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U.S. Department of Energy
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Los Angeles traffic pattern survey

Journal Article · · SAE Prog. Technol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6697702

The operating conditions under which automobiles are driven in urban traffic are described. A large number of runs were made in Los Angeles traffic, using cars instrumented to show variations in speed, manifold vacuum, and other pertinent data. The resulting information permits correlation with available technical experience in engine operation and particularly exhaust composition. Most significant of the major variables affecting vehicle operation include: (1) individual driving habits; (2) transmission type; (3) routes and traffic densities; (4) car and engine performance characteristics. These variables have an effect on the percentage of time spent in acceleration, cruising, deceleration, and idling - conditions known to affect the emission of unburned hydrocarbons. Continuous speed records measured the average speeds, speed range, and rate of speed changes in Los Angeles traffic. Manifold vacuum records were also useful for the calculation of emissions in various operating conditions. The effect of routes and traffic densities on average speed and fuel consumption are also presented.

OSTI ID:
6697702
Journal Information:
SAE Prog. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: SAE Prog. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 6; ISSN SAPTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English