In this paper were conducted virtual tests to assess the impact of geometry changes on the response of metallic hexagonal honeycomb structures to applied loadings. The lateral compressive stress state was taken into consideration. The material properties used to build numerical models were assessed in laboratory tests of aluminium alloy 7075. The modelling at meso-scale level allow to comprehensive study of honeycomb internal structure. The changes of honeycomb geometry elements such as: fillets radius of the cell edges in the vicinity of hexagonal vertexes, wall thickness were considered. The computations were conducted by using finite element method with application of the ABAQUS finite element method environment. Elaborated numerical models allowed to demonstrate sensitivity of honeycomb structures damage process response to geometry element changes. They are a proper tools to perform optimization of the honeycomb structures. They will be also helpful in designing process of modern constructions build up of the considered composite constituents in various branches of industry. Moreover, the obtained results can be used as a guide for engineers. Conducted virtual tests lead to conclusion that simplification of the models of internal honeycomb structure which have become commonplace among both engineers and scientist can lead to inaccurate results.

In recent years, the Steer-by-Wire (SBW) technology has been gaining popularity and replacing classical steering systems. It plays the most crucial role in autonomous cars where the vehicle must perform maneuvers on its own without driver’s intervention. One of the key components of this system is the steering wheel angle sensor (SAS). Its reliability and performance may affect driver’s life and health. The purpose of this paper is to show a test system to comprehensively evaluate the performance of the steering wheel angle sensor in the SBW system during real-world maneuvers and show how SAS parameters such as accuracy of angle, angular speed etc. affect car trajectory resulting in hit cones.
For this purpose, a test system was built, with the use of virtual test drives based on CarMaker software, CANoe and VTSystem hardware. In order to evaluate its performance, the errors introduced by the system were determined. Additionally, using the realised test system, three commercial steering wheel angle sensors were tested and compared during a virtual test drive. Their errors were determined, as well as their performance in the SBW technology and the consistency of the obtained results with the parameters declared by the manufacturer were verified as well.