CVDC 'SMART' RESEARCH
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Partnerships with academia Through its work, the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium is a classic example of how truck and component manufacturers are using the world of academia (in this case the engineering department of Cambridge University) to conduct highly-focused, yet cost-effective 'blue sky research that might otherwise be pushed on to the back-burner in the face of more immediate and pressing R&D demands. In particular, the CVDC acts as a conduit for its member companies, allowing them to exploit research opportunities across many engineering disciplines. Among the consortium's members are Volvo Trucks, Arvin Mentor, Goodyear, Haldex and Camcon as well as operators such as Denby Transport. Moreover. CVDC is currently working on several major projects including: • Active steering and active roll control • Optimised passive and semi-active suspension systems • Vehicle energy consumption • ABS and other braking systems • High-speed weigh-in motion • Vehicle/road interaction Meanwhile, CVDC research director Professor David Cebon is looking to enrol more UK operators and manufacturers to CVDC to participate in various projects. Interested companies should contact him at dc@eng.cam. ac.uk or visit www.cvdc.org where you can find video clips of the CVDC trucks in action.