Latest News

Intec joins the CVDC
The CVDC is pleased to welcome Intec Dynamics Ltd. to the consortium. Intec Dynamics Ltd. is an engineering software company specializing in a simulation package called SIMPACK which is used for the analysis of complex mechanical systems. The CVDC partnership will focus on applying the versatile SIMPACK software to study the behavior of multi-unit vehicle combinations over a range of configurations and driving scenarios.

SIMPACK is used by several truck manufactures, such as MAN, Renault Trucks and Daimler Trucks (Mercedes) for a number of wide ranging applications, such as load data generation for durability studies, brake design for multi-axle vehicles, rollover risk assessment, handling and ride-comfort analysis as well as for producing high-fidelity real-time models for HIL-testing.

Steering Committee Sees Actively-Steered B-Train
Cambridge, 3 September, 2008: The Consortium's new actively-steered B-train was unveiled at the CVDC Steering Committee meeting today. The new actively-steered B-trailer has recently been delivered and is currently being commissioned by the researchers. It was designed by university staff in collaboration with several of the consortium members. For today's demonstration, the B-trailer was coupled with the Consortium's actively-steered semi-trailer to make a fully steered B-train.

The new trailer will be used to research the benefits of active steering for long combination vehicles. Although the B-train is much longer than a non-steered tractor semi-trailer, it is much more manoeuvrable and will offer benefits including reduced swept path, dramatically reduced tyre wear, as well as improved high speed stability. Important benefits of long combination vehicles include lower energy consumption for a given freight task, less traffic congestion, reduced road damage, and lower transport costs.

• ArvinMeritor - Trailer axles and steering
• Camcon - Pneumatic and hydraulic valves
• Denby Transport - Goods haulage
• Firestone - Air bags
• Fluid Power Design - Hydraulic systems
• FM Engineering - Trailer repair and modification
• Fruehauf - Trailer units
• Goodyear - Tyres
• Haldex - Braking systems
• Intec Dynamics - Simulation software
• Mektronika Systems - Electronics
• MIRA - Automotive research and development
• QinetiQ - Off-road vehicles
• Shell UK - Road transport
• Tinsley Bridge - Steel suspension components
• Volvo Trucks - Tractor units

The membership is continuing to expand, and companies are being sought from other sectors of the heavy vehicle industry. By having just one member company from each sector, the companies can meet and work together in a non-competing, co-operative environment.