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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.

Heavy-duty designs on aftertreatment The introduction of stringent EPA 2015 regulations for locomotive/marine engines and IMO 2016 Tier III marine engines precipitated the need to develop large diesel engine aftertreatment systems. Gaining control of damping Strong nonlinearities of hydraulic systems and the unpredictable operating conditions of the specific application (e.g., uneven ground, varying loads) are the main challenges to the development of satisfactory general vibration damping methods and controls. Getting real about test cycles Fuel consumption of working machines is strongly influenced by machine specification, working environment, and operator behavior, therefore a mix of several test cycles is necessary. The case for Class 8 hybrids Hybrid technology may not be the best solution for all heavy-truck applications, but a Caron Engineering expert explains how it can still benefit Class 8 vehicles.

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.

Editorial Trust, testing and transition SAE Standards News SAE updates J3016 automated-driving graphic View from a Visionary Chris Urmson helped give birth to vehicle autonomy. His company, Aurora, is leading the technology to maturity and widespread adoption. Extending EV Range Using AV Programming Intelligent programming of autonomous electric vehicles offers potentially big energy savings, according to a study by IAV. Intel Study: Autonomous Vehicles Expected to be Common-in 50 Years New U.S. consumer survey sees most Americans "expect" AVs, though many currently fear the technology. Europe's Latest AV Testing Facilities Key for Swift Autonomous Adoption The need for data sharing and commonality in burgeoning AV technologies is bringing new meaning to the words 'proving grounds.' End Public 'Shadow' Driving! The best way to test and train AI for autonomous vehicles is through proper simulation, systems engineering, and an end-state scenario matrix.

Electrohydraulic engineers embrace integration Software improvements help both engineers and operators as architectures evolve. Indestructible from the start OEMs and suppliers are investing in testing equipment, facilities, and software to ensure proper performance of components prior to being placed in the field. To 2010 and beyond Engineers working on emissions-control systems for heavy-duty engines already are preparing for ever more stringent regulations later next decade. Top Technologies of 2008 The editors look back at some of the most significant technological innovations during the past year according to readers.

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.

Help from above Cell towers and satellites enable people to keep equipment running. Cleaner and quieter diesels To meet tightening regulations, engineers are tasked with adding more and more components and systems to take away more and more emissions. Connecting sensors Suppliers and road construction OEMs have teamed to develop an application profile for sensor interfaces.

Changing demands reshape hydraulic components In a world of shrinking margins, fierce competition, and increasing regulations, equipment owners want nothing less than stellar performance from their equipment. Contact stress in valvetrains Engineers from Mahle compared FEA and Hertzian equations for the calculation of contact stress in a roller-follower valvetrain system. High-fidelity agricultural tires Researchers from Goodyear and John Deere developed finite element tire models capable of generating quasi-static spindle forces and moments for prescribed displacements over irregular terrain. Ag-equipment development challenges An engineer in the field discusses the need to tread carefully during the agricultural product-development process.

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.

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.