Automotive Applications Division Features

Environmental competence: IPP and VIAQ by Geraint Williams, University of Warwick.

The following announcements describe automotive research which is being conducted at Warwick University under the Premier Automotive Research Development (PARD) programme and is supported by regional funds from Advantage West Midlands

More on Integrated Product Policy (IPP) and VIAQ (vehicle interior air quality)

Real-Time Microfocus X-Ray System by Niamh Roche-Kelly, Ford Motor Co

Dunton Materials Technology Centre has commissioned the first 3D real time X-ray machine of its type to be used by Ford in Europe. It has replaced the traditional 'wet film' X-ray technique with a revolutionary system of the calibre that has applications in aerospace inspection technology. The X-Tek real-time Microfocus equipment employs state of the art digital imaging to generate a live two dimensional image of any object placed in its metre-cube cabinet - test pieces may vary in size and technology from a microchip to an engine block casting. More ...

Improved Performance in Car Engines through Plasma Sprayed Coatings by Keith Harrison, Sulzer Metco (UK) Ltd

The use of lightweight materials has become more prevalent as car manufacturers strive to reduce vehicle weight in order to improve performance, lower fuel and oil consumption and to reduce emissions.

Most manufacturers are beginning to replace cast iron engine blocks with lightweight and low-cost aluminium-silicon crankcases. The cylinder bores of these aluminium alloy blocks must have wear resistant surfaces and usually have cast iron liners because of their good operating characteristics. These liners need to have a specific wall thickness, which results in a relatively large web width between the individual cylinder bores and increases the dimensions and weight of the engine. More ...