AUTOMOTIVE HEADLAMPS: CALCULATION OF LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

This paper presents a test method, which uses 'light-point figures' to calculate light distribution solids from vehicle headlamps. This method is based on the theory of elementary reflections, which enables the calculation of the luminous intensity of a headlamp consisting of several parts, each of which is described by a mathematical equation. The mathematical modelling and calculation are very complicated, and must assume many simplifications. The model used here has components representing: (1) the reflector, based on parabolic or ellipsoidal surfaces; (2) the filament, assumed to be cylindrical; (3) the optical elements of dissipative glass or lens; and (4) the test-beam path. The flow chart of the general calculation algorithm is given. The computer program using the algorithm works in two modes: (1) observation of the light-point figure for a given direction, allowing designers to estimate which parts of a reflector and dissipative glass are useful; or (2) presentation of information on the progress of calculation only. The results of the calculation are very satisfactory, allowing for the complexity and requirements of the system being analysed.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13657828
• Corporate Authors:

  Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers

  Delta House, 222 Balham High Road
  London SW12 9BS,   England 
• Authors:
  • MAZUR, J W
  • BOSK, R
• Publication Date: 1995

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 65-70
• Serial:
  • INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIGHTING RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
  • Volume: 27
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
  • ISSN: 1365-7828

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calculation; Computer programs; Design; Glass; Headlamps; Luminous intensity; Mathematical models; Methodology; Optical instruments; Optics; Shape; Test procedures
• ITRD Terms: 6464: Calculation; 9011: Design (overall design); 4547: Glass; 1342: Headlamp; 505: Light intensity; 6473: Mathematical model; 9102: Method; 6782: Optical instrument; 6764: Optics; 9073: Shape; 8645: Software; 6288: Test method
• Subject Areas: Design;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00714494
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 27 1995 12:00AM