The pitch-heave dynamics of transportation vehicles

The analysis and design of suspensions for vehicles of finite length using pitch-heave models is presented. Dynamic models for the finite length vehicle include the spatial distribution of the guideway input disturbance over the vehicle length, as well as both pitch and heave degrees-of-freedom. Analytical results relate the vehicle front and rear accelerations to the pitch and heave natural frequencies, which are functions of vehicle suspension geometry and mass distribution. The effects of vehicle asymmetry and suspension contact area are evaluated. Design guidelines are presented for the modification of vehicle and suspension parameters to meet alternative ride quality criteria

Improving machine dynamics via geometry optimization

The central thesis of this paper is that the dynamic performance of machinery can be improved dramatically in certain cases through a systematic and meticulous evolutionary algorithm search through the space of all structural geometries permitted by manufacturing, cost and functional constraints. This is a cheap and elegant approach in scenarios where employing active control elements is impractical for reasons of cost and complexity. From an optimization perspective the challenge lies in the efficient, yet thorough global exploration of the multi-dimensional and multi-modal design spaces often yielded by such problems. Morevoer, the designs are often defined by a mixture of continuous and discrete variables - a task that evolutionary algorithms appear to be ideally suited for. In this article we discuss the specific case of the optimization of crop spraying machinery for improved uniformity of spray deposition, subject to structural weight and manufacturing constraints. Using a mixed variable evolutionary algorithm allowed us to optimize both shape and topology. Through this process we have managed to reduce the maximum roll angle of the sprayer by an order of magnitude , whilst allowing only relatively inexpensive changes to the baseline design. Further (though less dramatic) improvements were shown to be possible when we relaxed the cost constraint. We applied the same approach to the inverse problem of reducing the mass while maintaining an acceptable roll angle - a 2% improvement proved possible in this cas

Non-dimensional design approach for electrodynamic bearings

Electrodynamic bearings (EDBs) are passive magnetic bearings that exploit the interaction between eddy currents developed in a rotating conductor and a static magnetic field to generate forces. Similar to other types of magnetic suspensions, EDBs provide contactless support, thus avoiding problems with lubrication, friction and wear. The most interesting aspect of EDBs is that levitation can be obtained by passive means, hence, no electronic equipment, such as power electronics or sensors, are necessary. Despite their promising characteristics, rotors running on EDBs are still lacking a design procedure; furthermore, at present the static behavior of a bearing can only be defined by means of finite element analyses. The aim of the present paper is to present a methodology that allows performing a first approximation design without resorting to detailed FE analyses. The methodology is based on the use of non-dimensional parameters, similar to the analysis of fluid bearings (Sommerfeld number). The non-dimensional quantities are derived using dimensional analysis, and contain the main geometrical and physical parameters determining the EDBs' performance. The relation between the non-dimensional quantities characterizing the static performance of the EDB is derived using FE simulations and is presented in the form of graph

Numerical validation of a population balance model describing cement paste rheology

Rheology control is essential during the period in which cement and concrete pastes are encountered in the fresh state, due to the fact that it directly affects workability, initial placement and the structural performance of the hardened material. Optimizations of clinker formulations and reductions in cement-to-water ratios induced by economic and environmental considerations have a significant effect in rheology, which invokes the need for mechanistic models capable of describing the effect of multiple relevant phenomena on the observed paste flow. In this work, the population balance framework was implemented to develop a model able to relate the transient microstructural evolution of cement pastes under typical experimental conditions with its macroscopic rheological responses. Numerical details and performance are assessed and discussed. It was found that the model is capable of reproducing experimentally observed flow curves by using measured cluster size distribution information. It is also able to predict the complex rheological characteristics typically found in cement pastes. Furthermore, a spatially resolved scheme was proposed to investigate the nature of flow inside a parallel-plates rheometer geometry with the objective of assessing the ability of the model of qualitatively predicting experimentally observed behavior and to gain insight into the effect of possible secondary flows

Bridge expansion joint in road transition curve: effects assessment on heavy vehicles

Properly-designed road surfaces provide a durable surface on which traffic can pass smoothly and safely. In fact, the main causes that determine the structural decay of the pavement and its parts are the traffic loads. These repeated actions can create undesirable unevennesses on the road surface, which induce vertical accelerations on vehicles, up to hindering contact between pavement and tire, with dangerous consequences on traffic safety. The dynamic actions transmitted by the vehicles depend on these irregularities: often, a bridge expansion joint (BEJ), introducing a necessary discontinuity between different materials, determines from the beginning a geometric irregularity in the running surface. Besides, some structural conditions could emphasize the problem (e.g., local cracking due to the settlement of the subgrade near the abutment or the discontinuity of stiffness due to the presence of different materials). When the BEJ is located in a transition curve, an inevitable vertical irregularity between road and joint can reach values of some centimeters, with serious consequences for the road safety. This paper deals with the analysis of a case study of a BEJ. Several test surveys were performed in order to fully characterize the effects on both vehicles and pavement. The three-dimensional representation of the pavement surface and the acceleration measurements on a heavy test vehicle were performed to analyze the joint behavior under traffic. Finally, a finite element model was implemented to evaluate the stress contribution on vehicle components induced by the vertical irregularities

Challenges and possibilities in variable geometry suspension systems

The variable-geometry suspension system is in the focus of the paper. The advantages of the variable-geometry system are the simple structure, low energy consumption and low cost. During maneuvers the variable-geometry system modifies the camber angle of the front wheels in order to improve road stability. The system affects both the chassis roll angle and the half-track change. Moreover, the tracking error of the reference yaw rate can also be reduced. In the paper the challenges and possibilities of the variable geometry suspension system are analyzed

Racing car chassis

Cílem této bakalářské práce je analýza současných konceptů podvozků závodních okruhových aut. V první části práce je zpracován historický vývoj, charakteristika kol a pneumatik s reprezentací dobře známých produktů. V druhé části je popsán systém odpružení, pružné média a tlumící členy. Systémy odpružení je zde rozdělen na nezávisle a polozávislé zavěšení kol a odpružení pevných náprav. Následující oddíl této práce je zaměřený na standardní kontrolní systémy, jako jsou ABS, ESC a TSC. Závěr přináší rychlé shrnutí této problematiky.The aim of this bachelor thesis is to analyse contemporary concepts of circuit race car chassis. In the first part of the thesis, the historical evolution is described and then wheels and tires characteristic within some well-known brand products are represented. The second important part includes the suspension systems, springing medium and damping members. The suspension systems are further divided to independent and semi-independent solutions and rigid axle suspensions. The end of this thesis deals with the standard braking control systems, such as ABS, ESC and TCS. The conclusion brings the quick summary of this subject.

Mechanical capacitor

A new energy storage system (the mechanical capacitor), using a spokeless magnetically levitated composite ring rotor, is described and design formulas for sizing the components are presented. This new system is configured around a permanent magnet (flux biased) suspension which has active servo control in the radial direction and passive control in the axial direction. The storage ring is used as a moving rotor and electronic commutation of the stationary armature coils is proposed. There is no mechanical contact with the rotating spokeless ring; therefore, long life and near zero rundown losses are projected. A 7-kW h system is sized to demonstrate feasibility. A literature review of flywheel energy storage systems is also presented and general formulas are developed for comparing rotor geometries