Browse Topic: Off-highway vehicles and equipment

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Impact of Hydrogen on Methane and Pollutant Emissions over Three-Way Catalysts with Natural Gas–Hydrogen Blends2026-01-0357To be published on 04/07/2026
Natural gas (NG) is a domestically abundant, low-cost fuel with the potential to displace gasoline and diesel fuel in commercial and off-road vehicles. NG engines typically produce lower engine-out pollutant emissions, such as NOx, CO and particulate matter, which could simplify emission control systems. Blending NG with hydrogen (H₂) can improve engine performance and increase combustion efficiency to further reduce engine-out emissions. Additionally, the presence of H2 in the exhaust stream may also facilitate 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
Prikhodko, Vitaly, Wang, Min, Park, Yeonshil, Chen, Hai-Ying, Pihl, Josh
Methodology for generating off-road tracks for powertrain simulation of off-road passenger vehicles2026-01-0275To be published on 04/07/2026
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 an over-dimensioning and high powertrain
Martin, Michael, Winkelheide, Jonas, Hartmann, Lukas, Sturm, Axel, Henze, Roman
Hybrid Prediction Model of Wheel-Traction Force on Soft Soil Based on High-Precision Contact Angle2026-01-0594To be published on 04/07/2026
Traction force plays a critical role in the design of off-road vehicles and the evaluation of terrain trafficability. The accuracy of the traditional Bekker-Wong semi-empirical formula for predicting wheel traction force depends on the precision of parameters such as the entry contact angle, departure contact angle, and maximum stress angle. However, the calculation of these angles is often influenced by multiple empirical factors, which significantly reduces the accuracy of traction force prediction.To improve prediction accuracy, this study proposes a hybrid traction force prediction method that integrates Abaqus simulation with a semi-empirical model. First, a wheel-soil interaction simulation model was established in Abaqus using the FEM-SPH coupling method. Then, computer vision-based image feature extraction techniques were applied to process the simulation result contours, obtaining accurate values for the entry contact angle, departure contact angle, and maximum stress angle
Cao, Ruibin, Wang, Kaidi, Shen, Yanhua, Liu, Zuyang
Backward Fuzzy Driving Control for 6×4 Off-Road Vehicles2026-01-0148To be published on 04/07/2026
Offroad 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 6x4 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 6x4 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 6x4 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, Sam, Patterson, Albert, Sreenivas PhD, Ramavarapu, Norris, William, Soylemezoglu PhD, Ahmet, Nottage PhD, Dustin
Optimizing Custom Hybrid Solutions for Low-Volume Specialist Equipment2026-01-0479To be published on 04/07/2026
Off-road vehicles are typically powered by diesel engines, sized to cover the highest peak loads in their dutycycles. Such engines can be downsized, using hybridization to supplement engine power for short periods. However, many applications are low-volume and specialized, making it impractical to deploy heavy engineering resources to optimize every 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. It also introduces a simulation tool to benefit OEMs who seek to provide custom low-volume vehicles based on common platforms. The simulation tool is a fast, low-cost, cloud-based software package under development at ZeBeyond, provisionally named "ePop Cloud". It allows many different architectures to be evaluated rapidly at the product planning stage, and can be quickly set up and used by engineers who are not specialists in simulation. An
De Salis, Rupert, Fons, Daniel
Clustering-Based Segmentation of Off-Road Vehicle Activity into Productive and Non-Productive States from GPS Data2026-01-0169To be published on 04/07/2026
Accurate identification of Productive and Non-Productive States or Off-Road vehicle duty cycles—comprising working, idle, and transport states—is critical for performance analysis, fuel optimization, and emissions modeling in agriculture machinery and fleet operations. This study explores the application of unsupervised machine learning 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 labeled datasets, making it scalable and adaptable across diverse operational contexts. Clustering algorithms, including K-means and DBSCAN, are 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. Validation against manually annotated datasets demonstrates high accuracy in distinguishing idle, working, and transport phases. The
Maharana, Devi prasad, Gangsar, Purushottam, Dharmadhikari, Nitin, Pandey, Anand Kumar
A Novel Power-Split Hybrid Electric Architecture for Off-Road Tracked Vehicles: Design and Performance Evaluation.2026-01-0258To be published on 04/07/2026
Tracked off-road vehicles operate at low speeds with high tractive effort and frequent skid-steer maneuvers, conditions that push torque and power demand to extremes and exacerbate powertrain efficiency losses. Electrification can improve energy conversion and mobility for such duty cycles. This paper introduces a novel power-split hybrid electric architecture for a tracked vehicle and benchmarks it against three designs: a conventional mechanical driveline, a series hybrid, and a P2 parallel hybrid. To enable fair, architecture-agnostic comparisons, a supervisory controller based on Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) schedules engine operation and power flow across all layouts under representative off-road scenarios, including skid-steer events, with varying terrain and power-demand profiles. Results show higher energy conversion efficiency (lower fuel use) for the proposed power-split architecture, followed by the parallel, then series, and lastly conventional configuration across
Ghate, Atharva, Sundar, Anirudh, Zhu, Qilun, Prucka, Robert, Figueroa-Santos, Miriam, Barron, Morgan, Castanier, Matthew P.
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
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
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
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
Integrated architectures reshape the mobile-hydraulic ecosystem26TOFHP02_062/1/2026
Off-highway equipment operates in an environment defined by extremes - extreme loads, extreme duty cycles, extreme temperatures and extreme expectations. OEMs and fleet operators face mounting pressure to deliver more power, more uptime and more precision from platforms that are becoming increasingly compact, intelligent and complex. Whether the task is hauling, lifting, dumping, clearing or moving materials, the equipment must deliver consistent, reliable performance without compromise. This pressure is reshaping the mobile-hydraulic ecosystem. The industry is steadily shifting away from piecemeal systems and toward integrated, intelligent power architectures that maximize efficiency across the entire vehicle. Leaders in this space, Eaton among them, demonstrate how a system-level approach to PTOs, hydraulic pumps and control valves is enabling a new generation of off-highway innovation.
Bogdan, Corneliu
Digital tech a Las Vegas headliner26TOFHP02_032/1/2026
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. Since 2011, ACT Expo has served as a meeting point of technology and business discussions for the commercial vehicle industry. The 2026 show in Las Vegas (www.actexpo.com) is shaping up to be another important waypoint for the industry as it continues to grapple with new technologies, regulations and other significant challenges. This year's agenda program builds on ACT Expo's long-established emphasis on clean transportation and places an increased focus on the digital frontier, including AI, autonomy, connectivity and software-defined vehicles. Truck & Off-Highway Enginering interviewed Erik Neandross, president of the Clean Transportation Solutions group at TRC, about what topics are emerging as the main trends heading into 2026 and what he thinks will be some of the most important themes of the upcoming convention.
Wolfe, Matt
Guidelines and Procedures for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Machine Tracking Equipment OperatorsJ2519_202601 (Current)2/1/2026
These general guidelines and precautions apply to personnel operating directional drilling tracking equipment when used with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machines as defined in ISO 21467:2023.
MTC9, Trenching and Horizontal Earthboring Machines
A Comprehensive Strategy for Diesel Particulate Filter Calibration to Address the Diverse Applications of Stage V Construction Equipment Vehicles2026-26-01431/16/2026
The legislation of CEV Stage V emission norms has necessitated advanced Diesel Particulate Filter calibration strategies to ensure optimal performance across diverse construction equipment applications in the Indian market. Considering the various duty cycles of cranes, backhoe loaders, forklifts, compactors, graders, and other equipment, different load conditions and operational environments require a comprehensive strategy to enhance DPF efficiency, minimize regeneration frequency, and maintain compliance with emission standards. The DPF, as an after-treatment system in the exhaust layout, is essential for meeting emission standards, as it effectively traps particulate matter. Regeneration occurs periodically to burn the soot particles trapped inside the DPF through ECU management. Therefore, understanding soot loading and in-brick DPF temperature behavior across various applications is key. This paper explores the challenges in DPF calibration for CEV Stage V and provides a
Mohanty, Subham, Chaudhari, Kuldeepak, Patil, Lalit, Mahajan, Atish, Madhukar, Prahlad
Monitoring and Diagnosing Software-Defined Vehicle Architectures2026-26-06771/16/2026
Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) are fostered through initiatives like SOAFEE and Eclipse SDV promoting the use of cloud-native approaches, distributed workloads and service-oriented architectures (SOA). This means that in these systems each vehicle is connected to the cloud and functions are executed both inside the vehicle and in the cloud. So far, there are no established solutions for monitoring and diagnosing SDVs. In designing these solutions, the cost-sensitive nature of every component inside a vehicle must be considered since it makes it unlikely that significant resources will be provided just for diagnostics. Therefore, conventional data centre monitoring approaches that usually rely on transferring large amounts of data to dedicated servers are not directly applicable in this scenario. To illustrate the challenges in providing new solutions for diagnosing and monitoring SDVs, a SOA that has been defined and studied in research projects is introduced. In this architecture
Böhlen, Boris, Fischer, Diana
Key Parameters for Turbocharger Selection & Experimental Validation for off-Highway Applications2026-26-01041/16/2026
Customers in off-highway industry are increasingly seeking high-performance capabilities for their tractors due to increasing penetration of mechanisation and labour scarcity. One effective solution to achieve enhanced performance is turbocharging of engines, while meeting emission and highly dynamic transient response of tractor field applications. The process of selecting and validating a suitable turbocharger for tractor field application suitability is significantly time and resources consuming activity due to extensive testbed and field trials. This study focuses on the selection of turbocharger for tractor engines through analytical calculations to freeze key parameters like lambda, boost pressure ratio & temperature within boundaries of exhaust temperature and turbo efficiency maps to deliver best field transient performance and fuel consumption. The selected parameters are further validated under real-world transient operating conditions, involving tractors and their implements
Kumar, Harish Kumar, Rawat, Saurabh, Dogra, DaljitSingh, Singh, Sachleen, Singh, Amarinder
Thermal Management and Engine Calibration Strategies for Enhanced Passive DPF Regeneration in CEV Stage V CI Engines2026-26-01411/16/2026
Meeting the stringent emissions norms of CEV stage V for medium BMEP engines, CI engines present significant challenges. These stringent norms call for a highly efficient DPF. With the increasing demands for high-performance DPFs, the issue of soot accumulation and cleaning presents significant hurdles for DPF longevity. This paper explores the potential of passive DPF regeneration, which leverages naturally occurring exhaust gas conditions to oxidize accumulated soot, offering a promising approach to minimize fuel penalty and system complexity compared to active regeneration methods. The study investigates engine calibration techniques aimed at enhancing passive regeneration performance, emphasizing the optimization of thermal management strategies to sustain DPF temperatures within the passive regeneration range. Furthermore, the paper aims to expand the applicability of passive regeneration across diverse engine loads common in off-highway applications with effective passive
Saxena, Harshit, Gandhi, Naresh, Lokare, Prasad, Shinde, Prashant, Patil, Ajit, Raut, Ashish
Development of Door Impact Loads Using Pedal Force Sensor and First Principles2026-26-05381/16/2026
The first step in designing or analyzing any structure is to understand “right” set of loads. Typically, off-road vehicles have many access doors for service or getting into cab etc. Design of these doors and their latches involve a knowledge of the loads arising when the door is shut which usually involves an impact of varying magnitudes. In scenarios of these impact events, where there is sudden change of velocity within few milliseconds, produces high magnitude of loads on structures. One common way of estimating these loads using hand calculations involves evaluating the rate-of-change-of-momentum. However, this calculation needs “duration of impact”, and it is seldom known/difficult to estimate. Failing to capture duration of impact event will change load magnitudes drastically, e.g. load gets doubled if time-of-impact gets reduced from 0.2 to 0.1 seconds and subsequently fatigue life of the components in “Door-closing-event” gets reduce by ~8 times. For these problems, structures
Valkunde, Sangram, Ghate, Amit, Gagare, Kiran
DPF Passive Regeneration Approach for CEV/TREM-V Off-Highway Applications2026-26-02111/16/2026
With introduction of Diesel Particulate Filter to achieve CEV/TREM V Emission Limits for off-highway segment, there is a requirement of DPF regeneration at defined intervals depending on time of operation and soot loading in DPF. This can be achieved by two methods. First is the frequent regeneration or Active regeneration, wherein fuel is injected before DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) at specific temperature to burn the soot in the DPF. The second method is the continuous or Passive regeneration, where soot is burnt based on NO2. DPF frequent regeneration (Active Regeneration) requires soot load estimation in DPF over entire engine operation range as well as vehicle operation in different climatic conditions. Frequent regeneration leads to oil dilution and penalty in the fuel consumption. More frequent regeneration promotes the chemical aging of DOC, leading to the poor performance of DOC which results in deteriorating performance of SCR(Selective Catalytic Reduction) situated
Sharma, Rakshit, Garg, Varun, Dhiman, Nitish, Grauenfels, Attila
Exploring the Effects of Oil Cooler Deletion on Tractor Engine Operation2026-26-05471/16/2026
An optimal engine lubrication system, encompassing engine oil and an oil cooler, is critical for thermal management and minimizing frictional losses. This system ensures adequate lubrication and cooling of engine components, thereby maintaining optimal performance. This study investigates the implications of oil cooler removal in a 45HP inline engine tractor. Various validation trials were conducted, including high ambient temperature tests under worst-case conditions, high coolant temperature scenarios, and a rigorous tractor killer test. In the latter, the tractor underwent 100 hours of operation on a PTO bench at maximum engine RPMs. Despite an observable increase in lubricant oil temperature during these tests, the tractor did not exhibit any component seizure or failure. The findings aim to determine whether the inclusion of an oil cooler is essential for the engine's operational reliability. This research offers valuable guidance for optimizing hardware selection and cost
Gupta, Deepak, Kumar, Pankaj, Singh, Manjinder, Singh, Gagandeep, Kumar, Munish, Singh, Harpreet, Singh, Maninder
A Complex Road Surface Parameter Estimation Method Based on the Fusion Framework of Visual Classifier and Dynamics Observer10-10-02-00131/16/2026
Special vehicles such as off-road vehicles and planetary rovers frequently operate on complex, unpaved road surfaces with varying mechanical parameters. Inaccurate estimation of these parameters can cause subsidence or rollover. Existing methods either lack proactive perception or high precision. This article proposes a fusion framework integrating a visual classifier and a dynamics observer for stable, accurate estimation of road surface parameters. The visual classifier uses an adaptive segmentation system for unpaved roads, leveraging a large-scale vision model and a lightweight network to classify upcoming road surfaces. The dynamics observer employs an online wheel-–ground interaction model using stress approximation, integrating strong tracking theory into an unscented Kalman filter for real-time parameter estimation. The fusion framework performs integration of the classifier and observer outputs at data, feature, and decision levels. An adaptive fading factor and recursive
Zhang, Chenhao, Xia, Guang, Zhang, Yang, Zhou, Dayang, Shi, Qin
AI-Powered Intelligent Cognitive Lens for Driver Monitoring for Safe Transportation and Increased Fleet Efficiency Abstract2026-26-06341/16/2026
The rapid evolution of intelligent transportation systems has made drivers’ attentiveness and adherence to safety protocols more critical than ever. Traditional monitoring solutions often lack the adaptability to detect subtle behavioral changes in real time. This paper presents an advanced AI-powered Driver Monitoring System designed to continuously assess driver behavior, fatigue, distractions, and emotional state across various driving conditions. By providing real-time alerts and insights to vehicle owners, fleet operators, and safety personnel, the system significantly enhances road safety. The system integrates lightweight AI/ML algorithms, image processing techniques, perception models, and rule-based engines to deliver a comprehensive monitoring solution for multiple transportation modes, including automotive, rail, aerospace, and off-highway vehicles. Optimized for edge devices, the models ensure real-time processing with minimal computational overhead. Alerts are communicated
Chikhale, Shraddha, Sing, Sandip, Hivarkar, Umesh, Mardhekar, Amogh
Calibration Strategies to Overcome the Challenges for Naturally Aspirated Off-Highway Engines for TREM V Emissions2026-26-02101/16/2026
The transition to TREM V emission norms presents significant challenges for naturally aspirated (NA) off-highway engines. Off-highway applications like construction and agriculture segments require high load variability and extended duty cycles with increased BMEP resulting in high PM emissions, and increased exhaust temperatures with lower lambda levels. Given the cost-competitive nature of the segment, it also requires designing leaner intake and exhaust system. To overcome above mentioned challenges, holistic calibration strategies need to be adapted during development phase. To meet TREM V emission norms, solutions like advanced combustion, high-pressure fuel injection, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), and optimized calibration had to be explored along with aftertreatment systems like Diesel Particulate Filters and Diesel oxidation catalysts. Implementation of aftertreatment systems for TREM V pre-dominantly with naturally aspirated engines will result in challenges associated to
Patil, Madhavi M., Ravukutam Sr, Aniketh, Raghu, M Y, Madhukar, Prahlad
Evaluation of Methods Used to Determine Vehicle Center of Gravity Height2026-26-05131/16/2026
This paper contains theoretical and experimental studies of the measurement accuracies of two methods commonly used by vehicle industries and other stakeholders to determine vehicle center of gravity (CG) height. The two methods, which both appear in international standards, are the Axle Lift method and the Stable Pendulum method. The Stable Pendulum method requires a dedicated swinging platform mechanism*, but it is generally considered to be more accurate than the Axle Lift method. Both methods rely on equations for computing CG height that are based on static balance models of a vehicle tested at various pitch angles. For each method, the accuracy of the resulting CG height computations is a function of the individual measurements needed in the model equations. The individual measurements needed depend on the method used, but they include weights, angles, and distance measurements. A theoretical error analysis study is presented that provides insight into the accuracy of both
Heydinger, Gary, Zagorski, Scott, Bartholomew, Meredith, Andreatta, Dale
Integrating Road Load Data Acquisition and Signal Processing Techniques to Generate Reliable Drive Files for Electrodynamic Shakers in Testing the Exhaust Systems of Off-Highway Applications2026-26-05521/16/2026
Generating a reliable drive file for an electrodynamic (ED) shaker from Road Load Data Acquisition (RLDA) and validating its correlation with real-world conditions through damage and fatigue analysis is crucial for accurate component testing, particularly in complex systems like off-highway exhaust systems. This paper presents a methodology for creating such a drive file and establishing its validity, highlighting the necessity of ED shakers for simulating the intricate dynamic loads experienced by these systems. The process begins with acquiring comprehensive RLDA under representative operational conditions of the off-highway vehicle. Drive files are generated using this data, which records accelerations at important exhaust system mounting locations. Advanced signal processing techniques are employed to condense the raw RLDA into a format suitable for shaker control. To establish proper correlation, the generated drive file is used to excite the exhaust system on an ED shaker
Khaire, Santosh Ramdas, Khaire, Rushikesh, Yadav, Dnyaneshwar
Determining Optimal Suspension & Body in White Mountings to maximize Off-Road Capability of Passenger Vehicles2026-26-00981/16/2026
The automotive market trend is shifting more and more to SUVs and crossovers. This, therefore, means increasing consumer demand for off-road abilities in passenger vehicles. While dedicated off-road platforms provide a path to performance robustness, getting the same level of functionality out of a passenger vehicle with minimal architectural changes proves to be a great feat for engineers. One highly critical performance determinant in the domain of off-road ability is wheel articulation, it requires independent movement capacity of the wheels to keep contact and stability over uneven terrain. Traditional articulations found in passenger car suspensions—created for comfort, packaging, and on-road dynamics—are limited by suspension geometry, damper alignment as well as compliance setup. Damper side loads- were not considered a significant factor in suspension systems that are operating within their original intended design envelope for on-road use. However, when the vehicle is taken
Siddiqui, Arshad, Iqbal, Shoaib, Dwivedi, Sushil
Stability Prediction and Anti-Roll Control of Off-Road Vehicle Based on Multi-Objective Optimization2025-01-733012/31/2025
Off-road vehicles need to adapt to harsh road environments and wild driving, so their rollover stability is very important. It is of great significance to predict and control the rollover stability of off-road vehicles based on the vehicle's driving state. This paper adopts a prediction method for off-road vehicle stability based on TTR (Time to Rollover), uses the LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator) multi-objective optimization control method to perform anti-rollover control. Firstly, in view of the rollover risk of intelligent off-road vehicles under extreme road conditions, a three-degree-of-freedom rollover model of the vehicle is established, and a rollover failure index is proposed. Then, based on the TTR, a rollover failure prediction algorithm is developed. Next, the braking force through LQR controller is determined and the differential braking method is adopted for vehicle anti-roll control. Finally, a simulation platform is built based on CarSim and Simulink to simulate and
Hu, Yutao, Ding, Ronghao, Wu, Dongmei, Wang, Jinxiang, Guan, Jie, Chen, Meng
Predictive Control Applied to Antilock Braking Systems of Heavy Vehicles on Deformable Terrain2025-36-000412/18/2025
Antilock braking systems (ABS) are critical to ensuring vehicle safety, particularly in challenging off-road environments where the braking dynamics is highly complex. This study focuses on the development of an advanced ABS controller for heavy off-road vehicles to improve operational safety and reliability. For this purpose, a Model-based Predictive Control (MPC) is proposed. The predictive capabilities of MPC, which optimize control actions based on system dynamics and constraints, are highlighted as a key aspect of this approach. The controlled system is modeled and simulated using a quarter-car model and a deformable ground model, providing a realistic representation of off-road conditions. Comparative simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of both controllers, focusing on their effectiveness in maintaining stability and improving braking efficiency.
Sawada, Fernando Satoshi, Santos, Luís Guilherme Cavalcante, Rodrigues, Gustavo Simão, Rossi Lopes, Elias Dias
SAE Truck & Off-Highway Engineering: December 202525TOFHP1212/11/2025
Stoneridge Innovation Truck envisions a digital-vision future25TOFHP12_0512/1/2025
Stoneridge displayed its vision for the future of commercial vehicle technology on the SAE COMVEC 2025 exhibit floor. The Innovation Truck showcases the Tier 1 supplier's next-generation vision and driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance driver safety and fleet optimization. Mario Gafencu, product design and evaluation specialist at Stoneridge, gave Truck & Off-Highway Engineering a tech truck walkaround at the event. The first technology Gafencu detailed was the second-generation MirrorEye camera monitor system that's designed to replace the glass mirrors on the sides of a truck.
Gehm, Ryan
Simplifying ELECTRIC DRIVELINES25TOFHP12_0212/1/2025
FEV has a solution to downsize and reduce the complexity of off-highway machines via its electrified planetary gearset architecture. IVT Expo 2025 in Chicago featured a summit where industry professionals presented and discussed the nuts and bolts of the technology that powers the off-highway vehicle industry. Electrification continues to be a centerpiece of these discussions, but OEMs and suppliers are beginning to supply answers to many of the questions that this challenge presents. During the expo, several presentations covered the integration of electric powertrains at the component and architecture level. One presented by Thomas Wellman, chief engineer, drivetrain systems, FEV North America, detailed an EPGS (electrified planetary gear-set) off-highway drivetrain architecture that is modular and scalable for a variety of powertrain configurations.
Wolfe, Matt
Heavy-Payload Conveyance Paves the Way for Next-Generation Battery ManufacturingTBMG-5427912/1/2025
Battery technology is at the center of global innovation. From electric vehicles and off-highway machinery to consumer electronics and grid storage, demand for high-performing, reliable batteries has never been higher. This acceleration creates pressure on manufacturers to scale production while safeguarding quality and throughput.
EDITORIAL: Off-highway innovators help kick off 202625TOFHP12_0412/1/2025
As I'm wont to do come December, with work well underway on the first issue of the new year, I like to take stock of upcoming venues for innovative product reveals and thought-provoking presentations on emerging trends and technologies. Come the first week of January, that means CES in Las Vegas. Traditional equipment manufacturers have increasingly used the event to demonstrate to the broader public that they not only deal in metal but also the digital realm. For example, earlier this year at CES, John Deere revealed its second-generation tech stack featuring camera pods, Nvidia Orin purpose-built processors and Deere's VPUs (vision processing units), along with four new autonomous machines including the 9RX 640 tractor for open-field ag operations. The company is exhibiting again this coming year.
Gehm, Ryan
Decarbonizing Off-Highway Vehicles: Fuel Alternatives and Implementation Strategies2025-28-023011/6/2025
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) — including mining trucks, construction machinery, and agricultural equipment — contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local air pollutants due to their dependence on fossil diesel. Achieving sustainable development goals in off-highway sectors requires transitioning toward alternate fuels that can reduce CO₂, NOₓ, and particulate matter (PM) emissions while maintaining performance and reliability. This paper comprehensively evaluates alternate fuels such as biodiesel, renewable diesel, compressed and liquefied natural gas (CNG/LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen, and alcohol-based blends. Using insights from Service Bulletins, fuel standards, and the Worldwide Fuel Charter, it discusses fuel properties, engine compatibility, operational challenges, sustainability impacts, economic feasibility, safety considerations, and regulatory aspects. Case studies of alternate fuel deployment in OHVs illustrate practical challenges and
Mulla, Tosif, Thakur, Anil, Tripathi, Ashish
Onboard Exhaust Capture and Carbon Sequestration for Off-Highway Vehicles: A Sustainable Approach to Emission Reduction2025-28-021511/6/2025
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in sectors such as mining, construction, and agriculture contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). Despite the growth of alternative fuels and electrification, diesel engines remain dominant due to their superior torque, reliability, and adaptability in harsh environments. This paper introduces a novel onboard exhaust capture and carbon sequestration system tailored for diesel-powered OHVs. The system integrates nano-porous filters, solid-state CO₂ adsorbents, and a modular storage unit to selectively capture CO₂ and NOₓ from exhaust gases in real time. Captured CO₂ is then compressed for onboard storage and potential downstream utilization—such as fuel synthesis, carbonation processes, or industrial sequestration. Key innovations include: A dual-function capture mechanism targeting both CO₂ and NOₓ Lightweight thermal-regenerative adsorption materials Integration with
Vashisht, Shruti
Off-Highway Electrification: A Case Study beyond Propulsion and Emission2025-28-022311/6/2025
To provide needs of food, clothing and infrastructure for growing population of the world, off-highway vehicles such as those in construction, agriculture and commercial landscaping are moving towards electrification for enhanced precision, productivity, efficiency and sustainability. It has also paved way to adopt autonomy of these vehicles to address challenges like skilled labour shortage for timely and efficient execution. There are many challenges and opportunities of electrification in off-highway domain, be it through completely replacing engine in vehicles or efficiency improvements using hybrid architecture for powertrain and auxiliary power demands, electrification being key enabler precision and speed of the complex operations, automation of complex operation. This paper explains the need of electrification in electric off-highway vehicles and shows how the electrification solves the current challenges faced by off-highway heroes like farmers, construction site owners and
Deshpande, Chinmay Vasudev, Mujumdar, Chaitanya, Bachhav, Kiran
Adaptive Terrain Morphing Chassis for Off-Highway Vehicles: Enhancing Fuel Efficiency through Dynamic Structural Adaptation2025-28-034211/6/2025
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) routinely navigate unstable and varied terrains—mud, sand, loose gravel, or uneven rock beds—causing increased rolling resistance, reduced traction, and high energy expenditure. Traditional rigid chassis systems lack the flexibility to adapt dynamically to changing surface conditions, leading to inefficiencies in vehicle stability, maneuverability, and fuel economy. This paper proposes an adaptive terrain morphing chassis (ATMC) that can actively modify its structural geometry in real-time using embedded sensors, hydraulic actuators, and soft robotic elements. Drawing inspiration from nature and recent advances in adaptive materials, the ATMC adjusts vehicle ground clearance, track width, and load distribution in response to terrain profile data, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency and performance. Key contributions include: A multi-sensor fusion system for real-time terrain classification Hydraulic actuators and morphing polymers for variable chassis
Vashisht, Shruti
Challenges in Transitioning from 400V to 800V Off-Highway Power Electronics2025-28-028111/6/2025
Electrification applications are increasingly moving towards higher voltage systems to enable greater power delivery and faster battery charging. This trend is particularly evident in the shift from 400V to 800V systems, which offers several benefits and poses unique technical challenges. Higher voltage systems reduce current flow, minimizing energy losses, and improving overall efficiency. This is crucial for applications like electric vehicles and off-highway machinery, where efficient power management is essential. One of the primary benefits of increasing the DC link voltage beyond the 400V is the ability to support higher power levels. Additionally, higher voltage systems can reduce the size and weight of power components, contributing to more compact and lightweight designs. However, transitioning to 800V systems introduces several technical challenges in power electronics design. Key components such as power components (IGBT, MOSFET etc.) must be optimized to handle higher
Hatkar, Chetan Manohar, Pipaliya, Akash
Development of Door Impact Loads Using Frugal use of “Pedal Force Sensor”2025-28-028311/6/2025
The first step in designing or analyzing any structure is to understand “right” set of loads. Typically, off-road vehicles have many access doors for service or getting into cab etc. Design of these doors and their latches involve a knowledge of the loads arising when the door is shut which usually involves an impact of varying magnitudes. In scenarios of these impact events, where there is sudden change of velocity within few milliseconds, produces high magnitude of loads on structures. One common way of estimating these loads using hand calculations involves evaluating the rate-of-change-of-momentum. However, this calculation needs “duration of impact”, and it is seldom known/difficult to estimate. Failing to capture duration of impact event will change load magnitudes drastically, e.g. load gets doubled if time-of-impact gets reduced from 0.2 to 0.1 seconds and subsequently fatigue life of the components in “Door-closing-event” gets reduce by ~7 times. For these problems, structures
Valkunde, Sangram, Ghate, Amit, Gagare, Kiran
Virtual Load Sensor Methodology for Structural Verification2025-28-026911/6/2025
Large off-highway vehicles, such as combine harvesters, corn heads, and hinged drapers, are complex machines comprised of multiple interacting subsystems. Consequently, capturing the load path through full vehicle finite element modeling poses significant challenges and can be computationally intensive during the design development process. We primarily employ two structural analysis approaches based on the availability of load inputs: Full Frame Finite Element Model Setup Subsystem Finite Element Model Setup Just like virtual verification, physical verification can also be performed at both the full vehicle and subsystem levels. The most critical input for both physical and virtual structural verification is load data. Traditionally, we acquire structural loads induced by ground excitations using wheel force transducers. For subsystem finite element models, interface loads are essential, which often necessitate custom load transducers during data collection. However, instrumenting
Zalte, Swapnil Suresh, S Kulkarni, Prasad, Gupta, Shikha, Aundhe, Abhijeet, Darade, Shubham
Impact of Cooling Airflow and Its Path on Underhood Cooling in Farm Tractors2025-28-028011/6/2025
To ensure the effective operation of engine cooling systems in agricultural tractors, several critical parameters must be considered, including grille opening area and location, grille resistance, front-end blockage, fan speed, and coolant flow rate. While grille design has been moderately explored for highway vehicles, research specific to grille configuration in agricultural tractors remains limited. This study investigates the influence of grille location, grille resistance (modeled using porous inertial and viscous resistance coefficients) front-end blockage, fan speed, and coolant flow rate on radiator top tank temperature (TTT) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The analysis is conducted in two phases: first, the effects of grille opening area and location, grille resistance, and front-end blockage are evaluated under fixed fan speed and coolant flow rate; second, an orthogonal array design of experiments is employed to rank the influence of grille opening area, fan speed
Subramani, Sridharan, Baskar, Subramaniyan, Gopinathan, Nagarajan
Use of the Sound-intensity Method to Identify Acoustic Leakages from Off Highway Machine Cab2025-28-026711/6/2025
The operator station or “cab” in off Highway equipment plays a critical role to provide a comfortable workspace for the operator. The cab interfaces with several elements of the off-highway equipment which can create gaps and openings. These openings have the potential for acoustic energy leakage, ultimately increasing sound within the cab. During machine operation, noise generated around the cab conducts inside through these leakages resulting in increased sound levels. Acoustic leakages are among the key noise transfer paths responsible for noise inside the cab. Therefore, before considering noise control treatments it is best to first identify and minimize any leakages from joints, corners, and pass-throughs to achieve the required cab noise reduction. In this effort the sound intensity technique is used to detect the acoustic leakages in cab. The commercial test system is used for measuring the sound intensity field over objects. For the cab, an acoustic source is used inside the
Pawar, Sachin M., Mandke, Devendra, Fapal, Anand, Cone, Kerry
Customer Support – Failure and Warranty Analysis in Off-Highway Vehicles2025-28-030011/6/2025
The reliability and durability of off-highway vehicles are crucial for industries like construction, mining, and agriculture. Failures in such machines not only disrupt operations but can also lead to significant economic losses and safety concerns. Effective failure and warranty analysis processes are essential to improve customer support, minimize downtime, and enhance equipment life cycle. This paper outlines a comprehensive 7-step failure analysis methodology tailored for off-highway vehicles, accompanied by warranty analysis using Weibull, 6MIS, and 12MIS IPTV. It details the process from problem identification through permanent solution implementation, emphasizing tools and techniques necessary for sustainable improvements. The structured approach provides an actionable blueprint for OEMs and service teams to enhance customer satisfaction, support sustainable development goals, and maintain regulatory compliance.
Mulla, Tosif, Thakur, Anil, Tripathi, Ashish
Mechanical Boom Vibration Mitigation Using Active Force Control2025-28-034511/6/2025
This paper studies an important industrial controls engineering problem statement on mitigating vibrations in a mechanical boom structure for an off-highway agricultural vehicle. The work discusses the implementation of an active force control concept to efficiently dampen out vibrations in a boom. Through rigorous simulation comparison with respect to an existing PID mechanism, the efficacy of the AFC is demonstrated. A notable reduction of 60 % to 70 % in the boom vibrations was observed.
Patil, Bhagyesh, Bawankar, Shubham
Environmental Factors and Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Abstract2025-28-032211/6/2025
Off Highway vehicles recreation has rapidly expanded across the globe hence it is important to consider the safety of off-highway vehicles which is significantly influenced by various environmental factors, which can pose unique challenges and risks. it is important to make sure that the entire vehicle operates safely and reliably even in the toughest conditions. This paper investigates the impact of environmental conditions on the safety and performance of off-highway vehicles, such as construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and mining vehicles. By examining factors such as terrain, weather conditions, visibility, and natural obstacles, the study aims to identify key hazards and propose strategies to mitigate them. The paper explores how advanced technologies, including digital twins and predictive analytics, can be leveraged to enhance safety measures and improve vehicle resilience in diverse environmental settings. Through comprehensive case studies and empirical data, we
Mogal, Masthanvali, Chennamalla, Chandra Shekar
Hybrid Safety Framework for Autonomous Off-Highway Vehicles2025-28-032511/6/2025
The evolution of Autonomous off-highway vehicles (OHVs) has transformed mining, construction, and agriculture industries by significantly improving efficiency and safety. These vehicles operate in high dust, uneven terrain, and potential communication failures, where safety is challenged. To guarantee vehicle safety in such situations, a robust architecture that combines AI-driven perception, fail-safe mechanisms, and conformance to many ISO standards is required. In unstructured environments, AI-driven perception, decision-making, and fail-safe mechanisms are not fully addressed by traditional safety standards like ISO26262 (road vehicles), ISO19014 (earth-moving machinery and it is replacing withdrawn ISO 15998), ISO12100 (Safety of machinery) and ISO25119 (agriculture), ISO 18497 (safety of highly automated agricultural machinery), and ISO/CD 24882 (cybersecurity for machinery).These standards mainly concentrate on the reliability of mechanical and electric/electronic systems
Muthusamy, Sugantha
Enhancing Diagnostic Efficiency and Customer Support for Off-Highway Vehicles in India2025-28-030111/6/2025
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are vital for India’s construction, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. With growing demand for productivity and sustainability, the need for efficient customer support and precise diagnostic techniques has become paramount. This paper presents a comprehensive study of challenges faced in India, current and emerging diagnostic technologies, troubleshooting techniques, and strategies for effective customer support. Case studies, tables, and diagrams illustrate practical solutions.
Mulla, Tosif, Thakur, Anil, Tripathi, Ashish
Cooling System Design Approach for Off-Road Vehicles Using 3D CFD and 1D Tools2025-28-026011/6/2025
The average product development cycle spans 3-5 years, involving extensive virtual and physical testing of the machine. Advances in simulation tools have significantly enhanced our ability to identify product solutions early in the design phase. Tools like 1D KULI and Creo Flow Analysis (CFA) offer faster solutions in less time, thereby accelerating the product development cycle. Cooling systems are crucial components of off-highway tractor machines, directly affecting engine efficiency and overall machine functionality. An optimized cooling system ensures the engine operates within safe temperature ranges, preventing overheating and potential damage. Thus, designing an effective cooling system is a vital aspect of machine engineering. 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are essential for evaluating cooling system performance. These high-fidelity simulations provide detailed insights into fluid flow and heat transfer, enabling engineers to predict and enhance cooling
Ukey, Snehal, Tirumala, Bhaskar, Nukala, Ramakrishna
Machine Learning Based off-Road Vehicle Turn Identification Using Vehicle & GPS Parameters2025-28-034411/6/2025
Identification of different types of turns during field operation of off-road vehicles is critical in the overall vehicle development as it is helpful in identifying & optimizing machine performance, correct duty cycle, fuel economy, stability analysis, accurate path planning, customer usage pattern & designing the critical components, etc. In this study, a machine learning (ML) based methodology has been developed to detect the off-road vehicle turns using vehicle & GPS parameters. Three most common types of off-road vehicles turn conditions e.g., Straight line, Bulb turn, and Three-Point turn have been considered. Different vehicle parameters (like latitude & longitude, compass bearing, yaw rate, vehicle speed, swash plate angle, engine speed, percent load at vehicle speed, raise lower front & PTO channels) generated during field test have been used here. These vehicle parameters are further processed, analysed and used in ML learning model building. Four ML models e.g., SVM, K-NN
Rai, Rohit, Gangsar, Purushottam, Joseph, Roberts, Malik, Manish, Dutta, Mausum, Fapal, Anand
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