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Sound sound-research techniques Higher bypass ratios, chevrons, shape memory alloys, and improved aerodynamics are some of the advancing technologies that will help quiet aircraft, and thus help the environment. Display technology perks up HUD, software make big strides in cockpit appearance and flight safety. Going green The global aerospace industry gears up for big changes in fuel burn, emissions, and noise.

The fantastic five Engineers at NASA Langley, NASA Glenn, and the Boeing Co. investigate new aircraft concepts designed to improve fuel economy. Addressing noise, emissions, and fuel efficiency In an interview with "Aerospace Engineering," Rolls-Royce Engineering Director Mike Howse explains the technical challenges and tradeoffs in jet-engine design and development. Doing business via the Internet It's not so much a matter of whether a company should use the Internet to conduct business, but how. This article looks at how two companies- one an aerospace parts maker, the other a provider of e-sourcing solutions- exploit the Internet. Improving processes through new solutions Several aerospace companies have implemented new engineering software products into their work processes to improve efficiency and productivity.

Honda R&D Technical Review is a periodical containing research papers related to Honda R&D Center activities worldwide that cover automobiles, motorcycles, power products, aircraft engines, and other fundamental technologies. Honda Motor offers a book for the October 2021 issue with 77 pages containing 7 papers focusing on the following latest topics: Simultaneous Reduction of NOx and Smoke by Divided Diffusion Combustion Using High Dispersion Staggered Layout Nozzle Reproduction of Engine Torque Fluctuation with Low Inertia and High Stiffness Dynamometer Comprehensive Study of Solvents for Wet Process Applied to Sulfide-based All Solid State Battery

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.

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.

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.

Body assembly Automakers cut sheet metal and weld bodies as precisely as possible to lay the foundation for good overall vehicle quality. Handling the ride Delivering a balance between ride and handling has traditionally been a challenge for suspension designers, but suppliers of different technologies are showing how compromise may not be the only solution. Brilliant displays Liquid crystal displays and light-emitting diodes are helping to enable bright, reconfigurable screens. Performance from within Automakers gild profit margins and polish reputations with in-house high-performance divisions. Hybridized SUVs A redesigned hybrid drivetrain gives Toyota's V6-powered SUVs--the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 400h--V8-like performance and compact-class fuel economy while achieving the most stringent SULEV emissions standard. Automatic upgrade Toyota's hybrid system gets a transmission overhaul for SUVs.

Driven to test As automotive manufacturers and suppliers continually attempt to cut costs and reduce development cycle times, outsourcing of testing is becoming more prevalent in the industry. Testing resources This section highlights some of the latest testing products, equipment, and technologies used in sundry automotive applications from the industry's suppliers. Transmission options In this comprehensive review of technology, ZF's Group Vice President for Product Development concludes that the future belongs to automated manual, continously variable, and six-speed automatic and manual transmissions with increased capacities. Automotive moodular developments Engineers from Plastic Omnium Auto Exterieur and Inoplastic Omnium discuss design considerations for front-end module and plastic tailgate concepts. Flexible controls architecture for hybrid-electric vehicles General Motors and Motorola collaborate on a prototype vehicle for PNGV.

North American concepts Cars and car-based crossovers took the concept-vehicle spotlight this year at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month. Renault F1 opens up The company has provided unprecedented access to its new Formula One racecar and surprisingly detailed information on its engine. Cleaner, safer, quieter Testing companies are working to improve equipment and procedures to better match real-world situations in an effort to help automotive suppliers and OEMs in development of future vehicles. Microprocessor requirements soar Networks and emissions control are driving the switch to more powerful 32-bit chips. Hondra brings the hydrogen economy closer The next generation of fuel-cell stacks from Honda offers more power from a smaller package, and a prototype solar-power refueling station delivers the hydrogen fuel. GM hybrid story on SAE Congress agenda General Motors Corp. sees several avenues to a hybrid future, a transit bus leading the way.

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.

Toyota Prius: Best-Engineered Car of 2001 Following the Japanese introduction of the first-generation Pruis in 1997, the significantly re-engineered second-generation model features new technology to meet the demands of the Western market, including improved driving performance, lower emissions, and reduced costs. Introducing Niel Schilke, SAE President for 2001 General Motors' former top engineer in Canada brings a systems engineering mentality, along with high expectations, to the SAE presidency. Fuel cells start to look real It is looking more and more as if the fuel-cell-powered car--the long-awaited "clean personal transportation of the future"--is moving from laboratory vision to technical reality, if not yet market actuality. Fuel-cell testing Capabilities that deliver reliable monitoring and control, as well as offer the benefit of a flexible configuration, are critical to keep pace with evolving fuel-cell technology, according to National Instruments.

This updated reference book, prepared by experts in their fields, contains dozens of articles covering a wide range of topics involving the failure analysis of microelectronics. It places the most important and up-to-date information on this subject at your fingertips.

Toyota punches innovations pedal From hybrids to robots, Toyota promises new ways of thinking to produce new and better products. Hyundai dreams As part of an internal competition, Hyundai designers let their minds wander through time, space, and perhaps some new dimension to conjure concepts that seem outlandish today. Maza fired up about internal combustion There is room in the market for hybrids and all-electric vehicles, but Mazda believes that internal-combustion engine offers the biggest bang for the buck. Helping hands Engineering consulting service providers expect to help OEMs meet greater fuel efficiency and tighter emissions standards. The upside ofdownsizing Hybrid powertrains are undergoing huge changes as successive generations emerge, increasing efficiency and offering better performance, with component sizes shrinking as engineers make changes that address cost.

Seats of power Car users are sitting on more advanced features than ever before, but increasing demands for "comfort" and other considerations have focused industry brainpower on slimmer seat designs, new trim materials, and innovative technology solutions. Big changes for powertrain control Electronics innovations are behind many of the advances in hybrid, diesel, and conventional gasoline engines. Plastic on the outside For many new vehicles, light weight is paramount, and so too is eye-catching design. That's why plastic body panels will become more prevalent. Toyota powers ahead The company's powertrain strategy follows Toyota President Watanabe's dream that a Toyota car be able to cross the American continent with no refueling while cleansing the atmosphere as it travels. The Honda way In the pipeline are a "dedicated hybrid car for family use," a super-clean diesel that meets U.S.

Exhausting Possibilities A novel herringbone design of exhaust catalyst could be the 'Eureka' moment for emissions reductions, says ACAT Global's CEO Joseph W Moch. Ian Adcock tries to unravel the story behind it A right royal performance An interior influenced by the Jubilee celebrations? James Brewer finds out more Virtually, the real deal OEMs want faster time to market, reduced development costs and ever more sophisticated testing. Ian Adcock reports

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.

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.

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.

Technology development under pressure Achieving major cuts in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption continue to be the big challenges facing the European automotive industry. But are the targets realistic, can emerging technology deliver solutions, is driveability likely to suffer, and will the end-user face higher costs? Pulling power The European industry is creating more (or at least as much) with less for the latest-generation powertrains. Chassis evolution Is it time for suspension system designs--increasingly costly to develop--to be standardized to conform to the ride and handling requirements of particular types and segments of cars instead of constantly being re-invented? The mere idea is anathema to some, but tempting common sense to others. Creature comforts Priorities for interior design are many and include increased safety, reduced noise, greater comfort, less complex ergonomics, and more systems support for the driver.

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.