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Flying safer Software is being designed to predict pending failures, warn pilots, and maybe even fly the plane. CMM + laser probe = complete inspection Sonaca gave up its manual inspection methods in favor of a digital approach to save time- and money. A rounded view of fibers The use of fibers for aerospace gyroscope applications- notably inertial navigation and platform stabilization- is common now, but it was not always so. Piston engine propulsion SAE 100 Future look: As the propulsion industry looks to the future, the barriers remain challenging, the drivers more critical, but the innovations more promising. What's downstream in turbine technology SAE 100 Future look: Gas turbine machines-aviations, industrial, and vehicular- are versatile and cost-effective machines used for the provision of electricity, mechanical load power, and propulsion.

Honda's latest technical review features cutting-edge developments from Honda's worldwide R&D team. The April 2011 volume includes 17 papers, seven that introduce new technologies and ten that provide updates on established technologies. The e-book covers advancements in automotive, motorcycle, power products, and other fundamental technologies. Chapter highlights include: Development of in-situ X-ray Imaging technologies for Measuring Water Distribution in Generating Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFC) Study on Controlled Auto-ignition Using Sequence of Low-temperature Combustion States Study on Similarity of Load Path Distribution in Body Structure Image Segmentation-based Moving Object Detection for Driver Assistance System This publication is also conveniently available for purchase in individual chapters.

A different automatic Developed in conjunction with BorgWarner, Volkswagen's DSG automatic six-speed gearbox is aimed at enthusiasts and has fuel consumption superior to a manual gearbox. Accident avoidance GM and Delphi are testing adaptive cruise control and collision-warning technologies in the hope of ultimately increasing driver awareness and reducing driving behaviors that can lead to accidents. Branding vehicle dynamics The use of active systems and common hardware across several vehicle platforms, with different calibrations and control algorithms, can offer variations in character and brand, according to Prodrive Automotive technology. The drive for improved dynamics For the new XJ, Mike Cross, Jaguar's Chief Engineer for Vehicle Integrity, and his team aimed to preserve the isolation and feel of the previous car, but instill the handling precision and steering accuracy of the S-Type.

Product is king in North America As it does every year, AEI takes a look at automotive industry trends in the three major regions of the world, beginning in this issue with a look at the North American industry and how domestic OEMs and suppliers are shaping its future. Europe will be the focus in June, Japan in August. A powerful mix Traditional and not-so-traditional power sources will share the roads in North America as OEMs and suppliers continue to research and develop a variety of advanced propulsion technologies. Consumer research drivers interior trends OEMs are giving suppliers greater responsibilities not only for delivering vehicle interiors, but also for consumer research that leads to compelling interior designs. Body and chassis developments Advanced technologies are enabling light trucks and SUVs to close the ride, handling, and safety gap with passenger cars.

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.

Walking the torque A system that fills in the torque gap of a turbocharged diesel engine, allowing a smaller power unit to punch well above its size, without the dreaded 'lag'-that has to be a winner, surely. So a decade later, why has it yet to come to market? Ian Adcock ponders the reasons Tipping the scales The original Range Rover revolutionised the automotive industry when it was launched. Some 42 years later, the latest version looks very much set to do the same as Ian Adcock reports Can computers take control safely? In the name of improved safety, some favour a future where automation takes charge of a fast-moving vehicle. The more cautious support advanced systems that simply warn drivers of potential problems. Who will win out? Chris Edwards reports

The right touch Touch input and smarter knobs help drivers control a growing array of functions and devices. Product development gets leaner Providers of design automation and product lifecycle management software tools believe they can help drive out waste from the automotive product development process. NAIAS concepts The focus was on environmentally responsible cars and alternative powertrain technologies and fuels at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Ryan's 'Research' put to good use The Southwest Research Institute engineer assumes SAE President duties for 2008. China tariff shock Foreign carmakers face higher auto parts import tariffs to "encourage" them to bring new advanced technologies and manufacturing expertise into the country. Automating cavity-wax application European standard enters the U.S. marketplace as automation of the complex operation takes over.

Concepts from Detroit January's North American International Auto Show was the backdrop for a number of interesting concept vehicles with cutting-edge technology and styling that foreshadows new cars and trucks of the not-too-distant future. Under pressure One of the key building blocks for good-performing, clean, and efficient engines is precise, high-pressure fuel injection. Recent advances in diesel systems by top suppliers are helping OEMs meet increasing market demands. Engineering a career in China As the demand for personal mobility continues to grow, so too does the demand for qualified engineers to develop the technologies that go into those vehicles. Digital development This special section of Testing and Simulation focuses on different aspects of digital product development. Asia hot on new cooling technology Not tied as much to aluminum as is the West, China and Russia are moving fast toward widespread use of copper and brass for radiators.

Ministering to the interior The design of passenger car interiors has been changing steadily as safety and comfort systems have been added. The "Playstation" generation is likely to bring an increasing influence on ergonomic and aesthetic design, allied to a reduction in driver workload and a further enhancement in safety systems' capability and flexibility. Highlights from New York The 2004 New York International Auto Show saw the most world debuts in the event's history, with strong themes in new midsize luxury cars and midsize SUVs. Divergent stands on safety The battle between consumer advocacy groups and automakers over safety heats up as Congress contemplates mandates. Sport compacts go drag racing Makers of entry-level front-wheel-drive cars hope to translate power under the hood into power in the showroom.

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.

Lighting the way Exterior lighting systems are not just contributing to safety, they are also changing cars' styling. Sensing a change As sensor use grows, providing input for all sorts of functions, engineers are responding to the design challenges through standardization and shared use of signal output. Attacking hybrid cost Hybrid-electric vehicle costs must be slashed significantly for the technology to become mainstream. HEV developers reveal many routes in the cost-reduction crusade. Engineering with the enemy In a program devoid of bloodshed, General Motors and Ford codeveloped a new six-speed automatic that is key to both companies' future vehicle plans. The program managers explain why they'd eagerly do it again. Drivetrain advances Japan's leading companies have focused development on reducing size, mass, and cost.

Advancing toward driverless cars Autonomous-driving technology is set to revolutionize the auto industry. But getting to a true "driverless" future will be an iterative process based on merging numerous individual innovations. Overcoming the challenges of HCCI combustion Homogenous-charge compression ignition (HCCI) holds considerable promise to unlock new IC-engine efficiencies. But HCCI's advantages bring engineering obstacles, particularly emissions control. Simulation for tractor cabin vibroacoustic optimization Method of identifying and stopping an electronically controlled diesel engine in runaway mode Electrification not a one-size-fits-all solution Efforts in the off-highway industry have been under way for decades, but electrification technology still faces implementation challenges. 700 miles, hands-free! GM's Super Cruise turns Cadillac drivers into passengers in a well-engineered first step toward greater vehicle autonomy.

Editorial Bill Visnic: Expect the unexpected The Navigator Sam Abuelsamid: Separating illusion from magic in AV deployment The Road to Automobility The era of electrified, self-driving vehicles is upon us. Engineers are key to the transformation - with much hard work still to be done. Far and Away: Remote Drivers Monitor Autonomous Vehicles Remote operators are helping autonomous shuttles and other AVs navigate through complex situations. Mapping Canada - Centimeter by Centimeter A Montreal-based company leverages artificial intelligence to take on the task of developing high-definition maps of Canada. You've Lost That Queasy Feeling… Transcontinental research aims to understand the complex nature of motion sickness to help improve the automated-vehicle experience. 3D Sonar Sees Objects Overlooked by Costlier Sensors A dream of robotic fish inspires inexpensive automated-driving sensing technology that works for the critical areas close to the vehicle.

Safe and sane Driver distraction, demand for connectivity, and infotainment raise new challenges in combining consumer technologies and cars. Thin on the inside Seat suppliers apply ingenuity to reduce the weight of traditional steel seat frames while trimming away foam to make smaller cars roomier. Early simulation enhances product development While simulating before design may seem to upend the traditional view of product development, many companies are realizing the benefits.

Road to lab to math Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students designed a biodiesel-fueled power-split extended range electric vehicle for the latest ecocar challenge. Deep (Orange) Dive Cu-icar teams with industry to complete a student-engineered and -designed extended- range EV. Trends impacting military and defense engineering Industry leaders discussed a number of pressing issues- ranging from the need for more young engineers to significantly compressed design cycles- at the recent SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineeering Congress. Shifting gears smoothly 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.

The buzz about electric aircraft Emissions limits force the aviation industry to study hybrid and battery-electric propulsion systems. Car-to-X marks the secure beamforming spot Intelligent networking of cars and infrastructure promises a future of enhanced active safety and traffic efficiency, though as an open and decentralized system, car-to-X is exposed to various attacks against security and driver's privacy. Talking big A look at factors that should be considered by OEMs when implementing a telematics solution in the heavy-duty on- and off-highway mobile equipment markets.

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.

Truck Tech War! Ford, GM, and Ram arm their profit-pumping half-ton pickups for the 2020s' efficiency battle. Mobility mecca: WCX 2018 Provocative thought leaders, emerging disruptors, and the industry's best networking and career guidance all under one big roof: the 2018 SAE World Congress Experience is coming April 10-12. Mercedes adopts Harman UX for A-Class The 'smart' architecture is capable of OTA updates and features more-accurate voice recognition. Spark of genius Mazda's Skyactiv-X-the nexus of gasoline and diesel tech-remains on track for 2019 production. We test-drive recent prototypes to check development status. Taking aim at the drowsy-driver threat Hyundai Mobis is leveraging Level 4 tech to move 'departed' drivers safely off the road. Editorial: Fear and loathing on the path to Level 4 driving Supplier Eye Variability, risk and the value stream The Navigator How will automated vehicles deal with potholes?

AEI Best Engineered Vehicle 2010- Ford Taurus The readers and editors have selected the most significant vehicle of the year. Ford attacks premium sedan segment with all the technology it can muster. Focused on fuel economy Technology is only part of the solution for reducing vehicle energy consumption. In part 2 of AEI's Fuel Efficiency series, vehicle engineers explain why driver behavior is also a key factor. No stopping safety system advances Engineers are focusing on active systems intergration, especially with radars and cameras, more centralized processing, and silicon germanium for 77- GHz systems. Shedding pounds on a magnesium diet Tough CAFE standards are pushing automakers to consider using more lightweight magnesium rather than aluminum, steel, or plastics.

Focused on fuel economy Optimizing vehicle fuel efficiency takes a combination of engineering solutions and driver behavior. In part one of his two-part series, AEI examines the technologies being employed. Part two, coming in the April 6 print edition, discusses drivers' impact on higher mpg. Sound engineering Engineers using advanced tools create the sound of today's vehicles. Collaboration, innovation on the agenda The SAE 2010 World Congress, with the theme "Ecollaboration: engage. exchange. excel," will be held April 13-15, 2010, at Cobo Center in Detroit, MI. With this theme, host company Ford is calling for collaboration as a way to develop innovative solutions to overcome economic and environmental challenges. Speaking of controls Voice recognition has made big strides, but intergrating it into a seamless human-machine interface is a huge challenge.