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On the verge of the Digital Age Increasingly connected electrohydraulic systems and machine controls allow the high degree of controllability that's essential for automated operations. Miserly power systems Engineers push engine, transmission technologies to turn off fuel usage. All options on the table Powertrain developers who spoke at SAE COMVEC are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to trim emissions. Cab air quality: A critical component of operator comfort Focus on defining cab air quality, measuring it, and designing the needed performance into cabin designs and HVAC systems is intensifying. Expanding fast charging faster Tritium works to accelerate installation of DC fast-charging infrastructure to keep up with growing demand for commercial EVs.

Heavy-duty engine design Increasing regulations and market demands call for cleaner, more durable and fuel-efficient engines. Developers rely on CAE simulation, enhanced test methods and 3D printing to keep up. Switching to comfort mode Switches, knobs and touch panels evolve to reduce operator fatigue. Big on prognostics Smart data-analyzing procedures that support predictive maintenance will help to significantly increase the uptime of heavy-duty vehicles. The "Evolution of Big Data" symposium at SAE COMVEC 2018 addresses such critical topics. Starship road trip Optimized aerodynamics and production-ready technologies propel Shell's Class 8 concept to a 248% freight-ton-efficiency improvement.

Connectivity takes center stage Telematic links have become the norm, helping fleet owners and operators improve efficiency and letting OEMs predict component failures. More power, less noise, fewer emissions These key attributes drive development of new generators both big and small. TARDEC pursues advanced power generation U.S. Army, GM collaborate on fuel-cell-generated electricity to power the vehicle's propulsion system and onboard electronics, while providing off-vehicle power via an Exportable Power Take-Off unit. Developing an alternative engine concept Ricardo's CryoPower engine leverages two unique combustion techniques for reduced emissions and fuel consumption-liquid nitrogen and split combustion. Long-haul trucking and stationary power generation will be the first beneficiaries of the technologies. Technology time-warp The road to autonomous driving has been under construction for decades, as showcased by SAE's Mobility History Committee at the 2018 WCX in Detroit.

Advancing toward driverless cars Autonomous-driving technology is set to revolutionize the auto industry. But getting to a true "driverless" future will be an iterative process based on merging numerous individual innovations. Overcoming the challenges of HCCI combustion Homogenous-charge compression ignition (HCCI) holds considerable promise to unlock new IC-engine efficiencies. But HCCI's advantages bring engineering obstacles, particularly emissions control. Simulation for tractor cabin vibroacoustic optimization Method of identifying and stopping an electronically controlled diesel engine in runaway mode Electrification not a one-size-fits-all solution Efforts in the off-highway industry have been under way for decades, but electrification technology still faces implementation challenges. 700 miles, hands-free! GM's Super Cruise turns Cadillac drivers into passengers in a well-engineered first step toward greater vehicle autonomy.

Autonomous plows ahead Agriculture, construction, mining-even marine-are advancing autonomous technology to improve the productivity and safety of vehicles on the job. Expediting engine design Simulation tools drive development of the most complex, fuel- efficient and powerful engines ever seen in off-highway applications. Industry 4.0: The smart factory arrives The plants that produce vehicles and their high-tech systems are increasingly employing intelligent systems, Big Data and advanced analytics to improve quality, safety and efficiency. The future is not so far-off Enhanced Cat 3500 engine boosts power 20%, trims fuel usage by 10% Phase 2 GHG rules driver for advanced technology, alternative fuels Eaton demonstrates waste heat recovery, variable valve actuation for HD diesels Hyliion develops add-on hybrid system for semi-trailers that reduces fuel consumption by 30% Tech-heavy Iveco Z Truck concept spawns 29 patents EPA's Grundler talks Phase 2 regs

The Best of COMVEC 2016 Autonomous vehicles, improved fuel efficiency and thermal management are among the pressing topics detailed in this select group of technical papers from the SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress. Autonomous solutions in agriculture Pneumatically shifted air suspension loading on 6x2 trucks Optimizing waste heat recovery for long-haul trucks Downsizing a HD diesel engine for off-highway applications Fan-shroud optimization for enhanced thermal performance Touch takes hold, switches lend a hand Touch screens are becoming the norm, but knobs and switches are often used to improve operator comfort. U.S. Army marches toward driverless future TARDEC targets vehicle autonomy with new V2V / V2X test bed in Michigan.

Types of aircraft passenger-escape systems An overview of existing and potential new methods for assuring aircraft occupant safety. SAE Skill India Initiative: S2I2 A new SAEINDIA collaboration aims to help young engineers acquire "industry-ready" skills. A technology-driven sustainable-agriculture solution Pumping more air into the cylinder is key to solving the CAFE puzzle, and engineers are hard at work figuring out the best ways to do it with turbocharger and supercharger innovation. Rotorcraft icing computational tool development 3D printing machines can't be built fast enough In the additive-manufacturing world, the costs of components are dropping, the technology is becoming more reliable and parts are fabricated faster, allowing industries beyond aerospace to adopt additive technologies, says Oak Ridge Lab's Ryan Dehoff.

Evaluation of heavy-vehicle aerodynamic drag In an attempt to achieve a balance between Reynolds number, model scale, and tunnel blockage issues, a 1:3 scale heavy-vehicle testing program has been initiated at the Monash University 1.4-MW wind tunnel. Validating performance suspension parts advances A forum at the 2013 SEMA Show discussed three approaches to ensure performance parts compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126. Panelists also explained how simulation data, and kinematics and compliance measurements, can improve performance parts design. Active safety starts in the pilot's seat Dassault Aviation's next-generation integrated digital avionics systems contribute to enhanced air safety in civil applications. Chevrolet ups the performance ante with MY2015 Corvette Z06 Stiffer-bodied sports car gains wind-aided performance with supercharging and downforce for faster lap times.

Honda flexes new powertrain muscle Honda R&D's top engineer outlines his company's Earth Dreams powertrain assault that includes more efficient, robust, and refined ICEs; new hybrid drive systems; and further developments in FCEVs, HCCI, plasma ignitions, and Rankine-cycle engine types. Setting Hyundai's fuel cell strategy Hyundai is one of two major OEMs that are still going it alone in developing FCEV technology, rather than collaborating with competitors. The company's head of fuel cell R&D explains the path toward 2015 series production. Volvo Trucks makes a case for DME The truck maker is working with Oberon Fuels and others to bring dimethyl ether-what company execs say is one of the most promising sustainable alternative fuels-to North America in 2015. Sensing a need for creature comforts Automakers and suppliers are turning to new sensors to help make cabins more comfortable and safer while automating some tasks.

Quiet in the cab As NVH gains importance in the quality of off-highway machines' performance and operator comfort, it is essential to understand every aspect of the machine noises and its annoyance effect to the operator's comfort.

Fab cabs While functionality cannot be compromised inside heavy trucks, their cabs increasingly mesh practicality with passenger-car sensibilities for comfort and ambience.

Safe and sane Driver distraction, demand for connectivity, and infotainment raise new challenges in combining consumer technologies and cars. Thin on the inside Seat suppliers apply ingenuity to reduce the weight of traditional steel seat frames while trimming away foam to make smaller cars roomier. Early simulation enhances product development While simulating before design may seem to upend the traditional view of product development, many companies are realizing the benefits.

The buzz about electric aircraft Emissions limits force the aviation industry to study hybrid and battery-electric propulsion systems. Car-to-X marks the secure beamforming spot Intelligent networking of cars and infrastructure promises a future of enhanced active safety and traffic efficiency, though as an open and decentralized system, car-to-X is exposed to various attacks against security and driver's privacy. Talking big A look at factors that should be considered by OEMs when implementing a telematics solution in the heavy-duty on- and off-highway mobile equipment markets.

SAE Supermileage champ achieves 2158 mpg Teams of collegiate engineering students show pathways to amazing vehicle fuel efficiency inthe 32nd annual competition, making the top 10 meant beating 500 mpg! Engineer employment study reveals positive hiring trends A recent study from SAE analysts suggests that the future may be looking up for mobility engineers on the job hunt. Oklahoma's active Aero attack Students at the University of Oklahoma have spurred new ideas for aerodynamics development in Formula SAE with their newest wing package. SJSU grad, GM engineer receives Rumbaugh Award Rumbaugh Award recipient Randy Floresca says being involved with SAE was key to securing his current job. Electronics take the lead in the motorcycle race Bike-industry engineers are integrating electronic and electrical technologies in the quest for higher performance, more features-and zero emissions.

A quiet revolution Optimizing design, while minimizing NVH, in off-highway equipment and systems. Inferential sensing Engineers propose an onboard electronics hardware and software architecture that can deliver condition-based maintenance solutions in a low-cost platform. Lightweight but heavy duty A look at the design, analysis, testing, and application engineering performed to develop a selectively reinforced brake drum made of aluminum metal matrix composite. Shifting gears smoothly Ric Kleine, a 30-year veteran of Cummins Inc. and former SAE Commercial Vehicle VP, seeks continuity over change as he moves into SAE's driver's seat.

Shifting gears smoothly Richard E. Kleine, a 30-year veteran of Cummins Inc. and former SAE Commercial Vehicle VP, seeks continuity over change as he moves into the driver's seat of SAE International. Top new engines AEI editors highlight the most significant internal-combustion powerplants of the new year and beyond. Riding on in-wheel motors Researchers analyze passive concepts and new mechatronic suspension systems to ensure vehicle comfort and safety when using in-wheel motors with different torque requirements.

Road to lab to math Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students designed a biodiesel-fueled power-split extended range electric vehicle for the latest ecocar challenge. Deep (Orange) Dive Cu-icar teams with industry to complete a student-engineered and -designed extended- range EV. Trends impacting military and defense engineering Industry leaders discussed a number of pressing issues- ranging from the need for more young engineers to significantly compressed design cycles- at the recent SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineeering Congress. Shifting gears smoothly Kleine, a 30-year veteran of Cummins Inc. and former SAE Commercial Vehicle VP, seeks continuity over change as he moves into SAE's driver's seat.

The evolution of engineering via computer CAD has come a long way since the 1970s and '80s. Now with a price tag less that 10% of a 1980 system, CAD and its add-ons can tackle an ever-increasing range of tasks inculding automated engineering.

An inside job Interior suppliers work hard to engineer in greater levels of comfort and technology in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.

Developing next-generation biofuels Spurred by concerns over national security, future supplies of petroleum, and greenhouse gas emissions, many are looking for fuel from biological renewable sources. Control strategies take many paths I/O, EMC, and SIL are among the acronyms transforming controller development. Lean, green, and marine Following the lead set by road and air transportation, sea vessels are turning to increased amounts of composite materials in their construction.