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The big engine that could With the stringent EPA 2015 regulations on large diesel engines for locomotive, marine, and stationary generator applications, the need for NOx reduction via urea SCR catalyst arises given the proven performance of urea SCR. Monitoring hydraulics Component producers and vehicle service providers offer their views of hydraulic diagnostics as the industry moves toward real-time, intelligent health monitoring, predictive failure software algorithms, and wireless notification. Engine management expands from minute movements to full vehicle Electronic controls grow in complexity as engine designers extend their scope to include hydraulics.

After diesel A look at some offshoots-hybrids, HCCI, and alternative fuels-to the ever-popular diesel engine in the off-highway industry. Software gains (hydraulic) power Development processes are being revised as software becomes a centerpiece of electrohydraulic designs. Virtual sensing gets real As emissions regulations get more strict, emissions measurement must get more precise for onboard diagnostics, engine control, and model-based controller design.

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.

Operator station innovations Off-highway engineers work hard to provide comfort, ease of operation, and reliability to users. As an added challenge, they must design for operators who can spend an entire day working hard in their cab. Designing online Major developments in internet-based technologies are profoundly changing the engineering/design process, revolutionizing the way OEMs and suppliers do business, and speeding the industry's time-to-market. FEA simulation of an electrohydraulic system Researchers from the Milwaukee School of Engineering provide an accurate model of a typical magentic actuator Predicting injury in forklift upsets Researchers from the Biomechanics Institute present test results that demonstrate operators can prevent ejection and injury from a forklift if they are lap-belted and have either a winged seat or hip restraint.

Simulating cab noise and vibration Researchers at kubota and Doshisha University have established a prediction method for the engine-idling state using statistical energy analysis. Manufacturing cost estimating Caterpillar's ACT Group uses Micro Estimating Systems' computer-aided estimating program to increase efficiency and decrease operating costs in powder-metal part manufacturing. In search of greener pastures Agricultural OEMs are looking at the total life cycle to develop more environmentally conscious products and processes. Emissions and lubrication More stringent diesel emissions legislation is placing an increased burden on engine lubricant in the form of soot loading.

Off-highway braking According to Mico, electrohydraulic braking controls can provide improved performance and add system features difficult to obtain with hydromechanical mechanisms. Keeping quiet Targeting off-highway and heavy-truck OEMs, Blachford claims its new acoustics laboratory will offer some testing capabilities previously only available to the passenger-car market. ADT marketing and manufacturing While it is not debatable that articulated dump trucks are a hot commodity, it is debatable how many are technologically unique. Proportional pressure reducing valves Engineers from Thomas magnete have designed pilot valves that work with electrohydraulics to simplify complex machine control systems.

Shrinking hydraulics The push to conserve fuel and reduce emissions is prompting major changes in system design. Aftertreatment temperature control Regeneration of a DPF burns off soot, but also raises exhaust gas temperature. Speed thrills: doing more tests in less time Quicker data gathering, simulation keep quality high despite time crunch. Green engineering The quest to alleviate environmental and efficiency pressures turns up 'small' material solutions with big benefits. A global forum Cummins executives lay the groundwork for a lively and informative discussion at this year's Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress & Exhibition.

In search of the perfect burn The simultaneous download pressures on NOx and PM continue to make research into higher injection pressures and alternative combustion solutions such as homogenous-charge compression ignition attractive. One way to stop a train A new self-energizing electrohydraulic brake offers the advantages of hydraulic brake actuation without the disadvantages of a centralized hydraulic power supply. A model combustion: from art to science Analysis tools, advanced hardware provide insight into combustion process, refining the cylinder's 'big bang.' The datalinked vehicle In the fields and on the job site with GPS.

Engine electronics come of age Changes in global standards, combined with engineering know-how, have resulted in a new generation of clean, quiet, and efficient engines. Operators are rolling in the chips Microprocessors and sensors are being combined to monitor the way that equipment is being used, then help operators to perform better in that environment. Gaining weight Perkins' influence in the off-highway industry grows as it evolves its global engine lines and expands its presence in the U.S. What's new at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, Part 2 of 2 A preview of some of the products and technologies that will be displayed at this year's event, scheduled March 15-19 in Las Vegas, NV. Engineering a career Off-highway companies are challenged not only by the ever-changing technology landscape, but also by finding the engineering talent to help them succeed in it.

Digging with precision Electronic technologies continue to transform the off-highway environment, all the way down to the components used to create electrohydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, and new additions, such as house controllers and sensors. Speeding up design Software automates more tasks, handles challenges. Together for a change On- and off-highway commercial vehicle industries converge at fourth-annual Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress & Exhibition.

Digital revolution changing hydraulics Electrohydraulics trim costs while improving safety and efficiency. Heavy-duty testing Targeting off-highway and other commercial vehicle engine makers, Ricardo has expanded its Chicago Technical Center to help them comply with upcoming emissions regulations. An integrating experience The importance of systems integration will be an overarching theme at a new SAE conference, COMVEC, for the on-and off-highway commercial vehicle industries. Off-highway gets cooler and greener An environmentally benign A/C refrigerant rooftop unit is ready for testing in logging and mining equipment in Australia. Mining for better seating The mining site is a particularly challenging environment for vehicles, which combined with the intense work schedule of most mining operations, leads to a serious need for comfort and convenience for equipment operators.

Making sense of engines Heavy-duty equipment is known for its ruggedness in harsh environments, but vehicles are not neglecting their sensitive side. The world's fastest digger gets closer JCB's Dieselmax goes 350 mph and teaches engineers much about engine capability, extreme testing, and program management. The whole system, and nothing but the system Properly implemented, an electrohydraulic system can add a great deal of automatic control, advanced performance, advanced diagnostics, and remote monitoring to a mobile application. Regenerative hydraulics The use of multiple hydraulic pumps can satisfy the needs of various circuits in off-highway equipment. The gas is greener Biofuels promise to help reduce petroleum cinsumption and CO2 emissions, but much of the potential depends on production and infrastructure investments. Material returns Effective use of materials information is important to engineers in development of parts and components.

Including electrohydraulics As electrohydraulics technologies mature and expand, the cost of incorporating them into equipment continues to decrease. Operating the machine As long as people need to be in a machine to run a machine, operator stations will continue to become more operator-friendly.

More with less through electronic components Off-highway engineers have had to walk a precarious path in recent years by developing engine technologies that offer customers better vehicle performance and regulators lower emissions. The promises and problems of electrohydraulics Engineers acknowledge that electrohydraulics are the way of the future for the off-highway industry, and that the field itself could use a good public-relations campaign to attract more engineering students. Deere goes all out for agriculture To some, it may seem odd that John Deere picked this particular economy to launch over 50 new products, the most in its 164-year history. To others it reeks of confidence. Switching control in hydraulic drives Researchers from Johannes Kepler University believe agricultural machinery can be improved by further advances in motion generation.

Designing a high-performance electrohydraulic actuator Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Toronto adopted a new design strategy for development of a new high-performance acutation system. Off-highway, online The Big Three automakers made big news in February by announcing the formation of a single Internet portal for conducting business-to-business e-commerce. Although no such B2B megasite yet exists for the off-highway industry, a number of separate Internet sites offer similar services to the agricultural and construction segments. Off-highway transient driving cycle Southwest Research Institute and the EPA teamed to determine the necessary emissions tests and certification cycles needed for off-highway engines. Benchmarks in tractor development Norm Swinford discussed the evolution of tractor technology at the 2000 SAE International Off-Highway & Powerplant Congress & Exposition in September.

Frankfurt Motor Show concepts Visitors to the 60th IAA held in September were greeted with 125 world premieres, 60 of which were new vehicles by the world's automotive manufacturers. Prior to the public event, AEI editors scoured the show to put together this special section of Global Vehicles highlighting the best-in-show concept cars. Dynamic rollover testing on the way NHTSA announces that the 'fishhook' manuever, along with the static stability factor, will be used to rate vehicles for rollover propensity beginning with the 2004 model year. Shortening the chain Despite the trend toward increased outsourcing, the integration of compounding and molding operations at molded composite parts maker Composite Products resulted in a leaner and more economical supply chain. NASCAR research and development With the help of a new managing director and R&D center, the popular racing series is pursuing technology to improve safety and level competition.

Like a rolling home Suppliers are helping automakers engineer vehicles that allow passengers to bring along the comforts of home. Focusing on distraction An explosion of new features, functions poses challenges for safety. Performance goes green With record-high fuel prices and CO2 concerns providing the impetus, automakers are developing more fun-to-drive cars with an eye towards efficiency. GM re-engineers pickips More refined ride, higher-quality interiors, and greater efficiency are some of the highlights of the 2007 models. Jeep takes on tough terrain For 2007, the brand's iconic Wrangler is engineered to be more rugged off-road and more refined on it. Audi updates TT theme The second-generation rendition is bigger, more powerful, and uses a subtle metals mix and match. Vantage: as Aston to the core A common platform strategy is a vital element of the company's design and manufacturing flexibility.

Systems drive safety Engineers are using a holistic approach to design safer vehicles by adding function and integrating multiple subsystems. The gas in greener Biodiesels promise to help reduce petroleum consumption and CO2 emissions, but much of the potential depends on production and infrastructure investment. Good vibrations Instead of excising all noise, vibration, and harshness, engineers are focusing more on making specific sounds and feedback "fit" a vehicle. SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress Preview International Truck and Engine executives head the charge for "positive industry change" at SAE's third Congress for the on- and off-highway communities.

Global viewpoints: technology leads the way From fuel cells to flexible circuitry, advanced technologies are helping North American automakers and suppliers build vehicles that deliver increasingly high levels of safety, reliability, performance, and comfort/convenience. Sensor development for occupant rollover protection Delphi Automotive Systems pursues new devices for the pecularities of rollover conditions. Several steps toward recovery Making new vehicles out of old vehicles--as well as discarded carpeting--enables automakers to do the right thing for the environment, society, and their balance statements. Englightened interiors Product developers at Chicago Miniature Lamp discuss trends and advances in automotive interior lighting. Geneva Motor Show highlights Vehicles on display at the event, held in early March, ranged from the bizarre to the functional.

Finding the right niche As technology, politics, and OEMs struggle to achieve environmental cohesion, small and niche companies are determined to ride out the maelstrom with their ability to adapt, react, succeed, and survive. Jaguar and Land Rover shift Access to technology and engineering takes center stage as the two brands transition from one giant parent to another as Tata takes over from Ford. Aston Martin bonds The company is developing closer ties with Tier 1 suppliers in its new role as an independent. Bentley has secret CO2 plans The company wants to combine luxury and high-performance hallmarks with massive cuts in emissions. Lotus small and manueverable The engineering arm's technology menu--including lightweight, small engines, and high performance--is being sampled across the world. Porsche looks to the future Gasoline hybrid technology, convergence potential, and diesels could be in store for the company.