How stuff works--planes, trains, automobles, any technology...

[*Chernaudi]

I decided to make a general thread about various technology stuff about mechanical and electrical devices.  Anything can be discussed here, though my areas are expertise are limited with some technology (though looking up the stuff could give me something to do when I'm bored).  Mostly, this is a discussion about how various technologies work and our thoughts and opinions on them.

 

Since one of my areas of expertise is automotive stuff, there's a new type of high-beam headlight that Audi and BMW are developing call the Laserlight.  Audi currently are using them on their new R18 e-tron quattro racing car, and their Audi Sport Quattro concept car, and BMW feature them on their i8.

 

http://gearheads.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/CES140021.jpg

 

http://www.motorsport.com/lemans/photo/main-gallery/front-of-the-2014-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro/?sz=2&s=2&id=1676870&i=10

 

http://www.motorsport.com/lemans/photo/main-gallery/the-2014-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-6/?sz=2&s=2&id=1676720&i=134

 

How Audi explained it is that a yellow laser beam is reflected off of crystals and then reflected off of mirrors to produce the light.

 

I'm also considering posting an automotive thread, and I might have to contact Yuki or one of the other mods here before I proceed with that.

 

So discuss away with technology!

 

 

[*Chernaudi]

Another piece of technology for cars.  This time, it's the Variable Geometry Turbocharger, or VTG for short:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable-geometry_turbocharger

 

They've been used on diesel engines of all sizes for automotive and truck use for years to combat turbo lag and improve engine response and efficiency.  However, the gasoline powered Porsche 911 Turbo has VTG turbos as standard.  Audi have also run VTG turbos on their R15 and R18 Le Mans cars, and are thus far the only successful racing cars to use VTG technology.