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Originality revs up Formula SAE Michigan teams More than 100 Formula SAE teams vied for top honors at the annual Michigan competition that spotlights one-of-a-kind open-wheel racecars designed and built by student engineers. American manufacturing in the hands of UNF students University of North Florida students design and build Formula vehicles for nationwide competition focused on challenging the minds of future engineers. Solar EV thunder down under Michigan is aiming for its first victory in next month's 2013 World Solar Challenge with a new asymmetrical racecar that is ready for 1860 mi (2990 km) in the Australian sun. Solar Impulse Team's next challenge: to circle the globe The next world-girdling version of the fuel-less flier will rely on featherweight polymers and composites.

Big fans gear up for new battles The big difference in newer commercial airplanes comes where it can't be seen: in the structure, in new materials, in the avionics, and most importantly, in the engines. Integrated Vehicle Health Management The aims of IVHM include improved safety through the use of diagnostics and prognostics to fix faults before they are an issue, as well as improve availability of fleets through better maintenance scheduling.

Virginia Tech rising to hybrid challenge The Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team of Virginia Tech (HEVT) is using custom motors and powertrains to re-engineer a 2013 Chevy Malibu to make it more environmentally friendly. Directing diesel's debut in U.S. Grand-Am racing Speedsource's engineering director, a Formula SAE grad from the Univ. of Florida, is helping to put Mazda's new compounded-turbo diesel engine in the Grand-Am winner's circle. Royal College of Art preps designers for expanded role Vehicle design is broadening and moving upwards in both intellectual and business terms, with many designers reaching board level, says London's Royal College of Art professor Dale Harrow. Shelby upgrades Mustang and Focus The company pumps up its Super Snake to 850 hp (634 kW) and lowers the Focus ST for Shelby-grade performance in 2013 . Vortex rocket engine reaps the whirlwind Lightweight combustion chamber walls stay cool because hot-burning propellant remains confined to a central cyclone.

ETS Baja parts failure analysis: Geared for success When the ETS Baja team had to withdraw from the Baja Auburn 2012 event due to abnormal gear failure, an extensive analysis was required to ensure that problems of this nature would not surface again. After some serious investigation, the conclusion of almost 30 hours of research was unexpected and proved surprisingly simple. Body and soul rule at 2012 Formula SAE Months before the Formula SAE Michigan competition in May, teams were hashing out product development decisions. The end-game was presenting a racecar that had the right stuff for earning high points in the challenge's vehicle design evaluation as well as the acceleration, skid pad, endurance, and autocross dynamic performance events.

New blades turning Industry is in the midst of new initiatives to develop lighter, stronger aero engine fan blades. ATM revolution-on the way at last A look at one of the biggest issues facing the air transport sector: integrating air traffic management policies and solutions. A new positioning system for aircraft structural assembly The EcoPositioner is a modular and reconfigurable positioning technology that takes into consideration the positioning task as well as operational conditions and environmental influences.

Inside development of Unimore's high-performance Formula SAE engine The adoption of a single-cylinder engine, instead of the more powerful inline four cylinder, required a much bigger effort for getting an acceptable level of power. Academia and motorsports industry partner for enhanced performance A four-year Bachelor of Science degree in motorsports engineering at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, in addition to certificates in motorsports technology and motorsports studies, has led to the creation of some unique new college classes and associated activities. Propulsion systems for private space flight While some companies are creating high altitude air and ground launch vehicles for taking private individuals into space, companies such as XCOR Aerospace and Armadillo Aerospace are addressing other market needs in the private space flight industry. 200-mph electric racecar Drayson aims to break track records.

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.

Materials become design, design becoems function Once things you could hold in your hand, materials have become more design ideas than entities, and the designs themselves are transforming into operational activity. The next steps in flight A look at sero engine and assembly developments as commercial airframe and engine manufacturers begin the biggest battle of all-for next-generation short-haul jet aircraft sales. NextGen Today and tomorrow The FAA has reached a major milestone on the Next Generation Air Transportation System initiative to modernize America's National Airspace System. Stacking the material deck for the 787 Combinations such as composites and titanium being used in future aircraft programs can be very challenging when drilling holes during manufacturing and assembly operations.

Formula SAE-a winners again Monash University took the top spot in the 2010 Formula SAE-Australasia student competition for the second year in a row. Dual-fuel lab engines achieve high efficiencies, low emissions Experiments conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as at Oak Ridge National laboratory demonstrate that partial blending of two fuels in the cylinder can promote a more ideal combustion process. Detroit motor show Small and efficient cars stole the show at the recent North American International auto show. nextgen today and tomorrow The FAA has reached a major milestone on the next generation air transportation system initiative to modernize America's national airspace system.

Composite simulation helps fill gaps There is no turning back from using carbon-fiber reinforced plastics and other composite materials for aerospace parts. Simulation providers are finding new opportunities to help reduce cost and improve efficiencies in designing and making aerospace parts made of composites. 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.

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.

A closer look at composites FEA contributes to design and manufacturing efficiency of complex composite aircraft assemblies.

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

From oil fields to swamps Aviation turns to living organisms for its future energy source.

Resolving freedom's complexities Design tools help engineers manage many degrees of freedom and optimize performance.

Improving power quality Avionics power supplies are being redesigned to reduce harmonic distortion and work with wild frequencies. Think smart As aerospace manufacturers and suppliers continually look for new ways to improve passenger safety and comfort, an increasing emphasis is being placed on the role of advanced, 'smart' interiors. Getting it together The manufacture and assembly of today's aircraft must be in line with market needs and emerging technologies in a challenging business environment.

Making an impact in fastening Engineers at Electroimpact help the company get a leg up on the competition in automated fastening. Narrowing in on military requirements UAVs/UCAVs are increasingly important, with the accent on integration- and wider engine choice. Machining and turning centers take center stage Makers of CNC machining equipment are incorporating more and better functionality into their products so users cope better with processing challenges such as those posed by tough new grades of aerospace materials. Open (and often) communication As aircraft companies battle for market share, uniting design and manufacturing teams remains a key challenge.

Simulating real-time safety Aircraft manufacturers are all pushing for ways to develop software more quickly without sacrificing reliability. Next-generation launchers: Only the tried and true need apply Companies find that some elements of the recipe for success have been handed down for generations. Polar satellites tries to weather storm NPOESS satellites would allow more accurate weather predictions for both military and civilian weather services.

Full throttle for engine solutions Powering aircraft from Mach 2 fighters to tiny hovering UAVs, military engine technology is now operating on a very broad front. Design and production flexibility together with reduced in-service costs are priorities. To the breaking point Test engineers use new rigs and data-acquisition equipment on the latest generation of pneumatics, engines, and airframes. PCs move into the cockpit Pilot training is getting a bit less expensive with the introduction of more portable flight simulations.