Abstract: Methods and systems for creating a contact surface definition involving lower order and quadratic finite elements (QFE) in a FEA model used for numerically simulating an impact event are disclosed. FEA model is organized by one or more groups of finite elements. Each group represents one of the product's parts and is identified by a part ID. Further, the FEA model is configured with one or more contact surface definitions for detecting contacts amongst the parts due to the impact event. For each determined group that is determined to contain QFE, a new group is created. The new group is associated with a unique part ID. Contact segments for the new group are then generated in accordance with a set of predefined rules for subdividing one or more geometric shapes associated with the QFE. Contact surface definitions are updated by replacing each determined group with the new group.

Abstract: Tracking traffic violations within an intersection and use of a destination location are disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. Next, a first unique identifier of a first vehicle and a violated traffic restriction within the intersection are determined based on the two or more first images. Next, two or more second images from a second camera having a second field of view are received. A second unique identifier and a first characteristic of a second vehicle are determined based on the two or more second images. Next, two or more third images from a third camera having a third field of view are received. That the second vehicle is stopped in a destination location at a first time and that the second vehicle has left the destination location at a second time are determined based on the two or more third images.

Abstract: A method for designing an aircraft includes defining an initial catalog of requirements for at least one aircraft design. An optimization of the at least one aircraft design is carried out based on the catalog of requirements in terms of anticipated operating costs. A predefined total flight network is simulated with the at least one aircraft design and a total flight network efficiency is determined. It is then checked as to whether the determined total flight network efficiency constitutes an optimum. The catalog of requirements is adapted and an iteration is performed upon a determination that the determined total flight network efficiency does not constitute the optimum.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a system are disclosed for evaluation of the performance of a ship. Performance variables of a ship and dynamic input parameters that affect the performance variables are defined. The dependencies between the performance variables and the dynamic input parameters are then learned automatically to provide an initial model for simulating the performance. The initial model is updated to be used as the model in further operation and further updating the model until the model meets preset quality criteria for a model to be used.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed to produce a model that predicts performance of a ship by creating an initial model based on relationships between factors related to the ship during operation and parameters representing primary dynamic input data that depend on the factors. Measurement results are obtained from sensors during the operation of the ship for producing a set of new dynamic input data to be used in the model. If a difference between a simulation result and an actual operation exceeds defined threshold criteria, the model is improved by repeatedly producing new sets of dynamic input data until defined quality criteria are met.

Abstract: A verification method for an aircraft system comprises retrieving logical design data associated with the system, and physical design data associated with the system; extracting data from a computer model of the system; converting the retrieved logical and physical design data and the extracted data into a common data format; and performing a difference analysis of the logical and physical design data with the extracted data from the model to identify any non-conformances between the logical design data, the computer model and the physical design data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus that include a novel way of automatically assigning materials to 3D CAD models. A predefined material template specifies that a particular part or material name is assigned to a particular material such that all instances of the particular part name are assigned or modified automatically by the material template. By having a consistent naming convention for the parts in the CAD file, this material assignment can be performed automatically when the CAD file is imported or viewed.

Abstract: A drive system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The drive system may have a travel speed sensor, at least one traction device speed sensor, and a controller in communication with the travel speed sensor and the at least one traction device speed sensor. The controller may be configured to determine a slip value associated with a traction device of the mobile machine based on signals generated by the travel speed sensor and the at least one traction device speed sensor, and determine a torque output value of the mobile machine. The control may also be configured to make a comparison of the slip value and the torque output value with a pull-slip curve stored in memory, and selectively update the pull-slip curve based on the comparison.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for simulating flow and acoustic interaction of a fluid with a porous medium includes simulating activity of a fluid in a first volume adjoining a second occupied by a porous medium, the activity of the fluid in the first volume being simulated so as to model movement of elements within the first volume and using a first model having a first set of parameters, simulating activity of the fluid in the second volume occupied by the porous medium, the activity in the second volume being simulated so as to model movement of elements within the second volume and using a second model having a second set of parameters and differing from the first model in a way that accounts for flow and acoustic properties of the porous medium, and simulating movement of elements between the first volume and the second volume at an interface between the first volume and the second volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining a trajectory for a transfer of a spacecraft from a starting space body to a target space body with respect to a given central space body, wherein the determined trajectory is optimal with respect to a given space mission requirement to be met by the transfer of the spacecraft. The method comprises providing, according to the Pontryagin maximum principle, a physical-mathematical model relating model quantities and physical quantities representing the transfer of the spacecraft with respect to the given central space body.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining speed control management settings are provided. A vehicle configuration is obtained, specifying at least a transmission, including a number of gears present in the transmission. One or more speed control management modules, such as progressive shift and/or gear down protection modules, are selected by a customer. One or more default progressive shift limits and a default gear down protection limit are calculated, along with gears for which they are active. Performance of the vehicle using the default speed control management settings is simulated and compared to typical vehicle performance. The customer may alter the speed control management settings within dynamically determined valid ranges. The speed control management settings are used in the manufacture or other configuration of the vehicle for the customer.

Abstract: A bumper includes a bumper beam having a length and a primary front face forming an impact surface with at least one longitudinal channel formed therein. A rod is positioned in the channel and secured to the bumper beam, with the rod supporting side walls forming the channel. Upon impact, the rod supports the side walls of the channel from thin wall buckling. Thus, the material thickness of the beam can be decreased substantially (and concurrently a total weight decreased) while still maintaining a total force/deflection curve and optimal bending force of the beam.

Abstract: A system and methods for real-time model based vehicle structural anomaly detection are disclosed. A real-time measurement corresponding to a location on a vehicle structure during an operation of the vehicle is received, and the real-time measurement is compared to expected operation data for the location to provide a modeling error signal. A statistical significance of the modeling error signal to provide an error significance is calculated, and a persistence of the error significance is determined. A structural anomaly is indicated, if the persistence exceeds a persistence threshold value.

Abstract: Coupling architectural and implementation/behavioral models of a computer-based system by creating a bridge element, defining a port of the bridge element, associating the port of the bridge element with a port of an implementable element of an architectural model of a computer-based system and a port of an implementation element of an implementation/behavioral model of the computer-based system, mapping an interface member of the implementation element port to an interface member of the implementable element port, generating, from a template, skeleton source code applicable for the mapped interface member, generating a usage description element for the architectural model corresponding to the mapped interface member, generating an architectural description document from the architectural model, generating implementation code from the implementation/behavioral model and the generated skeleton source code, and generating a declaration file for an operating system service for use by the implementation code.

Abstract: A method for the computer-aided design of an aeronautic system forming all or part of an aircraft, using a criterion of maintenance time cost over a given period of use. The cost is computed as the weighted sum of a first component representing the mean flight time lost during this period, a second component representing the mean unscheduled maintenance time for this system during said period, and a third component representing the scheduled maintenance time for this system throughout said period. The configuration corresponding to the lowest time cost is then selected.

Abstract: An aircraft design system comprising a components database having designs for components configured for use in an aircraft, a materials database having materials selected for desired types of wireless signal propagation, and a boundary designer. The boundary designer is configured to identify a configuration for wireless networks in the aircraft. The boundary designer is further configured to select a number of boundaries for the wireless networks that provide a desired propagation of wireless signals for the wireless networks. The boundary designer is further configured to select a configuration for a number of the components from the designs in the components database and select a number of materials for the number of the components to form the number of boundaries for the wireless networks.

Abstract: An accumulated use time for cargo handling vehicles is accurately displayed by a time measuring device even if the time measuring device fails and is replaced. Units such as a display unit and a control unit of the cargo handling vehicle each include a time measuring device and a storage device. The device may perform in a synchronization mode in which the difference between the accumulated use times of both devices is made the same and a synchronization inhibition mode in which the accumulated use times are not changed. The accumulated use times are communicated between the function units, and the accumulated use time of the cargo handling vehicle and the absolute value of the difference between the accumulated use times of both measuring devices are taken into consideration. The appropriate mode is selected and the time measurement is carried out in the selected mode.

Abstract: System and method for using forecast ocean currents to improve the prediction of an underwater vessel's trajectory as compared to using a simple dead reckoned path determined by vessel commanded heading and speed through the water. System and method for position-tagging long-term underwater time series data collected by a submerged mobile vehicle, and locally storing and uploading the position-tagged data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a location reference system and a control module. The location reference system is configured to generate location information for a number of mobile platforms in an environment. The control module is configured to receive the location information for the number of mobile platforms from the location reference system. The control module is further configured to generate command signals for the number of mobile platforms using the location information. The control module is further configured to send the command signals to the number of mobile platforms to operate the number of mobile platforms in the environment such that operation of the number of mobile platforms emulates the operation of a number of spacecraft systems in a non-Earth terrestrial environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus may be present for managing rework. A section in a platform having a number of composite materials needing a rework may be identified to form an identified section. A selected rework process to perform the rework of the identified section may be identified. The selected rework process may comprise a process to bond a patch to the identified section. A computer system may perform a simulation of the selected rework process to determine whether the selected rework process provides the rework for the identified section. The simulation may include a thermal analysis. The thermal analysis may take into account a number of structures associated with the identified section. The number of structures associated with the identified section may be located within a distance of the identified section such that the number of structures affect or are affected by bonding of the patch to the identified section.

Abstract: On-board diagnostics for fleet maintenance is improved by embedding a microprocessor programmed with a prognostication algorithm on a vehicle.

Abstract: A smart-store emulation unit is provided for use on-board a weapon platform in place of the physical presence of a smart-store. The emulation unit may be used for operator training on or testing of the smart-store on-board an operational weapon platform such as an aircraft, tank or ship.

Abstract: A design assisting apparatus of a steering device arranges a coordinate of a handle position reference point, a coordinate of a first universal joint reference point, a coordinate of a second universal joint reference point, and a coordinate of a steering gear reference point in a three-dimensional space, calculates a reference axis passing through the second universal joint reference point from the first universal joint reference point, calculates a phase angle which is an angle between a straight line from the handle position reference point to the first joint reference point when viewed along the reference axis and a straight line from the second joint reference point to the steering gear reference point when viewed along the reference axis, and determines success or failure of a condition in which the allowable range of the phase angle allowable error is included in the allowable range of the allowable torque variation rate.

Abstract: A method comprising using at least one hardware processor for: providing a plurality of behavioral models of vehicular components; providing a plurality of simulated vehicular components; providing a model of interaction between at least some of said vehicular components; and generating a simulation test for said vehicular components by defining continuous behavioral functions for said plurality of behavioral models and for said plurality of simulated vehicular components, wherein each of said continuous behavioral functions comprises a superimposition of a finite number of continuous functions each having a finite number of parameters, and wherein at least some of said continuous behavioral functions interrelate in accordance with said model of interaction.

Abstract: A communication simulating system includes: a communication recording device that records, into a vehicle condition database, a vehicle condition including a step, a place and a vehicle stringed together, vehicle state information that has been input as communication content between a vehicle electric equipment system and a vehicle communication apparatus in a step performed at a predetermined place; a vehicle state information acquiring device that acquires vehicle state information from the vehicle condition database in accordance with a selected vehicle condition; a storage unit that stores communication definition files specifying the respective ones of the same processes as the communication processes executed by a plurality of ECUs included in the vehicle electric equipment system; and a communication control device that communicates with a vehicle communication apparatus in accordance with the communication process and the vehicle state information.

Abstract: An optimization wizard substantially automates the task of calculating thermal deflection analysis of a part. The optimization wizard requests a user to provide a mesh model representing the part and provide part definitions, such as the part's stiffness, expansion coefficient, etc. In addition, the wizard requests the user to provide boundary conditions by modifying normality of any elements in the mesh model and by fixing conditions of one or more nodes in all direction or in a one sliding direction. An initial and a final temperature may also be provided by the user. The optimization wizard receives the user inputs and generates an executable file describing the relationships and effects each input has on the part's deflection under the provided thermal conditions. The executable file is provided to a solver to determine the part's thermal deflection under the provided conditions.

Abstract: A method to improve design efficiency by reducing power plant complexity and engineering costs by minimizing power plant changes when installing into new powertrain groups. A three-dimensional grid is defined for the powertrain group with power plant and transmission zones to define projections for attaching selected components to a powertrain version. The zones correspond to matrices dividing each of a width, length, and height of a respective plant and of a transmission into specified proportions. A respective zone is designated for attaching each of the selected components within the group. Each powertrain version is designed to place each selected component for a powertrain version within a predetermined tolerance margin of its respective designated zone. The grid organization is also applied to placement of components and placement of the powertrain itself within the underhood environment of a vehicle, a vehicle platform, or a group of vehicle models.

Abstract: System and method for using forecast ocean currents to improve the prediction of an underwater vessel's trajectory as compared to using a simple dead reckoned path determined by vessel commanded heading and speed through the water. System and method include a motion model specific to underwater gliders that incorporates 4d forecast currents.

Abstract: A train system that includes a plurality of train units including a first train unit and second train unit coupled together. Each first and second train unit includes a controller configured to detect a change in train configuration of the train units, and comprising a plurality of inputs; train integrity signal lines spanning each train unit and coupled with the controller at the plurality of inputs and configured to transmit signals between a front end and a rear end of the train system, the signals indicating a status of train integrity of the train system; and a plurality of relays in communication with the controller, and configured to indicate a coupling or non-coupling status of each train unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for simulating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and simulating an environment in which the UAV may be flying. A plurality of visual sensors, e.g., cameras, positioned on the UAV, may be simulated. A UAV simulator is configured to simulate the UAV and a graphical simulator is configured to simulate the environment. The UAV simulator may be configured to: estimate pitch, roll and/or groundspeed based, at least in part, on outputs from the visual sensors, determine a position and/or an orientation of the simulated UAV in the simulated environment based, at least in part, on the estimate(s) and provide the position and/or orientation to the graphical simulator. The graphical simulator may be configured to display the simulated UAV at the position and/or orientation in the simulated environment and/or to display the simulated camera view(s).

Abstract: A failure-effect validation system includes an effects modeler configured to develop a cumulative effects model for failure modes of the complex system, and by which a model of the complex system is extendible to form an extended complex-system model. The effects modeler is also configured to develop search targets each of which includes logical expressions of notable hazards and other factors that contribute to the cumulative effects, such as crew workload, safety margin and/or physiological effects. A model analysis system is configured to perform an automated analysis using the extended complex-system model and search targets, and in which the automated analysis includes a graph search of possible states of the extended complex-system model to locate search targets. And the effects assessment system is configured to selectively generate a layout of failure analysis data including at least a portion of the extended complex-system model and results of the automated analysis.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are present for analyzing voyage efficiency. Historical data for a completed voyage of a ship is obtained. A baseline voyage solution for a completed voyage is generated with a software application executing on a processor unit using a model of the ship and the historical data. The baseline voyage solution is compared to an actual voyage solution used for the completed voyage to form a comparison.

Abstract: A method of monitoring usage of a component of an aircraft can include: monitoring a usage of the component by using a torque measurement system to calculate torque events in a time period; categorizing the usage of the component by assigning a usage value based upon whether the number of torque events in the period of time is above or below a threshold; and determining a life used of the component.

Abstract: A vehicle behavior estimation device includes: a storage unit configured to store a restriction condition at a point of a vehicle for which behavior is estimated; vehicle state data that includes position information and speed information of the vehicle; behavior parameters that include speed information and acceleration information of the vehicle; and physical restriction conditions that include an upper limit and a lower limit of the acceleration information; and a processor configured to obtain the vehicle state data by using the restriction condition at the point; calculate behavior parameters of a vehicle model that satisfy a physical restriction condition from the vehicle state data and the restriction condition at the point; update the vehicle state data of the vehicle model based on the behavior parameters; and repeat processing to calculate behavior parameters by using the updated vehicle state data and to update the vehicle state data.

Abstract: A method for simulating a movement Track of a vehicle for a vehicle using a handheld device requires a first senor and a second sensor. The method detects three-axis acceleration variations of the vehicle using the first sensor when the vehicle is moving. When at least one of the detected three-axis acceleration variations is greater than a preset threshold, a movement speed of the vehicle is detected using a position system and three-axis angle variations are detected using the second sensor. The method further stores the detected movement speeds and detected three-axis angle variations as vehicle data into a storage device. When the vehicle stops moving, the method stops storing the detected movement speeds and detected three-axis angle variations when and simulate a movement Track according the vehicle data stored in the storage device.

Abstract: A Portable Maintenance Aid (PMA) having multiple applications for the electrical testing and data acquisition for various air/ground vehicle platforms is disclosed. The PMA includes an interface adapter that has a number of electrical testing interfaces and data collection ports in addition to a stray voltage detector. The portable testing aid also includes a user interface that transmits data to the interface adapter and a display that communicates the testing and maintenance information to the user. The portable testing aid also includes a communication system for transferring information between the user interface, the display, and the interface adapter. The PMA provides a preload tester/stray voltage tester that is sustainable, less replaceable and has capability of filling the test voids.

Abstract: An aircraft design apparatus calculates aircraft specifications, which are aircraft specifications, based on a plurality of design parameters required to design an aircraft; judges whether or not the calculated aircraft specifications meet constraints that indicate the aircraft feasibility and that are set in advance and given optimizing conditions for optimizing the aircraft; changes the design parameters so that the calculated aircraft specifications meet the constraints and also meet the optimizing conditions; and executes iterative processing in which the aircraft specifications are repeatedly calculated based on the changed design parameters. By doing so, with the aircraft design apparatus, it is possible to achieve a more optimal aircraft design and it is also possible to reduce the time and effort required to design an aircraft.

Abstract: Predicted environment conditions are received for time steps within a prediction horizon N. Information is accessed regarding expected system responses generated by a system model, each expected system response related to a different combination of control parameters and starting environment conditions applied to the model. An optimal response is designated for each combination of starting environment conditions for each time step from time step N?1 to the current time step based in part on the expected system response and the predicted environment conditions, each optimal response in a time step based at least in part on an optimal response determined for a later time step. For the current time step, for starting environment conditions substantially similar to the current environment conditions, the combination of control parameters that results in the system response designated as the optimal response is determined from the expected system responses and is applied to the system.

Abstract: A method for the detection of failure in a turbomachine by monitoring the performance of the turbomachine is provided. The method includes measuring at least one performance parameter of the turbomachine in order to obtain an actual signature for the performance of the turbomachine; comparing the actual signature of the turbomachine with a database of failures associating reference signatures for the performance of the turbomachine with identifiers of failure, the database of failures being obtained by the simulation of failures on the basis of a theoretical model of the thermodynamic cycle of the turbomachine; and determining the identifier of failure of the turbomachine for the actual signature.

Abstract: Systems and methods of selecting sampling points (product designs) in a multi-objective engineering design optimization of a product are disclosed. The method comprises (a) receiving a description of the product to be optimized, (b) selecting an initial set of sampling points in a design variable space of the product, (c) obtaining numerically-simulated structural responses of each of the current set, (d) deriving a set of approximate POPs from optimization using metamodels constructed from numerically-simulated structural responses, (e) establishing subregions around POF kernels that are selected from approximate POPs using “Piercing” procedure, (f) creating a set of Diversity Basis Points by populating the subregions with a space filling criterion, (g) selecting another set of sampling points from a combined group of the Diversity Basis Points and POF kernels using “Piercing” procedure, (h) reducing the subregion size, and (i) repeating (c)-(h) until a termination condition has been reached.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating differential or difference equations that can govern a nonlinear, time-varying and parameter-varying dynamic process or system. The methods and systems for estimating the equations may be based upon estimations of observed outputs and, when desired, input data for the equations. The methods and systems can be utilized with any system or process that may be capable of being described with nonlinear, time-varying and parameter-varying difference equations and can used for automated extraction of the difference equations in describing detailed system or method behavior for use in system control, fault detection, state estimation and prediction and adaptation of the same to changes in a system or method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing customized fuel economy ratings. The method includes collecting customer drive cycle information from a first vehicle operated by a customer and simulating an operation of a second vehicle based on the customer drive cycle information. Based on the simulating, the method includes calculating the customized fuel economy rating of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A finite element analysis (FEA) model of a vehicle and a rigid wall definition are received. The FEA model comprises a number of nodes connected by finite elements that are organized in groups. The rigid wall comprises one or more segments each corresponding to a load cell installed thereon. A list of groups that are desired to have a detailed rigid wall force (RWF) summary is defined by user. A contribution weighting factor is calculated for each node in the FEA model. A time-marching simulation of the vehicle colliding with the rigid wall is conducted. At each solution cycle, a nodal force contribution is calculated for each node according to node type. The calculated nodal force contribution modified with the contribution weighting factor is accumulated in the detail RWF summary under respective groups and segments. A full detailed RWF summary is presented.

Abstract: Crashworthiness designing of a structure using a Hybrid Cellular Automata (HCA) algorithm where field states are computed using finite element analysis (FEA) and the material distribution of the structure is updated at each iteration using cellular automata method. The HCA algorithm optimizes the topology of the structures to achieve certain performance within the limits of various constraints applied to ensure crashworthiness of the structures. The HCA algorithm may also be applied to designing of structures to be fabricated by an extrusion method having the same cross section along the direction of extrusion or stamped structures having thickness varying across the structure.

Abstract: A method for pilot situational awareness comprises calculating a location; providing terrain data for the calculated location; processing the terrain data and positioning a light source generally proximal to a view point of a pilot data to generate a synthetic image, the synthetic image representing an appearance of the terrain data illuminated by an appearance of the light source positioned generally proximal to the view point of the pilot; and displaying the synthetic image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the design and execution of an aerospace or aeronautic system are provided. The aerospace or aeronautic system may incorporate planetary environment models and models of equations of motion. The planetary environment models mathematically represent planetary environment specifications, such as atmosphere and wind. Atmosphere models include standard day atmosphere models and non-standard day atmosphere models, and wind models include continuous wind turbulence models and discrete wind turbulence models. The models of equations of motion include models of three-degree-of-freedom equations of motion with variable mass and models for six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion with variable mass. As a result, the present invention can design and execute a target system more accurately than the conventional system that provides only standard day planetary environment models, continuous wind turbulence models, or fixed mass equations of motion models.

Abstract: A regeneration system for a filter that filters exhaust gas of an engine includes a soot loading determination module that determines soot accumulation in the filter. A regeneration control module receives the determined soot accumulation from the soot loading determination module, compares the soot accumulation to a first soot accumulation threshold, and selectively increases oxidation levels in the exhaust gas in response to the comparison between the soot accumulation and the first soot accumulation threshold to initiate regeneration in the filter.

Abstract: A simulator used in a distributed process simulation includes: a storage unit configured to store map information, agent information, and area allocation information; a simulation execution unit; a condition determination unit configured to determine the condition of the reference agent to be referenced by the simulation execution unit based on a movement state of the agent; an allocation discrimination unit configured to discriminate another computer allocated an area in which the reference agent corresponding to the condition can be located; and an agent information acquisition unit configured to acquire the information about the agent satisfying the condition of the reference agent from the other discriminated computer.

Abstract: An arrangement for verifying a real model by using a virtual model is provided. The arrangement comprises a real model which has a real coordinate system, a virtual model which has a virtual coordinate system, a first position determination element, which is applied in/on the real model in a defined manner, and a real tool element, which is arranged in the real model. A position and/or orientation of the real tool element in the real model can be determined relative to the first position determination element. An operation of the real tool element can be triggered in the real model, and the operation of the real tool element can be imaged in the virtual model. The operation of the real tool element in the real model and the imaged operation in the virtual model can be logically or functionally assigned to one another.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing a simulation on an aircraft. The method includes: receiving, at an onboard maintenance computer (OMC) a simulation script that includes one or more steps for adjusting at least one parameter of the aircraft; processing, by the OMC, the simulation script to determine simulation data; and sending the simulation data from the OMC to one or more signal producer member systems of the aircraft to adjust the at least one parameter of the aircraft.