Sam Akehurst

Contact details

Room: 4E 2.41

Tel: +44 (0) 1225 383312

Email: s.akehurst@bath.ac.uk

Research areas

Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre

Dr. Sam Akehurst

BEng(Hons) CEng PhD MIMechE

Profile

Dr Akehurst is Lecturer in Automotive Engineering. His research focuses on the performance of future powertrain system with respect to CO2 reduction. His current research portfolio includes a range of industrial collaborative projects in advanced Diesel and Gasoline engine technology and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs).

Research

Dr Akehurst’s research interests are centred on automotive engine and powertrain performance and development, particularly with respect to reducing vehicle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. His research primarily focuses on two fields, advanced transmissions and future automotive Diesel/Petrol engines.

Akehurst’s research is a mixture of fundamental and applied research combining both modern state of the art computer simulation tools and the latest approaches to experimentation using the world leading automotive research facilities that have been developed at the University of Bath in the Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre.

Dr Akehurst's current research projects include:

Ultraboost, a £5.2M programme funded by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and led by Jaguar LandRover to develop a next generation 60% downsized 2.0L petrol engine that achieves the same performance characteristics of Jaguar’s current 5.0L V8 engine, while delivering a 35% reduction in vehicle CO2 emissions. Project partners include Lotus Engineering, Shell, GE-Precision, Imperial College and Leeds University. The first prototype Ultraboost engine is now running in the PVRC facilities.
TurboCentre, a knowledge transfer project funded through the Bath KTA and supported by Ford Motor Company, Jaguar LandRover and Cummins Turbo Technologies to transfer expertise in turbocharger evaluation and simulation to the industrial partners. Total funding (£800k)
Ford Motor Company, a knowledge transfer project funded through the Bath KTA and supported by Ford Motor Company, to imbed knowledge in high accuracy CO2 measurement techniques at Ford’s European R&D centre in Dunton, Essex.
Ashwoods Automotive, a knowledge transfer project funded through the Bath KTA and supported by Ashwoods, to improve the powertrain development techniques employed by the company and deliver an improved CO2 reduction in their next generation hybrid powertrain.
The application of CVT technology to variable speed supercharger drives and hybrid vehicle technology. Various programmes either funded internally (EPSRC studentships) or with Orbital Traction USA.

Teaching units

Solid Mechanics
Vehicle Engineering

Publications

Book Sections

Carey, C., McAllister, M., Sandford, M., Richardson, S., Pierson, S., Damton, N., Bredda, S., Akehurst, S., Brace, C., Turner, J., Pearson, R., Luard, N., Martinez-Botas, R., Copeland, C., Lewis, M. and Fernandes, J., 2011. Extreme engine downsizing. In: Institution of Mechanical Engineers - Innovations in Fuel Economy and Sustainable Road Transport. Institution of Mechanical Engineers, pp. 135-147.

Burke, R., Fath, B., Akehurst, S., Brace, C., Baumann, W. and Wascheck, R., 2011. Practical approach to thermo-dynamic modelling of diesel engine emissions. In: Design of Experiments in Engine Development.6th ed. Berlin: Expert Verlag, pp. 88-103.

Lewis, A., Brace, C., Akehurst, S., Robinson, K. and Pegg, I., 2011. Spatially resolved heat flux measurements from a HSDI engine over NEDC. In: Institution of Mechanical Engineers - VTMS 10, Vehicle Thermal Management Systems Conference and Exhibition. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing Ltd., pp. 119-129.

Wang, P., Sahinkaya, M. N. and Akehurst, S., 2009. Pseudo-causal tracking control of a nonminimum phase system. In: Proceedings of the ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference 2009, DSCC2009. New York: ASME, pp. 1201-1208.

Articles

Sahinkaya, M. N., Wang, P. and Akehurst, S., 2013. Causal inversion of non-minimum-phase systems for hardware-in-the-loop transmission testing. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part I: Journal of Systems and Control Engineering, 227 (3), pp. 298-307.

Akehurst, S. and Dowell, P., 2013. Forthcoming. An improved rate of heat release model for modern high speed diesel engines. International Journal of Engine Research

Vagg, C., Brace, C. J., Hari, D., Akehurst, S., Poxon, J. and Ash, L., 2013. Development and field trial of a driver assistance system to encourage eco-driving in light commercial vehicle fleets. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 14 (2), 6459602.

Akehurst, S., Brace, C. and Rose, A., 2013. Forthcoming. Investigation into the trade-off between part load fuel efficiency and transient response for a highly boosted downsized gasoline engine with CVT-supercharger. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering

Tang, H., Pennycott, A., Akehurst, S. and Brace, C., 2013. Forthcoming. Review of the Use of Variable Geometry Turbine Turbochargers on Downsized Gasoline Engines. International Journal of Engine Research

Akehurst, S., Zhang, K., Pennycott, A. and Hawley, G., 2013. Forthcoming. Steady state emulation of a diesel engine air charge system through real-time turbocharger modelling. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering

Vagg, C., Brace, C. J., Wijetunge, R., Akehurst, S. and Ash, L., 2012. Development of a new method to assess fuel saving using gear shift indicators. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 226 (12), pp. 1630-1639.

Pennycott, A., Zhang, Q., Brace, C. J., Burke, R. and Akehurst, S., 2012. An empirical model for the carbon dioxide emissions of a diesel engine. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 226 (11), pp. 1507-1513.

Burke, R. D., Lewis, A. J., Akehurst, S., Brace, C. J., Pegg, I. and Stark, R., 2012. Systems optimisation of an active thermal management system during engine warm-up. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 226 (10), pp. 1365-1379.

Rose, A. T. J. M., Akehurst, S. and Brace, C. J., 2011. Modelling the performance of a continuously variable supercharger drive system. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 225 (10), pp. 1399-1414.

Brace, C. J., Akehurst, S. and Ward, M. C., 2011. The use of a Bayesian weighted least-squares approach to accelerate empirical engine model generation. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 225 (D3), pp. 366-394.

Brace, C. J., Akehurst, S. and Ward, M. C., 2011. The use of prior knowledge to accelerate the determination of the permissible operating envelope of an internal combustion engine. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 225 (2), pp. 206-221.

Hawley, J. G., Bannister, C. D., Brace, C. J., Akehurst, S., Pegg, I. and Avery, M. R., 2010. The effect of engine and transmission oil viscometrics on vehicle fuel consumption. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 224 (9), pp. 1213-1228.

Brace, C. J., Hawley, J. G., Akehurst, S., Piddock, M. and Pegg, I., 2008. Cooling system improvements - assessing the effects on emissions and fuel economy. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 222 (4), pp. 579-591.

Akehurst, S., Parker, D. A. and Schaaf, S., 2007. Dynamic modeling of the Milner continuously variable transmission - The basic kinematics. Journal of Mechanical Design, 129 (11), pp. 1170-1178.

Akehurst, S., Parker, D. A. and Schaaf, S., 2006. CVT Rolling Traction Drives— A Review of Research Into Their Design, Functionality, and Modeling. Journal of Mechanical Design, 128 (5), pp. 1165-1176.

Akehurst, S., Hawley, J. G., Pegg, I. and Piddock, M., 2004. Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) configurations focusing on CO2 benefits. SAE Transactions. Journal of Passenger Cars: Mechanical Systems, 113 (6), pp. 264-275.

Akehurst, S., Vaughan, N. D., Parker, D. A. and Simner, D., 2004. Modelling of loss mechanisms in a pushing metal V-belt continuously variable transmission. Part 1: torque losses due to band friction. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 218 (11), pp. 1269-1281.

Akehurst, S., Vaughan, N. D., Parker, D. A. and Simner, D., 2004. Modelling of loss mechanisms in a pushing metal V-belt continuously variable transmission. Part 2: pulley deflection losses and total torque loss validation. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 218 (11), pp. 1283-1293.

Akehurst, S., Vaughan, N. D., Parker, D. A. and Simner, D., 2004. Modelling of loss mechanisms in a pushing metal V-belt continuously variable transmission. Part 3: belt slip losses. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 218 (11), pp. 1295-1306.

Akehurst, S., Vaughan, N. D. and Parker, D. A., 2004. Potential for Fuel Economy Improvements by Reducing Frictional Losses in a Pushing Metal V-Belt CVT. SAE Transactions. Journal of Passenger Cars: Mechanical Systems, 113 (6), pp. 247-263.

Akehurst, S., Vaughan, N. D., Brace, C. J., Milner, P. J. and Hosoi, Y., 2001. Performance Investigations of a Novel Rolling Traction Drive CVT. SAE Transactions. Journal of Passenger Cars: Mechanical Systems, 110 (6), pp. 979-986.

Conference or Workshop Items

Tang, H., Burke, R., Akehurst, S. and Brace, C., 2013. Predicting the trade-off between turbine inlet temperature and engine fuel economy in a turbocharged gasoline engine. In: International Congress on Engine Processes, 2013-06-06 - 2013-06-07, Berlin.

Zhang, Q., Brace, C., Akehurst, S., Burke, R., Capon, G., Smith, L., Garrett, S. and Zhang, K., 2013. Simulation study of the series sequential turbocharging for engine downsizing and fuel efficiency : SAE Technical Paper 2013-01-0935. In: SAE 2013 World Congress & Exhibition, 2013-04-14 - 2013-04-18, Detroit.

Vagg, C., Brace, C., Hari, D., Akehurst, S. and Ash, L., 2013. A driver advisory tool to reduce fuel consumption : SAE Technical Paper 2012-01-2087. In: 5th International Environmentally Friendly Vehicle Conference, 2012-09-09 - 2012-09-10, Baltimore, Maryland.

Hari, D., Brace, C., Vagg, C. and Akehurst, S., 2013. Development and testing of a low cost high performance hybrid vehicle electric motor : SAE Technical Paper 2013-01-1760. In: SAE 2013 World Congress & Exhibition, 2013-04-14 - 2013-04-18, Detroit.

Giles, K., Lewis, A., Akehurst, S., Brace, C. and Luard, N., 2013. The effect of advance combustion control features on the performance of a highly downsized gasoline engine. In: Fisita 2012 Congress, 2012-11-27 - 2012-11-30, Beijing.

Lewis, A., Akehurst, S., Brace, C., Robinson, K. and Pegg, I., 2012. Estimated total energy transfer over an NEDC through steady state state performance evaluation. In: ASME Internal Combustion Engine Spring Conference (ICES2012), 2012-05-06 - 2012-05-09, Turin.

Burke, R., Brace, C., Akehurst, S., Pegg, I. and Stark, R., 2012. Study of the behaviour of an exhaust gas heat exchanger for improved engine warm-up. In: SIA International Diesel Engine Conference 2012, 2012-06-06 - 2012-06-06, Rouen.

Moyers, J., Akehurst, S., Parker, D. A. and Schaaf, S., 2011. The application of the Milner CVT as a novel power splitting transmission for hybrid vehicles : SAE Technical Paper 2011-01-0890. In: SAE 2011 World Congress & Exhibition, 2011-04-11, Detroit, Michigan.

Akehurst, S. and Dowell, P., 2010. Advanced Mapping Techniques for Radial Compressor for Use in Real-Time Engine Models : SAE Technical Paper 2010-01-1227. In: SAE 2010 World Congress and Exhibition, 2010-04-13 - 2010-04-13, Detroit, MI.

Lewis, A. G., Akehurst, S., Brace, C., Finol, C. and Robinson, K., 2010. Dynamic measurement of heat flux through the cylinder wall of a modern HSDI engine over a new European drive cycle. In: SAE 2010 World Congress & Exhibition, 2010-04-01, Detroit, MI.

Burke, R., Brace, C. and Akehurst, S., 2010. Engine and Combustion Stability over extended Operating Range using Engine Thermal Management in Calibration Procedure. In: SIA Diesel Engine International Conference, 2010-05-25 - 2010-05-26, Rouen.

Akehurst, S., Moyers, J., Hunt, A. and Schaaf, S., 2009. Development of a design tool for modelling and optimisation of the Milner CVT. In: JSME International Conference on Motion and Power Transmission, MPT 2009, 2009-05-13 - 2009-05-15, Japan.

Akehurst, S., 2009. The design of a Milner CVT using simulation based design of experiments. In: SAE 2009 World Congress, 2009-04-20 - 2009-04-23, Detroit, Michigan.

Akehurst, S. and Piddock, M., 2008. A Multiple Factor Simulation and Emulation Approach to Investigate Advanced Air handling Systems for Future Diesel Engines. In: SAE 2008 World Congress, 2008-04-14 - 2008-04-17, Detroit, Michigan.

Akehurst, S. and Piddock, M., 2007. A novel approach to investigating advanced boosting strategies of future diesel engines. In: Internal Combustion Engines: Performance, Fuel Economy and Emissions, 2007-12-11 - 2007-12-12, London.

Piddock, M., Akehurst, S., Hawley, J. G. and Pegg, I., 2007. Cooling system changes: developing sound approaches for assessing on-engine system hardware. In: VTMS 8: Vehicle Thermal Management Systems Conference & Exhibition, 2007-05-20 - 2007-05-24, Nottingham.

Piddock, M., Akehurst, S., Hawley, J. G. and Pegg, I., 2007. Engine cooling systems - developing sound approaches for assessing system hardware changes. In: VTMS 8: Vehicle Thermal Management Systems Conference & Exhibition, 2007-05-20 - 2007-05-24, Nottingham.

Hunt, A., Akehurst, S. and Schaaf, S., 2006. Design consideration and potential of the Milner CVT. In: IPDS 2006: Integrated Powertrain and Driveline Systems 2006, 2006-06-14 - 2006-06-15, Dunton, Essex.

Akehurst, S., Hawley, J. G., Pegg, I. and Piddock, M., 2004. FEAD configurations focusing on CO2 benefits. In: SAE 2004 World Congress and Exhibition, 2004-03-08 - 2004-03-11, Detroit, MI.

Pang, H. H., Brace, C. J. and Akehurst, S., 2004. Potential of a Controllable Engine Cooling System to Reduce NOx Emissions in Diesel Engines. In: SAE 2004 World Congress and Exhibition, 2004-03-08 - 2004-03-11, Detroit, MI.