8/97 mechanical engineering features

August 1997

feature articles

diesel cars come clean
Despite their reputation for being dirty and noisy, modern diesel engines offer high fuel efficiency, low noise and exhaust levels, and improved drivability. New smaller diesels could soon power many European car models.

sensors help make air bags safer
Manufacturers are using a variety of sensors&emdash;including ultrasonic, infrared, and piezoelectric&emdash;to prevent air-bag deployment that could cause injury.

new gas-turbine designs push the envelope
A trio of new gas turbines point the way to more efficient and cleaner power generation for utilities, mechanical drives for industry, and compressors for pipelines and platforms.

a tiny turbojet for model aircraft
An engine 12 inches long and 4 inches in diameter, and weighing only 4 pounds, is ready to be flight-tested in a model airplane.

introducing new products
A 13-step process helps ensure the successful launch of new products while it teaches team management.

motion control in product design
Rather than an array of actuators, designers may be better off using a simple mechanism to accomplish the same task more efficiently and economically.

armor-plated auxiliary power
A new design for an auxiliary power unit that dispenses with a gearbox and oil-lubrication equipment has been field-tested in an M1A1 main battle tank