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What system Designers Should Know About MOSA Standards Microtube Technology A Catalyst for Next-Gen Aerospace Thermal Control Space Industry Test Challenges Advancing Metrology at Mach Speed Drone Mounted Inspection Breaks Barriers for F-35 RF Technology Helps Connect Avionics Systems Using Open-Cavity Plastic Packages in Avionics Applications Electronic Prognostics - A Case Study Using Global Positioning System (GPS) Prognostic health management (PHM) of electronic systems presents challenges traditionally viewed as either insurmountable or not worth the cost of pursuit, but recent changes in weapons platform acquisition and support requirements has spurred renewed interest in electronics PHM, revealing possible applications, accessible data sources, and previously unexplored predictive techniques.

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.

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.

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.

Frankfurt Motor Show The art of automotive product packaging is a complex, multifunctional design and engineering discipline that has led to cars with relatively small overall dimesnions yet remarkable interior space. E-volutions As the movement to improve various supply-chain functions through the implementation of e-business initiatives gains momentum, the providers of the products and services that make the benefits possible are becoming more important to the automotive industry's future. Automakers going digital A math-based, vehicle-devleopment-process strategy has helped General Motors to achieve greater engineering capability, efficiency, and quality. A more redefined Ram Chrysler Group engineers have employed the use of hydroforming, new airbag technology, and aerodynamics, among other things, to improve the design, ride, and safety of the Dodge Ram 1500 for model year 2002.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Suppliers put meat on bones of NAIAS show cars Inside and underneath the shiny new models at January's North American International Auto Show is the work of a fiercely competitive supply base. 2006 Engine Special Report Our annual review of the most significant internal-combustion engines of the year ranges from a novel forced-induction four cylinder designed for displacement downsizing to a V10 powerhouse focusing on high output, with three V6s in between. Many products, no wires The Bluetooth wireless protocol is helping consumers to bring their personal electronics along for the ride. Blue skies at Makuhari The forward-looking concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show point to a brighter, more fuel-efficient future.

Cadillac CTS GM's all-new global sports sedan makes no excuses in chassis dynamics, body integrity, powertrain performance, premium materials, and overall craftsmanship. Taking control of hybrids Software must monitor and manage many parameters while coordinating the complex operations of the engine, electric motors, and batteries. LIghter, faster, lower cost Ducati's top engineer brought a "maniacal" approach to developing the 1098 superbike. Diesels' brave new year Lean-NOx catalysts, closed-loop cylinder pressure sensing, and homogenous combustion are making "50-states" diesels a reailty. Behind the curtain AEI takes an in-depth look at how the designers and engineers at General Motors took the company's trio of new crossover SUVs from sketchbook to road. Engineering from everywhere With future growth in car and truck sales coming mainly from emerging markets, companies are realigning their engineering operations accordingly.

Consumed by changes Reprogramming becomes the focus of engineers as radios become multifunction head units integrating many infotainment functions. Design insiders Packaging, comfort, 'premiumness,' and quality are keywords in the vocabulary of car interior designers, but significant changes to interior structures could lead to a design revolution. Accident avoidance 2.0 OEMs and suppliers are going to great lengths to ensure the proper performance of their next generation of active safety products. Automotive policy goes to the polls Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama stake out different positions on issues affecting the automotive industry and future vehicle engineering. Mitsubishi i MiEC Instead of focusing on hybrid propulsion, the company is hoping to be a leader in all-electric vehicles by readying a minicar for 2010 launch. Tato Nano The Indian automaker intends to overcome obstacles and deliver on its promise of a $2500 all-weather, safe family car.

Mapping tomorrow's traffic Leaders from the top design institutes believe the art of transportation design hinges on a holistic--and progressive--understanding of the relationships between people, vehicles, and public space. Sitting comfortably Seat engineers are enhancing safety, adding functions, but comfort still reigns supreme. Coming to life Bio-based materials are increasingly showcased in concept vehicles--but do they have widespread production potential? Chevrolet supercharges the Corvette Even an old dog like the Corvette ZR1's LS9 Small Block Chevy can learn new tricks thanks to a supercharger and key supporting parts. Double-duty Duratec Ford's new 2.5-L inline four for 2010 boasts advanced fuel and ignition control, and an Atkinson-cycle variant for HEVs. Coast-to-coast diesel Having held back until it could offer one in all corners of the U.S., BMW says the time is right for a 50-state diesel.

A winning iQ SAE members voted Toyota's new microcar the Best Engineering Vehicle for 2009. The iQ shows its smarts with brilliant packaging, city-friendly efficiency, and superb overall execution. Diesel or gasoline hybrids? As the global financial crisis deepens, companies must hone their R&D programs and attempt to choose winning technologies with the European OEMs, in particular, debating their hybrid strategies. Engine upgrade With displacements headed downward but output expectations undiminished, evolving sensor technologies and strategies are helping to give a boost to engine performance, efficiency, and emissions. Smooth riding ahead Integration and continuous development are the key words as chassis dynamics head into this century's second decade. Building in smarter materials Technologies that can automatically respond to changing conditions are expected to show up increasingly in future automobiles.

Automotive Engineering International 2012 SAE World Congress Tech Awards The editors of Automotive Engineering International preview the most innovative supplier technologies to be displayed April 24-26 in Detroit at the SAE 2012 World Congress. The top five are highlighted in this edition, but additional technologies and other event coverage can be viewed online at www.sae.org/mags/aei/saewc. The quest for better turbocharger compressors With the prevalence of automotive engine downsizing for better efficiency and emissions, greater emphasis is being placed on turbo aerodynamics to achieve wider-range and high-efficiency single-stage compressors. HCCI: The search for a better burn continues A Bosch-led consortium sponsored by the U.S. DOE, and a research team at Sandia National Laboratories, are pushing to unlock the fuel-efficiency potential of the elusive homogeneous-charge compression ignition engine.

GM revitalizes the V8 that will not die Direct injection, CVVT, and cylinder deactivation make the timeless Small-Block V8 ready for duty in the 2014 Corvette and full-size pickups. Its 4.3-L V6 cousin also gains those features. Where's the app for this? Design teams are seeking solutions to the many challenges that come when they link apps to vehicle electronics. These include adopting standards such as HTML5 and MirrorLink for simplified software development.

VW bucks hybrid convention with 2013 Jetta HEV Rather than use a mild-mannered Atkinson-cycle ICE, VW engineers opted for a turbocharger. Their unique P2 hybrid powertrain stands alone in terms of sheer driving fun balanced with efficiency. Synergies strengthen safety systems Complementary technologies and data sharing are enabling enhanced collision avoidance. For example, radar and camera sharing the same processor provides a higher level of safety than two separate systems. A 'model' instrument panel ANSYS researchers implement simulation-driven product development for thermoforming of instrument panels.

Engine boosting goes full bore Pumping more air into the cylinder is key to solving the CAFE puzzle, and engineers are hard at work figuring out the best ways to do it with turbocharger and supercharger innovation. Building a pathway for autonomous driving Existing safety systems will be augmented by onboard and external inputs; the biggest challenges will be designing the software that makes proper decisions without error and liability concerns. Steel in control Hyundai Steel develops a new 780-MPa grade of hot-rolled high-strength steel for application in a one-piece front lower control arm, displaying the potential for an 8% mass reduction.