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Collaborating on diesel emission control Stringent fuel-efficiency and criteria-pollutant standards call for new combustion strategies. The SwRI-led Advanced Combustion Catalyst and Aftertreatment Technologies consortium reinvents existing technologies and experiments with new catalysts to meet standards. More intelligence equals more efficiency, enhanced functionality Advanced systems require renewed focus on architectures, processors, sensors and networks. Appraising the potential for platooning in the U.S. Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory perform statistical analysis based on a large collection of real-world U.S. truck usage data to estimate the fraction of total miles that are technically suitable for platooning. Connected commercial vehicles bring cybersecurity to the fore Connectivity, automation and electrification will largely drive vehicle developments in the coming years, according to experts presenting at the revamped SAE COMVEC 17.

Headliners from Las Vegas Big reveals abounded at the triennial CONEXPO trade show. Following are some of the most notable unveilings from the desert. Cat doubles down on diesel with new C13D platform Deere pursues electric construction machines and charging infrastructure JCB debuts clean-sheet hydrogen combustion engine Volvo CE unveils electric asphalt compactor, announces NA arrival of L350H loader Honda reveals next-gen Autonomous Work Vehicle Deere 3D-prints fuel valves for tractors HP's binder jetting technology and GKN's manufacturing expertise helped John Deere realize its first 3D-printed metal part for mass production. Returning to the SAE presidency for 2023 Setting a "prudently aggressive" mindset in advancing SAE's goals in the mobility ecosystem.

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.

Connectivity continues its advance More OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are focusing on embedded telematic systems, hoping to displace aftermarket hardware. Tailoring fuel injection to control NOx The next big step to help heavy-duty diesel engines meet stricter emissions regulations involves adapting the fuel-injection system to the combustion needs. Active on safety Crash-avoidance technologies are vital "building blocks" to automate commercial vehicles, implement truck platooning and ultimately achieve zero accidents. Engineering with simulation and data Companies are discovering new simulation techniques, especially optimization; the next step is to combine simulation with sensor data and predictive analytics to create even more robust off-highway equipment.

Demon alcohol? The impact of Ethanol fuels on regulated tailpipe emissions is studied and assessed by two Chrysler researchers in a 2012 SAE technical paper.

The row about rare earths Rare-earth elements are key to applications as varied as traction motors, catalytic converters, and wind turbines, but high prices and supply shortages have the auto industry grappling with design changes and other alternatives.

'Infernal' combustion no more Continuous improvements to the 130-year-old ICE aim to keep conventional engines ahead of electric drive. Alternative fuels tested at altitude Federal government researchers in Canada tested certain alternative fuels at simulated altitudes and found that they do offer some benefit.

Alternative fuels heat up This is a rich time for combustion researchers. The need for better fuel efficiency and improved emissions has never been greater. New software model to help engine makers meet diesel soot standards Simulation enables engineers to predict particulate formation early in the design process.

Putting lightweighting to the test Material laws and orientation information are coupled in a single finite element analysis to predict the performance of the hybrid composite beam under a dynamic three point bending load. Screens, cameras provide new look in cabs Video inputs are another option showing up on displays that increasingly offer touch control. Big performance in small packages By regulating light-duty engine variable speed fans based on heat rejection demands and ambient temperature, consistent power savings over the entire operating spectrum can be achieved.

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.

QT steels make an impact The use of quenchd and tempered steels for dumper bodies reduces weight and fuel consumption while increasing payload capacity and wear life.

Calibration and complexity Off-highway engine applications continue to increase in complexity to meet emissions regulations and fuel economy targets as well as to take advantage of advances in electrification and mechatronics. The model-based calibration process has become the industry standard. ECU advances take many paths Controllers are evolving rapidly, with a range of microcontrollers distributed throughout the vehicle Working remotely A new electrohydraulic steering technology that offers energy efficiency improvement, increased productivity, enhanced safety, and adaptability to operating conditions also has the capacity to support remote operation of a compact wheel loader.

Executive Viewpoints Off-highway industry executives write about some of the challenges and trends facing the industry over the next 20 years, and the innovation that will be required to stay competitive and sustainable. Annual product guide A product roundup showcasing the newest and most innovative supplier technologies in a variety of areas such as Powertrain & Energy, Electronics, Hydraulics, Materials, Testing & Simulation, Body and Chassis, and Interiors.

What's New at ConExpo/IFPE More new products and technologies that companies plan to showcase at this year's ConExpo-Con/Agg, which is co-located with the IFPE fluid-power event in Las Vegas from March 4-8, are previewed. Gearshift actuator dynamics in a dual clutch transmission The emergence of tougher environmental and fuel efficient legislations have triggered exploration and advance toward new and better vehicle transmission technologies. Software makes solid impact Programs are helping hydraulic systems do more while reducing operator workloads. Damping out booming noise NVH improvement techniques are gaining traction with the goal to improve the quality perception of off-highway equipment performance and operator comfort.

Watching for ways to stand above the crowd Sensors monitor a broad range of parameters to help powertrain design teams add features and improve performance.

Executive viewpoints Industry leaders offer their insights on the state of the heavy-duty on- and off-highway industries in this annual series of opinion pieces. The executives share their views on the most pressing technologies and trends shaping their business and the industry moving forward. Annual Product Guide Top products from throughout the industry covering technologies such as Powertrain & Energy, Hydraulics, Electronics, and Testing & Simulation.

Executive Viewpoints Off-highway industry executives from companies such as BorgWarner, Perkins, Cummins, and Danfoss reflect upon challenges inside, and outside, the industry, and what technologies, innovations, and strategies will need to be implemented to thrive into the long-term future. 16th Annual Product Guide Top products from throughout the industry covering technologies such as Powertrain & Energy, Hydraulics, Electronics, and Testing & Simulation.

Tighter communications help OEMs meet tighter regulations Closer links between powertrains and hydraulic systems cut fuel usage and emissions while improving efficiency.

What's New at ConExpo/IFPE A preview of some of the new products and technologies that companies plan to showcase at this year's ConExpo-Con/Agg, which is co-located with the IFPE fluid-power event in Las Vegas from March 4-8. Injection strategies for improving emissions characteristics Premixed charge compression ignition reduces NOx and soot emissions, but requires the optimization of the injection timing and pressure, fuel mass in pilot injection, and EG R rate. Systems that talk together, are efficient together Design teams take a holistic view, linking engines, transmissions, hydraulics, and aftertreatment systems to boost efficiency and performance. Managing the deluge of data The model-based development (MBD) process has been a key enabler of technical advancement in the transportation industry; however, the MBD process leads to the generation of large volumes of data artifacts and work products.

Off-highway hybrids: Opportunities and challenges With oil prices declining and emissions regulations in North America 'stabilized,' is there a place for hybrid powertrains in this new world of cheap oil? Looking for a better image Display advances are helping to reduce operator fatigue. Charging up electrified powertrains Control technologies race forward while batteries improve and adopt standard sizes. Measuring and accounting for suspension TARDEC teamed with SEA Ltd. to develop a system to measure the suspension parameters, center of gravity, and moments of inertia of wheeled vehicles in the never ending quest to model and predict vehicle dynamic behavior. Looking at mobility in 2050 Cuneyt L. Oge begins his term as 2016 SAE International President with a vision about the future of auto- and aero-mobility.