Abstract: Thermal imaging may be used for obtaining measurements of a tribological testing apparatus including a contact temperature. For example a method of calculating a contact temperature may include: introducing a testing sample into a contact zone of a tribological testing apparatus; engaging a testing operation of the tribological testing apparatus; measuring a contact emission of a testing surface of the tribological testing apparatus with an infrared camera; and calculating a contact temperature of the testing sample in the contact zone from the contact emission; wherein the tribological testing apparatus has a carbon coating on the testing surface of the contact zone, wherein the carbon coating has a first infrared emissivity, wherein the testing sample has a second infrared emissivity, and wherein the first infrared emissivity is within +/?20% of the second infrared emissivity.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a higher gear range to a lower gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a higher gear range to a lower gear range without stopping a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a lower gear range to a higher gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a lower gear range to a higher gear range in a way that may reduce torque disturbances that may result from gear lash.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a lower gear range to a higher gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a lower gear range to a higher gear range in a way that may reduce torque disturbances that may result from gear lash.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a higher gear range to a lower gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a higher gear range to a lower gear range without stopping a vehicle.

Abstract: A forming tool stamps sheet metal blanks into a desired shape. A contoured surface is defined for the forming tool so that respective portions of the metal blank flow over the contoured surface during forming. An intrinsic material flow pattern resulting from the contoured surface is compared to a desired flow in order to identify regions of the contoured surface having an insufficient flow that creates areas in the formed metal blank receiving less than a desired amount of metal. A surface microtexture is applied onto the contoured surface in a pattern selected to increase metal flow along the identified regions by providing a coefficient of friction in the identified regions that is reduced relative to adjacent regions of the contoured surface.

Abstract: A forming tool stamps sheet metal blanks into a desired shape. A contoured surface is defined for the forming tool so that respective portions of the metal blank flow over the contoured surface during forming. An intrinsic material flow pattern resulting from the contoured surface is compared to a desired flow in order to identify regions of the contoured surface having an insufficient flow that creates areas in the formed metal blank receiving less than a desired amount of metal. A surface microtexture is applied onto the contoured surface in a pattern selected to increase metal flow along the identified regions by providing a coefficient of friction in the identified regions that is reduced relative to adjacent regions of the contoured surface.

Abstract: A manufacturing method forms components having a desired shape. A contoured surface is defined for a forming tool for forming a metal blank into the desired shape, wherein respective portions of the metal blank flow over the contoured surface during forming. An intrinsic material flow pattern resulting from the contoured surface is compared to a desired flow in order to identify regions of the contoured surface having an insufficient flow that creates areas in the formed metal blank receiving less than a desired amount of metal. A surface microtexture is applied onto the contoured surface in a pattern selected to increase metal flow along the identified regions by providing a friction in the identified regions that is reduced relative to adjacent regions of the contoured surface.

Abstract: A cutting tool comprising first and second surfaces that intersect at an edge, wherein the first surface (e.g., a rake face, a flank surface or a margin) has a textured region comprising a multiplicity of recesses each having a length greater than its width. The recesses are distributed in a pattern comprising rows of recesses arranged lengthwise along respective lines with spaces between neighboring recesses. The recesses of one row are offset from the recesses of the next row. Each recess of the one row having one end portion that overlaps with an end portion of one recess in the next row and another end portion that overlaps with an end portion of another recess in the next row. The recesses are generally parallel to the edge.

Abstract: A manufacturing method forms components having a desired shape. A contoured surface is defined for a forming tool for forming a metal blank into the desired shape, wherein respective portions of the metal blank flow over the contoured surface during forming. An intrinsic material flow pattern resulting from the contoured surface is compared to a desired flow in order to identify regions of the contoured surface having an insufficient flow that creates areas in the formed metal blank receiving less than a desired amount of metal. A surface microtexture is applied onto the contoured surface in a pattern selected to increase metal flow along the identified regions by providing a friction in the identified regions that is reduced relative to adjacent regions of the contoured surface.