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J4 ›› 2011, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (3): 280-287.

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Design and Fuel Consumption Optimization for a Bio-Inspired Semi-floating Hybrid Vehicle

Jiannan Luo, Yansong Zhang   

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
  • Online:2011-09-30
  • Contact: Jiannan Luo E-mail:jnluo@sjtu.edu.cn
  • About author:Jiannan Luo

Abstract:

Based on a bionic concept and combing air-cushion techniques and track driving mechanisms, a novel semi-floating hybrid concept vehicle is proposed to meet the transportation requirements on soft terrain. First, the vehicle scheme and its improved duel-spring flexible suspension design are described. Then, its fuel consumption model is proposed accordingly with respect to two vehicle operating parameters. Aiming at minimizing the fuel consumption, two Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are designed and implemented. For the initial one (GA-1), despite getting an acceptable result, there still existed some problems in its optimization process. Based on an analysis of the defects of GA-1, an improved algorithm GA-2 was developed whose effectiveness and stability were embodied in the optimization process and results. The proposed design scheme and optimization approaches can provide valuable references for this new kind of vehicle with promising applications in the areas of agriculture, petroleum industry, military or scientific exploitations, etc.

Key words: bio-inspiration, semi-floating hybrid vehicle, concept model design, fuel consumption, genetic algorithm