AEI's What's New at SAE 2002
Open-throat crimper
The SP350 open-throat crimper from Finn-Power is designed to load bent or angled parts directly into the vertical head without having to pass the piece through the head. The unit is suited to accommodate automotive assemblies, long or oddly shaped assemblies, and combination assemblies. Other features include the ability to handle hose sizes up to 32 mm (1.25 in) and a maximum die opening of 48 mm (1.89 in). The device has a swaging force of 32 t (35 ton), with a capacity of producing 450 swages/hour. Two controller styles are available: computerized VS control and IS controller with swaging diameter controlled via a 10-turn dial.
Electrical design analysis
A new version of the AutoSteve electrical design analysis toolkit from FirstEarth Ltd. integrates with eSys Design, a wiring harness design tool from DB Soft UK that is built on top of AutoCAD. The new port provides a complete drawing, design, and analysis tool for electrical engineers. AutoSteve is an integrated toolkit that enables engineers to simulate quickly the behavior of electrical schematics and to see the results displayed on the schematic. Based on simulation, AutoSteve automatically performs failure-mode and -effects analysis (FMEA) and sneak-circuit analysis (SCA) on electrical wiring systems. The result of the FMEA is a natural-language report that describes the effects of applying all possible failures to the circuit. The result of the SCA is a complete set of switch combinations that can cause sneak paths in a design. AutoSteve uses advanced techniques from the field of artificial intelligence to determine the circuit activity based on the behavior of the components, which allows analysis to be performed early in product design when it is more cost-effective to fix any problems.
CFD package
FLUENT 6, which is built on Fluent Inc.'s core unstructured technology platform, expands the automotive applications for CFD simulation, including deicing and water runoff, fuel tank studies, HVAC systems and components, painting, and flow-induced noise. Major enhancements in turbomachinery modeling and underhood thermal analysis provide economical design testing options for automotive engineers. A moving/deforming mesh capability, released in beta form with this version, is one of many building blocks in the release intended to tackle challenging IC engine modeling.
Engine testing
The Froude Consine Texcel V8 engine test system is a control and data-acquisition system that is designed for transient test applications. The system can be supplied as part of a package of test equipment or as an upgrade to existing engine test cells. Passenger car and truck regulatory exhaust emissions tests may be carried out such as U.S. Federal test cycle FTP75, ECE-15, and Euro IV. When used in combination with an AC dynamometer, the system may reduce development time by simulating in-vehicle engine testing. It will then correlate the data against that produced by a vehicle tested on a chassis dynamometer. Features include vehicle definition such as road-load model, gearbox, and clutch simulation; drive cycle definition, editing, storage, and management; and logging and data analysis. The use of ASAM-ACI and ASAM-MCD industry-standard software interfaces enables the controller to communicate with high-level development tools and ECU analysis tools. The engine and dynamometer can be controlled manually or automatically using the test sequence editor. An Ethernet link exports data to the company network.
Thermofluid dynamics
Software Cradle Co. debuts SCRYU/Tetra for Windows in the U.S., distributed by Global Vision Technology, Inc. SCRYU/Tetra is a multipurpose, computational thermofluid dynamics analysis system with hybrid meshing via tetrahedral, pyramid, and hexahedral elements. The system has three major advantages: the generation of advanced automatic mesh, high computation speed, and powerful visualization tools in one package. It offers an easy-to-use environment for designers to analyze the behavior of thermofluid dynamics in conjunction with most CAD systems. It shortens product design cycles and provides high quality.
Plastic mount
A saddle mount from HellermannTyton provides abrasion protection between bundles and frame rails. Designed for use with the firm's button-head ties, the saddle mount provides clearance for the bundle from bolts and other protrusions, which can cause abrasion. It also helps keep dirt and grease from the bundles and hoses. The saddle mount can secure three separate bundles, providing parallel spacing between the frame rail and adjacent bundles. Manufactured from high-impact, heat-stabilized, black nylon 6/6, the mount is suitable for continuous high-temperature applications. The mount is manufactured with a pilot bushing that prevents the cable tie from chafing against the burr edge of the mounting hole.
