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The Rapid Rise of Beryllium-Aluminum Alloys in Aerospace Aeroacoustic Simulation Delivers Breakthroughs in Aircraft Noise Reduction Using System Simulation to Manage Increasing Thermal Loads on Aircraft Fuel Systems Ensuring the Compliance of Avionics Software with DO-178C Microwave Photonic Notch Filter Helps Ensure Critical Mission Success Measuring Propellant Stress Relaxation Modulus Using Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer New testing technique requires less material, gives more accurate results. Combustion Characteristics of Hydrocarbon Droplets Induced by Photoignition of Aluminum Nanoparticles Test methodology allows analysis of combustion dynamics for subscale rocket injectors under super critical conditions. Vapor Pressure Data and Analysis for Selected Organophosphorous Compounds: DIBMP, DCMP, IMMP, IMPA, EMPA, and MPFA Determining the thermophysical properties of chemical warfare agent simulants can help evaluate the performance of defensive equipment.

On-Orbit Satellite Refueling Flow Measurement The Path from Concept to Operational Status Radiation Tolerant "Smart Backplanes" for Spacecraft Avionics Using Heat Pipes to Cool Embedded Computers Electronically Dimmable Aircraft Windows How do you block the light of the sun? Eliminating Electrical Arcing in Satellite Systems NASA Miniaturizes Century-Old Radio Sounder Technology Developing an Airborne Optical Systems Testbed (AOSTB) New Class of Excimer-Pumped Atomic Lasers (XPALS) Research demonstrates the viability of an atomic laser having a quantum efficiency greater than one. Hydrodynamic Drag Force Measurement of a Functionalized Surface Exhibiting Superhydrophobic Properties Comparing the skin friction drag effects of a superhydrophobic flat plate to an untreated flat plate of the same material and geometry.

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.

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.

The battle of the metals Engineers continue to improve the properties of metal and evolve manufacturing technologies to enable metals to maintain, or achieve more of, a competitive presence in vehicles. Global Concepts This second of two parts reviews some of the more significant vehicles from past year's motor shows and showcases trends in design and technology from the world's auotmakers. Good Vibrations AEI takes a look at what some companies are doing to improve vehicle NVH. Asia after the storm This final segment of AEI's three-part look at doing business in the digital age focuses on suppliers and OEMs in Asia. Producing fully dense PM parts A new process from PM Krupp Technologies Inc., F2, is suitable for producing fully dense parts that are too expensive to machine or cast, or that require the high strength, hardness, and durablity that conventional (low-density) powder metal cannot provide.

Getting the aero advantage Team Rahal has come up with several innovative ways of integrating and implementing Fluent Inc.'s computational fluid dynamics softwarae into its engineering process. Jordan Grand Prix benefits from 3-D design This motorsports team's transition from 2-D design to 3-D digital modeling using SDRC's I-DEAS software has resulted in shorter lead times and improved part fit. The 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer Ford engineers further improve ride, handling, and safety while increasing the vehicles' power. Cadillac's re-engineered Escalade The 2002 model has a host of new, advanced features including "Northstar-inspired" powertrains, StabiliTrak stability control, and a Road Sensing Suspension system. Explorer Sport Trac breaks new ground Ford says its 2001 Explorer Sport Trac, based on the 2001 Explorer four-door, was engineered for improved ride and handling, and is the first traditional SUV with an open cargo area.

HID for both beams Automotive Lighting engineers have developed HID lighting for high-beam as well as low-beam functions. High-flux LED light sources Hella's advances in LED design provide new options for signal lights and styling variations for indirect lighting. Top 10 technologies for 2000 Readers have selected the most interesting technology stories appearing in Automotive Engineering International during the past year. The rankings are based on reader responses from feature articles and shorter technology items. Some of the stories appear here in shortened form. Synthetic diesel engine oil Researchers at ExxonMobil have developed an advanced lubricant for heavy-duty diesel engines. Disel Emission Control--Sulfur Effects The objective of this government-industry program is to determine the impact of fuel sulfur levels on emissions-control systems of diesel engines.

Ford's new four The largest engine development program in company history will lead to at least 200 applications, starting with the new Mondeo's Duratec HE and replacement of its existing cast-iron-block four-cylinders with higher aluminum content powerplants. GM Powertrain's new inline six for SUV's For the first time in nearly two decades, three new General Motors vehicles will feature an inline six-cylinder engine developed by GM Powertrain. Fuel-stratified injection from VW Though gasoline direct-injection technology is being introduced in the Lupo FSI, VW says it easily can be adapted for high-volume use in larger vehicles such as the Polo and Golf. LS6 for Z06 The latest high-performance Corvette engine features improved breathing, new pistons, an increased compression ratio, and a new high-profile camshaft.

Solving the driver distraction problem Is voice-recognition technology the silver bullet? No, engineers agree, but it has its place. Succeeding in the alliance game It was General Motors' Arvin F. Mueller, Chairperson of the SAE 2001 World Congress, who came up with "Succeeding in the Alliance Game" as the theme for the March 5-8 automotive engineering event in Detroit. Ferrari 360 aerodynamic development The search for downforce without aerodyamic devices, such as wings or spoilers, led to novel solutions for the car's suspension. Renault's Euro 3 engine Flexible injection systems allowed Renault VI engineers to balance many conflicting priorities in developing Europe's first heavy-duty diesel engine with a fully electronic high-injection-pressure common-rail injection system. Meeting future emissions standards with diesel SUVs AVL List believes that diesel engines could be one way to improve the environmental acceptance of sport utility vehicles.

Ford's Focus on the fuel cell The company's Aachen research center for advanced powertrain and environmental technologies provided the backdrop for a first drive of its latest fuel-cell prototype. Global viewpoints: Europe embraces the AT-factor The central pillar on which the success of every international automotive company now rests is the AT-factor, which stands for advanced technology. Target-vehicle modeling in crash analysis Ford engineers have refined their computer crash models for simulating vehicle compatibility between light trucks and cars. Reticulated polyurethane foam The new generation of materials has added safety, performance, reliability, and value to a number of automotive applications. Sorting through new automotive technologies Developments in powertrain, interior, and chassis technolgoies are improving the performance of vehicles in all corners of the world, including Europe.

Trends in advanced chassis control Motorola vehicle system developers examine the state-of-the-art microprocessor and other electronic technologies driving the development of advanced braking, steering, suspension control, and collision warning/avoidance systems. Wheel design and engineering Consumer demand is driving the automakers' move to large-diameter, shiny, alloy wheels. Telematics and the digital car As development of new telematics products and services gain speed, OEMS, suppliers, and other players in the automotive industry are using simulators as a tool to gain greater understanding of driver distraction. NisSun Rising Nissan is back, according to President and COO Carlo Hosn, thanks to a revised product development structure that makes better use of employees and technology. Back to the future for Ford manufacturing The Vice President of Vehicle Operations said the company's goal is raw materials to finished goods in one day.

Semiconductors flex their muscles Makers of semiconductors see the automotive market as a prime opportunity for growth. The first part of this article looks at this growth from the perspective of semiconductor industry leader Motorola. The second part highlights some recent semiconductor product introductions. 2002 supplier technology As automakers increase outsourcing, suppliers are taking on more responsibility for developing increasingly complex systems and components. This special edition of Tech Briefs highlights some of the many supplier contributions to 2002 passenger cars. Vision sensors and the intelligent vehicle Advancements in CMOS imaging sensors have enabled Delphi engineers to adapt low-cost, high-quality cameras for a variety of applications in integrated safety systems. The reborn Thunderbird Taking cues from the 1955 model, the 2002 car benefited from Ford's modern platform and systems engineering as well as C3P computer modeling techniques.

Fuel cell AUTOnomy General Motors stunned the North American International Auto Show audience with a fuel-cell concept intended to revolutionize the way vehicles are designed, built, and operated. Revving up for diesel With diesel engines having such a large automotive presence in Europe, and such a small one in the U.S., suppliers vie for the diesel of the future. High time for hybrids With two already on the road and at least four others slated for launch within the next couple of years, hybrid vehicles are taking center stage in the automotive industry. Whether the technology becomes a mass-market phenomena or niche-filler is a matter of debate--one that will take place at the SAE 2002 World Congress.

Bouncing back The economic slowdown of the past year or so tooks its toll on the U.S. automotive industry, with U.S. OEMs suffering the brunt of lost sales. This four-section article explores some of the issues shaping the U.S. auto industry and some of the technologies U.S. OEMs and suppliers are using to combat their emboldened overseas competitors. Powering the future It's anyone's guess as to what type of power source will ultimately drive the majority of future vehicles in North America, but one thing is certain: advancements in various powertrain technologies from industry players are ready to make today's and tomorrow's cars more environmentally--and customer--friendly. Inside North American vehicles Vehicle interiors are incorporating more and more electronics, telematics, and other advanced technologies, challenging engineers and desginers to make them simple, safe, comfortable, and appealing.

Drivetrains: Challenging the design philosophy A researcher from the Southwest Research Institute focuses on one of the most immediate and dramatic changes of powertrain design: the introduction of CVTs. Elastohydrodynamic lubricants for CVTs In metal-to-metal continously variable transmissions, EHLs momentarily become part of the machinery, allowing for a much higher traction coefficient than is possible with hydrodynamic fluids. Hybrid vehicle dynamics Toyota engineers combined electronic control of the Estima minivan's breaking and driving functions to create its new Vehicle Dynamics Management system, resulting in improved environmental and vehicle performance. Jeep Commander 2 Chrysler Group engineers provide an inside look at one of the pioneering methanol fuel reforming fuel-cell concept vehicles. Improving SUV fuel economy Delphi is pursuing a strategy of engine shutdown and adding torque from an electric motor with its new 42-V integrated starter-generator.

Then there were two Prevailing sentiment in the Japanese media, and to some extent among the public, is that there are two truly indigenous automobile manufacturers in Japan: the Toyota group of companies and Honda. Others have entrenched themselves in global alliances for much-needed infusions of foreign capital. Cars and light trucks merge As light-vehicle segments blur in function and utlility, Japanese manufacturers are placing body design emphasis on optimum space utilization and crash safety. Chassis trends Technologies in development by Japanese companies include lane keeping, steer by wire, and dynamic stability via hybrid-electric drive. Engines and electric motors The Japanese industry is pursuing a high-tech mix of internal combustion engines, hybrid IC/electric powertrains, and fuel cells.

Tech Highlights: 2002 Mondial de L'Automobile European editor Stuart Birch gives a run down of some of the significant vehicle and technology debuts at the Paris Motor Show, beginning with the French automakers. Supply-chain trends With increased responsibility for modules and warranties, automotive suppliers are finding innovative ways to manage their supply chains. Sports car racing technology Le Mans series race car engineering reach a high-water mark in 2002, but will likely recede in 2003. Innovation at DaimlerChrysler Chairman and CEO Jurgen Schrempp believes that in the next 15 years, car technology and design will move ahead more rapidly than at any time in the past half century--and that almost everything except the basic four-wheel layout could change. Escape Hybrid is a showstopper Ford in 2003 will launch the world's first production hybrid-electric SUV, which will be the subject of much discussion at this month's 2002 SAE International Truck & Bus Meeting & Exhibition.

Bending light Lighting technology is becoming more intelligent and adaptive as OEMs and suppliers develop systems that are more integrated into vehicle electronics systems for greater performance and safety. Top technologies of the year The world's automakers and suppliers were busy in 2002 equipping production vehicles with significant new technology. The editors review some of those significant "game changing" innovations for the past model year. Testing on the move Advances in mobile data acquisition, such as those from HBM, have helped engineers move the testing of vehicles from the laboratory to the road. Producing an all-new powertrain Ford and International each revamped a plant to build a new powertrain for Ford's super-duty trucks and Excursion sport utility vehicle. Making plastic parts New ways of forming plastics for automotive components were revealed at an annual contest sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers.

Engine strategies and engineering Top powertrain executives from DaimlerChrysler and General Motors talk about their companies' views and plans for the future. Greater performance, better efficiency, and reduced emissions are the highlights of the latest crop of internal combustion engines from their companies and others. Educating engineers The automotive and academic worlds are teaming to ensure that the industry's future is full of qualified engineering talent. OEM production systems enable flexibility Building multiple models on the same production line is a Japanese innovation--one that U.S. automakers are hurrying to implement. Executives abound at SAE 2003 World Congress Re-tooled to increase the presence of OEMs and to make it easier for attendees to get the information they need, this year's Congress offers a great return on investment for engineers and related automotive industry professionals who spend time in Detroit's Cobo Center March 3-6.

Phantom materializes BMW's Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils its first model, an aluminum-bodied sedan with rear-hinged rear doors and a new V12. Protecting the cabin from powertrain NVH OEMs are getting help from suppliers such as Collins & Aikman and Bayer in damping NVH, thanks to innovation in plastics. Forced induction Environmental pressures prompt renewed interest in turbochargers and superchargers. Collaboration software emerges Interactive product development tools that can decrease design time and cost, enhance quality, and improve engineering processes are now widely available. Validated virtual testing DaimlerChrysler and MTS Systems have verified that component load histories can be predicted before prototypes are built. Automation: a tool, not an end Toyota and its suppliers try to strike a balance between automation and manual labor at their U.S. plants.