AEI's What's New at SAE 2002

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The SAE 2002 World Congress provides industry suppliers the opportunity to showcase their products, services, and technologies to the global automotive community. AEI previews what some of the exhibiting companies plan to introduce or display—as of mid-December—at this year's event scheduled March 4-7, 2002, Cobo Center, Detroit, MI.

Height sensors

Rollover propensity testing demands dependable, highly accurate, vehicle-height measurement sensitivity in dynamic conditions whether in sub-arctic cold or on desert tracks at high temperatures. A-DAT's OPTIMA FM height sensor operates in IR 24 hours a day regardless of weather, providing no light sensitivity. Using laser-based triangulation and position-sensitive device technology, the tool weighs less than 0.5 kg (1 lb), mounts 317 mm (12.5 in) above ground level, and permits a ±178 mm (7 in) measurement range. Small and compact, the device connects with virtually any data-acquisition system or dashboard display.

CFD software

CFX-5 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software from AEA Technology's CFX division assists customers in improving profits by optimizing every aspect of fluid flow analysis. The product's latest release, CFX-5.5, provides a range of new modeling capabilities, meshing tools, and a new post-processor. It ensures robustness, ease of use, and accuracy via an advanced coupled multi-grid linear solver technology, enhanced meshing flexibility, high parallel efficiency, good pre- and post-processing capabilities, and a range of physical models including multiple frame of reference, turbulence, combustion, radiation, Eulerian two phase, and free surface flow. An open architecture encourages customization on all levels.

Fuel-tank test stand

Analytical Process Systems' fuel-tank-durability test stand, or Pressure Vacuum System (PVS), simulates pressure and vacuum variations that develop within fuel-tank systems during normal vehicle operations. The variations are typically due to fuel motion, tank wall motion, engine vacuum, and fuel vapor pressure changes. The PVS determines the fatigue life of the fuel tank by alternately applying internal pressure and vacuum to the tank at a given rate. Each cycle, consisting of one pressure and one vacuum run, executes four times per minute. Additionally, the PVS performs a leak test between cycles that consists of pulling a vacuum and holding it while measuring vacuum decay. The system offers both automatic and manual modes with easy customization of most test procedures to meet specific test requirements.

Electromechanical/electrohydraulic simulation

SIMPLORER from Ansoft is a design suite for electromechanical and electrohydraulic systems used in the automotive industry. It covers a range of applications including onboard power networks, 42-V systems design, and electric and electric-hybrid vehicles. The product combines advanced, non-Spice circuit simulation with a powerful block diagram and a sophisticated state machine simulator. The kernels run simultaneously in a simulator-coupling environment, providing high numerical stability. The coupling technology also provides an open programming interface to include other industry tools. The company's latest release, SIMPLORER 4.2.1, has an extended model generation capability that allows the use of the latest power semiconductor technology. The parameterization process uses SIMPLORER's optimization tool to adapt the model parameters to the required behavior.

Hydraulic deceleration

A new concept in programmable deceleration systems from Aries Ingeniería Y Sistemas, S.A. is used for upgrading the deceleration pulse-control capabilities of existing or new crash simulation systems. The technology allows test engineers to program complex deceleration curves for regulation compliance, R&D, or for conformity of production testing. The test sled runs into an array of steel cables symmetrically connected to two hydraulic rams. The cables pull the piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders, forcing the oil through the exit orifice of the regulation valve. The system consists of a valve that controls oil flow through a variable area orifice, regulating pressure and force in the cylinders connected to the arresting system. The system is suitable for new facilities and for upgrading existing tracks, as it can be easily installed.

Condensation weathering instrument

Atlas Electric Devices Co.'s UV2000 is an easy-to-use fluorescent UV condensation weathering instrument. It tests the effects of the sun's ultraviolet light on coatings, plastics, pigments, textiles, adhesives, sealants, and other materials. The device operates with a breakthrough power supply system designed to increase bulb life, eliminating the need for bulb rotation while generating steadier output. The unit comes with a Siemens controller that features an intuitive touch-screen display to set up test parameters. The instrument offers a microprocessor-based control with test parameter storage. It provides complete irradiance control as well as enhanced air and temperature distribution. The UV2000 meets the requirements of SAE J2020, ASTM G53, JIS D0205, BS 2782, Part 5, and other industry standards.

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