Abstract: Aluminum structures, such as tactical vehicle hulls, include plural aluminum components formed from a first alloy composition and joined by one or more welded seam(s). The welded seam(s) may be formed by friction stir welding and/or gas metal arc welding using welding wire made from the first alloy composition. In this manner, all component parts are made from the same alloy composition, providing a more homogeneous structure. The welded component parts then may be placed in a heat treatment furnace to temper the structure. Because essentially all of the aluminum structure before heat treating—the welded seam(s) and the individual component parts—is formed of the same starting material and these parts/seam(s) are simultaneously and evenly heat treated, the resultant hardened, heat-treated part (e.g., a vehicle hull) has a more homogeneous hardened/heat treated structure in the individual parts and across the welded seam(s).

Abstract: Aluminum structures, such as tactical vehicle hulls, include plural aluminum components formed from a first alloy composition and joined by one or more welded seam(s). The welded seam(s) may be formed by friction stir welding and/or gas metal arc welding using welding wire made from the first alloy composition. In this manner, all component parts are made from the same alloy composition, providing a more homogeneous structure. The welded component parts then may be placed in a heat treatment furnace to temper the structure. Because essentially all of the aluminum structure before heat treating—the welded seam(s) and the individual component parts—is formed of the same starting material and these parts/seam(s) are simultaneously and evenly heat treated, the resultant hardened, heat-treated part (e.g., a vehicle hull) has a more homogeneous hardened/heat treated structure in the individual parts and across the welded seam(s).

Abstract: An example roll control device uses differential pressure values, for example, that are conveyed by a motor driven pump to a first actuator associated with a first stabilizer. The differential pressure values are also conveyed from the motor driven pump to a second stabilizer through a proportional valve in one example. In another example, multiple actuators are utilized with each actuator being associated with a separate motor driven pump in communication with a common controller.

Abstract: A roll control actuator for a stabilizer bar includes an outer housing that is fixed to a first bar portion and a shaft that is fixed to a second bar portion. The shaft is helically connected to a piston that is received within an interior chamber formed inside the outer housing. The piston separates the interior chamber into first and second fluid chambers. An anti-rotation mechanism is fixed to the outer housing and cooperates with the piston to restrict the piston to axial movement relative to the outer housing. The first and second fluid chambers are selectively pressurized to control roll stiffness by moving the piston within the outer housing.

Abstract: An example roll control device uses differential pressure values, for example, that are conveyed by a motor driven pump to a first actuator associated with a first stabilizer. The differential pressure values are also conveyed from the motor driven pump to a second stabilizer through a proportional valve in one example. In another example, multiple actuators are utilized with each actuator being associated with a separate motor driven pump in communication with a common controller.

Abstract: A roll control actuator for a stabilizer bar includes an outer housing that is fixed to a first bar portion and a paddle member that is fixed to a second bar portion. The roll control actuator includes multiple fluid chambers with different fluid volumes. A control is used to selectively adjust roll stiffness of the stabilizer bar and includes a control valve in fluid communication with an accumulator. The first and second stabilizer bars can rotate relative to each other when the control valve is open to decrease roll stiffness and provide good ride quality. When the control valve is open, fluid flows freely between the fluid chambers. The first and second bar portions are hydraulically locked together when the control valve is closed to increase roll stiffness during cornering maneuvers. When the control valve is closed, the accumulator is isolated from the roll control actuator and fluid flow through the fluid chambers cannot occur due to differing fluid volumes.

Abstract: A roll control actuator for a stabilizer bar includes an outer housing that is fixed to a first bar portion and a paddle member that is fixed to a second bar portion. The roll control actuator includes multiple fluid chambers with different fluid volumes. A control is used to selectively adjust roll stiffness of the stabilizer bar and includes a control valve in fluid communication with an accumulator. The first and second stabilizer bars can rotate relative to each other when the control valve is open to decrease roll stiffness and provide good ride quality. When the control valve is open, fluid flows freely between the fluid chambers. The first and second bar portions are hydraulically locked together when the control valve is closed to increase roll stiffness during cornering maneuvers. When the control valve is closed, the accumulator is isolated from the roll control actuator and fluid flow through the fluid chambers cannot occur due to differing fluid volumes.

Abstract: A roll control actuator for a stabilizer bar includes an outer housing that is fixed to a first bar portion and a shaft that is fixed to a second bar portion. The shaft is helically connected to a piston that is received within an interior chamber formed inside the outer housing. The piston separates the interior chamber into first and second fluid chambers. An anti-rotation mechanism is fixed to the outer housing and cooperates with the piston to restrict the piston to axial movement relative to the outer housing. The first and second fluid chambers are selectively pressurized to control roll stiffness by moving the piston within the outer housing.