Yang Chen Email & Phone Number

Mount Vernon, Wa, Us

Mount Vernon, Wa, Us

Mount Vernon, Washington, United States

Blacksburg, Va, Usa

Project #1: Non-contact Detection and Evaluation of Rail Gage-face Lubricant using Optical Sensing Methods (Project Manager, Sep 2022 – Present) In this project, we have developed an optical sensing system that uses laser-induced fluorescence to identify the condition of lubrication on the rail gage face. We conducted thorough testing and validation of the developed system on a 39-ft track panel in the laboratory. The system's effectiveness was demonstrated through testing on revenue service tracks using a remotely controlled robot cart at speeds up to 8 mph, as well as onboard a hyrail vehicle at higher speeds.Project #2: Laboratory and field evaluation of an energy harvesting tie for energy generation on railroad tracks (May 2022 – Present)In this study, I was responsible for testing and evaluating a prototype energy harvesting tie for railroad applications, both in the lab and in the field. Additionally, I was in charge of redesigning the system for better performance. The test results showed that the system can generate an average of 5 to 30 Watts of power when trains are traveling at speeds ranging from 24 to 48 km/hr, depending on the electrical resistance of the harvester and the speed of the train.Project #3: Monitoring and Detecting Fouled Ballast Using Forward-Looking Infrared Radiometer (FLIR) Aerial Technology: Possibilities and Limitations (Aug 2018 – Aug 2019)In this research, I assisted a PhD student to develop a novel approach to evaluate railway ballast fouling by using thermal imaging techniques. We conducted extensive laboratory tests, and the test results indicated that FLIR cameras can be used on a moving platform to quickly scan thermal images of the ballast, allowing for early assessment of fouling.

Blacksburg, Va, Usa

Project #1: Field Test Evaluation of FedEx Ground 33-ft Double Trailer Roll Stability and Maneuverability (Project Manager & Mechanical Team Lead, Aug 2018 – April 2022) The project involved field testing the maneuverability, roll stability, and brake performance of FedEx 33-ft double-trailer trucks. I led a team of 4 PhD and master's students in developing and implementing outriggers, reinforcement structures, and anti-jackknifing mechanisms for the trailers to ensure safety during rollover tests. Furthermore, we designed load frames inside the trailers to ensure they possessed the necessary CG inertial properties for the tests. The truck was instrumented with a variety of sensors such as accelerometers, pressure transducers, etc. We successfully completed over 1,000 high-speed tests of the double-trailer trucks at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) in Ohio. I led the team in processing and analyzing the test data to evaluate the effects of trailer loading, trailer type (drop frame vs straight rail), trailer RSC, and tractor ESC on the truck’s roll stability and the braking performance of drum and disc brakes on the 33-ft trailers.Project #2: Long combination vehicle (LCV) dynamics modeling and analysis of lateral dynamic performance (Team Lead, Aug 2017 – Aug 2022)I led the research projects of 4 PhD students in the areas of LCV dynamics modeling and simulation. We developed mathematical multi-body dynamic models for LCVs using Matlab/Simulink, as well as physical models in TruckSim. We experimentally calibrated parameters in vehicle CG inertial properties, tire, and brake systems, and validated the LCV models with field test data. We conducted extensive simulations including assessing and comparing the maneuverability, lateral stability, rearward amplification/trailer swing, and emergency evasive steering of LCVs, and comparing the impact of disc brakes versus drum brakes in mitigating rollover during braking-in-turn maneuvers.

Blacksburg, Va

Project #1: Modeling and Control Study of Pneumatically Balanced Truck Air Suspension for Improved Roll Stability (Aug 2013 – Aug 2015, Ph.D. dissertation) This study introduces a new pneumatic suspension system designed to effectively control airflow and provide balanced suspension forces, enhancing the roll stability of semi-trailer trucks. I developed a rigorous multi-domain model using AMESim, Simulink, and TruckSim and conducted extensive simulations to validate the improvements in roll stability achieved by the proposed pneumatic suspension system. Additionally, I identified the potential failure modes for the pneumatic suspension system and examined their effects on truck dynamics using the co-simulation techniques.Project #2: Test Evaluation of the Roll Stability Control (RSC) Systems on Improving the Roll Propensity of the 28-ft Double-trailer Truck (Graduate Research Assistant, Aug 2015 – May 2017)I played a key role in preparing vehicles for roll stability tests, which involved developing outriggers, trailer loading frames, reinforcement structures, and anti-jackknifing systems. As part of a team of 5, we conducted over 800 field tests at the Michelin Laurens Proving Ground in South Carolina. After the testing, I was responsible for analyzing test data using Matlab and Excel to assess the effectiveness of various RSC solutions for 28-ft double-trailer trucks. In the second phase of the project, we evaluated the best-performing RSC product in different loading conditions and tested mixed RSC arrangements between the front and rear trailers.

Blacksburg, Va

- Managed and supervised three senior design teams; projects included heavy-load bicycle design, ChumpCar endurance racing, and testing rig design for a jet engine- Assisted with grading student work, in addition to organizing presentations and expositions

Blacksburg, Va

Led and lectured weekly recitation for course ME 3504: Vibration & Dynamics

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Mechanical Engineering, 3.77

Research Lab: Center for Vehicle Systems and Safety (CVeSS) Advisor: Dr. Mehdi Ahmadian Dissertation: Modeling, Control, and Design Study.

Master Of Engineering - Meng, Mechanical Engineering, 3.934

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Automotive Engineering