Other factors beyond the general shape that lead to this kind of fuel economy include rear wheels that are almost completely shrouded with sheets of plastic, flush-fitted door handles, and cameras instead of exterior mirrors.
To further reduce exhaust emissions, the DCX engineers used a new process call Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). The centrepiece of SCR is a catalytic converter that uses an additional service fluid to convert the nitrogen oxide (NOx). Specifically, an aqueous urea solution is sprayed into the exhaust system in precisely metered quantities, depending on the engine operating status. This converts the NOx into "harmless nitrogen and water" and results in an 80 percent reduction in NOx emissions in the new European driving cycle.
DCX already uses SCR in commercial applications, but it's now testing it in personal vehicles in an effort to "avoid the fuel consumption disadvantages by optimising the in-engine combustion processes.
The plan is to offer SCR technology in North America when the tests are completed, DCX says.
Along with its aerodynamic skill, the boxfish also provided DCX with a guide to lightweight construction methods. Apparently, both the external armour-plating of the boxfish and the bone structure of other creatures "show how nature achieves maximum strength with the minimum use of materials."
In consultation with bionics experts, DCX researchers developed a computer-assisted process for transferring the growth principle used by nature to auto engineering.
Computers are used to configure body and suspension components in "such a way that the material in areas subject to lower loads can be made less resistant, while highly stressed areas are specifically reinforced.
The hexagonal scales of the boxfish likewise obey the principle of maximum strength for the least weight, apparently. Transferred to the external panelling of a car door, then, this natural construction principle produces a honeycomb pattern with up to 40 percent more rigidity.'' This could transfer to a weight reduction of some 30 percent for the entire vehicle, which is good for fuel economy if not safety ratings.
All of this from a fish that looks like the guy who got picked last for sandlot games.
photo:DaimlerChrysler AG
To further reduce exhaust emissions, the DCX engineers used a new process call Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). The centrepiece of SCR is a catalytic converter that uses an additional service fluid to convert the nitrogen oxide (NOx). Specifically, an aqueous urea solution is sprayed into the exhaust system in precisely metered quantities, depending on the engine operating status. This converts the NOx into "harmless nitrogen and water" and results in an 80 percent reduction in NOx emissions in the new European driving cycle.
DCX already uses SCR in commercial applications, but it's now testing it in personal vehicles in an effort to "avoid the fuel consumption disadvantages by optimising the in-engine combustion processes.
The plan is to offer SCR technology in North America when the tests are completed, DCX says.
Along with its aerodynamic skill, the boxfish also provided DCX with a guide to lightweight construction methods. Apparently, both the external armour-plating of the boxfish and the bone structure of other creatures "show how nature achieves maximum strength with the minimum use of materials."
In consultation with bionics experts, DCX researchers developed a computer-assisted process for transferring the growth principle used by nature to auto engineering.
Computers are used to configure body and suspension components in "such a way that the material in areas subject to lower loads can be made less resistant, while highly stressed areas are specifically reinforced.
The hexagonal scales of the boxfish likewise obey the principle of maximum strength for the least weight, apparently. Transferred to the external panelling of a car door, then, this natural construction principle produces a honeycomb pattern with up to 40 percent more rigidity.'' This could transfer to a weight reduction of some 30 percent for the entire vehicle, which is good for fuel economy if not safety ratings.
All of this from a fish that looks like the guy who got picked last for sandlot games.
photo:DaimlerChrysler AG
Article Gallery