety) human body model was used to model occupant, sitting in a typical vehicle
Zhuang, Ziao, Puyuan, Tan, Shen, Wenxuan, Zhou, Qing, Gu, Gongyao
Revisiting Rear Seat Safety: Field Evaluations of Relative Injury Risk Across Seating Positions and the Integration of Advanced Rear Seat Belt Systems2026-01-05614/7/2026
Despite advances in crash avoidance, occupant restraint systems remain crucial in protecting the motoring public. Following decades of improvement in occupant protection, including several supplemental restraint systems for front seat occupants, the safety of rear seat occupants has recently undergone scrutiny. Studies evaluating rear seat occupant injury risk via field crash data have reported reduced relative safety in rear seating positions and alluded to advanced rear seat restraints, such as pretensioners and load limiters, as potential solutions. While the pursuit of novel technologies has historically improved occupant outcomes, evaluation of new systems in both controlled laboratory environments and field crashes is necessary to understand potential consequences of widespread introduction. This study analyzed the prevalence of advanced seat belts (load limiters and pretensioners) in the rear seating positions in the U.S. fleet. Additionally, occupant injury risk was compared
Rapp van Roden, Elizabeth Ann, Miller, Bruce, Pearson, Joseph, Williamson, James, Brown, Thomas
Lightweight Design of a Seat Module Assembly for a Robotic Arm Amusement Ride System Using Topology Optimization2026-01-04814/7/2026
This paper presents a methodology for the design of a lightweight seat module assembly (SMA) for an indoor robotic arm amusement ride. Typical SMA designs begin with a welded metal frame, and the exterior shell serves only as a non-structural cover, resulting in stress concentrations and excess weight. The proposed methodology introduces a bottom-up process that integrates topology optimization at the outset, enabling the outer shell to function as a primary load path and subsequently identifies the ideal configuration for internal secondary framing by utilizing manufacturing constraints. This approach is further enhanced by adopting fiber-reinforced polymers as the structural material, leveraging their high stiffness-to-weight ratio to replace conventional metallic designs. Multiple manufacturing-specific interpretations of the optimized design were explored to evaluate feasibility, including extrusion and tubing-based approaches. Finite element analysis of the final design under high
Pooler, Claire, Hronowsky, Benjamin, Chai, Kevin, Shi, Yifan, Park, Taeil, Lo, David, Kim, Il Yong
Climate Heat Recovery Energy Study in Electric Vehicles2026-01-01294/7/2026
Climate control systems in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) rely on electrical energy to provide cabin heating. In winter conditions, the absence of waste heat from internal combustion engines necessitates increased energy consumption for thermal comfort, which directly impacts vehicle range. Conventional HVAC systems typically operate with a mixture of cold ambient air and recirculated cabin air. However, the proportion of recirculated air is limited due to windshield fogging risks, constraining energy-saving potential. To address this, MAHLE has developed the MAHLE HeatX Range+ that utilizes the thermal energy of exhaust cabin air, that would normally leave the passenger compartment through vehicle body vents, to precondition incoming fresh air, thereby reducing the heating load. This solution is engineered for scalable integration into existing HVAC architectures, allowing adaptation to varying
Wolfe, Edward, Wochele, Kerstin, Reid, Bailey
Simulation based Prediction and Optimization of Acoustic Comfort in Vehicle Interiors2026-01-05024/7/2026
Passenger expectations for quiet and acoustically comfortable vehicle interiors have increased significantly, driven by advancements in electric vehicles and premium audio systems. Acoustic comfort affects perceived quality, communication ease, and overall driving experience. This paper presents a simulation-driven methodology to predict and optimize interior noise performance during the early design phase, focusing on high-frequency acoustic transfer functions and trim material absorption properties. Traditional NVH development relies heavily on physical testing, which is time-consuming and costly. Early-stage predictive tools are essential to evaluate acoustic performance before prototype availability. High-frequency noise (1kHz–12kHz) is particularly challenging due to complex reflections and absorption behavior. Acoustic trims play a critical role in shaping the cabin’s sound field, and their properties must be optimized to achieve desired sound quality. A novel simulation approach
Baladhandapani, Dhanasekar, Jadhav, Vishal, Du, Isaac
A Scalable and Accessible Remote Testing Framework for Automotive Development2026-01-01914/7/2026
With the rise of software-defined vehicles and the emergence of cyber threats to vehicular systems, developing teams are compelled to conduct extensive testing on both virtual and physical prototypes at an accelerated pace. This new development landscape necessitates diagnostic tools that are both precise and adaptable. However, proprietary systems dominate this field, often hindering accessibility for students and researchers due to high costs and restrictive licensing. This paper presents the design and implementation of an open-source, low-cost remote testing system tailored for automotive development and diagnostics. The proposed system utilizes Arduino and Raspberry Pi processing units, along with relay-based switching modules, to provide secure remote control of vehicle components through a web-based dashboard equipped with authentication, scheduling, and real-time synchronization capabilities. The tested prototype showcased robust scalability, secure session handling, and
Pries, Andrew, Mohammad, Utayba
From Propane to Pi: Affordable AI-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Bus Heating2026-01-01644/7/2026
This paper proposes an intelligent, artificial intelligence (AI) enabled seat heating system for school buses that saves energy by only activating heating elements when a passenger is identified. A custom-trained YOLOv8 deep learning model identifies passengers in real time and opens/closes real-time control of the individual electric seat heaters via a Raspberry Pi 5. The detector achieves around 10 frames-per-second (FPS) of inference on the Raspberry Pi 5 and 80–90 FPS on a laptop with over 92% detection confidence across various illumination conditions. Energy modeling shows the anticipated demand for a 10-kW propane-based heater is approximately 75% lower by implementing a 2.52 kW electric seat-heating system. In a typical operation schedule of 540 hours a year, this results in 4,000–5,000 kWh of annual savings, $465–$579 of annual cost savings and mitigates 0.9–1.3 t CO₂ per bus, annually. When implemented at the fleet level, the energy and cost saving will be in proportion. This
Chikkala, Daney Bhargav, Zadeh, Mehrdad, Tan, Teik-Khoon, Ponnam, Jitin, Batte, Jai Rathan
Effective Design Method for Lightweight Suite of Seats Considering Crashworthiness and Cost2026-01-04934/7/2026
This paper presents a methodology for designing and evaluating lightweight, crashworthy aircraft seats that meet 21g crash safety standards and injury criteria. Four seat classes—double economy, single economy, premium economy, and business—were developed using a modular design strategy focused on part commonality (family of parts) and manufacturability. A shared family of structural components was implemented across all seat types, with dimensional modifications applied only, when necessary, due to differences in seat width or height. In such cases, the same material systems and design principles were used to ensure consistency and reduce manufacturing complexity. The designs were evaluated using finite element simulations to verify performance under aerospace crash conditions. Each seat configuration was validated against regulatory crashworthiness criteria and injury thresholds, including pelvic, lumbar, and femur compressive forces, as well as head injury criteria (HIC) values. The
Gray, Savannah, Orr, Mathew, Shi, Yifan, Park, Taeil, Lee, Jake, Wotten, Erik, LeFrancois, Richard, Huang, Yuhao, Patel, Anuj, Kim, Hansu, Burns, Nicholas, Jalayer, Shayan, Grant, Robert, Kok, Leo, Hansen, Eric, Kim, Il Yong
Design Development and Optimization of Hybrid Cross-Car Beam for Performance Here2026-01-05134/7/2026
The cross-car beam (CCB) within the instrument panel (IP) is a multifunctional structural element that supports safety, vibration control and modular integration in automotive design. The reduction of mass without compromising structural integrity plays a vital role in this endeavor. This study presents the design and optimization of design intent model of magnesium beam to meet the performance requirements Vs study model of hybrid cross car beam using magnesium steering column bracket, steel and plastic material to achieve reduced mass and enhanced stiffness while meeting performance targets. Advanced Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) techniques were employed, including topology optimization, lattice optimization, bracket sensitivity studies as well as shape & gauge optimization. Performed benchmarking against industry models such as Tesla Model Y observed hybrid material with structural simplification. The final hybrid beam design demonstrated overall cost reduction, while satisfying
Didgur, Gulzarahmed, McAdams, Ian, Viswaraj, Obuliraj
Optimization of Engine Cooling System for Improved Fuel Efficiency and Vehicle Marketability2026-01-02974/7/2026
Effective thermal management in internal combustion engines is essential for meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations and achieving fuel efficiency improvements. This study introduces a novel and comprehensive approach to optimize engine thermal management by addressing key system components, including coolant circuit design, Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM) control strategies, port-specific flow management, zero-flow operation techniques, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) settings standardization. Unlike previously published works, this study focuses on reducing coolant circuit thermal mass to accelerate engine and component warm-up, refining ITM control logic through linear mapping and advanced signal filtering for precision, and enhancing zero-flow operation for minimizing lubricant oil dilution during start-up and reducing heat loss under low ambient conditions. Additional optimizations include port-specific adjustments and radiator flow
Lee, Changjoo, Lee, Kyumin, Kim, Seonyeong, Nam, Choonho, Yoo, Jihun
Acoustic Simulation for a Vehicle Audio System Across the Full Audible Frequency2026-01-02264/7/2026
The Audio system is an important part of the design of a vehicle cabin. In the vehicle development process, the audio system needs to be tuned for optimal acoustic performance. Traditionally, this process is performed physically on vehicles. In this paper, a methodology is developed to numerically simulate the acoustic performance of the audio system across the full audible frequency range. To provide validation of the method, the p/v acoustic transfer functions (ie., the sound pressure p at the passengers’ ears divided by the voltage inputs v) are measured for different speakers in a production vehicle. As the sound perceived by the passengers depends on both the source and the path, the method development is split into two parts: (a) characterization of parameters that describe the loudspeaker as a source and (b) representation of the vehicle cabin as a path. The speaker parameters are characterized from sound radiation data measured in a 2pi chamber. To represent the vehicle cabin
Yang, Wenlong, Patra, Suresh, Hawes, David, Shorter, Phil
Sensor Fusion Method for In-Cabin Humidity Prediction2026-01-01314/7/2026
Maintaining optimal in-cabin humidity levels is part of occupant comfort, air quality, and the effective operation of climate control systems, particularly for functions like windshield defogging. This paper introduces a novel sensor fusion methodology for predicting in-cabin humidity distribution without dedicated humidity sensor. The proposed approach leverages readily available vehicle data, integrating information from ambient temperature sensors, in-cabin temperature sensors, occupant detection systems, window status, and climate control settings. By intelligently fusing these diverse data streams, a predictive model is developed to infer the dynamic humidity conditions within the vehicle cabin. We discuss the complex interactions between these parameters, such as the moisture contribution from occupants, the influence of external air ingress through open windows, and the dehumidifying or humidifying effects of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. The paper
Ghannam, Mahmoud, Schroeter, Robert, Shaik, Faizan
Investigation of the Blockage Phenomenon in Closed Wall Wind Tunnels during the Testing of Bluff Automotive Bodies with Small Wakes in Yawed Configurations2026-01-06074/7/2026
The difficulties of testing a bluff automotive body of sufficient scale to match the on-road vehicle Reynolds number in a closed wall wind tunnel has led to many approaches being taken to adjust the resulting data for the inherent interference effects. But it has been difficult to experimentally analyze the effects that are occurring on and around the vehicle when these blockage interferences are taking place. The present study is an extension of earlier works by the authors and similarly to those studies uses the computational fluid dynamics analysis of five bodies that generate small wakes to examine the interference phenomena in solid wall wind tunnels. This focuses on the effects on the pressures, and forces experienced by the vehicle model when it is in yawed conditions up to 20 degrees. This is accomplished by executing a series of CFD configurations with varying sized cross sections from approximately 0.4% to 14% blockage enabling an approximation of free air conditions as
Gleason, Mark, Riegel, Eugen
Improving Transient Diesel Performance with E-Supercharging and Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Controls2026-01-04444/7/2026
Torque transients are challenging for turbocharged diesel engines. Engine torque response is limited by the lag in air flow, restricting the rate at which fuel can be delivered to avoid high engine-out soot emissions. Electrified forced induction systems (EFIS) offer a solution to address this challenge. In this study, an electrified supercharger (e-supercharger) is utilized in addition to the stock turbocharger on a 4.5-L 4-cylinder diesel engine to create a two-stage boosting system. Two control strategies were studied for e-supercharger control during engine transients, a model-based single-input single-output (SISO) controller and a model-based robust multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) controller. Constant speed load acceptance (CSLA) experiments and emulated drive-cycles were performed to evaluate the performance of each control method. In-cylinder pressure measurements were acquired and apparent heat release calculations were performed and analyzed to better understand the
Vang, Nicholas, Rothamer, David, Ghandhi, Jaal, Ashta, Shubham, Qiu, Weijin, Rayasam, Sree Harsha, Shaver, Greg, Frushour, Bryan, Dou, Danan
Development and Application of SAE J3260 & J3290 Recommended Practice for Minimizing Spread of Infections in Motor Vehicles2026-01-01284/7/2026
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 introduced an unprecedented disruption to global industries, including automotive service and maintenance. As technicians and service shops struggled to balance operational continuity with safety, uncertainty surrounded best practices for servicing potentially dangerous vehicle cabins and air conditioning systems. This paper traces the evolution of these early efforts, from initial confusion and informal guidance to the establishment of the SAE Cabin Disinfection Practices Committee (SAE TEVCDPC) and the eventual publication of SAE J3260 and SAE J3290. It also considers work done by ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), which simultaneously worked on ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and 241. These standards, along with contributions from subject matter experts, formalized the automotive industry’s response to infection control in vehicle environments, integrating scientific understanding with
Schaeber, Steven, Mathur, Gursaran, Taylor, Dwayne
The Study on Alternative Switching Noise Caused by Pulsating Magnetic Field Off Direct Current Ripple Induced by the Invertor Switching2026-01-50223/30/2026
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, Qian, Zhao, Yihan, Niu, Haolong, Li, Qiwei, Zhang, Wenchao, Xue, Hongbin, Cheng, Yanan, Li, Jing, Kang, Ming
LIGHT ASSEMBLY, COCKPIT, FIXEDAS25027C (Current)3/13/2026
A-20A Crew Station Lighting
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Compatible Lighting for Civil AircraftAS5452C (Current)3/13/2026
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) will specify what type of NVGs are required and minimum requirements for compatible crew station lighting, aircraft exterior lighting such as anti-collision lights, and position/navigation lights that are “NVG compatible.” Also, this document is intended to set standards for NVG utilization for aircraft so that special use aircraft such as the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Air Rescue, Police Department, Medivacs, etc., will be better equipped to chase drug smugglers and catch illegal immigrants, rescue people in distress, reduce high-speed chases through city streets by police, etc. Test programs and pilot operator programs are required. For those people designing or modifying civil aircraft to be NVG compatible, the documents listed in 2.1.3 are essential.
A-20A Crew Station Lighting
PRODUCT BRIEFS26AUTP03_163/1/2026
Chinese Drivers’ Preference for In-Vehicle Information Display: Insights from a Large-Scale Online Survey12-09-03-00202/20/2026
Integrating intelligent and connected technologies in vehicles has significantly enriched the information environment for drivers, aiding them in making comprehensive driving decisions. However, inadequate information display may lead drivers to miss crucial information or increase their cognitive load, thereby affecting driving safety and user experience. It is essential to study drivers’ preferences for in-vehicle information display, the factors influencing these preferences, and to present information through appropriate modalities and carriers. Drawing on 695 valid questionnaire responses, this study investigates drivers’ preferences for recommendatory, explanatory, alerting, and warning information across three display modalities and six display carriers. A multivariate ordered probability model was further developed to examine the influence of user characteristics on these preferences. The results showed that drivers preferred visual cues over auditory ones, with a selection
He, Gang, Diao, Kai, Luo, Longfei, Xie, Bingjun, Zhong, Yixin, Qi, Jianping
Methodology for Shower Water Management in Electric Car Applications2026-28-00682/12/2026
All automotive vehicles with enclosed compartments must pass the shower test standard - IS 11865 (2006). One of the most severe and critical areas of water leakage is “water entry into HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) opening”. Excess water flow at high-pressure conditions and seepage during long-time low-pressure conditions could potentially have a significant impact on water entry inside the HVAC suction cutout given on BIW (body in white) and subsequently into the cabin. The present study clearly indicates that for making leak proof HVAC opening (suction interface), it is crucial for the structure of BIW plenum, plenum applique, and its sealing components to be robust enough to effectively collect and divert the water during rainy seasons.
Gunasekaran, Mohanraj, Namani, Prasad, Ramaraj, Rajasekar, Junankar, Ashish, Raju, Kumar
Development of Smart Climate Control with Multiple Level Auto Calibrations2026-28-00082/12/2026
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are rapidly transforming the automotive landscape, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles. As EV adoption grows, optimizing energy consumption becomes critical to enhancing vehicle efficiency and extending driving range. One of the most significant auxiliary loads in EVs is the climate control system, commonly referred to as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). HVAC systems can consume a substantial portion of the battery's energy—especially under extreme weather conditions—leading to a noticeable reduction in vehicle range. This energy demand poses a challenge for EV manufacturers and users alike, as range anxiety remains a key barrier to widespread EV acceptance. Consequently, developing intelligent climate control strategies is essential to minimize HVAC power consumption without compromising passenger comfort. These strategies may include predictive thermal management, cabin pre-conditioning
Mulamalla, Sarveshwar Reddy, SV, Master Eniyan, M, Nisshok, Anugu, Anil, E A, Muhammed, Guturu, Sravankumar
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