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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.

Biofuel opportunities and pitfalls Annual growth in biofuels has been strong but is expected to slow in the near future. User interfaces going mainstream Off-highway HMIs use consumer technologies to add functions, simplify tasks. Reducing the environmental impact of hydraulic systems OEMS and their suppliers are creating new hydraulic systems and components, using new fluids and remanufacturing to save energy and reduce the environmental impact of off-highway equipment. Multiple controllers add to EV complexity Model-based design has revolutionized the way products are developed, with design shifting from parts to the whole.

Tackling biodiesel's technical challenges Caterpillar researchers are working to mitigate biodiesel's negative effects on engine components and aftertreatment systems. More for less Telematic systems are offering more features and functions for lower prices. Improving actuation speed and controllability With high-speed hydraulic proportional valves, the performance of existing cam phasing systems can be improved or the actuation mechanisms can be applied directly to engine valve actuation.

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.

Next-generation power Additional benefits for commercial customers may drive hybrid technology adoption. Shake and bake: a recipe for testing Vehicles, components endure much in-lab abuse before they enter the commercial-vehicle market. Fuel for thought The performance and emissions of a stationary single-cylinder diesel engine is evaluated using an ethanol blend with diesel and jet fuels.

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.

Designing out emissions Researchers from Michigan Technological University designed and tested a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection and catalytic exhaust treatment for a snowmobile application. Networking to extend equipment life Equipment developers are using local area networks to gather specific usage and maintenance data in response to the needs of off-highway equipment owners and leasing companies to maximize investments. CAE goes off-highway A look at how manufacturers are saving time and improving quality by using computer simulation. Engineering the first 50-ton ADT While it could be said that the articulated frame truck is now a mature concept, Bell Equipment moved the goal posts by redefining both the weight class and application range for this versatile machine.

Cleaner and quieter snowmobiles The University at Buffalo's entry into the Clean Snowmobile Challenge led to modifications of engine, exhaust, body, and electronics to achieve a snowmobile with both lower noise and emissions. Predicting pump dynamics The dynamic behavior of a Parker Hannifin/Abex NWL hydraulic-axial-piston pump was simulated to determine information on pump flow ripple for longer pump life and reduced noise. Electronic engine management for small engines Through an overview of sensor technologies, Cherry Electrical Products confirms that the off-highway industry is ready to benefit from the automotive industry when it comes to electronically controlling small engines. Globally positioning mining vehicles High-tech guidance systems for mining vehicles supplied by companies such as Magellan Corp. are one of the most prevalent uses of global positioning systems in off-highway applications.

What we have here is a desire to communicate Telematic service and equipment providers are racing to gain market share in what's expected to become a solid long-term market. Sizing up accumulators No other feature of a hydraulic hybrid has more effect on the end performance of the powertrain than the accumulator. modeling helps to provide specific guidance with regard to establishing pre-charge pressure. Beating a path to biodiesel Multiple pathways are being pursued to increase biodiesel use, reduce dependence on petroleum, and improve the environment, but the best route is not yet known.

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.

Lightpipe design According to Breault Research Organization, any off-highway instrument or control that needs illumination is a candidate for a lightpipe to take light from where it is generated to where it is needed. The biodiesel choice Experts from the Natural Biodiesel Board believe it is time to consider alternatives to the current fuel structure. One solution to rising fuel prices is the pursuit of biodiesel fuels. Understanding machining difficulties in gray iron Bosch Braking Systems' engineers look more closely than usual at iron brake rotor samples to give new insights into critical characteristics of the material. Caterpillar mining for customers With commodity prices low, Caterpillar wants to make mining as productive an enterprise as possible for customers.

High hopes or just dreaming? A look at how Asia's aircraft manufacturers are trying to break into new markets to challenge the status quo. Camelina-based biofuel shows advantages in turboprop Researchers within the government of Canada see the need to improve the emissions performance of the Rolls-Royce T56 engine, which despite its age remains a workhorse for its military aircraft fleet.

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 North America North American automakers and suppliers know that moving the ball forward technologically is their best bet for survival, if not success. In the special section on the following pages, some of the automotive industry's top executives discuss the latest trends and their strategies for game-changing vehicle engineering and development. GM's new battery boss Denise Gray has global responsiblity for bringing the best energy storagte systems to GM's expanding hybrid program. Energy, environment, and engineering The drive toward energy security and environmental responsiblity is leading many automakers, Chrysler Group included, down a variety of technological avenues--diesels, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cells among them. Investing in future business Delphi has had its ups and downs since departing from the General Motors umbrella in 1999 as a fully independent publicly traded company, but 2007 may reign as the ultimate watershed year for the supplier.

GM's hybrid SUVs: AEI's Best Engineered Vehicles for 2008 The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid get up to 50% better city and 30% better combined fuel economy while still delivering comparable performance thanks to a thorough vehicle re-engineering and an industry-first 2-mode hybrid-powertrain. Bright outlook for diagnostics Telematics will augment more sophisticated data gathering, but challenges are many. Second-generation biodiesels As traditional fuels become more expensive and scarce, the biofuels industry is scrambling to develop more sustainable sources from nonfood agriculture. Global Viewpoints: North America In this special section, some of the North American automotive industry's top executives discuss the latest trends and their strategies for game-changing vehicle engineering and development.

Spoilt for choice The auto industry's options list includes biofuels, hydrogen, hybrids, fuel cells, and batteries--but will it be all, or nothing at all? Moving eastward The automotive industry spreads and grows, suppliers move to east Europe, environmental issues are crucial--and the companies survive that get everything right. Hands-on solution to reduce emissions Literally driving the environmental necessities home may support technology in engines old and new. Cutting emissions: more answers than questions The European auto industry is struggling with alternative fuels and emissions reduction programs, but potential solutions are many and varied--any may become even more so. Hydrogen, the IC engine, and the future It may be the fuel of the future, but views vary about how hydrogen should be used.

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.