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This document constitutes a final report for MOU 39. It contains a User's Manual, Programmer's Guide, source code and underlying theory for the program MEDUSA. This program is capable of simulating both the normative driving dynamics and collision dynamics of an arbitrary number of vehicles. Its range of validity lies in the assumed nature of the vehicular collision, and it is recommended for use in studying low relative velocity impact scenarios at large time-scales. Keywords: IVHS America, Vehicle Dynamics, Collision Dynamics, Safety, computer Simluation, Animal and Simulation; A...

In this report, an algorithm for the detection of collision between two vehicles is presented. The mechanical models used for the vehicles are based on the theory of a Cosscrat point. Here, we find it convenient to establish the corresponding models using the theory of a psuedo-rigid body. This theory facilitates the development of our collision-detection algorithm. The report concludes with four examples of vehicular impact scenarios in order to illustrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm.

This study demonstrates the use of an additive fuzzy system to control the velocity and gap of cars in a single lane two-car platoon. A throttle- only controller and a combined throttle and braker controller were tested. Simulation results show that follower cars with a combined brake/ throttle controller can maintain a constant gap when the platoon goes down hills and slows. An adaptive throttle controller uses a neural system to learn the fuzzy rules for different vehicle types.

Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) provides an intermediate step toward a longer-term vision of trucks operating in closely-coupled automated platoons on both long-haul and short-haul freight corridors. There are important distinctions between CACC and automated truck platooning. First, with CACC, only truck speed control will be automated, using V2V communication to supplement forward sensors. The drivers will still be responsible for actively steering the vehicle, lane keeping, and monitoring roadway and traffic conditions. Second, while truck platooning systems have relied on a...