It is a great challenge to apply a diagnostic system to engine test beds. The main problem is that such test beds involve frequent configuration changes. Therefore, the diagnostic system must be highly adaptable. A modular toolbox-based approach combines physics-based and data-driven modeling concepts and, thus, enables highly flexible application. Adaptability and detection quality are validated using measurement data from a single-cylinder engine and a multicylinder engine.

The selective catalytic reduction, an after-treatment method using diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue), is needed to reduce the emissions of diesel combustion processes. It is crucial to monitor the diesel exhaust fluid. This article presents a platinum thin-film sensor using the 3-omega method to characterize the diesel exhaust fluid. The information about the concentration of urea in water can be extracted. The results show that this sensor can determine the urea content to within 1 % by weight.

This paper presents a novel approach to detect road surface wetness, which can prospectively contribute to increase the safety of vehicle passengers and traffic participants in times of highly or fully automated driving. In an experimental study, the feasibility of the approach is shown by simulating realistic road wetness scenarios on a test bench. Furthermore, a sensor system is proposed and integrated into a vehicle. The potential of the presented approach is demonstrated in a field test.

Future vehicle safety systems based on forward-looking sensors require a very robust validation system. This study describes such a validation sensor system and an algorithm to trigger safety systems in a crash. The presented sensor concept can detect the first contact and estimate the position of impact and the overlap in the initial few milliseconds of crash. The results highlight the temporal advantage of such a sensor over the present systems.

This work describes the development of an optical measurement system for accurate quantification of methane (the main component of compressed natural gas) densities in gas flows based on broadband absorption of infrared light. Using various test environments we validate accuracy and precision of the quantification method. We show that our measurement system can serve as a tool for the development of modern, CO₂ saving internal combustion engines reducing environmental impact of transportation.