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The row about rare earths Rare-earth elements are key to applications as varied as traction motors, catalytic converters, and wind turbines, but high prices and supply shortages have the auto industry grappling with design changes and other alternatives.

Software's role continues to expand Design teams use different technologies to create new software and link systems together. Emissions regulations and engine complexity With the European Commission announcing a Stage V criteria emissions regulation for off-highway, scheduled to phase-in as earlly as 2019, there will be an end to a brief era of harmonized new-vehicle regulations. Will this affect an already complex engine development process? Evaluating thermal design of construction vehicles CFD simulation is used to evaluate two critical areas that address challenging thermal issues: electronic control units and hot air recirculation.

Hydraulics still in control of off-highway needs Engineers continue to master electronic controllers and software to help systems manage engine speeds and boost efficiency, to the ultimate benefit of both OEMs and end-users. Off-highway calibration challenges-big and complex As the final set of Tier 4 regulations kick in for engines greater than 750 hp (560 kW), calibration efforts must contend with complex engine and aftertreatment systems. Engine manufacturers and service providers deal with this complexity, but does it need to be so? DEF delivery modelling for SCR systems Researchers characterize a 0-D model of a urea delivery module, oriented to model-based control and to the simulation of the system response to fault injections finalized to diagnosis validation.

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.

A model in aftertreatment A look at 1-D numerical models, based on chemical kinetics derived for real-world catalysts, for a vanadium oxide ammonia SCR catalyst and a PGM-based DOC.

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.

Balancing GDI fuel economy and emissions Will OEMs have to adopt gasoline particulate filters to comply with stringent new emissions regulations? Top engineers discuss current developments. Cameras look to go the distance Automakers seek vision systems with greater distances, improved reliability, and more functionality, thanks to ruggedized complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technologies. Mixing metals Cadillac pursues aluminum/steel mix for new CT6 luxury sedan, leading to advances in body assembly.

Defying the disruptors and driving innovation Four top engineering executives discuss how their "traditional" companies are finding new technology opportunities and business growth amid the start-ups-and are even doing some disrupting themselves. Preparing for a 48-volt revival The quest to improve fuel economy is not waning, nor is the desire to achieve higher mpg through the use of just the right lightweight material for the right vehicle application. Additive manufacturing enhances GTDI pistons Selective Laser Melting may help manufacture future gasoline-engine pistons with enhanced heat-transfer properties and reduced weight.

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.

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.

The diesel is coming, the diesel is coming The diesel engine is reaching maturity before our eyes and noses, thanks in part to diesel particulate filters and high-pressure fuel injection. Planning for the future Industry and academia partner to improve education for tomorrow's automotive engineers. Passion for performance at SAE 2004 World Congress A special program dedicated to engineering and other issues related to high-performance vehicles will highlight this year's annual gathering. Modules no shell game for Siemens VDO Workers at the supplier's plant in Santa Catarina, Mexico, assemble seven plastic shells and 26 other components into an air/fuel intake module for DaimlerChrysler's Hemi engine.

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.

Car of 2100 A.D. AEI gave readers a chance to speak out on what they thought people in 2100 would be driving. We have chosen the best submissions. Also, the AEI editors have included their best guess as to what cars will be in 2100. We realize that this is a guess but the real answer will not be known for 100 years. V8 power for BMW's M5 The new 294-kW (400-hp) S62 engine developed by BMW's M GmbH features Double VANOS variable intake and exhaust valve timing, electronic drive-by-wire, and oil circulation boosted as a function of lateral cornering force. Northstar revised for 2000 Improvements to the powerplant include a roller-follower valvetrain, improved combustion chamber, center-feed intake manifold, coil-on-plug cassette ignition system, and a Siemens powertrain controller. Aston Martin's first V12 Available in both the DB7 Vantage Coupe and Volante, the flexible all-alloy engine delivers 85% of its peak torque at just 1500 rpm.