| Staff and Facilities | Experience STI's staff have an average experience of over 20 years and all possess advanced degrees. The research we have conducted for government and private industry has resulted in over 700 technical reports and scientific papers. Our research has also resulted in the development of a range of unique hardware and software products, several of which are currently marketed commercially. Software products include programs for control system and dynamic system analysis, vehicle dynamics simulation, systems identification and signal processing. Hardware products include a driving research simulator, a parachute flight training simulator, and apparatus for assessing human operator impairment. Facilities STI's main facility in Hawthorne, CA contains approximately 14,000 ft2 of office and laboratory space and is ideally suited to conduct research. STI's computational capability is based on networked personal computers, one for each employee. Internet and e-mail access is provided. Data communications, networking and portability of applications are among STI's technical specialties. STI has developed a variety of specialized software to support our work (an in some cases as commercial products) including the Vehicle Dynamics Analysis Nonlinear (VDANL) ground vehicle simulation, the BIODYN biodynamics software, the Program CC commercial computer-aided design software and the FREDA/MFP software for frequency domain system identification. STI also maintains an extensive library of software development tools such as the Microsoft Development Studio, SourceSafe, C/C++ compilers and class libraries to support our software development efforts. Commercial analytical and design software including Matlab , Simulink , MATHEMATICA , and SPSS are available. The Hawthorne facility contains an 8000 ft2 laboratory and shop space used to conduct experimental research, fabricate prototypes, and to develop STI's commercial products. A PC-based flight simulator and a "driver-in-the-loop" vehicle cab simulator with a projection display system are maintained in this laboratory. Vehicle Cab. Basic equipment is comprised of three LCD projectors processed by three PC desktops and a '77 Honda Accord, instrumented cab. Driving field of view while adjustable is currently set 135 degrees. Total projected screen size is approximately 123 x 32 inches, placed on a curved screen approximately 72 inches from the driver's eyes. Cab controls included a force feel steering system with brake and acceleration pedals. Vehicle Dynamics Shop. A separate off-site facility (located in Hawthorne, CA) is used for full scale testing of ground vehicles. The facility provides garage bay access for multiple vehicles with a full-size vehicle lift. Equipment within the lab includes comprehensive mechanical tools for automotive applications, air compressors, and a variety of measurement apparatuses and devices for dynamic vehicle analysis. Technical Library. In its fields of interest, STI maintains an exceptionally complete technical library. It includes many specialized publications in vehicle dynamics, automatic and manual control, vehicle handling qualities, human operator modeling and related human factors. The STI library, staffed by a full time librarian/information specialist, also features an extensive collection of engineering data on specific military and civil vehicles. Online technical information services including NERAC and DTIC are available. STI and its facilities comply with all applicable laws concerning environmental and industrial operations.
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