Applications of Microcomputers in Automotive Electronics

The history of microcomputer application in automotive electronics is briefly reviewed. American, Japanese, and European automobile manufacturer's microcomputer products are considered, and representative production designs are compared. Differences in approaches and problem solutions are examined. The chronological introduction of microcomputer-controlled functions is presented for engine, transmission, entertainment/comfort/convenience, and instrument panel control. Growth trends are noted for each category, and future automotive microcomputer applications are discussed. Projections are made of future semiconductor VLSI technology and automotive microcomputers.     

Evaluation of corrosion defects in oil pipelines based on the approaches of fracture mechanics

We study the development of corrosion defects in an industrial oil pipeline. Defects appearing in the pipeline after 5 and 10 yr of operation are measured by the ultrasonic method. It is shown that, after 10 yr of operation, the pipe wall becomes thinner by 22% (as compared with its initial thickness). To evaluate the defectiveness of state of the pipeline, we use the concepts of J -integral and crack-opening displacement δ. The experimental data on corrosion defects are used to find the values of J-integral.