Abstract: A method of arranging cyclic patterns in a tire tread is disclosed, wherein design cycles in each cyclic pattern are repeated in a pitch sequence; with respect to each of the design cycles, an averaged pitch of the pitch lengths of a predetermined number of subsequent design cycles is obtained; combinations of the sequences of the averaged pitches are defined by changing phase between the sequences; with respect to the averaged pitches of the combined sequences, crossover averages are obtained; from the crossover averages in each combination, a difference between a maximum and a minimum is obtained; from the differences of the combinations, a combination having a smaller difference is found; the cyclic patterns are arranged in accordance with the phase shift of the combination having the smaller difference.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling both the pressure and temperature at the engine air intake, engine crankcase, and at the engine exhaust so that pressure and temperature conditions are equilibrated. Engines are tested both at simulated high altitudes (operating air at barometric pressures lower than the local barometric pressure at the test site) and low altitudes (operating air at barometric pressure higher than the local barometer at the test site) and at a variety of operating air temperatures. The method and system provide for the balancing of air pressure at the engine air intake and crankcase and engine exhaust. The effect of unbalanced air pressure is on engine emission test results is demonstrated.

Abstract: Facilitating communication with automotive vehicle buses may be enabled using a vehicle gateway device (VGWD) and/or a vehicle gateway server (VGWS). In a described implementation, a VGWS may use a vehicle model database to translate requested vehicle data in a generic format from a generic data request into a vehicle-specific data format. VGWS may then send a vehicle-specific data request that has requested vehicle data in the vehicle-specific data format to a VGWD. The VGWD is able to acquire the desired vehicle data from a vehicle bus without translation using the vehicle-specific data format. The VGWD may forward the desired vehicle data in the vehicle-specific data format to the VGWS. The VGWS may then use the vehicle model database to translate the desired vehicle data in the vehicle-specific data format into desired vehicle data in a generic format. This desired generic vehicle data may be returned to a requesting entity.

Abstract: In a road traffic simulation apparatus that expresses a plurality of mobile units and road traffic environments on a computer to simulate traffic situations in association with a plurality of mobile units, each of the mobile units is expressed by a combination of a driver model, a model of driving operations of a virtual driver, and a vehicle dynamics model, a model of physical behaviors of a mobile unit. The mobile units are programmed to travel independently to each other in a road traffic environment that is expressed on the computer.

Abstract: System, method and computer product for baseline modeling a product or process. A service database contains process data. A preprocessor processes the data into a predetermined format. A baseline modeling component builds a baseline model from the preprocessed data, wherein the baseline model relates process performance variables as a function of process operating conditions.

Abstract: System, method and computer product for baseline modeling a product or process. A service database contains process data. A preprocessor processes the data into a predetermined format. A baseline modeling component builds a baseline model from the preprocessed data, wherein the baseline model relates process performance variables as a function of process operating conditions.

Abstract: System, method and computer-readable medium for baseline modeling a product or process. A service database contains process data. A preprocessor processes the data into a predetermined format. A baseline modeling component builds a baseline model from the preprocessed data, wherein the baseline model relates process performance variables as a function of process operating conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle package design system includes a data store of vehicle packages defined in terms of spatial dimensions relating vehicle hard points. A design engine adaptively renders a vehicle space based on a vehicle package, and, in response to user input defining a required change in a target spatial dimension, alters the target spatial dimension according to the required change, and alters one or more potentially altered spatial dimensions based on alteration of the target spatial dimension. A user interface communicates potentially altered spatial dimensions to the user, including indicating them as potentially altered according to alteration of the target spatial dimension.

Abstract: The portable simulation system is a computer-based driving simulator, which uses an actual vehicle as an input device, and a portable display to present a Virtual Driving Environment (VDE) to the driver. Vehicle's steered wheels are placed atop of the turntables permitting free operation of the steering wheel. The vehicle remains immobile while its engine and power steering can be turned off during the simulation. External non-invasive sensors can be placed under the gas and brake pedals, permitting any vehicle to be used in the simulator, including the driver's own vehicle. A digital interface to the vehicle's systems, like OBD II, can be used to increase the fidelity of the simulation. A portable computer used for driving simulation and VDE presentation provides a low cost simulation option. A simple configuration of the portable simulator does not require an external power source and can be set-up and operated at any parking space.

Abstract: Ranked fuzzy cartesian queries request top-K composite objects in a multimedia database. These composite objects, comprising multiple simple objects with their relations specified, are ranked by a fuzzy AND score of individual object properties and their fuzzy relations. Ranked fuzzy cartesian queries appeared in many different applications but were not fully exploited because of high computational complexity. In accordance with the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided for preprocessing a ranked fuzzy cartesian query to prune candidates which will not appear in the final top-K composite objects. Algorithms for processing queries against two simple objects and against three or more simple objects are separately described. These algorithms use a bound-and-prune technique to determine the candidates which can be removed from the search space. Disclosed methods are guaranteed to have no false dismissal.

Abstract: A simulator simulates battery discharge and charge by utilizing a visible fluid flow in conjunction with an electrical system. A display includes one or more switched vehicle accessories (211, 215, 219, 223) in conjunction with fluid running through one or more see-through tubes (301, 303, 305, 307, 309). A tank (101, 103) imitates the battery, and the fluid level is visible through a transparent panel in the tank (101). The fluid level in the tank (101) falls as vehicle start is simulated and/or accessories (211, 215, 219, 223) are turned on. When the fluid level in the tank (101) is low enough, the starter fails to operate, indicating that sufficient charge to start the battery is not present. As the fluid level continues to fall, the power to the accessories is reduced, until the electrical devices (211, 215, 219, 223) fail to operate, simulating a dead battery.

Abstract: A method is provided for quantifying design parameters for a moving mass ship roll stimulation system given a maximum angle of roll &thgr;MAX to be induced for a ship, a righting moment RM per degree of list for the ship, a natural roll period TN, a damping ratio &zgr; for the ship and a center of gravity for the ship. A total induced moment expression at the natural roll period TN is determined for the moving mass ship roll stimulation system as a function of a plurality of design parameters therefor. The total induced moment expression is equated to 2&zgr;&thgr;MAXRM and values for the design parameters are selected to satisfy the equality.

Abstract: Within a method for predicting customer satisfaction for a transportation vehicle there is measured for the transportation vehicle a Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) level within the transportation vehicle when an engine which powers the transportation vehicle is operating at wide open throttle. The method further provides for determining a customer satisfaction value for a specific transportation vehicle by means of interpolation or extrapolation from an existing correlation for a group of transportation vehicles within the same class. Such a correlation is obtained employing a Transformed Gamma Distribution (TGD) model or an aggregate combination of Transformed Gamma Distribution (TGD) models.

Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a unit's designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.

Abstract: A method of integrating computer visualization for the design of a vehicle includes the steps of determining a low-level geometric model of the vehicle and determining a modifiable parameter to modify the model of the vehicle. The method also includes the steps of morphing the model of the vehicle into a morphed model of the vehicle including the modifiable parameter using a computer visualization, and analyzing the morphed model of the vehicle using a computer aided engineering (CAE) analysis. The method further includes the steps of determining if the CAE analysis of the morphed model of the vehicle meets a predetermined criteria and using the morphed vehicle model in the design of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for acquiring driving data of a vehicle. Moreover, a computer program and a computer program product are put forward for carrying out the method. In the method described, a three-dimensional, kinematic vehicle model is calculated, including linear-motion-dynamics signals and lateral-motion-dynamics signals. This model can be utilized for reconstructing the vehicle movement.

Abstract: Method of simulating the performance of a vehicle on a roadway on a power train test bed with the help of torque-controlled electric load machines mounted on the shafts of the power train of the vehicle and with the help of a computer with a vehicle model stored therein and a tire model simulating the slip-dependent friction, in which method the angular wheel speed is measured on at least one of the shafts, and the tire model determines a force transmitted from the tire to the roadway at this angular wheel speed on the basis of the tire model using a vehicle velocity and a tire normal force, and it also determines a setpoint torque for this force for the torque-controlled load machine mounted on this shaft, in such a way that a difference corresponding to the actual slip is established between the measured angular wheel speed and a nominal angular wheel speed value corresponding to the vehicle velocity used in the tire model and calculated in the vehicle model with feedback of the force transferred to the roa

Abstract: A car engineering assist system and method establish a master data and set a computer-generated virtual car model to represent at least a portion of a product design specification (PDS) of a test car. A real time simulator performs computer simulation of a test module using the car model, which has been set to represent at least the portion of the PDS of the test car, to produce a simulation result. A logic unit performs conformity assessment of the test module based on the simulation result and the master data.

Abstract: A method of modeling a tire is provided. The tire model is used in simulating vehicle response to a simulated ground profile. The tire has an undeformed envelope that defines the outer circumference when no forces are exerted on the tire. The method includes the steps of mathematically characterizing the tire undeformed envelope and a simulated ground profile. Integrating the characterized simulated ground profile and the characterized tire undeformed envelope with respect to the horizontal direction such that a tire deformed area is determined. Calculating the magnitude of the resultant force vector from the deformed area. Determining the direction of the resultant force vector.

Abstract: A method of transferring files between a computer on board a train and a remote station including determining if the remote station is within range of the train and establishing wireless communication between the onboard computer and the remote station. Next, the computer determines whether there are files to be transferred, and if so, transfers the file. If the remote station has updates to be transferred to the train, such updates are transferred to the onboard computer. Files and updates are also transferred between remote stations and between remote stations and a home base station. A method of adjusting a simulator includes inputting data from the train onto a simulator. The simulator is operated with the data and the simulator automatically adjusts the parameters of the simulator until the data of the simulator matches the data from the train. The data can then be process and analyzed.

Abstract: Maintenance procedures for an article such as a component of a gas turbine engine are analyzed by defining a set of workscopes that may be performed upon the article, gathering maintenance frequency information for each type of subsequent trailing workscope that may be performed after a prior leading workscope, for a sample set of maintenance procedures, and determining a measured sample workscope mix in the form of a set of trailing workscope probabilities as a function of each leading workscope. A projected workscope mix is projected for a set of maintenance procedures from the measured sample workscope mix. From the projected workscope mix, labor, supplies, and monetary estimates for maintenance procedures may be calculated. Alternative maintenance strategies may be readily compared using this approach.

Abstract: A simulating method for vehicle/tire performances which includes: a tire model preparing step (s1) of preparing a tire model of a tire including a ply made out of a finite number of elements; a vehicle body model preparing step (s2) of preparing a vehicle body model of a vehicle body including suspension members made out of a finite number of elements; a vehicle model preparing step (s3) of preparing a vehicle model by attaching the tire model to a suspension model of the suspension members in the vehicle body model; and a simulation step (s4, s5) of virtually running the vehicle model by giving a boundary condition, and estimating vehicle's traveling properties and/or a tire property.

Abstract: A method of generating a calibration crash sensor pulse using the combination of a generated high frequency band of response (HFB) from a non-destructive impact test and a generated low frequency band (LFB) of response from computer aided engineering analysis.

Abstract: A method of simulating tire performance of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) preparing a tire model by dividing a patterned tire, which includes a pattern formed from a plurality of land portions, into plural parts, and expressing each part by a part model formed from a large number of divisional elements, and combining a plurality of the part models; (b) expressing a suspension as a suspension model formed from a large number of divisional elements; and (c) analyzing performance of the patterned tire in a state in which the patterned tire is in use, by using, as one numerical computational model, a first numerical computational model including the tire model and a second numerical computational model including the suspension model. In accordance with the present invention, when simulating tire performance, creation of a model and change between plural patterns can be easily performed.

Abstract: An engine crankshaft torque observer (10) and method of operation. An engine combustion process (14) is modeled (26) to develop modeled pressure estimates of combustion chamber pressures in engine cylinders according to certain engine inputs, such as fuel (20), EGR (22), and timing (24), that influence combustion chamber pressures. Kinematics (16) relating reciprocal motion of pistons in the engine cylinders to an engine crankshaft and engine friction (18) relating running friction of the engine to engine crankshaft rotation are also modeled (28; 30). A processor processes the certain engine inputs through the combustion process model to develop modeled pressure estimates which are processed through the kinematics model to develop modeled positive torque contribution due to combustion processes and through the friction model to develop modeled torque loss due to running friction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simulating the driving behavior of vehicles on a test stand in which the engine of the vehicle is coupled on the test stand to an electronically controllable braking apparatus and a simulation model calculates simulation values of variables which are representative of the driving state of the vehicle in that the reaction of the vehicle to the behavior of the engine and the values of the variables as determined immediately prior thereto are calculated, with at least the vehicle speed and the slip occurring in the driving wheels being calculated as variables. An improved calculation can be achieved in such a way that for controlling the braking apparatus a virtual vehicle speed is used which is changed by a corrective value which depends on the slip.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and filtering non-violation events in a traffic light violation prediction and recording system, including at least one violation prediction image capturing device, such as a video camera, and a violation prediction unit. The prediction unit generates a prediction reflecting a probability that the vehicle will violate a red light phase of the traffic signal. A non-violation event filter determines whether the vehicle approaching the traffic signal is actually performing a non-violation action. Non-violation events may include a variety of actions performed by the vehicle, and are fully configurable to meet the needs and policies of various specific intersections and jurisdictions. When the non-violation event filter determines that the vehicle is performing a non-violation action, it causes some number of resources that may have been allocated to recording the non-violating vehicle, and/or prevents further resources from being allocated to such recording.

Abstract: A method for producing a simulator program includes: generating video and audio information from a camera mounted on a vehicle to be simulated; measuring motion data according to a pose change of the camera; processing the motion data and generating motion effect data comprising position and rotary motion information including acceleration and angular velocity for each axis x, y, and z; separating a motion unit from the motion data to generate a motion unit data stream and synchronizing the motion unit data with video/audio data; recognizing and determining a motion unit representing position and rotary motion information for each axis based on the motion unit data stream; and generating a control unit representing position and rotary motion information suitable for a simulator having a fixed degree of freedom and a fixed movement space, based on the motion unit, and producing a control unit shift function and composite control data.

Abstract: An algorithim for modeling the interaction of two colliding rigid objects. The algorithm allows the search of the optimal position and stabilization of two rigid objects when they are in contact due to a force pushing them against each other. The method does use mathematical integration and does not use any initial acceleration or speed conditioning for the results. The pushing direction can be changed at any time of the search for a correct specification. The moving solid is translated and rotated incrementally toward the equilibrium position and orientation in a non-natural way but leading to the same final attitude in a large range of initial conditions. One important novelty of this algorithm is the modeling of rotations involved for the moving object to go toward the natural position and orientation it should adopt. This can be done by the detection of torque during the search and the determination of the center of rotation in a quadratic time.

Abstract: Optimized control algorithms for a vehicle automatic climate control system (ACCS) are developed using math-based models of the vehicle, the ACCS and a vehicle occupant. The models are cross-coupled in closed-loop fashion with feedback from both vehicle systems and occupant. A first feedback loop including the vehicle and the ACCS, simulates how the ACCS interacts with the cabin environment; and a second feedback loop including the vehicle, the ACCS and the occupant, simulates how the occupant will adjust the ACCS to optimize comfort. When the system arrives at a control algorithm that satisfies control objectives and optimizes occupant comfort, an auto-code generation tool is used to create program code directly from the control model, which may be downloaded into a test vehicle for final system confirmation and calibration.

Abstract: A method for determining preselected performance characteristics of a tire tread includes the steps of dividing the tread into a 3-D grid of cells; dividing a tread contact area into longitudinal and transversal strips; associating a longitudinal or transversal stiffness value with each strip using a linear relationship; assigning a preselected deformation state to each longitudinal and transversal strip; determining at least one single force, associated with each strip and acting in the longitudinal or transversal direction by means of the stiffness value and the deformation state; determining at least one total force associated with each contact area by summing all single forces, the total force representing at least one of the performance characteristics; determining a pattern of the total forces of all the contact areas; and analyzing the pattern of total forces to evaluate whether they assume values that optimize at least one preselected performance characteristic of the tread.

Abstract: A portable train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A first program drives the display to depict indicia of a control stand and to respond to control inputs from the input device. A second program drives the display to depict a track to be traversed from a data file in response to the control inputs. A virtual control stand is one of the elements that allows the true portability of a train simulator. The system can display and switch between the present operating parameters of the train and/or a history of the operating parameters of the train, as selected by the input device. Thus, the system can switch from playback mode to simulation mode to provide a take-over of recorded conditions to allow an operator to explore alternate methods for managing the train.

Abstract: A spacecraft emulation system that can emulate both the attitude control subsystem and the non-attitude control subsystem is integrated into a single compact unit. The unit includes an emulated spacecraft control processor for processing attitude control information and an emulated central command and telemetry unit for interfacing simulated spacecraft data. The inlet also includes a first simulation engine that is operative to simulate the spacecraft attitude control system and a second simulation engine that is operative to simulate the spacecraft power, thermal, propulsion and payload subsystems. Both the first and second simulation engines are connected to the emulated spacecraft control processor via a respective bus. A host computer provides the command data and receives the telemetry data from the emulated spacecraft control processor.

Abstract: A remote control locomotive simulator including a display and a first input device similar to a remote control locomotive controller to be operated by the operator to provide train signals. A computer drives the display to move a train relative to a track in response to the train signals. A remote control locomotive controller may be an actual remote control locomotive system or may be a virtual remote control locomotive controller where the input device is one or more of a keyboard, a mouse or a touch screen of the computer. Data associated with a simulator session of this device is recorded and made available for real-time or post-processing analysis including visual review of train management using the included computer generated graphics system.

Abstract: In a product development support method and apparatus, an original solid model of a casing part of a vehicular air conditioner is formed, and an original solid model of an air space part in the casing part is formed by using the solid model of the casing unit. Analysis impediment elements are searched. The analysis impediment elements which require a long period of time for calculation process are removed from the solid model to determined an analysis solid model. Flow analysis is performed by applying boundary conditions to the analysis solid model which are divided into meshes. Analysis results are displayed so that a product model may be finalized based on the analysis results.

Abstract: A method of optimized design of an HVAC air-handling assembly for a climate control system on a vehicle includes the steps of generating a basic design of the HVAC air-handling assembly and analyzing a performance of the basic design of the HVAC air-handling assembly using an engineering analytical technique. The method also includes the steps of varying the basic design of the HVAC air-handling assembly based on the performance analysis and using the optimized basic design of the HVAC air-handling assembly in generating the HVAC air-handling assembly design.

Abstract: An interference removal system is provided for determining the possible removal of a component from an assembly where the component to be removed is in an environment including other components that interfere with its removal. The system uses dimensional data to define the removal component and its environment including other components. A boundary space is established around the removal component where the boundary space includes another component interfering with removal of the removal component. The removal component then randomly moves within the boundary space until it is free from interference with its environment. The system is intended to assist in automated path planning by removing initial interference conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and filtering non-violation events in a traffic light violation prediction and recording system, including at least one violation prediction image capturing device, such as a video camera, and a violation prediction unit. The prediction unit generates a prediction reflecting a probability that the vehicle will violate a red light phase of the traffic signal. A non-violation event filter determines whether the vehicle approaching the traffic signal is actually performing a non-violation action. Non-violation events may include a variety of actions performed by the vehicle, and are fully configurable to meet the needs and policies of various specific intersections and jurisdictions. When the non-violation event filter determines that the vehicle is performing a non-violation action, resources that may have been allocated to recording the non-violating vehicle may be released, and a determination may be made that additional resources need not be allocated to such recording.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simulation based environment that allows a product based engineer, with a modest understanding of complex software programs, to use complex math models. The system provides an interface by which basic component models can be used within the simulation. Allowances are made for particular variables to be adaptable by the product based engineer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for developing an engine model. The system broadly comprises a module for generating a state variable model of an engine, which module receives a plurality of inputs to an engine representative of a particular flight condition and generates a set of estimated engine parameters representative of the model. The system further comprises a comparator for comparing the set of estimated engine parameters to a set of measured engine parameters for generating a set of residuals and an artificial neural network module to be trained and to be used in an implementation configuration after training has been completed. The artificial neural network receives the set of residuals and the engine inputs during a training phase and generates a set of estimated residuals representative of the engine condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is to provide a design method and design system for a vehicular lamp, a program to execute designing of vehicular lamp and a record medium recording the program, which are capable of improving an efficiency of designing a lamp satisfying design conditions including performance conditions required as the vehicular lamp and restriction conditions given to each lamp. A vehicular lamp design system 1 includes: a database unit 2 having standard database 21 registering standard data of a lamp and technology database 22 registering technology data including shape templates utilizable as shape data; and a lamp preparation unit 3. The standard data selection part 31 of the lamp preparation unit 3 generates design data by selecting standard data from the standard database 21 based on given design conditions. The morphing control part 32 updates the design data by use of the parameterized shape templates of the technology database 22 and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is to provide a design method and design system for a vehicular lamp, a program to execute designing of vehicular lamp and a record medium recording the program, which are capable of improving an efficiency of designing a lamp satisfying design conditions including performance conditions required as the vehicular lamp and restriction conditions given to each lamp. A vehicular lamp design system 1 includes: a database unit 2 having a standard database 21 registering standard data of a lamp and a technology database 22 registering technology data; and a lamp preparation unit 3 having a standard data selection part 31 and a morphing control part 32. The standard data selection part 31 generates design data by selecting standard data from the standard database 21 based on given design conditions. The morphing control part 32 updates a necessary part of the design data by use of the technology data of the technology database 22.

Abstract: An assembly 10 which allows a vehicular damper to be virtually created and evaluated. Particularly, the assembly 10 includes a torque producer 31, a frequency filter generator 50, and analyzers32, 34, 36 and 38. The torque produce 31selectively produces a torque signal which is combined with a selected frequency filter provided by the generator 50, thereby producing a dampened signal which is communicated to a transmission assembly 14. The analyzer detects noise and vibration and allows a designer to evaluate the chosen frequency filter. Other filters may be used and a filter is selected based upon the noise and vibration measurements made by the analyzers 32, 34, 36, and 38. An actual damper is then constructed having a frequency characteristic which is substantially similar to the frequency characteristic of the chosen frequency filter.

Abstract: A simulation system for operation of simulated weapons on moving vehicles includes a platform for supporting a trainee and an actuator operable with the platform for providing pitch and roll movement to the platform in conformance with pre-recorded live movements. A demilitarized weapon is operated from the platform with the weapon providing a weapon triggering signal to a system computer. A pulsed laser light source is attached to the barrel of the weapon for emitting a beam and placing an infrared spot onto a video projection screen which displays a recorded scene provided by a video projector. A spot tracker continuously tracks the spot as the trainee aims the weapon toward selected targets within the scene, and provides coordinate location data representative of spot locations on the screen.

Abstract: A grid convergence solution computation system computes a computed value (Ahigh) Of high-order accuracy, using a single grid, computes a computed value (Alow) of low-order accuracy, using the same single grid, and computes a grid convergence solution based on the relation between the computed value (Ahigh) of high-order accuracy and the computed value (Alow) of low-order accuracy on an assumption that the relation between the computed value (Ahigh) of high-order accuracy, the computed value (Alow) of low-order accuracy, and the grid convergence solution (Aconv) is substantially constant regardless of fineness or coarseness of the grid. The grid convergence solution computation system computes a highly accurate grid convergence solution (Aconv) by using small computational complexity.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire assembly 10 is provided, including a flexible polymer steering column shaft 12 having a fixed end 14 and a free rotational end 16, and a control feature 22 in communication with said free rotational end 16. The flexible polymer steering column shaft 12 provides mechanical feel to the steer-by-wire system where prior mechanically actuated or servomotor devices were required.

Abstract: A modeling method of a steering system for a vehicle comprises the steps of interpreting a coupled relation between an upper tube and a lower tube comprising a steering column, interpreting a coupled relation between the upper tube and an upper bracket and a coupled relation between the lower tube and a lower bracket, and interpreting the movement of a bearing mounted between a steering axle and a steering column using a cylindrical coordinate, thereby improving credibility relative to the interpretation result of a model When the interpretation result is applied to an actual vehicle, the impact absorption capacity and idle vibration capacity are greatly increased, thereby improving the performance of the overall steering system and ensuring safety to the occupants of the vehicle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for selecting or designing a product, such as a muffler, having a sound output which is less stressful or more pleasing. The process includes the steps of sensing at least one physiological response of a subject (21) while the subject listens to an initial sound output, repeating the sensing step for the new sound output, comparing the physiological responses, and selecting the sound output for use in selecting or designing the product which output produces the physiological response that is the least stressful or most pleasing to the subject. The apparatus includes an audio playback device (15), a sound recording (16) of the initial sound, a sound recording (16) of the new sound, and physiological monitoring apparatus (17) suitable for attachment to and monitoring of the physiological responses of the test subject (21) to the playback of the sound recordings.

Abstract: An adaptive aero-thermodynamic engine model is disclosed which incorporates a plurality of model engine operating parameters, a plurality of nominal component efficiencies and corresponding efficiency modifier functions. The engine model is adapted by measuring a plurality of engine operating parameters corresponding to the plurality of model engine operating parameters during steady state operation of the engine over a plurality of data points, matching each of the model engine operating parameters to respective measured engine operating parameters by iteratively adapting each of the nominal component efficiencies using the corresponding efficiency modifier functions, estimating actual component efficiencies based upon the adapted nominal component efficiencies, and inputting the estimated actual component efficiencies into the engine model.

Abstract: A method for analyzing and designing structures with structural aliasing. The concept of structural aliasing applies in one embodiment of the present invention to structural systems which are cyclically symmetric. In analyzing and designing structural systems such as wheel assemblies of gas turbine engines, it is possible to group the discrete components so as to aliasingly couple particular ordered excitations and harmonic families. With structural aliasing, it is possible to couple the ordered excitations and harmonic families such that resonant response of the wheel assembly does not occur within the operating range of the engine, and also to have the resonant vibratory mode excited in such a manner that the drive coupling of the wheel dampens the wheel assembly.