It almost seems as though there is no such thing as a purely mechanical system anymore. The proliferation of electronic controls into the automotive industry is evident through almost every vehicle system. With this trend comes the complexity of developing a mechanical design, controls software and hardware, plus system calibration. Recently Altair worked with Faurecia on the optimization of one such system. In this case Faurecia wasn’t adding electronics to a different part of the vehicle, but taking a new approach to an electronic window regulator design.

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This week we finished a set of 5 automotive industry webinars that showcased some technologies and methods to assist in the constant fight to reduce cost and timing while exciting consumers with innovative, better performing products.

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USA Today recently ran a story on the increase in bird strike incidents in commercial aviation.   This is a concern for flight safety and the airlines and airports are trying to find ways to reduce the number of bird strike incidents.  Unless you eliminate all of the birds, you can never completely eliminate the risk of bird strikes. 

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I recently read an article on the cost per pound for dieting programs.  When you factor in the cost of food, counseling, gym memberships, etc., it works out to $70-$100 per pound.  Unfortunately, most people gain most of the weight back after a diet program so the actual cost per pound is much higher.  The diet industry is clearly operating on a self-recurring revenue basis. 

In the Aerospace industry, we hear a lot about reducing the weight of systems.  Advantages in fuel efficiency, range, and cargo capacity are often cited as reasons why you should buy from a particular Aerospace OEM.  How much does an extra pound of weight actually cost in Aerospace? 

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With gas prices now way past the $3.50 a gallon price that saw a change in consumer habits a couple of years or so ago, perhaps smaller cars will become a more permanent fixture on the North American automotive landscape. Although interestingly last year the recovery in U.S. auto sales was significantly driven by people buying the trucks and larger SUVs that they turned away from in 2008.

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