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Easy to control Designers grab a range of technologies to create controls that are simpler for operators to use. Designing quiet off-highway equipment OEMs and suppliers are using new materials and innovative designs to reduce NVH for both vehicle operators and the environment. Using FEA in off-highway design The process of considering weld redundancy in virtual simulation is a complex way of ensuring that weldment design is robust enough to prevail over accidental weld redundancy that might occur during manufacturing. Efficient and effective leadership Frank O. Klegon, a 30-year SAE member and former product development VP at Chrysler, begins term as chief elective officer of SAE International. Making battlefield targets disappear The use of 'smart' special materials has the potential to radically alter the way military platforms are defended, and used.

Electronics invade the cab Joysticks and displays lead the transitions from mechanical links. Developing alternatives According to Ford Power Products, hydrogen-powered engines can be a reality, but while waiting for them to be economical with a developed infrastructure, other alternatives to diesel and gasoline are available. Optimization of structural components Researchers from Dana present a new design methodology to develop structural components using computer-aided engineering tools.

Technology for small-engine emissions reduction Swiss researchers used a modern four-stroke engine in conjunction with a commercially available catalytic converter and special gasoline to develop a significantly cleaner-running walk-behind mower. Large-scale application of J1939 The SAE electronic systems communication standard provides a method for achieving engineering flexibility, product standardization, parts rationalization, service, and customer convenience. Focus on electronics OEMs and their suppliers are developing vehicle systems for improved vehicle operation and reliability/durability with the help of electronics. The following pages review some recent industry advancements. 2000 SAE International Off-Highway Congress: one for the ages From antique off-highway equipment to the latest in intelligent vehicle technology, the 2000 SAE International Off-Highway & Powerplant Congress & Exposition brings yesterday and tomorrow together today.

The man challenges of Tier 4 engineering Cutting and controlling emissions are the surface goals, but designers must also manage to cut and control costs, while adding complexity. A cool look at heat protection CFD is used to predict flow and thermal fields within the engine compartment both at steady state and transient conditions. Hushing hydraulics Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology put their energies into novel, compact devices for reducing fluid-borne noise.

Tying it all together Networks link control modules to bring more features and functions to the job site. Collaboration tools spread a wide net PLM suppliers are offering new tools that aid collaboration, expanding on core offerings in PDM, CAD, and CAE. The drive toward a hybrid transmission In-wheel hydraulic motors, hydraulic transformers, and a common pressure rail with accumulators put new meaning in the word drivetrain. A deep dive into metallurgical failure Even with the best engineering processes and quality planning, deviations can occur with the incoming material, things can go wrong during the manufacturing process, and service conditions can be different than expected. Standards and 'coopetition' In the heavy-duty vehicle arena, adoption of standards for networking benefits everyone.

Komastu produces in Peoria Advanced heavy-duty robotic frame welding technology, new factory-based transportation systems, and major changes to factory layout combine to improve quality and reduce product cycle times for Komastu at its Peoria, IL, plant. Readers' Choice: Top Technologies of the Year Readers have selected the ten most interesting stories in SAE Off-Highway Engineering during the past year. They appear in shortened form. Results are based on reader-response choices following feature articles and shorter technology items. E-business evolves What follows is an update of the year's off-highway Internet-based activities intended to streamline operations along the supply chain and speed engineering product development. Manufacturing in the computer age Today's high-tech products require high-tech processes.

F-35 manufacturing ergonomics addressed Human-factors simulation from Delmia is playing a key role as Northrop Grumman tools up for work on the Joint Strike Fighter. Keeping it together: design, development, and maintenance It is only in relatively recent years that the full meaning of integrating manufacturing and maintenance as part of the design and development processes has been grasped by the aerospace industry. Exploring the boundaries of our solar system SAE 100 Future look: In addition to helping enable NASA's new vision of taking humans back to the moon and paving the way to Mars and beyond, two robotics space science missions are preparing to explore the outermost and innermost edges of our solar system. What's on the horizon for space SAE 100 Future look: Dramatic changes in the Earth's climate are certain to drive humanity's search for alternative fuel sources.

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.

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.

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.

Software shifts into automatic mode Automatic code generation is speeding up development and helping to improve automotive system reliability. Coming out party Plastics abound inside vehicles, but they are increasingly finding new applications outside the cockpit thanks to a heavy push for lightweight solutions. Cutting emissions down to size While the long-term future may deliver an efficient alternative to the internal-combustion engine, a few UK-led projects are tackling short-to medium-term solutions for improving engine-out emissions and efficiency of gasoline and diesel engines.

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.

Technical highlights from Geneva The high-profile event combined new technology, fresh design, debuts of major production models, and styling concepts in a compact venue. North American technology trends Every year in the May issue, Automotive Engineering International explores the major technology trends defining the auotmotive industry in North America. In June, it will do the same Europe, and in August Asia. Internal-combustion engineering Despite a century of refinement, the gasoline engine still has untapped potential, say industry executives. Body building The quest for light, quieter, and safer cars and light trucks influences the design and engineering of most vehicle areas--body not excluded. Chassis integration keeps the rubber on the road U.S. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are collaborating to deliver the latest technology for performance and safety, but integration stays in-house.

Bouncing back The economic slowdown of the past year or so tooks its toll on the U.S. automotive industry, with U.S. OEMs suffering the brunt of lost sales. This four-section article explores some of the issues shaping the U.S. auto industry and some of the technologies U.S. OEMs and suppliers are using to combat their emboldened overseas competitors. Powering the future It's anyone's guess as to what type of power source will ultimately drive the majority of future vehicles in North America, but one thing is certain: advancements in various powertrain technologies from industry players are ready to make today's and tomorrow's cars more environmentally--and customer--friendly. Inside North American vehicles Vehicle interiors are incorporating more and more electronics, telematics, and other advanced technologies, challenging engineers and desginers to make them simple, safe, comfortable, and appealing.

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.

NAIAS technical highlights The industry kicked off what many are calling the Year of the Car at the North American International Auto Show in January. Cars and car-based crossovers took center stage, with many of the new models being derived from flexible architecture that will spawn many distinct products. High-performance hybrids Hybrid-electric technology is growing beyond economy cars to boost performance for luxury and sports cars and trucks. Toyota Prius: Best Engineered Vehicle for 2004 The second-generation gasoline/electric hybrid provides a larger and more versatile mid-size interior and sginificantly improves upon its pioneering predecessor in terms of performance, efficiency, emissions, and consumer appeal. AEI Tech 2004 Awards The new editors of Automotive Engineering International highlight some of the innovative new products and technologies on exhibit at the SAE 2004 World Congress based on the latest information provided by suppliers.

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.

Hybridization gathers momentum Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles continue to grow in popularity, with many incremental advances coming from Japanese OEMs and suppliers. Broadening telematics' reach More infotainment options pose many challenges. Nano goes macro While nanotechnology deals with materials at the minutest of levels, the auto industry has grand plans for its use in a multitude of areas. The transformation of testing Software is helping physical tests produce more accurate results more efficiently. Advancing crashworthiness simulation BMW worked closely with software developers at ABAQUS to produce a customized solution for virtual product development. Low-cost latitude Contrary to popular belief, 'low cost' does not automatically mean 'Chinese.' SAE 2006 World Congress Preview Toyota and host company BMW join Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler for a record number of OEMs on the floor at the April 3-6 event.

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.

Chattanooga Power Haus Volkswagen sprints forward in the EV race by integrating battery test, production and EV assembly in the U.S. A materials lesson in Civics Honda's Indiana-based project leader shares insights on meeting all-new product challenges with the launch clock ticking - during COVID. From emissions tech to EV electronics Eberspaecher's Electronics unit is enabling big growth in EV and AV business.