Articles tagged with Automobile Design
A study by UC San Diego researchers found that at least 2.2 million cars in the US and worldwide are vulnerable to theft due to a Bluetooth-based anti-theft system installed by dealers since 2017. The device, which can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, has been fixed by the manufacturer with a firmware update.
A recent study found that nearly 9 in 10 pregnant participants struggled to place their seatbelts correctly, despite instruction and guidance. The researchers highlighted the need for updated restraint system designs to accommodate changing female anatomy during pregnancy.
A new study by TU Graz finds that women have a 60 per cent higher injury risk in car accidents compared to men. Women suffer noticeably more severe injuries even at lower collision speeds, with the risk of serious injury or death being twice as high. The study highlights the need for more realistic tests and intelligent safety systems.
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
The article highlights the psychological demands of self-driving cars on human brains, citing Professor McLeod's research and personal experience. He emphasizes the need for clearer interfaces, simulation-based training, and updated driving tests to address these challenges and ensure safe automation uptake across society.
The Advanced Driving Simulation Center enables researchers to realistically test and optimize vehicles, chassis, and advanced driver assistance systems. The simulator's high bandwidth generates fine vibrations, crucial for optimizing electric vehicle comfort.
A study by the University of Washington and Toyota Research Institute found that when drivers multitasked, their driving and touch screen use both suffered. The car drifted more in the lane while people used touch screens, and their speed and accuracy with the screen declined when driving.
Researchers developed a fractal-based speaker add-on that reduces sound disparities between drivers and passengers in cars. The metamaterial, inspired by the Koch snowflake fractal, creates broadband wavefront control for a more even sound field.
The $2.5 million DRIFT program aims to close critical talent gaps and safeguard connected vehicles by providing specialized online and in-person training. Worcester Polytechnic Institute will lead the university’s DRIFT program, offering tuition-free modules and real-world training to upskill engineers and professionals.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a smart plastic that can self-heal and adapt to extreme conditions, making it ideal for aerospace and automotive applications. The material's unique properties allow it to restore its shape after deformation, improve vehicle safety, and reduce environmental waste.
Research from Chalmers University of Technology found that one type of electric vehicle's warning signal is hard for humans to locate at low speeds, even with background noise. The signal was designed for acoustical standards, but its detectability was tested in a real-world setting.
Researchers developed a framework that combines competition and cooperation to help operators in multiregional networks strategically determine when and how they should work together. By investing in shared infrastructure projects, independent operators can earn more revenue and improve regional train service, benefiting users.
Researchers at Incheon National University have pioneered a novel resonant tuning rectifier (RTR) for parallel compensated receivers in wireless power transfer. The RTR enhances efficiency via dynamic frequency adaptation, reducing circuit impedance and minimizing interference with other devices.
The TU Graz AI system optimises vehicle components using simulation models and evolutionary algorithms to reduce development time by several months. It considers multiple objectives including production costs, efficiency and package space requirements, as well as CO2 emissions across the entire supply chain.
A Seoul National University team developed a breakthrough technique to improve metal-polymer joints, enabling the use of plastics in car parts and reducing overall vehicle weight. This method uses laser surface texturing to create strong and durable bonds between steel and plastic materials.
A team of researchers has designed a servicing plan for future space observatories, inspired by current missions like the James Webb Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Gaia. The plan aims to address the enormous challenges of implementing serviceability in modern space telescopes, including distance and delicate structures.
Researchers analyzed seismic data from southern Israel and found weak ground motions caused by Hamas forces' unusual vehicle movement. This breakthrough highlights the potential of using seismic data to provide early warnings for future terrorist activities.
Researchers at POSTECH have developed an innovative approach to enhance the efficiency of thermoelectric materials by altering their geometry to resemble an hourglass shape. This breakthrough could lead to widespread applications in thermoelectric power generation, converting waste heat into electricity.
Researchers developed a technique that leverages component-based reduced order modeling to analyze composite laminates. The 'Lego-like' construction method offers improved speed and accuracy, making it a viable alternative to traditional finite-element analysis.
Alyssa Ryan's research aims to identify populations most at risk for crash injuries, including factors like location, race, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Her study combines layered national and state demographic data with injury and fatality data from Emergency Medical Services.
Researchers analyzed trauma injury data from over 56,000 car crash victims and found that women have a higher shock index, indicating a greater risk of hemorrhagic shock. This suggests that female bodies may handle blood loss differently than male bodies, warranting further investigation into car safety design and first aid response.
A new computational model uses neural network architecture to generate accurate predictions of airflow while reducing computational cost. It can capture most of the original physics in a flow prediction with relatively little processing complexity.
A computer vision system developed by University of Malaga engineers estimates vehicle speeds in real time using a single camera, reducing complexity and costs. The algorithm, published in Neurocomputing, aims to improve vehicle safety and has potential applications in autonomous driving and driver assistance.
Researchers aim to connect manufacturers and cybersecurity experts to create a community interested in solving digital manufacturing security issues. The team plans to build a website for communication and hosting workshops, conferences, and student design competitions.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
Researchers developed a new method for capturing turbulent flame behavior, providing detailed insights into flame dynamics, ignition processes and combustion efficiency. The high-speed 3D imaging approach can be used to optimize energy production processes and improve fire safety measures.
Researchers suggest sharing smaller, lightweight EVs to manage resource use in EV batteries. They found that reducing material supply risks requires systemic approaches and investments in new battery technologies.
A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.
Researchers have developed a new lithium-air battery that uses a solid electrolyte, boosting energy density four times above lithium-ion batteries. The battery can potentially power cars for over a thousand miles on a single charge and is also suitable for domestic airplanes and long-haul trucks.
Research by Lero and Motion-S found that fitting all UK cars with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) could prevent 24% of road crashes. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is the most impactful technology, reducing three out of four most frequent accident categories.
A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports has found that women are better at taking over control of automated cars compared to men. The research involved 76 drivers who participated in a driving simulator study and showed that women exhibited faster reaction times and more stable operation of the steering wheel.
Researchers at KAUST developed a new exhaust catalyst concept that can effectively remove NOx from vehicle emissions, resolving an ongoing debate over additive atoms in the catalyst mix. The team identified the ideal atomic recipe to catalytically remove NOx from diesel car tailpipes.
Researchers at MIT City Science explore the impact of autonomy on shared micro-mobility systems, proposing it as a solution to mitigate challenges such as rebalancing and vehicle oversupply. An agent-based simulation tool assesses fleet performance and user experience, providing insights for informed decisions.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a design optimization system to incorporate blood vessel-like cooling networks into battery packaging for electric vehicles. The system balances performance-enhancing factors against problematic variables like weight and thermal activity to provide the best battery package specifications.
The Rice-Waseda team created a computer simulation model that can accurately depict the complex aerodynamics around a moving car and its rolling tires. The model uses NURBS Surface-to-Volume Guided Mesh Generation method, which enables it to capture the deformation of tires as they roll on the road.
The researchers developed a power suit made of a layered carbon composite material that works as an energy-storing supercapacitor-battery hybrid device. This material could increase an electric car's range by 25% and boost its power, giving it the extra push it needs to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds.
A study found that people who believe computers can surpass humans in tasks are more likely to accept self-driving cars. This 'posthuman ability' had a significant impact on acceptance, suggesting designers could re-envision car interiors with interactive devices.
Researchers found that adaptive cruise control systems can create phantom jams by slowing down too much, even when the vehicle ahead speeds up. The study suggests that designing ACC systems with traffic flow in mind is crucial for alleviating jams and improving traffic efficiency.
Scientists have developed an interactive machine learning tool that enables designers to test aerodynamic properties of objects in real-time, speeding up the design process. The tool uses polycubes to represent shapes and achieves impressive accuracy, making it a promising solution for engineering applications.
New research found that natural car vibrations cause sleepiness in drivers within 15 minutes, impacting cognitive performance. The study suggests incorporating features to disrupt vibration-induced drowsiness in future car seat designs.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed two new modified toy car designs to encourage children with disabilities to engage in physical and social activities. The sit-to-stand car promotes standing up to activate the switch, while the Throw Baby Throw car uses a pitching machine to facilitate throwing skills.
Research suggests that public acceptance of self-driving cars is lower than expected, with many people preferring a more realistic portrayal of the technology. The study found that participants who read an idealized description of self-driving car ownership were more accepting than those who read a more realistic scenario.
A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that consumers prefer cars with a unique design that mimics luxury car aesthetics, but not those that are too similar to the market average. The researchers used a morphing technique and consumer choice model to quantify how aesthetic design affects consumer preferences.
A new study reveals that investments in both function and ergonomics result in higher market share, whereas investments in both function and form impose a share penalty. Older vehicles with higher form design hold their market-share value better than older vehicles with higher functional or ergonomic designs.
Researchers develop a method to analyze web reviews and extract design intelligence, identifying pros and cons of features. The DFOC approach can enhance creative efficiency and competitiveness by shortening lead times and improving product quality.
Researchers at the University of Groningen have resolved the 'boxfish swimming paradox' by showing that the fish's triangular shape and body design actually promote manoeuvrability. The study, published in the online journal Interface, challenges a previous American research group's claims about the magical properties of boxfish ridges.
The Hyve-3D system enables collaborative 3D content creation via immersive environments, allowing designers to interact with their sketches in a fully embodied experience. The system has various industrial applications across fields such as architecture, engineering, medical design, and gaming.
Scientists developed a high-resolution sensor that can be painted onto surfaces or built into gloves to measure pressure. The sensor changes color from deep blue to ruby red under stress, providing higher contrast and resolution.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is designing an integration framework for vehicles to communicate with drivers and other cars on the roadway. The project aims to provide timely and relevant information to motorists, such as traffic warnings and weather alerts, while minimizing distractions.
A 'quality-by-design' mindset could improve dietary supplement safety, as it did in the automotive industry. Manufacturers must verify plant identities and follow good manufacturing practices to ensure product accuracy.
A new study by NC State University reveals that 'superstreet' traffic designs significantly reduce travel times and improve safety. The research found a 20% overall reduction in travel time and a 46% decrease in reported automobile collisions.
A study by USC Marshall School of Business finds that luxury brands charge more for 'quieter' items with subtle logo placement and size, appealing to patricians. Counterfeiters predominantly copy lower-priced, louder luxury goods, while poseurs are more likely to express intent to purchase counterfeit bags.
Researchers found that consumers perceive unfamiliar products as expensive when surrounded by high-end options, while ignoring their own car expertise. Conversely, novice consumers believe cheap cars are more expensive when seen near affordable ones.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Chalmers and ITWM developed a software program that enables designers to virtually install flexible components in new car models. The tool simulates assembly processes, providing concrete advice on component shape changes and optimal installation paths to minimize damage to the car body.
The Clemson Inflatable Fabric Airlock, developed in collaboration with NASA, boasts a two-layer fabric design that eliminates seams for added strength. The airlock has withstood a terrestrial tensile force of over 675,000 pounds at four atmospheres of internal pressure.
The partnership aims to speed up the design process by using advanced simulation and computerized component testing. Companies involved in the project include United Technologies, Visteon, John Deere, and Procter & Gamble.
A new electrode design using fuel cell technology could potentially cut aluminum smelting costs by one-fourth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half. The proposed design would replace carbon anodes with zirconia tubes carrying natural gas, eliminating fluorocarbon production and reducing power consumption by 40%.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a more efficient cooling system for microelectronics by doubling the number of tiny tubes in a two-layered design. This new heat sink can cool devices like computers and lasers with reduced power consumption and bulkier packaging.
Researchers aim to understand the physics of auto airbags to design futuristic airbags with enhanced safety features. Preliminary findings suggest two modifications that could improve airbag safety, including reducing propellant use and installing an aspirator behind the dashboard.
A new automobile exhaust system reduces pollution and boosts engine power at the same time. The design increases overall engine performance by 5 percent while also cutting emissions by 15 percent, making it a significant improvement over standard auto exhaust assemblies.