CAE methodology for vehicle snow packing and sensor availability for active safety and autonomous ve

Purpose and goal

The project aim is to increase the availability of autonomous vehicle functions during harsh weather conditions. These functions are dependent on the vehicle sensors to read its soundings. In contact with contamination such as snow, the functionality of these sensors can deteriorate. In this project, simulation methods that enables early optimization of position, shape and active cleaning of sensors are being developed to ensure full functionality in real customer environments.

Expected results and effects

The project has resulted in four scientific journal papers and one PhD thesis within the fields of chemical engineering and multiphase flows. The advances have primarily been made in the description of ice particles and how these can be simulated. For the Swedish automotive industry and more specifically for Volvo Cars, the project has resulted in an increased understanding of how and why snow is adhering to our cars and a simulation method that today is implemented to ensure the functionality of sensors in our future cars.

Planned approach and implementation

Four partners contributed to the project, each with their own competence: Volvo Cars with knowledge of the automotive industry and CFD, Chalmers with chemistry and particle technology, Luleå university of technology with snow and ice research and an industrial doctoral student to connect all parts and perform new research. Throughout the project, both theory and practice has been used to reach our goals. Experiments in cooling chambers, wind tunnels and on test tracks has been carried out in combination with the formulation of mathematical models and development of simulation tools.