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Department of Engineering

Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium Technology Showcase

Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium Technology Showcase

Cambridge University and the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium (CVDC) are holding a one-day Technology Showcase, focussed on the dynamics of heavy goods vehicles, at Mira, Nuneaton, on 19 October 2010. Lorry size and weight issues are regularly in the press – particularly due to the increasing interest in longer heavy vehicles, motivated by the pressing needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion and improve productivity, while maintaining standards of safety and minimizing the effects on the infrastructure.

The CVDC is a long-standing collaboration between Cambridge University and the heavy vehicle industry. It performs fundamental and applied research into heavy vehicle dynamics and suspension design, and particularly focuses on the problems of vehicle safety, ride, energy consumption, and road damage. The work of the Consortium in this area is expected to have a major effect on the uptake of safer, greener and more productive heavy goods vehicles. The CVDC Technology Showcase is an opportunity to see the work of the Consortium at first hand. It will include presentations from researchers and member companies, describing a sample of current projects; as well as demonstrations of innovative vehicle technologies on the MIRA proving ground.

A number of heavy vehicles will be exhibited and available for test driving by participants. The innovative Denby Transport ‘Eco-link’ concept vehicle will be on display. The CVDC’s experimental Actively Steered B-double will perform manoeuvres demonstrating its unique pathfollowing steering ability - both forwards and reverse. Haldex will demonstrate an active reversing assist system, as well as an electromechanical braking system. A wide range of other cutting edge heavy vehicle technologies will also be on display from other Consortium members.

The Technology Showcase will be attended by representatives of the European heavy goods vehicle industry, transport operators and shippers, UK and European transport officials and the transport press. Apart from an outstanding networking opportunity, the event will provide awareness of recent cutting-edge innovations in heavy vehicle stability, braking and control technology and their application to conventional and more productive heavy vehicles in the UK and Europe.

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