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Engineered Solutions for Enclosure Sealing and Insulation Tips for Reducing Error When Using Eddy Current Measuring Techniques Reducing the High Cost of Titanium Streamlining Post-Processing in Additive Manufacturing Software-Defined Analog Filters: A Paradigm Shift in Radio Filter Performance and Capability SDR Interface for the NeXtRAD Multistatic Radar System Electrodeposition of Metal Matrix Composites and Materials Characterization for Thin-Film Solar Cells Metal matrix composites, which consist of silver-multiwalled carbon nanotube-silver, layer-by-layer stacks, can electrically bridge the cracks (>40 μm) that appear in semiconductor substrates and the composite grid lines. Sensing Applied Load and Damage Effects in Composites with Nondestructive Techniques Comparing and correlating piezoelectrically induced guided waves, acoustic emission, thermography, and X-ray imaging to determine the effects of applied load on a composite structure.

Clean, quiet commercial propulsion Engine manufacturers design future engines to meet noise, pollution, and fuel economy needs. Robots take over Dramatic changes in areas as diverse as semiconductor costs, software tools, and the trend toward regional aircraft are creating opportunities for airplane manufacturers to automate their factories. Rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing Durable, temperature-resistant powders and materials enable the manufacture of complex components. The research race Aerospace R&D funding in the U.S. is on the upswing, but new priorities create challenges for universities.

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.

Europe's double-decker giant "Aerospace Engineering" provides an overview of the issues and technocal challenges faced by Airbus in the development of the A380. Quiet please Several technologies are under development at GE Aircraft Engines that address strigent demands from the airlines for reduced noise emissions from new aircraft engines. Thermal material solutions Astrium has begun investigating several new metallic thermal protection system concepts for reusable launch vehicles. Bringing the best of both worlds in engine technology GE Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney together developed the GP7000, a powerplant alternative for the Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft.

Designing reliable boards The makers of electronic hardware are boosting reliability by reducing the number of components that can fail while improving ruggedization for those circuit boards. Better seen, not heard Reducing noise profiles is a multi-targeted task for engine OEMs, airframers, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies. Farnborough 2006 "Sustainable Aviation" will be a key subject as representatives of the global aerospace industry meet at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Supporting nest-gen propulsion The need for advanced computational and communication systems on board military aircraft make fuel cells an attractive propulsion alternative, and ample access to hydrogen a necessity. Aerospace industry seeks material returns Better use of materials data can pay off for aerospace designers. Transatlantic testing program for the F-35 Europe gets its most comprehensive-ever military airframe test facility.

Gradually going green The number of commercial airplanes globally is expected to double by 2030, but will there be enough fuel to keep them flying? 57 channels and everything's on Radios handle more frequencies as well as visual inputs, forcing developers to employ many design strategies. Surmounting modeling pitfalls A look at software tools that aid in the efficient model-based design of next-generation energy-optimized aircraft. When fuel cells fly Emerging hydrogen and fuel-cell-based technologies are being developed for the future replacement of onboard electrical systems in more-electric or all-electric aircraft.

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.

Introducing Dr. Rodica A. Baranescu, SAE President for the year 2000 Rodica Baranescu, SAE President for the year 2000, talks about the challenges she faced and the successes she enjoyed on her odyssey to the pinnacle of the automotive engineering community. NAIAS highlights AEI editors present the technical highlights of concepts and production vehicles from the 2000 North American International Auto Show in January. Best Engineered Cars of each decade of the 20th Century Readers of Automotive Engineering International voted on the best engineered cars of each decade of the 20th Century. An overall winner was chosen from among the entries. Philippine Automotive Technology Conference/Workshop The Philippine Automotive Technology Conference/Workshop will take place Monday-Friday, April 10-14, at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City, Manile, Philippines.

Speed is king Motorsports offers automakers a fast way to develop new technologies and quick-thinking engineers. This article explores how DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and General Motors approach motorsports as an engineering tool. Electronics: changing the shape of the automobile The decisions made by the automotive industry the next few years will forever change the shape of the automobile. The electronic technologies to improve fuel economy, increase passenger safety, lower emissions, and improve reliability are evolving quickly, but because of their cost the exact timeframe for their implementation is undecided. Chevrolet Corvette The Z06 is the big news for 2001, the new model having a high-output 5.7-L LS6 V8 developed by GM Powertrain. Innovation meets the mid-size segment The 2001 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus offer more power, enhanced NVH characteristics, and improved safety. Third-generation M3 The all-new high-performance M3 coupe debuts in North America.

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.

Managing and remaking metals Who knew a hundred years ago that just under half of a 2001 model year vehicle would be manufactured out of dismantled, flattened, and shredded older vehicles? Global viewpoints: Japan plans for the future Greater competition from Western and other Asian nations, as well as global environmental concerns, have focused the country's long-term technology and engineering strategies. Hear the noise, feel the vibe There being no silver bullet for noise and vibration attenuation, suppliers are providing a variety of options for the OEM quest to provide a smooth and quiet ride. Forum for fuel cells An in-depth, one-day fuel-cell summit, presented by AEI, allowed open discussion on the burgeoning technology from various stakeholders. This month's focus is on two keynote presentations that addressed some business and regulatory trends regarding the development and adoption of fuel cells.

Fuel-cell commercialization The technology race is on to market the next revolution in automotive propulsion, with the first vehicles in limited quantities coming from Toyota and Honda by the end of the year. Telematics technology trends Analysts at the Telematics Research Group explain the computer, communications, and automotive electronic component advancements that will influence systems development. No end in sight to electronics' growth The biennial Convergence conference on transportation electronics, hosted by DaimlerChrysler, will explore the interplay of electronics with mechanical and other systems to improve vehicle safety, performance, and convenience. Making contacts Engineers at AMI DODUCO reveal their latest research and developments on critical automotive electrical contact reliability.

Appetite for cars growing in China Automakers and suppliers the world over are scrambling to establish or expland manufacturing operations in China as income growth spurs a rapid rise in car sales. "Lighting" the way for bodies Alcan says the most common alternative metal for body applications, aluminum, can be used as a stand-alone material or integrated with steel. Controlling noise, vibration, and harshness Vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers are finding ways to deliver greater passenger comfort in the early stages of design. Why diesels, why now? Participants at the first SAE Executive Management Briefing discuss the possibilities and technical challenges for diesel engines in U.S. passenger vehicles. Virtual powertrain, real results As powertrain control systems require more complex validation testing in less time, Ford is teaming with Concurrent Computer to develop a HIL simulation system that tests real control hardware in the virtual world.

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.

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.

Lighting goes digital Headlights move towards full integration with sensors, adjusting to turns and other driving conditions, while high-intensity discharge and light-emitting-diode technologies see continued growth. 2004 technology in review AEI editors look back at some of the most significant engineering and innovation stories of the past year. The age of digital experience SAE 100 Future look: Automotive historians will remember the beginning of the 21st century as a defining moment in the history of an industry. Simplifying advanced computing SAE 100 Future look: There is no doubt the world is changing. Global competition and sourcing, cost pressures, safety, and environmental concerns are just a few evolving realities facing the automotive industry today.

NAIAS supplier guide: what's behind the show cars Seductive surfaces and shocking shapes are what catches the eye at this annual winter mega-car-show in Detroit, but functional parts are key to a new model's ultimate success. Direct-injection resurgence The Japanese OEMs are integrating the latest-generation technology into their newest gasoline and diesel engines, focusing the latter on export markets such as Europe. Hybrids pose electronics challenges The vexing technical issues of integrating conventional and electric propulsion systems are complicated by the push to trim cross. Testing ways to cut NVH costs Traditional approaches to conducting noise, vibration, and harshness testing are often very costly for companies, but alternative solutions exist. Hydrogen power for the masses Japanese companies continue to invest in development of fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen production capability.

Systems drive safety Engineers are using a holistic approach to design safer vehicles by adding function and integrating multiple subsystems. The gas in greener Biodiesels promise to help reduce petroleum consumption and CO2 emissions, but much of the potential depends on production and infrastructure investment. Good vibrations Instead of excising all noise, vibration, and harshness, engineers are focusing more on making specific sounds and feedback "fit" a vehicle. SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress Preview International Truck and Engine executives head the charge for "positive industry change" at SAE's third Congress for the on- and off-highway communities.

Spec Formula One The series is moving forward with new rules to reduce cost and make racing more directly relevant to road-car development. Adding foresight Radar and cameras will work together to help drivers avoid accidents. Lexus LS 460:AEI's Best Engineered Vehicle for 2007 The fourth generation of Lexus' global flagship sets new standards in engineering, technical innovation, refinement, and workmanship. Hot off the grid New interest in plug-in hybrids has sparked intense R&D in battery chemistries and systems integration. Digital developments Ever-improving computer-based tools are helping engineers complete more complex designs in shorter time frames with downsized staffs. Illuminating technology Sensor-linked lighting systems, automatic high-beam control, LED headlights, and brand-identifying cabin lighting are enhancing safety, convenience, and the feel-good factor.