Introduction. One of the most important and complex engineering tasks in creating automatic transmissions (AT) is the choice of algorithms and transient parameters when switching gears. When solving this problem, it is necessary to take into account the vehicle operating conditions, its weight state, macro- and microprofile roads, driving style, etc.

The purpose of the study was to carry out computational and experimental studies of the switching process of the passenger vehicle automatic transmission from the lowest to the highest gear and obtain the switching process parameters in order to select the optimal characteristic of changing engine speed when switching.

Scientific novelty and results. The basis for the analysis, optimization and further selection of the engine rotation speed changing characteristic in gear switching was the interrelation of the switching process estimated parameters which has been proved by the calculated and experimental data. A way of selecting the optimal engine speed characteristic at switching gears was proposed which should be used when choosing the control algorithm for friction elements affecting the automatic gearbox stages switching process.

Practical significance. The proposed methodology should be used in the development of switching process algorithms and the choice of its parameters.

Introduction. Road transportation of goods is the main delivery method both in our country and abroad. The largest number of goods transported by road accounts for saddle road trains. Thus, the problem of improving structural elements of road trains and working out ways of its solution is an important task. The object of the research is the study of the suspension system and the semi-trailer chassis elements.

The purpose of the study is the calculation of the fatigue life of both the carrier system elements and the axle’s suspension of the semi-trailer which is based on the calculation finite element method. The purpose of the work is the link flexibility influence of the loads obtained in the semi-trailer dynamic model on the durability calculated parameters of the suspension system parts.

Methodology and research methods. System calculations for the dynamics of solids have been made. The assessment of their fatigue life was carried out by means of the finite element method. Two types of calculations were carried out when using both absolutely rigid links and deformable links of a semitrailer of a train. The calculations of the two models were carried out for several characteristic design cases considering the elements of the suspension system. The paper presents a mode of driving on a rough road of the second category of operations, as an example.

Scientific novelty and results. The comparison of calculations showed that the deformations of the dynamic suspension links not only reduced the loads in the hinges of the model but also led to a fatigue life increase which is of essential importance for semi-trailers due to their requirements of larger resources.

The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of determining loads on suspension system elements, which will make it possible to reduce the mass of parts for a given durability.

Introduction. Traction characteristics are one of the main properties of multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (MPWV), determining their permeability in difficult operating conditions, in particular on soils with a weak bearing capacity. The latter include various categories of peat bog soils, which differ in the depth of the peat mass, cover and plant residues, origin and humidity. One of the most important physical and mechanical properties of peat-bog soils, which determine traction and grip properties and MPWV passability, are soils resistance to compression and shear under dynamic load and humidity action. The subject of the theoretical study is the effect of these parameters on MPWV traction and grip properties and its passability.

The purpose of the study is to study and determine the influence of the physical and mechanical properties of peat-marsh soils on traction and grip characteristics and MPWV passability when moving along the soils under load.

Methodology and research methods. In the theoretical study modern ideas concerning the deformation of peat-bog soils under the influence of external loads were used. The real drive wheel was replaced with a larger-diameter rigid wheel, which made it possible, with a sufficient degree of accuracy, to obtain analytical dependencies for determining traction characteristics and maneuverability of the wheel drive module.

Results and scientific novelty. The processes of interaction of the wheel with the ground surface have been considered from a new viewpoint, which made it possible to determine the rational dimensions of the wheel propulsion unit, depending on the load and the physical and mechanical properties of the peat-bog soil.

Practical significance. The results of the theoretical study allowed to determine the wheel propulsion optimal parameters of the designed machine of a certain dimension, intended for movement on weak soils.

Introduction. The paper considers the currently relevant topic – the development of environmentally friendly vehicles with electric drive and batteries of photovoltaic converters (PVC).

The purpose of the research is to identify trends in the use of renewable energy sources in the automotive industry, as well as to study the technical problems in the development of motor vehicles with high energy efficient and environmental performance.

Methodology and research methods. The material of the article is the result of the analysis in the field of developed solutions and the main technical interaction of the geometric and mechanical parameters of the designs with the electrical characteristics of the PVC batteries of both electric vehicles and vehicles with combined power units (CPU). The analogies of the developed solutions were made on the basis of the revealed identifying features which were paid attention to when composing the description of the corresponding vehicle.

Scientific novelty and results. As a result, the received information have been systematized in a table with an indication of the main technical characteristics to identify the most effective solutions in the field of PVC application in motor vehicles. An overview of the main ways and means of increasing the efficiency of both PVC batteries and vehicles in general was presented (the relative increase in mileage from a single battery charge was taken as a criterion for the efficiency of PVC batteries). The original technologies and concepts of using PVC batteries, both on the vehicle itself and those separated from the vehicle, but being part of the transport system, were considered. The development trends of electric vehicles and vehicles with CPU, including both additional power sources in the form of PVC batteries and the influence of vehicle design on the efficiency of PVC batteries, were revealed. The actual problems were determined, the solution of which would affect the reduction of power losses in the PVC batteries.

Practical significance of research lies in systematization of disparate information about innovative vehicles with PVC batteries, in order to study the main trends and features of the practical use of PVC in motor vehicles.

Introduction. It is proposed to equip the vehicle with a mechanical transmission with a combined power unit (CPU) consisting of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an auxiliary power source – a flywheel accumulator with a continuously variable adjustable drive.

The purpose of this study was: to assess the dynamic qualities and efficiency of a heavy-duty transport vehicle equipped with a mechanical transmission using the CPU; to determine the allowable level of power reduction for the main ICE; to calculate the range of the installation power of the flywheel energy accumulator (FEA) with a continuously variable adjustable drive and its average efficiency, as well as the required flywheel energy consumption during vehicle motion in different types of terrain.

Methodology and research methods. A universal method of simulation has been developed which took into account the statistical modeling of external disturbances acting on a transport vehicle equipped with a stepped gearbox and a conventional engine, or with a CPU containing an ICE and a FEA with a continuously variable drive for adjusting its gear ratio.

Scientific novelty and results. The characteristics of transport vehicles were compared with the help of the developed methodology according to the criterion of the average speed in motion along random routes. As a result, the efficiency of using the CPU was estimated. The influence of FEA on the energy consumption was estimated as well and the mathematical expectation of the continuously variable drive efficiency as part of CPU was determined. Also the magnitude of the original drive power on the average speed of the transport vehicle equipped with a mechanical transmission was established. The influence of the statistical characteristics of a random road (the expectation and dispersion of the resistance coefficient to the straight-line movement of the machine) was shown on the average speed increase of both the transport vehicle with CPU and the vehicle equipped with a conventional ICE. The influence of factors which limited the speed of a transport vehicle on the efficiency of using a FEA as part of CPU was established for various types of random runs.

Practical significance. The results obtained made it possible to compare and analyze the motion of machines equipped both with a conventional or CPU along random roads and externally influenced by the roads as well as to optimize the parameters of a conventional and combined power unit.

Introduction. A vehicle represents a tool controlled by a person for performing a specific transportation task. Accordingly, the tool must meet the anthropometric characteristics of the person.

Purpose of the study. Anthropometric requirements are presented in anthropometric atlases, the normative documents on the anthropometric characteristics of the flight personnel and some popular publications. The given material is of a “quite substantial age”, since fundamental anthropometric studies haven't been carried out lately. Though the variability of the human body anthropometry is confirmed by historical facts, the ratio of the human body parts, in particular, dependent on the height, has not significantly changed. The search for this dependence was the purpose of the study.

Methodology and research methods. The determination of the parts proportionality of the human body depending on his height has been carried out by analyzing the available anthropometric data.

Results and scientific novelty. As a result of the comparative analysis of anthropometric characteristics taken from a variety of sources, the generalized percentage ratios (not found in the available scientific journals) of the human body parts depending on his height were determined.

Practical significance. The anthropometric characteristics of the supposed vehicle users were necessary when designing a driver’s workplace (DWP) and passenger accommodation areas. This information could be obtained from various available sources. When designing a DWP, it was convenient to use the distances between the centers of the joints, but obtaining such information was rather difficult, since professional anthropologists used some other indicators different from those used by mechanical engineers. As a result of this work, anthropometric characteristics were presented as percentage dependent on the height of the body distances between the joints of the human body parts. The approach allowed designing the DWP and passenger locations without referring to anthropometric data.

Introduction. In order to increase sales, the modern automotive industry renovates model series more and more intensively, which leads to the reduction of the vehicles life. In this regard, the solution of old vehicles recycling problem is of great importance, as it allows to reduce environmental pollution and significantly save resources. Another important task is to improve the efficiency and productivity of the process of separating non-ferrous metals while recycling vehicles.

The purpose of the study was to reduce the loss of ferromagnetic fluid (FMF) by improving the separation process and regeneration of ferrocolloid as well as developing more advanced methods based on the principle of metals separation at the water-МF interface, as well as the use of the centrifugal force for regenerating ferrocolloid.

Methodology and research methods. The article deals with the issues related to the development of new technology and equipment, as well as the introduction of modern methods in the practice of separating nonferrous metals. One of such methods is magnetic fluid separation (MFS). Currently, the use of MF for the separation of non-ferrous metals is rather limited due to their high cost and significant consumption of FMF.

Scientific novelty and results. The paper presents: a method for reducing ferrocolloid losses during particle separation by creating a hydration shell; formulas were derived to determine the efficiency of magnetic fluid regeneration in the separation of metals; a method for regenerating FMF by imposing centrifugal forces was developed which allowed to regenerate up to 91.9% of ferrocolloid removed by the separating material.

Practical significance. The solution of the issues referred to reducing FMF losses and its regeneration will significantly improve the technical and economic performance of enterprises involved in the disposal of vehicles.

Introduction. When designing engines, there comes the neccessity to evaluate their low-frequency vibrations caused by the imbalance, as well as the effectiveness of measures aimed at their (vibrations) reduction. In this case the criteria of engine equilibrium can be applied. The review of all known equilibrium criteria was made, the requirements for a rational criterion were formulated (physical meaning, dimensionless representation, universality, possibility to take into account all possible sources of imbalance, etc.).

The purpose of the study was to substantiate the criterion of equilibrium, which took into account the disturbing forces of inertia and the moments of all the orders, including those caused by the operation of attachments.

Methodology and research methods. The calculation of the proposed criterion to study the dynamics of mechanical and mechatronic systems was carried out using CAD / CAE technology including three-dimensional modeling and subsequent simulation of the motion of the engine model in the environment of software products.

Scientific novelty and results. The rms value of the vibration displacement of the engine mounts, referred to the radius of the crank (or the rms value of the vibration velocity of the support, referred to the average piston velocity) has been proposed to use as a criterion for balance. The harmonic components of the disturbing forces of all orders, including those due to the operation of mounted units, the presence of balancing mechanisms, etc. were taken into account at that.

The practical significance lies in the possibility to compare and assess of the low-frequency vibration caused by both imbalance and gas forces, as well as in the effective measures aimed at its reduction.

Introduction. The actual task of today is not only the rationing of harmful substances emissions by vehicles, but also the improving of the monitoring on-board diagnostics system and neutralization system in operation.

The purpose of the study was: estimatation of the content of ammonia released by the car engine exhaust gases; justification of the integrated controlling on-board system for diagnosing nitrogen-containing emissions of a vehicle; and analysis of the SCR-NH₃ operation system for its further improvement.

Methodology and research methods. The level of environmental pollution based on the permissible concentration of NH₃ UN No. 49-05 is assessed by the calculation of the volumetric concentration of ammonia in the calculated corridor of the vehicle movement on the routes of settlements.

Scientific novelty and results. The study has considered the issues of maintaining the environmental performance of vehicles in operation, the on-board diagnostics system operation for neutralizing harmful substances, and the functionality of electronic engine control elements. Calculations showed that the total exposure to harmful substances increases the harmful effect by 1.5 times even at their permissible 25% and below maximum concentration in the air.

Practical significance. A number of approaches was proposed for further improvement of the monitoring methods for the on-board diagnostic system and, in particular, monitoring the threshold values of NH₃ emissions. To neutralize harmful substances efficiently during the entire period of vehicle operation, effective functioning systems were proposed to be created and installed to replace the converters that had failed during operation. The results of the study would allow developers and experts involved in the discussion of amendments to UN Regulation No. 49 to carry out work in the direction of rationing and monitoring ammonia emissions in operation for trucks equipped with SCR-NH₃ neutralization systems.