The invention relates to a method for simulation-based analysis and/or optimization of a motor vehicle, preferably having the following working steps: simulating (SIOI) a driving operation of the motor vehicle (I) on the basis of a model (M) with at least one manipulated variable for acquiring values of at least one simulated variable which is suitable for characterizing an overall vehicle behaviour, in particular a driving capability, of the motor vehicle (I), wherein the model has at least one partial model, in particular a torque model, and wherein the at least one partial model is based on a function and preferably characterizes the operation of at least one component, in particular of an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle (I); and—outputting (S I03) the values of the at least one simulated variable.

In order to reduce a driver-dependent variation in test result by enhancing the reproducibility of driving indices at the end of a test, a vehicle running test system includes a vehicle speed pattern display apparatus adapted to display a prescribed speed pattern and current vehicle speed on a graph with one axis as vehicle speed and the other axis as time or running distance is adapted to, while a vehicle is being driven, separately from the vehicle speed, display information based on driving indices indicating a driving state of the vehicle, simultaneously with the graph.

A ramp structure for a mobile platform includes at least one ramp member structured to be operably coupled to the mobile platform. The at least one ramp member is structured to be deflectable toward a ground surface so as to form a ramp responsive to contact with a subject vehicle wheel when the ramp member is operably coupled to the mobile platform and the mobile platform resides on the ground surface. The ramp extends in a direction from the ground surface toward a top surface of the mobile platform.

A mission planner system for a powered system, the mission planner system including a receiving device to collect aspect information as the powered system performs a mission, said aspect information being received from a remote location, a processor to determine a speed limit based at least in part on the aspect information, and a control system connected to the powered system to operate the powered system in response to the speed limit. A method and a computer software code for determining the mission plan with aspect information obtained from a remote location during the mission are also disclosed.

Methods and systems are provided for detecting loss of communication in a vehicle network. In one example, a method may include determining a diagnostic time threshold based on an estimated duration for failure of vehicle operation under current operating conditions due to a loss of communication with a control module in the vehicle network. Further, in response to a duration of loss of communication exceeding the time threshold, a loss of communication DTC may be activated.

A method is provided for determining an adhesion potential of a tire mounted on a wheel and travelling over ground. The method utilizes a database constructed to contain information obtained by evaluating experimental data on an evolution of a rolling radius of the tire as a function of predetermined rolling conditions of the tire on ground of variable and known adhesion. Based on the information in the database, an estimation model (M.sub.adpot) of an adhesion potential is established by determining a function linking an adhesion potential (μ.sub.max) of the tire to a rolling radius (RRt) of the tire and to vehicle parameters. The rolling radius (RRt) of the tire is determined while the tire is rolling. The adhesion potential (μ.sub.max) of the tire is evaluated by application of the estimation model (M.sub.adpot) and as a function of the vehicle parameters.

This invention provides impact detection and vehicle cooperation to achieve particular goals and determine particular threat levels. For example, an impact/penetration sensing device may be provided on a soldier's clothing such that when this clothing is impacted/penetrated (e.g., penetrated to a particular extent) a medical unit (e.g., a doctor or medical chopper) may be autonomously, and immediately, provided with the soldiers location (e.g., via a GPS device on the soldier) and status (e.g., right lung may be punctured by small-arms fire).

This invention provides impact detection and vehicle cooperation to achieve particular goals and determine particular threat levels. For example, an impact/penetration sensing device may be provided on a soldier's clothing such that when this clothing is impacted/penetrated (e.g., penetrated to a particular extent) a medical unit (e.g., a doctor or medical chopper) may be autonomously, and immediately, provided with the soldiers location (e.g., via a GPS device on the soldier) and status (e.g., right lung may be punctured by small-arms fire).

A test stand for an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: a base arranged to make contact with the ground; a frame extending from the base, the frame comprising at least a first side portion and a second side portion that define a space therebetween; and a mount slidably attached to the frame within the space, the mount configured to affix to an unmanned aerial vehicle such that the mount and the unmanned aerial vehicle slide within the defined space in a direction parallel to the frame during a test flight.

A method for determining stability of a vehicle having a load suspended from the vehicle is provided. The method can include obtaining measurements from a plurality of sensors positioned on the vehicle, obtaining a measurement from a vehicle accelerometer operative to determine an inclination of the vehicle, determining a position of the load suspended from the vehicle, determining a slung load of the load suspended from the vehicle, using the determined slung load and the determined position of the load suspended from the vehicle, determining tipping moments acting on the vehicle, determining righting moments acting on the vehicle and determining a tipping stability based on the determined tipping moments and determined righting moments.