Search Results

Emission standards derived to protect the environment have driven engine manufacturers to accelerate their efforts in engine emission development in order to meet the mandated standards. This paper will outline the current and upcoming emission standards, the technology involved in accomplishing the requirements and the solutions to in-service engines meeting their emission standards. The paper targets the fleet operator to provide a single source of information in an effort to alert them to upcoming requirements and what can be expected when specifying equipment for procurement. The technology discussed in this paper varies in its application for several engine makes and models. Since technology transfers from application to application it is vital that these ideas and concepts be explained.

With the use of digital audio tape recorders and piezo accelerometers, a practical field-ready method of determining occupant loading has been developed for heavy truck and equipment ride evaluation. The primary objective in determining ride quality is to verify the accelerations transferred to the occupant through the seat. These accelerations can then be compared to occupant threshold limits to assist the engineer in determining ride quality. The acquisition of acceleration data can be done incrementally for each component of the vehicle, from the ground up to the seat cushion. This allows for an in-depth analysis of suspension and frame components which can then be used to fine tune the design. A secondary use of this method is to evaluate the interaction of contributing components to overall ride quality. Specifically, tires, shock absorbers, air bellows, spring rates, fifth wheel position and front axle position can be evaluated with this field ready method.

The subject of alternate fuels has been addressed for the past 20 years in an effort to solve emissions and world fuel supply concerns. A recent study of the available literature and technology to date pointed out a need for a single source of information for the fleet operator. This paper will be divided into discussions of emissions requirements, world fuel supplies, alternate fuel options and the technical concerns to the fleet operator.

This paper will discuss how the selection and specification of a motor fuel delivery truck or tractor/trailer can effect the safety of transporting, loading and unloading fuel. During these processes, several circumstances present themselves which could lead to explosion and fire. Ignition sources and component selections which minimize the danger posed by these ignition sources will be discussed. This paper applies to all MC-306 tank trucks and trailers, aircraft refueling tracks, and mobile dispensing carts using hydrant fueling systems (See Appendix 1).

The need for expert systems in the Heavy Truck and Bus Industry is rapidly approaching a critical point in time. This time reference is the revised emission standards and requirements for heavy duty diesels. This need is related to the influx of electronically controlled engines and their companion the electronically controlled transmission as well as the present shortage of skilled mechanics. This paper discusses the conceptual approach and reasons that expert systems are well suited as a diagnostic aid for vehicular repair. This paper also discusses the implementation of a commercially available expert system for the diagnosis of class 7 and 8 vehicles. The body of this paper will be divided into four discussions. First, applicability of AI/KB programs used for vehicle diagnostics. Second, the use of expert systems to diagnose electronically controlled power modules and their related interactivities with the vehicle.