Indian Air Force acquisition - Dassault Aviation Rafale fighters Getting greener
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MOBILITY
ENGINEERING
AUTOMOTIVE, AEROSPACE, OFF-HIGHWAY
TM
A quarterly publication of and
Indian
Air Force Getting greener
HCCI vs. conventional
acquisition engine technologies
Dassault Aviation
Rafale fighters Student competitions
• Baja SAEINDIA highlights
• Rise of the underdogs
Volume 2, Issue 2
June 2015
1506ME.indb 1 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME Molex Ad 0615.qxp_Mobility FP 4/29/15 8:00 PM Page 1
Decades of automotive experience and innovations
developed for the consumer and telecom industries give
Molex the right expertise to help you develop the next
generation of vehicles.
What will we make together?
molex.com/automotive
1506ME.indb 2 5/11/15 5:25 PM
CONTENTS
Features
38 Getting greener AUTOMOTIVE 49 Slick solutions for friction
POWERTRAIN reduction AUTOMOTIVE POWERTRAIN
To meet upcoming fuel economy and emissions regulations, Suppliers and engine designers are attacking every
the developmental homogeneous charge compression potential source of internal friction—no longer a “low-
ignition (HCCI) engine shows promise, but pursuit of more hanging fruit”—as the battle to squeeze more mechanical
conventional engine technologies may be the better path. work from less fuel intensifies.
40 Highlights of Baja SAEINDIA 53 Hydraulics still in control of
STUDENT COMPETITIONS off-highway needs OFF-HIGHWAY
The 2015 event, the 8th edition with the theme of Beyond ELECTRONICS | HYDRAULICS
Boundaries, was won by the College of Engineering, Pune.
Engineers continue to master electronic controllers and
software to help systems manage engine speeds and
43 Rise of the underdogs STUDENT boost efficiency to the ultimate benefit of both OEMs and
COMPETITIONS end users.
Problem-plagued effort last year spurs Baja SAE team from
VIT University of India to overhaul itself and its car.
45 Testing reality in an increasingly
Cover
The Indian Air Force plans to
complex design space acquire 36 Rafale fighters.
AEROSPACE SIMULATION The cover image shows a
single-seater in full “Air-Air”
Digital simulation tools have transformed the designing and
configuration and a two-seater
testing of new aircraft, as well as the way they are
in mixed configuration.
manufactured and sustained.
follow us @SAEAutoMag
MOBILITY ENGINEERING JUNE 2015 1
1506ME.indb 1 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME Alta
CONTENTS
Departments
4 Editorial 26 Denso displays more compact HVAC design
AUTOMOTIVE INTERIORS
High-voltage developments
27 Automakers see possibilities, limits for gesture
6 Focus controls AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS
Building the SAEINDIA brand 28 The quest for the self-cleaning car AUTOMOTIVE BODY
8 SAEINDIA News 30 Brunel pursues ultrasound for ‘greener’ production of
aluminum alloys AUTOMOTIVE MATERIALS
8 AWIM National Olympics held in Chakan
31 MTU develops new turbine blade material in record
10 KLU hosts National Student Convention
time AEROSPACE MATERIALS
12 New 3D printing event
32 Lightweight steel is stronger than titanium
13 Industry News AUTOMOTIVE | AEROSPACE MATERIALS
34 Automatic collision avoidance added to inspection
15 Technology Report software AUTOMOTIVE SIMULATION
15 Schaeffler developing novel powertrain for 2015/2016
35 X-ray testing for large composites AEROSPACE
FIA Formula E season MOTORSPORTS POWERTRAIN TESTING
16 New yeast strain enhances biofuel production 36 NanoSteel powder alloys advance 3D printing of
ENERGY
high-hardness parts MANUFACTURING
17 Cummins in production with ‘simplified’ Tier 4 Final
37 Altair optimizes 3D-printed structures for complex,
engines OFF-HIGHWAY POWERTRAIN
lightweight designs MANUFACTURING
18 Aerojet Rocketdyne gets a boost from additive
manufactured components AEROSPACE PROPULSION 56 Global Vehicles
19 Military technologies aid the fight for improved 56 Next-gen NSX: A twin-turbo, multi-material
off-highway efficiencies OFF-HIGHWAY ELECTRONICS Ferrari-fighter
21 Audi details piloted driving technology AUTOMOTIVE 60 Cabin key to Komatsu America’s new T4F hydraulic
ELECTRONICS excavator
22 Flight vision system for rotary-wing aircraft AVIONICS 61 New XF moves to Jaguar’s aluminum architecture
23 Counterfeit electronic parts: Manufacture of and 63 Companies Mentioned
avoidance AEROSPACE ELECTRONICS
63 Ad Index
24 Johnson Controls presents interior concept for
autonomous driving at 2015 NAIAS AUTOMOTIVE 64 Q&A
INTERIORS Michael Tinskey, Ford’s Global Director of Vehicle
25 Portable shade proposed for cooler interiors Electrification and Infrastructure
AUTOMOTIVE INTERIORS
© SAEINDIA and SAE INTERNATIONAL reserves all rights .
No part of this publication and/or website may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed
valid if approval is in writing. SAEINDIA and SAE International buys all rights to contributions, text and
images, unless previously agreed to in writing.In case of Address/addressee not found return to SAE
INDIA, No 1/17Ceebros Arcade, 3rd Cross, Kasturba Nagar, Chennai -600 020. Telefax: 91-44-2441-1904,
Phone: 91-44-4215 2280.
2 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 2 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME Altair Ad 0615.qxp_Mobility FP 5/5/15 12:35 PM Page 1 1506ME.indb 3 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME Sain
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
Kevin Jost
Editorial Director
kevin@sae.org
Asit K. Barma
High-voltage developments
SAE India Editor
C. V. Raman
ED, MSIL
CV.Raman@maruti.co.in
Arun Jaura The concept of higher-voltage vehicle electrical Validation Manager for Controlled Power
VP, SAEINDIA
arunjaura@gmail.com networks between those for 12-V conventional and Technologies, because 48-V hybrids are cur-
Bala Bharadvaj 200- and 600-V full hybrids and electric vehicles is rently the most cost-effective way of meeting
MD, Boeing R & T
bala.k.bharadvaj@boeing.com not new, with development experiencing fits and stringent CO2 emissions in the buildup to 2020
Mathew Abraham starts over the past few decades. However, tight- European regulations. This is compounded
Sr. GM, Mahindra
ABRAHAM.MATHEW@mahindra.com ening efficiency and emissions regulations and potentially by a shift from the current NEDC to
Dr. Venkat Srinivas increasing demand for onboard electrical power the more aggressive WLTP test.
Vice President & Head - Engineering
& Product Development, Mahindra & means that higher voltages, in the form of supple- Electric engine boosting could benefit from
Mahindra Truck and Bus Division
srinivas.venkat@mahindra.com mental 48-V subsystems, are nearing production. 48-V networks. Hyundai and Kia are developing
Jean L. Broge One sign of this was on display at the 2014 Los a mild-hybrid diesel powertrain using an electric
Managing Editor
jbroge@sae.org Angeles Auto Show. The Audi Prologue show car, supercharger in conjunction with a 48-V net-
Lindsay Brooke which provided a glimpse of the company’s work. According to Bloore, electric boosting
Senior Editor
abrooke@sae.org design future, also more quietly previewed a new using energy recuperated, rather than lost in fric-
Ryan Gehm
Associate Editor
48-V electrical system coming to future Audis. tion from the brakes, not only reduces emissions,
rgehm@sae.org The company attributed some of the large but also can have a positive impact on vehicle
Zach Nocera
Editorial Assistant show car’s relatively low fuel consumption and performance and drivability.
Patrick Ponticel CO2 emissions to the new 48-V system. Powered The rapidly growing interest in 48-V networks
Membership Editor
ponticel@sae.org by a belt starter generator, the set up enables was also discussed at the SAE International 2015
Lisa Arrigo mild powertrain hybridization with brake-energy Hybrid & Electric Vehicles Technologies
Custom Electronic
Products Editor recovery. The displacement of high-wattage Symposium held in Los Angeles in February. Dr.
larrigo@sae.org
loads to more efficient 48-V networks is Mazen Hammoud, Ford’s Chief Engineer for
Contributors expected to be the next step in the development Electrified Powertrain Systems and SAE Fellow,
Kami Buchholz
Detroit Editor of a new generation of mild hybrid vehicles. said that the 48-V working voltage is the best com-
Stuart Birch In addition to improved fuel economy and promise for mild hybridization. (See http://articles.
European Editor
Jack Yamaguchi reduced emissions, 48-V systems could poten- sae.org/13908.)
Asian Editor tially save costs on new electrical features and Although the higher voltage provides no real
Steven Ashley
Dan Carney
help better address the emerging needs of future electric-only drive capability, there is better
Terry Costlow drivers. A new report from Autelligence on 48-V capacity for capturing braking regen energy, and
Richard Gardner
Jenny Hessler automotive electrification analyzes the technol- it’s a good stop-start enabler, Hammoud said. A
John Kendall
Bruce Morey ogy and provides an outlook on future introduc- mild hybrid can provide more than 3% increased
Jennifer Shuttleworth
Linda Trego tions. The report notes that the new technology engine-off time versus a 12-V stop-start vehicle
Paul Weissler
is “extremely economical because it can be easily in real-world driving conditions. In addition,
DESIGN integrated into an existing vehicle architecture according to ECE-R 100 regs for direct current
Lois Erlacher and the small 48-V battery means battery costs under 60 V, shock protection is not required for
Art Director
Ray Carlson
are reasonable,” said Christopher Breitsameter, 48 V, helping to lower cost.
Associate Art Director Head of Business Development and Strategy, The consensus of global forecasts suggests
Continental Powertrain Division. that 48-V mild hybrids will soon come to domi-
SALES & Challenges to 48-V system implementation nate the market. Compared with 200-600 V full
MARKETING remain. At the 2nd International Conference on hybrid and battery electric vehicles, the low-
K. Shriramchandran
SAE India Advanced Automotive 48V Power Supply er-voltage approach avoids the need for high-
No.1/17, Ceebros Arcade
3rd Cross Kasturba Nagar Systems organized by IQPC Automotive in cost safety features and large battery packs.
Chennai
India 600 020 Düsseldorf last November, experts from car mak- CPT estimates that if 48-V and related emis-
(T)91-44-42152280
(E) ddg@saeindia.org
ers and suppliers discussed the need for an inter- sions-reduction strategies could be universally
Marcie L. Hineman national 48-V standard. Initial steps have already applied to the more than 100 million vehicles
Global Field Sales Manager
+1.724.772.4074
been taken with a LV148 standard proposed by forecast to be produced per year from 2020—
hineman@sae.org Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, and Volkswagen. 98% of them with gasoline and diesel engines—
It makes sense to have a common global annual CO2 emissions could be reduced by 100
standard, according to Paul Bloore, Product million t globally per year.
4 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 4 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME Saint-Goban Bearings Ad 0615.qxp_Mobility FP 4/29/15 7:25 PM Page 1
Anything for a quiet ride
We believe seat adjustment systems
are there to enhance driver comfort, not
to make distracting noises during driving.
By dampening structure-borne vibrations
in the seat height adjustment system
Saint-Gobain helps you deliver a quieter
drive. We can also reduce component wear
for a longer life.
It’s just one of the ways our teams are working
with the world’s automotive engineers to improve
the driving experience.
Find out how we’re making
a difference on every scale:
makingabigdifference.com
makingabigdifference@saint-gobain.com
1506ME.indb 5 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME AR
FOCUS
SAEINDIA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Aravind S. Bharadwaj
President
Mr. Shrikant R. Marathe
Immediate Past President
Dr. R.K. Malhotra
Sr. Vice President & Chairman,
Finance Board
Dr. Bala Bharadvaj
Vice President & Chairman,
Building the SAEINDIA brand Aerospace Board
Dr. K.C. Vora
Vice President & Chairman, Sections
In retrospect, the 2014-15 season for and the fun, excitement, and joy of children Board
SAEINDIA has been truly one of consolida- who participated in the competition and won Mr. I.V. Rao
tion in putting systems in place, evolving prizes should be seen to be believed. Chairman, Meetings & Expo Board
policies for the future, resolving long out- We have made important decisions to Dr. Venkat Srinivas
Secretary & Vice Chairman,
standing issues in administration. We creat- acquire premises for SAEINDIA Western and Development Board
ed Operating Boards to plan and decide Bangalore Sections, which will help our offices Mr. C.V. Raman
Vice Chairman, Sections Board
their activities and empowered them to bud- to function with lot more autonomy and pro-
Dr. Arun Jaura
get their plans and implement them. fessionalism and accelerate our programs and Chairman, Automotive Board
activities. This has been amply proved by Mr. Prakash Sardesai
SAEINDIA Southern Section, which is func- Chairman, PDP Board
tioning from its own premises and conducting Mr. Sanjay Deshpande
Chairman, Membership Board
many programs and workshops strengthening
Mr. Asit K. Barma
its operations and finances. Chairman, Publications Board
We are also making all preparations to Mr. Devendra Bahirat
organize ITEC INDIA 2015, a unique event Chairman, Off-Highway Board
Dr. S. Thrumalini
partnering with IEEE IAS (Industry Chairman, Engineering Education Board
Applications Society), and we expect the Mr. B. Bhanot
event to galvanize the electric mobility indus- Chairman, Development Board
try to double up its pace in the coming years. Mr. P.K. Banerjee
Jt. Secretary, Vice Chairman,
We have lined up professional development Engineering Education Board
programs including the International Lecture Dr. Arunkumar Sampath
Series and are also planning webinar programs Treasurer, Vice Chairman,
Meetings & Expo Board
through a newly created web platform.
Mr. M. Kannan
The Aerospace Board and Off Highway Vice Chairman, PDP Board
Board are planning major programs during the Mr. Arun Sivasubrahmaniyan
proposed visit of Mr. Richard Greaves, President, Jt. Treasurer & Vice Chairman,
Publications Board
SAE International to India in July 2015. The
Aerospace Board is planning a seminar on the Representing
Make in India concept announced by Mr. SAE International
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the country. Dr. David. L. Schutt
Chief Executive Officer
The symposium organized by SAEINDIA’s
Mr. Murli M. Iyer
Northern Section on fuels, lubricants, and Executive Advisor-Global Affairs
after-treatment devices in April 2015 in Delhi Office of the Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Aravind Bharadwaj received robust support from the Industry and
Presented by SAEINDIA
President, SAEINDIA the registration of delegates. This symposium Media, Communications and
will address issues critical to the industry as Publications Committee
As a new initiative, we started Knowledge government is making the manufacturers Mr. Asit K. Barma
Chairman
Round Tables in Mahindra Research Valley and compliant to Euro IV emissions, bringing India
Mr. Arun Sivasubrahmaniyan
UCAL Fuels and provided a forum for the in tune with the global norms. Vice Chairman
members within the organization to exchange We are chalking out a plan to build the Mr. Rajesh Kumar
Vice Chairman
ideas and information on cross functional dis- brand SAEINDIA as a professional society Dr. Ramesh
ciplines and invite experts to address them on committed to the cause of development of Member
topics of current relevance and importance. the mobility community by creating knowl- Dr. Saravanen
Member
Plans are also underway to start a similar edge-sharing platforms and conferences that Prof. J.M. Mallikarjuna
forum at WABCO and for other major indus- address issues of critical importance for the Member
tries where we have sizable members. future to make SAEINDIA move forward as a Dr. S.S. Thipse
Member
AWIM National Olympics was organized in society with deep and abiding concern for the Prof. Sudhir Gupte
the month of January in Chakan, Maharashtra, industry as a technology leader. Member
Mr. Anupam Dave
Member
Mr. Vasanth Kini
Member
Prof. Ravishankar
Member
Mr. Deepak Panda
Member
6 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 6 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME AR Associates Ad 0615.qxp_Mobility FP 4/29/15 8:09 PM Page 1
AR’s EMC solutions make complicated test processes easier and more accurate. Everything is simplified – calibration, testing processes, DUT troubleshooting,
and generation of reports directly into convenient formats, such as Microsoft Word or Excel.
These products also have excellent speed, feature a modular design approach and allow their integrated components to be used in a variety of automotive test
standards such as ISO, SAE, CISPR, and OEM requirements. These products have the flexibility to handle engineering development, mitigation and testing to
numerous other standards such as: MIL-STD-461, RTCA DO-160, CISPR, EN, ETSI, FCC, ICES, AS/NZS, and VCCI.
The DER2018, with 140 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, is the One Receiver that catches short duration transient disturbances, and scans in seconds.
By streamlining testing, this CISPR 16 compliant EMI receiver will change the way you approach testing.
AR’s AS4000 radiated immunity system gives you a turnkey package to perform susceptibility tests, in one self-contained unit up to 40 GHz.
Our standard systems can also be customized to include testing to both radiated and conducted immunity and emissions requirements.
The Conducted Immunity (CI) platform offers flexibility to address any Bulk Current Injection (BCI) test method, as well as the ability to access components
from the CI housing, such as the power meter and amplifier, to use in other test applications. With three Conducted Immunity Test Systems to choose from, you
should never again have to perform laborious manual CI test procedures or worry about the accuracy of the results.
AR supplies a multitude of unique RF solutions to some of the best-known companies worldwide. Our products are backed by the strongest,
most comprehensive warranty in the industry, and a global support network that’s second to none. Call your local AR sales associate for a demonstration.
To learn more, visit www.arworld.us/totalEMC.
In India, contact Complus Systems at www.complus.in
ISO 9001:2008
or call 91-80-416-83883 Certified
www.arworld.us
Other divisions: modular rf • receiver systems • ar europe
Copyright © 2015 AR.
USA 215-723-8181. For an applications engineer, call 800-933-8181. The orange stripe on AR products is
In Europe, call ar United Kingdom +44 1908 282766 • ar France +33147917530 • ar Deutschland +49 6101 80270 0 • ar Benelux +31 172 423000 Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off.
1506ME.indb 7 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME Borg
SAEINDIA
News
AWIM National Olympics held in Chakan
A World In Motion (AWIM), abiding by its
unique name, rightly amalgamates fun,
challenge, teamwork, and leadership. The
7th AWIM National Olympics was held
from the 10th to 12th of January 2015 at
Mahindra Vehicle Manufacturers Ltd. in
Chakan.
This was a great opportunity for little
champions’ dreams to come true by
taking their machines to an automobile
manufacturing proving grounds. A total
of 152 students, 76 teachers, and many
industry volunteers from 17 cities across
the nation attended this event.
On the 10th of January, the teams
were registered for the event, and all
teams were briefed on the rules and
marking format. AWIM National Olympics inauguration.
On the 11th of January, the main
event began, for which student design
teams from class 5th and 6th grade par-
ticipated by making “skimmer” and “jet-
toy” vehicles for the track, and they also
designed dream cars that they per-
ceived as future cars of the science age.
About eight teams for skimmer and 30
teams for jet-toy participated in the
grand finale.
Mr. Vijay Dhongde, CEO, MVML, wel-
comed Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive
Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, and
briefed how his vision helped to increase
the AWIM initiative from two cities to 17
cities across India.
Dr. Pawan Goenka’s presence raised
the energy among the children (they were
pumped with enthusiasm); his vision of
benefiting children getting a boost. He
visited the skimmer and jet-toy tracks and
also witnessed presentations made by the Students’ presentation.
little champs. Later he shared his
thoughts, interacted, and guided children
to be better engineers in the future, and
expressed that these children are the
future of our country.
He also appreciated the efforts of the
volunteers across the country who
invested their time in teaching children
beyond their textbook knowledge. He
visualized how seeds of “Make in India”
have been well sown at schools with
activities such as AWIM. He relived his
school days while spending time with
Dr. Powen Goenka’s interactions during the AWIM Olympics. these children. He also reiterated the fact
8 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 8 5/11/15 5:25 PMME BorgWarner Ad 0615.qxp_Mobility FP 4/29/15 5:40 PM Page 1 1506ME.indb 9 5/11/15 5:25 PM
ME Sma
SAEINDIA
News
that the automobile industry has helped
Indian society to grow and develop day
by day.
On 12th of January, teams visited the
Chakan plant with a lot of enthusiasm;
the bright minds excited to see the plant.
They were on a tour to Maxximo BIW,
Maxximo TCF, and Gyanodaya where
they were explained vehicle manufactur-
ing details.
AWIM National Olympics winners.
KLU hosts National Student Convention
The host school, Kalasalingam University,
Student presentations. put on a bike show.
The 9th SAEINDIA National Student Balasubramanian, Chairman, SAEISS, These events were focused on the
Convention was held at Kalasalingam and the Presidential address was given nation’s goal of “Make in India.”
University (KLU) in Krishnankoil, by Thiru. K. Sridharan, Chancellor, Technology Theatre: SAEINDIA SS
Virudhunagar Dist., on the 30th and 31st Kalasalingam University. The chief guest conducted the 4th Technology Theatre
of January 2015. Every year, the for this prestigious event was Mr. Oba for student members. The topics
SAEINDIA collegiate chapters get an op- Noboru, Vice President, RNTBCI, and the included “Challenges in Integrating High
portunity to discuss, display, and cele- vote of thanks was given by Dr. M. Voltage on Automobile” by Mr. R.
brate their success of the past year. This Uthayakumar, Organising Head, KLU. Ramachandran from Mahindra &
is also the occasion when the winners On day 1, the winners of Tier 2 Mahindra, Chennai; “Digital
from the six zones meet and battle it out regional events competed at the national Manufacturing for Automotive Industry”
to find the best in the competitions held. level, the battle among the six divisions by Mr. Aiyappan Ramamoorthy from
This year’s event saw active participation of SAEINDIA SS (Southern Section). The Siemens, Chennai; “Automotive crash”
of over 1000 students from 86 colleges. events were: Business Plan Contest, Aero by Mr. Aditya Malladi from Mahindra &
The inaugural function began with the Design and Fabrication Contest, Auto Mahindra, Chennai; and “New Product
welcome address by Dr. S. Saravana Quiz, Technical Paper Contest, Modeling Development of Passenger Car” by Mr.
Sankar Vice-Chancellor, Kalasalingam and Animation Contest, Computer Aided Shanmugavel from Renault Nissan
University. The student convention brief Manufacturing Contest, and Analysis Technical Business Centre India, Chennai.
was given by Dr. D. Muruganandam, Contest & CAE. Along with the existing Collegiate Club Presentation &
Student Convention-Champion; the events, SAEINDIA SS made history by Display: The club presentation show-
inaugural address given by Mr. N. successfully conducting 12 new events. cased the achievements, strengths, and
10 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 10 5/11/15 5:26 PMME Smalley Ad 0615.qxp_Mobility FP 4/29/15 7:46 PM Page 1 1506ME.indb 11 5/11/15 5:26 PM
SAEINDIA
News
high power bikes of above 1000 cm3, which
really attracted the student members.
Valediction & Prize Distribution
Ceremony: The convention was brought
to a close in the valedictory function later
in the evening. The welcome address
given by Dr. V. Vasudevan, Registrar,
Kalasalingam University; the Presidential
address was given by Dr. S. Saravana
Sankar Vice-Chancellor, Kalasalingam
University; and the review of convention
by Dr. R Kannan, EEC, Champion.
The Chairman of the SAEINDIA SS,
Mr. N. Balasubramanian, addressed the
gathering by giving a glimpse of future
The convention was brought to a close in the prize distribution and valedictory function. mega events by the section like Baja
South and an additional 10 events at the
unique activities of various SAE colle- met and discussed the various aspects next student convention. The chief guest
giate chapters. The club display compe- of running a collegiate club, ways to for the valedictory function was Dr.
tition and technology theatre ran in improve the SAE activities, and also the Aravind S. Bharadwaj, Sr. Vice President,
parallel at different venues. Various new SEC members for the year 2015- M&M, and President, SAEINDIA. This was
working mechanical models, presenta- 2016 were announced. followed by the distribution of prizes and
tions, and charts were put on display. KLU Bike Show: The host college also mementos and the vote of thanks by Mr.
The SAEI SS Students Executive Council conducted a bike show where they displayed S. Shanmugam, Secretary, SAEI SS.
New 3D printing event
A new advanced technology called additive manufacturing/3D
printing (AM/3DP) is transforming engineering. 3D printing is
an innovative manufacturing technology that can transform
digital designs into tangible parts in one step without using
conventional tools.
The International Conference on Additive Manufacturing, 3D
Printing, and 3D Scanning (ICAM-3D) was conducted at Vel
Tech University and The Hilton, Chennai, India, on February
5th to 8th, 2015, along with ICAM-3D Car Design Challenge for
Opening ceremony of the ICAM 3D car design challenge.
young engineers. Forty teams were registered from all over
the country for this event, and six of them were selected to
present their model at the event. The top three teams were
selected on the basis of their design and knowledge.
Dr. Chidambaram, The Principal Scientific Advisor to the
government of India, was the chief guest and inaugurated the
ICAM-3D Conference. Dr. Tim Morris, NAFEMS Global, gave the
Inauguration By Dr. P. Chidambaram, Principle Scientific Advisor awards for the winners and short listed teams of ICAM-3D Car
for the government of India. Design Challenge.
12 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 12 5/11/15 5:26 PMIndustry
NEWS
Truck racing demonstrates new Indian Air Force to acquire 36 Rafale fighters
technology, aero design
The Indian Government recently announced its intention to fi-
Season two of the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship took nalize the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from Dassault
place this spring at India’s F1 track, the Buddh International Aviation at conditions necessary to meet the security needs of
Circuit (BIC), with Stuart Oliver of Team Castrol Vecton winning India. Dassault Aviation, which has been a supplier to the
for the second year in a row in the 16-lap final race, helping Indian Air Force for more than 60 years, is grateful for the op-
Team Castrol Vecton win the team title. Steve Thomas of Team portunity to pursue and extend their partnership, said Eric
Allied Partners, who qualified fastest on the first day, was the Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “Just as we
first runner-up, with Steven Powell of Team Tata Technologies are delivering the first upgraded Mirage 2000, I am delighted
Motorsports clinching the second runner-up spot. by the decision of the Indian Authorities which gives a new im-
petus to our partnership for the next decades and comes with-
The Tata Prima 4038.S in the scope of the strategic relationship gathering France and
for the T1 Prima Truck
Racing Championship India,” he said in a statement announcing the deal.
features 370 bhp at
2100 rpm and an Patrol flight of two Rafales: a single-seater
increased top speed of in full “Air-Air” configuration—6 MICA + 3
130 km/h over last supersonic drop tanks of 1250 L—
year’s 110 km/h. and a two-seater in mixed
configuration—2x SCALP
+ MICA + 3 drop tanks of
2000 L. (Dassault
Aviation - K. Tokunaga)
Six teams—also including Team Cummins, Team Dealer
Warriors, and Team Dealers Daredevils—each raced two Tata
Prima Model 4038.S trucks built for purpose. Compared to
Season 1, the Tata Prima race truck boasts 10% increased top
speed—up to 130 km/h (81 mph)—10% increased acceleration,
and 10% weight reduction, along with a new aerodynamic
design. Key modifications made to the trucks to meet a mix of
safety and performance guidelines per the British Truck
Racing Association included significant changes to the fuel
tank, brake cooling system, propeller shaft guards, seats and
safety belts, exhaust, and steering wheel. The trucks went
through multiple quality checks, with major testing being
undertaken at the BIC and Tata Motors Jamshedpur’s testing
facility, for high speed run and control.
Tata Motors also introduced a new strategic driver selection
and training program in conjunction with the race, to induct and
mold Indian truck drivers for future T1 races. Cummins, WABCO,
JK Tyres, Castrol, and Tata Technologies were the main sponsors
of the truck racing championship. Setco Automotive was one of Zen Technologies, Rockwell Collins
the sponsors for Team Allied Partners. The T1 Prima Truck Racing
Championship is organized by Madras Motor Sports Club and
develop next-gen flight simulator for
conducted under the aegis of FIA (Federation Internationale de Indian market
l’Automobile) and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India. Zen Technologies and Rockwell Collins recently unveiled a
next-generation rotary wing simulator to serve the “burgeoning
need” of the military flight simulation market in India. The com-
panies had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) to combine their strengths in simulation and training to
offer advanced and high-fidelity aviation solutions. With the
rotary wing platform launch, both companies plan to become
key partners to the Indian armed forces. The configurable
Rotary Wing Simulator is housed in an ergonomically de-
Key modifications made to meet safety and performance signed cockpit and addresses both the flight and mission as-
guidelines included significant changes to the fuel tank, brake pects of rotary wing aircraft. Realistic training scenarios are
cooling system, propeller shaft guards, seats and safety belts, provided using geo-specific cultured terrains, operations
exhaust, and steering wheel. flight profiles, and avionics that can be used to train both new
MOBILITY ENGINEERING JUNE 2015 13
1506ME.indb 13 5/11/15 5:26 PMIndustry
NEWS
and experienced pilots before missions.
The training continuum is customizable
for all types of military platforms.
The jointly developed simulator was
revealed within four months of signing
the MOU, noted Colin Mahoney, Senior
Vice President, International & Service
Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “This is
just the first step in our collaboration,” he
said. “We see tremendous opportunity
to provide indigenous, affordable, and
highly effective simulation and training
solutions to India’s defence forces
through our alliance with Zen.”
“Over the next few years, the Indian The EC130 T2’s cabin is suitable
defence forces will be strengthening their for one pilot and up to seven
aircraft portfolio, both fixed and rotary passengers. More than 70% of
wing. Moreover, there are a number of exist- the EC130 T2’s airframe structure
has been modified from the
ing simulators which may need some mid- previous EC130 B4 version.
life upgrades both in terms of technology
and aircraft concurrency,” said Ashok Atluri,
Managing Director, Zen Technologies. has approximately 8890 m2 (95,700 ft2) Airbus Helicopters’ EC130
“Therefore, we see a very large opportunity of manufacturing space and the capaci- T2 enters Indian market
for full mission simulators, flight training ty to produce 2 million units consisting
devices, and part task trainers, amongst of heat exchangers, HVAC modules, and
with two launch customers
others...Our alliance with Rockwell Collins air-conditioning lines. HVCC claims it Airbus Helicopters has signed Indian mar-
marks the first time that a global simulator has the ability to double its capacity at ket launch orders for its single-engine EC130
[OEM] has teamed with an Indian simulator this facility based on business needs. T2 with Sanjay Ghodawat Group and
manufacturing company to cater to the The company has a regional office in Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. (GVHL), which
Indian defence market.” Chennai and operates four plants in plan to introduce the single-engine EC130’s
India—Chennai, Pune, Bhiwadi (near enhanced version later this year for passen-
Halla Visteon expands Delhi), and Gujarat. ger transport services in Kolhapur and Delhi,
HVAC production “India is one of the fastest growing respectively. The customers ordered one
capability in India economies in the world and is poised to EC130 T2 apiece. The Sanjay Ghodawat
emerge as one of the top passenger Group is a diversified conglomerate with
Halla Visteon Climate Control Corp. vehicle markets in near future, and we presence in consumer products, energy,
(HVCC) recently began production at its want to be prepared for the tremendous mining, chemicals, and agribusiness. GVHL
new facility in Sanand, in the state of growth opportunity this market offers,” is India’s largest private helicopter company,
Gujarat, India. The full-line supplier of said YH Park, President and CEO, HVCC. which will assign the EC130 T2 to Birdie—its
automotive thermal management solu- “This new plant in Gujarat expands our on-shore operations division offering char-
tions is using the Gujarat facility to sup- manufacturing footprint to encompass ters and religious tourism services.
port its growing business with global all of the major automotive hubs in India The EC130 T2’s cabin is suitable for one
vehicle manufacturers and to cater to and allows HVCC to bring world-class pilot and up to seven passengers. More than
the requirements of OEMs in the state thermal management technology to 70% of the EC130 T2’s airframe structure has
of Gujarat and western India. The facility vehicle manufacturers in India.” been modified from the previous EC130 B4
version. New and updated features include
the use of a more powerful Turbomeca
Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and upgraded
main gearbox, along with the incorporation
of an active vibration control system and
Halla Visteon Climate Control’s improved air-conditioning, distribution, and
new facility in Gujarat, India, demisting systems. Performance of the
can produce 2 million units
EC130 T2 has been improved for a higher
consisting of heat exchangers,
HVAC modules, and A/C maximum gross takeoff weight (2500 kg for
lines—and has the ability to internal loads, and 3050 kg when external
double its capacity based on loads are carried), and a speed increase of
business needs. up to 10 kts from the EC130 B4.
14 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 14 5/11/15 5:26 PMTECHNOLOGY
Report
MOTORSPORTS POWERTRAIN
Schaeffler developing novel powertrain for 2015/2016
FIA Formula E season
All FIA Formula E cars are using
identical specification
technologies in the inaugural
2014/2015 season. Cars are
built by Spark Racing
Technologies. The chassis is
from Dallara. McLaren
Electronic Systems supplies the
electric motor and electronics.
Williams Advanced Engineering
provides the 28-kW/h Li-ion
battery pack. Racecars get
unique powertrains for the
2015/2016 season.
All 40 cars in the world’s first all-electric
racing circuit run a standardized power-
train, but the uniformity ends in the
2015/2016 season when each carbon
fiber/aluminum monocoque chassis FIA
Formula E racecar can be fitted with a
unique electric powertrain.
“We are in the process of developing
an electric motor and a new transmission
in the defined specification that FIA
came up with,” said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter
Gutzmer, Deputy CEO and Chief
Technology Officer for Schaeffler AG.
Gutzmer and Schaeffler’s CTO for the A race crew member prepares dry ice for In the paddock area, Schaeffler’s Jeff
Americas, Jeff Hemphill, sat down with the air intake ports of the Audi Sport ABT Hemphill looks at an Audi Sport ABT
Automotive Engineering prior to all-electric racecars. (Kami Buchholz) racecar with the electric motor, battery
Formula E’s March 14 street race in pack, and other electrified powertrain
Miami, the first U.S. stop in the 2014/2015 apply that systems approach to this components exposed. All FIA Formula E
racecars in the 2014/2015 season have a
inaugural season of all-electric racing in development task.”
power output for practice and qualifying
Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Each Formula E racecar in the of 200 kW. The power output for the race
As Team ABT Sportsline’s exclusive 2014/2015 season uses a 57-lb (26-kg) is 150 kW, plus an additional power
technology partner, Schaeffler is develop- motor to accelerate the single-seat car output of 30 kW by fan voting for three
ing a novel power unit to replace the from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3 sec- drivers. (Kami Buchholz)
McLaren Applied Technologies power- onds. The motor mates to a Hewland
train. “We are now starting to get parts in Engineering five-speed paddle shift under-development powertrain are being
for the prototype model,” said Gutzmer. sequential gearbox. publicized. “I hesitate to talk too much.
Schaeffler technical specialists are Audi Sport ABT driver Daniel Abt There are seven competitors producing
leveraging their extensive application told Automotive Engineering that the electric motors for next season, so it’s
development know-how together with electric racecar’s instant torque means getting very interesting,” said Gutzmer.
the ABT race team and other technology “whenever you hit the throttle, it just Jacky Eeckelaert said the next race
experts to develop jointly a powertrain goes. There is no delay. And there’s a lot season is all about increasing the power-
for Team ABT Sportsline. Said Hemphill, less noise than if you had a screaming train efficiency. “And the whole package
“One of our strengths in the automotive V8 engine behind your back.” will be lighter and at a lower center of
arena is systems engineering, and we’ll Virtually no technical details about the gravity,” Eeckelaert, race engineer for
MOBILITY ENGINEERING JUNE 2015 15
1506ME.indb 15 5/11/15 5:26 PMTECHNOLOGY
Report
ENERGY
New yeast strain enhances biofuel production
A team of researchers from the Cockrell lipids at a rate that was more than 2.5
School of Engineering at The University of times as fast as the previous strain.
Texas at Austin have developed a new, mu- “This significant improvement in our
tant yeast strain that could lead to a more cell-based platform enables these cells
efficient and economical biofuel production to compete in the biofuels industry,”
process, and from non-food sources. Alper said. “We have moved to concen-
Hal Alper, Associate Professor in the tration values that begin to align with
McKetta Department of Chemical those in other industrial fuel processes.”
Engineering, and his team engineered a Alper and his team improved the per-
special type of yeast cell, Yarrowia lipo- formance of Yarrowia through a combi-
lytica, to significantly enhance its ability nation of metabolic engineering and
to convert simple sugars into lipids that directed evolution, which involves muta-
Audi Sport ABT drivers Lucas Di Grassi, could then be used in place of petro- tion and selection to identify and culti-
left, and Daniel Abt. During FIA Formula
leum-derived products. vate the high-performing cells. The
E races, all drivers make a mandatory pit
stop to swap racecars. There are 10 race “Our re-engineered strain serves as a researchers recognized that cells with
teams, each with two drivers and four stepping stone toward sustainable and high lipid content would float to the top
racecars. Each temporary street course renewable production of fuels such as of a tube, whereas cells with lower lipid
race lasts about one hour. biodiesel,” Alper said. content would settle down to the bot-
Previously, the team successfully tom. The researchers used this “floating
ABT team driver Lucas Di Grassi, told combined genetically engineered yeast cell scheme” to identify the best-per-
Automotive Engineering. cells with ordinary table sugar to pro- forming cells. Researchers used those
While Schaeffler has supplied bearing duce what Alper described as “a renew- high-performing cells, which produced
components and alternator overrun sys- able version of sweet crude,” the more lipids and at a faster rate, to obtain
tems for baja, endurance, and touring premium form of petroleum. Building the final yeast.
series cars powered by internal-combus- upon that approach, “a combination of In addition to using lipids for biofuels,
tion engines, developing an electric race- evolutionary engineering strategies” was the cell-based platform is able to pro-
car powertrain is new territory. Said used to create the new strain of Yarrowia duce oleochemicals, including nutritional
Gutzmer, “This is the first time that that produces 1.6 times as many lipids as polyunsaturated fatty acids, waxes, lubri-
Schaeffler will be providing a functional, their previous strain in a shorter time, cants, oils, and industrial solvents.
complete unit.” reaching levels of 40 grams per liter, a The researchers’ method and plat-
One desirable for the Schaeffler pow- concentration that could make yeast form are patent pending. Alper’s lab is
ertrain is improved cooling efficiency. cells a viable platform in the creation of continuing to work on ways to improve
Team owner Hans-Jurgen Abt spoke biofuels. The strain’s high lipid yield how the yeast strain converts sugar into
with Automotive Engineering while a makes it one of the most efficient organ- lipids, and on the types of lipid products
crew member put dry ice inside the air isms for turning sugar into lipids. In addi- they can produce.
intake ports for the battery cooling sys- tion, the resulting cells produced these Jean L. Broge
tem and the engine cooling system.
“The dry ice can lower the tempera-
ture about 25°C. We need to pull the
temperature down because then you can
increase the power. In the race you have
only the cooling from the air, and it
doesn’t help if you have not the right
temperature to start,” Abt said prior to
the 39-lap, 1.34-mi (2.16-km) Miami race.
Developing an electric powertrain for
a racing application will mean challenges
and victories.
“You have to work with suppliers on
different materials; that’s a challenge.
You have to have a very fast loop of
re-engineering if re-engineering is nec-
essary,” Gutzmer said, referencing some
of the challenges. “But the knowledge Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin used a combination of metabolic
that we gain during this process will be engineering and directed evolution to develop a new, mutant yeast strain that could
fruitful for future developments.” lead to a more efficient biofuel production process and potentially make biofuels more
Kami Buchholz economically competitive with conventional fuels.
16 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 16 5/11/15 5:26 PMTECHNOLOGY
Report
OFF-HIGHWAY POWERTRAIN
Cummins in production with ‘simplied’ Tier 4 Final engines
Cummins is in production with the Tier 4
Final versions of its four-cylinder QSF2.8, The Tier 4 Final QSF2.8, QSF3.8, and QSB4.5
(shown) are fully integrated with exhaust
QSF3.8, and QSB4.5 engines will that offer aftertreatment systems designed and
a “simplified technology approach” fo- manufactured by Cummins Emission
cused on compact installation packages for Solutions with “right sizing”
space-constrained construction and mate- efficiency to match the aftertreatment
rial handling equipment across the 49- to size and technology to the engine
173-hp (37- to 129-kW) output range. output and the equipment types they
are intended for.
The 2.8-, 3.8-, and 4.5-L engines offer a
range of engine displacements and incre-
mental performance across a broad prod-
uct range. The ability to power-match is
also realized with the potential for instal-
lation downsizing at two pivotal points—
with a new, lower 74-hp (55-kW) rating
for the QSF3.8 and a higher 173-hp (129-
kW) rating for the QSB4.5.
“With these downsizing opportunities,
Cummins is redefining the ability of
four-cylinder engines to power compact
equipment with simpler technology for
applications including skid steers, forklifts,
excavators, wheel loaders, telehandlers, The Tier 4 Final QSF2.8 (shown), QSF3.8,
air compressors, and more,” said Brian and QSB4.5 are fully integrated with exhaust
Wilson, Cummins General Manager— aftertreatment systems designed and
Global Compact Business. “We antici- manufactured by Cummins Emission Solutions
pated the need to reduce the impact of with “right sizing” efficiency to match the
aftertreatment size and technology to the engine
Tier 4 Final at specific power points, as
output and the equipment types they are intended for.
that option would allow some types of
equipment to move to a much simpler
and more cost-effective installation solu- fuel consumption savings of up to 10%. works as an integrated system with the
tion without any loss in performance.” The QSB4.5 is performance-upgraded engine combustion so that DEF use is
Equipment positioned in the 75- to for Tier 4 Final with a compact variable reduced to as low as 3% of fuel consumed.
90-hp (56- to 67-kW) power band can geometry turbocharger specifically devel- The SCR system is designed to last the life
transition to the new QSF3.8 rating at 74 oped by Cummins Turbo Technologies for of the engine, helping to enhance the resid-
hp (55 kW) and take advantage of using the engine platform to provide higher ual value of the equipment.
a simple Cummins diesel oxidation cata- boost at all engine speeds with impres- The SCR system is used in combina-
lyst (DOC) in place of selective catalytic sive levels of torque response. tion with a DOC for higher outputs up to
reduction (SCR) aftertreatment or a die- The QSF2.8, QSF3.8, and QSB4.5 are the 173-hp (129-kW) QSB4.5 for premium
sel particulate filter (DPF) system. The fully integrated with exhaust aftertreat- performance equipment. The Cummins
3.8-L displacement ensures that machine ment systems designed and manufac- DOC-SCR system allows a greater latitude
capacity and low-end torque perfor- tured by Cummins Emission Solutions within the in-cylinder combustion formula
mance are retained at the lower 74-hp with “right sizing” efficiency to match to realize faster engine response and
(55-kW) rating. the aftertreatment size and technology improved fuel efficiency.
Compared to an SCR system, the to the engine output and the equipment Emissions control of the exhaust is com-
Cummins DOC reduces the aftertreat- types they are intended for. plemented by a light-flow, cooled EGR sys-
ment space claim by more than 50% and For QSF2.8 and QSF3.8 ratings below 75 tem, sized to fit within the QSF and QSB
eliminates the onboard diesel exhaust hp (56 kW), the Cummins DOC provides a engine envelopes. Due to the high efficiency
fluid (DEF) tank and the associated cost “fit and forget” solution, completely trans- of the aftertreatment in removing emis-
of replenishing the fluid. parent to the equipment user as it functions sions, the EGR system needs to recirculate
Increasing the top rating of the as a filter-free device able to reduce emis- only a low proportion of the exhaust gases
QSB4.5 to 173 hp (129 kW) for Tier 4 sions from the exhaust without the need for back to the in-cylinder combustion, allow-
Final presents the opportunity for equip- regeneration or any service cleaning. For ing the engine to not work as hard while
ment using a six-cylinder engine at a applications above 75 hp (56 kW), the allowing equipment users to get the same
similarly rated power to downsize to a Cummins SCR system achieves very high level of service from a four-cylinder engine
much smaller four-cylinder QSB4.5 emissions conversion efficiency with fil- as they have from six-cylinder engines.
installation, with the added benefit of ter-free, flow-through operation. The SCR Jean L. Broge
MOBILITY ENGINEERING JUNE 2015 17
1506ME.indb 17 5/11/15 5:26 PMTECHNOLOGY
Report
AEROSPACE PROPULSION
Aerojet Rocketdyne gets a boost from additive
manufactured components
Aerojet Rocketdyne recently completed Aerojet Rocketdyne
a series of hot-fire tests of additive man- recently completed
ufactured components for its AR1 boost- hot-fire testing of a
single-element
er engine at its Sacramento test facility.
main injector for the
AR1 is the first advanced hydrocarbon AR1 rocket engine
large liquid rocket engine in develop- that was completely
ment by Aerojet Rocketdyne since the built using additive
merger of Aerojet and Pratt & Whitney manufacturing.
Rocketdyne in June 2013.
The single-element main injector hot-
fire tests were conducted to evaluate
various main injector element designs
and fabrication methods. Several injec-
tors were fabricated using selective laser
melting (SLM), a form of additive manu-
facturing (AM). AM has become so ubiq-
uitous throughout the industry because
Aerojet Rocketdyne
it allows for the production of complex has conducted hot-
engine components at a fraction of the fire testing of a
cost of those produced using traditional multi-element
manufacturing techniques. preburner injector
Aerojet Rocketdyne has invested for the AR1 rocket
heavily in developing SLM capabilities engine. A similar
multi-element
for application to its rocket engines.
injector built using
Tested in excess of 2000 psi, Aerojet additive
Rocketdyne believes the AR1 single-ele- manufacturing will
ment hot-fire tests represent the highest be hot-fire tested
pressure hot-fire test of an AM part in a this spring.
rocket engine application. In the main
injector alone, AM offers the potential for Office (AHPDO) in Huntsville, AL. structure that are required with an AR1
a nine-month reduction in part lead Rapid development and certification solution, this approach is clearly the best
times, and a 70% reduction in cost. of the AR1 for current and future national path toward finding a replacement for
The AR1 is a 500,000-lb thrust-class security launch vehicles is a key focus for the RD-180,” said Linda Cova, Executive
liquid oxygen/kerosene booster engine AHPDO, particularly in terms of engine Director of Hydrocarbon Engine
currently in development as an alterna- cycles, materials, and AM. The AHPDO Programs at Aerojet Rocketdyne.
tive to the Russian-built RD-180. The office will integrate AR1 development Development of AR1 is currently
2015 National Defense Authorization Act and production activities across Aerojet being funded by Aerojet Rocketdyne
calls for the RD-180 to be replaced by an Rocketdyne’s various sites. The compa- with assistance from United Launch
American-made alternative for national ny’s Los Angeles and Sacramento facili- Alliance (ULA). Aerojet Rocketdyne and
security space launches by 2019. The AR1 ties will offer advanced large rocket ULA also continue to support the Atlas
is expected to be a catalyst for U.S. engine engineering and specialized man- and Delta launch vehicles such as the
launch providers to compete more effec- ufacturing expertise, the West Palm RS-68A, RL10, and AJ-60A.
tively in the global commercial launch Beach facility will offer additional manu- Work on the AR1 full-scale design has
marketplace. facturing and assembly work, and been progressing steadily with the team
AR1 development began in 2014 and Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Stennis facility will achieving significant milestones over the
builds on Aerojet Rocketdyne’s staged be used for AR1 engine final assembly past months, including the completion of
combustion experience gained through and could begin to test as early as 2017, a System Requirements Review, full-
technology development programs as with certification targeted for 2019. scale single-element main injector hot-
well as its recent AFRL Hydrocarbon The AR1 is designed to integrate with fire testing, subscale preburner testing,
Boost Technology Demonstration and the Atlas V launch vehicle, as well as pro- and turbopump inducer testing.
the NASA Advanced Booster vide a versatile propulsion solution for Completion of a vehicle-level system
Engineering Demonstration/Risk multiple current and future launch vehi- concept review and a main propulsion
Reduction program. All three programs cle applications. “When you consider the system Preliminary Design Review are
are part of the company’s Advanced minimal changes to the Atlas V launch planned major milestones for 2015.
Hydrocarbon Propulsion Development vehicle, launch pad, and related infra- Jean L Broge
18 JUNE 2015 MOBILITY ENGINEERING
1506ME.indb 18 5/11/15 5:26 PMTECHNOLOGY
Report
OFF-HIGHWAY ELECTRONICS
Military technologies aid the fight for improved
off-highway efficiencies
There is a never-ending need for tech- Vehicle
nologies that can improve the efficiency boom
of off-highway equipment, while en-
hancing safety for both operator and the
Laser Construction
machine. The defense sector of the in-
Beam Vehicle
dustry has an upper hand in the invest-
ment and invention of such technologies,
some of which could, and probably wood log about to hit
should, find their way into equipment the vehicle while swing
used for agriculture, construction, forest- operation
ry, and mining. Radar is one such exam-
Shown is a depiction of swing operation with the wood log position being monitored by
ple of technology that was once used using LIDAR. Currently, swing operation is done manually. If LIDAR were implemented,
just in combat applications, and was very automated swing operation could result in higher efficiencies, saving both time and fuel.
costly, but is now being widely used in
vehicles for various applications.
LASER from LADAR
Once closely guarded, many of these
technologies are now commercially avail- Construction Vehicle
able. However, as these technologies are
made to order and not being mass pro-
duced, at present their cost is higher com-
pared to other technologies being used in
Pit
off-highway equipment. But once they are
introduced in vehicles and have higher
volumes, the cost will go down. LIDAR is also a candidate for pit geometry measurement. A laser beam would
continuously scan the surface and measure the geometry of a pit being dug. The
captured data would be displayed in the vehicle real time.
SWIR and range-gated
imaging In the absence of these lights, SWIR Long-range identification may be criti-
Short-wave infrared (SWIR) works in cameras can provide excellent visibility cal in such cases. Simple SWIR cameras
wavelengths from 0.9 to 1.7 µm, which is at night due to their night radiance cannot improve visibility in these types of
not visible to the human eye. Although capabilities. environmental conditions, so adding a
not visible, light in this wavelength has Since water is opaque to SWIR, such range-gated imaging (RGI) feature aids in
the same behavior as visible light, so the cameras can also sense moisture content. imaging at long ranges, minimizing the
images taken from a SWIR camera are Objects having moisture content appear effect of adverse environmental conditions.
very similar to those taken from cameras dark in the image taken by a SWIR cam- Similar to radars, RGI uses pulsed
working in the visible wavelength range. era. The more moisture content, the laser for illumination of objects. Light
However, they are black and white. darker the image. Agricultural vehicles reflected from these objects is sensed by
In the military, SWIR is used for sur- such as harvesters can leverage this tech- a camera. Here the exposure time (or
veillance, reconnaissance, and night nology to determine moisture content in “gate”) is very short. Delaying of the
imaging. This technology can find many a harvested crop, and thus help estimate gate enables the camera to capture only
applications in off-highway equipment. the reduction in weight that can happen the light reflected from an object. Using
Off-highway equipment often has to when grains are completely dried out. this technology, one can see over a much
work or drive in low-light conditions. This may help in estimating accurately the longer range in low visibility conditions.
Work lights and drive lights provided on cost of the harvested crop in advance. RGI technology can also provide under-
vehicles may not be sufficient during In case of adverse environmental con- water visibility up to 50 to 100 m. Thus, it
dark and moonless nights. Also, these ditions such as rain, fog, smoke, dust, etc., can be used effectively in excavators to
lights often provide illumination only in visibility can be reduced to a level where monitor underwater excavation work.
close vicinity of vehicle. it is not possible to see beyond a few feet. At present, most off-highway vehicles
There is also a possibility of these lights And there would be no way for the oper- do not have anything that can see
getting damaged due to various reasons ator to know if such conditions were through clouds of dust, smoke, and smog,
like damage to an electronic control unit, restricted to a few meters or spread over and best practice in such cases is to halt
fuse or filament burn out, or smashed bulbs a broader terrain. The operator may keep the work until the operator deems work
due to flying stones or timber, further driving the vehicle in an attempt to cross conditions are safe and suitable, which
reducing the intensity of light available for a low-visibility patch, which may lead into may not always be correct. Use of RGI to
performing the job or the driving vehicle. even worse climatic conditions. improve visibility in adverse conditions
MOBILITY ENGINEERING JUNE 2015 19
1506ME.indb 19 5/11/15 5:26 PMYou can also read
