Testing/Simulation

Automated optimization comes to engine combustion design Engine designers can now let computers find optimum solutions for critical performance, such as reducing emissions or increasing fuel economy with Converge CFD and Congo from Convergent Science. Read full story

dSPACE tool enables virtual verification of ECU software in early development phases By enabling software architects to find and correct implementation errors at an earlier development stage than previously possible, the process becomes easier and much less expensive. Read full story

MPM tool helps cut wire harness manufacturing costs With today’s extreme pressure to reduce costs, wire harness manufacturing is the focus of much attention, and Mentor Graphics has responded to this need with its Capital Harness Manufacturing Process Management (MPM) software application. Read full story

Unified FEA saves on back-and-forth of windshield wiper design While the blades need periodic replacement, the wiper system itself is considered one of the most reliable of vehicle devices, with a design life average of 1.5 million wipes. Reliability and motorist safety are key tenets of Hyundai Motor Co., so it comes as no surprise that the windshield wiper has been the focus of considerable attention at the company’s R&D center. Read full story

FEA a cool tool for thermal analysis of Li-ion batteries Thermal management of a battery pack is one of the main factors to be considered in the pack design, especially for those with indirect air or indirect liquid cooling since the cooling medium is not in contact with the battery cells. Read full story

SEMA draws new parts makers to ESC simulation program NHTSA requires aftermarket parts to be in compliance with FMVSS 126 as of September 2012. The cost of physical testing may make extensive use impractical for makers of aftermarket performance parts, but a SEMA-backed simulation program, with vehicle stability module in the physical loop, has demonstrated an ability to replicate with much lower investment. Read full story

Ford standardizes on thinner, lighter front seats with 2013 Escape As the first of a new architecture, the thinner, lighter front seat is a tangible result of an engineering process started in 2005. Read full story

Bombardier launches PLM for new aircraft programs Though shy of taking the leap to CATIA V6, the Canadian aircraft OEM put substantial investment in a new PLM infrastructure around V5. Read full story

Engineers examine software's impact on automotive industry As the amount and complexity of software in vehicles continues to grow, OEMs and suppliers are recognizing the importance of software engineering as a method to address the challenges of software development in the automotive industry. Read full story