Jintai Chung

This study investigates the mechanism behind the cavitation-induced noise in an automotive heater core and proposes a structural solution to eliminate it. Abnormal noise during cold-start conditions in a compact passenger vehicle was traced to cavitation in the heater core of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Controlled bench tests, in-vehicle measurements, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to analyze flow behavior and identify the precise location and conditions for cavitation onset. Results showed that high flow rates and low coolant pressure generated vapor bubbles near the junction of the upper tank and outlet pipe, producing distinctive impulsive noise and vibration signals. Flow visualization using a transparent pipe and accelerometer data confirmed cavitation collapse at this location. CFD analysis indicated that the original geometry created a high-velocity, low-pressure region conducive to cavitation. A redesigned outlet with a tapered transition and larger diameter significantly improved flow conditions, raising the cavitation index and eliminating cavitation events. Experimental validation confirmed the effectiveness of the modified design. These findings contribute to improving the acoustic performance and reliability of automotive HVAC systems and offer broader insights into cavitation mitigation in fluid systems.

This study investigated the natural frequencies of a tethered satellite system to enhance stability and operational reliability. Tethered satellite systems provide many advantages for space missions but exhibit inherently complex dynamics due to the interaction between rigid-body motions and tether deformation. A dumbbell model was employed to analyze rigid-body dynamics, with eigenvalue analysis used to determine the natural frequencies of orbital and librational motion. Additionally, tether deformation was examined through simulations based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) and a tensioned beam model, facilitating both analytical and computational assessments of transverse and longitudinal frequencies. The results show that orbital angular velocity and libration frequencies are highly sensitive to system parameters such as tether length, orbital radius, and satellite masses. Furthermore, the transverse and longitudinal natural frequencies of the tether exhibit distinct dependencies, providing critical insights for the design and control of tethered satellite systems. This work bridges a gap in understanding coupled dynamics and offers a systematic framework for calculating natural frequencies, supporting practical implementation in space missions.

This study focuses on the dynamic responses and libration angle control of an electrodynamic tether (EDT) system with a flexible tether that was designed for space debris capture. Utilizing the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), we develop a comprehensive three-dimensional model to accurately capture the complex behavior of the EDT system, particularly the effects of tether deformation and electrodynamic forces. The analysis reveals that the behavior of the EDT system is strongly influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field in space, while the current generated in the system depends on the length and diameter of the tether—key parameters for optimizing performance. The analysis reveals that the current generated in the EDT system is influenced by tether length and diameter, which are critical parameters for optimizing system performance. Furthermore, the study examines the feasibility of using on–off switch control to manage the libration angles induced during debris capture. The results demonstrate that the EDT system can effectively stabilize libration angles across various debris masses and velocities, highlighting its potential for enhancing the efficiency and reusability of space debris removal missions. This research contributes to the understanding of flexible tether dynamics in EDT systems and provides insights into their application in sustainable space operations.

This study investigates the dynamic behavior of a three-body tethered satellite system with a flexible tether, focusing on a scenario in which a payload is transported along the tether connecting two satellites. Traditional models use rigid tethers, limiting the analysis of complex dynamics such as tether deformation, slack, and rebound. To address these limitations, we employed the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) to model the flexibility of the tether. We derived nonlinear equations of motion using Lagrange’s equation and solved them using the Newmark time integration method to obtain the dynamic responses of the satellite system. Our findings revealed that the Coriolis effect caused significant deviations in the payload trajectory as its mass and speed increased, leading to greater tether deformation and slack, and potential system destabilization. Additionally, axial force fluctuations in the tether varied notably as the payload moved, transitioning between tensile and compressive states. This study provides a more accurate representation of three-body tethered satellite systems by incorporating tether flexibility, offering valuable insights into the dynamic behavior and stability of the system.

This study investigates the dynamic behavior of a three-body tethered satellite system with a flexible tether, focusing on a scenario in which a payload is transported along the tether connecting two satellites. Traditional models use rigid tethers, limiting the analysis of complex dynamics such as tether deformation, slack, and rebound. To address these limitations, we employed the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) to model the flexibility of the tether. We derived nonlinear equations of motion using Lagrange’s equation and solved them using the Newmark time integration method to obtain the dynamic responses of the satellite system. Our findings revealed that the Coriolis effect caused significant deviations in the payload trajectory as its mass and speed increased, leading to greater tether deformation, slack, and potential system destabilization. Additionally, axial force fluctuations in the tether varied notably as the payload moved, transitioning between tensile and compressive states. This study provides a more accurate representation of three-body tethered satellite systems by incorporating tether flexibility, offering valuable insights into the dynamic behavior and stability of the system.

This article investigates the source of booming noise emanating from the tailgate of an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), along with proposed strategies to mitigate it. This annoying low-frequency booming noise, which significantly impacts interior sound quality, is less perceptible in conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, this noise is more readily detected in electric SUVs, highlighting the necessity for focused measures to reduce it. This study involved the measurement of booming noises during on-road vehicle tests to pinpoint their origins. Additionally, ODSs were extracted from the tailgate vibration signals to gain insight into its dynamic behavior. Modal tests were conducted on the tailgate to determine its dynamic characteristics and compared with driving test results to reveal the mechanism responsible for tailgate-induced booming noise. It was established that such noise is primarily due to the tailgate modes, resulting from a combination of rigid body motion in the fore-aft direction and deformation in the central section of the panel. An analytical model of the tailgate was developed using commercial finite-element analysis software to propose measures for reducing booming noise. Experimental findings validated this model’s accuracy. Structural enhancements were implemented to enhance the panel stiffness and improve the connection between the vehicle and tailgate via bushings to reduce the booming noise resulting from tailgate motion. Under random force inputs, the analytical results demonstrated a 13.8% reduction in maximum deformation in the tailgate model in the improved structural configuration with increased panel stiffness. This study identifies the mechanism generating booming noise, establishes a practical and simple dynamic model, and proposes improvement measures aimed at reducing the booming noise.

This article investigates the source of booming noise emanating from the tailgates of electric vehicles, along with proposed strategies to mitigate it. This study involved the measurement of booming noises during on-road vehicle tests to pinpoint their origins. Additionally, operational deflection shapes (ODS) were extracted from the tailgate vibration signals to gain insight into its dynamic behavior. Modal tests were conducted on the tailgate to determine its dynamic characteristics and compared with driving test results to reveal the mechanism responsible for tailgate-induced booming noise. It was established that such noise is primarily due to the tailgate modes resulting from a combination of rigid body motion in the fore-aft direction and deformation in the central section of the panel. An analytical model of the tailgate was developed using commercial finite element analysis software to propose measures for reducing booming noise. Experimental findings validated the model accuracy. Structural enhancements were implemented to enhance the panel stiffness and improve the connection between the vehicle and tailgate via bushings to dampen the booming noise resulting from tailgate motion. Under random force inputs, analytical results demonstrated a 13.8% reduction in maximum deformation in the tailgate model in the improved structural configuration with increased panel stiffness.

This study aimed to estimate impact loads delivered to vibro-ripper housing through link modules, together with loads transmitted in various directions. Housing vibration resulting from impact loads generated during the operating condition and frequency response functions were assessed by vibration and modal experiments, respectively. Vibration data and transfer functions were applied in a transfer path analysis (TPA) model to analyze the quantified impact loads transmitted through the key components of the vibro-ripper to its housing. Impact loads derived by TPA for different housing parts were compared with those in the tooth derived from load-cell measurements, validating the TPA method. As a result of the verification, the impact load calculated by the TPA method was 193.7 kN, whereas that from the striking force measured by the load cell was 220 kN, a difference of 12.3%. The results of this study may be important input values for numerical analysis in equipment design and can be used as key data for structural safety evaluation and optimization. In summary, this paper introduces the vibration-based TPA method and considers its applicability to construction machinery exposed to impact vibration and loads.

This study presents a dynamic model of a passenger vehicle and analyzes its dynamic characteristics and responses. A dynamic vehicle model with seven degrees of freedom was established to analyze the behavior of a driving vehicle. The vehicle model had three degrees of freedom for the sprung mass’s motion and four degrees for the unsprung masses. For this model, the equations of motion were derived using Lagrange’s equation. To verify the model, the suspension deformations computed using the model were compared with those measured through three actual vehicle driving tests: the slalom, double lane change, and step steer tests. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of suspension stiffness, suspension damping, and anti-roll bar torsional stiffness on the dynamic characteristics and responses of the vehicle model. This study presented a new full-car model that can analyze a turning vehicle’s behavior in response to changes in the steering angle input. The developed dynamic vehicle model may help vehicle designers predict the dynamic responses of a vehicle through simulation without performing a driving test.

This study presents a dynamic model of a passenger vehicle and analyzes its dynamic characteristics and responses. A dynamic vehicle model with seven degrees of freedom was established to analyze the behavior of a driving vehicle. The vehicle model had three degrees of freedom for the motion of the sprung mass and four degrees of freedom for the unsprung masses. For this model, the equations of motion were derived using Lagrange’s equation. To verify the model, the suspension deformations computed using the model were compared with the deformations measured through three actual vehicle driving tests which are the slalom, double lane change, and step steer tests. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of suspension stiffness, suspension damping, and anti-roll bar torsional stiffness on the dynamic characteristics and responses of the vehicle model. The developed dynamic vehicle model may help vehicle designers predict the dynamic responses of a vehicle through simulation without performing a driving test.