UMTRI Research Review, Volume 34, Numbers 2-3 · simulate package geometries ranging from low-seat-height sporty vehicles to high-seat-height vans and light trucks— all during a

U M T R I

I III n nnns sss i iii

d ddde eee : ::: Predicting Driving Postures ....1

Headlighting Highlights ..........3

Elder Mobility........................4

Heavy Truck Dynamics Course................5

UMTRI Publication Awards .....6

New ERD Director..................8

Former Director Deceased......9

Transportation Initiatives .....10

Conferences & Events ..........12

Hot off the Press .................13

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE

• APRIL–JUNE/JULY–SEPTEMBER 2003 •• VOLUME 34, NUMBERS 2–3 •

TransportationTidbits• The first steam road roller was used

in the United States on June 4, 1869.At 15 tons and with four rollers, thesteam-powered vehicle did a goodjob compacting road surfaces. l

• On April 25, 1901, New Yorkbecame the first state to requirelicense plates. Car owners had toregister their name, address, andvehicle description with the officeof the secretary of state. The statesent each owner a small licenseplate, at least three inches high,bearing the owner’s initials.

• On September 24, 1908, the firstfactory-built Ford Model T wascompleted. Known as the “tinLizzy,” the Model T revolutionizedthe automotive industry by provid-ing an affordable, reliable car forthe average person. When firstintroduced, the Model T cost $850and seated two people.

• On September 25, 1908, WilliamC. Durant founded General MotorsCorporation. Later that year, GM ac-quired the Buick Motor Company. l

• On April 15, 1924, Rand McNallyreleased its first comprehensiveroad atlas of the country.

• The first U.S. federal gasoline taxwent into effect on June 21, 1932.The Revenue Act of 1932 placed aone-cent-per-gallon tax on all

motor fuels. The tax has never been repealed. l

• On July 19, 1934, Harold T. Amesfiled a patent application forretractable headlamps. The designwould later become one of thedefining details on Ames’ most tri-umphant project, the Cord 810.

• On July 6, 1955, the Federal AirPollution Control Act was imple-mented. It provided federally-allocated funds for research intocausal analysis and control of car-emission pollution. Concern overthe effects of air pollution hadmounted steadily in the U.S. asurban sprawl increased.

• On August 31, 1955, the world’sfirst solar-powered automobile,designed by William G. Cobb, wasdemonstrated at the General MotorsPowerama in Chicago. Today, solarcar competitions are held all overthe world, pitting design teamsagainst each other in grueling races.The UM solar car team generallyfairs quite well.

• On April 1, 1970, AMC intro-duced the Gremlin, America’s firstsub-compact car. (No fooling!)

SourcesAll from This Day in Automotive History, www.histo-rychannel.com, except l

, which are from On the

Move: A Chronology of Advances in Transportation

by Leonard C. Bruno.

U M T R I

ISSN 0739 7100

Writer and Editor: Monica MillaDesigner: Shekinah ErringtonCover Photographers (clockwise, starting with bottom headlamp photo): UMTRI–BrandonSchoettle; UMTRI–Gregory Kostyniuk; UGS PLMSolutions–Jack© Human Modeling Software;UMTRI–Shekinah Errington; UM Parking andTransportation Services–Greg Bennett;UMTRI–Shekinah ErringtonPrinter: UM Printing Services

The UMTRI Research Review is published four times a yearby the Research Information and Publications Center of theUniversity of Michigan Transportation Research Institute,2901 Baxter Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2150(http://www.umtri.umich.edu). The subscription price is $35a year, payable by all subscribers except those who are staffmembers of a State of Michigan agency or an organizationsponsoring research at the Institute. See the subscription formon the inside back cover. For change of address or deletion,please enclose your address label.

The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirma-tive action employer, complies with all applicable federal andstate laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action,including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 andSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Universityof Michigan is committed to a policy of nondiscriminationand equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex,color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, maritalstatus, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era veteranstatus in employment, educational programs and activities, andadmissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to theSenior Director for Institutional Equity and Title IX/Section504 Coordinator, Office for Institutional Equity, 2072Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109-1432, 734-763-0235, TTY 734-647-1388. For otherUniversity of Michigan information call 734-764-1817.

The Regents of the University:David A. Brandon, Ann ArborLaurence B. Deitch, Bingham FarmsDaniel D. Horning, Grand HavenOlivia P. Maynard, GoodrichRebecca McGowan, Ann ArborAndrea Fischer Newman, Ann ArborS. Martin Taylor, Gross Pointe FarmsKatherine E. White, Ann ArborMary Sue Coleman, ex officio

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE

• APRIL–JUNE / JULY–SEPTEMBER 2003 • VOLUME 34, NUMBERS 2–3 •

In a recent study, researchers inUMTRI’s Biosciences Division—Matt Reed, Carol Flannagan,

Miriam Manary, and Larry Schneider—developed a statistical method for predicting automobile driving postures.The model was designed for use inposturing human-figure models in soft-ware packages used for vehicle interiordesign. It focuses on prediction accura-cy for eye and hip locations, two of themost important posture characteristicsfor vehicle interior assessment.

Results were based on data from a study of 68 men and women in 18different vehicle package and seat conditions. A series of independentregression models, coupled with data-guided inverse kinematics, were usedto fit a whole-body linkage. Much ofthe posture data upon which themodel is based was collected in theindustry-sponsored affiliates program,ASPECT (Automotive Seat andPackage Evaluation and ComparisonTools). The primary goal of the pro-gram was to develop a new generationof tools that can be used by packagingand human factors engineers to designand measure key features of vehicleseats and interior geometry. ASPECTparticipants included BMW, Chrysler,Ford, General Motors, JohnsonControls, Lear, Magna Interior Systems,PSA-Peugeot-Citroen, Toyota, Volks-wagen, and Volvo. The AmericanAutomobile Manufacturers Association(now the Alliance for Automobile

Manufacturers) also supported theresearch through many years of grantsto UMTRI to support research ondriver positioning.

Industry BackgroundVehicle interiors are now common-

ly designed using three-dimensionalhuman representations that can bemanipulated in a computer environ-ment. These computer-aided-design(CAD) human models have increased

in sophisticationwith advances incomputer tech-nology, but theireffective use hasbeen hamperedby the lack ofvalid methods toset the posture of the models inthe simulatedvehicle interior.

Without pos-ture-predictioncapability builtinto the model oravailable throughother externaldata or statisticalmodels, many ofthe most usefulapplications ofthe CAD humanmodels are unreli-able. For example,vision and reachassessments re-quire an accuratestarting posturefor the particularmanikin dimen-sions being used.In the absence of

UMTRI Research Review 1

Making Simulated Drivers Sit Like Real Drivers

UMTRI ResearchersCreate a Model for Predicting Driving Postures

The Jack® human figure model is postured in automotive de-sign software, using UMTRI’s cascade (posture) prediction model.The model’s regression functions can be used directly to predictdriver eye, hip, and seat locations for people of various sizes indifferent vehicle package configurations. Jack is such an example.

UGS PLM SOLUTIONS / JACK® HUMAN MODELING SOFTWARE

continued…

RRRR

accurate posture prediction, humanCAD models are valuable primarily forvisualization rather than for ergonom-ic assessment.

UMTRI’s Posture ModelUMTRI’s cascade (posture)

prediction model (CPM) solves theposturing problem by combiningregression functions with inverse kine-matics guided by additional informationfrom the input data set. The CPM isthe first model for predicting drivingposture that is published in an imple-mentable form. Because the inputdimensions are readily obtained fromany vehicle package drawing, theregression functions can be useddirectly to predict eye locations, hiplocations, or seat positions for peopleof various sizes. However, the fullvalue of the model is realized when itis integrated into a digital human-modeling software package, so that theprediction results can be viewed imme-diately as whole-body postures in thevehicle package. The CPM can also beused as an independent check of pre-diction models that have been developedusing other databases and methods.

Using the CPM, whole-body driv-ing postures can be predicted withconsiderable accuracy. Importantly, themethod can be applied to any humanfigure model, because the predictionmethods are not limited to one partic-ular linkage definition. The model prediction errors are largely independ-ent of driver size and vehicle geometry,allowing a straightforward interpretationof prediction precision. The cascademodel approach is designed to pro-duce the best possible prediction ofeye and hip locations, while also pre-dicting the posture of the trunk andright limbs with reasonable accuracy.

Regression ModelingA stepwise-regression technique

was applied with the followingpotential regressors: stature, bodymass index, sitting height dividedby stature, seat height, steeringwheel to ball-of-the-right-foot dis-tance, and seat cushion angle.Predictions for the model wereobtained using a series of submod-els, each based on the results of theprevious model. This provided thebest possible prediction accuracy forhip and eye locations, the posturecharacteristics most important forergonomic assessments of the dri-ver’s station. Hip location is closelyrelated to seat position and lower-extremity posture, while eye location is critical for vision analyses. Amongthe conclusions of the original analysiswere that seat height, steering wheelposition, and seat cushion angle allhave significant, independent effectson driver fore/aft seat position and posture.

An inverse kinematics submodelwas used to fit the kinematic-link-age representation of the torso(pelvis, abdomen, thorax, neck, andhead) to the predicted hip and eyelocations. Regression analyses wereperformed using values of torsosegment orientation and overallrecline (hip-to-eye) angle after sub-tracting off subject means. Theslopes of the regression functionsestimate the average change in sideview-plane orientation of eachtorso segment with a change inoverall recline. These values wereused to determine the relativemotion in the torso as the torsosegments were manipulated tomatch the predicted hip and eyelocations. After the torso segmentcalculations, upper-extremity pos-ture was calculated using inversekinematics and calculated shoulder

and handgrip locations. Note that thelocations of the hands on the steeringwheel do not affect the torso posture.Rather, the torso posture and handgriplocations determine the upper-extremityjoint angles. An analogous process isused to fit the thigh and leg segmentsto the predicted hip and ankle locations.

VEHICLE SEATINGLABORATORIES

UMTRI has several automotive seating “bucks” that can

simulate a wide range of vehicle interior geometries. These

laboratory facilities are useful for studying driver positioning,

vehicle-seated anthropometry, and occupant short- and long-

term comfort of vehicle seat factors. The test facilities make it

easy to quickly interchange and/or adjust the positions and

orientations of many vehicle components, including seats,

steering wheels, and pedals. By exchanging and/or adjusting

these components, the seating bucks can be configured to

simulate package geometries ranging from low-seat-height

sporty vehicles to high-seat-height vans and light trucks—

all during a single test session of a subject. Data acquisition

systems are incorporated into each seating buck as needed to

collect data on the three-dimensional locations of key body

landmarks, body contours, and movements of body seg-

ments of seated drivers in relation to restraint systems and

vehicle components.

2 April–June / July–September 2003

The CPM represents important advances inpredicting driving posture in that it allows:• Prediction of postures for individual

drivers (Current SAE models predict onlypopulation distributions of seat position oreye location)

• Application to any human figure linkage• Direct prediction of hip and eye locations

for maximum accuracy on these variables

UMTRI DRIVINGPOSTURE MODEL BENEFITS

UMTRI Research Review 33 April–June / July–September 2003

Headlighting HighlightsUMTRI was well represented at the Interna-

tional Symposium on Progress in AutomotiveLighting (PAL), held in Darmstadt, Germany, inSeptember. Researchers from the Human FactorsDivision provided highlights of some of the head-lighting research they are conducting.

Mike Flannagan,research associateprofessor, presented“Development of aHeadlighting RatingSystem.” Analyses ofaccident data indicatethat headlamps haveconsiderable poten-tial for increasingtraffic safety, and thatthey should be re-garded as importantsafety equipment.Nevertheless, at leastin the United States,drivers appear to bemore concernedabout glare from headlamps than about the see-ing ability they provide. The U.S. National High-way Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) isinvestigating the possible benefits of a headlight-ing rating system for new vehicles that could beimplemented as part of the new car assessmentprogram (NCAP), and which would presentinformation about headlighting to consumers in aformat similar to the current NCAP crashworthinessratings. Such a system might increase consumers’interest in, and knowledge of, the safety potentialof headlighting. This paper updated this effort.

Kåre Rumar, UMTRI visiting scholar (seeUMTRI Research Review, volume 32, number4), presented “Night Vision Enhancement Sys-tems (NVES)—Research and Requirements.”The first NVES based on infrared technology isalready on the market, and others are expected tofollow shortly. There is little doubt that these sys-tems have a considerable potential to increasedriver visibility at night and thereby to increasenighttime traffic safety. However, there are also

several potential risks associated with the use ofNVES. For instance, these systems might intro-duce new driver problems such as increasedworkload, cognitive capture, distraction, andundesirable compensatory reactions (for example,increased speed). Our knowledge about both thepositive and the potentially negative effects ofNVES is still limited. Rumar discussed importantgaps in our knowledge about the effects of NVES

and indicated how these gaps could be ad-dressed by future research. Finally, the papermade several preliminary proposals con-cerning the requirements that NVES shouldmeet before they come into wide use.

Michael Sivak, head of the HumanFactors Division, served on the PAL steer-ing board and also presented “DriverPreferences for HID Headlamps.” Sivakpresented driver preferences for HID ver-sus tungsten-halogen U.S. low beams asfound in two studies. In each study, sub-jects drove in actual traffic with carsequipped with either type of low beams.Of interest were subjective preferences inboth unalerted conditions (in which thesubjects were not told that the focus of thestudy was on headlighting) and alertedconditions (in which the subjects were told

to pay attention to the headlamp performance). A total of 52 subjects of a variety of ages andboth sexes partici-pated in these twostudies; none was in-volved in the lightingindustry or lightingresearch. Overall,the results of thesetwo studies suggest-ed that driversstrongly prefer HID headlamps, provided thatthey have somewhat extended driving exposure tothem, and that they are told to pay attention toheadlamp performance.

John Sullivan, assistant research scientist, pre-sented “Driver’s Use of High and Low Beams,”which is coathored by Flannagan. The tensionbetween satisfactory roadway visibility and the needto minimize glare to other road users is responsi-ble for one of the earliest and most primitive

UM

TR

I BR

IEFS

UMTRI / BRANDON SCHOETTLE

MICROCOSFT CORPORATION / MICROSOFT DIGITAL GALLERY LIVE

continued…

UM

TR

I Briefs

4 April–June / July–September 2003

methods of adaptive frontlighting—the dippingof the main beam by the direct intervention of the vehicle operator. Despite nearly a centuryof reliance on the driver to judge when to switchbetween light distributions, surprisingly few stud-ies have examined what drivers actually do on theroadway. This presentation reviewed the historyand evolution of this basic function, its impliednormative use, research on its actual use, andimplications for the use of modern, automaticcontrol of forward lighting. Sullivan also present-ed recently collected roadway data on the usageof high and low beams.

Elders on the MoveResearchers in UMTRI’s Social and Behavior-

al Analysis Division recently published a full-colorguide, Promising Approaches to Enhancing ElderlyMobility. The publication is written by Lisa Molnar,senior research associate; David W. Eby, researchassociate professor and principal re-searcher onthe project; and Linda L. Miller, research assistant.

The guide is intended as a resource for com-munity professionals interested in developing programs to enhance elderly mobility. While eachcommunity will have to tailor its efforts to fit itsown unique character and that of its elderly pop-ulation, much can be gained from learning aboutexisting programs andpractices. Based onextensive review ofthe literature and dis-cussions with severalexperts in aging-relat-ed fields, the authorsidentify several areas inwhich promisingapproaches to enhanc-ing elderly mobilityhave been developedin the U.S. and else-where. These areasinclude screening andassessment, educationand training, vehicleadaptations

and advanced technology, roadway design, andalternative transportation. For each area, theguide contains:

• An introductory section on why the area isimportant for enhancing elderly mobility

• Identification of the important componentsof promising approaches

• Descriptions of current practices and pro-grams that appear especially promising forenhancing elderly mobility

• Brief summaries of these highlighted prac-tices and programs, as well as other practicesand programs that show promise forenhancing elderly mobility The authors highlighted practices and pro-

grams that they felt stood out, particularly interms of their scientific basis, comprehensiveness,or timeliness. The promising practices and pro-grams included in the guide are in various stagesof development. Some are still considered experi-mental, but represent innovative approaches thathave considerable potential for enhancing mobili-ty. The five areas in the guide are interdependentand mutually supporting, and should be viewedcollectively as part of a comprehensive approachto enhancing elderly mobility.

You can view Promising Approaches to Enhancing Elderly Mobility atwww.umtri.umich.edu/library/docs/97337.pdf. This is a temporary URL. The permanent URL, available in early 2004, will behttp://name.umdl.umich.edu/97337.

Above: The cover of the recently produced guide, Promising Approaches toEnhancing Elderly Mobility.

UMTRI / GREGORY KOSTYNIUK

Heavy Truck Dynamics Course

UMTRI researchers presented an annualheavy truck dynamics course for UM’s Center forProfessional Development in July. The four-and-a-half day course, Mechanics of Heavy-DutyTruck Systems, included a computer lab sessionand a tour of UMTRI’s vehicle laboratory.

Participants gained an understanding of thefundamental mechanical and dynamical principlesthat determine the braking, handling, and rideproperties of pneumatic-tired vehicles. Theyexamined how the special mechanical and geo-metric properties of heavy trucks and their components determine the specific performancequalities of this class of vehicle. And finally, thestudied the methods and tools available foranalyzing truck behavior.

Bob Ervin, research professorand former head of the Engineer-ing Research Division, presentedsessions on the rollover processes,offtracking at very low speeds,and directional response/nonlinear analysis. PaulFancher, se-nior researchscientist emeritus, taughtsections on the mechani-cal and thermal propertiesof brakes and brake actua-tion systems, basic propertiesof heavy truck components, direc-tional response/linear analysis, andautomatic speed and headway control.Both Fancher and Ervin presented in-formation the mechanics of the pneumatic tire.

Thomas Gillespie, UMTRI research professor,lectured on steering systems, vehicle structuresand layout, and the ride behavior of heavy-dutytrucks. Chris Winkler, research scientist, present-ed information on four-wheeled vehicle properties,

heavy truck suspensions, and measurement and estimation of the mechanical and inertial proper-ties of heavy-truck components. He also providedan overview of UMTRI’s laboratory facilities.

Guest lecturers included Mike Sayers ofMechanical Simulation Corporation (formerly ofUMTRI), and Dick Radlinski of Radlinski &Associates (formerly of NHTSA). Sayers spoke on computer analysis methods and elementaryand special computer models. Radlinski presented a session on the braking capabilities of heavy-duty trucks.

ERD staff members Zevi Baraket, MikeCampbell, Bob Goodsell, John Koch, and BenPowell provided out tours and computer setupand troubleshooting.

Note: Thanks to Beth Boyd of UM’s Center for Professional Development forproviding content information.

Tilt Test: All Systems GoEarlier this year, Chris Winkler of UMTRI’s

Engineering Research Division (also see previousUMTRI Brief) conducted a tilt test on aGoTract, a device that installs telephone utilitypoles. Exponent, a failure analysis consulting

UMTRI Research Review 5

UMTRI's annual heavy truck dynamics course covered the mechanical and dynamical priniciples that determine the brak-ing, handling, and ride properties of heavy trucks.

UM

TR

I Briefs

continued…

6 April–June / July–September 2003

UM

TR

I Briefs firm, had previously commissioned UMTRI torun center-of-gravity and inertia tests on theGoTract to help them develop a computer modelto analyze a rollover accident. The recent tilt testhelped validate that software model.

UMTRI Publication Awards

The 2003 UMTRI best publication awardwas presented on May 29 to Kathy Klinich,

Gregory Hulbert (UM Department ofMechanical Engineering), and LarrySchneider for their article, “EstimatingInfant Head Injury Criteria and ImpactResponse using Crash Reconstructionand Finite Element Modeling,” whichappeared in the Stapp Car Crash Journal.

Jonathan Rupp, Matt Reed, Chris Van Ee, Shashi Kuppa (NHTSA),Stewart Wang (UM Medical Center),James Goulet (UM Medical Center), andLarry Schneider received the UMTRIresearch excellence award for “TheTolerance of the Human Hip to Dynam-ic Knee Loading,” which appeared in theStapp Car Crash Journal.

Both articles are online atwww.umtri.umich.edu/library/reports.html#Pubs.

UMTRI researchers conducted a tilt test on a GoTract, a device that installs telephone utility poles, to helpvalidate a software model.

2003 UMTRI publication award winners (left to right) LarrySchneider, Biosciences Division head, Jonathan Rupp, seniorresearch associate, Kathy Klinich, senior research associate engineer, and Matt Reed, associate research scientist, posein UMTRI's impact sled lab.

It’s a Building! It’s a Bus!Staff in UMTRI’s Engineering Research

Division recently tested a new model bus for NewFlyer of St. Catharine’s, Ontario. Research scien-tist Chris Winkler, engineering research associateSteve Karamihas, and engineering techniciansJohn Koch and Ben Powell examined the bus’sfront suspension and steering system and howthey affected braking and steering inputs.

Winkler says, “We discovered the vehiclepulled to the left under braking, apparently due

to flexing of the solid front axle. It’s hard to diag-nose such things without a facility like UMTRI’s.”The project was sponsored by New Flyer andArvinMeritor.

UM

TR

I Briefs

UMTRI Research Review 7

RRRR

ALL PHOTOS THIS SPREAD: UMTRI / SHEKINAH ERRINGTON

Tim GordonJoins UMTRIas EngineeringResearchDivision Head

T im Gordon joinedUMTRI in Septem-ber as the head of

the Engineering ResearchDivision (ERD). Tim hopesto develop research oppor-tunities for ERD with carcompanies, as well as multi-disciplinary research indynamics control with fed-eral government agencies.He says he’s happy to betaking over such a well-runorganization. Tim comes toUMTRI from LoughboroughUniversity in Leicestershire,England, where he was aFord professor of automo-tive engineering. His mainresearch areas includedvehicle dynamics and con-trol, with special emphasison advanced and nonlinearmethods and applicationswithin automotive engineering. Along with representa-tives of Loughborough

University, Ford, UM, andAachen University, hehelped coordinate the mas-ters program in automotiveengineering. His researchprojects involved suspensions,hybrid-vehicle controls, andinteractive handling dynamicsfor improved safety. inte-grated driveline control,neural network implementa-tion of integrated suspensioncontrollers, active control ofvehicle handling dynamics,novel co-simulation methodsapplied to vehicle dynamicsmodels, and control algo-rithms for an automateddriver. Prior to that, Timwas a professor in mathe-matics at Loughborough.He possesses under gradu-ate and graduate degrees inapplied mathematics fromCambridge University.

In his spare time, Timenjoys playing and watchingsoccer, golfing, swimming,

music, and reading. Hemoved to Ann Arbor withhis wife, Anne, a preschoolteacher, and their daughtersJenny, 17, and Alice, 14.Son Matthew, 20, attendsuniversity in England.

ERD’s former divisionhead, Bob Ervin, has movedto a project-leader role andwill remain at UMTRIthrough 2004 to completecurrent project commitments.

NA

ME

S & FA

CE

S

8 April–June / July–September 2003

Tim Gordon

UMTRI / SHEKINAH ERRINGTON

FormerUMTRI Director,Pat Waller,Passes Away

P atricia FossumWaller, who servedas UMTRI’s direc-

tor from 1990 to 2000,died at her home on August15, following a nine-month battle withmetastatic colon can-cer. Dr. Waller, 70,was trained as a clini-cal psychologist andhad a distinguishedcareer as a leadingresearch scientist andadvocate for policyreform in the area oftransportation safetyand injury control.She was a noted scien-tist and talentedadministrator whoinspired others throughher life and actions.Her special areas ofresearch interest includedthe older driver, pedestriansafety, alcohol and driving,heavy truck safety, driverlicensing, and social aspectsof transportation systems.She worked tirelessly toensure that research find

ings were implementedthrough legislative andadministrative measures,and that injury control andthe health and human di-mensions were incorporatedinto the national transporta-tion agenda. She was widelyread in many aspects of his-tory and society, traveledextensively, loved to engagein debate and conversationwith those around her, andwas closely involved in herchurch and community. Shedevoted herself to pursuing

excellence in every aspect ofher life. Through her exam-ple, she was an inspirationto friends and colleagues andinfluenced the career pathsof numerous fellow scientists.

Dr. Waller receivednumerous honors duringher career, most recentlyincluding the Transporta-tion Research Board’s

Roy W. Crum Award forOutstanding Achievementin Transportation Research(1995), the InternationalCouncil on Alcohol, Drugs,and Traffic Safety’s WidmarkAward for OutstandingContributions to theAdvancement of Knowledgeon Alcohol, Drugs, andTraffic Safety (1995), theNational Highway TrafficSafety Administration’sSpecial Award of Appreci-ation (1999), and theNational Safety Council’s

DistinguishedService to SafetyAward (2003).

A memorialservice in celebrationof her life was heldin October in ChapelHill, North Carolina.Her family estab-lished the Patricia F.Waller ScholarshipFund through theUniversity ofMichigan, whichsupports graduatestudent research intransportation sci-ence. Donations to the fund can

be made care of JamesThomson at UMTRI at the address on the back ofthis journal.

UMTRI Research Review 9

Pat Waller

NA

ME

S & FA

CE

S

UMTRI / KATHLEEN CROCKETT RICHARDS

RRRR

Pat Cunningham, director of UMParking and Transportation Services,and staff of UM’s EnvironmentalStewardship Task Force contributed to this article.

T he University of Michigan hasthe largest active, alternative-fuel vehicle fleet in the state

and one of the largest in the country,with more than 400 vehicles operatingon bio-diesel fuel, ethanol, or electrici-ty. There are also programs in place forthe reuse and recycling of used cool-ants, engine oils, solvents, oil filters,and tires.

UM is committed to experiment-ing with alternative fuel vehicles andhas been a leader in electric vehicletechnology through its solar car andhybrid vehicle teams in the College of Engineering.

Biodiesel FuelAll of UM’s diesel-powered equip-

ment, including more than 55 buses,are powered by the biodiesel fuel B20.It’s a mix of 20 percent biodiesel fuelwith 80 percent low sulfur diesel fuel.The bio-diesel fuel is a soy-based prod-uct that produces fewer emissionswhen burned. It is also a renewableenergy source and reduces our relianceon foreign oil. UM is one of the firstfleets in Michigan or elsewhere to uti-lize biodiesel.

Ethanol-Powered VehiclesThe University of Michigan

Parking and Transportation Services(PTS) department has more than 300vehicles operating on E-85 ethanol.It’s the largest fleet of ethanol vehiclesin Michigan and one of the largest in the country.

E-85 ethanol is a blend of 85 per-cent ethanol—generally made fromcorn—and 15 percent unleaded gaso-line. Ethanol is a cleaner fuel thangasoline and is a renewable energysource. Its use reduces harmful emis-sions, and the growing of corn alsoreduces carbon dioxidein our environment.Furthermore, ethanol is asustainable product,domestically produced.E-85 ethanol is moreexpensive than regularunleaded gasoline, butbecause an ethanol plantis being built in the state,the fuel should becomeeasier for UM to obtainand less expensive. PTSinstalled a 10,000 gallonunderground ethanolstorage tank in 2000, which enablesfueling all of these vehicles on-site.

As ethanol is not readily availableoutside the University, UM’s vehiclesare “flex-fuel,” and can be operated onunleaded gasoline when necessary. Thisis handy when vehicles are away fromthe premises. The ethanol-fueled vehi-cles cost the same to purchase as the

identical gasoline vehicles, and all ofUM’s new sedans, station wagons,minivans, and small pickup trucks areE-85 compatible. Ford, GeneralMotors, and Chrysler all produce E-85ethanol-compatible vehicles, and moremodels are being offered each year.

Electric Ford RangersUM has recently purchased several

electric Ford Ranger pickup trucks tobe used in its fleet of more than 900vehicles. The Rangers are among thefirst built on a new assembly line inTroy, Michigan, and are totally electricpowered. They operate on 39 eightvolt batteries stored in a special batterypack under the vehicle. This pack pro-duces 312 volts of power and gives theelectric Ford Ranger generally the

same performance characteristics of itsgasoline equivalent, without any tail-pipe emissions. The Rangers are usedas working vehicles by the GroundsDepartment, the Facilities Mainte-nance Department, and the UMDepartment of Occupational Safetyand Environmental Health. One vehi-cle is used in the daily rental pool.

10 April–June / July–September 2003

UM Transportation Initiatives

UM Strives to Make Its VehiclesMore Energy Efficient

Ethanol fuels—generally made from corn—burn clean-er than gasoline and are a renewable energy source.

NATIONAL CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION

The range of the electric Ranger is50 miles between charges and it takesabout six hours to fully recharge thevehicle. However, most university vehicles travel less than 50 miles a day,so the limited range is not a majordeterrent in their use on campus.

Engine Fuel and Solvent Recycling

UM Parking and TransportationServices also recycles used engine oiland engine coolant fluid generatedduring vehicle and equipment mainte-nance and repair activities. UM strivesto recycle as much used engine oil aspossible. This reduces the total amountof both hazardous and non-hazardouswaste generated. Reusing enginecoolant saves on the costs of replacing

the coolant and reduces the totalamount of waste generated. For bothoil and coolant, there is also a substan-tial savings on labor, compliance, andpaperwork costs associated with typicalwaste disposal procedures.

Other Transportation OptionsUM offers free campus transporta-

tion services to students, faculty, andstaff. Buses operate 363 days a year, 17 to 21 hours each day. More than4.3 million passengers ride the buseseach year, eliminating thousands ofsingle-passenger automobile trips eachday, and contributing to the quality ofthe campus environment. Additionally,more than 2,000 faculty and staffmembers use a free bus pass (providedby the local bus company) rather

than purchasing a University parkingpermit, which further reduces thenumber of vehicles on campus.

As an option for faculty and staffwho live in outlying areas, UM spon-sors vanpooling. The 16 vanpoolsserve communities within a 75-milerange of Ann Arbor. Up to six passen-gers and a driver meet each day intheir community, ride in together, andare dropped off near work. The van isparked in a reserved parking place oncampus.

Bicycling to and around campus isalso a viable option, and there are bikeracks available around all Universitybuildings, accommodating over 5,700bicycles in all. Bicyclists don’t need topurchase parking permits, and theirvehicles require less parking space—twelve bicycles can fit in the spacerequired for one car. Biking contri-butes no pollution to the environment,provides healthy exercise, and is atime-efficient method of travelingbetween classes and meetings.

UMTRI’s Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation (OSAT) is involved in analyzing consumer acceptance of new transportation initiatives. Its website, www.osat.umich.edu/fuelcell.html, features articles on emerging fuel tech-nologies, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s FreedomCAR and Fuel Initiative. In addition, OSAT staff membersMichael Flynn, Maitreya Sims, and Kara Alkire published an article on alternative fuels in Natural Gas Fuels(www.osat.umich.edu/alternative_fuels.pdf).

UMTRI Research Review 11

GREG BENNETT / UM PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

The University of Michigan uses electric Ford Ranger pickup trucks in the GroundsDepartment, the Facilities and Maintenance Department, and the UM Department ofOccupational Safety and Environmental Health.

RRRR

Conferences &

Events

National Rural ITS ConferenceAugust 10–13, Palm Harbor, Floridaitsflorida.org

18th IAVSD SymposiumAugust 25–29, Atsugi, Japaniavsd.sd.kanagawa-it.ac.jp

Asia Auto Parts & Repair Expo 2003September 4–6, Bangkok, Thailandwww.aapre.com/showinfo.htm

National Highway Utility ConferenceSeptember 17–19, Orlando, Floridawww.natlconference.com

ITS Forum 2003September 23, Milwaukee, Wisconsinwww.its-forum.info

Global Powertrain ConferenceSeptember 23–25, Ann Arbor, Michiganwww.gpc-icpem.org/html/home.shtml

IEEE International ConferenceOctober 5–8, Washington, D.C.https://becat.engr.uconn.edu/IEEE_

CSMC_2003

International Body Engineering ConferenceOctober 27–29, Chiba, Japanwww.sae.org/calendar/ibe

Weather and HighwaysNovember 4–5, Washington, D.C.www.ametsoc.org/atmospolicy

International Truck & Bus MeetingNovember 10–12, Fort Worth, Texaswww.sae.org/calendar/itb

ITS 10th World CongressNovember 16–20, Madrid, Spainwww.madrid2003.itscongress.org

Fifth Annual Workshop on Highway—Rail Grade Crossing ResearchNovember 24–25, Montreal, Canadawww.tc.gc.ca/tdc/events/fifth.htm

E-CAR International Conference on Telematics December 2–4, Stuttgart, Germanywww.iir.de/app/?navi=310&pid=74

Asphalt Rubber 2003December 2–4, Brasilia, Brazilwww.consulpav.com/ar2003

Midwest Work Zone Safety ConferenceDecember 2–4, Springfield, Illinoiswww.lhsfna.org

Transportation Engineering and SafetyDecember 10–12, State College, Pennsylvaniaapp.outreach.psu.edu/PTI

Work Zone Traffic Control SeminarDecember 11–12, Atlanta, Georgiawww.asce.org/conted/seminars/

transportation.cfm#Work

TRB 2004 Annual MeetingJanuary 11–15, Washington, D.C.www.nationalacademies.org/trb

ATSSA 34th Annual ConventionJanuary 30 ?February 3, San Antonio, Texaswww.atssa.com/meetevents/expo/

Default.htm

International Transport Facilities and Infrastructure Conference 2004February 3–5, Sydney, [email protected]

Fifth Asia-Pacific TransportationDevelopment ConferenceFebruary 11–13, Taipei, Taiwanwww.ictpaweb.org/templates/

hq_conference_index.dwt

World of ConcreteFebruary 17–20, Orlando, Floridawww.worldofconcrete.com

Virtual and Remote Weigh StationsFebruary 16–18, Lake Buena Vista, Floridawww.ce.ucf.edu/asp/catss

12 April–June / July–September 2003

RRRR

Conference PapersSivak, M.; Flannagan, M.; Schoettle, B.; Nakata, Y. 2001. “Quantitative com-

parisons of the benefits of applying adaptive headlighting to the current

U.S. and European-low-beam patterns.î Michigan University, Ann

Arbor, Transportation Research Institute, Human Factors Division. 16

p. Schmidt-Clausen, H.-J. Progress in Automobile Lighting: Proceedings

of the Symposium, Utz, 2001, p. 942–957. UMTRI-95218 A12.

Journal ArticlesGregor, M.A.; Shope, J.T.; Blow, F.C.; Maio, R.F.; Weber, J.E.; Nypaver, M.M.

2003. “Feasibility of using an interactive laptop program in the emer-

gency department to prevent alcohol misuse among adolescents.”

Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Injury Research Center/ Michigan

University, Ann Arbor, Department of Emergency Medicine/ Michigan

University, Ann Arbor, Transportation Research Institute, Social and

Behavioral Analysis Division/ Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Medical

School, Department of Psychiatry. 9 p. Annals of emergency medicine.

Vol. 42, no. 2 (Aug. 2003), pp. 276–284. Sponsor: Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention

and Control, Atlanta, Georgia. UMTRI-97041.

Klinich, K.D.; Hulbert, G.M.; Schneider, L.W. 2002. “Estimating infant head

injury criteria and impact response using crash reconstruction and

finite element modeling.” Michigan University, Ann Arbor,

Transportation Research Institute, Biosciences Division/ Michigan

University, Ann Arbor, Department of Mechanical Engineering. 30 p.

Stapp Car Crash Journal, Vol. 46, Nov. 2002, pp. 165–194. Report

No. SAE 2002-22-0009. UMTRI-96246 A09.

Rupp, J.D.; Reed, M.P.; Van Ee, C.A.; Kuppa, S.; Wang, S.C.; Goulet, J.A.;

Schneider, L.W. 2002. “The tolerance of the human hip to dynamic

knee loading.” Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Transportation

Research Institute, Biosciences Division/ National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration, Washington, D.C./ Michigan University,

Ann Arbor, Medical Center. 18 p. Stapp Car Crash Journal, Vol. 46,

Nov. 2002, pp. 211–228. Report No. SAE 2002-22-0011.

UMTRI-96246 A11.

Sivak, M. 2002. “Field measurements of direct and rearview-mirror

glare from low-beam headlamps.” Michigan University, Ann Arbor,

Transportation Research Institute. 10 p. Lighting Research and

Technology, Vol. 34, No. 2, 2002, pp. 101–110. UMTRI-62841.

Sivak, M.; Schoettle, B.; Flannagan, M.J. 2003. “Resistance of LED and

incandescent front turn signals to masking from adjacent headlamps.”

Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Transportation Research Institute,

Human Factors Division. 9 p. Lighting Research and Technology.

Vol. 35, No. 1 (2003), pp. 77–85. Sponsor: Michigan University,

Ann Arbor, Industry Affiliation Program for Human Factors in

Transportation Safety. UMTRI-62893.

Winkler, C.; Sullivan, J.; Bogard, S.; Hagan, M.; Goodsell, R. 2003.

“Lateral-acceleration experience of six commercial vehicles.”

Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Transportation Research Institute,

Engineering Research Division/ Michigan University, Ann Arbor,

Transportation Research Institute, Human Factors Division. 17 p.

Tire science and technology. Vol. 31, No. 2 (Apr.–June 2003),

pp. 87–103. UMTRI-62967.

UMTRI Research Review 13

continued…

To Subscribe to theUMTRI Research Review…Complete the form below and send it with a check for $35 made out to the University of Michigan. This entitles you to a one-year subscription to the UMTRI Research Review.

NAME ___________________________________________________________ DATE ____________________________________

TITLE _________________________________________ ORGANIZATION______________________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

CITY __________________________________________ STATE______________________ ZIP ___________________________

Mail your check for $35 and the form above to:• Monica Milla, Editor • UMTRI Research Review • University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute •

• 2901 Baxter Rd • Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2150 •

INCLUDE +4

HO

TO

FFT

HE

PR

ESS

Technical ReportsAutomotive collision avoidance system field operational test: ACAS/FOT third

annual report. General Motors Corporation, Warren, Mich./ Delphi

Delco Electronics Systems, Kokomo, Ind./ Delphi Chassis Systems,

Dayton, Ohio/ Hughes Research Laboratories, Malibu, Calif./ HE

Microwave, Tucson, Ariz./ Michigan University, Ann Arbor,

Transportation Research Institute. 112 p. Sponsor: National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C. Report No. DOT HS

809 600. UMTRI-97019.

Belzowski, B.M.; Flynn, M.S. 2002. Engine system development: change,

challenges, and value. Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Transportation

Research Institute, Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation.

31 p. Report No. UMTRI 2002-09. UMTRI-96550.

Joksch, H.C. 2002. Combining FARS and GES data to estimate air bag effec-

tiveness; [Combining Fatal Analysis Reporting System and General

Estimates System data to estimate air bag effectiveness]. Michigan

University, Ann Arbor, Transportation Research Institute, Truck and

Bus Safety Analysis Division. 239 p. Sponsor: Transportation

Department, Research and Special Programs Administration,

Cambridge, Mass.; John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems

Center, Cambridge, Mass. Report No. UMTRI-2002-21. UMTRI-97138.

Matteson, A.; Blower, D. 2003. Trucks involved in fatal accidents factbook

2000. Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Transportation Research

Institute, Center for National Truck Statistics/ Michigan University,

Ann Arbor, Transportation Research Institute, Truck and Bus Safety

Analysis Division. 106 p. Sponsor: Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration, Washington, D.C.; Michigan University, Ann Arbor,

Transportation Research Institute, Center for National Truck Statistics,

Affiliates Program. Report No. UMTRI 2003-20. UMTRI-48532 A39.

Putcha, D.; Blower, D.; Masters, R. 2002. Buses involved in fatal accidents

codebook 1999. Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Transportation

Research Institute, Center for National Truck Statistics/ Michigan

University, Ann Arbor, Transportation Research Institute, Truck

and Bus Safety Analysis Division. 111 p. Sponsor: Department of

Transportation, Washington, D.C.; Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration, Washington, D.C. Report No. UMTRI-2002-26.

UMTRI-96235.

Rumar, K. 2003. Functional requirements for daytime running lights;

[Functional requirements for DRLs]. Michigan University, Ann Arbor,

Transportation Research Institute, Human Factors Division. 64 p.

Sponsor: Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Industry Affiliation Program

for Human Factors in Transportation Safety. Report No. UMTRI-2003-

11. UMTRI-96638.

Sullivan, J.M.; Adachi, G.; Mefford, M.L.; Flannagan, M.J. 2003. High-beam

headlamp usage on unlighted rural roadways. Michigan University,

Ann Arbor, Transportation Research Institute, Human Factors Division.

15 p. Sponsor: Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Industry Affiliation

Program for Human Factors in Transportation Safety. Report No.

UMTRI-2003-2. UMTRI-96360.

HO

TO

FFT

HE

PR

ESS

RRRR

2901 Baxter RdAnn Arbor MI 48109-2150

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

P A I DAnn Arbor, MI

P e r m i t N o . 1 4 4

umtriUniversity of Michigan

Transportation Research Institute