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New Technologies Tackle UAV Challenges Robotic Applique Kits Leverage Existing Assets Educating UGVs Implementing AI Advancements in Thermal Image Training Data Sets Protecting Critical Data on Unmanned Underwater Platforms Advancements Made to the Wingman Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Simulation: How to Operate the SIL New features include the creation of virtual environments that match real-world gunnery test courses. Soldier-Robot Team Communication: An Investigation of Exogenous Orienting Visual Display Cues and Robot Reporting Preferences The effective use of robots to conduct dangerous missions depends on accurate man-machine communications. Soft Robotic Fish Swims Alongside Real Ones in Coral Reefs GPS Enabled Semi-Autonomous Robot Combining GPS signals with acoustic and encoder data gives a robot the ability to determine its location and orientation within a reference frame.

Designing a High-Speed Decoy Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Using Thermoplastics in Aerospace Applications In-Flight Real-Time Avionics Adaptation Using Turbine Flow Meters for Aerospace Test and Measurement Applications Communicating from Space: The Front End of Multiscale Modeling Laser-Based System Could Expand Space-to-Ground Communication Hydraulic Testing of Polymer Matrix Composite 102mm Tube Section Research could lead to development of a composite material that can be processed at a low temperature and still be used at 1000°F. Permeation Tests on Polypropylene Fiber Materials Study attempts to determine if polypropylene nanofiber materials can be used in air filtration systems to remove toxic vapors. Inter-Laboratory Combat Helmet Blunt Impact Test Method Comparison Ensuring consistent test methods could reduce the risk of head injuries.

Harley-Davidson's e-bike shocker (video) Is the motorcycle market ready for a Harley-Davidson EV? Project LiveWire was designed to provide answers, said Chief Engineer Jeff Richlen. Airbus has its eye on the future of cleaner flight CleanSky 2 targets are to increase aircraft fuel efficiency enough to reduce CO2 emissions by 20-30% and reduce aircraft NOx and noise emissions by 20-30% compared to newly designed aircraft entering into service in 2014-or essentially halve 2005 CO2 emissions levels by 2050. Soul EV extends the range frontier (video) Specially formulated NCM battery cells are key in giving the vehicle class-leading EV range while enabling engineers to fit a high-energy-density battery pack underfloor with little sacrifice of passenger cabin space.

Lithium-ion refinement Even as high-profile fires create concern, battery and car makers accelerate their move toward lithium-ion technology with advances in cost, performance, and safety. NASA's quest for maximum efficiency As part of its hybrid body wing aircraft with turboelectric distributed propulsion system, NASA has proposed to use a superconducting and cryogenic electrical system to connect the electrical output of the generators to the motors.

Advances for off-highway engine design As manufacturers continue to drive out cost and meet a worldwide patchwork of regulatory frameworks, the tools for developing those engines are advancing. From showcase prototypes to advanced analytical techniques, suppliers are helping the cause. Military vehicles battle for autonomy at lower cost Engineers are adding sensors, more powerful micros and faster networks as they automate tasks and pave the way to autonomy. Heavy duty lightweighting Optimization of tractor-trailer systems and component design helps to reduce overall vehicle mass, a key strategy in improving fuel economy and meeting upcoming Phase 2 GHG regulations. Navistar's SuperTruck II explores composites, WiFi to cut weight Methane state of mind New Holland ramps up its focus on alternative fuels, showcasing a methane-powered concept tractor that trims emissions, operating costs.

Volvo Trucks enters electrification's next phase With electric trucks already available, the OEM focuses on refining service and maintenance, expanding EV-certified dealerships and scaling production. Why agriculture will automate before on-highway Danfoss' top autonomy executive says automation will help overcome labor and technological challenges that would otherwise leave billions of dollars' worth of crops rotting in fields. Driver-in-the-loop for off-highway development Industrial and agricultural vehicle engineers can draw many of the same benefits from a driving simulator as passenger-car development teams.

What's New at ConExpo/IFPE A preview of some of the new products and technologies that companies plan to showcase at this year's ConExpo-Con/Agg, which is co-located with the IFPE fluid-power event in Las Vegas from March 4-8. Injection strategies for improving emissions characteristics Premixed charge compression ignition reduces NOx and soot emissions, but requires the optimization of the injection timing and pressure, fuel mass in pilot injection, and EG R rate. Systems that talk together, are efficient together Design teams take a holistic view, linking engines, transmissions, hydraulics, and aftertreatment systems to boost efficiency and performance. Managing the deluge of data The model-based development (MBD) process has been a key enabler of technical advancement in the transportation industry; however, the MBD process leads to the generation of large volumes of data artifacts and work products.

Autonomous plows ahead Agriculture, construction, mining-even marine-are advancing autonomous technology to improve the productivity and safety of vehicles on the job. Expediting engine design Simulation tools drive development of the most complex, fuel- efficient and powerful engines ever seen in off-highway applications. Industry 4.0: The smart factory arrives The plants that produce vehicles and their high-tech systems are increasingly employing intelligent systems, Big Data and advanced analytics to improve quality, safety and efficiency. The future is not so far-off Enhanced Cat 3500 engine boosts power 20%, trims fuel usage by 10% Phase 2 GHG rules driver for advanced technology, alternative fuels Eaton demonstrates waste heat recovery, variable valve actuation for HD diesels Hyliion develops add-on hybrid system for semi-trailers that reduces fuel consumption by 30% Tech-heavy Iveco Z Truck concept spawns 29 patents EPA's Grundler talks Phase 2 regs

Look Ma, no driver Unmanned vehicles evolve quickly as processors, sensors improve performance. Calling all hydraulics engineers As the industry knows all too well, hydraulics engineers are hard to come by; a look at how companies are hiring, training, and, most important, retaining engineers. Making diesels quiet and clear Researchers look at the relative influence of gear design parameters on the rattle noise of a diesel engine timing gear train.

Huge loader: huge tire Tire technology retains a direct controlling influence over wheeled machine mass and application requirements. Getting engineers off the streets Hands-on experience and career-long training are widely employed to equip engineers with a skill set more varied than just technical know-how. Driving blind Industry, government, and academia have their eyes on autonomous off-highway vehicles. Introducing Duane Tiede, SAE President for 2004 With over 35 years of diverse experience in the off-highway industry, Duane Tiede steps up to a new challenge-leading SAE into its 100th year.

Designing out emissions Researchers from Michigan Technological University designed and tested a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection and catalytic exhaust treatment for a snowmobile application. Networking to extend equipment life Equipment developers are using local area networks to gather specific usage and maintenance data in response to the needs of off-highway equipment owners and leasing companies to maximize investments. CAE goes off-highway A look at how manufacturers are saving time and improving quality by using computer simulation. Engineering the first 50-ton ADT While it could be said that the articulated frame truck is now a mature concept, Bell Equipment moved the goal posts by redefining both the weight class and application range for this versatile machine.

The evolution of diesel emissions control The development of clean diesel has been a saga of evolution punctuated by occasional milestones. Heavy-duty engine emissions tests Ricardo recently commissioned from Emprise a new full-dilution emissions measurement system at its Chicago Technical Center. Air entrainment in hydraulic systems Researchers from Opus Systems and Hosei University designed a device to remove bubbles or foam in working oils for improved performance. Turbocompounding revisited Scania has introduced a new in-line six-cylinder engine that uses technology developed 20 years ago to meet tomorrow's emissions requirements.

More with less through electronic components Off-highway engineers have had to walk a precarious path in recent years by developing engine technologies that offer customers better vehicle performance and regulators lower emissions. The promises and problems of electrohydraulics Engineers acknowledge that electrohydraulics are the way of the future for the off-highway industry, and that the field itself could use a good public-relations campaign to attract more engineering students. Deere goes all out for agriculture To some, it may seem odd that John Deere picked this particular economy to launch over 50 new products, the most in its 164-year history. To others it reeks of confidence. Switching control in hydraulic drives Researchers from Johannes Kepler University believe agricultural machinery can be improved by further advances in motion generation.

Bridging the power gap An alliance between Cummins and Komatsu provides an intriguing prospect to the industrial engine market with the new QSK78 industrial engine. Large eddy simulation in hydraulic valves Cavitation in hydraulic spool valaves involves large-scale vortical structures in an unsteady submerged jet. According to engineers from Purdue University, curent CFD approaches do not accurately predict these unsteady vortices, nor do they properly account for bubble-dynamics/flow-structure interactions. Proving heavy-vehicle performance The Nevada Automotive Test Center and Mechanical Dynamics joined forces to redesign and improve the drivetrain, frame, steering, and other subsystems of a heavy-duty military-vehicle for the USMC. Tying it all together GPS. Engine diagnostics. Wireless communications. So much technology. So many voices. Is it a chorus of the Tower of Babel?

Simulating cab noise and vibration Researchers at kubota and Doshisha University have established a prediction method for the engine-idling state using statistical energy analysis. Manufacturing cost estimating Caterpillar's ACT Group uses Micro Estimating Systems' computer-aided estimating program to increase efficiency and decrease operating costs in powder-metal part manufacturing. In search of greener pastures Agricultural OEMs are looking at the total life cycle to develop more environmentally conscious products and processes. Emissions and lubrication More stringent diesel emissions legislation is placing an increased burden on engine lubricant in the form of soot loading.

Hydrostatic drives in heavy equipment The benfits of using modern hydrostatic components in conjunction with shiftable gearboxes and computer controls include a large control range, precise control of traction effort and speed, and high efficiency. Dynamic simulation of tracked vehicles Researchers from Purdue University, the Federal University of Vicosa, and Caterpillar, have developed a soil/track interface simulation program to model mechanical and hydraulic powertrains commonly found in tracked vehicles.

Integration opens the door Semiconductor suppliers are integrating many functions into power devices while also cutting power consumption in an environment, automotive doors, where 8-bit microcontrollers still hold sway.

UMich-Ann Arbor team takes home Baja season's Iron Team Award Cornell University also had a strong 2014 season, but not strong enough to fend off Michigan Baja Racing. Georgia Tech and Warsaw University were double-winners at SAE Aero Design competitions University of Akron and University of Cincinnati were the other winners at the twin 3-class competitions, the former setting a record in the process. West Coast teams win 2 of 3 Formula SAE events Oregon State captures its fifth crown while Jose State enjoys its first overall victory and UPenn tops the electric field. Taking action early to conquer the STEM crisis Interest in STEM subjects falls precipitously as students progress through elementary and middle school.

Teams make unique statements at FSAE Michigan Some statements produced better results than others, but all teams walked away from the 2014 FSAE Michigan event with invaluable hands-on engineering experience. Teams get 'super' results at SAE Supermileage University students from around the world gathered in Marshall, MI, to determine which team could achieve the highest fuel economy at the 353th anniversary of the competition. Competition winners react to attaining coveted F1 engineering roles Two of the winners have Formula SAE experience on their side.

All about the engine The University of Wisconsin-Madison team increases engine displacement and implements exhaust gas recirculation to maintain winning ways in SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge. Fluid mechanics of diesel injection studied at Penn State Special photography method helps student researchers get a better look at spray patterns. Under new management A senior-heavy squad from Minnesota State University, Mankato, takes a different approach to team dynamics and jumps 34 spots to 17th overall at the 2016 Formula SAE Michigan competition.