Testing/Simulation

SMS 3-D modeling helps Chrysler prep plant for new nine- and eight-speed automatics Using a powerful new 3-D modeling package, Chrysler Powertrain engineers and manufacturing experts are reconfiguring the Kokomo transmission plant to build the 845RFE eight-speed automatic for rear-drive vehicles beginning 4Q12 and the 948TE nine-speed fwd transaxle due to launch in 2Q13, in addition to other new powertrain programs. Read full story

Mentor Graphics launches natively coupled 1D-3D CFD solution As a result of its January 2012 acquisition of Flowmaster Ltd., Mentor Graphics recently sought to combine the advantages of 1-D Flowmaster and 3-D FloEFD Concurrent CFD into the first commercially available general purpose 1D-3D native CFD solution. Read full story

Transmission modeling and simulation: key to reducing power loss Engineers are putting tremendous effort into determining exactly how much power is lost through the transmission and what can be done to reduce losses and improve overall efficiency. Read full story

New tools simplify development of large electric motors for powertrains As powertrain electrification moves forward, tool providers are stepping up to help engineers improve efficiency. National Instruments has enhanced its hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) technology, partnering with JSOL to create a tool called the JMAG-RT add-on for NI VeriStand. Read full story

Galvanic corrosion modeling for aircraft environments Galvanic corrosion in aircraft is important as it occurs whenever dissimilar metals or certain types of composites are joined or are located close to each other. SICOM, a recent project involving Airbus, EADS, BEASY, and a number of research centers, investigated how the “find it and fix it” approach can be replaced by a more fundamental approach based on computer modeling. Read full story

Federal-Mogul's new 2D testing process helps diesel pistons stand the pressure Federal-Mogul's Durabowl process and new 2D ultrasonic testing helps OEMs develop diesel pistons that will endure the higher mechanical and thermal loads associated with downsizing and boosting trends. Read full story

Driving toward the sustainable car engine of the future To guide design of the combustion chamber and related systems, CFD is employed for insight into very complex 3-D behavior. Read full story

Reaction Design advances the simulation of soot Engine design engineers can now use simulation tools from Reaction Design to compare how candidate engine designs produce soot relative to each other. Read full story

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