PhD by portfolio. Research aim: To investigate if topology optimisation can be used for the development of mechanical structures exposed to large (non-linear) deformations. Research objectives: 1. Analyse and critically evaluate the potential for using state of the art commercially available Finite Element software (and associated topology optimisation algorithms) for topology optimisation of structures exposed to large-deformations. 2. Based on 1 (where feasible) suggest, develop and critically appraise opportunities, methodologies and tools for enhancing the accuracy and precision of current state of the art topology optimisation algorithms for non-linear applications. 3. Based on the outcomes of 1 and 2 define / refine and integrate a topology optimisation algorithm / methodology with enhanced levels of accuracy for structures exposed to large (non-linear) deformations. 4. Critically analyse and assess the outcomes of the tool developed in 3 to competing algorithms and “sound engineering judgement” using case-studies and objectively evaluate the potential for further development/refinement of the proposed algorithm/methodology.

Electric and hybrid vehicles are particularly suited for use in urban areas since city transportation is mainly characterized by relatively short driving distances, low continuous power requirements, long idling times and high availability of regenerative braking energy. These characteristics, when carefully incorporated into the design process, create valuable opportunities for developing clean, efficient and cost effective urban vehicle propulsion systems. In the first part of the thesis, we present data collected in the city of Bangalore, India from a very commonly seen mode of transportation for hire in India and other emerging economies, namely a three-wheeled vehicle known as the “auto-rickshaw”. From a statistical analysis, it is shown that the typical range is 72.5 km with a mean speed of 12.5 km/h. More than 60% of the time the auto-rickshaw is stationary or has a speed of less than 5 km/h. From a model of the auto-rickshaw, it is shown from simulations that 4 kW DC motor and about 10 kWh of electrical energy is enough to meet 80% of typical requirement. Based on this finding, in this thesis, a novel parallel hybrid architecture is proposed where two 2 kW DC hub motors are directly mounted on the wheels and an internal combustion (IC) engine output is connected to the stator of the DC hub motors to provide additional power when required. To match load and speed, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is placed in-between the IC engine and the DC hub motor. The proposed hybrid configuration adds speed to the wheel output unlike the normal power split configuration which adds torque. One of the main objective of this work is to study and compare the performance of the above novel speed-addition and compare with the typical torque-addition configuration. A MATLAB/Simulink model for both the configurations, with DC hub motor and a small IC engine, has been created and the fuel consumption has been calculated. It is shown that the proposed speed-addition concept gives better fuel efficiency for the standard modified Indian Driving Cycle. The models have also been compared for actual driving data and an optimal control strategy has been developed using dynamic programming. It is again shown that the proposed speed-addition concept results in better fuel economy. In the last part of the thesis, a low cost experimental test-bed consisting of an auto-rickshaw IC engine, a CVT and a 2 kW DC hub motor has been developed to validate the speed-addition concept and compare with the torque-addition configuration. The torque-speed curves of the IC engine, the DC motor and both of them together, in the speed and torque-addition configuration, have been obtained. It is shown that the speed-addition concept does indeed work and the obtained results are significantly different from the torque-addition configuration.

Les progrès techniques faits ces dernières années dans le domaine des batteries ainsi que le durcissement des normes écologiques entraînent un regain d'intérêt pour les véhicules hybrides et électriques. La possibilité d'utiliser plusieurs sources de puissance à l'intérieur d'un même véhicule conduit à remettre en question les architectures traditionnelles des véhicules et à étudier des architectures multi-sources. Après un état de l'art des architectures et des systèmes de transmission de couple, le véhicule prototype du projet VELROUE, utilisé par la suite comme moyen d'essai, est présenté. Puis, le contrôle du patinage des roues arrière du véhicule VELROUE équipé d'un moteur thermique sur le train avant et de deux moteurs électriques reliés aux roues arrière est étudié. Ensuite, différents modèles véhicules sont détaillés en vue d'analyser les transferts d'énergie au sein du système à l'aide de l'outil Bond Graph, de synthétiser des lois de commande de contrôle du patinage et de simuler le comportement du véhicule pour valider les fonctions d'anti-patinage (ASR). Une première commande de type PID qui servira de référence est dans un premier temps introduite. La contribution principale de ce travail de thèse concerne la synthèse et la mise en oeuvre de commandes non linéaires soit par retour linéarisant, soit basée sur la théorie de la platitude. Les modèles de synthèses de commande sont issus d'hypothèses classiques retenues lors des situations de vie considérées : dynamique longitudinale, pompage et tangage sur un double modèle bicyclette. Une stratégie de commande est également développée afin d'assurer la sécurité du conducteur, de réduire les besoins matériels et d'améliorer l'agrément conducteur. Enfin, les commandes non linéaires développées sont testées en simulation puis validées expérimentalement sur le véhicule VELROUE. Une comparaison de ces commandes est effectuée selon des critères énergétiques, de performances, de complexité et de coût. Ces techniques développées pour l'ASR sont étendues pour des phases de freinage récupératif (MSR), qui constitue également une originalité de ces travaux. / The technical progress made during last years in the battery field and the environmental standards hardening lead to an increased interest in hybrid and electric vehicles. The possibility to use several power sources inside a vehicle leads to question the traditional vehicle architectures and to study multi-power sources architectures. After a state of the art on architectures and torque transmission systems, the VELROUE project's prototype is presented. This prototype is later used as a validation platform. Then, the rear wheels slipping control of the VELROUE vehicle which is equipped with an internal combustion engine on the front axle and with two electric motors connected to the rear wheels is studied. Next, different vehicle models are described to analyze energy transfers inside the system using Bond Graph, to synthesize anti-slipping control laws and to simulate the vehicle behavior in order to validate the anti-slipping functions (ASR). A first PID-like controller is initially introduced to serve as reference. The main contribution of this thesis deals with the synthesis and implementation of nonlinear controls either using linearizing feedback, or based on the flatness theory. The synthesis controls models come from classical hypothesis: longitudinal and vertical dynamics and pitch on a double bicycle model. A control strategy is also developed to assure driver's security, to reduce material needs and to enhance the driver approval. Finally, the nonlinear controls developed here are simulated and then experimentally validated on the VELROUE vehicle. A comparison of these commands is performed according to energy, performance, complexity and cost criteria. These control laws developed for ASR are extended to regenerative braking phases (MSR), which is also an originality of this work.