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Smart Vehicle Concepts Center (SVC)

Center Overview

The Smart Vehicle Concepts Center (SVC) focuses on novel and emerging trends in vehicle design that integrate smart structures, next-generation suspension or mounting devices, improved actuators or valves, intelligent sensors, and health monitoring and diagnostic systems. SVC conducts research to analyze, model, characterize, and design innovative engineered components capable of providing built-in actuation, precision motion control features, self-diagnostics, sensing, and self-healing capabilities while satisfying increasingly stringent vehicle design requirements.

SVC's mission is to develop ground and aerospace vehicles of the future. To do so, it investigates smart materials and structures applied to ground and aerospace vehicles; builds an unmatched base of research, engineering education, and technology transfer with emphasis on improved vehicle performance, unprecedented safety improvements, and enhanced vehicle efficiency; and prepares next-generation engineers at the doctoral and master's levels who possess both theoretical and experimental expertise applicable to auto and aerospace vehicles.

Universities

Ohio State University

View Center Website

Center Personnel

Professor Marcelo Dapino, Fellow of ASME and SPIE
Director, NSF IUCRC on Smart Vehicle Concepts
+1 614 688 3689
dapino.1@osu.edu

Research Focus

Adaptive noise, vibration, and harshness: active noise and vibration control, adaptive structures, system integration

Design matrix and particulates for 3D printing.
Flexible piezoelectric sensors for vehicle applications.
Morphing panels for aerodynamic performance.
Multifunctional magnetostrictive systems: experiments and computer simulation.

Emerging vehicle technologies: vehicle electrification, autonomous vehicles, lightweighting

Dynamic friction characterization of icy road surfaces.
Effect of ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) process on manufactured parts.
Robust integrated magnetic composites for magnetic gears.
UAM process modeling.
UAM structural reinforcement.
Vibration damping and energy harvesting.

Interfacial mechanisms: characterization, constitutive modeling, system integration (sensors, actuators, dynamic simulation)

Analysis of automotive system isolators.
Characterization and modeling of rubber bushings.
Inverse identification method for radiator mounts.
Multiscale finite element simulation of the mechanical behavior of fiberglass insulation.

Safety, comfort, and health monitoring: machine and material diagnostics, human-machine interface, strain energy management

Architecture for mechanoluminescent structural sensors and sensing platforms.
Digital programmable actuators for distributed actuation.
Dynamic self-reforming lithium/solid electrolyte interface for solid-state battery.
Embedded fiber optic sensors for structural health monitoring.
Mechanoluminescent paintable light sources in automotive lighting systems.
Multifunctional structural panels with electroluminescence.
Smart condition detection and monitoring.

Awards

1738723

Phase III IUCRC Ohio State University: Center for Smart Vehicle Concepts (SVC)

The NSF Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) for Smart Vehicle Concepts (SVC) has earned national visibility and a position of technical leadership in the area of smart materials applied to automobiles and air vehicles. The mission of SVC will focus on: conduct basic and applied research on smart materials in pre-competitive mode for application to vehicles; develop an unmatched base of research, engineering education, and technology transfer considering emerging needs in the industry; and develop engineers and researchers who not only understand theory but have experimental and system integration expertise. The Center thus creates the science necessary to transition smart materials from the concept stages to vehicle applications, while advancing broader national needs toward promoting diversity in engineering education; advancing U.S.-based expertise, resources, and human capital; and creating and disseminating knowledge at all levels including undergraduate and doctoral students, post-graduate researchers, and practicing engineers.

The work done in Phase II allowed SVC to formulate critical research questions and identify technical challenges that hinder the implementation of smart materials in vehicle design. Counting with the enthusiastic support of the Industrial Advisory Board, the Center has formulated a five-pronged strategy for addressing these challenges: (i) expand the SVC faculty base, especially focusing on junior faculty; (ii) attract additional vehicle integrators and suppliers of components and materials; (iii) adapt the Center?s research portfolio on smart materials to evolving needs in the industry; (iv) continue efforts to collaborate with other institutions and attempt to attract additional academic partners. The sponsors have provided ample evidence of how the Center has made contributions of commercial significance to their organizations. During Phase III, the Center will implement a new research roadmap that builds on its existing strengths while also creating a new thrust dedicated to emerging vehicle technologies, namely vehicle electrification, autonomous vehicles, and structural lightweighting. Within the new research matrix, SVC plans to generate scholarly research of common interest, foster cross-pollination across the automotive and aerospace sectors, engage in technology transfer activities, and promote industry-focused student training as a means to build the future employee base of the transportation sector. Read More >

The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the Center author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.