Using problem-based exploratory training to improve pilot understanding of autopilot functions

Previous research indicated a need to improve pilot training with regard to understanding of autopilot logic and behavior, especially in non-routine situations. Therefore, we tested the effect of problem-based exploratory training on pilots’ understanding of autopilot functions. Using a moving-base flight simulator, general aviation pilots (n...

Time-varying perceived motion mismatch due to motion scaling in curve driving simulation

In motion simulation, motion input scaling is often applied to deal with the limited motion envelopes of motion simulators. In this research, the time-varying effects of scaling the lateral specific force up or down during passive curve driving in a car driving simulation are investigated through a simulator experiment. It is concluded that...

Differences in driver behaviour between novice and experienced drivers: A driving simulator study

This study is an extension of a previous work where differences between race-car drivers and normal drivers has been investigated in a high-speed driving task. The study focused on gaining knowledge about driver differences that can be helpful in designing an adaptive ADAS by introducing the driver into the control loop. The present study...

Differences in driver behaviour between race and experienced drivers: A driving simulator study

Safety is one of the major areas of concerns today in the field of automotive development. Different safety measures have and are being introduced in order to improve driver/passenger and pedestrian safety. Advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) are therefore becoming increasingly important in their role of reducing driver crash risk. A...

Blind driving by means of auditory feedback

Driving is a safety-critical task that predominantly relies on vision. However, visual information from the environment is sometimes degraded or absent. In other cases, visual information is available, but the driver fails to use it due to distraction or impairment. Providing drivers with real-time auditory feedback about the state of the...

The effects of time pressure on driver performance and physiological activity: A driving simulator study

Speeding because of time pressure is a leading contributor to traffic accidents. Previous research indicates that people respond to time pressure through increased physiological activity and by adapting their task strategy in order to mitigate task demands. In the present driving simulator study, we investigated effects of time pressure on...

Effects of visual fidelity on curve negotiation, gaze behaviour and simulator discomfort

Technological developments have led to increased visual fidelity of driving simulators. However, simplified visuals have potential advantages, such as improved experimental control, reduced simulator discomfort and increased generalisability of results. In this driving simulator study, we evaluated the effects of visual fidelity on driving...

Changes of driving performance and gaze behavior of novice drivers during a 30-min simulator-based training

Previous research has shown that novice drivers have underdeveloped vehicle control skills and visual search strategies that differ from those of experienced drivers. However, little is known about how novices’ driving performance and gaze behavior jointly change over the course of practice. In this paper, we investigated changes in driving...

Vertical field of view restriction in driver training: A simulator-based evaluation

The young driver problem requires remedial measures against speeding and overconfidence. Previous research has shown that increasing the task difficulty during training can enhance subsequent retention performance and prevent overconfidence. In this driving simulator study, we evaluated the training effectiveness of vertical field of view...

Heat treatment studies of aluminium alloy forgings of the AZ 74.61 type. Interim report no. 3: Fatigue crack propagation performance under manoeuvre spectrum loading

The fatigue crack propagation performance of the alloy AZ 74.61 under manoeuvre spectrum loading was studied. The crack propagation behaviour was also compared with that of the American forging alloy AA 7050, not only for simulated manoeuvre loading but also for simulated gust loading and programme loading. It was found that, at comparable...

Heat treatment studies of aluminium alloy type 7050 forgings. Interim report no. 2: The effect of heat treatment on a variety of engineering properties

The effect of variety of heat treatments on various engineering properties was studied with the aim to derive an optimum heat treatment. The engineering properties comprised Vickers hardness, short-time tensile strength, fatigue crack propagation resistance, fracture toughness and stress corrosion resistance. The test results were compared with...