Browse Topic: Fuel sensors

Items (34)

3/12/2026

This document provides a summary of names commonly used throughout the industry for aircraft fuel system components. It is a thesaurus intended to aid those not familiar with the lexicon of the industry.

AE-5A Aerospace Fuel, Inerting and Lubrication Sys Committee

Glossary of Terms - Aircraft Ground Refueling and Defueling

AIR4783B (Current)

11/18/2025

This SAE Aerospace Information Report presents a glossary of terms commonly used in the ground delivery of fuel to an aircraft and pertinent terms relating to the aircraft being refueled.

AE-5A Aerospace Fuel, Inerting and Lubrication Sys Committee

Identification and Correction of Fuel Level Indication in Automotives Using HIL System and Camera-Based Measuring System

2024-26-0329

1/16/2024

Automotives are provided with a lot of intelligence that monitors, controls, actuates, and diagnose the various aspects of vehicle functionalities. One of the critical parameters required to monitor is Vehicle fuel level. Fuel level in the vehicle is a key input for engine performance, drivability, and fuel level indication in Instrumentation cluster for customer. Most economic and reliable fuel level sensor is resistive sensor with float. The purpose of this paper is to address the wrong fuel level indication in Vehicle level. Wrong fuel level indication may be due to malfunction of Instrumentation cluster signal input or Fuel level sensor function. To verify this, Instrumentation cluster is tested with HIL system instead of real time Fuel level sensor. By configuring the HIL module to analogue resistance channel, cluster is tested for fuel level bar indication. Fuel level sensor is tested by Vehicle level fuel calibration and exact issue is simulated. The failed fuel level sensor is stripped open for analysis and found resistance track length is not adequate, and it leans on the edge of the track due to vibrations. To address this issue, length of the resistance track is increased. When length is increased, the angle of the track changes and it implicates wrong fuel indication. Using this simulation, actions are taken in such a way that length and angle of the track modified to give correct resistance and indication. To rely on this actions, Camera enabled measuring systems is used to measure the length and angle of the resistance track. Corrected samples are taken for accelerated endurance test with the help of pressure cylinders setup and examined for action effectiveness. The details on failure simulation, action taken and validation for corrective samples are discussed in this paper.

K, Vishali, Patil, Pratik

On-Board Fuel Sensing for UAS and Ground Vehicle Applications

2024-01-4128

8/10/2023

The variability in fuel, particularly for fuel blends containing sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), emphasizes the importance of understanding fuel properties for optimizing engine performance. This paper introduces spectroscopic fuel sensors capable of real-time estimation of jet fuel properties, mainly derived cetane number (DCN). While initially developed for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), the paper explores their potential in ground vehicle applications: enhancing engine performance through sensing for feed-forward control and fuel property monitoring at fuel depots. The fuel sensing technologies are based on spectroscopic techniques coupled with machine learning (ML) approaches. The combination of these techniques demonstrates a promising solution for a wide spectrum of fuel applications.

Patel, Dev B., Sutar, Ashish, Abraham, Abhinav, Ambre, Dhananjay, Brezinsky, Kenneth, Lynch, Patrick T., Okada, Haruna, Stafford, Jacob M., Miganakallu, Niranjan, Sanders, Scott, Rothamer, David, Mayhew, Eric, Kim, Kenneth S.

Transport Airplane Fuel System Lightning Protection

ARP6205 (Current)

4/4/2023

This document is intended to be a user’s manual to AC 25.954-1 on acceptable means of compliance for applicants with regards to § 25.954 at Amendment 25-146 and to encourage a consistent approach to be applied across industry. This document is also intended to be a user’s manual to AMC 25.954 on acceptable means of compliance for applicants with regards to EASA CS 25.954 at Amendment 26. The FAA Advisory Circular (AC) and the EASA Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) documents appear to provide equivalent guidance, using identical wording in most sections. Applicants should coordinate with their certifying authority to ensure that their proposed approach is acceptable, and the means of compliance and compliance data planned are sufficient for certification. It is recommended that the applicant verify that use of the guidance in this document is acceptable to their certifying authority. Further recommendations regarding coordination with the certification authority are provided throughout this ARP. The section numbering and titles of this document have been structured to match the main section numbers in AC 25.954-1 to allow the user to easily find the supplemental guidance for each individual section relative to the corresponding section of the AC. One exception was necessary; SAE requires that Section 2 of ARP be “References,” whereas FAA uses Section 2 for “Applicability” (with respect to the AC itself). Guidance regarding “Applicability” of the FAA regulation and associated AC is located in 3.1. The section numbering and formatting of the EASA document, AMC 25.954, is different than the AC and this ARP (ED), because the AMC has fewer major sections than the AC, however, the subsection numbering is similar. Where generic reference in this ARP (ED) to the AC and AMC is provided, both document numbers are generally shown. Where specific sections of the AC are referred to, the AMC number and applicable section are omitted; however, it appears to the writers of this document that the regulatory guidance from both the FAA and EASA is equivalent.

AE-2 Lightning Committee

Fuel Level Point Sensing

AIR6325 (Current)

11/30/2020

This report is intended to identify the various existing technologies used for a fuel level sensing system. In addition to sensing technologies, it describes the basic architecture of fuel level sensing systems and their association with fuel gauging system to increase integrity of fuel measurement and management. As the fuel level sensing system is generally based on electrical components within fuel tanks, a specific focus is made on fuel tank explosion safety protection. An overview of the capacitive fuel gauging operation can be found in AIR5691.

AE-5A Aerospace Fuel, Inerting and Lubrication Sys Committee

2018 Create the Future Design Contest: Automotive/Transportation Category Winner

TBMG-3331911/1/2018

Brushless Motors for In-Tank Fuel Pumps

TBMG-18889

1/1/2014

Most automotive fuel systems use a Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) with components to filter and pump gasoline at a specified pressure and flow rate from the fuel tank to the engine. The FDM uses a reservoir assembly to maintain a fuel supply at the pump inlet and support components such as pressure regulators and/or limiters, filters, level sensor, and the electrical and hydraulic connections that pass through the tank. Current systems predominantly use passive electrical components such as brush pumps and resistive fuel level sensors that are independently connected to a voltage supply and body control module, respectively. The high flow levels of these systems require high-power pumps that may operate continuously at maximum speed conditions. Some newer systems may employ a voltage controller to modulate the pump supply voltage to discrete speeds depending on projected engine demand, and provide some improvement in power consumption.

Guidance for the Design and Installation of Fuel Quantity Indicating Systems

AIR5691 (Historical)

1/4/2013

This document is applicable to commercial and military aircraft fuel quantity indication systems. It is intended to give guidance for system design and installation. It describes key areas to be considered in the design of a modern fuel system, and builds upon experiences gained in the industry in the last 10 years.

AE-5A Aerospace Fuel, Inerting and Lubrication Sys Committee

Color-Changing Sensors for Detecting the Presence of Hypergolic Fuels

TBMG-154561/1/2013

Hypergolic fuel sensors were designed to incorporate novel chemo chromic pigments into substrates for use in various methods of leak detection. There are several embodiments to this invention that would provide specific visual indication of hypergols used during and after transfer. The ability to incorporate these pigments into various polymer matrices provides a unique opportunity to manufacture nearly any type of sensor shape that is required. The vibrant color change from yellow to black instantaneously shows the worker the presence of hypergols in the area, providing the worker the ability to immediately evacuate the area.

An Onboard Ethanol Concentration Sensor for the Brazilian Market

2012-36-0249

10/2/2012

A flex fuel engine is capable of operating efficiently on any combination of gasoline and ethanol. However, an engine combustion strategy must adapt quickly to a change in ethanol concentration after a refueling event in order to achieve optimum engine combustion. Typical control systems rely on an exhaust gas oxygen sensor (lambda) to measure changes in oxygen concentration following combustion. This feedback control approach can take five to ten minutes to detect the fuel change and correct the combustion strategy. This relatively long lag time could result in suboptimal engine performance such as a loss of engine power, engine knocking, poor cold start performance, unburned hydrocarbons, and high pollutant emissions. To counter this shortcoming, an on-board flex fuel sensor (FFS) was developed to enable a feed-forward control strategy. The FFS may be installed inline between the fuel tank and fuel injector and measure the fuel prior to it reaching the injector. The FFS sensor estimates the concentration of ethanol in the fuel in real-time using a correlation based on permittivity, conductivity, and temperature of the fuel flowing through the sensor. The FFS is specifically designed for the Brazilian market and is calibrated to measure the anhydrous ethanol and hydrous ethanol contained in gasohol and alcohol respectively. The sensor can accurately estimate the total ethanol concentration (anhydrous plus hydrous) within +/− five volume percent for any combination of gasohol and alcohol. The sensor can operate with a fuel temperature range of −40°C to 95°C. In addition, the FFS provides diagnostic capability and is able to identify and report water contamination to the engine control module.

McKay, Brian, VanVelzen, Isaac, Guth, Conrado, Achleitner, Erwin, Biber, Peter

Improving Upon Best Available Technology: A Clean Flex Fuel Snowmobile

2008-32-00499/9/2008

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Snowmobile Team has designed and constructed a clean, quiet, high performance snowmobile for entry in the 2008 Society of Automotive Engineers' Clean Snowmobile Challenge. Built on a 2003 cross-country touring chassis, this machine features a 750 cc fuel-injected four-stroke engine equipped with a fuel sensor which allows operation ranging from regular gasoline to an 85% blend of ethanol and gasoline (E85). The engine has been customized with a Mototron control system which allows for full engine optimization using a range of fuels from E00 to E85. Utilizing a heated oxygen sensor and a 3-way catalyst customized for this engine by W.C. Heraeus-GmbH, this sled reduces NOx, HC and CO emissions by up to 89% to an average specific mass of 0.484, 0.154, 4.94 g/kW-hr respectively. Finally, the Mototron system also allowed Wisconsin to extract another 4 kW from the Weber 750cc engine; producing 45 kW and 65 Nm of torque. A two stage muffler system along with sound absorbing material under the hood combines to reduce the sound levels to 71 dbA using SAE test procedure J192. The entire engine and two-stage muffler system is packaged in a manner that maintains the snowmobile's aggressive OEM appearance.

Rakovec, Nicholas, Olenski, Brian, Maney, Michael, Bower, Glenn R.

Process for Comprehension Testing of In-Vehicle Icons

J2830_200807 (Historical)

7/22/2008

This document describes a process for testing the comprehension of symbols or icons. Although the process may be used to test any symbols or icons, it has been developed specifically for testing ITS active safety symbols or icons (e.g., collision avoidance), or other symbols or icons that reflect some in-vehicle ITS message or function (e.g., navigation, motorist services, infotainment). Within the process, well-defined criteria are used to identify the extent to which the perceived meaning matches the intended meaning for a representative sample of drivers. Though the process described below reflects a paper-and-pencil approach to conducting the testing, electronic means (i.e., conducted using a computer) can be used as well. The data or results from this process are analyzed to assess the drivers’ comprehension of the symbol or icon. These data will be used to provide guidance in the design of in-vehicle symbols or icons.

Safety and Human Factors Standards Steering Committee

Novel Fuel Sensor - Innovation for Cold Start Improvement and for the Prevention of Misfuelling

2007-01-03944/16/2007

The fuel sensor determines quickly and reproducibly the evaporation characteristics of the fuels based on the heat flow of a heating element. Thus the micro sensor can classify the cold start characteristics of the different Gasoline fuels and can distinguish different diesel derivatives. For diesel vehicles, an electronic false refueling protection was realized based on a sensor installation into the fuel receptacle. It combines the advantages of an analysis of the diesel derivatives with that of a fast warning in the case of misfuelling.

Müller, Hagen, Krome, ürgen, Kühnau, Uwe

Rated (Advertised) Fuel Capacity—Passenger Car, Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicles, and Light Duty Trucks

J398_200503 (Historical)

3/24/2005

This recommended practice provides a method for establishing the rated or advertised fuel capacity for a vehicle utilizing liquid fuel at atmospheric pressure. It applies to passenger cars, multi-purpose passenger vehicles and light duty trucks (10 000 lb (4536 kg) maximum GVW), (Ref. SAE J1100). It also includes a standardized procedure for creating a full tank when another test requires that condition as a starting point. It is intended as a guide toward standard practice and is subject to change to keep pace with experience and technical advances.

Fuel Systems Standards Committee

57 2- (3)-Cylinder Concepts for High Output Motorcycles and Commuter

2002-32-1826

10/29/2002

Four new 2-cylinder 4-stroke concepts are displayed as design and fitted in vehicles. These four different concepts comprise a Modular Concept V2- and W3-cylinder a MotoGP / Superbike concept with 2 and 3 cylinders, a narrow angle V-engine and a Building Block System Commuter CVT engine. Each engine concept is designed to meet the different requirements of the four segments. Specific analysis and simulation concerning 1D thermodynamics, vehicle simulation and delivered performance and tractive force was done for each concept. The concepts are compared in the aspects of uniform rotation, inertia forces and moments, and the effect on performance by the pulse effects of the manifolded intake and exhaust systems. The Modular Concept contains an OHC engine with a wide range of displacements and commonality of many parts. Good versatility is obtained as the concepts can be applied for sport- or custom bikes. Also an advanced EMS with additional features is applied and a heated 3-way catalyst and air/fuel sensors are integrated to fulfill the most stringent emission regulations after the year 2006. The MotoGP / Superbike Concept has an advanced transmission position, which allows to design a very compact motorcycle size comparable to much smaller displacement bikes. The application of a pneumatic valve train allows for aggressive valve timing and high engine output. The concept is compared to engines with higher number of cylinders in terms of race competitiveness. The narrow-angle V-engine is a sportive and compact engine with newly developed mass balancing. The Commuter is a medium output design with a continuously variable transmission, featuring an extremely space-saving design

Laimboeck, Franz J., Spanner, Christian, Mair, Andreas

MEMS Design Optimization With FEA

TBMG-64356/1/2002

This report examines design considerations in one of the most promising new areas of engineering – Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Designing and optimizing MEMS devices involves unique challenges, including analyzing the inter- dependent physical phenomena to which MEMS devices are sensitive and working with small-scale geometry. A discussion of the necessary steps to model a MEMS micro-heater for an automotive gas sensor array that can withstand high temperatures is presented in this article.

Development of a Variable Blend Hydrogen-Natural Gas Internal Combustion Engine. Part 1 - Sensor Development

1999-01-28998/17/1999

Although studies have shown benefits in both emissions and fuel renewability for hydrogen fuelled vehicles, implementation of such a vehicle has been slow due, in part, to a limited hydrogen infrastructure. This situation, along with the proven benefits associated with natural gas and natural gas/hydrogen fuelled vehicles resulted in the need to develop a vehicle capable of operating on any blend of natural gas/hydrogen, at anytime. Such a vehicle dubbed; Variable Gaseous Fuel (VGF) vehicle, in principle, could use a thermal conductivity sensing device developed at the University of California, Riverside, College of Engineering - Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) to directly measure the composition of a natural gas/hydrogen blend. The resulting electrical signal from this device can, in turn, be used as an input to “multiple map” engine control module to control fuel injection and ignition timing. This fuel sensor is simple in principle, promises to be inexpensive to produce (in quantity) and reliable in operation.

Heffel, James W., Norbeck, Joseph M., Park, Chan S., Scott, Paul B.

Fuel System—Electrostatic Charge

J1645_199901 (Historical)

1/1/1999

The purpose of this SAE Recommended Practice is to provide an explanation of electrostatic charge phenomena as they relate to automotive fuel systems and how those phenomena should be handled if they develop. This document is limited to the group of components that are known as the fuel system and only those that handle liquid fuel in one of two situations: operation of the fuel delivery system and refueling of the vehicle. This is a collection of ideas and generalities that are summarized from literature and presentations, inferred from some laboratory experimentation and summarized from experiences within the automotive industry as interpreted by the Electrostatics Subcommittee of the SAE Fuel Lines and Fittings Standards Committee. Some of the discussions are simplified. If users of this document need some further technical information, experts should be consulted or the references cited here should be examined directly. In addition, a series of test procedures that may apply are discussed. These procedures are recommended means of measuring individual components or systems to assess their ability to handle an electrostatic charge situation that may arise. They are not the only possible tests, but they have been utilized at various locations within the auto industry for materials, components, systems, etc., and have proven to provide meaningful data when followed properly. Any questions that arise concerning performance of a specific fuel system should be handled by direct testing or other experimentation involving the system or individual components. The vehicle OEM using the fuel system should be consulted for information on specific requirements. This document may be useful for providing guidelines on how to proceed.

Fuel Systems Standards Committee

Fast Responding Air/Fuel Sensor for Individual Cylinder Combustion Monitoring

97294010/1/1997

Prototypes of gas sensitive Schottky diodes with a platinum gate electrode have been fabricated on monocrystalline 6H-SiC substrates and tested on petrol engines. The sensors are mounted in the housing and on the heater of HEGO sensors. The air/fuel ratio of each cylinder is individually controlled by UHEGO sensors. Three gas sensitive SiC diodes together with another UHEGO sensor, serving as the reference sensor, are mounted into the exhaust pipe. At the operating temperature used, around 600-800°C, the SiC sensors show a large variation of the output signal for small variations of the air/fuel ratio around the stoichiometric ratio. The response time of the sensor is small enough to detect the air/fuel ratio of individual cylinders. We show how the sensor can be used to detect misfire and/or individual cylinders that deviate from stoichiometry. The SiC sensor thus shows promising potential for cylinder selective and more effective combustion control.

Baranzahi, Amir, Spetz, Anita Lloyd, Tobias, Peter, Lundström, Ingemar, Mårtensson, Per, Glavmo, Magnus, Göras, Anders, Nytomt, Jan, Salomonsson, Per, Larsson, Håkan

Fuel Level Sensor Design from a System Perspective

9710722/24/1997

Many of the current issues surrounding the achievement of accurate fuel level indication and fuel sensor design strategy revolve around systems issues, but are most often treated as component deficiencies. This paper takes a “systems” look at liquid fuel level indication as opposed to the traditional “component” view. The intent of the author is to present a framework of system considerations relative to the task of designing a robust fuel level indication system in the automobile.

Nagy, George

The Feasibility of Using Near-Infrared Spectrometer to Estimate Selected Properties of Natural Gas

9407623/1/1994

It has been demonstrated that the composition of compressed natural gas can have a marked effect on the operational characteristics of engines that bum natural gas as a fuel. For this reason, a quick and accurate method of determining natural gas composition is needed. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has the potential of meeting the requirements for a natural gas analyzer. This limited scope study was conducted as a preliminary demonstration of the feasibility of using NIR as an on-line natural gas analyzer at a distribution site or perhaps as an on-board vehicle fuel sensor in a natural gas vehicle (NGV). Reference gases were analyzed and used to develop calibration models for three selected properties of natural gas. These properties were heat of combustion (higher heating value), Wobbe Index (heat of combustion per unit volume divided by the specific gravity of the gas), and hydrogen/carbon ratio. Transmission spectra were collected over the region of 900 to 1800 nanometers. All spectra were measured at a gas pressure of 206.8 kPa (30 psig) and a temperature of 22.8 to 23.4°C in the gas cell. Spectra were collected with both flowing gas and static gas in the gas cell. Multivariate calibration techniques were used to develop calibration models for each of the properties investigated. This study shows that NIR, using a fiber-optic probe, has the potential to measure accurately several properties of natural gas. Calibration model validations were also conducted with mixed results. Further work is required to expand the calibration models.

Westbrook, Steven R.

Performance and Exhaust Emissions of Hyundai Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)

93198611/1/1993

Recently, flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) has been drawn great attention because of its response for immediate use as alternative fueled one. Hyundai FFV can be operated on arbitrary fuel mixtures between gasoline and M85 with the specially programmed electronic control unit (ECU) which can determine optimized fueling quantity and ignition timing as the methanol content by the signal from electrostatic type fuel sensor. In this paper, the results of various tests including engine performance, cold startability, durability and exhaust emission reduction have been described. Full load, cold mode durability tests and field trials have been carried out with some material changes and surface treatments in the lubricating parts and fuel system. But, more work on its durability improvement is still required. In view of exhaust emission reduction, aftertreatment system consisted of 4 k aged manifold type catalytic converter (MCC) and secondary air injection system has shown good emission reduction performance including formaldehyde emission at any methanol blends.

Lee, Si-Hun, Kim, In-Tag, Kim, Young-Jin, Park, Sim-Soo

Research and Development of Hyundai Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)

9303303/1/1993

This paper describes Hyundai's research and development work on a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV). The work on FFV has been conducted to evaluate its potential as an alternative to the conventional gasoline vehicle. Hyundai FFV described here can operate on M85, gasoline, or any of their combinations, in which the methanol concentration is measured by an electrostatic type fuel sensor. For that operation, a special FFV ECU has been developed and incorporated in the FFV. The characteristics affecting FFV operation, such as FFV ECU control strategy and injector flow rate, have been investigated and optimized by experiment. Various development tests have been performed in view of engine performance, durability, cold startability, and exhaust emissions reduction. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system being consisted of manifold type catalytic converter(MCC) and secondary air injection system has shown good emission reduction performance including formaldehyde emission. But, more work on its durability improvement is required.

Myung, Cha-Lee, Lee, Si-Hun, Shin, Young-Gy, Park, Kwang-Seo, Park, Sim-Soo, Lee, Hyun-Soon

Design Evolution of the Fuel Sender Requiring No Electrical Calibration

9304593/1/1993

Design and manufacture of fuel senders include adjustments to establish accuracy of measurement of the amount of fuel in the tank and that show on the gage in the passenger compartment. The essential techniques are: 1) Electronic calibration; design and manufacturing of the resistor and matching parts to assure the response resistance matches both mechanical and electronic gage characteristics. 2) Mechanical calibration; design and manufacturing of the float arm and related geometric and trigonometric points, distances and angles that assure the position of the float at all fuel levels respective to fuel gage indication. Vehicle manufacturing firms have used angular sweep liquid level sensors for measuring fuels for several decades. These designs incorporate the capability of linearizing (via angle relationships) height and volumetric fuel tank characteristics very accurately. While vertical linear type fuel sensors can provide better gage resolution, unless the design contains a form of linear resistance, the increased cost outweighs the improved resolution realized. Angular sweep resistor liquid level sensors are accurate, reliable, durable and inexpensive.

Gaston, Robert D.

Performance and Exhaust Emissions of Nissan FFV NX Coupe

9202992/1/1992

The FFVs under study operates on either M85 or M0 or any mixture of the two. Nissan has been actively conducting reseach and development on flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) to explore the possibilities for long-range energy conservation and air quality improvement. The engine converted for use in these FFVs is a 1.6 liter, four-cylinder in-line powerplant, with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It employs the Nissan Variable valve timing Control System (NVCS). The fuel sensor for measuring the methanol concentration in the fuel has been improved both in terms of accuracy and durability. This paper describes the engine performance and exhaust emission levels (formaldehydes unburned methanol and HC emissions) obtained with both M85 and M0.

Nishide, Hiroto, Yata, Takahiro, Hirota, Toshio, Fujiwara, Hiroshi, Nakagawa, Yoshikazu, Ohta, Tadaki

Near Infrared Absorption Sensor for In-Vehicle Determination of Automotive Fuel Composition

9206982/1/1992

The use of methanol as an automotive fuel can be expected to become significant in North America during the 1990's. Methanol fuel will be sold as 85%/15% MeOH/gasoline mixture. Limited availability of methanol fuel in some parts of North America will require methanol vehicles to be dynamically adaptable to fuel compositions ranging from 85% methanol to 100% gasoline. One approach to meeting such a requirement is a sensor that is mounted somewhere in the vehicle's fuel handling system that determines the concentration of methanol in the fuel flowing to the engine. The output of the sensor is supplied to the computer controlled engine management system that sets engine operating parameters. A sensor based on near infrared absorbance is the subject of this paper. The device is constructed around a novel combination of commercially available components including a light source, optical filters, detectors, and signal processing electronics with the purpose of monitoring the absorbance of light at selected wavelengths in the near infrared spectral region. Prior to sensor construction, laboratory experiments demonstrated the appropriate wavelengths for the determination of methanol concentration in fuel mixtures. The paper will describe the laboratory experiments, the specifications that need to be met for an automotive fuel sensor, the construction of prototypes, and the results from laboratory and invehicle testing of the prototype devices.

Carduner, Keith R., Marano, Richard S., Colvin, Alex D., Renny, David G.

JOINT SAE/TMC ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE BETWEEN MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS IN HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE APPLICATIONS

J1587_199011 (Historical)

11/1/1990

This SAE Recommended Practice defines a document for the format of messages and data that is of general value to modules on the data communications link. Included are field descriptions, size, scale, internal data representation, and position within a message. This document also describes guidelines for the frequency of and circumstances in which messages are transmitted. In order to promote compatibility among all aspects of electronic data used in heavy-duty applications, it is the intention of the Data Format Subcommittee (in conjunction with other industry groups) to develop recommended message formats for: a Vehicle and Component Information: This includes all information that pertains to the operation of the vehicle and its components (such as performance, maintenance, and diagnostic data). b Routing and Scheduling Information: Information related to the planned or actual route of the vehicle. It includes current vehicle location (for example, geographical coordinates) and estimated time of arrival. c Driver Information: Information related to driver activity. Includes driver identification, logs (for example, DOT), driver expenses, performance, status, and payroll data. d Freight Information: Provides data associated with cargo being shipped, picked up, or delivered. Includes freight status, overage, shortage and damage reporting, billing and invoice information as well as customer and consignee data. This document represents the recommended formats for basic vehicle and component identification and performance data. This document is intended as a guide toward standard practice and is subject to change to keep pace with experience and technical advances.

Truck and Bus Control and Communications Network Committee

Methanol-Capable Vehicle Development: Meeting the Challenge in the Crankcase

90215210/1/1990

A major drive to develop methanol-fueled vehicles began with the 1973 oil embargo. Early work with dedicated methanol-fueled vehicles demonstrated that lubricant choice influenced engine durability. The qualities desired were not defined by the gasoline engine oil classification system in place at the time. As a result oils were developed which optimized those properties deemed desirable for methanol fuel. The advent of fuel sensors made it possible to design a vehicle which can operate on gasoline or gasoline with varying levels of methanol without intervention by the operator. This created a need for a lubricant that can handle a diversity of methanol/gasoline mixtures as well as conventional gasoline. The paper reviews some of the lubricants that have been used in prototype methanol-capable vehicles and the improvement of these formulations to meet the latest gasoline engine performance criteria while maintaining satisfactory methanol performance. One of the major difficulties in developing lubricants for methanol-containing fuels is the lack of short, field-correlated laboratory tests to define methanol performance. This need may not be fully resolvable without further field evaluations.

Chamberlin, W.B., Gordon, C.L.

AVIONICS SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR BEECHCRAFT STARSHIP 1

851851

10/1/1985

The Beechcraft Starship 1 is a completely new and exceptionally advanced airplane in many of its fundamental aspects. The development of this aircraft has presented a unique opportunity to apply advanced avionics architectural concepts. The system that evolved consists of an integrated array of over 70 electronic line replaceable units (LRU), organized to provide unprecedented levels of functional capability, fault tolerance, and configurability, as well as on-board diagnostic aids, and other features designed to enhance the safety of flight. The digital data communication network achieves total and efficient connectivity among all subsystems, including those aircraft systems which have not traditionally been regarded as part of the “avionics.” This includes engine and fuel sensors as well as over 100 discrete signals originating with the many nonavionic subsystems which the pilot must monitor. The connectivity is accomplished through use of a dual-dual set of data concentrators. This significantly reduces the wiring and I/O provisions that are typical of currently available, commercial avionics systems.

Fenwiek, Charles A., Spencer, James L.