Browse Topic: Commercial vehicles

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Enabling Flexibility Services through Interoperable V2X Infrastructures: Advanced Modeling and Operational Validation in the FLEXV2X Project2026-37-0024To be published on 06/09/2026
The integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) as active grid resources represents a pivotal shift towards decarbonisation. However, the implementation of effective Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) services faces technical challenges regarding interoperability, predictive management, and battery health preservation. This work presents a comprehensive system design and research methodology developed within the framework of the FLEXV2X project, aimed at addressing interdependencies within a unified bidirectional charging ecosystem. The proposed scientific framework addresses two complementary timescales. At the device level, the study details the modelling and optimisation of bidirectional converters, focusing on control algorithms designed to ensure robust dynamic response and efficiency. Building upon this hardware foundation, the paper describes a system-level optimisation strategy. By employing open-source cyber-physical modelling, the architecture simulates complex EV-grid interactions. This
Lutzemberger, Giovanni, Barater, Davide, Ceraolo, Massimo, Fera, Cesare, Leaver, Ian, Pasini, Gianluca
Hybridized Diesel Powertrains - an important enabler for commercial applications on the long journey towards full electrification2026-37-0022To be published on 06/09/2026
The ongoing efforts for reduction of the traffic-related greenhouse gas emissions and, at the same time, the mitigation of harmful pollutant emissions from vehicle exhaust emissions are important development tasks for the entire automotive industry worldwide according to demand to provide clean and efficient products. Further tightened fleet average FE standards and ultra-low limits for exhaust emissions require the continuous development of new propulsion system types. Due to the given reluctance of the end customer and corresponding low acceptance of fully electrified vehicles, especially in the commercial vehicle segment, new and innovative topologies are needed to meet regulatory requirements and maintain the high versatility of today’s dominating solutions. For further optimisation of operating conditions with enhanced fuel efficiency, the technical strategy is also determined by uplifting the attractiveness of electric driving incl. the avoidance of areas with poor ICE efficiency
Koerfer, Thomas
Felling Head Terminology and NomenclatureJ1272_202604 (Current)4/26/2026
This SAE Standard is intended to describe the basic types of felling heads, including those with bunching capabilities, that are attachments to a self-propelled machine. Only the major components that are necessary to describe the functions of the felling head, and to apply the principles of the standard are included. Illustrations used are not intended to include all existing felling heads or to describe any particular manufacturer’s variation.
MTC4, Forestry and Logging Equipment
Truck and Bus Coastdown ProcedureJ2978_202604 (Current)4/26/2026
This document describes a rigorous engineering test procedure that utilizes industry-accepted data collection and statistical analysis methods to determine the road load and to estimate the aerodynamic drag area of trucks and buses weighing more than 10000 pounds. The test procedure may be conducted on a test track or on a public road under controlled conditions and supported by extensive data collection and data analysis constraints. The estimated aerodynamic-drag-area result represents a single-speed and single-yaw-angle condition. Test results that do not rigorously follow the method described herein shall not be represented as an SAE J2978 result.
Truck and Bus Aerodynamics and Fuel Economy Committee
Braking Performance - Rubber-Tired, Self-Propelled CranesJ1977_202604 (Current)4/25/2026
This SAE Standard applies to machines as defined in Appendix A. Some of these machines can travel on-highway but function primarily off-highway.
Cranes and Lifting Devices Committee
TOC99-08-02-0TOC4/13/2026
TOC
Tobolski, Sue
Hierarchical Control Strategy Evaluation and Migration for a Four-Degree-of-Freedom Quarter Commercial Vehicle02-19-03-00144/9/2026
In order to improve the comfort performance in commercial vehicles, this study proposes a hierarchical control strategy that integrates the evaluation and migration of control algorithms. First, a quarter-vehicle model with four-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) is constructed, incorporating the dynamics of the wheel, frame, driver’s cab, and seat. The key modal characteristics of the model are then verified through amplitude–frequency analysis, confirming their consistency with the typical vibration patterns observed in actual commercial vehicles, which provides the foundation for subsequent control strategy evaluation and migration. Then, based on a standard two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) suspension model, a weighted comprehensive evaluation function is developed to account for comfort, structural safety, handling stability, and both time- and frequency-domain performance indicators. Using this evaluation function, various control algorithms—including Skyhook control (SH), acceleration-based
Pan, Ting, Pang, Jianzhong, Wu, Jinglai, Zhang, Jiuxiang, Kang, Gong, Zhang, Yunqing
Development and Validation of a Self-Propelled Trailer: A Standards-Based Approach to Enhancing Compact Vehicle Towing2026-01-00554/7/2026
This paper presents a structured test plan for the development and validation of a Self-Propelled Trailer (SPT), an emerging concept designed to enhance the towing capacity of compact, fuel-efficient vehicles. Unlike conventional trailers, the proposed system integrates electric propulsion and autonomous sensing to actively assist the towing vehicle, reducing engine load and improving both safety and fuel economy. The methodology employs a Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to systematically identify potential risks, while incorporating Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards to guide environmental durability testing (dust, water ingress, gravel impact) and dynamic performance evaluations (gradeability, braking, and stability). A comprehensive set of test procedures is outlined to validate system reliability, robustness, and compliance with established towing requirements. The study demonstrates how powered trailer technology can extend the practical use of
Reilly, Carter, Peters, Diane, Zadeh, Mehrdad
Intersection Assist for Vehicle with Dual-Trailers using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control and Unscented Kalman Filter2026-01-00744/7/2026
This paper presents an approach utilizing Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) and Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) to predict system state and control the trajectory of the vehicle with dual trailers in an intersection turn scenario. The UKF estimates vehicle and trailers’ lateral traversal velocity states and the NMPC controls the vehicle acceleration and steering to maintain the vehicle’s desired heading through the turn. The vehicle’s lateral traversal velocity function is formulated using Lyapunov based method which is used as a propagation function in the UKF to improve the estimation accuracy. The lateral traversal velocity is then used as one of the constraints in the NMPC problem. The overall estimation and the control scheme are formulated and assessed in the simulation environment. The simulation results show good tracking and curb avoidance performance.
Malla, Rijan
Simulink DevOps Evolution: Bridging Interactive Platforms for Accelerated Model-Based Workflows2026-01-00804/7/2026
This paper builds on last year’s paper presenting DevOps automation in the context of model-based development. Following that paper, we interviewed Simulink users in passenger automotive, motorsports, commercial vehicles, aviation, rocketry, and industrial automation. We discovered that much of the benefit of DevOps platforms to reduce product development cycle time relies on their interactive features. We prototyped new tools to bridge interactive DevOps Git-based platforms with model-based development workflows, and then gathered reactions from another round of interviews. Here we present these interactive DevOps workflows with the feedback from these interviews to contextualize how engineering teams could adopt them to accelerate their own model-based workflows.
Mathews, Jon, Ferrero, Sergio, Tamrawi, Ahmed, Sauceda, Jeremias
Safety Monitor for Off-Road Planning with Uncertainty Bounded Bekker Costs2026-01-01414/7/2026
Reliable off-road autonomy requires operational constraints so that behavior stays predictable and safe when soil strength is uncertain. This paper presents a runtime assurance safety monitor that collaborates with any planner and uses a Bekker-based cost model with bounded uncertainty. The monitor builds an upper confidence traversal cost from a lightweight pressure sinkage model identified in field tests and checks each planned motion against two limits: maximum sinkage and rollover margin. If the risk of crossing either limit is too high, the monitor switches to a certified fallback that reduces vehicle speed, increases standoff from soft ground, or stops on firmer soil. This separation lets the planner focus on efficiency while the monitor keeps the vehicle within clear safety limits on board. Wheel geometry, wheel load estimate, and a soil raster serve as inputs, which tie safety directly to vehicle design and let the monitor set clear limits on speed, curvature, and stopping at
Naik, Akshay, Norris, William, Sreenivas, Ramavarapu S., Soylemezoglu, Ahmet, Nottage, Dustin S., Patterson, Albert
Redefining Tractor Braking: An Automation-Based Approach for Safety and Efficiency Across Global Applications2026-01-00054/7/2026
Agriculture sector is undergoing a phenomenal transformation, driven by the legislative requirements mandated by countries worldwide to tackle global warming through stringent global emission and on the need to improve operator safety, productivity, particularly on sloped and uneven terrains. Conventional tractors with internal combustion engines (ICEs) have been in use for decades but they often have issues over coordinated control on inclined terrains, especially during load transitions, start-stops, and loader operations. Due to which operators have a critical task of maintaining vehicle stability, controlling rollback on gradients — leading to compromised efficiency, safety risks, and increased fatigue. Global Emission Norms are getting stringent and the justification to end user on the Incremental value proposition is getting difficult to make the products appealing. To address these multifaceted challenges, this paper presents the architecture and functional strategy to increase
M, Rojer, Natarajan, Saravanan, Muniappan, Balakrishnan
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Wind-Induced Interior Noise in Ground Vehicles2026-01-05994/7/2026
In response to increasing customer demand for enhanced passenger comfort and perceived vehicle quality, OEMs in automotive and commercial vehicles are placing significant emphasis on reducing the interior cabin noise. At highway speeds, wind noise is a primary contributor to the overall noise within the vehicle cabin. Conventional approaches to predict vehicle wind noise rely on physical testing, which can only be conducted in the later stages of the design process once a physical prototype is available. Increased adoption of established computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods has enabled earlier assessment. However, such simulations require several hours to complete, posing a challenge in the context of rapid design iteration cycles. With the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in engineering, machine learning (ML) approaches have been proposed to predict a vehicle’s aerodynamics performance. Nevertheless, development of ML techniques in the context of aeroacoustics
Higgins, John, Fougere, Nicolas, Sondak, David, Senthooran, Sivapalan, Moron, Philippe, Jantzen, Andreas, Bi, Jing, Oancea, Victor
Forensic Acquisition and Analysis of Unsupported Lexus Infotainment Modules via CMD42 Bypass and Data Carving2026-01-05404/7/2026
Crashes involving passenger vehicles increasingly include vehicles equipped with infotainment systems that are unsupported by commercial vehicle system forensics hardware and software. Examiners facing these systems must overcome challenges in acquiring and analyzing user data, requiring an understanding of both digital forensics principles and the proprietary characteristics of the modules. This paper presents a methodology for acquiring data from previously unsupported Lexus infotainment modules, including techniques to bypass CMD42 security locks on SD cards and extract data. Once acquired, the paper outlines methods for analyzing user data through data carving techniques, enabling recovery of information from binary images even when the full file system cannot be reconstructed. Emphasis is placed on maintaining the integrity of the evidence and validating findings through controlled testing. These validation procedures ensure that the recovered information is both accurate and
Burgess, Shanon
Speed Determination Using Audio Analysis of Dash Camera Video from Commercial Vehicle Tires Frequencies for Vehicle Accident Reconstruction2026-01-05364/7/2026
Prior research has validated a reliable method for determining vehicle speed using audio recorded by cameras mounted in vehicles, specifically for rolling passenger vehicle tires. Passenger vehicle tires produce a frequency component directly correlated to vehicle speed when traveling on concrete roadways. However, prior research has not been conducted on audio for rolling commercial vehicle tires, which differ in construction from passenger vehicle tires. The stiffer Commercial tires produce audio signals on roadway surfaces that passenger vehicles tires did not when tested in the prior study. The current research concluded that commercial vehicle tires rolling on various roadway surfaces also generated a frequency that varied with vehicle speed. The purpose of this study was to outline, test, and confirm the source of the speed-dependent frequency and to develop a validated method for use in forensic applications. A modified version of the passenger vehicle tire equation from prior
Vega, Henry V., Cornetto, Anthony, Ngo, Long Justin, Hatab, Ziad, Hunter, Eric
Wind-Tunnel Study of the Traffic-Wake Impacts for Road-Vehicle Aerodynamics2026-01-06134/7/2026
When driving in traffic, the wakes of leading vehicles reduce the wind speed experienced by a following vehicle, lowering its drag relative to isolated driving. These wake effects can persist to large inter-vehicle distances, on the order of hundreds of meters, while lateral convection due to cross winds can influence vehicles in adjacent lanes. Wind tunnel testing was conducted at 30% scale for light- and heavy-duty-vehicle models in a large wind tunnel with a traffic-wake simulation system, expanding upon a previous study that examined only heavy vehicles. Three variants of the DrivAer model, four variants of the AeroSUV model, and three variants of a zero-emission heavy-duty-truck model were tested with a range of simulated wake conditions that varied the type, forward distance, and lane position of the wake-source vehicle(s), for a range of yaw angles up to 11°. Results show drag reductions of up to about 10% for the heavy-duty-truck model, and up to about 20% for the passenger
McAuliffe, Brian, Ghorbanishohrat, Faegheh, Barber, Hali
Energy Efficiency Analysis of U-Haul Truck and Trailer Systems: Impact of Tongue Weight and Load Variations2026-01-04664/7/2026
The demand for improved energy efficiency in real-world vehicle operations continues to grow with technology enhancement. When transporting large cargo loads with passenger pickup trucks and rental trailers, the interaction between vehicle payload, towing configuration, and fuel consumption becomes a key factor in overall system efficiency. Understanding how towing configurations and trailer loading influence fuel consumption and vehicle performance is critical for both consumer guidance and vehicle system design. This study investigates the energy efficiency of U-Haul truck and trailer systems, with a particular focus on the influence of trailer tongue weight. U-Haul truck and trailer simulation models were developed using AVL Vehicle Simulation Model (VSM) software, with an F-350 engine brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) map integrated to represent realistic engine performance. Two configurations with equal payload were evaluated: (1) a U-Haul truck alone, and (2) a U-Haul truck
Wang, Gang, Kathadi, Mohammad, Yang, William, Chen, Yan
Multi-Physics Topology Optimization and Neural Network–Based Design of Experiments for Lightweight Automotive Cast Components2026-01-05104/7/2026
This paper presents a hybrid optimization framework that integrates Multi-Physics Topology Optimization (MPTO) with a Neural Network–surrogated Design of Experiments (NN-DOE) to enable lightweight structural design while satisfying crashworthiness, durability, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) requirements under practical casting and packaging constraints. In the proposed MPTO formulation, crash and durability performances are incorporated through equivalent static compliance measures, while NVH performance is assessed using a frequency-domain dynamic stiffness metric, allowing consistent evaluation of trade-offs among competing design requirements. The framework is first demonstrated using a mass-produced passenger-car lower control arm (LCA) as a benchmark component. In this application, MPTO achieves weight reduction under multi-physics objectives by removing non-load-bearing material. Results show that single-discipline optimization produces unbalanced topologies, while
Kim, Hyosig, Senkowski, Andres, Gona, Kiran, Saroha, Lalit, Boraiah, Mahesh
Vault-Induced Pitchover Crash Testing of a Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV)2026-01-05464/7/2026
Vehicle pitchover crashes can result in very severe accelerations and forces. Literature and test data available on pitchover crashes is sparse. This paper presents the results of a full-scale pitchover/rollover crash test using an instrumented vehicle in a controlled and documented off-road environment. The test vehicle was driven to the launch point by an off-board operator using remote steering and throttle controls. The test vehicle then experienced an airborne phase during which forward pitching occurred, followed by a front-to-ground impact which induced additional pitchover motion. Then, following the initial front and rear impacts, the vehicle transitioned from a pitchover to rollover motion before coming to rest. The resulting vehicle motion, vehicle damage markings, and ground markings were documented with various slow motion and real time camera views. The test vehicle was instrumented with accelerometers, rotation rate sensors, and other sensors, the results of which
Warner, Mark, Warner, Wyatt, Swensen, Grant, Perl, Mark
Impact of Hydrogen on Methane and Pollutant Emissions over Three-Way Catalysts with Natural Gas–Hydrogen Blends2026-01-03574/7/2026
Blending natural gas (NG) with hydrogen (H₂) can improve combustion and engine performance while potentially facilitating the catalytic conversion of methane and other pollutants, resulting in cleaner tailpipe emissions. This study evaluates the impact of H2 on the conversion of methane, CO, and NOx emissions on a commercial three-way catalyst (TWC) in a flow reactor using synthetic gas mixtures that simulate stoichiometric engine exhausts with NG or NG+H₂ combustion. The work examines whether, and how, the additional amount of H₂ in the exhaust stream affects the conversion efficiency of methane and other pollutants. Experiments were conducted with both degreened and aged catalysts under controlled conditions, systematically varying temperature, the air-to-fuel equivalence ratio (λ), and λ modulation. Test conditions covered λ values from 0.996 to 1.000 to represent nominally stoichiometric engine operation with different λ modulation amplitudes, as well as a range of temperatures to
Prikhodko, Vitaly, Wang, Min, Park, Yeonshil, Chen, Hai-Ying, Pihl, Josh
Optimizing Custom Hybrid Solutions for Low-Volume Specialist Equipment2026-01-04794/7/2026
Off-road vehicles are typically powered by diesel engines, sized to cover the highest peak loads in their dutycycles. Such applications can be designed with downsized engines, using hybridization to supplement engine power with electrical power for short periods. However, many applications are low-volume and specialized, making it impractical to deploy heavy engineering resources to optimize each one. For this reason, manufacturers tend to produce maid-of-all-work vehicles to cover every situation. This paper demonstrates the benefits of custom hybridization for specialist applications, and addresses the lack of accessible software tools for evaluating such opportunities. Analysis is applied with a fast, low-cost, Concept-based software tool named “ePOP Concept”, suited to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who seek to provide custom low-volume vehicles. It allows many different powertrain architectures to be evaluated rapidly at the product planning stage, and can be quickly set
De Salis, Rupert, Fons, Daniel
Backward Fuzzy Driving Control for 6×4 Off-Road Vehicles2026-01-01484/7/2026
Off-road autonomous vehicle systems must be able to operate across unstructured and variable terrain while avoiding obstacles. This presents significant challenges in vehicle and control system design, especially for less conventional platforms such as 6×4 vehicles. While forward driving autonomy has developed and matured in recent years, effective reverse navigation remains an under-explored area of vehicle co-design. Reversing 6×4 vehicles have limited rear steering authority, an extended wheelbase, and asymmetric traction, which introduce complex dynamics into any control system that is used. To address this need, a robust and experimentally validated fuzzy logic control architecture for 6×4 reverse navigation was developed during the course of this project. This architecture incorporates both near-field and long-range path data with adaptive outputs controlling steering and velocity based on a rule base that covers the whole vehicle state space. This method has low computational
Dekhterman, Samuel R., Sreenivas, Ramavarapu S., Norris, William R., Patterson, Albert E., Soylemezoglu, Ahmet, Nottage, Dustin
Achieving 70% Urban Fuel Consumption Reduction: An Opposed-Piston Engine-Based Mild-Hybrid Powertrain Architecture for Light Commercial Vehicles (JLA-2/JLA-T)2026-01-04324/7/2026
This paper proposes a novel powertrain architecture for the urban Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, leveraging the compact JLA-2 opposed-piston (OP) engine paired with the reconfigurable JLA-T mild-hybrid architecture. Within SAE literature, OP engines are consistently associated with simplicity. As highlighted by Tom Ryan III (2008 SAE President) in the foreword of Opposed Piston Engines: Evolution, Use, and Future Applications, this architecture is characterized by its manufacturing simplicity” and described as a “relatively simple, robust, and cost effective” power unit solution. The present work builds on this established view. The JLA-2 engine solves traditional packaging constraints by reducing the block width by 30% for horizontal installation and is volumetrically self-sufficient, eliminating external compressors. Although the gear train required for crank synchronization introduces design challenges, explicitly accounted for in our model, the elimination of the cylinder
Nigro, Norberto, Aguerre, Horacio, Carignano, Mauro Guido, Alonso, José Luis, Juni, Carlos A.
A Proposed Methodology for Human Operator Modeling and Development of a Virtual Operator Model for Control of a Simulated Compact Track Loader2026-01-01464/7/2026
A methodology for performing Human Operator Modeling (HOM) using a Caterpillar Model 299D3 XE Compact Track Loader (CTL) is presented. The proposed method uses task analysis techniques to decompose material excavation and moving tasks into smaller, individual tasks presented in a task list. A method for verifying and refining the task list is presented, along with a procedure for identifying relevant human operator sensory information and analyzing human decision making in the context of CTL operation. This methodology is then partially verified through the analysis of a non-expert human operator in Vortex Studio, a realistic construction equipment simulator. A modified test course is executed by a non-expert human operator in the simulation environment, and the recorded data is used to create a quantitative Human Operator Model. From this, a Virtual Operator Model (VOM) feedback controller simulating the performance of the human operator is developed. The VOM is implemented using a
Wang, Orson R., Norris, William R., Patterson, Albert E., Soylemezoglu, Ahmet, Nottage, Dustin S.
Camera Monitor System Soiling Correlation for a Class-8 Truck Using Lattice Boltzmann Method2026-01-05964/7/2026
As Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS) become an integrated part of the driving experience for current automotive and heavy vehicles, keeping the CMS clean from water, dirt, sand, snow and ice is a main focus of the design process in order to avoid safety issues due to obscured visibility. On-road soiling prevention becomes an important feature when designing the camera and sensor systems. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis can be used to facilitate the design process, to provide important information of the cause of the problems and design mitigation mechanism to prevent the visibility issues. Most of existing work focusses on automotive applications. This paper is targeted for heavy vehicle application. Road tests were performed in Alaska by the testing department. Results from the road test were compared to CFD simulation. This comparison showed a good agreement between CFD and road testing, based on the qualitative soiling deposition patterns, rivulet formation and dispersed
He, Wei, Dasarathan, Devaraj, Linden, Tom, Park, Jeongbin
Energy Management Strategy for Hybrid Mining Trucks Based on Global SOC Planning and Neural Network Optimal Control2026-01-04464/7/2026
Hybrid mining trucks, as core equipment for mine transportation, face high energy consumption and significant fluctuations in power demand during cyclic operations due to prolonged exposure to demanding operating conditions characterized by heavy loads and variable working conditions. To address the issues of high energy consumption and significant fluctuations in power demand during the cyclic operation of mining trucks, this paper proposes a hybrid mining truck energy management strategy based on global SOC (State of Charge) planning and neural network optimization control. First, a powertrain model was developed for a typical operating cycle of a hybrid mining truck, and its accuracy was validated by comparing it with experimental data. Using dynamic programming algorithms to plan the SOC for single-cycle operations provides a rational reference for energy allocation across different operational phases of mining trucks during a single cycle. Next, using the powerful nonlinear
Yang, Jianyu, Zhao, Zhiguo, Chen, Huiyong, Li, Tao, Zhuang, Wenyu, Shen, Peihong, Tang, Peng
Embedded Real-Time Control of a Distributed Trailer Propulsion System with Regenerative Braking for Net Neutral Load Towing2026-01-00654/7/2026
Towing imposes substantial efficiency penalties on both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, reducing range by 30-50%. This paper presents a proof-of-concept embedded control architecture for distributed trailer propulsion that actively regulates drawbar force to reduce towing loads. Unlike proprietary e-trailer systems requiring specialized hardware, the proposed implementation demonstrates feasibility using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and open-source software. The distributed architecture employs dual Raspberry Pi 4B single-board computers communicating via ROS 2 at 20 Hz. The trailer-mounted controller executes a Simulink-generated control node coordinating load cell acquisition (HX711 ADC), motor CAN bus telemetry, and throttle commands to a 5 kW BLDC traction motor powered by a 5 kWh LiFePO4 battery pack. A vehicle-mounted controller logs OBD-II/CAN validation data. The control pipeline implements cascaded EWMA/Hampel
Joshi, Gaurav, Adelman, Ian, Liu, Jun, Donnaway, Ruthie
Methodology for Generating Off-Road Tracks for Powertrain Simulation of Off-Road Passenger Vehicles2026-01-02754/7/2026
For off-road driving, particularly on steep grades and over barriers, the engine torque is a key design criterion of off-road vehicles. In conventional powertrains with combustion engines, mechanical all-wheel-drive systems combined with differential locks are used to distribute the torque demand between the front and the rear axle based on wheel-specific traction. With the growing market share of electric powertrains, off-road applications are becoming increasingly relevant for electric passenger cars. In comparison to conventional powertrains, electric all-wheel-drive configurations do not have a mechanical torque transfer between the two axles. If one axle experiences low traction, the second axle can rely on its own torque capability only. Transfer of unused torque of the slipping axle to the other one is not possible. The challenge, therefore, is to specify the right torque requirements for each axle for off-road driving while avoiding over-dimensioning and high powertrain costs
Martin, Michael, Winkelheide, Jonas, Hartmann, Lukas, Sturm, Axel, Henze, Roman
Integrated DBSCAN-Based Segmentation of Tractor Activity into Productive and Non-Productive States from GPS Data2026-01-01694/7/2026
Accurate identification of Productive and Non-Productive States or tractor duty cycles—comprising working, idle, and transport states—is critical for performance analysis, fuel optimization, and emissions modeling in agriculture machinery and fleet monitoring. This study explores the application of integrated unsupervised machine learning (ML) techniques to classify duty cycles using GPS-derived parameters such as speed, location variance, and temporal patterns. Unlike supervised approaches, the proposed method does not rely on several labeled engine and vehicle parameters, making it scalable and adaptable across diverse operational contexts. Clustering algorithm DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) in integration with hybrid rule-based and a road feature is employed to segment GPS data into distinct behavioral states. Feature engineering focuses on extracting motion signatures and spatial-temporal features that correlate with operational modes
Maharana, Devi prasad, Gangsar, Purushottam, Dharmadhikari, Nitin, Pandey, Anand Kumar
Sideslip Angle Estimation for Mining Trucks Based on Real-Time Cornering Stiffness Identification2026-01-06184/7/2026
High-precision estimation of key vehicle–road state parameters is crucial for ensuring the accurate and safe control of mining trucks (MT), as well as for reliable trajectory tracking. Among these parameters, the vehicle sideslip angle is particularly critical for assessing and predicting lateral stability. However, its direct measurement is challenging, and its estimation typically depends on an accurate characterization of tire cornering stiffness. For MT, large variations in loading conditions (from empty to fully loaded) pose significant challenges to sideslip angle estimation due to the resulting nonlinearity and variability of tire cornering stiffness. To address this issue, a novel joint estimation framework integrating the Moving Horizon Estimation (MHE) and Square-Root Cubature Kalman Filter (SCKF) is proposed to simultaneously achieve high-precision estimation of both tire cornering stiffness for each tire and vehicle sideslip angle. In this framework, the cornering stiffness
Xia, Xue, Shen, Peihong, Jiao, Leqi, Li, Tao, Chen, Huiyong, Zhao, Kun, Jiao, Leqi, Zhao, Zhiguo
Protection of Megawatt-Scale DC Fast Charging Infrastructure for Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Ultra-Fast DC Breaker Development, Testing, and Future Roadmap2026-01-04004/7/2026
Direct Current (DC) fast charging enables supply of megawatt (MW) scale DC power to the large battery systems of Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles (HDEVs), such as electric trucks, buses, ferry and construction machinery. This contrasts with Alternating Current (AC) charging, which is limited by the capacity of the On-Board Charger (OBC) that converts AC to DC to charge the battery. In DC fast charging, however, the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) delivers DC power directly to the HDEVs, bypassing the OBC. The feasibility of fast DC charging has been driven by advancements in semiconductor technology offering higher voltage and current handling capabilities as well as improvements in battery energy density. Ongoing research indicates continued growth in both semiconductor power handling and battery storage capacity, further strengthening the case for fast DC charging. Key benefits include significantly higher charging efficiency, drastically reduced charging times, and lower driver
Rahman, Md Rakib-Ur, Dobrzynski, Daniel
Performance Analysis and Optimization of a Drizzling-Based Evaporative Cooling for Enhanced Thermal Management of FCEV Fuel Cell Stack2026-01-01154/7/2026
In response to increasingly stringent emissions regulations such as Euro 7, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) are emerging as a promising solution for commercial applications due to their high energy density, rapid hydrogen refueling, extended driving range, and minimal payload limitations. However, insufficient thermal management of the fuel cell stack can lead to power loss and reduced durability, underscoring the need for advanced cooling technologies. This study proposes a novel evaporative cooling approach that utilizes fuel cell discharge water sprayed onto the stack cooling radiator through a gravity-driven, low-pressure drizzling system to harness latent heat of evaporation. To validate the concept, component-level experiments were conducted using a full-scale radiator identical to that of an actual vehicle and a 40 kW electric fan. A total of 57 tests were performed under conditions of 45 °C ambient temperature and 70 °C coolant inlet temperature, while varying key
Lee, Dongkeon, Seo, Jungmin, Lee, Seogjun, Son, Dongwook, Lee, Hoseong, Shin, Yoonhyuk, Kang, Hyunsung
Dynamic Programming–Based Fuel-Saving Predictive Cruise Control12-09-03-00224/2/2026
This article investigates the optimization problem of fuel economy for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. A Dynamic Programming–Based Fuel-Saving Predictive Cruise Control (DP-FSPCC) method is proposed, which is based on the Bellman optimality principle and uses the cost function to evaluate the optimal feedback control gain, thereby improving the fuel economy of heavy-duty commercial vehicles on complex roads with varying slopes. To address the issues of low accuracy in road feature representation and poor adaptability to different driving conditions in existing slope reconstruction algorithms, the road ahead is dynamically segmented for high-precision processing by integrating ADASIS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Interface Specifications) map information with significant turning point detection and dynamic sensitivity analysis. An engine fuel consumption mapping model based on local gradient information is established to provide an accurate cost function for dynamic programming
Jin, Dapeng, Shuai, Yue, Wu, Xin, Jia, Tong, Qiao, Zhiyuan, Chang, Shiwei, Mu, Tong
Analysis and Determination the Time to Rollover of Tractor Semi-Trailer Vehicle Based on Multi-body System Analysis and Newton–Euler Equations02-19-03-00133/27/2026
This article aims to determine the time to rollover (TTR) of a tractor semi-trailer vehicle (TSTV). It uses a full dynamics model for assessment, specifically applying multi-body system analysis and Newton–Euler Equations with a nonlinear tire model. The model is applied to investigate velocities ranging from 40 km/h to 80 km/h and magnitude of steering angles ranging from 12.5° to 300°. The times at which the Load Transfer Ratio (LTR), Roll Safety Factor (RSF), and lateral acceleration reach their maximum values are evaluated. The survey results demonstrate the impact of velocity and steering wheel angle on the time it takes for the LTR, RSF, and lateral acceleration to reach their maximum values. The time interval between the RSF reaching 1 and the LTR reaching 1 range from 0.144 s to 0.655 s. Similarly, the time it takes for the tractor body’s lateral acceleration to peak and the LTR to reach 1 varies between 0.228 s and 1.555 s. Additionally, the time interval from when the semi
Hung, Ta Tuan, Khanh, Duong Ngoc
Control Strategy Optimization to Improve Energy Efficiency of Electric Wheel Loader Wheel Drive System02-19-02-00113/27/2026
Driven by the dual-carbon goals of “peak carbon emissions” and “carbon neutrality,” improving energy efficiency in electric construction machinery has become a key focus. This study proposes an energy-saving torque control strategy for the traction motor of electric wheel loaders, aiming to reduce drive system energy consumption. The innovation lies in coupling parameter optimization of the pedal–torque mapping and regenerative braking to enhance overall efficiency. An electric model was built using Cruise and validated against real-world V-cycle test data, showing good agreement with an average relative error of 4.08%. Based on the model, two optimized control strategies were developed and evaluated through simulations and field tests. The results showed energy savings of 7.08% and 16.18% in simulation, and 6.83% and 15.51% in tests, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness and practical value of the proposed method.
Ming, Qiaohong, Wang, Yangyang, Wang, Feng
Cantilevered Boom Crane Structures - Method of TestJ1063_202603 (Current)3/13/2026
This SAE Standard applies to mobile, construction-type lifting cranes utilizing cantilevered boom crane structures and associated jibs (see Figure 1).
Cranes and Lifting Devices Committee
Anti-Rollover Strategy for Six-Axis Semi-Trailer Based on Lateral Force Balance02-19-04-00242/24/2026
To address the rollover risk of six-axle semi-trailers due to their large mass, high center of gravity, and multi-axle articulation, a lateral force balance anti-rollover strategy based on the Ackermann steering principle is proposed. By establishing the wheel angle constraint equations for the full-wheel steering system of the six-axle semi-trailer, a rigid-body dynamic model considering the articulation characteristics is developed. The key control and observation parameters are included in the wheel angles, center of gravity lateral offset, yaw angular velocity, sideslip angle, and lateral load transfer rate. An SMC-PID joint controller is designed, in which the third axle steering angle of the tractor is optimized by the SMC controller, and the trailer’s three-axle steering angle tracking control is achieved by the PID controller. The nonlinear accumulation of centrifugal force and dynamic load transfer under high-speed emergency lane change conditions is suppressed by a
Zhang, Qiyuan, Zhang, Lei, Liao, Shengkun, Sun, Jinxu, He, Jing
Classification, Nomenclature, and Specification Definitions for Directional Drilling Tracking EquipmentJ2520_202602 (Current)2/18/2026
This SAE Standard applies to directional drilling electronics and tracking equipment of the following types: Tracking transmitter Tracking receiver Telemetry device Remote display This type of tracking equipment is typically used with horizontal earthboring machines as defined in SAE J2022.
MTC9, Trenching and Horizontal Earthboring Machines
Baggage/Cargo Trailer RequirementsARP1348B (Current)2/18/2026
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) applies to airline trailer equipment with four wheel running gear pulled and steered through an integral tow bar, for use on airport ramps and other airport areas for transporting baggage, freight, and other materials. This ARP can apply to any airline/airport trailer chassis regardless of its equipment; the trailer bed can be designed to carry either bulk baggage/cargo, or a cargo unit load device by means of a rollerized conveyor system, or a piece of aircraft servicing equipment (e.g., ground power unit, air start unit, etc.).
AGE-3 Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Committee
Structural Redesign and Functional Integration of an Electrohydraulic Brake Valve for Enhanced Performance and Manufacturability2026-28-00022/12/2026
The Electrohydraulic Brake Valve (EBV) is a vital component in full-power brake systems for heavy-duty and off-highway vehicles, providing precise hydraulic pressure modulation through electrical control. Traditionally, EBV housings are manufactured using bar-machined components, which offer durability but contribute significantly to the overall weight and cost of the assembly. In response to increasing demands for lightweight and cost-effective solutions, this study presents a targeted design optimization of the EBV housing. The redesigned housing adopts a casting-based geometry, integrates sensor ports for pressure monitoring, and includes a nameplate mounting provision for customer identification. Material substitution and structural simplification were employed to enhance manufacturability and performance. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to validate the mechanical integrity of the new design under operational conditions. The optimized EBV assembly achieved a weight reduction
R, Thangarajan
Systematic Approach to Attenuate NVH Issues in Hydraulic Steering Gear2026-28-00652/12/2026
In commercial vehicles, Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering (HPAS) gear plays a crucial role in enhancing steering performance by providing hydraulic assistance. The HPAS gear comprises a Directional Control Valve (DCV) assembly, where the input shaft and recirculation units are integrated. The valve system which is known for the heart of the HPAS gear, operates under high-pressure conditions. In the DCV, the input shaft is equipped with bearings to support side loads exerted by the system, and a valve component is freely assembled to minimize friction caused by these side loads. The complexity of the floating valve design results in the less slot volume, leading to cavitation and vibrational noise. While this noise is typically suppressed in internal combustion (IC) engine-powered vehicles, its implementation in electric vehicles (EVs) has led to pronounced audible noise, dominating the system. Experimental vibration analysis of the steering gear reveals both low and high-frequency
Vijayenthran, Praveen, Ayyappan, Rakshna, D, Senthil Kumar, N, Prabhakar
Intelligent Steering System to Improve Fuel Efficiency in Heavy Duty Vehicles2026-28-01032/12/2026
In commercial vehicles, conventional engine-driven hydraulic steering systems result in continuous energy consumption, contributing to parasitic losses and reduced overall powertrain efficiency. This study introduces an Electric Powered Hydraulic Steering (EPHS) system that decouples steering actuation from the engine and operates only on demand, thereby optimizing energy usage. Field trials conducted under loaded conditions demonstrated a 3–6% improvement in fuel economy, confirming the system’s effectiveness in real-world applications. A MATLAB-based simulation model was developed to replicate dynamic steering loads and vehicle operating conditions, with results closely aligning with field data, thereby validating the model’s predictive accuracy. The reduction in fuel consumption directly translates to lower CO₂ emissions, supporting regulatory compliance and sustainability goals, particularly in the context of tightening emission norms for commercial fleets. These findings position
T, Aravind Muthu Suthan, Mani, Kishore, Ayyappan, Rakshna, D, Senthil Kumar, S, Mathankumar
Optimized Design, Analysis, and Validation of a Tractor Muffler for Enhanced Back-Pressure Control and Cost Efficiency2026-28-00042/12/2026
Internal combustion engines generate intense acoustic pulses during combustion, necessitating the use of exhaust mufflers to suppress noise emissions. With evolving regulations on permissible noise levels and the automotive industry's drive toward lightweight, high-performance vehicles, muffler designs must balance effective sound attenuation, minimal back pressure, and reduced mass. This study presents a comparative analysis of three muffler configurations serpentine, rectangular, and zigzag designed using Solid Works for a light commercial vehicle (LCV) diesel engine. The models were evaluated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess their acoustic and flow performance. Each design incorporated internal baffle arrangements to enhance sound absorption while aiming to minimize back pressure. The serpentine model featured a perforated baffle layout that promoted multiple reflections and dissipated acoustic energy more efficiently. Simulation results indicated that
Deepan Kumar, Sadhasivam, Palaniselvam, Senthil Kumar, D, Ashokkumar, R, Krishnamoorthy, Mahendran, M, Pasupuleti, Thejasree, G, Dhayanithi, L, Boopalan
Miner’s Safety Bot: An ESP32-Based Autonomous Mobile Mine Safety Monitoring System2026-28-01162/12/2026
Mining operations are important to industrial growth, but they expose the mining workers to risk including hazardous gases, elevated ambient temperatures, and dynamic structural instabilities within underground environments. Safety systems in the past, typically based on fixed sensor networks or manual patrols, fall short in accurate hazard detection amidst shifting mine conditions. The proposed project Miner's Safety Bot advanced this paradigm by leveraging an ESP 32 microcontroller as a mobile platform that integrates gas sensing, thermal monitoring, visual inspection and autonomous obstacle avoidance. The system incorporates MQ7 semiconductor gas sensor to monitor real time carbon monoxide (CO), offering detection range from 5 to 2000 ppm with accuracy of 5 ppm. Temperature and humidity are monitored through DHT11 digital sensor, calibrated to ensure reliability across the harsh microclimates in mines. Navigation and autonomous movement are enabled by Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04
D, Suchitra, D, Anitha, Muthukumaran, Balasubramaniam, Mohanraj, Siddharth, Subash Chandra Bose, Rohan
Genetic Algorithm Based Optimization of Chaboche Kinematic Hardening Parameters along with the Validation of FE Model through Characterized Crack Initiation2026-28-00862/12/2026
In the context of electro-mobility for commercial vehicles, the failure analysis of a connector panel in a DCDC converter is crucial, particularly regarding crack initiation at the interface of busbar and plastic component. This analysis requires a thorough understanding of thermo-mechanical behavior under thermal cyclic loads, necessitating kinematic hardening material modeling to account for the Bauschinger effect. As low cycle fatigue (LCF) test data is not available for glass fiber reinforced polyamide based thermoplastic composite (PA66GF), we have adopted a novel approach of determining non-linear Chaboche Non-Linear Kinematic Hardening (NLK) model parameters from monotonic uniaxial temperature dependent tensile test data of PA66GF. In this proposed work a detailed discussion has been presented on manual calibration and Genetic Algorithm (GA) based optimization of Chaboche parameters. Due to lack of fiber orientation dependent test data for PA66GF, here von Mises yield criteria
Basu, Parichay, Srinivasappa, Naveen
Telescopic Boom Length Indicating SystemJ1180_202602 (Current)2/12/2026
This SAE Recommended Practice applies to mobile cranes when used in lifting crane service that are equipped with boom length indicating devices.
Cranes and Lifting Devices Committee
SAE Truck & Off-Highway Engineering: February 202626TOFHP022/12/2026
AI influence on ICE design Experts offer their outlook on the future of heavy-duty internal combustion engines, and of course artificial intelligence will play a role. Accelerating down the road to autonomy Commercial success of the autonomous truck may be closer than we think. Digital tech a Las Vegas headliner With the rise of AI and other new digital technologies on the horizon, ACT Expo 2026 will be a crucial intersection for industry leaders to map out the route ahead. Editorial CONEXPO debuts - from micro to massive Rolls-Royce pursues pure methanol for marine engines Integrated architectures reshape the mobile-hydraulic ecosystem A proactive approach to hydraulic health in Class 8 trucks Precast concrete bases pave the way for rapid EV charger deployment CONEXPO 2026: Volvo CE to reveal new articulated hauler and short-swing, compact and wheeled excavators Product Briefs SPOTLIGHTS: Imaging/Cameras; Simulation/Analysis Software Q&A Bosch Rexroth: Hydraulics remain relevant in
A Study in System Design and Plumbing Selection Impacts no Steering System Noise in Medium- and Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicle Hydraulic Steering Systems02-19-04-00222/5/2026
This study investigates noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics of hydraulic steering systems in medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles due to hydraulic system design. Utilizing on-vehicle and lab environment testing, primarily a pressure sweep test and speed sweep test, to identify sources of NVH. Testing demonstrated a significant impact to perceptible noise and vibration through changes to system and component design. NVH mitigation is accomplished by reducing pressure pulsations, cavitation, and turbulence within the fluid by changing hydraulic plumbing diameter. Reduction in sound pressure level (SPL) averaged 30% with peak reduction of 75%. While optimizing hose diameter is an effective method for controlling NVH in commercial vehicle hydraulic steering systems, additional studies should be conducted in optimizing plumbing materials and routing.
Bari, Praful Rajendra, Kintner, Jason
CONEXPO 2026: Volvo CE to reveal new articulated hauler and short-swing, compact and wheeled excavators26TOFHP02_092/1/2026
Volvo Construction Equipment livestreamed on January 15 a preview of its plans for the CONEXPO 2026 trade show in Las Vegas from March 3-7. Its booth will showcase 14 new or first-look machines along with services such as machine control systems, site solutions and advanced telematics. Among the new models announced by Volvo CE that will be revealed at CONEXPO are several new excavators, including the first compact and wheeled machines in its latest excavator series and a new mid-size crawler. The company also announced that the 60-ton A60 articulated hauler has joined its new-generation ADT lineup. Volvo CE says that additional product launches will happen at the show.
Gehm, Ryan
EDITORIAL: CONEXPO debuts - from micro to massive26TOFHP02_042/1/2026
Visitors to Las Vegas are down. According to a year-to-date summary released by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the number of people who visited the desert city through November 2025 was down 7.4% compared to 2024. Convention attendance was also lower in 2025 compared to the previous year. Many outlets report that a big reason for the drop is fewer international tourists - particularly from Canada - due to U.S. trade policies. The word from some fellow journalists who attended CES in early January is that this trend is continuing into 2026. Jack Roberts of Heavy-Duty Trucking wrote, “I've never seen the city as empty and listless as it was during my time there this year… And the show floor at CES - while still crowded - was noticeably less jam-packed than past years.”
Gehm, Ryan
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