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The development from program inception of major Apollo spacecraft systems is reviewed. Those subsystems which required significant advances in current technology are highlighted, and important system development derived from Project Mercury and the Gemini Program is discussed where pertinent. The overall approach to satisfaction of mission requirements in the Apollo spacecraft is outlined in relation to the manned lunar landing. The paper illustrates that all mission-critical systems were designed with a high degree of reliability and redundancy because of the limited flight frequency, the denial of inflight maintenance, and the absence of an inflight rescue capability. For the lunar module, the first true spacecraft, significant unknowns that faced spacecraft designers could not be effectively resolved in any of the earth-orbit flight programs.

The traditional concept that experience data for valid reliability estimates is not now available is challenged. Major problems are discussed, both technical and administrative, which are associated with marshalling and exploiting a company's past experience to produce knowledge which will lead to more reliable designs, and several solutions are presented. The importance of mutual understanding by designer and reliability specialist coupled with objective attention to details in a simple approach is stressed. In conclusion, a proposal is made to develop a contractually negotiable communication channel within industry based on a technical “Right-to-Know” to counter existing disabling restrictions of the security “Need-to-Know.”

This paper discusses the brake performance of air-braked trucks and combination vehicles relative to deceleration and stability The available means for improving the performance are covered, including recommendations based on maximum cost effectiveness. Methods discussed are the use of load-sensitive proportioning valves and skid control, with the study of tractor installations as a prelude to more widespread usage of either device. Related areas of interest are also considered, such as the vehicle modifications that may be required to permit the use of these brake controls, the benefits of tractor installations on interchange vehicles, and the relative merits of load-sensitive proportioning valves and skid control when so applied.

Productivity is result of competitive processes and it is a major factor for nation’s and industry growth. For Brazilian automotive industry it is tied, among other factors, to permanent value stream analysis and reevaluation. Especially on emerging economies, companies needs to review its strategies taking into consideration the market dynamics, current market position and future vision. Based on the manufacturing configuration, it is necessary to review current activities and process, checking in details which manufacturing operations add value to the organization, from technical, financial and strategic perspective. The decision to Make or to Buy, is a process for choosing to maintain the processes and operations in house or to outsource them. This is a key factor for industries, and is recommended the adoption of a methodology to assist the evaluation process.

This paper defines a laboratory road simulator system and discusses various problems associated with using such a machine to test vehicles. Advantages and disadvantages of various methods for applying input forces to the vehicle are discussed to show why the author chose the method of exciting through the tire in the vertical direction only. The development of a method for solving the problem of simulating the rolling tire vertical properties is presented. Vertical and fore-aft response correlation resulting from this tire simulation is shown and the types of problems the author has chosen to study with this test system are explained.

The paper introduces a session that reviews some NASA-derived technology that may be useful in the automotive industry. Several examples in the paper illustrate aerospace technology already at work in that industry. Services offered by NASA to facilitate access to its technology are described.

In today's fast pace world of innovation and technology, lifelong learning has become a necessity for anyone working in industry. This is especially true for those in alternative propulsion or other such rapidly evolving fields. Universities and other learning institutions are delivering ever more Distance Learning certificates, degrees, and programs in an effort to re-tool the technical workerforce. To ensure Distance Learning programs are effective, successful, and advantageous, personal interaction and direct connection in some form between the students, industry, and academia is instrumental. Communication and interaction are vital to learning, whether it is Distance Learning or other more traditional methods, and personal interaction should not be overlooked for any of these learning delivery methods.

In this paper, we present some of the main tasks that have to be addressed and solved for FlexRay to become a reality in series production at Audi. The results will be used for future generations of vehicles in the Volkswagen Group. The methods established and products developed build the base for Audi's FlexRay series development.

Over the past several years increasing concern is expressed over the impact of tractors and heavy-duty trucks on the environment. One of the factors specific to this type of vehicles is the level of soil damage inflicted by the vehicle. This article suggests methods of ameliorating this type of damage. It is suggested that the harmful impact of the vehicle on the soil be assessed on the basis of an index that takes into account the reduction in the soil's reproductive capacity due to being traversed by vehicular wheels. A computational method is suggested that allows the design of off-road vehicles; it takes into account the number of axles and their arrangement along the base; the distribution of load between the axles, the type and specifics of the drivelines, tire models and pressure, turning patterns, etc. This method allows comparative evaluation of various vehicles, whether already in existence or under design.

For purposes of rating icing exposures for significance and value, tests can probably be adequately documented using a suitable icing rate meter. The utility and advantages of an icing rate meter are illustrated by a sample application.

How do you measure the effectiveness of a training program? This question is similar to one people ask about the effectiveness of advertising. The story goes that all advertising is only 50% effective. The problem is finding out which 50% that is. Dana Corporation identified a problem that affected engine part sales. Lack of quality machinist training was critical to the growth and expansion of machine shops. Fewer machine shops mean fewer parts sold. After a needs analysis was completed, the Dana solution was to offer their customers machine shop training. Measuring the effectiveness of this training was accomplished in several ways. Paper and pencil evaluations (smile sheets), follow-up telephone surveys and skill mastery exercises were a few of the methods used to measure the training program. The difficulty in obtaining evidence was partially attributed to the fact that customers were trained and not Dana employees.

The paper presents an energetic post-processing methodology for large-scale vibro-acoustic finite element models. Starting from a dynamic and an acoustic modal basis produced by a finite element analysis (FEA), the methodology produces: 1 synthetic and pertinent energetic outputs; 2 optimal SEA partitions of the finite element mesh; 3 quality indicators of existing SEA partitions. The methodology involves six different steps, some required, some optional: 1 automatic partitioning of the FEA model in patches; 2 calculation of distribution matrices; 3 definition of mechanical loads; 4 definition of damping characteristics; 5 modal-based vibro-acoustic response calculation; 6 energetic post-processing; 7 automatic partitioning in SEA subsystems; 8 verification of existing SEA partitions. Each step will be presented in turn. The methodology will be illustrated by application of the successive steps to a Renault Laguna body and an Alstom two-storey TGV train section.

A common hurdle to enterprise-wide implementation of Six Sigma projects is the need to prepare employees so they are able to use statistical tools and graphical analysis techniques. Six Sigma deployment plans are replete with classes, seminars and coaching sessions aimed at the use and application of statistical procedures. Master Black Belts, Black Belts and external consultants are engaged in developing tutorial aids, analysis macros, and automated analysis routines so employees do not have to know too much to get the job done. A long term solution to this problem is to work with education providers and help them understand the industry's need for a better prepared work force. People who graduate from engineering, business and management programs need to be equipped with work-ready skills so they can make immediate contributions in the workplace.

This paper evaluates four proposals for reducing the costs of spacecraft and other payloads. It concludes that: (1) Using a standard bus, if available, could save up to two-thirds the cost of using a customized bus. (2) Payloads could cost less if allowed to be heavier. A Titan-class payload might cost about $130 million less if allowed to be five times as heavy. (3)Anticipating greater-than-expected payload weight growth during development reduces risks of delay and expense for redesign. The optimal weight margin to allow at the beginning of full-scale development is about 11 to 12 percent for a Titan-class payload. (4) A swarm of small satellites might be as effective for some missions as a single large satellite, and possibly more economical, because smaller satellites typically cost much less per kilogram than do large ones.

An actual trend in the automotive industry is to have global products in order to have economy of scale. This paper presents how a Belt Drive Rack EPS developed for the North American market had to be modified in order to be assembled in a Vehicle sold all around the world. Main technical challenges for achieving that goal were generated from different Architectures, whether electrical or mechanical, used in each vehicle, Packaging issues and Regional Requirements. Main features affected are Database Configuration, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Smooth Road Shake mitigation and Pull Compensation.

Though modal analysis is a common tool to evaluate the dynamic properties of a structure, there are still many individual decisions to be made during the process which are often based on experience and make it difficult for occasional users to gain reliable and correct results. One of those experience-based choices is the correct number and placement of reference points. This decision is especially important, because it must be made right in the beginning of the process and a wrong choice is only noticeable in the very end of the process. Picking the wrong reference points could result in incomplete modal analysis outcomes, as it might make certain modes undetectable, compounded by the user's lack of awareness about these missing modes. In the paper an innovative approach will be presented to choose the minimal number of mandatory reference points and their placement.

Increased emphasis upon achievement of customer satisfaction has forced American Motors' quality and reliability activities to develop new techniques for identifying and correcting field product problems. This paper will describe the features of the American Motors' Buyer Protection Plan; will review methods used to provide product problem information feedback; and will discuss fleet performance reporting, new model dealer reaction surveys, warranty parts return programs, and specialized warranty analysis. The unique product problem and action status reporting procedure developed to provide a uniform coordinated method for investigation, recording and resolution of field quality problems will be presented. Sound communication and motivational techniques exercised within the organization enable prompt reaction to implement the message of the Buyer Protection Plan.

In a near future, platooning could become one of the most accessible strategies to help reduce the consumption of fuel and the emissions of toxic gases in the atmosphere, while also adding safety to the users and generating a better traffic flow. Nowadays, the auto industry and the governments are facing enormous challenges to reduce the amount of pollution in the atmosphere, to decrease the dependency on fossil fuels to generate energy and to increase safety on the highways. Several approaches are made, such as bio-fuels, hybrid and electric vehicles, engine downsizing and new modes of transportation that are more versatile and environmentally friendly. The downside is that most of this efforts are costly and require time and expense to be put to work. Platooning is an alternative option to minimize the impact to the environment profiting from the aerodynamic effects that occur naturally around a moving vehicle.

Introduction of an array of new electrical and electronic features into future vehicles is generating vehicle electrical power requirements that exceed the capabilities of today's 14 volt electrical systems. In the near term (5 to 10 years), the existing 14V system will be marginally capable of supporting the expected additional loads with escalating costs for the associated charging system. However, significant increases in vehicle functional content are expected as future requirements to meet longer-term (beyond 10 years) needs in the areas of emission control, fuel economy, safety, and passenger comfort. A higher voltage electrical system will be required to meet these future requirements. This paper explores the functional needs that will mandate a higher voltage system and the benefits derivable from its implementation.

THE safety and dependability of scheduled air transportation depends, in part, on how practical is the cockpit in which the pilots spend their time and carry on their functions while in flight. The author of this paper, himself a pilot, has compiled here information gained from a questionnaire answered by representatives from every scheduled airline in the country. It appears that these pilots have definite ideas on the improvements that are needed in cockpits, discussed by the author under the following headings: 1. Cockpit window layout (including provisions for all-weather visibility). 2. Instrument panel arrangement. 3. Cockpit lighting. 4. Pilot comfort (including adequate seats, ventilation, and heating). 5. Type, location, and accessibility of controls.