# ISTVS 8th Americas Conference

Ground Vehicle Mobility, Agile Dynamics, and Energy Efficiency in Severe, Unsafe, and Non-Secure Environments of Roads and Unprepared Terrains

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**12-14 September 2016**

Marriott Hotel\
200 W. Big Beaver Rd.\
Troy, Michigan 48084 USA

» [Call for Papers](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/submission-detroit) **— Submissions closed 01 March 2016**\
» [Conference brochure](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/ISTVS-2016_Brochure_20160202.pdf) (pdf)\
» [Conference program](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/2016-ISTVS-Conference-Program_081416_7_FINAL.pdf) (pdf)

Our international conferences form an amazing legacy since our first meeting in 1962 in Turin, Italy — ISTVS today is a connected group of collaborative professionals from industry, universities, and research institutions who have been meeting over five decades to share research findings.

The 8th Americas Regional Conference of the ISTVS will provide you a place where you can exchange ideas and receive technical information on current and future research and technology developments in terramechanics and terrain/road-vehicle system dynamics, control, and design. Commercial and personal transportation vehicle applications include:

* Trucks and cars
* Military vehicles
* Construction, forestry, and mining equipment
* Farm tractors and machinery
* Unmanned ground vehicles for military, space exploration, and other areas

For any questions, please contact one of the Conference Chairs:

**Prof. Vladimir Vantsevich**\
Chair of Conference\
University of Alabama at Birmingham\
<vantsevi@uab.edu>

**Dr. Jeremy P. Gray**\
Co-Chair of Conference\
U.S. Army RDECOM-TARDEC\
<jeremy.p.gray.civ@mail.mil>

**Prof. Bharat Soni**\
Co-Chair of Conference\
Tennessee Technological University\
<bsoni@tntech.edu>

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1448295932295-KXBUBMJK22KY73F84H93/image-asset.jpeg?format=1500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Program highlights <a href="#program-highlights" id="program-highlights"></a>

**Day 0.** The conference begins Sunday evening 11 September 2016, with our ever-popular Ice Breaker Party — you’ll have the opportunity to interact informally with colleagues from all over the world.\
**Days 1-3.** Enjoy presentations and plenary sessions, including our awards programs and meals over Monday-Wednesday, 12-14 September 2016.\
**Technical Tour.** The conference includes our popular and valuable technical tour on Tuesday afternoon.

### Conference in detail <a href="#conferenceindetail" id="conferenceindetail"></a>

The aim of the conference is to further advance knowledge in terrain-vehicle and road-vehicle system dynamics and design and, thus, to discuss and suggest new frontiers and research directions, facilitate engineering practice, and benefit the society at large in the area of the energy conservation, environmental sustainability, safety, and cyber/physical security.

#### Objectives of the Conference: <a href="#objectivesoftheconference" id="objectivesoftheconference"></a>

1. Present recent research and engineering accomplishments and achievements to engineering colleagues and peers
2. Discuss research findings, exchange information and share new knowledge with engineering colleagues and peers
3. Discuss and suggest new frontiers and research directions in the ISTVS area
4. Attract automotive industry and robotics engineering companies to the Conference and ISTVS activities
5. Expand participation of government research agencies and academia (faculty, research staff and students) in the Conference and ISTVS activities
6. Present accomplishments of the Journal of Terramechanics and discuss its future plans
7. Discuss and suggest new university-level education courses and programs in the ISTVS area
8. Discuss new events for future ISTVS conferences, including workshops, seminars, etc.
9. Network and establish new research and engineering contacts for national and international collaboration and partnership between industry, academia and government research agencies in research, engineering and university-level education
10. Have an engineering tour and learn more about new places and cultures.

#### The objectives will be achieved through: <a href="#theobjectiveswillbeachievedthrough" id="theobjectiveswillbeachievedthrough"></a>

1. Discussions at the Board of Directors’ meeting
2. Presentations and discussion of research papers at six symposia
3. Conducting a panel discussion with the participation of ISTVS leading researchers and automotive industry
4. Arranging poster sessions
5. Presentations at the dinner and lunch time
6. Discussions of the four groups that were previously established: Planetary Rovers and Mobile Robotics; ISTVS Standards; Terramechanics; Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics
7. A technical tour in the Detroit area

### Topics to be covered <a href="#topicstobecovered" id="topicstobecovered"></a>

The conference will take place over 3 days. There will be a poster session during the conference.

A panel discussion **“Future research direction in terramechanics, mobility, energy efficiency and off/on-road vehicle engineering for complex terrain and cyber environments”** will be conducted with the participation of ISTVS leading researchers and automotive industry. Technical presentations and group discussions are planned during the dinner and lunch time.

#### The following technical symposia are planned: <a href="#thefollowingtechnicalsymposiaareplanned" id="thefollowingtechnicalsymposiaareplanned"></a>

**1. Terramechanics, locomotion, and soil/terrain modeling (three symposia)**\
1.1. Recent accomplishments in terramechanics research and education\
1.2. Locomotion systems\
1.3. Soil and terrain modeling and characterization\
These three symposia concentrate on new research directions in terramechanics science and its applications to vehicle engineering and academic education, including areas of modeling, computer simulation and design of tire/wheel, track and other locomotion/vehicle systems, various types of soil and snow modeling and characterization, uncertainties and stochastic characteristics of vehicle-environment interaction.

**2. Advances in mobility, energy efficiency, and ground vehicle dynamics**\
Topics include analytical and experimental methods of energy efficiency improvement, terrain vehicle mobility off-line and real-time estimation, operational and tactical vehicle mobility, agile dynamics and performance in severe environmental and traffic conditions, coupled and interactive dynamics of vehicle multi-physics systems, conflicting multi-input-output system dynamics.

**3. Agricultural, construction, forestry, and mining equipment**\
This symposium invites papers on specifics of mobility, vehicle dynamics and design of farm tractors and machinery, construction and forestry equipment, earth moving, and mining machines. Topics include energy efficiency and engineering productivity, power hop, mobility, etc.

**4. Mobile robotics for ground applications, planet exploration, and other environments**\
Papers on planet vehicle exploration, mobile ground robots, underwater and surface robotic vehicles are invited to present advances in mission/task fulfilment, mobility and energy efficiency, dynamics and innovative system designs.

**5. Military ground vehicle robotics**\
This symposium covers surface and topographical terrain mobility, operational and tactical mobility, battlefield mobility of unmanned and remotely controlled vehicles and vehicle convoys. Topics include, but not limited to, agile performance and adaptive perception of vehicle dynamics, optimization of the required motion and mission accomplishment with minimal energy consumption.

**6. Innovative system designs for terrain and road vehicle applications**\
This symposium focuses on innovative system designs and controls, sensing and actuation with mechatronic implementation in conventional and driverless vehicle applications. Topics include, but not limited to, cyber-physical systems in vehicle dynamics, mobility and agility control, sensor/data fusion, vehicle system communication and connected vehicles, active and passive safety and vehicle protection.


# Registration

ISTVS 8th Americas Conference

## Conference Registration

All participants and accompanying persons should register for the ISTVS 8th Americas Conference. Please read through the registration information to make your choices before you register at the bottom of the page.

### 1. Full Conference Registration <a href="#id-1-full-conference-registration" id="id-1-full-conference-registration"></a>

Full conference registration includes:

* Access to all technical sessions and the conference exhibit hall
* One CD of the conference proceedings, provided at conference check in
* Ice Breaker Party, Sunday, September 11 — RSVP required during registration
* Banquet Dinner and continental breakfast, coffee breaks, and lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
* Access and transportation to the TARDEC Technical Tour\
  **Important Note:** After you register for the conference, to join the tour [you must complete and submit this security clearance form](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/2016detroit-technicaltourregistrationv1.pdf). Attendees who do not complete the process prior to their respected deadlines will not be granted authorization to attend the tour.
  * Non U.S. citizens must complete the Foreign National background check submission process **before 15 May 2016**
  * U.S. Citizens must complete the U.S. Citizen background check submission process **before 1 August 2016**

### 2. Conference Registration Rates <a href="#id-2-conference-registration-rates" id="id-2-conference-registration-rates"></a>

All prices are in US dollars.

**Early Bird Registration before 20 July 2016**

> Author/Attendee/Presenter — ISTVS Member  $375\
> Author/Attendee/Presenter – Non-Member  $475°\
> Student – ISTVS Member  $250\
> Student – Non-Member  $350°\
> U.S. Government/Military  $375†

**Late Registration after 20 July 2016**

> Author/Attendee/Presenter — ISTVS Member  $425\
> Author/Attendee/Presenter – Non-Member  $525°\
> Student – ISTVS Member  $250\
> Student – Non-Member  $350°\
> U.S. Government/Military  $375†

° Registration fee includes a one-year membership to ISTVS. For details regarding membership benefits, please refer to the [ISTVS website](http://istvs.org/membership/).\
† Must provide proof of eligibility during registration check-in via a valid U.S. government/military ID card. Failure to provide sufficient documentation will result in an additional charge equivalent to the regular member/non-member late registration cost. The U.S. Government/Military rate is available to U.S. federal employees or active U.S. military personnel only. It is not available for retired or dependents of military and federal personnel, government contractors, or local, county and state government officials.

### 3. Additional/Optional Guest Registration <a href="#id-3-additional-optional-guest-registration" id="id-3-additional-optional-guest-registration"></a>

The conference welcomes accompanying guests. If you are bringing one or more guests, please select from the following options during the registration process below. All prices incude taxes and gratuity:

* **Ice Breaker Party**, $25.00 per guest
* Continental **breakfast and lunch** on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, $50.00/day per guest
* **Banquet Dinner**, $68.00 per guest
* **TARDEC Technical Tour**, $15.00 per guest for transportation
* **Sightseeing Tour:** [Henry Ford Museum](http://www.thehenryford.org/museum/index.aspx) and [Greenfield Village](http://www.thehenryford.org/village/index.aspx), Tuesday, $75.00 each guest, transportation included. Meals are not included on this trip. Your guest/s should not register for conference lunch on Tuesday if s/he attends the sightseeing tour.

### 4. Payment for Registration <a href="#id-4-payment-for-registration" id="id-4-payment-for-registration"></a>

You may register online now by credit card or by mail with check or money order.

#### To register now online by credit card <a href="#to-register-now-online-by-credit-card" id="to-register-now-online-by-credit-card"></a>

To register now online by credit card, use the registration choices at the bottom of this page to add conference attendees to your cart, then complete the checkout process here on the conference website with a valid credit card.

#### To register by mail <a href="#to-register-by-mail" id="to-register-by-mail"></a>

Individuals and groups may also register by mail and pay by university, institute, or company check or money order. Download, print, and complete the appropriate registration form for attendees or accompanying guests (right-click the link and save PDFs locally):

* Attendee: [Attendee registration form](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/2016detroit-conferenceregistrationformv2.pdf)
* Guests: [Guest registration form](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/2016detroit-accompanyingguestregformv2.pdf)

Attach payment to the registration form/s and mail to the following address:

> Ms. Renee Melendy\
> CRREL\
> 72 Lyme Rd\
> Hanover NH 03755-1290 USA

Please allow 15 business days for processing of the checks or money order registrations. In the event you have not received an email confirmation, please contact Ms. Renee Melendy at <renee.d.melendy@usace.army.mil> and Ms. Heather Creel at <hcreel@uab.edu>.

### 5. On-Site Registration <a href="#id-5-on-site-registration" id="id-5-on-site-registration"></a>

Registration desk will be located in at the Marriott Hotel. On your arrival, follow the signs to the conference. Acceptable payment for on-site registrations include credit card, check, or cash only.

### 6. Mandatory Author Registration Requirements <a href="#id-6-mandatory-author-registration-requirements" id="id-6-mandatory-author-registration-requirements"></a>

ISTVS’ author registration policy requires that at least one author from each paper be registered and paid prior to the uploading of the final manuscript before July 7, 2016.

Up to five (5) accepted papers can be uploaded per one registration. If additional authors on a given paper wish to attend the conference, they may register at their convenience.

### 7. Cancellations <a href="#id-7-cancellations" id="id-7-cancellations"></a>

Any cancellation request must be made in writing and submitted to the [Conference Chair](mailto:vantsevi@uab.edu) no later than August 1, 2016. A processing fee ($150) will be applied to all refund requests (Students $75). Refunds are NOT permitted on/after August 1, 2016.

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registrations closed
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# Submission

ISTVS 8th Americas Conference

## Technical tracks for paper submission

**Track 1.** Terramechanics, locomotion and soil/terrain modeling (three symposia) &#x20;

1.1. Recent accomplishments in terramechanics research and education         \
1.2. Locomotion systems  \
1.3. Soil and terrain modeling and characterization  &#x20;

**Track 2**. Advances in mobility, energy efficiency and ground vehicle dynamics &#x20;

**Track 3**. Agricultural and forestry machines, construction and mining equipment &#x20;

**Track 4**. Mobile robotics for ground applications, planet exploration and other environments &#x20;

**Track 5.** Military ground vehicle robotics &#x20;

**Track 6**. Innovative system designs for terrain and road vehicle applications &#x20;

All papers will be reviewed by the technical committee, and those accepted will be included in the conference proceedings. We strongly encourage all authors to submit full papers, but will also accept oral presentations, for which only an abstract needs to be submitted.

### Process

The submissions process has four steps:

1. [Download abstract submission template](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/Template-Abstract-for-2016-ISTVS-USA-Conference_rev1.doc) — use to prepare your abstract
2. [Submit your abstract](https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=istvs2016detroit) — on the EasyChair submission site, create an account and submit your abstract (submit abstract only at this stage)
3. [Download paper submission template ](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/2016-istvs-usa-conference-paper-template-rev01.docx)— use to prepare your paper
4. [Submit your paper ](https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=istvs2016detroit)— log in to the EasyChair system to update your submission there using the the "Update File" link to upload your paper, in PDF format

***

### Current News

**2016-03-01** **//** Abstract are being approved by the program committee.  When you receive notice that your abstract has been accepted for the conference, please log in to your EasyChair account and use the "Update File" link in the upper left to submit the PDF of your paper: [download the paper submission template](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/2016-istvs-usa-conference-paper-template-rev01.docx)


# Program

ISTVS 8th Americas Conference

### Conference Themes — Overview

* Trucks and cars
* Military vehicles
* Construction, forestry, and mining equipment
* Farm tractors and machinery
* Unmanned ground vehicles for military, space exploration, and other areas

Additionally, a panel discussion entailing future research thrusts in terramechanics, mobility, energy efficiency, and off/on-road automotive and ground vehicle engineering for complex terrain and cyber environments will be conducted with the participation of ISTVS leading researchers and automotive industry.

» [Full Conference Program (PDF)](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/2016-ISTVS-Conference-Program_081416_7_FINAL.pdf)

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452613870280-W3KRUPJ5895O3BRO4A1X/image-asset.png?format=750w" alt=""><figcaption><p><a href="http://www.army.mil/tardec">TARDEC</a> // MRAP</p></figcaption></figure>

### Program Highlights <a href="#program-highlights" id="program-highlights"></a>

**Day 0** // The conference begins Sunday evening September 11, 2016, with our ever-popular Ice Breaker Party — you’ll have the opportunity to interact informally with colleagues from all over the world.\
**Days 1-3** // Enjoy presentations and plenary sessions, including our awards programs and meals over Monday-Wednesday, September 12-14, 2016.\
**Technical Tour** // The conference includes our popular and valuable technical tour on Wednesday morning. This year we will have a guided technical tour of the Laboratory Facilities at the US Army's TARDEC. Transportation provided.

**For your convenience:**\
**Transportation** // Transportation from the airport to the Marriott Hotel will be arranged for a fixed budgeted amount.\
**Meals** // All continental breakfasts, lunches and coffee breaks are included and organized in the Marriott Hotel.

### Conference Agenda-at-Glance <a href="#conference-agenda-at-glance" id="conference-agenda-at-glance"></a>

**September 11 // Sunday**

* ISTVS Board Meeting
* Afternoon — Registration and Ice Breaker Party for All Conference Attendees and their Registered Guests (RSVP required at the registration)

**September 12 // Monday**

* Continental Breakfast Conference Official Opening
* Technical Paper Sessions
* Lunch Time and Industry Booth Exhibit
* Evening — Banquet Dinner and Music Concert for All Conference Attendees and their Registered Guests (RSVP required at the registration)

**September 13 // Tuesday**

* Continental Breakfast
* Morning — Technical Panel Discussion:\
  *Future research directions in terramechanics/mobility and off/on-road vehicle engineering for complex road/terrain and cyber environments*\
  With panelists:\
  **Dr. David Gorsich** // Chief Scientist, [US Army TARDEC](http://www.army.mil/tardec)\
  **Ken Mick** // Senior Director, Advanced Programs and Technology, [General Dynamics Land Systems](http://www.gdls.com/)\
  **Dr. Thomas Gillespie** // [Mechanical Simulation Corporation](http://www.carsim.com/)\
  **Michael Kirk** // Director of Driveline and Axle Engineering, [Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles](http://www.fcagroup.com/en-US/Pages/home.aspx)\
  **Dr. Sally Shoop** // ERDC, [Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory](http://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Locations/CRREL.aspx)\
  **Dr. Lutz Richter** // ISTVS Secretary General, [OHB System](http://www.ohb.de/)\
  **Dr. Vladimir Vantsevich** (Moderator)
* Working Lunch — “Snowmobile Contest,” Presentation by Michigan Technological University
* Industry Booth Exhibit
* Technical Paper Sessions
* ISTVS Robotics Group Meeting (Dr. Lutz Richter)
* Free Late Afternoon and Evening Time — please plan in advance your business meetings with companies in the American Automotive Capital and your pleasure time at the [Henry Ford Museum](https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/henry-ford-museum/) and [Greenfield Village](https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/greenfield-village/), [Detroit Institute of Arts](http://www.dia.org/), [Detroit Zoo](http://detroitzoo.org/), restaurants in Birmingham

**September 14 // Wednesday**

* Continental Breakfast
* Morning — Technical Tour to the US Army TARDEC Laboratory Facilities. Early tour registration and RSVP is required in order to receive approval to attend. Please refer to the conference website for details on tour registration information and due dates.
* Technical Paper Sessions
* Lunch Time and Industry Booth Exhibit
* Afternoon — Best Paper Awards, Conference Summary and Conclusion, Next ISTVS Conference Information

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452615338900-FJA88DLKOD1M33M9X6JQ/image-asset.jpeg?format=750w" alt=""><figcaption><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeross/2225405528">flickr</a> // Jeep, North American International Auto Show, Detroit 2008</p></figcaption></figure>

### Topics to be covered <a href="#topicstobecovered" id="topicstobecovered"></a>

The conference will take place over 3 days. There will be a poster session during the conference. A panel discussion **“Future research direction in terramechanics, mobility, energy efficiency and off/on-road vehicle engineering for complex terrain and cyber environments”** will be conducted with the participation of ISTVS leading researchers and automotive industry. Technical presentations and group discussions are planned during the dinner and lunch time.

#### The following technical symposia are planned: <a href="#thefollowingtechnicalsymposiaareplanned" id="thefollowingtechnicalsymposiaareplanned"></a>

**1. Terramechanics, locomotion, and soil/terrain modeling (three symposia)**\
1.1. Recent accomplishments in terramechanics research and education\
1.2. Locomotion systems\
1.3. Soil and terrain modeling and characterization\
These three symposia concentrate on new research directions in terramechanics science and its applications to vehicle engineering and academic education, including areas of modeling, computer simulation and design of tire/wheel, track and other locomotion/vehicle systems, various types of soil and snow modeling and characterization, uncertainties and stochastic characteristics of vehicle-environment interaction.

**2. Advances in mobility, energy efficiency, and ground vehicle dynamics**\
Topics include analytical and experimental methods of energy efficiency improvement, terrain vehicle mobility off-line and real-time estimation, operational and tactical vehicle mobility, agile dynamics and performance in severe environmental and traffic conditions, coupled and interactive dynamics of vehicle multi-physics systems, conflicting multi-input-output system dynamics.

**3. Agricultural, forestry, construction, and mining equipment**\
This symposium invites papers on specifics of mobility, vehicle dynamics and design of farm tractors and machinery, construction and forestry equipment, earth moving, and mining machines. Topics include energy efficiency and engineering productivity, power hop, mobility, etc.

**4. Mobile robotics for ground applications, planet exploration, and other environments**\
Papers on planet vehicle exploration, mobile ground robots, underwater and surface robotic vehicles are invited to present advances in mission/task fulfilment, mobility and energy efficiency, dynamics and innovative system designs.

**5. Military ground vehicle robotics**\
This symposium covers surface and topographical terrain mobility, operational and tactical mobility, battlefield mobility of unmanned and remotely controlled vehicles and vehicle convoys. Topics include, but not limited to, agile performance and adaptive perception of vehicle dynamics, optimization of the required motion and mission accomplishment with minimal energy consumption.

**6. Innovative system designs for terrain and road vehicle applications**\
This symposium focuses on innovative system designs and controls, sensing and actuation with mechatronic implementation in conventional and driverless vehicle applications. Topics include, but not limited to, cyber-physical systems in vehicle dynamics, mobility and agility control, sensor/data fusion, vehicle system communication and connected vehicles, active and passive safety and vehicle protection.

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452615122253-K2ACCSR2FOXUW5WZ563H/image-asset.jpeg?format=750w" alt=""><figcaption><p><a href="http://www.uab.edu/engineering/home/departments-research/me/research/vehicle-engineering-a-robotics">UAB Vehicle and Robotics Engineering Laboratory</a> // <br>UGV in test at the National Soil Dynamics Laboratory</p></figcaption></figure>

### Conference in detail <a href="#conferenceindetail" id="conferenceindetail"></a>

The aim of the conference is to further advance knowledge in terrain-vehicle and road-vehicle system dynamics and design and, thus, to discuss and suggest new frontiers and research directions, facilitate engineering practice, and benefit the society at large in the area of the energy conservation, environmental sustainability, safety, and cyber/physical security.

#### Objectives of the Conference: <a href="#objectivesoftheconference" id="objectivesoftheconference"></a>

1. Present recent research and engineering accomplishments and achievements to engineering colleagues and peers
2. Discuss research findings, exchange information and share new knowledge with engineering colleagues and peers
3. Discuss and suggest new frontiers and research directions in the ISTVS area
4. Attract automotive industry and robotics engineering companies to the Conference and ISTVS activities
5. Expand participation of government research agencies and academia (faculty, research staff and students) in the Conference and ISTVS activities
6. Present accomplishments of the Journal of Terramechanics and discuss its future plans
7. Discuss and suggest new university-level education courses and programs in the ISTVS area
8. Discuss new events for future ISTVS conferences, including workshops, seminars, etc.
9. Network and establish new research and engineering contacts for national and international collaboration and partnership between industry, academia and government research agencies in research, engineering and university-level education
10. Visit an engineering company and learn more about new places and cultures.

#### The objectives will be achieved through: <a href="#theobjectiveswillbeachievedthrough" id="theobjectiveswillbeachievedthrough"></a>

1. Discussions at the Board of Directors’ meeting
2. Presentations and discussion of research papers at six symposia
3. Conducting a panel discussion with the participation of ISTVS leading researchers and automotive industry
4. Arranging poster sessions
5. Presentations at the dinner and lunch time
6. Discussions of the four groups that were previously established: Planetary Rovers and Mobile Robotics; ISTVS Standards; Terramechanics; Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics
7. A tour to a ground engineering company in the Detroit area


# Tours

ISTVS 8th Americas Conference

ISTVS conferences have a long tradition of including high-quality tours of professional interest, along with enlightening local tours for accompanying persons.

<div><figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1457030053217-PWJLKLO8UBIWSQLRWK2Z/image-asset.png?format=1000w" alt=""><figcaption><p>TARDEC Simulator</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1457032666281-F7CSDTN7UZSKELT1U26Y/image-asset.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

## Technical Tour <a href="#yui_3_17_2_10_1457029253153_40142" id="yui_3_17_2_10_1457029253153_40142"></a>

The 2016 8th America’s Regional Conference of the International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems (ISTVS) will conduct a technical tour at the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) located at the Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Michigan.

TARDEC develops, integrates and sustains the right technology solutions for all manned and unmanned DoD ground vehicle systems (GVS) and combat service support (CSS) equipment to improve Current Force effectiveness and provide superior capabilities for the Future Force.

TARDEC is the Nation’s laboratory for developing advanced military ground vehicle technologies, process integration expertise, and system-of-systems (SoS) engineering solutions for Force Projection Technology, Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility, Ground Vehicle Robotics, Ground Systems Survivability, and Vehicle Electronics and Architecture.

» [For more information on TARDEC’s capabilities](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/TARDEC-Capabilities.pdf) (PDF)\
» [To learn more about TARDEC’s external business relationships and partnerships](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/TARDEC-EBO-Brochure-Final-July-2015.pdf) (PDF)\
» [TARDEC website](http://www.army.mil/tardec)

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1457030087239-HHBEIPFK8WZCSEJSH4EB/image-asset.png?format=1000w" alt=""><figcaption><p>TARDEC Laser Lab</p></figcaption></figure>

### Attendance Information

For registered conference attendees, the cost to attend the technical tour is included in your registration fee. However, you **must** separately submit the Technical Tour Registration form which includes all the required personal information to conduct the necessary background check to receive authorization to attend:

[»](http://id%3D%22techtourreg%22/) [Download the technical tour registration form](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/s/2016detroit-technicaltourregistrationv1.pdf) (PDF)

**Please take notice of the submission deadlines for the technical tour registration. Attendees who do not submit all required information on time will not be authorized to attend the tour, and final authorization is subject to successful background checks. U.S. Army TARDEC reserves the right to reject and decline visitor requests.** &#x20;

1. Foreign Nationals (Non-U.S. citizens) must submit their technical tour registration information **NLT 15 May 2016** and they MUST also be a registered conference attendee at the time of submission.
2. U.S. citizens must submit their technical tour registration information **NLT 01 August 2016** and they MUST also be a registered conference attendee at the time of submission.
3. Accompanying guest to the conference attendees are also allowed to join the technical tour, providing they also submit their own technical tour registration form and have paid to attend during the conference [registration process](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/registration-detroit).&#x20;

### Technical Tour Additional Information

The technical tour to TARDEC’s facilities will take place on **Wednesday, 14 September  2016**. Following an early breakfast, registered tour attendees will meet outside Marriot Hotel lobby at 7:20 and board buses for transportation to TARDEC’s facilities. Busses depart from Marriot promptly at 7:30.

Attendee visitor badges will be distributed on the buses. Upon completion of the tour at TARDEC, the buses will return attendees to the Troy Marriot prior to lunch to continue the remaining of the conference program agenda.&#x20;

### Technical Tour Sneak Peak

One of the TARDEC labs that will be toured is the Power and Energy Vehicle Environmental Laboratory (PEVEL). Equipped with multiple dynamometers, the PEVEL provides the tools required for full vehicle powertrain testing, evaluation and assessment on wheeled and tracked vehicles through external load control and data collection.

PMs, PEOs, manufacturers, academics and researchers can use these tools to create, assess, and validate vehicle design, functionality, and utility in a fully controlled and repeatable environment.

#### PEVEL Capabilities

The PEVEL chamber enables testing at temperatures from minus 60° F to 160° F and humidity levels from 0 to 95 percent relative humidity, making it possible to produce real-world vehicle performance and capability comparisons. The PEVEL can generate wind speed up to 60 mph and solar load up to 1,200 watts/per square meter (W/m2).

Additionally, the PEVEL can process electrical power up to 800 kW, wheeled vehicle torque up to 34,000 pound-foot (lbft) and tracked vehicle torque up to 42,000 lb-ft. Compatible fuels for testing in the PEVEL include hydrogen, DF-s, JP-8, JET-A, bio-diesel and synthetic blends.

#### PEVEL Benefits

* Functions as a test-bed to evaluate vehicle system performance in any operational environment.
* Allows for testing in extreme climates under various loads.
* Performs repeatable tests on components or vehicles, producing real-world vehicle and component performance/capability comparisons.
* Functions as a systems integration laboratory (SIL); fully supports hardware-in-the-loop simulation.
* Addresses the testing gap for multi-axle wheeled vehicles and provides additional evaluation capabilities for vehicle on-road performance.

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1457030010124-WKPMQ4AI49DXV8B4M9GH/image-asset.png?format=1000w" alt=""><figcaption><p>TARDEC PEVEL</p></figcaption></figure>

![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1457032338400-80L40R7CC8K6JES64MSF/image-asset.png?format=300w)

## Accompanying Persons Tour

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1457032449747-ZEQQG3PPP2W28TO7RO1D/henryford_aerial.jpg?format=2500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The conference has organized a guided sightseeing tour of the [Henry Ford Museum](http://www.thehenryford.org/museum/index.aspx) and [Greenfield Village](http://www.thehenryford.org/village/index.aspx) on Tuesday. $75.00 each guest, transportation included. Meals are not included on this trip. Your guest/s should not register for conference lunch on Tuesday if s/he attends the sightseeing tour. Advanced registration is necessary, please sign up on the [Conference Registration Page](https://istvs-conf.squarespace.com/registration-detroit).

![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1457032514833-R0NJXOE0JXMBRJI5AIRG/image-asset.png?format=1000w)

> From race cars to freedom rides, modular houses to microprocessors, the wide-ranging exhibits of the Henry Ford Museum bring you face to face with real things that have the power to inspire, inform and engage you in ways no image or description can do on its own.\
> — Henry Ford Museum website

![greenfieldvillage\_cooking.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1457032133095-VXQBPSCH22KH9Y0VJT4W/greenfieldvillage_cooking.jpg?format=2500w)

> Step into the sights, sounds, and sensations of 300 years of American life. Greenfield Village is a vast outdoor museum spread across more than 80 acres, a place where America’s past feels like right now. There are 83 authentic historic structures, from the lab where Thomas Edison gave the world light to the workshop where the Wright Brothers gave us wings and the building where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Visit the home where Noah Webster wrote the first American dictionary and the farmhouse where Henry Ford grew up.\
> — Greenfield Village website


# Location

ISTVS 8th Americas Conference

The 2016 8th Americas Regional Conference of the International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems will be held at the Detroit/Troy Marriott Hotel in Tory, Michigan, USA and room reservations are available at a discounted group rate.&#x20;

**Detroit/Troy Marriott Hotel**\
200 West Big Beaver Road\
Troy, Michigan 48084, USA

The Detroit/Troy Marriott Hotel is located approximately 30 miles northeast of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle service, but there are many ground transportation companies that can taxi/shuttle you to Troy, MI. Please visit the [DTW Ground Transportation website](http://www.metroairport.com/GroundTransportation.aspx) for more information.

{% embed url="<https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d734.6534252081669!2d-83.15256867262941!3d42.56349487917379!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8824c417b39d606b:0x5f1fc09f8c4967e7!2sDetroit+Marriott+Troy!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1669255809651!5m2!1sen!2sus>" %}

### Reservations

ISTVS Group Rate: $121.00 USD — 2 double/1 king. All rates are quoted per room, per night, and are currently subject to a 13.00% room tax.

* *Reservation deadline: **August 1, 2016**.  After this date the group rate cannot be guaranteed.*&#x20;
* *There is a maximum capacity of 4 guests per room for a 2 Double guest room (single room with 2 double beds) and a maximum of 2 guests per 1 King guest room (single room with one king bed).*&#x20;
* *The government per diem rate is available for US Federal/Military employees. To reserve the government rate, please contact the conference organizers and they will assist in coordinating the reservation process.*
* *Cancellation policy: All guest can cancel their reservation without penalty up to 24 hours the midnight before your reservation begins.*

### Reserve/Register for a Room Online

Website/URL for hotel, hotel info, and contact info:

» [Detroit/Troy Marriott](http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dtttt-detroit-marriott-troy/)

Website/URL for group rate:

» [ISTVS Group Rate](http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=8th%20Americas%20Regional%20Conference%20of%20the%20ISTVS%5Edtttt%60ARCARCA%60121.00%60USD%60false%604%609/10/16%609/14/16%608/20/16\&app=resvlink\&stop_mobi=yes)

Check-in time: 3:00 PM. \
*Early check-in times are subject to availability and must be requested in advance.*

Check-out time: 12:00 PM. \
*Late checkout by request and subject to availability.*

### Why should I stay at the ISTVS Conference hotel, the Detroit/Troy Marriott?

Benefits of staying at the conference hotel include reduced hotel rate, reduced transportation costs (e.g., charges for transportation to and from other hotels) as well as savings in time associated with local travel, not to mention the convenience of being on-site during the conference.

By staying at the Detroit/Troy Marriot, you gain the opportunity to further network with your other attendees and colleagues and remain at the center of the activity. Additional benefits include:

* Amenities: restaurant and bar on site, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, fitness center
* Internet: complimentary wired and wireless internet
* Hotel Parking: self-parking on-site at the hotel is complimentary
* Free local shuttle service within 5-mile radius
* Conveniently located near entertainment and attractions, including The Somerset Collection—a luxury retail epicenter—and more

Finally, as part of the conference planning and organization, ISTVS has contractual agreements to guarantee a specified number of hotel rooms to be booked by our conference attendees. Because of this, the success of the conference, as well as the benefits described above, the conference organizers recommend the Detroit/Troy Marriott.

### Detroit Region — Military and Civilian Research Hub <a href="#detroitregionmilitaryandcivilianresearchhub" id="detroitregionmilitaryandcivilianresearchhub"></a>

**The Motor City — Military and Civilian Research Hub** // Detroit is very well known for it’s rich automotive history. Automotive landmarks worth visiting include the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Henry Ford Museum, and the GM Renaissance Tower.

For some background information on the the history and present high level of automotive interest in the Detroit region:

[How Did Detroit Become Motor City? Why all the big U.S. car companies ended up in Michigan](http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2012/02/why_are_all_the_big_american_car_companies_based_in_michigan_.html) (Slate.com)

[US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering — TARDEC](http://www.army.mil/tardec)

![Autonomous UGV.png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452614893923-9CHQ52RWPFD3VMTWLGK4/Autonomous+UGV.png?format=1000w)![CAST – Autonomous Convoy.png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452614894311-6TFQP7U69PBH0V72253V/CAST+%E2%80%93+Autonomous+Convoy.png?format=1500w)![HET, M1000 Tractor-Trailer.png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452614895102-QI6U5EOU7IRFFBO9NVDL/HET%2C+M1000+Tractor-Trailer.png?format=1500w)![MRAP Variant 1.png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452614895036-KZR0UINDGHHWSP5TOP4U/MRAP+Variant+1.png?format=1000w)![MRAP Variant 2.png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452614895551-7EMZ3GGMCWNUYEKJCI9G/MRAP+Variant+2.png?format=1000w)![UGV in test.JPG](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1452614895636-4VCQEHW4OGNK4YSWXAWF/UGV+in+test.JPG?format=1000w)![2225408252\_1b3ee22356\_o.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1436413090178-FHWYOR0LSNQCK8464BCV/2225408252_1b3ee22356_o.jpg?format=1000w)![7166709967\_45fd29a57d\_o.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1436415080301-RW6PEJRS77BVY295Q0M6/7166709967_45fd29a57d_o.jpg?format=1000w)![2224542773\_2e0b104b30\_o.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1436413339472-GQMU0FDXON50AFQUEN08/2224542773_2e0b104b30_o.jpg?format=1000w)![2224609345\_fd3fb9846a\_o.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1436413342679-B06HBPIDSJF1E4D2ODWL/2224609345_fd3fb9846a_o.jpg?format=1000w)<br>


# Program Committee

ISTVS 8th Americas Conference

Thank you for your participation in the technical program of the 8th Americas Conference of the ISTVS, 12–14 September 2016. Our organization has been meeting since 1962 and our conferences are a rare chance to meet with colleagues with specialized expertise in soil-vehicle interactions.

Your contributions in the form of inviting participation from colleagues and reviewing abstracts and papers in the run-up to the conference — and then making your conference session a success — are the very heart of the benefits of ISTVS to all our members.

In the left column you'll find the dates and deadlines for the review process. Below you'll find:

1. [Roles and Responsibilities](#1roleandresponsibilitiesofsessioncochair) // A summary of the roles and responsibilities of a conference session co-chair.
2. [EasyChair Setup](#2.-setting-up-your-easychair-account) // Instructions on getting your account established with our conference system tool, EasyChair.
3. [Your EasyChair Account](#3.-updating-your-easychair-account-information) // Instructions for updating your personal account in EasyChair when needed.
4. [Reviewing Your Paper Assignments](#4.-reviewing-your-paper-assignments) // Instructions for completing the paper reviews you have agreed to complete.

You might want to bookmark both this page and the long URL for our submissions page login — and you can always return to this site [conference.istvs.org](http://conference.istvs.org/) to find your way back, as well!

[conference.istvs.org/program-committee-detroit](http://conference.istvs.org/program-committee-detroit)\
[easychair.org/conferences/?conf=istvs2016detroit](https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=istvs2016detroit)

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns as we get started. Thank you and I look forward to working with you over the coming months!

Dr. Vladimir Vantsevich, Conference Chair\
<vantsevi@uab.edu>

### 1. Role and Responsibilities of Session Co-Chair <a href="#id-1roleandresponsibilitiesofsessioncochair" id="id-1roleandresponsibilitiesofsessioncochair"></a>

As a session co-chair, you are a member of the technical committee of the conference. You work closely with the conference chair and conference co-chairs on your session. The process includes paper reviews and informing your colleagues about the conference in the lead-up to the conference, and conducting your session at the conference.

You inform and invite your engineering colleagues from your organization, industry, and academia to submit papers to your session and participate in the conference.

There are two co-chairs for each session. Please work closely with your partner to bring your session to success.

Both of session co-chairs will be involved in the review process and will work with the conference chair via the [EasyChair conference system](https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=istvs2016detroit). Instructions for getting started with EasyChair are below.

The conference chair and conference co-chairs will manage the abstract submission process, including acceptance/rejection of abstracts. The session co-chairs will manage the reviewing process and acceptance/rejection of the papers that are submitted to their sessions.

You will both conduct the session. We suggest agreeing ahead of time on who will be the lead moderator at the conference session; the second co-chair can help by taking care of any distractions to the session that may arise. Your role is to enhance the presentations and discussion and not to summarize or dominate unnecessarily. You are free to question the speakers during the discussion period.

At the beginning of the session, a session co-chair should:

1. Announce the name of the session.
2. Read the following statement:<br>

   > The purpose of this session is to provide an open exchange of ideas. Remarks made by participants or members of the audience cannot be quoted or attributed to the individual or their company unless express permission has been granted by the individual and their company. Any record of remarks, discussion, or photographs may not be used unless express permission has been granted by the individual and their company.
3. Announce the name of the paper by the full title shown in the printed program.
4. Announce the name of the author and all co-authors, regardless of whether they are present at the session. Such introductions should be brief — name, title, affiliation. The name of the presenter should be announced after all others have been introduced.
5. Audience questions should follow the prepared presentation of each paper. As session chair, you must control this period carefully. Questions are taken orally. Session chairs should be prepared to ask questions of each of the presenters. One suggestion is to use comments and questions from the paper reviews to ask questions.\
   Each speaker from the audience will be recognized by the author or you and asked to state their name and organization prior to making comments. When this is not possible, or when the question is particularly long, you or the author should summarize before answering. Discussion from the audience should be limited to five minutes for each paper. The session chair must be aware of the overall time and should terminate unproductive discussion.
6. Adhere to the start times indicated in the program. **If a presentation has been cancelled after the program is printed, do not move up other scheduled papers in the session.** (Attendees plan their days on the times listed in the program. Moving any presentation is a disservice to the attendees.) If a presentation cancels, either continue discussion of previous paper or adjourn until the next paper scheduled. Quality papers will assure the audience will return.
7. Following the discussion of the last paper, you may make a few brief comments to summarize the session. Please then thank the participants and the audience and adjourn the session.
8. You will participate and assist with the best paper award process before and during the conference. The conference chair will contact you to set up the nomination and voting process.

Thank you very much for your support of the conference!

### 2. Setting Up Your EasyChair Account

When you receive the email invitation for our 8th Americas Conference, clicking on the link will bring you to the EasyChair login window.

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1449093846726-JZUC7LI1ZWE7P40C9UAX/easychair-login.png?format=1500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Existing EasyChair Accounts:** If you have used EasyChair for another conference in the past, your information should be saved in the EasyChair system. Use the “[Forgot your password? click here](https://easychair.org/account/forgot.cgi)” link if you need to reset your password. You will need to use the same email as in the past to log in; once you have logged in, you will be able to add another email address to your account.
* **New EasyChair Accounts:** If you are new to the EasyChair conference system, choose “create an account” link in the first line under the Log In for existing accounts. In the following window, first complete the Captcha security step, the next window will ask for your contact information, and then you’ll receive an email confirmation with a link that will allow you to complete setting up your account.\
  *Note: The third window in the process (see below) gives detailed help if you do not receive the email confirmation.*

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1449093866675-T7495W5VZD2R9L15E88I/easychair-newaccount.png?format=1500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1449094380851-604BVQERF22P91DCRKW5/easychair-newaccount2.png?format=1500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1449094538953-GLWTMC0E27VSACTVG3GQ/easychair-newaccount3.png?format=1500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3.  Updating Your EasyChair Account Information

When needed, use the options under EasyChair/My account to update your personal information, add an additional email address, change your email address, or change your user name.

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1449095931316-R2DRGTPHY3A1YHG2OZC2/easychair-accountinfo.png?format=2500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4. Reviewing Your Paper Assignments

As abstracts, and then papers, are submitted, the conference chair will assign them to program committee members. Below are the main points of the interface you will interact with during the review process.

1\. Use the menu item Reviews/My papers to see a list of the papers assigned to you:

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1462812869740-S5HN6LQ3BZG3IAH3H9JK/image-asset.png?format=750w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. On the following screen, clicking on the blue icon under the "details" column will take you to the screen with detailed information about the paper, including a download link; the folder icon under the "paper" column will download the paper directly:

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1462812910911-BAU0GTY2I5DNESGWQV67/image-asset.png?format=1000w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3\. When you are ready to review the paper, clicking on the green plus-sign icon under the "add new review" column will take you to the screen for submitting your review:

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1462812929579-S4YNBW7VNBTCW67OVYEG/image-asset.png?format=1500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/542f394be4b0b9e132ee7b1a/1462812929579-S4YNBW7VNBTCW67OVYEG/image-asset.png?format=1500w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Request for Letter of Invitation

ISTVS 8th Americas Conference

If you need a visa to travel to the conference, please use the form below to submit your request. Conference Chair Prof. Vladimir Vantsevich will respond as soon as practicable.

**Only apply for an invitation letter after you have registered for the Conference. Requests received without a corresponding registration will not receive replies.**

<figure><img src="https://3868266662-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrrnE4O8zj9lAXgmfSWKT%2Fuploads%2FWDBmIF5T6VHLQTiNiAuR%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=119fc6f4-5e70-4a84-9775-b1bde5bc6f74" alt=""><figcaption><p>formed closed, facsimile</p></figcaption></figure>