Abstract
ABSTRACT:
Dynamical phenomena due to high energy density and low dissipation are particular interesting for propulsion applications if the system is designed to work efficient with these phenomena. The vehicle is an elastic suspended mass oscillating as a function of vehicle mass. The related kinetic energy is dissipated by complex systems that are based on hydraulics and work under dynamical conditions. The paper has the objective to study the possibility of designing a wave in liquids based propulsion system that integrates the mentioned dissipation systems in order to improve the overall propulsion efficiency. A further improvement source is considered the wave propagation under resonance conditions. In order to obtain this goal the general propulsion system is modelled using the Sonic Theory (considering dynamical behaviour of hydraulic systems). The main working and recovery conditions are considered. There are simulated different system structures in order to identify the most efficient dissipation recovery solutions and also the overall study is completed by the virtual prototyping of the sonic generator and sonic motor in order to demonstrate the applicability to vehicles. The wave generation and flow process is simulated 3D under transient conditions. Hydraulic loads are considered in a dynamical structural analysis of piston and housing of the sonic motor. The kinematics and dynamics of the sonic motor is studied and also the wheel integration using digital mock-up procedures. The overall demonstration is considered for a SUV vehicle based on the off road vehicle M461. The study demonstrates the high energy efficiency potential of dynamical phenomena based propulsion systems, both for primary propulsion energy generation and dissipated energy recovery. Based on known and proven hydrostatic system technology, the sonic propulsion system is a realistic high power/low cost solution for actual vehicles.