Browse Topic: Production

Items (8,201)
ABSTRACT The Bradley Combat Vehicle Motor Chatter case study focuses on one aspect of a combat vehicle program, specifically, responding to a vehicle production situation where combat vehicles produced with in-spec components and subsystems exhibit out-of-spec and failing system behavior. This typically results in an extended production line-down or line-degraded situation lasting for several quarters until the problem can be diagnosed, fixed, validated and verified. Subsequently, adequate quantities of the modified or replaced sub-systems must be put back into the production flow. The direct and indirect costs of an occurrence like this in peace-time are measured in the 10’s to 100’s of Millions of dollars. The schedule, program and perception impact to the vehicle platform can be potentially devastating. In war-time all of these impacts are magnified greatly by the added risk to soldiers’ lives. This paper describes the Bradley Combat Vehicle Motor Chatter case study and the
Scheitrum, MarkWillhoft, MarkSmith, AlanDavis, Annette
Summary This paper discusses the latest techniques in vehicle modeling and simulation to support ground vehicle performance and fuel economy studies, enable system design optimization, and facilitate detailed control system design. The Autonomie software package, developed at Argonne National Laboratory, is described with emphasis on its capabilities to support Model-in-the-Loop, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Component-in-the-Loop (CIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations. Autonomie supports Model-Based Systems Engineering, which is growing in use as ground vehicles become more sophisticated and complex, with many more subsystems interacting within the vehicle and the environmental conditions in which the vehicles operate becoming more challenging and varied. With the advent of hybrid powertrains, the additional dimension of vehicle architecture has become one of the design variables that must be considered. This complexity results in the need for a simulation tool that is capable of
Michaels, LarryHalbach, ShaneShidore, NeerajRousseau, Aymeric
ABSTRACT Integration risk differentiates from other program risk in that it always involves interfaces between various systems or subsystems. The level of integration required is different depending on the phase of the Acquisition Life Cycle (i.e. Materiel Solution Analysis Phase, Technology Development Phase, Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase, Production and Deployment Phase and Operation and Support Phase). This paper focuses on the process used to assess the integration risks of integrating various technologies or subsystems into a vehicle platform. The process presented provides a step by step instruction on how to perform an integration risk assessment. A new Integration Readiness Level (IRL) rating system has been developed by the TARDEC System Engineering and Integration Group to help acquisition vehicle programs as well as science and technology teams to evaluate the health of their technology or subsystem integration into their vehicles. The rating system is
Tzau, Jerome
ABSTRACT This paper discusses the packaging characteristics of a family of power-packs for military land vehicles in the 21st century. 3 classes of vehicles are considered: light vehicles (300 - 600 Hp), medium weight vehicles (600-1000 Hp) and heavy vehicles (1000-1500 Hp). The paper highlights that a common bore engine approach provides both very good performance and a very compact power-pack. 2 different engine styles are examined. The results are expected to be applicable for a spectrum of modernized engine platforms that would employ a common bore engine approach. The approach offers many product development and production advantages, including lower development and tooling costs, and reduced product inventory needs, lead times, development costs, in addition to reduced product development risk. Various trade study parameters are considered in addition to engine power. Power-pack configurations based on a common bore approach shows significant commonality advantages and
Kacynski, KenBauman, AndreasJohnson, S. Arnie
Abstract On the Mobile Detection Assessment Response System (MDARS) production program, General Dynamics Robotics Systems (GDRS) and International Logistics Systems (ILS), are working with the US Army’s Product Manager – Force Protection Systems (PM-FPS) to reduce system costs throughout the production lifecycle. Under this process, GDRS works through an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process to improve the reliability and maintainability of subsystem designs with the goal of making the entire system more producible at a lower cost. In addition, GDRS recommends substitutions of Government requirements that are cost drivers with those that reduce cost impact but do not result in reduced capability for the end user. This paper describes the production lifecycle process for the MDARS system and recommends future considerations for fielding of complex autonomous robotic systems
Frederick, BrianVirtz, PaulGrinnell, Michal
Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques, particularly Fusion Deposition Modeling (FDM), have received considerable interest due to their capacity to create complex structures using a diverse array of materials. The objective of this study is to improve the process control and efficiency of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material by creating a predictive model using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The study investigates the impact of FDM process parameters, including layer height, nozzle temperature, and printing speed, on key printing attributes such as tensile strength, flexibility, and surface quality. Several experimental trials are performed to gather data on these parameters and their corresponding printing attributes. The ANFIS predictive model is built using the collected dataset to forecast printing characteristics by analyzing input process parameters. The ANFIS model utilizes the learning capabilities of neural networks
Pasupuleti, ThejasreeNatarajan, ManikandanD, PalanisamyA, GnanarathinamUmapathi, DKiruthika, Jothi
The EN24 and EN42 materials were machined by the electric discharge machine (EDM). The study aimed to optimize the input variables for the multiple outputs, such as metal removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and surface roughness. The machining of the metal is essential to analyze the surface quality and the production rate. The MRR is a prediction of the production rate and surface roughness resembling the quality of the surface. The input variables were current (A), pulse on time (ton), and pulse duty factor (T). The three levels of current were 3A, 6A, and 9A. The ton time was selected as 30 μs, 50 μs, and 70 μs. The pulse duty factors were selected as 4, 5, and 6. The Taguchi optimization techniques are used to optimize process parameters. The L9 orthogonal array was selected for the process. ANOVA analysis was employed to check the rank of the input parameters relative to the output. The maximum MRR were at 9A, 70 μs, and 4 duty factor for the EN24. The best MRR were at 9A
Sahu, Kapil DevSingh, RajnishChauhan, Akhilesh Kumar
This specification covers metric aircraft quality spacers for use as positioners for tubes, flat washers for use as load spreaders, galling protection of adjacent surfaces and or material compatibility, and key or tab washers for use as locks for bolts, nuts, and screws
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
Accurately predicting system output performance is essential for manufacturing system design. However, traditional approaches that rely solely on the reliability of individual workstations may lead to inaccuracies, especially for a serial production line that includes several workstations with low reliability. This study investigates how prediction inaccuracies arise from intricate interactions among workstations, as revealed through discrete event simulation (DES). To resolve this issue, a novel methodology is proposed, leveraging DES and dual regression analyses to develop an adjustment factor. This paper details the application of this methodology across a range of reliability levels (85–99%) and workstation counts (5–10), conducting sensitivity analyses and validating the results. This approach offers a practical tool for improving the efficiency and precision of a system output prediction in design contexts. Additionally, the paper discusses the methodology’s limitations and
Tang, Herman
Today, almost all passenger vehicles are equipped with Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems to provide thermal comfort to occupants. To enhance cabin cooling down rate, two approaches are possible viz. increasing the MAC system capacity or reducing heat ingress into the vehicle cabin. The first approach is likely to have a negative impact on energy efficiency. The latter approach considers the deployment of alternate passive cabin cooling technologies. Among these, the deployment of uniquely developed coatings on metal, plastic and glass surfaces of the cabin is one option. The assessment of such coatings is usually done only at severe ambient conditions (>40°C), which may not be sufficient. These coatings need to be validated across all climatic seasons of the year, for assessing their effectiveness on passenger thermal comfort. The current work along with simulation studies, takes into account additional parameters such as the ‘feeling of hotness’ when one enters a hot-soaked cabin
Deshmukh, GaneshKulkarni, Shridhar DilipraoVarma, MohitJaybhay, SambhajiKapoor, SangeetTilekar, Pravin
This standard establishes requirements for Process Control Methods to sustain product conformity. This includes training, selection of control methods, analysis and improvement of their effectiveness, and subsequent monitoring and control. It applies to all controls documented in the Control Plan. This will include but is not limited to Key Characteristics (KCs) and Critical Items (CIs). This standard aligns and collaborates with the requirements of AS9100, AS9103, AS9145, AS13000, AS13002, AS13003, and AS13004. Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) items and Standard Catalogue Items (that neither the customer nor supplier hold design authority for) are not included
G-22 Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) Committee
The Software Production Factory (SPF) is a cyber physical construct of computers, hardware and software integrated together to serve as an ideation and rapid prototyping environment. SPF is a virtual dynamic environment to analyze requirements, architecture, and design, assess trade-offs, test Ground Vehicle development artifacts such as structural and behavioral features, and deploy system artifacts and operational qualifications. SPF is utilized during the product development as well as during system operations and support. The white paper describes the components of the SPF to build relevant Ground Vehicle Rapid Prototyping (GVRP) models in accordance with the model-centric digital engineering process guidelines. The factory and the processes together ensure that the artifacts are produced as specified. The processes are centered around building, maintaining, and tracing single source of information from source all the way to final atomic element of the built system
Thukral, AjayGriffin, Kevin W.Kanon, Robert J.
This document provides guidance for oxygen cylinder installation on commerical aircraft based on airworthiness requirements, and methods practiced within aerospace industry. It covers considerations for oxygen systems from beginning of project phase up to production, maintenance, and servicing. The document is related to requirements of DOT-approved oxygen cylinders, as well to those designed and manufactured to standards of ISO 11119. However, its basic rules may also be applicable to new development pertaining to use of such equipment in an oxygen environment. For information regarding oxygen cylinders itself, also refer to AIR825/12
A-10 Aircraft Oxygen Equipment Committee
In the medical device production environment, device packaging and sterilization is vital. The same level of rigorous quality controls and regulations that affect the devices themselves are also extended to their packaging. The mechanical and container closure integrity [CCI] evaluations of medical device packaging requires significant testing performed at multiple points throughout the commercialization and production processes
Today, advancements in industrial laser cleaning automation show great promise in boosting productivity and safety when rust and contaminant removal or surface preparation is required for higher volumes of components and equipment
The use of aluminum to manufacture injection molds aims to maximize the productivity of plastic parts, as its alloys present higher heat conductivity than tool steel alloys. However, it is essential to accurately control the injection molding parameters to assure that the design tolerances are achieved in the final molded plastic part. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the use of aluminum alloys in high-volume production processes. It delves into the correlation between the type of material used for mold production (steel or aluminum) and the thickness of the injected part, and how these variables affect the efficiency of the process in terms of the quantity and quality of the produced parts. The findings suggest that replacing steel molds with aluminum alloys significantly reduces injection molding cycle time, the difference ranging from 57.1% to 72.5%. Additionally, the dimensional accuracy and less distortion provided by aluminum have improved product quality. In case of
Marconi, PedroAmarante, EvandroFerreira, CristianoBeal, ValterRibeiro Júnior, Armando
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) establishes requirements applicable to metal stock that is ordered and produced in accordance with an SAE Aerospace Material Specification (AMS). Topics include producer requirements, distributor requirements, size and grain orientation nomenclature, and purchaser ordering information to distributors. Requirements of this document have been developed to address titanium and titanium alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, carbon and alloy steels, and corrosion- and heat-resistant alloys
AMS G Titanium and Refractory Metals Committee
This article presents a new approach that integrates and balances cycle time and reliability considerations during system design to enhance manufacturing system capability, with direct applicability to automotive and high-volume manufacturing. The method addresses system throughput capability in three steps without complex mathematical modeling. The steps are: (1) managing workload cycle times, (2) considering real-world operational availability, and (3) achieving capability balance. Through analytical estimation and discrete event simulation of an example manufacturing system, this approach’s application shows a substantial increase in throughput capacity compared to a traditional workload-based design. This throughput-centric design approach, serving as a valuable tool for manufacturing system synthesis aimed at maximizing throughput, can apply to volume production systems to enhance throughput capacity through system design
Tang , Herman
This document establishes the requirements for the sequencing of processes relating to parts fabricated from 300M or 4340 modified steel heat treated to, or to be heat treated to, 270,000 psi (1860 MPa) minimum ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and higher
AMS E Carbon and Low Alloy Steels Committee
To improve battery performance and production, Penn State researchers and collaborators have developed a new fabrication approach that could make for more efficient batteries that maintain energy and power levels
The integration of collaborative robots, or cobots, into manufacturing has revolutionized traditional processes, offering an unprecedented blend of precision, productivity, and safety. Known for their effectiveness in activities from palletizing to welding, cobots are emerging as invaluable assets for activities involving material removal like sanding, grinding and polishing, relieving human workers from arduous and risky tasks
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has gained widespread usage in aviation, aerospace, and die manufacturing due to its exceptional capacity for producing intricate metal components of highly complex geometries. Nevertheless, the instability inherent in the SLM process frequently results in irregularities in the quality of the fabricated components. As a result, this hinders the continuous progress and broader acceptance of SLM technology. Addressing these challenges, in-process quality control strategies during SLM operations have emerged as effective remedies for mitigating the quality inconsistencies found in the final components. This study focuses on utilizing optical emission spectroscopy and IR thermography to continuously monitor and analyze the SLM process within the powder bed, intending to strengthen process control and minimize defects. Optical emission spectroscopy is employed to study the real-time interactions between the laser and powder bed, melt pool dynamics, material
Raju, BenjaminKancherla, Kishore BabuB S, DakshayiniRoy Mahapatra, Debiprosad
Ultrahigh-strength steels are traditionally defined as those steels with a minimum yield strength of approximately 1380 MPa. Notable examples of steels in this category include AISI 4130, AISI 4140, and AISI 4340. In many cases, maximizing the performance of these alloys requires a rather complex approach that involves a series of tempering, annealing, or stress-relieving treatments. As a result, they are produced using a variety of traditional processing methods such as casting, rolling, extrusion, or forging. These traditional methods — combined with the ultrahigh strength of the steels — often meant that the production of complex, near-net shape parts of high quality was quite difficult. In addition, these production methods often entailed repetitive treatments or long production cycles, both of which resulted in elevated production costs
Light is used in many ways in sensor technology for high precision applications. For example, white light technology can be used for confocal chromatic sensors and interferometers that can make extremely precise and accurate measurements of distance and thickness down to the sub-nanometer range. This makes them suitable for production monitoring in different industries, including semiconductor fabrication. However, even though both sensor types work with white light technology, the two measurement methods differ significantly, although they complement each other
Medical component manufacturing must meet stringent regulations for quality and product consistency, making process control a critical issue with materials, machining, assembly and packaging. This is vitally important with fluid dispensing applications used in the assembly of medical devices, point-of-care testing and near-patient testing products, medical wearables and other life sciences applications, which require accurate and consistent deposition of fluid amounts of UV-cure adhesives, silicones and other fluids in their manufacture
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the field of parallel kinematics was viewed as being potentially transformational in manufacturing, having multiple potential advantages over conventional serial machine tools and robots. Many prototypes were developed, and some reached commercial production and implementation in areas such as hard material machining and particularly in aerospace manufacturing and assembly. There is some activity limited to niche and specialist applications; however, the technology never quite achieved the market penetration and success envisaged. Yet, many of the inherent advantages still exist in terms of stiffness, force capability, and flexibility when compared to more conventional machine structures. This chapter will attempt to identify why parallel kinematic machines (PKMs) have not lived up to the original excitement and market interest and what needs to be done to rekindle that interest. In support of this, a number of key questions and issues have been identified
Muelaner, JodyWebb, Philip
As the automotive industry focuses on fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles along with reducing the carbon footprint, weight reduction becomes essential. Composite materials offer several advantages over metals, including lighter weight, corrosion resistance, low maintenance, longer lifespan, and the ability to customize their strength and stiffness according to specific loading requirements. This paper describes the design and development of the Rear Under Run Protection Device (RUPD) using composite materials. RUPD is designed to prevent rear under-running of passenger vehicles by heavy-duty trucks in the event of a crash. The structural strength and integrity of RUPD assembly are evaluated by applying loads and constraints in accordance with IS 14812:2005. The design objective was to reduce weight while maintaining a balance between strength, stiffness, weight, manufacturability, and cost. The process involved detailed laminate design, finite element analysis, and optimization
Srivastava, SanjaySonkusare, Shailesh
The concept of the vehicle has changed in accordance with the technological innovations on last decade. Today we can call these changes basically as "CASE" (Connected, Autonomous/Automated, Shared, and Electric). The ease of product access on the user side and the mass production related works have increased worldwide production volumes. This issue has resulted in a greater demand for manpower in the sector. In addition, management, productivity, and profitability related difficulties have occurred. In this project, improvements were made mainly around the productivity through the automation of "vehicle transfer operations in plant operations", which is one of a major problem and a manpower/hour consuming task. This system named as Remote-Control Auto Driving System (RCD). The advance technology used system enabling unmanned, secured operations, were implemented in mass production environment earlier than the rest of the world
Iwahori, KentoSawano, TakuroIwazaki, NoritsuguKanou, TakeshiInoue, GoOkamoto, YukiHatano, YasuyoshiYasuyama, ShogoKato, JunyaOka, YuheiKakuma, DaisukeYajima, AmaneChiba, Hiroya
As additive manufacturing continues to establish its position within the automotive sector, there is a need for a comprehensive exploration of the mechanical attributes exhibited by locally sourced filaments. Such investigation is extremely important, as it is intrinsically linked to ensuring the reliability and security of components manufactured through 3D printing. This research delves into an examination of the impact resistance properties demonstrated by 3D-printed specimens, employing filaments from three prominent Brazilian manufacturers. The main objective is to elucidate the suitability and potential applications of these filament materials (Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)) within the field of automotive engineering, thus contributing to the evolving landscape of additive manufacturing within this industry. This investigation encompasses the production of test specimens utilizing individual filaments
Freitas, Leonardo Cardoso deGoncalves, Ana PaulaPolkowski, KatiellyDe Andrade, MarinaPolkowski, Rodrigo
Roller offsetting is an incremental forming technique used to generate offset stiffening or mating features in sheet metal parts. Compared to die forming, roller offsetting utilizes generic tooling to create versatile designs at a relatively lower forming speed, making it well-suited for low volume productions in automotive and other industries. However, more significant distortion can be generated from roller offset forming process resulting from springback after forming. In this work, we use particle swarm optimization to identify the tool path and resulting feature geometry that minimizes distortion. In our approach, time-dependent finite element simulations are adopted to predict the distortion of each candidate tool path using a quarter symmetry model of the part. A multi-objective fitness function is used to both minimize the distortion measure while constraining the minimal radius of curvature in the tool path. We find that the predicted reduction of distortion in a quarter
Veeresh, PawanHuang, LuLee, Tae HwaWang, Hui-PingSolomon, JoshuaOswald, Jay
During the vehicle lifecycle, customers are able to directly perceive the outer panel stiffness of vehicles in various environmental conditions. The outer panel stiffness is an important factor for customers to perceive the robustness of the vehicle. In the real test of outer panel stiffness after prototype production, evaluators manually press the outer panel in advance to identify vulnerable areas to be tested and evaluate the performance only in those area. However, when developing the outer panel stiffness performance using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) before releasing the drawing, it is not possible to filter out these areas, so the entire outer panel must be evaluated. This requires a significant amount of computing resources and manpower. In this study, an approach utilizing artificial intelligence was proposed to streamline the outer panel stiffness analysis and improve development reliability. A deep learning-based prediction technology was developed to predict force
Uhm, TaekyoungOh, Seunghyeok
A crucial component utilized in the trunk space is the luggage board. Positioned at the bottom of the trunk, the trunk board separates the vehicle body from the interior and supports for luggage. The luggage board serves multiple functions, including load-bearing stiffness for luggage, partition structure functionality, noise insulation, and thermal insulation. There is a need for a competitive new luggage board manufacturing method to meet the increasing demand for luggage boards in response to the changing market environment. To address this, the "integrated sandwich molding method" is required. The integrated sandwich molding method utilizes three key methodologies: grouping processes to integrate similar functions, analyzing materials to replace them with suitable alternatives, and overcoming any lacking functionality through integrated design structures. This paper presents a methodology for developing the integrated sandwich molding method. It aims to validate the key performance
Park, Hee SangYoon, Yeon SimLee Sr, Seung KunKim Sr, Seok CheolLee, Dong Han
This article presents a case study that was conducted at a renowned Danish manufacturing company that desired to employ AGVs (automated-guided vehicles) in one of its production facilities. The main goal was to create an AGV (automated-guided vehicle) system that is well synchronized with the manufacturing facility so that intralogistics problems are avoided during manufacturing activities. AGV routing and scheduling, loading, and waiting periods, battery management, and failure management were all considered when developing the AGV logic. As a result, it was confirmed that the AGV system in place can support a production system to meet pulse time requirements. A hierarchically structured discrete event simulation model was created to examine the logic of AGVs and the interplay between AGVs and manufacturing operations. The simulation study confirmed that AGV implementation will not affect the production system's ability to meet the set pulse time requirements. Furthermore, the
Raza, MohsinBilberg, ArneIlev, Dimitar-Delyan
This paper presents the application of statistical process control (SPC) methods to Windshear, a 180-mph motorsports and automotive wind tunnel equipped with a wide-belt rolling road system. The SPC approach captures the complete variability of the facility and offers useful process performance metrics that are based on a sound statistical framework. Traditional control charts are explored, emphasizing the uniqueness of variability experienced in wind tunnels which includes significant, unexplained short-term and long-term variation compared to typical manufacturing processes. This unique variation is elegantly captured by the three-way control chart, which is applied to estimate the complete process reproducibility with different levels of repeatability of vehicle drag coefficient. The sensitivity of three-way control charts is explored including the evaluation of an alternate group assignment within the same dataset. A practical example is provided evaluating secondary boundary layer
Bringhurst, KatlynnWalter, JoelBest, Scott
Upcoming, increasingly stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) as well as emission limits demand for powertrain electrification throughout all vehicle applications. Increasing complexity of electrified powertrain architectures require an overall system approach combining modular component technology with integration and industrialization requirements when heading for further significant efficiency optimization. At the same time focus on reduced development time, product cost and minimized additional investment demand reuse of current production, machining, and assembly facilities as far as possible. Up to date additive manufacturing (AM) is an established prototype component, as well as tooling technology in the powertrain development process, accelerating procurement time and cost, as well as allowing to validate a significantly increased number of variants. The production applications of optimized, dedicated AM-based component design however are still limited. There are several dependencies
Schoeffmann, WolfgangKnollmayr, ChristofMehrabi, Kambiz
Rotary Bell Atomizers are well established in the automotive industry for top coating applications. This type of atomizer allows to create a uniform coating and is characterized by high productivity. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of the process depends on many complex factors. For instance, the transfer efficiency of the paint material, which is the percentage of the paint reaching the structure surface, ranges from 60-95% depending on the application conditions. Any increase in the transfer efficiency can not only reduce energy and material costs, but also reduce the emission of harmful non-deposited paint particles and the effort to handle them. The use of accurate numerical methods in this process helps to optimize the application process, reduce the number of expensive field experiments, and shortens the development cycle of new vehicles, which ensures predictability of production costs. This paper describes a multidisciplinary framework that allows to simulate the industrial
Panov, DmitriiMenon, MuraleekrishnanZhu, HuaxiangStadik, AlexanderZhang, LingranKotian, AkhileshPeng, ChongMonaco, ErnestoBorra, Ravi KanthBoraey, Mohammed
The handling of flexible components creates a unique problem set for pick and place automation within automotive production processes. Fabrics and woven textiles are examples of flexible components used in car interiors, for air bags, as liners and in carbon-fiber layups. These textiles differ greatly in geometry, featuring complex shapes and internal slits with varying material properties such as drape characteristics, crimp resistance, friction, and fiber weave. Being inherently flexible and deformable makes these materials difficult to handle with traditional rigid grippers. Current solutions employ adhesive, needle-based, and suction strategies, yet these systems prove a higher risk of leaving residue on the material, damaging the weave, or requiring complex assemblies. Pincer-style grippers are suitable for rigid components and offer strong gripping forces, yet inadvertently may damage the fabric, and introduce wrinkles / folded-over edges during the release process. Non-planar
Strelkova, DoraUrbanic, Ruth Jill
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