Description
The IMA conference on "Mathematics in the Automotive Industry" was intended to expose typical theoretical problems in this industry and the role that mathematics can play in their solution. The selected papers presented here emphasize the involvement of engineering science and mathematical modelling in solving problems which arise from complex engineering situations. The automotive industry is concerned crucially with highly practical questions that need answers quickly. The analysis of vehicle dynamics and control by automatic software generation and using algebraic manipulation codes is reviewed. Problems of current interest discussed include applying control theory to four-wheel steer, active and semi-active suspensions, continuously variable transmission, and dynamometer control. Further chapters review the modelling of acoustical phenomena in the context of automotive noise due to the engine and tyres. Others discuss the digital computer-induced changes in how the stylist's conception of a car is translated into actual panels and the mathematical definition of surface features such as pockets, channels, and ribs. The book also explores the accurate and realistic prediction of air-flow rate, temperature, and flow characteristics to aid engine design; the simulation of flame propagation and knock; and using component models to predict vehicle heating and cooling. The final four chapters discuss finite element analysis of anisotropic deformation and its use in, for example, analyzing pressing or stamping operations; the sophisticated thermomechanical modelling of electrical components; and using well-tried algorithms to predict fatigue, and thus produce non-failing components.Table of ContentRuminations of a reclusive dynamicist, L. Segel; actively controlled four wheel steering, R.A. Williams and T. Rahulan; the generation of control laws for active and semi-active vehicle suspension systems via linear optimal control theory, R.S. Sharp and D.A. Wilson; powertrain dynamics and control, R.P. Jones; modelling, simulation and control of dynamometer torque loop in an engine test cell, P.J. King et al; automotive noise, A.P. Dowling; computational techniques for engine noise prediction by S.M. Kirkup, R.J. Tyrrell and D.J. Henwood; prediction of the effect of engine noise shields using a combination of boundary, shell and finite elements, S.M. Kirkup, et al; acoustic analysis of road vehicle silencers, K.S. Pear; car body design and tooling with CAD/CAM, P.E. Bezier; surface data exchange problems and solutions, R.J. Goult; feature-based design of automobile surfaces, J.C. Cavendish and S.P. Martin; simulation of the in-cylinder flow in a small loop-scavenged two-stroke engine, R.J.R. Johns and M.H. Sandford; simulating flame propagation and "knock" in spark ignition engines, R.G. Myhill and W.P. Sweetenham; mathematical modelling of vehicle flows, A. Veshagh, et al; predicting the flow characteristics and aerodynamic forces of road vehicles using computational fluid dynamics, I.R. Hawkins, et al; finite-element analysis of anisotropic material deformation, I. Pillinger, et al; thermal and mechanical modelling of electronic interconnects for the automotive environment, D.C. Whalley and D.J. Chambers; software support tools for durability assessment and design of automotive components, J. Devlukia; signal processing for fatigue in both the time and frequency domains, N.W.M. Bishop and F. Sherratt.
