bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-High Power Density Hybrid Power Systems and APUs
Authors: Dev S. Paul
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Military vehicles need prime power and auxiliary power systems with
ever-increasing power density and specific power, as well as greater fuel
economy, lower noise, lower exhaust emissions and greater stealth. D-STAR
technologies, funded by the Army, DARPA, Marine Corps / Navy and others, are
enabling a new generation of modified-HCCI (homogenous charge compression
ignition) engines that simultaneously offer power density and specific power of
racing-quality gasoline engines, operation on JP-8 and other heavy fuels, as
well as the other desirable qualities mentioned above. D-STAR Engineering has
recently developed a prototype for a 1 kW man-portable heavy-fuel hybrid power
system, that has been successfully tested by the ONR / USMC, and has
demonstrated the power core for a 2 kW hybrid power system (for Army TARDEC).
D-STAR is also developing, based on funding from the Army, a 500 Watt hybrid
power system, and has designs for hybrid heavy fuel power systems and APUs for
10 and 30 kW. These hybrid power systems and APUs offer 2x to 3x greater power
density and specific power compared to power systems with conventional diesel
engines.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SILICON CARBIDE (SiC) TRACTION MOTOR
DRIVE
Authors: Wagner Edward , Hall William , Mahoney Dennis
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Future Military ground vehicle power trains can benefit from a hybrid-electric
drive approach, particularly in packaging flexibility where drive train
components can be modular and conveniently distributed. Small component size and
operation with high-temperature liquid coolant are essential factors in the
flexible packaging concept. This paper describes the development of one
component, a 220 kW traction motor drive for a hybrid-electric power train.

Challenging requirements for the motor-drive include power densities of at least
25 kW/liter and 15 kW/kg at 105°C coolant temperature. To achieve these
densities, power modules capable of high-temperature operation were developed
using SiC normally-off JFETs. This paper will discuss the unique custom
packaging of the SiC JFET devices, as well as the arrangement of key
components/packaging and thermal management issues.
UTILIZING SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVING OCCUPANT SURVIVABILITY
FOR A VEHICLE SUBJECTED TO LOADS FROM EXPLOSIONS
Authors: Vlahopoulos Nickolas , Zhang Geng
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The Blast Event Simulations sysTem (BEST) is a synthesis tool that provides a
seamless and easy-to-use coupling between existing and commercially available
LS-DYNA solvers and Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) models for a complete
sequence of explosive simulations. BEST driven simulations capture the
soil/explosive/vehicle/occupant interaction. In this paper a blast simulation
analysis conducted by BEST for a generic but representative vehicle is
presented. The vehicle is subjected to the blast load created by an explosive
buried underneath the vehicle. An ATD model is placed inside the vehicle in
order to capture the loads created on the lower legs of an occupant due to the
explosion. Technical details with respect to the various models engaged in the
simulation are presented first. The results and the physical insight which can
be gained by the analysis are discussed. A series of design modifications which
add minimal weight are introduced in the vehicle structure, such as using rigid
polyurethane foam material, introducing a foot rest, adding a rail stiffener on
the floor, and various combinations of these design alternatives; the effects of
the design changes on the forces generated on the legs of the occupant are
identified through simulation. The results are analyzed in order to gain a
physical insight about the design changes which improve survivability. The
material presented in this paper demonstrates how simulations can be used for
increasing occupant survivability and for understanding the physics which are
critical for mitigating occupant injury.
LEVERAGING BRAIN COMPUTER INTERACTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR MILITARY
APPLICATIONS
Authors: Ries Anthony J. , Lance Brent , Sajda Paul
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in neuroscience, signal processing, machine learning, and related
technologies have made it possible to reliably detect brain signatures specific
to visual target recognition in real time. Utilizing these technologies together
has shown an increase in the speed and accuracy of visual target identification
over traditional visual scanning techniques. Images containing a target of
interest elicit a unique neural signature in the brain (e.g. P300 event-related
potential) when detected by the human observer. Computer vision exploits the
P300-based signal to identify specific features in the target image that are
different from other non-target images. Coupling the brain and computer in this
way along with using rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) of the images
enables large image datasets to be accurately interrogated in a short amount of
time. Together this technology allows for potential military applications
ranging from image triaging for the image analyst to target geo-tagging for
ground troops.
IMPROVED SAFETY AND MOBILITY OF GROUND ROBOTS
Authors: Peng Huei , Ulsoy A. Galip
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The main goal of this paper is to report recent progress on two example projects
supported within the Ground Robotics Reliability Center (GRRC), a TARDEC
supported research center headquartered at the University of Michigan. In the
first project, the concept of Velocity Occupancy Space (VOS), a new navigation
algorithm that allows a robot to operate using only a range finding sensor in an
unknown environment was developed. This method helps a mobile robot to avoid
stationary and moving obstacles while navigating towards a target. The second
project highlighted is related to energy and power requirement of mobile robots.
Hazardous terrains pose challenges to the operation of mobile robots. To enable
their safe and efficient operations, it is necessary to detect the terrain type
and to modify operation and control strategies in real-time. A research project
supported by GRRC has developed a closed-form wheel-soil model. Computational
efficiency of this model is improved by avoiding traditional recursive solution
of the model under binary search. Results from these two projects are expected
to improve the safety and mobility of mobile robots.
EVOLUTION OF OCCUPANT SURVIVABILITY SIMULATION FRAMEWORK USING
FEM-SPH COUPLING
Authors: Dooge Daniel , Dwarampudi Ramesh , Schaffner Grant , Miller Adam , Thyagarajan Ravi , Vunnam Madanmohan , Babu Venkatesh
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

To reduce the hazard for service personnel involved in current field operations,
it is necessary to improve the safety and structural integrity of transport
vehicles subjected to buried explosive material. Numerical simulation of the
detonation effects of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on a vehicle and its
occupants can provide tremendous value in this effort. Such events involve a
range of complex phenomena at various dimensional and temporal scales, and it is
not practical to capture all physical phenomena with just one single numerical
method. A practical solution to this problem is proposed using a combination of
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and Finite Elements.

Various numerical techniques have been proposed for simulating buried explosive
over the past 30 years and this work has been previously described by many
authors. However, the ability to define blast input parameters together with a
soldier-centric simulation approach that includes human body and
human-structural interactions with a vehicle subjected to an energetic effect
poses a new challenge. SPH technology is a mesh-free Lagrangian method that can
be configured with direct input of variables such as the soil density and
explosive size without extensive tuning of parameters. The coupled SPH-FE
approach is demonstrated for explosions and blast waves interacting with
structures using a previously published validation study. For comparative
purposes, the inclusion of Anthropomorphic Test Dummies (ATD’s) to a
vehicle model subjected to this blast load is presented under varying
scenarios.

The PAM-SHOCK software allows combining SPH for the soil, detonation and blast
wave propagation in a gaseous medium with Finite Elements for the structural
dynamics of the vehicle and the occupant models and is presented in the current
study. The proposed approach allows realistic and predictive simulations, based
on realistic input, of vehicles and occupants subjected to IED blasts supportive
of product development cycle constraints.
DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH FIDELITY MOBILITY SIMULATION OF AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE IN AN OFF-ROAD SCENARIO USING INTEGRATED SENSOR, CONTROLLER, AND MULTI-BODY DYNAMICS
Authors: Jayakumar Paramsothy , Smith William , Ross Brant A. , Jategaonkar Rohit , Konarzewski Krystian
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The mechanical behavior of a military vehicle during off-highway operation is
complex and highly nonlinear. Some current vehicle concepts include added
intelligence through the implementation of sensors and controllers to enable
autonomous or semi-autonomous operations. Control systems have typically been
developed with controls software where the mechanical plant and sensors are
represented as simplified and often linearized blocks, resulting in a poor
vehicle assessment. This paper describes the development of an integrated
environment for a control system, mechanical system dynamics, and sensor
simulation for an improved assessment of the vehicle system performance. The
vehicle chosen is an autonomous robot that attempts to follow a prescribed path
along an off-highway terrain. The effect of including a stability controller for
vehicle mobility is assessed. The architecture of the integrated simulation
environment is described and its potential to improve schedule and reduce risk
of the development of mechatronic military vehicle systems is explored.
BLAST SURVIVABILITY AND SEAT DROP TOWER TESTING
Authors: Eridon James , Cory Josh
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The inclusion of energy-absorbing (EA) seats in combat vehicles has been shown to
greatly reduce the likelihood of upper-body injuries during mine blast events. A
drop tower is one of the common low-cost methods of testing an energy-absorbing
seat to determine the vehicle acceleration and associated level of blast that it
can protect against. However, the lack of a standard drop tower test procedure
for mine blast purposes means that different facilities perform tests and
analyze and report results in an inconsistent manner. As a consequence, the
reported performance of any given seat tested in a drop tower may not accurately
reflect the degree to which it would protect a soldier during an actual blast
event. This paper describes the nature of the problems associated with current
drop tower testing, and proposes a solution to eliminate much of the ambiguity
surrounding test results. We will describe proposed test and analysis methods
that can lead to a more accurate and conservative estimate of EA seat
performance during an underbody blast event, resulting in better seat designs
and increased soldier survivability.
AN INTELLIGENT ELECTRICAL POWER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR MILITARY
VEHICLES
Authors: Kelly John W. , Sadler Ryan , Haynes Aric , Rose Gary
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

An efficient and collaborative process for the realization and implementation of
an electrical power management strategy for a modern military vehicle is
demonstrated. Power, software and hardware engineers working together and using
simulation and emulation tools are able to develop, simulate and validate a
power strategy before prototype vehicle integration, reducing integration cost
and time. For demonstration, an intelligent electrical power management strategy
is developed for a generic military vehicle with conventional
engine/transmission propulsion and an inline generator. The challenge of this
architecture is maintaining electrical bus stability/regulation at low engine
speed given that electrical power demands may exceed power supplied. The
intelligent electrical power management strategy presented limits the total
power demand to power available by overriding the demands of the individual
loads. Based on load prioritization and vehicle system dynamics, power limits
are issued to the individual electrical load controllers. The collaboration
process to develop, model, simulate, and validate this intelligent power
management strategy is presented. In addition, the tools used to facilitate this
collaboration; Mathworks Simulink/StateFlow/Real-Time Workshop and the Vehicle
Electrical Power System Test-bed, are detailed.
SMALL FORM FACTOR MISSION COMPUTER VICTORY &
MOSA-COMPLIANT
Authors: Leibowitz Mark , Saracino Robert , Leach Jon
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Vehicle control, monitoring and C2/C4ISR capabilities have been delivered in the
past by integrating disparate, stove-piped systems. Besides SWAP inefficiencies,
stove-piped systems typically do not share critical data and are expensive to
maintain and upgrade. The lack of interoperability and data sharing also
adversely affects the integration of new capabilities.

Architectures under development by the government include the Joint Common
Architecture (JCA), Mobile Distributed C4ISR Architecture (MDCA), and Vehicular
Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY). Each embraces Modular Open
Systems Approach (MOSA) principles to eliminate stove-piped systems. This paper
examines the legacy and capabilities of MicroTCA®—a
small form factor, MOSA-compliant hardware computing platform—in the
context of the VICTORY architecture. MicroTCA® is revealed to
be an excellent instantiation and enabler for VICTORY with significant
advantages over competing architectures.
Performance of an Embedded Platform Aggregating and Executing Core
Vehicular Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY)
Services
Authors: Russell Mark
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The Vehicular Integration for C4ISR/EW
Interoperability
(VICTORY) Standard adopts many protocols that are traditionally used for
developing enterprise application software deployed on general-purpose or
server/workstation based computing platforms. This has led to discussions
regarding the suitability of the VICTORY Standard for deployment to embedded and
resource-constrained platforms. An independent software implementation of
VICTORY core services was developed within the U.S Army Tank and Automotive
Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) VICTORY System Integration
Lab (SIL). These services were ported from a general-purpose computing platform
to an embedded environment. Test procedures were developed and extensive
performance tests were conducted to determine the feasibility of operating in
this resource-constrained environment. This paper discusses the development
procedures, implementation, test procedures, and performance results.
OPEN SYSTEMS COMMON HBCT ELECTRONICS VICTORY ARCHITECTURE
APPROACH
Authors: Gangopadhyay Shubhagat , Jedynak David
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Commercial Technology, coupled with open standards and the US Army’s
VICTORY Standard present a strong opportunity to create Open Systems Common
Electronics Architectures. The paper describes the COTS approach, the relevant
open standards, application for ground combat platforms, and references the
previously presented intra-vehicle network reference architecture. A candidate
LRU, the TPUIII, is presented as a first step towards a common building block in
HBCT. Next steps for common architecture development and analysis versus VICTORY
are provided.
THE ARCHITECTURE-BASED TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION AND CAPABILITY TRADEOFF
METHOD FORMULATION AND INITIAL APPLICATION
Authors: Griendling Kelly , Mavris Dimitri N.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The Architecture-based Technology Evaluation and Capability Tradeoff Methodology
has been formulated to aid pre-Milestone A decision-making by enabling users of
the method to explore a large, diverse alternative space in a rigorous,
quantitative, and traceable manner across the DOTMLPF spectrum. ARCHITECT uses
key DoDAF products, a hierarchical modeling and simulation approach, and visual
analytics to formulate the problem, identify key gaps and metrics, identify and
evaluate a large number of alternatives, and support decision-making. The
ARCHITECT methodology has been demonstrated on a simplified SEAD example
problem.
TECHNICAL RISK ASSESSMENT: INCREASING THE VALUE OF TECHNOLOGY
READINESS ASSESSMENT (TRA)
Authors: Addis Rebecca
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

As the Army focuses to modernize existing ground vehicle fleets and develop new
ground vehicle platforms, Program Managers are faced with the challenge of how
to best choose a set of technologies for the vehicle that will be mature, be
able to be integrated onto the platform, and have the capability to meet defined
requirements. To accomplish this, the Tank Automotive Research, Development and
Engineering Center (TARDEC) Systems Engineering Group (SEG) has championed the
development of a methodology for executing Technical Risk Assessments, one of
the components of the overall Risk Assessment. The Technical Risk Assessment
activity determines critical technologies, assesses technology maturity,
integration and manufacturing readiness, and identifies the associated technical
risks of those critical technologies and other technologies of interest. A
standardized set of criteria is being utilized by technology subject matter
experts to perform the assessments, and has been used consistently across
programs to achieve uniformity in results.
CROWDSOURCING: A PRIMER AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING
Authors: Gerth Richard J. , Burnap Alex , Papalambros Panos
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Crowdsourcing is an overarching term that denotes a number of ways to use the web
as means to enlist a large number of individuals to perform a particular task.
The tasks can range from simply providing an opinion, to contributing material,
to solving a problem. Because the term crowdsourcing is used to denote a variety
of activities in many different contexts, strong opinions have formed in many
minds. This paper is an attempt to inform the reader of the complexity that
underlies the simple term “crowdsourcing.” We then describe the
connection between the DARPA Adaptive Vehicle Make program with the potential
limitations of crowdsourcing complex tasks using examples from industry. Using
these examples, we present a research motivation detailing areas to be improved
within current crowdsourcing frameworks. Finally, an agent-based simulation
using machine learning techniques is defined, preliminary results are presented,
and future research directions are described.
SUSPENSION PARAMETER MEASUREMENTS OF WHEELED MILITARY
VEHICLES
Authors: Andreatta Dale , Heydinger Gary , Sidhu Anmol , Bixel Ronald , Kurec Aleksander , Singh Amandeep , Baseski Igor , Skorupa Thomas
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

At the request of the US Army’s Tank Automotive Command (TACOM) a device
was built to measure the suspension parameters of any military wheeled vehicle.
This is part of an ongoing effort to model and predict vehicle dynamic behavior.
The new machine is called the Suspension Parameter Identification and Evaluation
Rig (SPIdER) and has a capacity intended to cover all of the military’s
wheeled vehicles. The machine operates by holding the vehicle body nominally
fixed while hydraulic cylinders move an “axle frame” in bounce
or roll under each axle being tested. Up to two axles may be tested at once.
Forces at the tires and motions of the wheel centers in three dimensions and two
angles are measured. Other motions of the suspension and the minimal motions of
the vehicle body are measured. For steer axles the steering ratio, Ackerman
steer characteristics, and kingpin orientation are measured.
Low Temperature Operation of Lithium Start Batteries
Authors: Marcel Mike , Knakal Tony , Helm Jeff , Fagan Bailey , Alexander Les
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The department of defense currently uses a number of models of vehicle start
batteries with the “6T” form factor. These batteries are
typically found in almost every vehicle in the DOD fleet and other systems that
require 28VDC power. The use of power and energy on the battlefield is
significantly changing and the Warfighter now requires a “start”
battery that is used for more than just starting, lighting and ignition (SLI)
for the vehicle. Lithium ion battery technologies are showing great promise in
addressing these challenges by providing higher power capability for extended
silent watch, battery monitoring and extended cycle life. One concern, however,
is their ability to operate at low temperatures.

One of the most challenging aspects of battery use in military applications is
their operation at extreme high and low temperatures. These wide temperature
swings can potentially have a dramatic effect on cycle life and performance. One
significant concern, especially for lithium ion technology, is the ability to
provide sufficient cold cranking amps (CCA) and maintain their overall
performance, including vehicle starting. Other important considerations at low
temperature are the operation and accuracy of the battery monitoring system,
whose electronics could potentially be sensitive in these operating
conditions.

There are a number of ways to effectively mitigate cold weather operational risk,
which include the use of advanced battery materials (anode/cathode material or
electrolyte) or integration of heating systems within the battery. This paper
will discuss the challenges for lithium ion batteries at low temperatures as
well as present, with data, some effective means of overcoming this obstacle
while not significantly impacting cost. To demonstrate the performance of
lithium ion at low temperatures, data from cold chamber testing using the A123
Lithium Ion start battery will be presented.
IMPROVED ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY UTILIZING A
SUPERTURBOCHARGER
Authors: Waldron Thomas , VanDyne Ed , Brown Jared
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The need for current and future military vehicles to include more powerful and
efficient powertrains is critical to both improving operational performance and
reducing logistical burden. VanDyne SuperTurbo Inc. is working jointly with
TARDEC and OEM partners to develop and field a revolutionary technology that
simultaneously increases available engine power and reduces overall fuel
consumption. The ability to incorporate efficient supercharging will allow
vehicles to accelerate faster in combat situations and accept a heavier load.
The ability to mechanically recover waste heat energy will allow vehicles to
improve their operational range and reduce the Class III supply chain.
SuperTurbo technology additionally reduces visible soot emissions and is
transferable to gensets and other equipment. The end result of fielding this
kind of capability will be a force protection multiplier that equips the
warfighter with better performing systems.
EVALUATING VOLTAGE REGULATION COMPLIANCE OF MIL-PRF-GCS600A(ARMY) FOR
VEHICLE ON-BOARD GENERATORS AND ASSESSING OVERALL VEHICLE BUS
COMPLIANCE.
Authors: Zanardelli Wesley G. , Kelly John
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

For the latest military vehicles being developed with high-voltage, on-board
power generation systems, compliance with MIL-PRF-GCS600A(ARMY) is a
prerequisite for vehicle bus stability. The primary component responsible for
stability is the generator/controller. As part of MIL-PRF-GCS600A, the voltage
regulation requirements for the generator sub-system can be validated in the
laboratory. However, determining overall vehicle electrical system compliance
before prototype integration is more difficult. The individual loads on the bus
may not be available for laboratory integration and testing. Likewise, the
vehicle prime mover, an internal combustion engine (ICE), may not be available.
Assessing compliance to MIL-PRF-GCS600A during the sub-system development phase,
prior to vehicle build, can aid in optimization of the electrical system, i.e.
vehicle bus capacitance sizing and allocation. Vehicle electrical system
compliance can be assessed using high fidelity generator/controller models
together with ICE and load models. Various load duty cycles and fault conditions
can be simulated and evaluated with respect to MIL-PRF-GCS600A.

With its two world class laboratories, the Motor Testing Laboratory and the new
Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory (GSPEL), the US Army Tank Automotive
Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) is uniquely equipped to
perform characterization and testing of high-voltage vehicle generator systems.
Generator testing to MIL-PRF-GCS600A is part of TARDEC’s standard
electrical machine testing and characterization procedures. From testing and
characterization results, high fidelity models are developed and validated.
AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION TO IMPROVE LEAD ACID BATTERY RECHARGING
ALGORITHMS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Jones Stanley , Mendoza John , Wang Daniel , Ding Yi , Zanardelli Sonya
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

An experimental testing program has been developed that looks to optimize the
battery recharging algorithms to improve battery lifetime and state of charge
knowledge. The first phase of the testing targeted lead acid battery performance
characterization as a function of controlled environmental temperatures.
Subsequent testing includes performance testing under alternator recharging
using default and proposed charging algorithms. A new experimental apparatus has
been developed to integrate battery testing with alternator charging to simulate
in-vehicle operations under controlled environmental conditions. Results are
presented for the baseline performance testing, a model is presented for the
characterization of battery parameters and a description of the test apparatus
and approach employed for the integrated alternator testing is included.
SOFTWARE-BASED ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROLLER FOR TACTICAL WHEELED
VEHICLES
Authors: Mazza Marcus , Rhoads Matthew , Song Peilin , Way Christopher , Brown Ross , Reiter Mark
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a wheeled vehicle safety system through
which active yaw and roll control are realized. ESC is quickly making its way
onto tactical wheeled vehicles (TWV) and a source to independently analyze the
performance of such systems is becoming increasingly necessary. This paper
outlines the efforts of the Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) and
the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in the development of a modeling tool capable
of replicating typical ESC control systems and algorithms. Created within the
MATLAB®/Simulink® environment, the
fully-adaptable and reconfigurable tool features corrective yaw control via
differential braking and throttle management, along with a detailed braking
sub-model capable of capturing brake actuation dynamics. A multi-degree of
freedom TruckSim® vehicle model is utilized in conjunction
with the tool to accurately model the complexity state and replicate the onboard
sensor signals typically available to an ESC controller.
SIMULATION OF THERMAL SIGNATURE OF TIRES AND TRACKS
Authors: Tang Tian , Johnson Daniel , Ledbury Emily , Goddette Thomas , Felicelli* Sergio D. , Smith Robert E.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Rubber is the main element of tires and the outside layer of tracks. Tire and
track heating is caused by hysteresis effects due to the deformation of the
rubber during operation. Tire temperatures can depend on many factors, including
tire geometry, inflation pressure, vehicle load and speed, road type and
temperature and environmental conditions. The focus of this study is to develop
a finite element approach to computationally evaluate the temperature field of a
steady-state rolling tire and track. The 3D thermal analysis software Radtherm
was applied to calculate the average temperature of tread and sidewall, and the
results of Radtherm agreed with ABAQUS results very well. The distributions of
stress and strain energy density of the rolling tracks were investigated by
ABAQUS as well. The future works were finally presented.
INVESTIGATION OF STRESS AND FAILURE IN GRANULAR SOILS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT
ROBOTIC VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Authors: Senatore Carmine , MacLennan Jamie , Jayakumar Paramsothy , Wulfmeier Markus , Iagnemma Karl
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper describes novel experimental methods aimed at understanding the
fundamental phenomena governing the motion of lightweight vehicles on dry,
granular soils. A single-wheel test rig is used to empirically investigate wheel
motion under controlled wheel slip and loading conditions on sandy, dry soil.
Test conditions can be designed to replicate typical field scenarios for
lightweight robots, while key operational parameters such as drawbar force,
torque, and sinkage are measured. This test rig enables imposition of
velocities, or application of loads, to interchangeable running gears within a
confined soil bin of dimensions 1.5 m long, 0.7 m wide, and 0.4 m deep. This
allows testing of small-scale wheels, tracks, and cone or plate penetrators.
Aside from standard wheel experiments (i.e., measurements of drawbar force,
applied torque, and sinkage during controlled slip runs) two additional
experimental methodologies have been developed. The first relies on high-speed
imaging of the wheel-soil interface and the use of particle image velocimetry
(PIV) to measure micro-scale terrain kinematics. The second experimental
methodology consists of a custom force sensor array located at the wheel-terrain
interface. The sensors allow explicit measurement of normal and shear forces
(and, therefore, estimation of normal and shear stresses) at numerous discrete
points along the wheel-soil interface. Experimental measurements gathered by
these test methodologies are to be compared against well-established
semi-empirical models, to validate and understand limitations of the models and
propose improvements.
Effect of Heat on Wounded Warriors in Ground Combat Vehicles: Insights from the Army Medical Community, and the Simulation of a Novel Method for Soldier Thermal Control
Authors: Tison Nathan , Smith Rob E.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Ground combat vehicles can operate in regions characterized by various types and
severities of injuries – resulting from improvised explosive devices
(IEDs), gunfire or heat illness – as well as extreme climates such as
desert environments. Because of the wounded warrior’s compromised
physical condition, their thermal surroundings within the vehicle are especially
important. This paper presents insights gleaned from the Army medical community,
as well as a simple study of the effect of heat on soldiers in a ground combat
vehicle using CFD / thermal modeling and simulation tools and methodologies. In
particular, an Army-patented method for controlling body temperature via skin
temperature feedback together with a cooling vest and pants ensemble is
employed.
DEVELOPMENT OF DRIVE CYCLES FOR FUEL CONSUMPTION EVALUATION OF MILITARY GROUND VEHICLES
Authors: Dagci Oguz H. , Cook Andrew , Shaw Phillip
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the development of a methodology to generate drive cycles
having a finite duration, but which are statistically representative of a larger
set of usage data collected from fleet vehicles operating in the field. Given
field-generated time vs. velocity data, acceleration at each data point is
calculated, and each velocity and acceleration pair is binned using some
calibrated level of fidelity. As a result, a velocity-acceleration matrix
representing each vehicle operating point, as well as cumulative probability
distribution functions for acceleration change and take-off acceleration are
generated. These cumulative distribution functions are utilized to pick random
velocity-acceleration pairs from the corresponding matrix, and the concatenation
of each consecutive chosen velocity-acceleration pair constitutes the final
drive cycle. Three drive cycles representing the high-, medium- and low-speed
operation of the vehicle are generated from the field data, and these show
measurable similar statistical characteristics to the initial master data
superset. To validate the drive cycles, simulations were performed on a
representative vehicle model using both the statistically generated drive cycles
and the entirety of the field-collected dataset, and fuel economy results were
found to be consistent between the two. Finally, a method for evaluating various
use cases of the vehicle in terms of fuel economy using various combinations of
these three drive cycles is discussed.
A METHOD TO ACHIEVE HIGH FIDELITY IN INTERNET-DISTRIBUTED
HARDWARE-IN-THE-LOOP SIMULATION
Authors: Ersal Tulga , Brudnak Mark J. , Kim Youngki , Salvi Ashwin , Siegel Jason B. , Stefanopoulou Anna , Stein Jeffrey L. , Filipi Zoran
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

One of the main challenges of co-simulating hardware-in-the-loop systems in
real-time over the Internet is the fidelity of the simulation. The stochastic
delay of the Internet may significantly distort the dynamics of the
network-integrated system. This paper presents the development of an iterative
learning control based approach to improve fidelity in such network-integrated
systems. Towards this end, a new metric for characterizing fidelity is proposed
first, which, unlike some existing metrics, does not require knowledge about the
reference dynamics (i.e., dynamics that would be observed, if the system was
physically connected). #ext, using this metric, the problem of improving
fidelity is formulated as an iterative learning control problem. Finally, the
proposed approach is utilized in a case study, which shows that the proposed
approach can significantly improve the fidelity in Internet-distributed
hardware-in-the-loop simulation.
BEYOND VICTORY – CLOUD COMPUTING IN MILITARY
VEHICLES
Authors: Jedynak David
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper will define a number of levels of abstracted cloud computing for
vehicles. First, the transition from current architectures of dedicated hardware
to basic dedicated virtualization of processes with hardware defined networks
will be detailed using Commercial-of-the-Shelf (COTS) hardware and operating
systems available now. Second, the transition to cloud-based processes with
hardware defined networks will be detailed using the same hardware baseline.
Third, the transition to software defined networks will be shown using the same
hardware baseline. Once this new baseline of cloud based processing is detailed
on existing hardware, the diffusion of the cloud onto an increased number of
more SWaP-C optimized processing elements (specifically, ARM) will be shown.
Each level of abstraction will be rated with a number of figures of merit and
correlation to vehicle metrics / capabilities. A clear roadmap towards
implementation will be shown, with defined phases to adapt and mature
technologies to implement cloud computing in military vehicles.
REDUCE PROJECT SCHEDULES AND INCREASE QUALITY USING MODEL DRIVEN
DEVELOPMENT FOR DESIGN, VERIFICATION AND TEST
Authors: Vargas John
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

As contracts move from cost plus to fixed deliverables, total project cost and
reducing schedules become more important. This paper will show how Model Driven
Development can address common challenges in the system design, verification
& testing of complex systems and systems of systems. Project success
requires that hardware, software, and test teams fluently integrate application
software, controlling firmware, analog and digital hardware, and mechanical
components, which often proves to be costly in terms of time, money, and
engineering resources. Model Driven Development and virtual prototyping using a
tools flow emphasizing requirements tracing, UML / SysML system modeling, and
linking to functional FPGA, IC, PCB and cabling domains supports system
engineering teams along with software, digital hardware, analog hardware, system
interconnect algorithm development, hardware / software co-simulation, and
virtual system integration. This paper covers such solutions that reduce project
schedule while improving product release quality.
PACK LEVEL PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR A UNIVERSAL LITHIUM-BASED BATTERY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Pilvelait Bruce , Rentel Carlos , Finger William , Fogg David , Plett Gregory L. , Knakal Anthony
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the development of and tests performed on a Battery
Management System (BMS) that was developed for lithium ion based cell
chemistries. The BMS follows a universal architecture developed to support
multiple chemistries. It estimates and reports the State of Charge (SOC), State
of Health (SOH), State of Life (SOL), and Power Availability of the battery
pack. The BMS also reports current, cell voltages, and temperatures.
Additionally, the BMS performs active and passive cell balancing and fault
protection via solid state circuit breakers. The BMS package conforms to
military requirements, including an operational temperature range between
-55°C and +70°C, and provides a Controller Area Network (CAN)
interface. Algorithm accuracy performance was quantified in the laboratory. The
BMS consistently demonstrated accuracies within 5% SOC in a software
upgradeable, low cost package. Currently we are performing field tests on a U.S.
Army ground combat vehicle.
GLOBAL STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMIZING THE RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF
U.S. ARMY MOBILE POWER TRANSFER SYSTEMS
Authors: Skowronska Annette G. , Gorsich David , Mange Jeremy , Dunn Andrew , Pandey Vijitashwa , Mourelatos Zissimos P.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

As the U.S. Army develops its 30-year science and technology strategy for ground
systems, these systems are seen more as mobile power generation systems than
just semi-autonomous mobile protection systems. As ground systems continue to
have greater levels of electrification, they are perceived as key to providing
power not only to the propulsion and mobility systems, but to protection
systems, communications, information systems and a complex, ever-increasing
suite of auxiliary power systems which are not limited to the vehicle platform
itself, but to external systems and platforms. All power systems can be
connected wirelessly, or through a microgrid. Therefore, optimizing the overall
ground system along with an external suite of loads and sources through a power
grid, as a system of systems, becomes crucial in vehicle design. This
optimization problem for performance and reliability is complex when considering
the outside grid and a mix of other sources and loads with uncertain power
quality and availability. This paper proposes how this optimization problem can
be formulated and solved, and attempts to change the perspective of the
importance of the overall ground system as a power generation system on the
battlefield, and for base operations, restoration and contingency operations.
Because a microgrid is designed for a period of time, our optimization problem
considers factors such as cost to operate, maintenance, reliability, repair time
and logistics. This paper also focuses on optimizing the vehicle-microgrid
system using these factors with emphasis on the vehicle to grid management where
a vehicle is a mobile power generation system and a key part of the grid.
A NEW TECHNIQUE TO ENABLE DIESEL ENGINES TO AUTONOMOUSLY OPERATE ON
DIFFERENT MILITARY FUELS
Authors: Henein Naeim. A. , Bryzik Walter , Badawy Tamer , Muzzell Pat. , Schihl Pete , Sattler Eric , Johnson Nick
Published: November 2024

SUMMARY

Autonomous operation of diesel engines using different military fuels faces many
challenges. Engines should be able to use Jet Propellant-8 (JP-8) fuel, as well
as alternate and renewable fuels intended to replace petroleum-derived jet or
diesel fuels. These fuels can have wide ranges of physical and chemical
properties. In addition, diesel engines that power military ground vehicles are
originally manufactured for commercial applications which are equipped with
additional after treatment devices needed to the meet emission standards. Such
devices are not needed in military vehicles. However, commercial engines and
after treatment devices are calibrated as one system to meet the emission
targets, causing some penalty in fuel economy and peak power. These engines
should be recalibrated to produce the highest power density and the best fuel
economy required in military vehicles. Furthermore, commercial engines are
optimized to operate on ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) fuel, which has narrow
specifications. This is not the case in military engines which should be able to
operate on JP-8 and other approved alternate fuels which have wide ranges of
Cetane Numbers (CN), density, and volatility. It should be noted that all these
challenges are related to the combustion process. This paper presents a new
technique developed to sense and control the combustion process for different
fuels. This technique is based on the ionization in hydrocarbon-air flames. The
measured ion current is analyzed in detail to determine the autoignition and
combustion characteristic of the fuel used in the engine. This is followed by
the development of a control strategy to phase the combustion process of
different fuels in order to achieve the targets of improved fuel economy, high
power density and reduced soot emissions in military vehicles.
TRADE STUDY OF A LIGHTWEIGHT, MULTI-MATERIAL MILITARY VEHICLE
STRUCTURE
Authors: Gerth Richard J.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Vehicle light weighting is a priority for the U.S. Army. Due to increased
survivability requirements, additional protection measures have been added to
vehicles resulting in decreased fuel economy, decreased reliability and
associated vehicle availability. The automotive industry response to new CAFE
requirements as well as market pressures has not only created new light-weight
materials and associated manufacturing technologies, but also a supply chain
capable of meeting the military’ needs. This paper describes a project
that is designed to test this hypothesis through the design, manufacture, and
evaluation of a functional tactical demonstration vehicle with an affordable,
weight optimized, multi-material substructure. The project is jointly funded by
the National Automotive Center (NAC) of the United States Army, the Marine Corp,
the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and General Dynamics Land
Systems (GDLS).
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND INITIAL SHAPE PREDICTION OF AUTOMOTIVE
STRUCTURE USING INTEGRATED CAE APPROACH
Authors: Islam Mohammad Refatul , Motoyama Keiichi
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Conceptual design of automotive structures has received substantial research
attention in recent years in order to speed up vehicle development and
innovation. Although several structural optimization methods have been employed
in concept design, there still exists lack of efficient design tools to produce
initial design shapes with less problem dependency, less computation-intensive
analysis and more design flexibility. In this paper, an innovative Computer
Aided Engineering (CAE) approach based on an integrated Genetic Algorithms(GA)
and Finite Element (FE) optimization system has been studied and implemented for
efficient conceptual design of automotive suspension system related structural
part. Integration of GA provides the method a great amount of design flexibility
and robustness that increases possibility of finding more efficient and
innovative design shapes of the structure.
IMPLEMENTING UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS VIA A SINGLE SWAP-C
DEVICE
Authors: Elms Brett , Nair Unni , D’Agostino Rosemarie
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Communications has come a long way from the two dimensional model provided by
voice and data. Today complete situational awareness requires bringing a third
dimension, video, into the mix. Implementing this unified view into
today’s military vehicles calls for a unit with a well thought out
design that interfaces thoroughly with other equipment and minimizes SWAP-C
impact.

This paper addresses the efficient convergence of video with existing voice and
data presenting unified communications into a single SWAP-C device.
PROPER USE OF OPEN STANDARDS FOR COMMONALITY AND
COMPETITION
Authors: Jedynak David
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper will describe layers of open standards, demonstrate the problems of
standard top-down requirements flow-down and derivation, and show how the
standard Analysis-of-Alternatives, as used at highest levels of Department of
Defense acquisition, is appropriate for use at lower levels. Examples of how to
(and not to) use open-standards in systems engineering specifications for best
commonality and competition will be provided, intended for use as templates in
specifications.
MODEL BASED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING USING VALIDATED EXECUTABLE
SPECIFICATIONS AS AN ENABLER FOR COST AND RISK REDUCTION
Authors: Fortney George
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Current written system specifications have a high degree of uncertainty which
causes specifications to be changed because they are incorrect, incomplete or do
not possess the degree of rigor to make them precise. Even when generated by
modeling methods such as UML/SySML or standards such as DoDAF, these functional
specifications still lack any validation with respect to architecture, mission,
and scenario impacts. The lack of consideration of these aspects creates design
errors are usually exposed during the test and integration phases where the
expense is greater to correct than in the early conceptual design phase. This
paper will introduce the concept of Validated Executable Specifications (VES)
that will enable Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to validate early in the
design process to reduce risk and save costs in a System of System (SoS)
model.
IN-LINE FUEL SULFUR ANALYZER FOR IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF DESULFURIZERS
FOR FUEL CELL AUXILIARY POWER
Authors: Wagner Andrew L. , Yelvington Paul E.
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Combat vehicles have unmet needs for auxiliary power units (APUs) that reduce
fuel consumption and offer improved operational effectiveness and soldier
safety. Adoption of fuel cell APU technology is hindered by requirements for
fuel desulfurization and reforming. Both solid-oxide and
polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells are poisoned by sulfur compounds in jet
fuels. To more efficiently manage desulfurization processes, improved in-line
methods of determining the sulfur content of fuel are required. Mainstream
Engineering is developing a compact, in-line analyzer for measuring total sulfur
in jet fuel for fuel cell applications. This analyzer enables less frequent
desulfurizer regeneration events when compared to scheduling regenerations based
on the assumed worst-case sulfur limit. The measurement technique uses
multivariate analysis of Raman intensity spectra, which offers calibration
robustness, contaminant detection, and identification of fuel type.