Dual Degree and MTech Project Proposals: 2006-2007
 
Listed below are four DD/MTech project topics. If you are interested in any of the following, send me an email (shashisn@me.iitb.ac.in) to request an appointment. Before you send an email to me, click here to understand what you are getting into.
 
 

Harnessing the benefits of independent steering in front wheel steered four wheel vehicles
Automobile steer-by-wire (SBW) technology refers to next generation steering systems where mechanical complexity is replaced by intelligent mechatronic solutions. Steer-by-wire technology is characterized by the absence of mechanical linkages between the handwheel and the roadwheels. Over the last couple of years, my group has worked towards the development of a steer-by-wire vehicle that supports independent steering of the front wheels.
 
This project is about investigating the benefits of using independent steering action from the point of view of how the vehicle handles. The project will involve: (a) understanding the dynamics of front wheel-steered, four wheelers (b) identification of handling metrics (c) design of control strategies that impact relevant handling metrics (d) implementation and testing on a steer-by-wire Scorpio

 

Development of a hardware-in-the-loop system to facilitate electric power steering design
Many cars today are fitted with power steering systems. Power steering eases driver steering effort by providing torque assist. For smaller cars, electric power steering systems have become popular because of fuel-saving benefits they provide.
 
This project is aimed at building a hardware-in-the-loop system that can emulate tire forces and thereby impose a load on the steering column. Such a system would facilitate the design and testing of power steering solutions.
 

Control of variable valve timing/lift engines
Petrol engines often use a throttle. The throttle regulates the mass of air that flows into the combustion chamber and thereby help regulate the torque built. However, the throttling process leads to sub-atmospheric pressure to be developed downstream of the throttle. This situation leads to pumping losses due to a differential pressure developed across the two sides of the piston.
 
Pumping losses can, to a great extent, be reduced if open throttle configurations can be used in conjunction with variable timing/variable lift valve actuation systems. This project intends to build upon preliminary work conducted in my group towards the development of a camless engine that supports variable valve timing/lift operation. The project will focus on control strategy development for such an engine prototype. The project will involve (a) understanding the behaviour of camless engines (b) working with relevant sensing and actuation elements (c) design of control algrorithms and their implementation. The student will work on an established engine test bed.  

---