Need school paper help? topic: technology involved in vehicle tuning/diagnosing

[fireberd350]

Need to do a paper on an emerging technology. I got stuck doing it on vehicle tuning b/c I mentioned i had interest in it in class. I honestly do not think it is a good topic to do my paper on b/c i don't think there is that much info out there on it as compared to nanotechnology or wireless. Can anyone help me out with any new technology that is out or is in development that can relate in any way to vehicle tuniing/diagnosing?
thanks in advance, Steve

 

[1badTTA]

Do it on all the DIY tuning tools. There are DIY wideband setups as well as DIY EFI etc.. Just an idea, but it seems to be a growing trend and technically an "emerging technology"

 

[gn85]

I never wrote for the school paper, but I'm sure you could write somewhat of an interesting column on the newest diagnostic tools and techniques. You can add a flavor of tree-hugging because most diagnostics in cars these days involves emissions. You can explain OBDII, airbag, ABS and body management technologies. Just because it's not nano-technology or anything like that doesn't mean that it's not interesting. I would appeal to the fact that most readers aren't aware of all of these computers in modern cars doing thousands of calculations/second to seemlessly operate the vehicle without the drivers knowledge.

As someone just mentioned, you can further your article into the DIY aspect and the fact that there is a growing number of auto-enthusiasts learning to use these same tools for performance modifications while still observing emissions standards.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

[fireberd350]

thanks, some good ideas.
I never said it wasn't interestin, I am interested in it but that doesn't mean it will be a great paper. This has to be a pretty large in depth paper and I just didn't think there was enough content to complete it. I'll do some research and see what I come up with.

thanks, STeve

 

[The Radius Kid]

There's tons of things to talk about;
1.How did Chrysler certify the Viper with such a big engine[hint: small bore cylinders-fast burn].
2.Flame front propogation speed and what is ideal for optimum emissions and power.
3.Combustion chamber shape,size and the effects on emissions and power.
4.Cylinder head materials and their effects on the above mentioned[ever notice they're using aluminum exclusively instead of cheaper cast iron?].
5.Engine size and packaging and it's effects on mileage and power,as well as smoothness[acceptability to the customer].
6.Ways to enhance power output AND lower emissions at the same time[we know all about that,we drive them].
7.Suspension calibration and it's effects on emissions over rough roads[can cause a slight misfire condition in the engine-there was an article in GMHTP about this a while back].
8.Ignition timing accuracy and how they've managed to make it more so lowering emissions and increasing power.
9.Cold start considerations and how they lower the emissions to avoid failing the test[gotta be careful here or you could fail the test before you start].
10.Different exhaust pipe materials and their effects on emissions output at the tailpipe[check out the new Vette's,think they put Titanium on there for nothing?].
11.Driveline efficiency and control[computer] for the newer transmissions[must efficiently put that power to the ground].
12.Vehicle weight and aerodynamics[doesn't help to lug around a big brick,that only increases emissions].
13.Engine efficiency:gas versus diesel and the associated problems of each.
14.Packaging problems with each.
15.Support systems for each and their parasitic losses[robbed H/P].
Sorry,I'm rambling,but there are so many things that affect a vehicle's ability to perform efficiently and with low emissions that it would be impossble to list them all here.
Here's one for you: 1,000 watt car stereos-that's over one H/P.
The average car today probably needs 4-5 H/P to drive around town.
That stereo eats over one H/P from the charging system.
What do you think that does for the vehicle's emissions?
You could do a web search and go to SAE's homepage[I assume they have one] and look stuff up there.
I guaranty you'll find lots.

 

[Reaper]

you can also talk about the fact that in the near future we will be seeing 36 volt systems with multiple ECMs and fiber optic connections between systems in the car.



Dathan

 

[Taffy]

Garrett is working on using compound turbocharging on passenger cars that are gasoline powered. Look into that. I think that would be a very good topic.

 

[gn85]

All great suggestions, but don't go too technical. Remember this is the comman layperson. While you or I can read that with great interest, it needs to have a fairly broad audience. Quick turn-off to a reader is material they feel they can not grasp.