ENGINEERING WITH SIMULATION AND DATA

Companies are discovering new simulation techniques, especially optimization; the next step is to combine simulation with sensor data and predictive analytics to create even more robust off-highway equipment.

Making off-highway equipment, such as construction or agriculture machines, more efficient continues to be a priority after the final phase-in of the U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations.

“Some of the companies we work with are running out of credits and unfortunately still struggling with Tier 4,” explained Tristan Donley, Technical Director, Off-Highway Heavy Vehicles North American for Exa, a supplier of software for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). These companies continue to balance thermal and noise requirements due to their upgraded engines and aftertreatment devices, for example. “Others are now focusing on cutting the additional cost from components that enabled them to meet Tier 4 Final, but drove up the cost of their machines,” she said.