SAE World Congress

Designing sealing plugs for unused electrical connector terminals not so simple USCAR group develops small handheld test instrument using a miniature sensor to accurately measure air pressure buildup in electrical connectors. Read full story

Eaton advances the supercharger for better fuel economy (video) Emphasis is on technologies that enable engine downsizing and downspeeding. Read full story

Protean unveils production in-wheel electric drive system Using motors that fit within a pair or all wheels of a vehicle, it is designed to be an integral part of a hybrid powertrain system when paired with a traditional internal-combustion engine, or it could be the only source of traction drive in pure electric vehicles. The plug-and-play nature of the concept can offer a transitional solution for automakers. Read full story

Is auto A/C a parasite? GM engineer says that's the fuel-economy-centric view Air-conditioning is essential for comfort and safety (defrost), but it uses fuel that could move the car, so it also is a target for improving vehicle fuel economy. New EPA test will give it the chance of proving it has developed fuel-sipping ways. Read full story

Video interview: Henkel pretreatment process enables aluminum growth Kevin Woock, Henkel's Global Market Segment Manager for Automotive, explains how the Bonderite Flex Process, which uses zirconium oxide pretreatment instead of conventional zinc phosphating, enables processing of up to 85% aluminum content on vehicles vs. 25% with zinc phosphate coating. Read full story

Engineering education is ageless Educators are seeking engineering students. No experience needed. An aptitude for problem-solving a plus. Apply at the school of your choice. Read full story

Motorsports needs to re-bond with auto industry The high-horsepower world of motorsports is fairly isolated from the fuel-efficient realities of the auto sector, but racing industry veterans have a few suggestions for reigniting the flame of relevancy. Read full story

Modeling, simulation of mechatronics still pose many challenges Automotive engineers have been combining electronics and mechanical systems for years, but they’re still figuring out how to efficiently model and simulate mechatronic systems. Sharing files between disciplines remains an issue along with the challenge of creating models for use in different applications. Read full story

Foreseeing a bright outlook for prognostics The high quality of diagnostic information is driving a change in the way these data are being used. Vehicle designers are devising techniques that use this information to determine when components and systems are going out of range, which indicates that it’s time for maintenance. Read full story