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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Body control electronics shapes up The electronics revolution is advancing unabated in vehicle and body control, but the addition of features ranging from electronic power steering to tire pressure monitoring poses numerous challenges for electronics engineers. Telematics comes back on line Interfaces will play a huge role in expected growth. Cadillac XLR The new luxury roadster, designed to go head-to-head with models from Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Lexus, uses an all-new 4.6-L Northstar V8 and innovative features such as adaptive cruise control, Magnetic Ride Control, and keyless access. 2005 Ford GT The company's image vehicle helped develop engineering skills in the race to production. Chrysler Pacifica Safety and infotainment features abound in the upscale 2004 sports tourer. 5 Series changes shape BMW adopted an aluminum/steel hybrid body in the interests of light weight and even weight distribution, and worked with ZF Lenksysteme to introduce active steering.

Concepts from 2003 Tokyo Motor Show Environmental, safety, and information technology were strongly emphasized in an impressive array of fuel-cell, hybrid, and pure electric concept cars. LEDs shine on The lighting technology's compact size, power, and durability excite designers who still long for flexibility in interior and exterior styling. GM, software, and electronics At its annual media preview of new models, the company demonstrated how its technology investments will pay off in more features, for more people, in more market segments. Plastics roll into new territory From structural members to Class A surfaces, plastics continue to find increasingly broad application in the automotive industry. 2003 technology in review AEI editors look back at some of the most significant production-intent innovations introduced over the past year. Forging ahead in metal forming Crude though the means may have been, humans began making and shaping metal several millenia ago.

Concepts from Detroit January's North American International Auto Show was the backdrop for a number of interesting concept vehicles with cutting-edge technology and styling that foreshadows new cars and trucks of the not-too-distant future. Under pressure One of the key building blocks for good-performing, clean, and efficient engines is precise, high-pressure fuel injection. Recent advances in diesel systems by top suppliers are helping OEMs meet increasing market demands. Engineering a career in China As the demand for personal mobility continues to grow, so too does the demand for qualified engineers to develop the technologies that go into those vehicles. Digital development This special section of Testing and Simulation focuses on different aspects of digital product development. Asia hot on new cooling technology Not tied as much to aluminum as is the West, China and Russia are moving fast toward widespread use of copper and brass for radiators.

Seats of power Car users are sitting on more advanced features than ever before, but increasing demands for "comfort" and other considerations have focused industry brainpower on slimmer seat designs, new trim materials, and innovative technology solutions. Big changes for powertrain control Electronics innovations are behind many of the advances in hybrid, diesel, and conventional gasoline engines. Plastic on the outside For many new vehicles, light weight is paramount, and so too is eye-catching design. That's why plastic body panels will become more prevalent. Toyota powers ahead The company's powertrain strategy follows Toyota President Watanabe's dream that a Toyota car be able to cross the American continent with no refueling while cleansing the atmosphere as it travels. The Honda way In the pipeline are a "dedicated hybrid car for family use," a super-clean diesel that meets U.S.

Like a rolling home Suppliers are helping automakers engineer vehicles that allow passengers to bring along the comforts of home. Focusing on distraction An explosion of new features, functions poses challenges for safety. Performance goes green With record-high fuel prices and CO2 concerns providing the impetus, automakers are developing more fun-to-drive cars with an eye towards efficiency. GM re-engineers pickips More refined ride, higher-quality interiors, and greater efficiency are some of the highlights of the 2007 models. Jeep takes on tough terrain For 2007, the brand's iconic Wrangler is engineered to be more rugged off-road and more refined on it. Audi updates TT theme The second-generation rendition is bigger, more powerful, and uses a subtle metals mix and match. Vantage: as Aston to the core A common platform strategy is a vital element of the company's design and manufacturing flexibility.

Cars become more understanding Software and hardware advances are enabling voice-recognition technologies to rise to industry challenges. Wanted: Broader knowledge, new skills Continuous learning is a must for engineers to meet greater technology and productivity challenges -- and boost their own marketability. Seeing green Environmental and cost benefits are driving the auto industry to adopt materials derived from renewable sources such as soybeans and corn. Searching for fossil-fuel alternatives Future engine and drivetrain programs at Volkswagen are focused on alternative fuels and radical changes to engine combustion, but the battery may yet provide the light at the end of the technology tunnel. Emissions rules keep labs humming As long as there are regulations, engineers and technicians will be busy running tests in laboratories.

Spoilt for choice The auto industry's options list includes biofuels, hydrogen, hybrids, fuel cells, and batteries--but will it be all, or nothing at all? Moving eastward The automotive industry spreads and grows, suppliers move to east Europe, environmental issues are crucial--and the companies survive that get everything right. Hands-on solution to reduce emissions Literally driving the environmental necessities home may support technology in engines old and new. Cutting emissions: more answers than questions The European auto industry is struggling with alternative fuels and emissions reduction programs, but potential solutions are many and varied--any may become even more so. Hydrogen, the IC engine, and the future It may be the fuel of the future, but views vary about how hydrogen should be used.

Finding the right niche As technology, politics, and OEMs struggle to achieve environmental cohesion, small and niche companies are determined to ride out the maelstrom with their ability to adapt, react, succeed, and survive. Jaguar and Land Rover shift Access to technology and engineering takes center stage as the two brands transition from one giant parent to another as Tata takes over from Ford. Aston Martin bonds The company is developing closer ties with Tier 1 suppliers in its new role as an independent. Bentley has secret CO2 plans The company wants to combine luxury and high-performance hallmarks with massive cuts in emissions. Lotus small and manueverable The engineering arm's technology menu--including lightweight, small engines, and high performance--is being sampled across the world. Porsche looks to the future Gasoline hybrid technology, convergence potential, and diesels could be in store for the company.

Motors play an important EV roles Though lithium-ion batteries grab much of the spotlight, improved electric motor technology is crucial in advancing the operation of battery, hybrid, and plug-in electric vehicles. The quality race continues As end-user expectations continue to rise, and pressure on engineering and manufacturing processes spiral, AEI's European Editor interviewed a number of OEM executives for their thoughts on quality and strategies for better vehicles. The real world Convergence 2008 will place emphasis on the challenges of determining and meeting customer needs in creating better electronic systems. A new generation of engine efficiency New technologies help to maximize fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and deliver market-pleasing performance.

Back to the high-power future Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto and other officials are re-engineering Toyota, borrowing elements of the past to tackle 21st-century environmental changes. Racing to green mobility The President of Honda R&D, Masaaki Kato, hopes to harness the company's "racing spirit" to research and develop innovative methods to reduce the CO2 emissions of its products. Charging ahead Nissan's Senior Vice President, Minoru Shinohara, explains the battery technology that will allow feasible electric cars, while not forgetting to mention the GT-R supercar. Market Genesis Hyundai-Kia R&D Center Chief Hyun-Soon Lee has added the top market-research job at the company as it tries to quickly add more value to its products with new technologies and features. China goes shiftless Suppliers hope to capitalize on the future gold mine for automatic transmissions by working with OEMs on high-tech but low-cost solutions.

Bodybuilding 101 The latest designs are pumped up with flagrant use of performance-enhancing substances, such as boron steel, for maximum strength and safety. Prize-winning plastics Lower cost, lighter weight solutions highlight the 2008 SPE Automotive Innovation awards. Mean and green More than a few companies at last month's SEMA Show heralded the eco-friendly side of their products just as highly as the performance side. Setting the standards Automakers along with their supplier partners are now embracing many interfaces and protocols to enable compatibility with consumer electronics devices as well as other advances. Readers' choice: Top technology stories of the year The editors look back at some of the past year's most significant engineering and innovation articles according to readers of Automotive Engineering International and AEI Online. Green victory? The motorsports community contemplates winning races while leaving behind the smallest environmental footprint.

NAIAS concepts Though industry sales projections for 2009 were dire, automakers pushed forward with new environmentally friendly technology in concept vehicles with an eye on sportiness. Electrifying changes for F1 Teams adopt hybrid power and adapt to slick tires. Memorable advances Bigger memories, faster cores let engineers boost efficiency and reduce emissions in engines. Material opportunities Compacted graphite iron, aluminum, and composites have significant roles in engine downsizing, but steel's capability and potential endures. Building blocks Engineering a good engine is half the battle; getting it through the assembly process without introducing flaws is the final victory. Innovative Thinking 101 West Virginia University professor Dr. James E. Smith issues a call for innovation as one of the central themes of his term as SAE's 2009 President. New 7 Series improves all over From better fuel efficiency to more luxury accoutrements, BMW does more than one-up its flagship.

Lighten up! Automakers and suppliers accelerate their efforts to reduce vehicle weight by engineering them for greater use of lighter, stronger materials. Combustion research heats up As calls for lower CO2 emissions grow louder, fuel system, valvetrain, electronic control, and analytical technologies are helping to unlock greater efficiences inside the cylinder. Touching the future Sensors and screens are replacing push buttons as touch controls get more sophisticated and user-friendly. Waving the 'green' flag SAE 2009 World Congress host company Honda calls for collaboration and urgency in the race for green mobility.