Search Results

Simulating off-highway hybrids With customers squeezed by fuel costs, off-highway OEMs are showing some interest in developing hybrid equipment. CAE simulation tools are needed because of lack of experience with such devices. Their functional complexity requires control system simulation throughout their lives. A hose is a hose is a hose Researchers develop a method for the precise mounting of a hydraulic hose model. Integrity sensing for safety Researchers from Purdue developed a capacitance-based method for monitoring the integrity of tires, hoses, and other polymeric products during manufacturing and throughout the useful product life.

Increasing the hydroforming knowledge base Tube hydroforming has become a viable economic alternative to various stamping and welding processes in automotive applications. Controlling two-stroke engine emissions With the constant rich operation of two-stroke engines, common design criteria for three-way catalysts fail. DaimlerChrysler technical symposium A year after the merger that created the new corporation, engineers from both groups came together to present a unified technical symposium to review the future direction of the new organization. Here are some highlights of the more significant technical developments. Vertical complex-shape headlamp reflectors Another improvement in lighting technology gives designers increased flexibility in vehicle appearance with no loss in lighting performance. Advances in static and dynamic exhaust system seating Major redesign, combined with minor improvements in simple details, returns significant benefits in sealing.

Chrysler sees the ICE future The three-year, $30 million Multi-fuel Multiair R&D program with the U.S. DOE is nearing completion. Here's what Chrysler Powertrain engineers have learned as they try to achieve a 25% fuel-efficiency gain. Counteracting cyber-attacks As vehicle systems become more complex and interact with more internal and external elements, the potential for outside intrusion and tampering increases for both vehicles and the transportation infrastructure. Kia moves upscale with 2014 Cadenza The all-new premium sedan is the Korean automaker's 'most technologically advanced' vehicle ever on U.S. roadways. 2014 Corvette: 460 hp, 30 mpg, 1 g, $52,000 No other sports car can match the C7's combination of performance, value, and overall efficiency. Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter provides insight on executing a masterpiece.

Getting the aero advantage Team Rahal has come up with several innovative ways of integrating and implementing Fluent Inc.'s computational fluid dynamics softwarae into its engineering process. Jordan Grand Prix benefits from 3-D design This motorsports team's transition from 2-D design to 3-D digital modeling using SDRC's I-DEAS software has resulted in shorter lead times and improved part fit. The 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer Ford engineers further improve ride, handling, and safety while increasing the vehicles' power. Cadillac's re-engineered Escalade The 2002 model has a host of new, advanced features including "Northstar-inspired" powertrains, StabiliTrak stability control, and a Road Sensing Suspension system. Explorer Sport Trac breaks new ground Ford says its 2001 Explorer Sport Trac, based on the 2001 Explorer four-door, was engineered for improved ride and handling, and is the first traditional SUV with an open cargo area.

Managing software growth An increased emphasis on modeling and autocoding makes it easier to add software-based features and functions, driving a sea change in the way complex automotive systems are designed. Going beyond Bin 5 and Euro 5 An early look at some of the emissions-control and aftertreatment technologies and tools aimed at helping automakers meet future U.S. and European regulations. Finding flexibility Although automation is important to achieving flexibility, manufacturers cannot neglect product design, manufacturing processes, and personnel. Looking for a little help Automotive companies increasingly look outside, offshore to get complex designs finished quickly. The autonomous future Like it or not, cars that drive themselves are on the horizon. Will you trade control for safety? Dodge Ram A keen focus on fuel economy centers on improved aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency, and weight-reducing technologies.

Cadillac CTS GM's all-new global sports sedan makes no excuses in chassis dynamics, body integrity, powertrain performance, premium materials, and overall craftsmanship. Taking control of hybrids Software must monitor and manage many parameters while coordinating the complex operations of the engine, electric motors, and batteries. LIghter, faster, lower cost Ducati's top engineer brought a "maniacal" approach to developing the 1098 superbike. Diesels' brave new year Lean-NOx catalysts, closed-loop cylinder pressure sensing, and homogenous combustion are making "50-states" diesels a reailty. Behind the curtain AEI takes an in-depth look at how the designers and engineers at General Motors took the company's trio of new crossover SUVs from sketchbook to road. Engineering from everywhere With future growth in car and truck sales coming mainly from emerging markets, companies are realigning their engineering operations accordingly.

Safe and sensitive Sensor fusion is the latest data sharing scheme for improving the performance of safety systems. BMW counts down to 1 Series The company's latest entry in the premium compact segment comes to market with rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution, and longitudinally mounted engines headlined by a powerful turbodiesel. Chevrolet re-engineers Corvette Although the new C6 is shorter and narrower than its predecessor, engineers wanted "more power, more passion, more precision" for the two-seat sportscar. 2005 Honda Odyssey The completely re-engineered model features new technologies from the inside out related to safety, performance, and entertainment. Chrsyler 300 / Dodge Magnum The "it" vehicles for the 2005 model year feature advanced technologies such as cylinder deactivation to go along with Hemi power and distinctive styling. Ford makes space for family vehicles Volvo donates its P2 platform for the new Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle, and Mercury Montego.

Speed is king Motorsports offers automakers a fast way to develop new technologies and quick-thinking engineers. This article explores how DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and General Motors approach motorsports as an engineering tool. Electronics: changing the shape of the automobile The decisions made by the automotive industry the next few years will forever change the shape of the automobile. The electronic technologies to improve fuel economy, increase passenger safety, lower emissions, and improve reliability are evolving quickly, but because of their cost the exact timeframe for their implementation is undecided. Chevrolet Corvette The Z06 is the big news for 2001, the new model having a high-output 5.7-L LS6 V8 developed by GM Powertrain. Innovation meets the mid-size segment The 2001 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus offer more power, enhanced NVH characteristics, and improved safety. Third-generation M3 The all-new high-performance M3 coupe debuts in North America.

Ultracapacitors charge ahead The limitations of current energy-storage solutions could encourage consideration of these alternative solutions, but more engineering work needs to be done to reduce costs. Technology for all Automotive industry executives expect high-end technologies, once considered only for inclusion in luxury cars, to increasingly make their way into entry- and mid-level vehicles in the very near future. Convergence continues A lot of automotive electronics ground has been covered at the Convergence conferences past, and there's more to come at this year's show in October. Fueling the next generation As hydrogen joins the battle for automotive power with gasoline and diesel, the future could be more choices rather than one winner.

A sense of safety Engineers are looking to combine radars of different ranges, cameras, and sophisticated controls to prevent collisions. Priming the green-car pump In a "perfect storm of opportunity," billions of dollars in federal funding are flowing toward next-generation, made-in-the-U.S. hybrid and electric-vehicle technology. Re-engineering the auto engineer The electrification of the vehicle is boosting demand for engineers with new competencies and skill sets. In Part 1 of this special two-part feature series, AEI examines why the industry needs to encourage and develop its most critical resource-people. Aerodynamics soar Automakers toil to minimize drag and maximize fuel economy.

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.

Internal combustion: the next generation Homogenous combustion promises to many diesel efficiency and torque with the refinement and emissions benefits of gasoline power--but challenges remain. Testing for the future Providers beef up facilities to provide clients with additional capacity and invest in new tools for greater performance. Assembly required OEMs and suppliers are struggling to build new strategies and strengthen existing systems for improved global supply-chain management in an effort to reduce costs. Change is in the air (and on the ground) Chrysler, undergoing a transformation of its own, helps shed light on issues facing the evolving automotive industry at the SAE 2008 World Congress.

Cars become more understanding Software and hardware advances are enabling voice-recognition technologies to rise to industry challenges. Wanted: Broader knowledge, new skills Continuous learning is a must for engineers to meet greater technology and productivity challenges -- and boost their own marketability. Seeing green Environmental and cost benefits are driving the auto industry to adopt materials derived from renewable sources such as soybeans and corn. Searching for fossil-fuel alternatives Future engine and drivetrain programs at Volkswagen are focused on alternative fuels and radical changes to engine combustion, but the battery may yet provide the light at the end of the technology tunnel. Emissions rules keep labs humming As long as there are regulations, engineers and technicians will be busy running tests in laboratories.

Teardown Titan Munro & Associates is leading competitive analysis into the EV age - and spreading the gospel with a global YouTube fan base. Lightweight steel on a (cold) roll A newly developed high-strength steel for cold stamping aims to beat aluminum for EV battery enclosures and other vehicle applications. How EVs and their electronics stick together New adhesives play an increasingly vital role in vehicle structures, battery packs, and in protecting sensitive electronic components from extreme thermal cycling and contaminants. Editorial Farewell and thanks, Mr.

Airing on the side of innovation Lucid Motors' home-grown innovations are leading the pace in electrification. Top engineers tell how and why they're building a benchmark with the new Air EV. Keeping combustion in the conversation The world needs ICEs to stick around - here's how. Engineering a 'Maverick' hybrid transmission Ford Powertrain engineers marry their new in-house electric machine with the proven HF45 transmission - under aggressive vehicle program timing. Driving electrified powertrain systems design Drive System Design punches beyond its weight class in meeting customer needs for electrified powertrain systems engineering services. DSD's North American chief Jon Brentnall explains.

High on hydrogen Through its Symbio joint venture with Michelin, Faurecia expands far beyond its interior-systems base into the fuel-cell future. Simulating a faster route to ADAS and AV validation With its new cloud-based Simphera platform, dSpace responds to demand from global automated-vehicle development teams to help manage their expanding, complex workload. Innovating the methanol fuel cell Using methanol as the source fuel provides an alternative to a gaseous-hydrogen distribution and storage infrastructure, among other potential benefits. Engineering the 2022 Toyota Tundra Chief Engineer Mike Sweers talks structure, materials and a different approach to hybrid power.

BYD's Blade Runner The Chinese mobility-and-energy giant's novel 'Blade' battery eliminates the cell module level to compete with NCM chemistry at significantly lower cost - and greater proven safety. Making UX easy on the eyes Faurecia IRYStec combined physiology and image processing to create uniquely personalized high-fidelity screen displays, as pioneered by Mercedes' MBUX. The company's founder explains. Extending the Wankel's future on hydrogen fuel Proven in thousands of military drone aircraft, the lightweight and power-dense Wankel rotary still aims for a future...as a zero-emissions range extender. 'Retuning' lubricants for EV duty Lubrizol's top grease expert talks about how the electric vehicle trend is driving innovations and creating opportunities.

Volkswagen reveals its 'people's' EV VW's ID.4 leads the 2021 stampede to electrification for the mass market. Answering the fuel-cell compressor question The optimum compressor device for a fuel cell depends on vehicle application - and a lot more. An Eaton expert explains. Tire pressure's impact on EV driving range A new study shows that tighter control of tire-pressure loss can lead to marked improvement in electric-vehicle efficiency. Editorial Warm socks for the EV options list Supplier Eye For suppliers, a new drumbeat New SAE wireless charging standard is EV game-changer Tula DMD aims for more-efficient e-machines Multiphysics helps transform modeling, simulation Is the camshaft being timed out? New Magna seat puts connectivity in the second row BMW reveals its first "M" performance-badged two-wheeler Volkswagen readies new-generation Golf R Q&A Discussing safety tech, standards and industry trends with Hyundai North America's Brian Latouf

Optimizing hybrids for cost and fficiency AVL engineers detail a modular engine program suitable for all forms of hybridization. ICE: Once more, with feeling BorgWarner CSO sees at least one more generation of the ICE before its 'sunset.' Actuating hybrid and EV efficiency More sophisticated driveline-disconnect systems are part of the electrified-vehicle future, says the head of controls at Stoneridge. The world's piston maker charts the ICE future According to Mahle's research VP, the remaining development path for internal combustion is clean, electrified and ready for alternative fuels. Pumping EV heat Heat-pump technology is a game-changer for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, says a service-tech training expert and EV owner.