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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.

Delivering simulation benefits Product-development software tools are being put to good use in many off-highway industry segments. Movingalong with stationary power Performance, reliability, and cleanliness are just a few of the golden rules for all engines, whether they are propelling a tractor or powering a barn. Frames adapt to changing environments Heavy-equipment frames do not often get a lot of attention from customers, due mainly to the fact that they get plenty of attention during the design cycle. 2005 technology in review A look back at some of the most significant technological innovations in the news during the past year, as deemed by readers and editors.

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.

The diesel engine diet Researchers correlate engine performance and durability with the properties of alternative fuels that consist of vegetable oils and animal fats. Looking at a safer future Software, other sensors will augment cameras as safety's role in the off-highway industry takes an upward spiral. Plastics expand their range From high-speed train exterior panels to powertrain components, plastics and composite materials are finding their way into more off-highway applications.

Small is as small does off-highway engineers have been pretty busy packing smaller and smaller engines with more and more power. Computer-aided everything Software is helping companies to be more effective when developing and evaluating off-highway vehicles and systems. Testing resources This section highlights some of the latest mobile and stationary equipment available to the industry for product development and evaluation. History of gerotor hydraulics The second part in a retrospective of the development of gerotor technology, the engineers behind the breakthroughs, and an acquisition here and there. Maintenence is old business at DoD Iraqi insurgents represent the U.S. Department of Defense's main concern at the moment, but an aging maintenance work force is among other concerns on its flanks.

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.

A quiet revolution Optimizing design, while minimizing NVH, in off-highway equipment and systems. Inferential sensing Engineers propose an onboard electronics hardware and software architecture that can deliver condition-based maintenance solutions in a low-cost platform. Lightweight but heavy duty A look at the design, analysis, testing, and application engineering performed to develop a selectively reinforced brake drum made of aluminum metal matrix composite. Shifting gears smoothly Ric Kleine, a 30-year veteran of Cummins Inc. and former SAE Commercial Vehicle VP, seeks continuity over change as he moves into SAE's driver's seat.

Tier 4 for large bore Engineers show that a pre-turbine aftertreatment system offers clear and distinct benefits in terms of compact, cost-effective emissions reductions. Programmed for safety and reliability The software that adds features and functions is becoming more reliable as standards and new techniques transform design processes. Electrohydraulics improve with new lift-control strategy Fuel consumption, torque delivery, and emissions can all be improved through flexible control of the valve timing, duration, and lift.

Heavy-duty issues Top industry insiders provide their perspectives on critical issues such as sustainability, workforce development, and future growth at this year's Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress and Exhibition. Autonomouse vehicles go off-highway Advances in sensors, CPUs, and software help in the druve to eliminate drivers. Power and precision Hydraulic motors and actuators evolve along two paths, both relying on advanced controls.

Taking control Improved displays and software give operators better insight into hydraulic systems. Making sense for electronic engines Sensors help engines boost performance while meeting emissions requirements.

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.

A controlling interest Motorola's Scott Anderson provides insight on how electronic controllers are making cars safer, better-performing, and more fun. Software support for telematics Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit is focusing on the convergence of Internet technologies with vehicle systems through the deployment of Windows CE and .NET software platforms. Cadillac CTS The company's latest passenger car ushers in a new era of Cadillac performance with the V-series. Lincoln Navigator Redesigned for the first time since its 1997 launch, the full-size SUV not only looks different from the original version, it feels different, too. A heavy-duty RAM Chrysler Group engineers have included several firsts for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, including side curtain airbags and power adjustable pedals. Enzo Ferrari: the car Ferrari is planning to build 349 copies of its "extreme sports car," which embraces a raft of Formula One technologies.

Improving lightweight vehicle dynamics Bosch engineers used numerical simulation to evaluate vehicle concepts using variable semi-active components, tire specifications, and suspension spring rates. Dr. Reitzle's prescription for Jaguar His vision for the brand is to "use top-level technology and do so in a very emotional way." Dual-voltage power networks Lear Automotive EEDS has developed an innovative electrical and electronic architecture to handle future high-power requirements in vehicles. New door closure concepts Bosch and Temic engineers are developing technologies for passive entry, vehicle immobilization, and remote control. TwinCAN: one module for two nodes The ability to use one module to control two CAN nodes provides benefits including reduced hardware and software requirements, improved functionality, and lower CPU load, according to Infineon researchers.

Looking forward to safer highways New camera technologies, along with better algorithms and software, are enabling the move to active-safety systems that warn and then take control of vehicles in dangerous situations. Fuel-cell futures Eager to find alternative-propulsion solutions, automakers are betting that renewed emphasis on fuel-cell vehicles will pay off in the long run, with the latest examples aiming to prove higher-volume production feasibility. Consensus building ojn refrigerant type The hydrofluoro-olefin refrigerant HFO-1234yf has emerged as Europe's favored R-134a replacement, but some prefer R-744. Strengthening the link through software The next generation of simulation tools could help better synchronize manufacturing engineering and product design.

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.

CO2 changing focus The global economic crisis could trigger novel engineering solutions and the need for comprehensive testing. ZEVs, fuel cells, and high-tech engines Only 10% of cars on Europe's roads by 2020 may be zero-emissions vehicles, but Mercedes-Benz is supporting future ZEV and other advanced technologies with an undiminished R&D budget. Warning signs Design and engineering lead-time tightening may be strangling innovative thinking, says Royal College of Art's Harrow. The decade ahead Renault anticipates that a majority of its powertrains will be downsized to the 0.9- to 1.2-L range and that electric cars will appeal to 30% of the buying public. Automatic for the people Automatic-shifting dual-clutch transmissions are poised to grab share from traditional transmissions thanks to their combination of efficiency and convenience.

Introducing Dr. Rodica A. Baranescu, SAE President for the year 2000 Rodica Baranescu, SAE President for the year 2000, talks about the challenges she faced and the successes she enjoyed on her odyssey to the pinnacle of the automotive engineering community. NAIAS highlights AEI editors present the technical highlights of concepts and production vehicles from the 2000 North American International Auto Show in January. Best Engineered Cars of each decade of the 20th Century Readers of Automotive Engineering International voted on the best engineered cars of each decade of the 20th Century. An overall winner was chosen from among the entries. Philippine Automotive Technology Conference/Workshop The Philippine Automotive Technology Conference/Workshop will take place Monday-Friday, April 10-14, at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City, Manile, Philippines.

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.