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Workflow automation is a revolutionary technology that dramatically improves office business processes. This paper is a case study of how workflow was introduced into the Truck Design and Technical Center of International Truck and Engine Corporation. Some results and lessons learned are offered.

In this paper, interior noise of a heavy commercial truck was modeled with the room equation. This approach assumed that large truck cabins may be adequately modeled as a practical room as is done in architectural acoustics, where ray theory and statistical concepts are suitable, and where application of complicated wave theory may not be necessary. This simplifies computational requirements, making a semi-empirical scheme useful for timely product development. This study employed sound power measurements at thirty-four surface patches encompassing the interior cabin boundary. Each surface-patch constituted an individual interior noise source. Predicted and measured results correlated well, demonstrating the capability to estimate driver-position noise level from predicted periphery sound intensity changes.

International Truck and Engine Corporation introduced a new line of High Performance trucks based on its next generation medium duty platform in February 2001. The new 4000 series that reached full production in April 2001 was the first in a series of models based on this platform to be introduced over the next two years. The new platform will replace all but the heaviest trucks in International's lineup. Even though the primary focus of International's next generation product is addressing the needs of the owners, drivers and maintainers of the truck, the new product is also a key enabler for the execution of International's business strategies of cost and complexity reduction. Integral to the attainment of internal objectives was International's ability to develop products on a common platform to serve across fairly diverse markets.

Several configurations of truck tractor sleeper cabs were tested and modeled to investigate the potential to reduce heating and cooling loads. Two trucks were tested outdoors and a third was used as a control. Data from the testing were used to validate a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model and this model was used to predict reductions in cooling loads during daytime rest periods. The test configurations included the application of standard-equipped sleeper privacy curtain and window shades, an optional insulated or arctic sleeper curtain, and insulated window coverings. The standard curtain reduced sleeper area heating load by 21% in one test truck, while the arctic curtain decreased it by 26%. Insulated window coverings reduced the heating load by 16% in the other test truck and lowered daytime solar temperature gain by 8°C. The lowered temperature resulted in a predicted 34% reduction in cooling load from the model.