Evaluation of fractal terrain model for vehicle dynamic simulations

Fractals are a popular method for modeling terrains that include various scales. This paper investigates the effectiveness of using fractals for generating artificial terrains which can be used for vehicle simulations. The 3-D Weierstrass–Mandelbrot function was used to generate surfaces based on experimentally measured terrains. There is an exponential relationship between the root means squared elevation of the surfaces and the fractal scaling parameter. This relationship was used to determine the required fractal parameters to generate a surface with a desired roughness. A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor coupled with a global positioning system (GPS) and inertial navigation system (INS) was used to measure two off road surfaces. The experimental terrain was then compared to the simulated terrain. Based on the comparison, the fractal model can capture the general roughness of the experimentally measured terrains as determined by the dynamic response of a suspension model. However, the fractal model fails to capture some of the nuances and non-periodic events observed in experimental terrains.     

Accurate integration of surface profile data with quantitative error analysis

In the process of surface profiling in experimental mechanics, multiple sets of measured, three-dimensional surface data oftentimes are obtained without precise knowledge of their relative position or orientation. In this work, automatic and accurate surface registration and merging algorithms are presented to integrate the individual subsets into a complete object surface model. The proposed method requires only overlapped regions between adjacent data sets when the measurement was taken and a rough initial estimate for the positions of each subset. Simulation results and experimental data are presented that demonstrate that the method is both accurate and efficient.     

A roll stability performance measure for off-road vehicles

The roll stability is significant for both road and off-road commercial vehicles, while the majority of reported studies focus on road vehicles neglecting the contributions of uneven off-road terrains. The limited studies on roll stability of off-road vehicles have assessed the stability limits using performance measures derived for road vehicles. This study proposes an alternative performance measure for assessing roll stability limits of off-road vehicles. The roll dynamics of an off-road mining vehicle operating on random rough terrains are investigated, where the two terrain-track profiles are synthesized considering coherency between them. It is shown that a measure based on steady-turning root-mean-square lateral acceleration corresponding to the sustained period of unity lateral-load-transfer-ratio prior to the absolute-rollover, could serve as a reliable measure of roll stability of the vehicle operating on random rough terrains. The robustness of proposed performance measure is demonstrated considering sprung mass center height variations and different terrain excitations. The simulation results revealed adverse effects of terrain elevation magnitude on the roll stability, while a relatively higher coherency resulted in lower terrain roll-excitation and thereby enhanced vehicle roll stability. Terrains with relatively higher waviness increased the magnitude of lower spatial frequency components, which resulted in reduced roll stability limits.     

Development of in-wheel sensor system for accurate measurement of wheel terrain interaction characteristics

Planetary rovers need high mobility on a rough terrain such as sandy soil, because such a terrain often impedes the rover mobility and causes significant wheel slip. Therefore, the accurate estimation of wheel soil interaction characteristics is an important issue. Recent studies related to wheel soil interaction mechanics have revealed that the classical wheel model has not adequately addressed the actual interaction characteristics observed through experiments. This article proposes an in-wheel sensor system equipped with two sensory devices on the wheel surface: force sensors that directly measure the force distribution between the wheel and soil and light sensors that accurately detect the wheel soil surface boundary line. This sensor design enables the accurate measurement of wheel terrain interaction characteristics such as wheel force distribution, wheel–soil contact angles, and wheel sinkage when the powered wheel runs on loose sand. In this article, the development of the in-wheel sensor system is introduced along with its system diagram and sensor modules. The usefulness of the in-wheel sensor system is then experimentally evaluated via a single wheel test bench. The experimental results confirm that explicit differences can be observed between the classical wheel model and practical data measured by the in-wheel sensor system.     

一种高可靠捷联惯性测量单元布局

冗余传感器惯性测量单元通过传感器余度配置能够有效提高惯导系统的可靠性,同时对运动的重复测量为降低传感器测量误差和提高导航性能提供了必要条件。一种新型9传感器惯性测量单元,在实现9传感器最佳导航性能布局的同时,保障了每个方向的平动或者转动均可同时由5个传感器进行测量,使其可靠性等同于6套并行工作的单轴独立惯导系统。利用GLT(Generalized LikelihoodTest)方法和Monte Carlo模拟完成了该惯性测量单元故障检测、隔离性能研究。分析结果表明,该惯性测量单元的平均无故障时间为正十二面体6传感器惯性测量单元的1.4倍,为三轴正交配置惯性测量单元的3.8倍,传感器测量随机误差造成的影响分别降低13%和40%。因此,该布局特别适合于对长使用寿命、高安全性、高可用性有严格要求的应用领域。     

信息融合技术在INS/GPS/DVL组合导航中的应用研究

为克服某船载导航系统不能满足长时间高精度导航定位需要的缺点,提出了一种基于信息融合技术的INS/GPS/DVL联邦滤波器组合导航方案.介绍了INS/GPS/DVL联邦滤波器的工作模式,在建立INS、GPS和DVL误差模型的基础上,推导了滤波器的组合形式,并详细阐述了该联邦滤波器的融合算法.通过计算机仿真技术分析了该组合导航系统的性能,仿真证明了所设计的联邦滤波器可以充分利用各种导航传感器的信息,提高导航系统的精度,比单独的惯性导航系统能提供更为精确的位置、速度和姿态信息,有效地提高了导航系统的综合能力.     

低成本IMU的多位置旋转现场标定方法

针对低成本IMU的系统误差难以现场快速标定问题,提出了一种无需任何外部设备辅助的多位置旋转现场标定方法。该方法通过比力加速度与重力建立加速度计的误差模型,基于动态旋转以及标定后的加速度建立导航方程实现陀螺仪误差建模,使用改进的LM算法,实现低成本IMU误差参数的快速标定。实验结果表明:该方法可以有效地标定出加速度计和陀螺仪的安装误差、缩放因子和零偏误差,极大地简化了标定的过程,标定补偿后的IMU原始数据质量大幅提高,在100 s的静态导航试验中,x、y、z的定位精度分别从2541.547m、895.191m、7267.507m提升至80.229m、41.430m、99.832m。     

微惯性/卫星组合导航高精度事后基准确定方法

针对高性能MEMS组合导航系统的高精度定位定姿需求,提出了一种基于GNSS(Global Navigation Satellite System)精密相对定位RTK(Real-time Kinematic Positioning)和MIMU(MEMS-based Inertial Measurement Unit)组合的高精度事后基准确定算法,该算法在MIMU/RTK组合导航正向Kalman滤波的基础上,采用RTS(Rauch-Tung-Striebel)反向平滑再次进行信息融合,提升了组合导航结果的事后处理精度。另外,通过Allan方差分析技术实现对MIMU随机误差精细建模和MIMU/RTK组合导航相对精度分析。对实测的车载动态试验数据处理结果的均方根误差和Allan方差分析表明:相对于传统正向滤波方法,RTS反向平滑方法能够将MIMU/RTK组合导航定位、定姿精度分别提升45.2%和54.1%。该方法可作为GNSS/INS组合导航高精度参考基准的确定方法。     

Shape Monitoring of a Beam Structure from Measured Strain or Curvature

This paper presents results of numerical simulations and an experimental investigation of a method to determine shape of a beam from curvature and/or strain measurements. The purpose of this work was to develop an efficient and accurate method that can be used in real time shape monitoring of beam type structures with possible extension to more complex systems. A method based upon solving a set of continuity equations is presented. Numerical simulations were implemented to minimize the number of sensors and to determine the most beneficial sensor locations and sensor/model configuration to capture the shape in a timely and effective manner. Simulations showed that dividing the beam into segments (elements) and placing sensors at the Gauss point locations of each segment gave only 0.14% systematic error while using three elements and two Gauss points per element. An experiment was designed using an aluminum beam combined with a data acquisition system and a shape reconstruction algorithm. The real-time reconstruction of shape from curvature data was accomplished using strain gages for the curvature estimates. The results were compared to a technique based on position only data and point cloud image data. Overall, consistent results were obtained. The percent difference between the experimental and photogrammetry results fluctuated from 1.4 to 3.5% when various magnitudes of concentrated loads were applied to the beam. This methodology may be useful in real-time shape control and shape modification systems with potential applications in structural health monitoring and damage detection.     

一种采用联邦EKF的分布式INS/UWB人员无偏紧组合定位方法

为了实现精确的人员定位,提出了一种采用联邦EKF的分布式INS/UWB人员紧组合定位方法.在这种模式下,将数据融合滤波器应用于UWB无线通信信道中.INS与UWB分别测量得到的参考节点到未知节点之间距离的平方值被用于预估INS的导航解算误差.在此基础上,主滤波器将各信道滤波器的预估值进行数据融合,最后得到最终的INS导航解算误差预估.实验结果显示,该方法能够准确地提供人员位置信息,与集中式滤波器相比,平均位置误差降低了10.34％左右.     

Digital image correlation techniques for measuring tyre-road interface parameters: Part 1 – Side-slip angle measurement on rough terrain

This paper presents inexpensive methods whereby the vehicle side-slip angle can be measured accurately at low speeds on any terrain using cameras. Most commercial side-slip angle sensor systems and estimation techniques rely on smooth terrain and high vehicle speeds, typically above 20 km/h, to provide accurate measurements. However, during certain in-situ tyre and vehicle testing on off-road conditions, the vehicle may be travelling at speeds slower than required for current sensors and estimation techniques to provide sufficiently accurate results. Terramechanics tests are typical case in point. Three algorithms capable of determining the side-slip angle from overlapping images are presented. The first is a simple fast planar method. The second is a more complex algorithm which can extract not only the side-slip angle but also its rotational velocities and scaled translational velocities. The last uses a calibrated stereo-rig to obtain all rotations and translational movement in world coordinates. The last two methods are aimed more at rough terrain applications, where the terrain induces motion components other than typical predominant yaw-plane motion. The study however found no discernible difference in measured side-slip angle of the methods. The system allows for accurate measurement at low and higher speeds depending on camera speed and lighting.     

Parameterization and modelling of large off-road tyres for ride analyses: Part 2 – Parameterization and validation of tyre models

Every mathematical model used in a simulation is an idealization and simplification of reality. Vehicle dynamic simulations that go beyond the fundamental investigations require complex multi-body simulation models. The tyre–road interaction presents one of the biggest challenges in creating an accurate vehicle model. Many tyre models have been proposed and developed but proper validation studies are less accessible. These models were mostly developed and validated for passenger car tyres for application on relatively smooth roads. The improvement of ride comfort, safety and structural integrity of large off-road vehicles, over rough terrain, has become more significant in the development process of heavy vehicles. This paper investigates whether existing tyre models can be used to accurately describe the vertical behaviour of large off road tyres while driving over uneven terrain. [1] Presented an extensive set of experimentally determined parameterization and validation data for a large off-road tyre. Both laboratory and field test are performed for various loads, inflation pressures and terrain inputs. The parameterization process of four tyre models or contact models are discussed in detail. The parameterized models are then validated against test results on various hard but rough off-road terrain and the results are discussed.     

Comparison of CCD,CMOS and intensified cameras

The properties of digital cameras are often important to obtain accurate results with image based measurement techniques. Unfortunately, a detailed comparison of the sensor specifications and performance is not accessible as this information is normally not provided by the manufacturers and no generally accepted comparison standard exists. Therefore, a detailed quantitative comparison was performed to evaluate and assess the characteristics of state-of-the-art CCD, CMOS and intensified CMOS sensors. These results may be of assistance when selecting the appropriate sensor for a desired application.     

Forecasting bifurcation morphing: application to cantilever-based sensing

Two novel techniques are proposed to enhance the bifurcation morphing method as applied to cantilever-based sensors. First, nonlinear feedback excitations with added time delay are employed to minimize the sensitivity of the sensors to small variations in the unavoidable time delay. Second, a novel approach to forecast bifurcations is applied to the sensors. This approach significantly reduces the time required to obtain bifurcation diagrams. Both techniques are demonstrated experimentally in detecting mass variations of a test cantilever beam. This cantilever-based sensor operating based on the bifurcation morphing method is shown to be accurate, quick and robust when these techniques are utilized.     

The effect of bonding layer properties on the dynamic behaviour of surface-bonded piezoelectric sensors

The dynamic behaviour of piezoelectric sensors depends on the bonding condition along the interface between the sensors and the host structure. This paper provides a comprehensive theoretical study of the effect of the bonding layer on the coupled electromechanical characteristics of a piezoelectric sensor bonded to an elastic substrate, which is subjected to a high frequency elastic wave. A sensor model with a viscoelastic bonding layer, which undergoes a shear deformation, is proposed to simulate the two dimensional electromechanical behaviour of the integrated system. Analytical solution of the problem is provided by using Fourier transform and solving the resulting integral equations in terms of the interfacial stress. Numerical simulation is conducted to study the effect of the bonding layer upon the dynamic response of the sensor under different loading frequencies. The results indicate that the modulus and the thickness of the bonding layer have significant effects on sensor response, but the viscosity of the bonding layer is relatively less important.     

惯性/重力匹配组合导航系统与可视化仿真

根据惯性/重力匹配组合导航系统的工作原理和特点,提出了基于 RANSA 思想的重力图匹配方法,采用此方法实现了重力图的鲁棒匹配。通过建立组合导航系统的数学模型,采用最优滤波技术实现了组合导航系统的信息融合。在此基础上,采用多种高级语言混合编程,设计实现了一套可视化的仿真软件,对该系统进行了可视化仿真研究。仿真实验结果表明,惯性/重力匹配组合系统相对于无辅助的惯性导航系统,其定位精度、速度精度均有较大的提高,也就是说采用重力匹配方法达到了校正惯导系统,实现高精度导航的目的。     

In situ fuel concentration measurement near a spark plug in a spray-guided direct-injection spark-ignition engine using infrared absorption method

Vaporized fuel concentration in a spray-guided direct-injection spark-ignition (SG-DISI) engine was measured using an optical sensor installed in a spark plug. A laser infrared absorption method was applied to quantify the instantaneous gasoline concentration near the spark plug. This paper discusses the feasibility of obtaining in situ air–fuel ratio measurements with this sensor installed inside an SG-DISI engine cylinder. First, the effects of the spray plume from a multi-hole injector on the vaporized fuel concentration measurements near the spark-plug sensor were examined using a visible laser. We determined the best position for the sensor in the engine, which was critical due to the spray and vapor plume formation. Then, a 3.392-μm He–Ne laser that coincided with the absorption line of the hydrocarbons was used as a light source to examine the stratified mixture found during ultra-lean engine operation. A combustible mixture existed around the spark plug during the injection period when a preset air–fuel ratio of 45.0 was used with different fuel injection timings and net mean effect pressure conditions. The effects of the orientation of the spark plug on the measured results and ignitability of the SG-DISI engine were examined. Orienting the spark plug vertically to one of the spray plumes provided more accurate results and better engine reliability. The study demonstrated that it was possible to qualify the air–fuel ratio near the spark plug during the injection period using the developed spark-plug sensor in an SG-DISI engine.     

基于车辆运动模型辅助的智能手机平台车载组合导航算法

随着智能手机硬件性能的提升以及MEMS传感器技术的发展和应用普及,现有中高端智能手机平台中大多安装有消费级的微惯性测量单元和GPS接收机模块,将这两者相互结合,利用一定的信息融合方法,即可实现连续的车载导航定位。在智能手机平台中所采用的消费级MEMS惯性传感器模块其精度很低,通常难以满足车载DR导航算法的性能需求;同时在车辆行驶过程中,不可避免会经过高架、隧道等路径,也会导致GPS信号受到遮挡和屏蔽从而无法定位。针对以上问题,设计了适用于智能手机平台的基于车辆运动模型辅助的车载DR/GPS组合导航方案,推导建立了基于车辆侧向速度约束的组合导航算法模型,并以智能手机作为验证平台,测试验证了所设计的算法在无GPS环境下,采用智能手机平台中的消费级MEMS惯性测量组件,仍然可以在短时间内维持较高的导航定位性能。     

A spatial motion analysis model of tracked vehicles with torsion bar type suspension

A spatial motion analysis model for high-mobility tracked vehicles was constructed for evaluation of ride performance, steerability, and stability on rough terrain. Ordinary high-mobility tracked vehicles are equipped with independent torsion bar type suspension system, which consists of road arms and road wheels. The road arm rotates about the axis of torsion bar, and rigidity of the torsion bar and cohesion of damper absorb sudden force change exerted by interaction with the ground. The motion of the road arms should be considered for the evaluation of off-road vehicle performance in numerical analysis model. In order to obtain equations of motion for the tracked vehicles, the equations of motion for the vehicle body and for the assembly of a road wheel and a road arm were constructed separately at first. Two sets of equations were reduced with the constraint equations, which the road arms are mechanically connected to the vehicle body. The equations of motion for the vehicle have been expressed with minimal set of variables of the same number as the degrees of freedom for the vehicle motion. We also included the effect of track tension in the equations without constructing equations of motion for the tracks. Numerical simulation based on the vehicle model and experiment of a scale model passing over a trapezoidal speed bump were performed in order to examine the numerical model. It was found that the numerical results reasonably predict the vehicle motion.     

On the accuracy of simultaneously measuring velocity component statistics in turbulent wall flows with arrays of three or four hot-wire sensors

A highly resolved turbulent channel flow direct numerical simulation (DNS) with Re _τ = 200 has been used to investigate the ability of probes made up of arrays of three or four hot-wire sensors to simultaneously and accurately measure statistics of all three velocity components in turbulent wall flows. Various virtual sensor arrangements have been tested in order to study the effects of position, number of sensors and spatial resolution on the measurements. First, the effective cooling velocity was determined for each sensor of an idealized probe, where the influence of the velocity component tangential to the sensors and flow blockage by the presence of the probe are neglected. Then, simulating the response of the virtual probes to obtain the effective velocities cooling the sensors, velocity component statistics have been calculated neglecting the velocity gradients over the probe sensing area. A strong influence of both mean and fluctuation velocity gradients on measurement accuracy was found. A new three-sensor array configuration designed to minimize the influence of the velocity gradients is proposed, and its accuracy is compared to two-sensor X- and V-array configurations.