Abstract: A flutter test model is provided that utilizes a novel approach for fixing wing elements to an elastic spar, resulting in reduced airflow disturbance. A test wing has an elastic spar that simulates the elasticity of a wing of an actual airplane, and a plurality of wing elements that simulate the external shape of the wing of the actual airplane. A pair of fore and aft anchor members are fixed to the elastic spar by bolts, the wing element that is formed by stereolithography is fitted around the anchor members from the wing tip side, and the wing element is fastened to the anchor members by bolts that run through the wing element from the wing tip side. A weight, which is a tungsten rod, is housed in a weight support hole formed in the wing element. The anchor members and the bolts are not exposed on the surface of the wing element and the airflow over the surface of the test wing is not disturbed when a flutter test is carried out in a wind tunnel, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the flutter test.

Abstract: A method of power steering hose assembly design and analysis for a power steering system in a vehicle includes the steps of selecting a mesh model of a design for a power steering system, wherein the power steering system includes a power steering hose assembly having a noise attenuation device. The method also includes the steps of selecting a predetermined characteristic of the power steering system for a predetermined operating condition, performing an acoustic analysis on the mesh model using the predetermined characteristic and determining an acoustic response of the power steering hose assembly from the acoustic analysis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for simulating the movement of motor vehicle and bicycle traffic in an environment. Among other things, the system and method scan all traffic signals in the environment over a predetermined time interval, and then update parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment. The system and method also check whether any parking activity was generated for the predetermined time period, and simulates pedestrian movement in the environment. Finally, the system and method simulate motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment using predetermined acceleration and deceleration rates, a motor vehicle following model, and a lane changing model.

Abstract: The invention uses an actual mobile vehicle whose operation is to be simulated, combined with computer-based image generation devices, and velocity, acceleration, and/or position measurement tools to improve the simulated operation of the vehicle, including perception of and response to hazards. Using the actual vehicle whose operation is to be simulated improves operator vestibular cues, visual cues, and motion fidelity, thereby producing a safer, less expensive means to produce the simulation.

Abstract: A system and method that utilizes information relating to vehicle damage information including damaged vehicle area information, crush depth of the damaged areas information, and vehicle component-by-component damage information to estimate the relative velocities of vehicles involved in a collision. The change in velocity is estimated using a plurality of methods, and a determination is made as to which method provided a result that is likely to be more accurate, based on the damage information, and the types of vehicles involved. The results from each method may also be weighted and combined to provide a multi-method estimate of the closing velocity. The methods include using crash test data from one or more sources, estimating closing velocity based on the principals of conservation of momentum, and estimating closing velocity based on deformation energy resulting from the collision.

Abstract: A layout system manages a designated layout space with a set of inscribed rectangles. Whenever an object is input, the layout system determines a layout position of the object in the layout space according to a designated priority rule. The layout system simulates the layout process for various conditions so as to optimize the layout of objects.

Abstract: The cockpit and external appearance of a racing car are accurately simulated. A spherical mirror display is attached to the underside of the hood of the simulator. When the hood is raised, a video presentation is projected onto a display screen via first and second mirrors and the image on the display screen is reflected off of the spherical mirror to the player “driving” the simulated racing car. In the preferred embodiment, the spherical mirror is a thin acrylic sheet molded to the desired curvature. A mirror surface is formed on the concave surface of the molded sheet and a sheet of foam plastic is scored on one side so that the foam plastic sheet conforms to the reverse concave side of the molded acrylic sheet. The foam sheet is molded to the thin acrylic sheet mirror to rigidly support the acrylic sheet mirror in the desired curvature.

Abstract: A layout system manages a designated layout space with a set of inscribed rectangles. Whenever an object is input, the layout system determines a layout position of the object in the layout space according to a designated priority rule.

Abstract: A simulator comprising computer-aided design programs for simulating a shift control algorithm stored in an ECU of an automatic transmission having hydraulic clutches. In the simulator, a simplified hydraulic describing the behavior of the clutch is designed and is incorporated with a model describing the entire system so as to design a third model based on which simulation is conducted. With this, by using such a simplified model, it becomes possible to decrease simulation time to 4 sec., enabling to simulation in a time close to an actual shift of approximately 1.5 sec. Moreover, the durability of transmission is tested by repeating the simulation. When the occurrence of undesirable shift phenomenon is forecast in the simulation, the shift control algorithm is corrected until the phenomenon disappears in the next simulation. With this, the manufacturing of a test transmission and a preliminary test are no longer needed, thereby further improving the efficiency and costs of transmission development.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for designing an energy-absorbing impact zone for a vehicle interior, including acquiring test data representative of an occupant, determining a force versus deflection curve for the vehicle impact zone, analyzing the force versus deflection curve, and utilizing the analysis to adjust the stiffness of the energy-absorbing impact zone and to shape the force versus deflection curve so that a constant area under the force versus deflection curve has the minimum deflection possible without exceeding a certain force limit and a certain head impact criterion.

Abstract: A system and method enables nontechnical personnel to provide information relating to vehicle damage information via a graphical user interface of a computer system. The information provided by the user includes damaged vehicle area information, crush depth of the damaged areas information, and vehicle component-by-component damage information. This information is utilized by a &Dgr;V determination module executing on a processor to, for example, obtain respective overall vehicle damage ratings for each vehicle of two vehicles involved in a collision. The overall damage rating is obtained by applying a set of rules, based on a uniform quantification of component-by-component damage, to the subject vehicles and an identical or sister test vehicle from one or more crash tests which provide damage information.

Abstract: A visualization system for enabling a user to select a vehicle and to overlay images of various user-selected accessories onto an image of the vehicle to cause a computer to display an image of the desired combination includes a database that stores digitized images of various vehicles and accessories. The accessories can be photographed separately from the vehicle, so that it is not necessary to photograph an accessorized vehicle for each one of the potentially thousands of vehicle/accessory combinations. The database correlates accessories and colors, with prices and other data, to the relevant vehicles. An Internet user can access the database over the Internet to select a vehicle with user-defined accessories, and then a composite image of the vehicle with accessories is presented to the user.

Abstract: A three-way catalyst model (50) and a method for modeling the dynamic response of a three-way catalyst that divides the catalyst response into sub-regions (1-7) . A sub-model (44) is constructed that represents each sub-region (1-7) . Each sub-model (44) is assigned unique attributes at which the sub-model is activated. The attributes are based on the system parameters and states. The states may be either continuous or discrete and define a hybrid state space. A larger or smaller number of sub-regions (1-7) can be utilized based on the model's (50) use and the accuracy desired for the model (50).

Abstract: A method is provided for generating a quadrilateral mesh and a hexahedral mesh. First, a geometric model, which is an object of meshing, is input. The model is either two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Multiple bubbles of a plurality of types are generated in a region of the geometric model. The bubbles are moved according to an interbubble force defined by a predetermined rule, and the bubble count is controlled to adjust a neighboring relationship between the bubbles, so that the stable allocation of the bubbles are determined. By connecting the centers of bubbles of a specific type, a mesh is generated.

Abstract: To provide a method of assisting in the design of a vehicular suspension by allowing definition points inherent in suspensions to be easily recognized regardless of the different types and mechanisms thereof, and allowing specification values to be simply entered at the definition points. A method of assisting in the design of a vehicular suspension to generate a simulation model for a suspension using a CAD system includes the steps of indicating a suspension to be designed, opening a specification value entering window for entering specification values inherent in the indicated suspension, entering specification values at definition points inherent in the indicated suspension in the specification value entering window, and generating a simulation model based on the specification values at the definition points.

Abstract: This invention proposes a simulation apparatus which can simulate by easily coping with changes in component and model. A simulation apparatus simulates, using a system model, the dynamic performance of a target apparatus to be simulated, which includes a driving source and is constructed by a plurality of units for transmitting the driving force output from the driving source, and expresses the target apparatus by functional and data models. The functional model expresses each of units that construct the target apparatus by exchange of energy by the dynamic performance of that unit, and a parameter which determines that dynamic performance. The parameter for each unit is computed using static characteristic data read out from a memory, thus expressing each unit as a data model.

Abstract: Process for designing flight controllers, in which first for the rigid airplane and then for the elastic airplane the damping and the phase delay for each excitation frequency is determined, and the flight controller is adapted in such a manner that the structural responses to each excitation frequency for both the rigid airplane and the elastic airplane in the open control circuit outside two design fields, applicable to the elastic airplane, are laid around the instability points in the data field comprising damping and phase delay, whereby for the design of the elastic airplane between the phase delays of −270 degrees and −495 degrees, a damping exceeding −6 dB is allowed.

Abstract: A simulator having a computer-aided design (CAD) programs for verifying algorithms of a shift controller of an automatic transmission. The simulator includes a simulator main unit (a computer) which stores the programs and inputs the algorithm, and pseudo-signal generator which generates pseudo signals including operation signals for the hydraulic actuators. The programs includes first calculating means for calculating outputs of first to third models describing behavior of the engine, the transmission and the vehicle body at a first calculation cycle based on the algorithm and the pseudo signals. A second calculating means inputs the calculated outputs of the first and second models and calculates an output of a fourth model describing non-linear behavior in the second model at a second calculation cycle, shorter than the first calculation cycle, and verifies the algorithm based on the outputs of the first models.

Abstract: A method for designing a variable cycle gas turbine engine having a fan assembly with a maximum air flow there through and a maximum pressure ratio there across during operation at a fan speed and a plurality of variable pitch vanes, which method includes the steps of selecting a first operating point of the variable cycle gas turbine engine at a fan speed having about maximum air flow through the fan assembly at a pressure ratio substantially less than maximum pressure ratio and selecting a second operating point of the variable cycle gas turbine engine at about the fan speed, wherein the second operating point has about the maximum pressure ratio across the fan assembly at an air flow through the fan assembly substantially less than the maximum air flow. A reference point having a reference air flow through the fan assembly and a reference pressure ratio across the fan assembly is selected.

Abstract: A satellite simulator to aid in the development and test of a spacecraft command and telemetry application for ground stations permits a satellite simulator to be implemented effectively and with less cost than has traditionally been possible with customized systems. From the spacecraft command and telemetry processing system, the present invention appears as a satellite that can provide a configurable telemetry stream and can accept configurable commands. The invention provides core satellite simulation capabilities required for ground station spacecraft command and telemetry processing systems such as OS/COMET or for large-scale simulation networks such as multi-service simulation systems. The present invention offers an inexpensive risk mitigation that relieves application developers of total dependency on the satellite simulation development schedule. Moreover, the present invention can be used to demonstrate the features of ground station application systems.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an improved nonlinear system model includes generating a linear system model and using a response therefrom to generate the nonlinear system model. A method and system for generating drive signals for a test system uses the improved nonlinear system model or a conventional nonlinear system model.

Abstract: A real-time data management system which uses data generated at different rates, by multiple heterogeneous incompatible data sources. In one embodiment, the invention is as an airport surface traffic data management system (traffic adviser) that electronically interconnects air traffic control, airline, and airport operations user communities to facilitate information sharing and improve taxi queuing. The system uses an expert system to fuse data from a variety of airline, airport operations, ramp control, and air traffic control sources, in order to establish, predict, and update reference data values for every aircraft surface operation.

Abstract: A reconfigurable hardware interface for driving simulators that uses a field programmable gate array for interfacing with driving controls and instruments. The field programmable gate array is interposed between the input/output of the computer system of the driving simulator and the vehicle cab of the driving simulator. This provides convenience in quickly adapting a driving simulator to a particular type of cab and controls, as well as other functions.

Abstract: Chip carrier topology including a plurality of bond lines radiating from a line of chip pads to at least one of zero or more finger lines and zero or more voltage lines is defined by first collecting topology parameters selected from the set including the number of rows of fingers; the spacing between rows of fingers; finger style, said finger style being one of arc-of-circle, constant-bond-length, and encompassing-rectangle; location of voltage rings; value of voltage rings; location of chip pads; voltage of chip pads; dimensions of output fingers; minimum finger pair spacing; maximum finger angle with respect to its bond line; minimum spacing of bond line terminations at voltage rings; and minimum spacing of bond line terminations with respect to and adjacent bond line which terminates at a finger. A plurality of possible topology solutions are generated, and a single possible topology solution selected for further processing.

Abstract: The method and system for aiding in the design of an automotive vehicle enables dynamic placement of particle injection points into a flow domain to permit visual observation and alteration of resulting particle trajectories with respect to a computer aided design model representative of the vehicle. Various particle trajectories, representing windshield washer spray, water droplets along the vehicle surface, and the like can be simulated relative to the vehicle surface with or without the influence of a flow field around the vehicle surface to evaluate a vehicle design, compare alternate designs and compare results from physical aerodynamic tests to predicted results.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle active suspension system having a plurality of actuatable hydraulic motors, each corner having a motor connecting the sprung mass with its associated unsprung mass. Each motor has an associated spool valve for connecting either of two expandable fluid chambers of said motor to a pump or reservoir. Each corner has an associated force sensor for sensing the force value between its associated unsprung mass and the sprung mass. An analog, closed force loop control circuit provides a valve control signal having a value functionally related to the difference between a sensed force value and a desired force value for a selected corner. The closed loop control circuit includes a variable gain amplifier for controlling the value of the valve control signal as a function of the frequency of variations in the difference between the sensed force value and the desired force value on the selected corner.

Abstract: A satellite simulator to aid in the development and test of a spacecraft command and telemetry application for ground stations permits a satellite simulator to be implemented effectively and with less cost than has traditionally been possible with customized systems. From the spacecraft command and telemetry processing system, the present invention appears as a satellite that can provide a configurable telemetry stream and can accept configurable commands. The invention provides core satellite simulation capabilities required for ground station spacecraft command and telemetry processing systems such as OS/COMET or for large-scale simulation networks such as multi-service simulation systems. The present invention offers an inexpensive risk mitigation that relieves application developers of total dependency on the satellite simulation development schedule. Moreover, the present invention can be used to demonstrate the features of ground station application systems.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) to simulate the behavior of vehicle occupant and safety systems in a rollover accident, comprising: a frame (30) adapted to receive a portion of a vehicle to be tested or test buck (40), the frame being articulated, about a pivot (36), to enable it to rotate a predetermined amount; forcing device (24;72) for causing the frame, and test buck, to rotate.

Abstract: A method of dynamic durability analysis and fatigue area identification using modal techniques for a structure includes the steps of simulating a finite element model of the structure to determine modal stresses and modal displacements for an element of the structure and performing a modal transient analysis using the modal displacements. The method also includes the steps of determining a stress bound for the element from the modal stresses and modal transient analysis, determining if a stress bound for the element is greater than a predetermined value and identifying the element as a critical element if the stress bound for the element is greater than the predetermined value. The method further includes the steps of determining a stress time history for the critical element and using the stress time history to perform a fatigue analysis to identify an area of fatigue within the structure.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for controlling a major number of consumers (5) such as the electromagnetically operable multi-directional valves of an anti-lock control system (MWV1-MWVn) comprises a control unit (2, 3) whose output signals can be fed to the consumers (5) via amplifier stages (4). The individual amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) are designed as so-called “intelligent power drivers” and essentially consist of a power amplifier (18) with integrated electronic controls and monitors. The control unit (2, 3) and the amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) are interconnected to form a closed loop or chain. Data transfer is performed from a synchronous serial interface of the control unit (2, 3), via the individual amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) and back to a serial entry of the control unit (2, 3).

Abstract: A tire for a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a ground contacting tread having at least one tread groove formed therein and extending axially from the tread center to the tread edge, wherein in a first region of the tire tread, which is the central tread region and is the region of contact between the tire and the ground when the motorcycle is in the condition of moving in a straight line, the alignment of the tread groove is substantially circumferential, and in a second region of the tire tread, which is at the axial edge of the tread and is the region of contact when the motorcycle is in the condition of turning under maximum cornering, the alignment of the tread grooves is substantially transverse, and in a third region, which is the tread region between the first central region and the second axial region and which is the ground contacting region when the motorcycle is turning at less than the maximum cornering condition, the groove alignment changes progressively axially outwardly from substantially circu

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: 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 units 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 for conducting a computerized simulation of a collision between at least two objects. The method includes creating a representation of each of the objects. Each representation is typically is a mesh of nodes and surface elements. The method also typically includes colliding the representations of the objects such that the representations contact each other, and at least a first representation experiences a respective deformation at each of a plurality of contact points. In addition the method typically includes, for at least a subset of the plurality of contact points, computing a respective local collision force associated with the deformation at such contact points, and calculating a resultant generalized collision force acting at a predetermined point associated with the first representation based on the local collision forces. Typically, the respective local collision force is related to a distance the region of the representation is deformed by a deformation relationship.

Abstract: A method for simulating control functions of a control device, in which a control program code for execution of control functions is stored in a first memory area of a memory belonging to the control device, the control program code including one or more control program code modules for the control functions, and containing at least one switching device for switching over from a control program code module SPCM to a simulation program code module. At least one simulation program code module for one or more test control functions is made available in a second memory area of the memory. The switching devices switch over from the control program code module to a pertinent simulation program code module stored in the second memory area. The control program code is then processed, the simulation program code module being executed, via the switched-over switching device, instead of the control program code module.

Abstract: A method for designing an aircraft to ground communications system identifies a plurality of unique functions in the communications system. The components, hardware and software, necessary to implement each of the plurality of unique functions are isolated such that the components for implementing a specific function are partitioned to allow independent testing and certification of the hardware and software components for each unique function.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and computer program for determining possible configurations of a racing vehicle Four-Link assembly. A user of the computer program is prompted for measurements of the Four-Link assembly bracket apertures relative to the garage floor. The measurements are entered into the computer program to produce reference points for the vehicle. The computer program then permits a calculation of lines comprised of the relevant Four-Link assembly bracket apertures and an interpolation of points on each line representing a possible Four-Link configuration. The computer program then renders either a video display and/or a printout of the possible Four-Link configurations and the intersect points of the lines created by the interpolated lines representing Four-Link configurations.

Abstract: A suspension control system for an automotive vehicle is provided. This suspension control system comprises front and rear variable damping force shock absorbers and a control unit which controls the shock absorbers to assume damping force characteristics in a range between preselected higher and lower damping coefficients. The control unit controls the front and rear shock absorbers in a manner wherein the damping force characteristics of the front shock absorber in an extension stroke and of the rear shock absorber in a compression stroke are modified to the higher damping coefficients respectively when vehicle speed is substantially zero.

Abstract: A computer based system and method orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors reach study is electronically performed to determine occupant reach with respect to the at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the vehicle, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or any combination thereof, so that the design meets the reach criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the reach criteria.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle based on occupant vision orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors vision study is electronically performed to determine occupant vision with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined vision criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the vision criteria.

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 computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors study is electronically performed to determine occupant interaction with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modeling interactions between bodies. The method comprises representing two bodies undergoing translations and rotations by two hierarchical swept volume representations. Interactions such as nearest approach and collision can be modeled based on the swept body representations. The present invention can serve as a practical tool in motion planning, CAD systems, simulation systems, safety analysis, and applications that require modeling time-based interactions. A body can be represented in the present invention by a union of convex polygons and convex polyhedra. As used generally herein, polyhedron includes polygon, and polyhedra includes polygons.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors reflection study is electronically performed to determine occupant reflection reception with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined reflection criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the reflection criteria.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors occupant-to-vehicle interaction study is electronically performed to determine occupant interaction with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined interaction criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the interaction criteria.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors study is electronically performed to determine occupant interaction with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the criteria.

Abstract: The invention provides first signals (w.sub.z, a.sub.L, a.sub.Q, a.sub.V1, a.sub.V2, a.sub.V3) representing the vehicle movements relative to an inertial reference system (K.sub.I) for use in a chassis regulation and/or control system in a vehicle. Based on the first signals, correction values (beta.sub.S, beta.sub.S ', beta.sub.S ", alpha.sub.S, alpha.sub.S ", psi.sub.S ', psi.sub.S ") for correction of the first signals are determined in such a way that vehicle movements relative to a road surface-fixed reference system (K.sub.S) are inferred from corrected first signals (S.sub.cor i). The invention has the advantage that the inertial sensor signals disturbed by road surface inclinations are projected into the road surface plane, obtaining signals which represent the vehicle movement relative to the road surface.

Abstract: A method for designing pneumatic tires for rolling conditions employs a finite element tire model configured by an operator. A first set of variables is applied to the tire model and steady state footprint conditions resulting from such application of the variables to the tire model are compared against predetermined footprint constraints to determine if the steady state footprint conditions and the footprint constraints have converged. If they have not, the set of control variables is incremented and the comparison is undertaken again until the steady state footprint conditions in the footprint constraints have converged. The concept of the invention is presented with particular application to a determination of the abrasion energy dissipation or wear potential, cornering stiffness, and residual aligning torque.

Abstract: Damped structures with isolators such as, for example, total vehicles, are analyzed and automatically optimized using a model representing the structure, the model possibly consisting of both rigid and flexible components, together with initial values for isolator design variables, a set of design constraints, and an optimization criterion. Each isolator may have frequency dependent or frequency independent parameters. Excitations may come from a combination of internal and external sources that may be expressed as deterministic or random functions. Finite element modeling is used to determine eigenvectors of flexible finite element components. A total system model is obtained using the rigid component parameters, eigenvectors of flexible components, and spring-damping parameters of isolators. Vibration analysis using the total system model yields system frequency responses and an optimization function.

Abstract: A satellite simulator to aid in the development and test of a spacecraft command and telemetry application for ground stations permits a satellite simulator to be implemented effectively and with less cost than has traditionally been possible with customized systems. From the spacecraft command and telemetry processing system, the present invention appears as a satellite that can provide a configurable telemetry stream and can accept configurable commands. The invention provides core satellite simulation capabilities required for ground station spacecraft command and telemetry processing systems such as OS/COMET or for large-scale simulation networks such as multi-service simulation systems. The present invention offers an inexpensive risk mitigation that relieves application developers of total dependency on the satellite simulation development schedule. Moreover, the present invention can be used to demonstrate the features of ground station application systems.