Este trabalho visa analisar a importância da Tecnologia da Informação (TI) no processo de desenvolvimento de produtos em uma indústria automobilística, vislumbrando a melhoria de qualidade, a redução de custo e a otimização do tempo de desenvolvimento em novos projetos, fatores estes considerados de extrema importância para uma indústria automobilística poder competir no mercado nos dias de hoje. O trabalho é iniciado com uma descrição teórica de modelos que analisam o papel da TI, relatando o processo de avaliação de seus benefícios. Também se procura abordar a questão de como a TI influencia a estratégia da empresa, bem como aponta como a informação pode proporcionar vantagem competitiva mediante a este atual mercado. O trabalho é complementado com uma breve descrição dedicada ao processo de desenvolvimento de novos produtos (NPD New Product Development), focando na responsabilidade deste proporcionar o desenvolvimento de produtos que atendam às expectativas do mercado e que sejam economicamente viáveis para a empresa. Um dos pontos mais importantes deste trabalho é a apresentação, em forma de estudo de caso, da aplicação da teoria abordada sobre a TI no processo de desenvolvimento de veículos na General Motors do Brasil (GMB), expondo seus pontos relevantes e críticos do ponto de vista estratégico. Em seqüência, cabe a descrição da análise do estudo de caso com a finalidade de se avaliar a classificação da GMB sob alguns dos prismas da teoria da TI, a fim de constatar a eficiência e eficácia alcançadas. Por fim, as conclusões encerram este trabalho com colocações importantes do ponto de vista da autora sobre todo o desenvolvimento deste trabalho. / This work aims to analyze the importance of the Information Technology (IT) in the product development process in an automobile industry, glimpsing the quality improvement, the cost reduction and the optimization of the development time in new projects, which these factors are considered of extreme importance for an automobile industry to compete in the market nowadays. The work starts with a theoretical description of models that analyzes the paper of IT, explaining the process of evaluation of their benefits. Also it tries to approach the question of how the IT can influence the strategy of the company, as well as it shows how the information can provide competitive advantage face to this current market. The work is complemented with a brief description dedicated to the New Product Development (NPD) process, focusing in the responsibility of providing the products development that assist to the market expectations and that are economically viable for the company. One of the most important points of this work is the presentation, through case study format, of the theory application related to the IT in the vehicles development process at General Motors of Brazil, exposing their relevant and critical points under the strategic point of view. In sequence, it fits the description of the case study analysis with the purpose of evaluating GMB classification under some prisms of the IT theory in order to verify the efficiency and effectiveness reached. Finally, the conclusions end this work with important statements under the author\'s point of view about the whole development of this work.

The thesis is focused on styling a real passenger car Proton Prevé with regard to the quality of surface modelling using computer software Autodesk Alias. The stylistic adjustments were made on basis of the background research and poll focused on the target group. Selected body parts have been modified according to the desired sport character of the car and the current vehicle’s appearance. The result of the work is a surface model, which was created using A-Class modelling methods under the direction of Evektor company. The benefit of the thesis is facelift of an existing car with consideration of the current market situation and customer requirements.

Attempts to assess psychological stress rely heavily upon subjective techniques which measure changes in perceived mental loading and situational awareness (Hart and Staveland 1988, Reid and Nygren 1988, Lemyre and Tessier 2003, 1998). Although quantitative methodologies do exist, for example monitoring changes in the cardiopulmonary system (Gelfand et al. 2004, Harada et al. 2006), such parameters are subject to influence by factors other than stress. Psychological stress is known to influence the effectiveness of the innate immune system, leading to an increased risk of infection and immune-related disease (Dhabhar et al. 1996, Boscarino et al. 1999, Altemus et al. 2006). Leukocytes, primarily neutrophils have been identified as an essential component of this mechanism - periods of increased psychological stress have been shown to stimulate neutrophils to release reactive oxygen species into surrounding healthy tissues (Mian et al. 2003). The exact biochemical pathways by which this occurs have not yet been fully elucidated. However, this mechanism has become the basis for a novel in vitro technique (McLaren et al. 2003) which has the potential and sensitivity to rapidly quantify and discriminate between changes in psychological stress, resulting from exposure to short-term low-level everyday life-stressors. Aims The overall aim of this research was to further explore the relationship between short-term psychological stress and altered immune responsiveness. Leukocyte coping capacity (LCC) is a luminol-dependent chemiluminescent technique for the assay of reactive oxygen species production in whole blood samples. The feasibility of applying this test as an objective, quantitative, diagnostic measure of altered mental workload (mental stress), in the assessment of ergonomics within automotive research and development was examined. Methods Leukocyte activity was determined from whole blood, using a luminol-dependent, in vitro, chemiluminescent technique referred to as Leukocyte Coping Capacity (LCC). 2 The technique measures reactive oxygen species production following phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation. Subjective psychological measures, including likert scales and the NASA task load index were employed to assess perceived stress and altered mental workload. Other traditional physiological parameters including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and core body temperature were also measured. The ability of each parameter to detect and discriminate between related short-term stressors was investigated, and results were correlated with post-test changes in leukocyte activity. To investigate the mechanism of stress induced leukocyte activation, standard ELISA was used to assess post-stressor plasma concentration changes in nine mediators including Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, Cortisol, E-Selectin, L-Selectin, Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-6, Endothelin-1, and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α. All 5 studies involved the use of mental stressors that were associated with either driving or the ergonomics of driving. Participants were moderately fit and healthy, aged between 20 and 65 years. Study one assessed the ability of the LCC technique to objectively discriminate between two closely related stressors (performing a simple manoeuvre in two different vehicles). Study two investigated leukocyte sensitivity, by testing whether a quantifiable response was elicited following exposure to a low-level stressor lasting seconds. The third study was used to explore the mechanism of leukocyte activation following short-term low-level stress. In addition to testing the viability of leukocyte responsiveness as an objective quantitative ergonomic assay for use within the motor industry, study four investigated how the magnitude of leukocyte responsiveness changed following repeated exposure to the same stressor. The final study used leukocyte reactivity to investigate how mental loading was affected during the interaction with three different motor vehicle control interfaces, whilst simultaneously maintaining lane discipline within a simulated driving environment.

O sucesso na indústria automobilística está intrinsecamente associado à sua capacidade de apresentar rapidamente novos produtos ao mercado. Foram fundamentais para reduzir o tempo de desenvolvimento de novos veículos a utilização de sistemas de projeto auxiliado por computador, ou CAD, para substituir o modelamento tridimensional físico pelo digital. Buscamos inicialmente apresentar os aspectos históricos da produção industrial do automóvel no início do século XX para compor um panorama com os personagens e os fatos relevantes que influenciaram o processo de projeto de veículos. Destacamos a criação do Art & Color Section da GM porque foi neste estúdio que modelos de projeto representando a carroceria de automóveis foram construídos pela primeira vez utilizando clay industrial. Descrevemos o fluxo de trabalho do processo de projeto no design automotivo e investigamos adicionalmente as possíveis interferências dos programas de modelamento digital no desenvolvimento criativo de projetos de design de automóveis. Complementarmente, analisamos a influência das ferramentas digitais na formação dos futuros designers de automóveis, os futuros desenvolvimentos de interface dos programas CAD/CAS e o panorama atual dos principais programas utilizados no design industrial de automóveis. / The ability to offer new products to the market is the key to success in auto industry. New vehicles are developed with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs, resulting in great development time reduction where digital models replaced traditional clay models. By researching historical facts about the auto industry production in early 20th century, this research focused on building a background where the design processes were developed, including relevant biography and facts about the people who created the modern car. We highlighted the creation of GM Art & Color Section due to its relation with the first use of car body models modeled with industrial clay. To find possible interferences caused by the use of digital modeling within the creative phase of car design processes, we described and analyzed the car design process workflow. Furthermore, we analyzed how digital tools can influence new designers education, looked for future CAD/CAS software interface development and an overview on the main high-end software for car design.

Following the Model-Based-Design (MBD) development process used presently by the automotive industry, the control systems for a new Series-Parallel Multiple-Regime Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), UVic EcoCAR2, have been developed, implemented and tested. Concurrent simulation platforms were used to achieve different developmental goals, with a simplified system power loss model serving as the low-overhead control strategy optimization platform, and a high fidelity Software-in-Loop (SIL) model serving as the vehicle control development and testing platform. These two platforms were used to develop a strategy-independent controls development tool which will allow deployment of new strategies for the vehicle irrespective of energy management strategy particulars. A rule-based energy management strategy was applied and calibrated using genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. The concurrent modeling approach was validated by comparing the vehicle equivalent fuel consumption between the simplified and SIL models. An equivalency factor (EF) of 1 was used in accounting for battery state of charge (SOC) discrepancies at cycle end. A recursively-defined subsystem efficiency-based EF was also applied to try to capture real-world equivalency impacts. Aggregate results between the two test platforms showed translation of the optimization benefits though absolute results varied for some cycles. Accuracy improvements to the simplified model to better capture dynamic effects are recommended to improve the utility of the newly introduced vehicle control system development method. Additional future work in redefining operation modes and mode transition threshold conditions to approximate optimal vehicle operation is recommended and readily supported by the control system platform developed. / Graduate / 0540 / 0548 / 0790 / d.e.prescott@gmail.com

Os automóveis têm afetado profundamente não somente o desenvolvimento econômico e as transformações dos meios produtivos, mas também os modos de vida da sociedade, o meio ambiente e a configuração dos espaços urbanos.Destacam-se, hoje, como um dos maiores conjuntos de atividades de negócio no mundo, guiando o desenvolvimento e o lançamento de novos produtos, processos e materiais no mercado, servindo como referência para outros setores. Novos conceitos, materiais e métodos de produção surgem a cada dia, aumentando o desempenho destes veículos, reduzindo o seu tempo de desenvolvimento, simulação, produção e lançamento no mercado. Neste novo cenário solicitações cada vez mais complexas precisam ser atendidas, integrando performance, segurança, economia, praticidade, tecnologia e desenvolvimento sustentável, entre outros. Assim, é necessário inovar com a pesquisa em design, metodologia de projeto, materiais e tecnologias para projeto e produção de veículos. Na busca de novos materiais as espumas metálicas vêm se mostrando fortes aliadas na construção de estruturas cada vez mais leves e resistentes, gerando economia com manutenção de desempenho e atualmente ainda existe carência de estudos computacionais tratando da caracterização e aplicações para estes materiais. Este trabalho visa a contribuição, tanto na área acadêmica quanto industrial, relacionando o design automotivo, a seleção de materiais e a simulação computacional através de software para modelagem e análise do comportamento estrutural pelo método dos elementos finitos com emprego da espuma metálica no modelo do Estudo de Caso do chassi do veículo Sabiá 5 - UEMG.De acordo com as simulações realizadas nas análises estáticas e dinâmicas, entre elas os testes de modos de vibração e crash test virtual, pode-se afirmar que a alternativa que melhor atendeu às solicitações foi a predominantemente constituída em espuma metálica, não ocorrendo plastificação na simulação dinâmica de deslocamento e havendo redução de peso. Demonstrou ainda, melhores condições no crash test frontal, absorvendo o máximo de energia cinética possível, para que esta não seja assimilada internamente ao veículo vindo a atingir os ocupantes. Observa-se ainda que a aplicação e simulação da espuma metálica é bastante complexa, principalmente em virtude da caracterização de sua relação constitutiva e da geometria do modelo, porém os resultados apresentados validam a metodologia empregada e explicitam as potencialidades das ferramentas computacionais empregadas no design virtual de produtos. / Automobiles have affected profoundly not only the economic development and the transformation of the means of production, but also society's lifestyles, the environment and urban spaces. They stand out as one of the biggest business activities in the world, guiding the development and launch of new products, processes and materials, and serving as a reference for other sectors. New production concepts, materials and methods are created every day, improving the performance of these vehicles and reducing the time needed for development, simulation, production and launch. In this new setting more complex requests have to be met, integrating performance, safety, economy, practicality, technology and sustainable development, among others. In this regard, it is necessary to innovate with design research, project methodology, and materials and technologies for projecting and producing vehicles. In search of new materials metal foams are demonstrating to help construction of lighter and stronger structures, saving money and keeping the performance. Nowadays there is still lack of computational studies covering the characterization and application of these materials. This work aims to contribute, both to the academic and industrial fields, relating automotive design, materials selection and computer simulation. This last activity is performed through modeling and structural behavior analysis software, which uses the finite element method. The computer simulation then uses the metal foam in the study case model for the chassis of the vehicle Sabiá 5 - UEMG. According to the simulations performed in the statistical and dynamic analyses, which included modes of vibration and virtual crash tests, it can be stated that the alternative which best met the requests was the one composed mainly by a metal foam, in which there was weight reduction and no plasticization in the dynamic displacement simulation. This alternative also demonstrated better conditions in the front crash test, absorbing the most kinetic energy possible, so that it doesn't reach the interior of the vehicle and hit the passengers. It is also observed that the application and simulation of the metal foam is very complex, mainly because of the characterization of its constitutive relation and the geometry of the model. However, the results presented validate the used methodology and show the potentiality of the computer tools used in virtual product design.

Os automóveis têm afetado profundamente não somente o desenvolvimento econômico e as transformações dos meios produtivos, mas também os modos de vida da sociedade, o meio ambiente e a configuração dos espaços urbanos.Destacam-se, hoje, como um dos maiores conjuntos de atividades de negócio no mundo, guiando o desenvolvimento e o lançamento de novos produtos, processos e materiais no mercado, servindo como referência para outros setores. Novos conceitos, materiais e métodos de produção surgem a cada dia, aumentando o desempenho destes veículos, reduzindo o seu tempo de desenvolvimento, simulação, produção e lançamento no mercado. Neste novo cenário solicitações cada vez mais complexas precisam ser atendidas, integrando performance, segurança, economia, praticidade, tecnologia e desenvolvimento sustentável, entre outros. Assim, é necessário inovar com a pesquisa em design, metodologia de projeto, materiais e tecnologias para projeto e produção de veículos. Na busca de novos materiais as espumas metálicas vêm se mostrando fortes aliadas na construção de estruturas cada vez mais leves e resistentes, gerando economia com manutenção de desempenho e atualmente ainda existe carência de estudos computacionais tratando da caracterização e aplicações para estes materiais. Este trabalho visa a contribuição, tanto na área acadêmica quanto industrial, relacionando o design automotivo, a seleção de materiais e a simulação computacional através de software para modelagem e análise do comportamento estrutural pelo método dos elementos finitos com emprego da espuma metálica no modelo do Estudo de Caso do chassi do veículo Sabiá 5 - UEMG.De acordo com as simulações realizadas nas análises estáticas e dinâmicas, entre elas os testes de modos de vibração e crash test virtual, pode-se afirmar que a alternativa que melhor atendeu às solicitações foi a predominantemente constituída em espuma metálica, não ocorrendo plastificação na simulação dinâmica de deslocamento e havendo redução de peso. Demonstrou ainda, melhores condições no crash test frontal, absorvendo o máximo de energia cinética possível, para que esta não seja assimilada internamente ao veículo vindo a atingir os ocupantes. Observa-se ainda que a aplicação e simulação da espuma metálica é bastante complexa, principalmente em virtude da caracterização de sua relação constitutiva e da geometria do modelo, porém os resultados apresentados validam a metodologia empregada e explicitam as potencialidades das ferramentas computacionais empregadas no design virtual de produtos. / Automobiles have affected profoundly not only the economic development and the transformation of the means of production, but also society's lifestyles, the environment and urban spaces. They stand out as one of the biggest business activities in the world, guiding the development and launch of new products, processes and materials, and serving as a reference for other sectors. New production concepts, materials and methods are created every day, improving the performance of these vehicles and reducing the time needed for development, simulation, production and launch. In this new setting more complex requests have to be met, integrating performance, safety, economy, practicality, technology and sustainable development, among others. In this regard, it is necessary to innovate with design research, project methodology, and materials and technologies for projecting and producing vehicles. In search of new materials metal foams are demonstrating to help construction of lighter and stronger structures, saving money and keeping the performance. Nowadays there is still lack of computational studies covering the characterization and application of these materials. This work aims to contribute, both to the academic and industrial fields, relating automotive design, materials selection and computer simulation. This last activity is performed through modeling and structural behavior analysis software, which uses the finite element method. The computer simulation then uses the metal foam in the study case model for the chassis of the vehicle Sabiá 5 - UEMG. According to the simulations performed in the statistical and dynamic analyses, which included modes of vibration and virtual crash tests, it can be stated that the alternative which best met the requests was the one composed mainly by a metal foam, in which there was weight reduction and no plasticization in the dynamic displacement simulation. This alternative also demonstrated better conditions in the front crash test, absorbing the most kinetic energy possible, so that it doesn't reach the interior of the vehicle and hit the passengers. It is also observed that the application and simulation of the metal foam is very complex, mainly because of the characterization of its constitutive relation and the geometry of the model. However, the results presented validate the used methodology and show the potentiality of the computer tools used in virtual product design.

Os automóveis têm afetado profundamente não somente o desenvolvimento econômico e as transformações dos meios produtivos, mas também os modos de vida da sociedade, o meio ambiente e a configuração dos espaços urbanos.Destacam-se, hoje, como um dos maiores conjuntos de atividades de negócio no mundo, guiando o desenvolvimento e o lançamento de novos produtos, processos e materiais no mercado, servindo como referência para outros setores. Novos conceitos, materiais e métodos de produção surgem a cada dia, aumentando o desempenho destes veículos, reduzindo o seu tempo de desenvolvimento, simulação, produção e lançamento no mercado. Neste novo cenário solicitações cada vez mais complexas precisam ser atendidas, integrando performance, segurança, economia, praticidade, tecnologia e desenvolvimento sustentável, entre outros. Assim, é necessário inovar com a pesquisa em design, metodologia de projeto, materiais e tecnologias para projeto e produção de veículos. Na busca de novos materiais as espumas metálicas vêm se mostrando fortes aliadas na construção de estruturas cada vez mais leves e resistentes, gerando economia com manutenção de desempenho e atualmente ainda existe carência de estudos computacionais tratando da caracterização e aplicações para estes materiais. Este trabalho visa a contribuição, tanto na área acadêmica quanto industrial, relacionando o design automotivo, a seleção de materiais e a simulação computacional através de software para modelagem e análise do comportamento estrutural pelo método dos elementos finitos com emprego da espuma metálica no modelo do Estudo de Caso do chassi do veículo Sabiá 5 - UEMG.De acordo com as simulações realizadas nas análises estáticas e dinâmicas, entre elas os testes de modos de vibração e crash test virtual, pode-se afirmar que a alternativa que melhor atendeu às solicitações foi a predominantemente constituída em espuma metálica, não ocorrendo plastificação na simulação dinâmica de deslocamento e havendo redução de peso. Demonstrou ainda, melhores condições no crash test frontal, absorvendo o máximo de energia cinética possível, para que esta não seja assimilada internamente ao veículo vindo a atingir os ocupantes. Observa-se ainda que a aplicação e simulação da espuma metálica é bastante complexa, principalmente em virtude da caracterização de sua relação constitutiva e da geometria do modelo, porém os resultados apresentados validam a metodologia empregada e explicitam as potencialidades das ferramentas computacionais empregadas no design virtual de produtos. / Automobiles have affected profoundly not only the economic development and the transformation of the means of production, but also society's lifestyles, the environment and urban spaces. They stand out as one of the biggest business activities in the world, guiding the development and launch of new products, processes and materials, and serving as a reference for other sectors. New production concepts, materials and methods are created every day, improving the performance of these vehicles and reducing the time needed for development, simulation, production and launch. In this new setting more complex requests have to be met, integrating performance, safety, economy, practicality, technology and sustainable development, among others. In this regard, it is necessary to innovate with design research, project methodology, and materials and technologies for projecting and producing vehicles. In search of new materials metal foams are demonstrating to help construction of lighter and stronger structures, saving money and keeping the performance. Nowadays there is still lack of computational studies covering the characterization and application of these materials. This work aims to contribute, both to the academic and industrial fields, relating automotive design, materials selection and computer simulation. This last activity is performed through modeling and structural behavior analysis software, which uses the finite element method. The computer simulation then uses the metal foam in the study case model for the chassis of the vehicle Sabiá 5 - UEMG. According to the simulations performed in the statistical and dynamic analyses, which included modes of vibration and virtual crash tests, it can be stated that the alternative which best met the requests was the one composed mainly by a metal foam, in which there was weight reduction and no plasticization in the dynamic displacement simulation. This alternative also demonstrated better conditions in the front crash test, absorbing the most kinetic energy possible, so that it doesn't reach the interior of the vehicle and hit the passengers. It is also observed that the application and simulation of the metal foam is very complex, mainly because of the characterization of its constitutive relation and the geometry of the model. However, the results presented validate the used methodology and show the potentiality of the computer tools used in virtual product design.

O sucesso na indústria automobilística está intrinsecamente associado à sua capacidade de apresentar rapidamente novos produtos ao mercado. Foram fundamentais para reduzir o tempo de desenvolvimento de novos veículos a utilização de sistemas de projeto auxiliado por computador, ou CAD, para substituir o modelamento tridimensional físico pelo digital. Buscamos inicialmente apresentar os aspectos históricos da produção industrial do automóvel no início do século XX para compor um panorama com os personagens e os fatos relevantes que influenciaram o processo de projeto de veículos. Destacamos a criação do Art & Color Section da GM porque foi neste estúdio que modelos de projeto representando a carroceria de automóveis foram construídos pela primeira vez utilizando clay industrial. Descrevemos o fluxo de trabalho do processo de projeto no design automotivo e investigamos adicionalmente as possíveis interferências dos programas de modelamento digital no desenvolvimento criativo de projetos de design de automóveis. Complementarmente, analisamos a influência das ferramentas digitais na formação dos futuros designers de automóveis, os futuros desenvolvimentos de interface dos programas CAD/CAS e o panorama atual dos principais programas utilizados no design industrial de automóveis. / The ability to offer new products to the market is the key to success in auto industry. New vehicles are developed with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs, resulting in great development time reduction where digital models replaced traditional clay models. By researching historical facts about the auto industry production in early 20th century, this research focused on building a background where the design processes were developed, including relevant biography and facts about the people who created the modern car. We highlighted the creation of GM Art & Color Section due to its relation with the first use of car body models modeled with industrial clay. To find possible interferences caused by the use of digital modeling within the creative phase of car design processes, we described and analyzed the car design process workflow. Furthermore, we analyzed how digital tools can influence new designers education, looked for future CAD/CAS software interface development and an overview on the main high-end software for car design.

Automobildesigner sind Gestaltungsexperten. Sie haben unter anderem die Aufgabe, die Identität und damit die Werte einer Marke in Formen zu übersetzen, welche eine Vielzahl von Kunden ansprechen (Giannini & Monti 2003; Karjalainen 2002). Dieser Übersetzungsprozess wird durch das Wissen um die ästhetischen Bedürfnisse der Konsumenten unterstützt, da die Qualität einer Designlösung auch davon beeinflusst ist, inwieweit Kundenbedürfnisse und damit das Designproblem richtig erfasst wurden (Ulrich 2006). Die Definition der Gestaltungsaufgabe kann durch eine erfolgreiche DesignerNutzer-Interaktion und den Aufbau eines gemeinsamen Kontextwissens unterstützt werden (Lee et al. 2009). Hier entsteht jedoch eine Kommunikationslücke: Während des Gestaltungsprozesses findet zwischen Designern und Kunden häufig kein direkter Austausch statt (Zeisel 2006). [... aus dem Text]