Abstract: A method to develop a plan to dismantle an airframe including: enhancing a digital mock-up model (DMU) of the airframe with data identifying hazardous materials in parts of the airframe; positioning at least one cut through the DMU of the airframe; based on the position of the cut, identifying intersections between the cut and fluid conduits identified in the DMU of the airframe; analyzing the identified intersections of the fluid conduits and data regarding hazardous waste fluids in the conduits of the airframe to identify the conduits having the hazardous waste which would be ruptured by the positioned cut, and generating a report of the identified conduits that would be ruptured and have the hazardous waste.

Abstract: A method for simplifying a description of a travel route represented by a list of route points includes: reading in a travel route which is mapped by a list of route points represented by a plurality of route points, each route point representing a different subsegment of a travel route on a digital road map; altering the list of route points according to a predetermined algorithm, in order to obtain an altered list of route points that represents the travel route; and storing the altered list of route points in order to simplify the description of the travel route.

Abstract: There is provided a method to account for aircraft angle of attack effects in engine noise shielding in aircraft configurations having one or more engines mounted above a wing or a lifting body. The method includes computing a local flow field from a known standard full aircraft configuration oriented at a nonzero angle of attack. The method further includes computing a mean flow field in a test dataset from a small scale aircraft model test configuration oriented at a zero angle of attack. The method further includes matching the local flow field with the mean flow field to identify a selected noise measurement dataset. The method further includes rotating the selected noise measurement dataset in a far field directivity rotation angle to match the nonzero angle of attack, thus resulting in engine noise shielding results for the full aircraft configuration at the nonzero angle of attack.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system is disclosed, which uses road parameters defining the road network and model parameters used as initial-value parameters, thereby performing traffic simulation by the microsimulation method. The system includes a traffic simulator and a display controller. The traffic simulator performs traffic simulation to predict a traffic condition on an object road of a road network. The display controller controls a display unit, displaying the result of the simulation. More precisely, the display controller displays a dynamic image showing the traffic condition of vehicles running on the road network, on the screen of the display unit, and changes the image in terms of pattern, in accordance with a display instruction.

Abstract: A drive control device is mounted to a hybrid electric vehicle that has an engine and a motor as a running power source, wherein the hybrid electric vehicle runs under a plurality of running modes that is switched in accordance with accelerator operation. The drive control device specifies a present position of the vehicle. The drive control device defines a schedule of the accelerator operation for each of a plurality of sections in a route from an origin to a destination in order to achieve an enhanced fuel efficient running of the vehicle. The drive control device displays a recommended accelerator operation for a present section of the plurality of sections, in which section the vehicle is presently located, in accordance with the schedule of the accelerator operation and the present position of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of a network service to register with the network as valued shoppers, thereby allowing them to receive specialized treatment when calling registered retailers. The present invention enables retailers to register with the network, thereby allowing them to set preferred service logic for handling valued customer calls by the network.

Abstract: A method for plastically forming a plate is provided. The method includes simulating forming the plate based on a frictional parameter that locally varies.

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.

Abstract: A dual-compression stage inlet for supersonic applications is developed by defining a first inlet model, defining a second inlet model and blending, with a processor, the first inlet model and the second inlet model to derive a third inlet model, which models the desired dual-compression stage inlet.

Abstract: A process for redesigning a distressed component in which the distressed component is under thermal and structural loads, for improving the life of the component. The process includes obtaining the operating conditions of the machine in which the distressed component is used, finding the boundary conditions under which the distressed component operates, producing a 3-dimensional model of the distressed component with such detail that the distress levels are accurately represented on the model, subjecting the model to a series of technical analysis to predict a life for the component, reiterating the technical analysis until the levels of distress on the model accurately represent the distress that appears on the actual component, and then predicting a remaining life of the component based on the analysis, or redesigning the model and reanalyzing the model until a maximum life for the component has been found.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a multi-component multilevel model for simulation of an automotive propulsion system and/or subsystem. The method comprises a capture component and a build component. The capture component operates to automatically parse all relevant information of an existing model and to generate one or more files indicative of the systems and subsystems of the model. The files are created such that they may be efficiently searched, manipulated, and applied for subsequent use in various user defined models created through the build component. The build component obtains the information in the one or more files and additional user defined files based on user selections to automatically create an executable model ready for analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing passenger flow. A three-dimensional model of a passenger cabin is received. Features in the three-dimensional model of the passenger cabin are identified in response to receiving the three-dimensional model. A first plurality of objects is generated for the features in the passenger cabin. User input identifying a number of characteristics for passengers is received. A second plurality of objects for the passengers is generated using the number of characteristics. The second plurality of objects is assigned to seats within the passenger cabin. Each of the second plurality of objects is assigned a destination location and has a behavior when encountering an obstacle while moving from a current location to the destination location. A movement of the passengers to a number of locations relative to the seats assigned to the passengers is simulated using the second plurality of objects.

Abstract: A method for simulating deformation of a body element of a motor vehicle that occurs during an impact event includes providing a model of the body element that includes an initial load distribution pattern. A first simulation output is generated during a first portion of the impact event using the initial load distribution pattern and includes data indicative of the deformation of the body element. Whether a portion of the body element is in a failure condition is determined based on the first simulation output. If a failure condition is determined, the load distribution pattern of at least a portion of the body element is updated, and a second simulation output including data indicative of the deformation of the body during a second portion of the impact event is generated using the updated load distribution pattern.

Abstract: A simulation system having multiple peripherals that communicate with each other. The system includes a weighted graph with weights set as communication times. The peripherals are represented as nodes and connection paths are represented as edges. Among the communication times in the loop, the minimum time is set as first synchronization timing. Timing with an acceptable delay added is set as second synchronization timing. Timing set by a user to be longer than the first and second timings is set as third synchronization timing. The third synchronization timing is used in a portion where the timing is usable, thus synchronizing the peripherals at the longest possible synchronization timing.

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: A method of computer simulation of an aerodynamic behavior of an aircraft in flight close to the ground includes generating a volume mesh of a three-dimensional geometric domain. The volume mesh is at least partly delimited by a three-dimensional geometric model of the aircraft and by a plane modelling the ground. The volume mesh defines a computational domain. The method also includes imposing a uniform boundary condition on the plane comprising a predetermined speed vector with a non-zero tangential component and a non-zero normal component, and solving a discrete numerical model of the Navier-Stokes equations by computer on the volume mesh with the uniform boundary condition imposed on the plane to obtain a numerical solution of a fluid flow inside said computational domain.

Abstract: A device includes a processor configured to execute one or more instructions stored in a memory to receive an electrical vehicle (EV) location profile having information regarding movement of an EV between a first and a second charging location of an electrical network. The processor is also configured to apply an EV mobility model to the EV location profile to determine an optimized schedule for the EV to charge or discharge a storage cell of the EV at the first or second charging locations during a scheduling period. The EV mobility model comprises constraints that describe interactions of the EV with the electrical network.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source, a motor, and a computing device. The power source provides electrical energy to the motor, and the motor generates rotational motion from the electrical energy received. The computing device is configured to estimate a temperature of the motor in real time based at least in part on a thermal model of the motor. The thermal model includes a plurality of nodes and at least one thermal resistance. Each node represents a region of the motor and each thermal resistance represents a heat transfer path between at least two of the nodes. A method includes solving one or more energy balance equations to determine a temperature change at each node and estimating the temperature of the motor in real time based at least in part on the temperature change at each node and at least one of the thermal resistances in the thermal model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for, inter alia, geographically based analyses of traffic being carried over a wide scale traffic network. The systems integrate geographical information systems (GIS) with traffic simulation processes to allow a user to analyze traffic patterns and loads at specific geographic locations of regions. Additionally, these systems allow for traffic analysis over a wide scale traffic network that may encompass the traffic network that exists within a geographic region and can include, as examples, the traffic networks that span across a city, that interconnect cities, that interconnect states and that run across multiple states. To this end, the systems include traffic simulators that can adaptively or controllably select between multiple traffic simulation models for simulating traffic across different segments of the traffic network. The different models provide varying levels of granularity for measurements of geographical location of a vehicle traveling over the traffic network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for balancing helicopter rotor blades are disclosed. In some examples, density data of a rotor blade may be acquired by scanning the rotor blade. In some examples, a three-dimensional model of a rotor blade may be merged with density data of the rotor blade. In some examples, simulations may be performed to predict flight data associated with a modeled rotor blade. In some examples, a database may be referenced to predict a desired weight balance of a rotor blade.

Abstract: A computer-aided method suitable for assisting in the design of an aircraft by providing a variable distribution V over an aircraft surface inside a predefined parameter space by means of a reconstruction of the results obtained through computations for an initial group of points in the parameter space using a CFD model comprising in each of said computations the following steps: a) Selecting relevant shock wave structures being defined by its thickness ?sw, its position Sswand the variable jump ?V; b) Decomposing said variable distribution V into a smooth variable distribution Vsmooth and a shock wave variable distribution Vjump corresponding to said relevant shock wave structures; c) Obtaining the variable distribution V at any point of the parameter space as a reconstruction of the smooth variable distribution Vsmooth and the shock wave variable distribution Vjump obtained for said point.

Abstract: In a method for simulating a physical property of a component model in the form of a computer accessible construction model of a technical structure, a mesh of a component model is automatically generated. The component model is first described by a fine mesh of finite elements, and, based on the fine mesh, the natural oscillation behavior of the component model is determined. Based on the natural oscillation behavior, at least one area of the component model is determined, whose finite elements are less deformed than those of another area of the component model. The determined area of the component model is then described by a coarser mesh of finite elements.

Abstract: The invention is a system for predicting emissions of pollutants from a vehicle equipped with an engine using processors (3) to determine emission of pollutants: The processors include a first group of processors (1) for carrying out calculations of chemical kinetics for determining the amounts of chemical compounds present in a chemical reaction in the engine and a second group of processors (2) for carrying out calculations of emission of pollutants simultaneously with the calculation of chemical kinetics, allowing determination of the emission of pollutants from the calculated amounts of chemical compounds. The first group of processors (1) has a global supervisor processor (4) allowing storing data required for the calculations and to distribute the calculations to clusters (5) of processors.

Abstract: Attitude and Configuration Indicator Display System and Method within the context of an Electronic Instrument System in which the configuration status of a piloted craft; typically the instant positions of lift inducing elements and drag inducing elements, are represented by symbol groupings integrated with an a parent icon, typically a chevron-type symbol representative of the piloted craft. The symbol groupings receive data from associated on-board sensors and are displayed singly or in combination with each other anytime the piloted craft is not in a clean configuration to instantly alert the pilot(s) of the configuration status with a single glance directed to the attitude indicator.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating aerodynamics over an aircraft for a deflected position of a movable aircraft control surface using a structured chimera mesh are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mesh assembly of the aircraft is created by overlapping a background mesh and a structured chimera mesh for the deflected position of the movable aircraft control surface. Further, mesh cell sizes within overlapping boundaries of the background mesh and the structured chimera mesh are analyzed. Furthermore, the structured chimera mesh is regenerated based on the analysis. In addition, the mesh assembly of the aircraft is reformed based on the regenerated structured chimera mesh. Also, a masked mesh of the aircraft is created by auto masking the reformed mesh assembly. Moreover, aerodynamics is simulated over the aircraft for the deflected position of the movable aircraft control surface using the masked mesh.

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: Fluid-flow simulation over a computer-generated aircraft surface is generated using inviscid and viscous simulations. A fluid-flow mesh of fluid cells is obtained. At least one inviscid fluid property for the fluid cells is determined using an inviscid fluid simulation that does not simulate fluid viscous effects. A set of intersecting fluid cells that intersects the aircraft surface are identified. One surface mesh polygon of the surface mesh is identified for each intersecting fluid cell. A boundary-layer prediction point for each identified surface mesh polygon is determined. At least one boundary-layer fluid property for each boundary-layer prediction point is determined using the at least one inviscid fluid property of the corresponding intersecting fluid cell and a boundary-layer simulation that simulates fluid viscous effects. At least one updated fluid property for at least one fluid cell is determined using the at least one boundary-layer fluid property and the inviscid fluid simulation.

Abstract: A method of designing a tire, wherein a tire designer identifies a target residual aligning torque range for a tire design and creates a computer model of the tire, including a buttress angle. Further, the method includes calculating the residual aligning torque of the modeled tire and comparing the calculated residual aligning torque value to the target residual aligning torque to determine whether the calculated residual aligning torque value is within the target residual aligning torque range. The method produces a final tire design having a target residual aligning torque.

Abstract: The present invention models dynamic behavior of flight vehicles for simulation, analysis, and design. The present invention allows a user to define the complexity of a flight vehicle model, and such models may be simple rigid body models, models of medium complexity, or very complex models including high order dynamics comprising hundreds of structural flexibility modes and variables related to aero-elasticity, fuel sloshing, various types of effectors, tail-wags-dog dynamics, complex actuator models, load-torque feedback, wind gusts, and other parameters impacting flight vehicles. The present invention accommodates and analyzes multiple vehicle and actuator concepts and configurations as defined in flight vehicle input data, which specifies flight vehicle parameters at a steady-state condition for modeling flight vehicle response to dynamic forces and flight control commands with respect to steady state operation.

Abstract: A method for integrating the function models of a health management system for a vehicle where the vehicle has multiple systems connected to a communications network and the multiple systems send at least one of status messages and raw data regarding at least some of the operational data of the multiple systems and making a determination of a health function of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for developing features to be used in an automobile design. The features are developed and documented in an architecture-independent manner, so that they can be used on any vehicle platform where appropriate. The feature development process includes using requirements which have been defined using formal methods, thereby assuring the quality of the requirements. The feature development process also includes the documentation and standardized use of all technical terms and data elements, the development of computer simulation models and hardware-in-the-loop simulations to verify the requirements, and review of a feature and its requirements by peer groups at various stages of the process. The result is a Feature Technical Specification which can be used by any product development team, and which contains only clear, concise and accurate requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless determining non-uniformities of a loaded wheel, comprising the steps of determining outer contour of at least a portion of the unloaded wheel; simulating loading of the wheel with a virtual loading element bearing against the tyre tread for a plurality of rotary positions of the wheel on the basis of the determined outer contour, a displacement of the determined outer contour caused by the virtual loading element and a predetermined spring rate associated to the tyre tread; and determining non-uniformities of the loaded wheel using the simulation results.

Abstract: An aircraft wing cover (10) comprising an integrally stiffened sandwich panel including first and second skins (11, 12) sandwiching a core layer (13), wherein at least one of the skins has a plurality of spanwise extending integral regions of increased thickness (18) accommodated by corresponding regions (19) of decreased thickness in the core. Also, a method of fabricating an aircraft wing cover, and a method of designing an aircraft wing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting a dynamic wrinkle property are provided. In one embodiment, a method of predicting a dynamic wrinkle property of a material for incorporation with an upholstered article includes selecting a plurality of material property categories and determining a material property for each selected material property category of a material. A dynamic wrinkle factor is assigned for each material property category based at least in part on the material property associated with the material property category. A dynamic wrinkle weight value is applied to each dynamic wrinkle factor to generate a weighted dynamic wrinkle factor for each material property category. The method further includes determining a predicted dynamic wrinkle score based at least in part on the weighted dynamic wrinkle factors and altering one or more material properties of the material if the predicted dynamic wrinkle score is below a benchmark value.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device (VMD) in accordance with the invention comprises a microprocessor programmed to simulate a vehicle's powertrain, that is arranged to receive signals from a vehicle's engine management system in order to produce a real-time simulated model of the vehicle's powertrain operation whence the vehicle's actual instantaneous fuel consumption and/or emissions can be accurately predicted during operation of the vehicle and compared with predetermined or calculated optimum performance characteristics for the powertrain under the pertaining conditions in order to display the instantaneous operating conditions in relation to the optimum under any driving condition. The VMD is advantageously arranged to receive the signals from the on-board diagnostics (OBD or OBD-II or equivalent) port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling deployment of systems according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with at least one deployable asset, a scoring system, and an optimization system. The scoring and optimization systems provide an optimized solution to mission planning, asset positioning, and control of multiple entities within a geographic region. The system combines a scoring method with an optimization method to quickly select a globally optimal solution from a larger set of potential solutions.

Abstract: A system and method implemented on a computing device are provided to simulate trajectories of objects dispensed from a moving aircraft.

Abstract: A system includes an encoding module and a decoding module. The encoding module generates a three-dimensional (3D) model of a part, modifies the 3D model to include a 3D structure, and generates a computer-aided design (CAD) file based on the modified 3D model. The decoding module determines whether the CAD file includes the 3D structure, authorizes operation of analysis software on the CAD file when the CAD file includes the 3D structure, and prohibits operation of the analysis software when the CAD file does not include the 3D structure.

Abstract: A model and computer based diagnostic method and system for automating a simulation process for a component, sub-system, and system of a vehicle engine relating particularly to coolant filling and draining. The method including the steps of creating a physical prototype and transparency of fluid passageways within the engine including the following elements: a radiator, a reservoir, a water jacket, a heater core, a heat exchanger, and other coolant system components thereby forming a complete cooling system within a vehicle engine. Geometry is then imported from the physical prototype to the computer automated design system including physics statistics and thermodynamics of each element. The method lastly includes the step of simulating fluid flow through the coolant system.

Abstract: A plurality of simulators operable to decentrally execute arithmetic operations based on a plurality of simulation models which are respectively assigned to the simulators under the control of a management device. A notifying section is operable to provide a notification so as to relate information regarding one of the simulation models displayed on a display of the management device to one of the simulators which executes an arithmetic operation based on the one of the simulation models. The management device and the simulators are connected with each other via a network.

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: A computer-implemented method for rapidly forming a vehicle body model includes identifying a vehicle design using a computer. Sectioning data is determined by sectioning the vehicle design into multiple virtual sections using a design program implemented on the computer. The sectioning data is used by a machine to form multiple modeling sections that correspond to the multiple virtual sections. The multiple modeling sections are nested together to form the vehicle body model. The multiple modeling sections are fixed together once the vehicle body model is formed.

Abstract: A moving object risk calculation unit calculates the total value at all points of intersection of a mesh M for the risk due to moving objects at each point of intersection on the basis of the risk due to objects at each point of intersection in the plurality of meshes set in the vicinity of a host vehicle. In this manner, it is possible to acquire the risk due to moving objects, such as another vehicle that is traveling or is stationary or a pedestrian who is walking or is stationary. In addition, a moving object risk calculation unit calculates the total value of the risk due to moving objects at all points of intersection of the mesh by subtracting the total value of the risk due to immovable objects, which is fixed at each point of intersection, at all points of intersection of the mesh from the total value of the risk due to objects.

Abstract: An accumulated use time measuring method for cargo handling vehicles and a cargo handling vehicle both enable accurate continuation of the use time till a display unit containing a time measuring device is replaced even if the time measuring device fails and prevention of false alteration after shipping while infallibly resetting the time measuring device to zero when the time measure device is shipped from the factory. The function 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. 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 and the time measurement is continued are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling an inflatable supplemental restraint device for a vehicle includes operating a simulation system according to a first step in which the restraint device is modeled in a fully inflated configuration using a finite element model. The modeled airbag is then deflated and flattened. The flattened airbag is subjected to simulated folding using a finite element model. Inputs drawn from the results of successive portions of the simulation are used in the later modeling steps.

Abstract: Method for determination of a rigid value of an aerodynamic coefficient of an aircraft, in which measurements are made in a wind tunnel on a model of the said aircraft and, on the basis of these measurements, at least one value, known as flexible model value, of this aerodynamic coefficient is determined, characterized in that a rigid value of the aerodynamic coefficient is calculated on the basis of the said flexible model value(s) and a correction taking into account the flexibility of the model. A plurality of flexible model values is determined on the basis of measurements made by varying the parameter q/E and maintaining the angle of incidence at a constant value, and the correction consists in an extrapolation operation providing a value of the aerodynamic coefficient corresponding to q/E=0. As a variant, a single flexible model is determined and the correction consists in adjusting the said value with the aid of a correction factor.

Abstract: A method for selecting, from a set of possible configurations, an optimized tire configuration for fitting a vehicle intended to run on a circuit following a predefined route, oriented in a single course direction and including bends. The method includes the steps of developing a physical model of the vehicle fitted with a first tire configuration, simulating the route course by the modeled vehicle, optimizing the speed of the vehicle, storing in memory the course time taken by the vehicle to cover the route at least once, comparing the course time to at least one reference time and producing a comparison result, and optionally selecting the first configuration at the optimized configuration as a function of the comparison result.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating transfer functions associated with calculating local stresses on pipe elements by post processing forces and moments of a pipe model representing the piping system. The transfer functions are reusable and allow recalculation with different sets of user data without requiring regeneration of the transfer functions.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for optimizing fuel consumption. A physical dynamics model may be used to simulate a vehicle being driven by a driver along a virtual route, possibly under specified weather conditions. A score for the vehicle may be calculated from estimations, based on the simulation, of fuel efficiency, vehicle drivability, and/or time for completing the route. Simulated (“virtual”) vehicles may be configured from components through a user interface. Scores for the vehicles may be compared to select an optimum vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention models dynamic behavior of flight vehicles for simulation, analysis, and design. The present invention allows a user to define the complexity of a flight vehicle model, and such models may be simple rigid body models, models of medium complexity, or very complex models including high order dynamics comprising hundreds of structural flexibility modes and variables related to aero-elasticity, fuel sloshing, various types of effectors, tail-wags-dog dynamics, complex actuator models, load-torque feedback, wind gusts, and other parameters impacting flight vehicles. The present invention accommodates and analyzes multiple vehicle and actuator concepts and configurations as defined in flight vehicle input data, which specifies flight vehicle parameters at a steady-state condition for modeling flight vehicle response to dynamic forces and flight control commands with respect to steady state operation.