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Knock detection occupies a very important role in the ignition control of a Spark Ignition (S.I.) engine. Production-grade knock detection schemes must be computationally efficient and comprise a set of parameters which require calibration during Engine Control Unit (ECU) development. This is typically achieved empirically, whereby a calibration engineer induces knock on the ECU and monitors the detection performance to manually adjust the tunable parameters. In this paper, we propose automatic, on-line calibration of a production-grade, frequency-domain knock detection system. Compared to the conventional method of manual calibration, this method allows for on-line tuning of the parameters based on scientific optimization schemes. It thus enables the implementation of specific objective functions which can meet desired criteria.

The pole placement (PP) technique for design of a linear state feedback control system requires specification of all the closed-loop pole locations even though only a few poles dominate the system's transient response characteristics. The linear quadratic regulator (LQR) method, on the other hand, optimizes the system transient response and does not directly impose the location of the dominant poles. This paper presents a new optimal linear quadratic pole placement (LQPP) technique that simultaneously assigns some poles to exact desired dominant locations (partial pole placement) and adjusts the rest of the poles to optimize an LQ performance index (parametric optimization). As a result, a designer can fashion his control design to benefit from the PP and LQ techniques. The paper only addresses the LQPP technique for a single-input full-state feedback control system.

Emerging technologies in modeling and simulation of dynamic systems provide transportation industry with the challenging opportunity to migrate parts of the design and development process of new vehicles to the virtual environments. This paper presents the application of a full vehicle simulation in a distributed real-time simulation configuration. The purpose of the system is to provide for an easy-to use full-vehicle simulation platform that allows human-in-the-Ioop interactive driving with force and motion feedback, and for hardware-in-the-Ioop prototype evaluation through simulation. The contribution that is highlighted in this paper is the networking configuration for distributed simulation. The user front-end in Matlab/Simulink provides a familiar interface where the designer/ engineer is able to pull up any dynamic signal from the vehicle simulation, and is able to replace any subsystem from a remote unit as well.

In this paper, a review of mechatronics is presented with emphasis on the desired qualities of university graduates as viewed by industry. A detailed description of a sequence of two new courses on automotive mechatronic systems and a specialized laboratory are discussed. The new coursework has been added to the curriculum towards the degree of systems engineer at Oakland University and will be first offered in Fall '97. The development of the courses and the laboratory has been supported by Ford Motor Company.

This paper describes a fuzzy logic (FL) approach for incorporating an expert knowledge-based Traction Control System (TCS) for a four-wheel drive vehicle. The knowledge base is provided by a survey of existing TCS methods, understanding of the TCS hardware components and tyre adhesion characteristics, evaluation of applicable control methods, computer simulation studies, and feedback information from experienced traction test drivers in the automotive industry. The developed FL-bascd TCS was implemented on a Pentium PC system- level traction controller computer installed on a 4x4 pickup truck. Extensive experiments for traction control was conducted at available test facilities and proving grounds. The system-level fuzzy logic approach readily permits modification of old and incorporation of new ideas. The success of this fuzzy logic-based design approach was demonstrated to the government sponsor and industrial partners.

Today’s advanced microcomputers offer extremely fast processing speed and vibrant high-resolution color graphics capabilities at affordable cost. By using carefully developed courseware (software used for coursework), these technologies can be used to strengthen engineering course delivery and provide laboratory innovation. This paper describes an interactive computer visualization environment in which real-time simulation and animation (RTSA) is used to significantly enhance control engineering curricula. Presented is the potential impact of the proposed environment on control engineering education with illustrative examples. The roles of this new interactive computer learning experience in control engineering curriculum are two-fold: 1) To provide a new method for delivering classroom material whereby real-world control system engineering concepts are introduced via interative RTSA, and 2) To provide an opportunity innovative laboratory assignments where students can analyze, design and modify control engineering systems via interactive RTSA. Positive acceptance and reactions have been widely received from users and audiences of RTSA programs which were incorporated in research projects and control curricula at Oakland University.