Welcome to issue 4/2001 of Evolution, where we follow up the theories of Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle (384 to 322 BC) on earth, wind, fire and water – “the four elements,” Aristotle called them. We bring you up to date with sophisticated technological examples of where these elements can be found in trade and industry today.
   At the research center in Köln, Germany, experts face a critical application involving the powerful force of the elements. The European Transonic Wind tunnel allows aircraft developers to simulate the effects of flight, testing the aerodynamic properties of an airplane before it is built – an essential step to ensure safety and high performance. Read about the solution to the problems encountered when testing at minus 160 degrees C.
   The temperature starts to rise again with a report from the Philadelphia Fire Department in the United States. There, firefighters make use of the most advanced technology available. According to Captain Jack Maguire, the department’s apparatus officer, “We’ve gone from the Wright brothers to the space shuttle.”
   Once there was the “Moonrocket” and the “Gravel Charlie”; now we introduce the A40D and A35D, the latest generation of articulated haulers from Volvo. They can carry an astonishing 37 tons of rock and gravel. A maintenance-free solution really does move the earth in this success story. And if dirty work is not for you, then how about a car-wash unit that sends fault reports by GSM modem direct to the customer service center? The top-of-the-range models by WashTec are intelligent, powerful and, above all, can clean your car in just 2.5 minutes.
   Also in this issue we feature Bühler AG from Switzerland. Bühler grain-milling and cereal-processing machines may well have helped make your bread, pasta or cereal. A modern grain mill can handle up to 1,000 tons of grain a day, and downtime can be costly. With longer bearing life, the improvements have been dramatic.
   If you would like further information about customer solutions and products featured in this issue or would like to order extra copies of Evolution, your local SKF office, dealer or distributor will be happy to serve you. Please also log onto evolution.skf.com to read previous issues. You can also contact me directly with your feedback about Evolution.
   In the next issue, we will continue the feature of “The four elements,” focusing on the environment. See you soon.
Rachael Smythe
  
Editor-in-chief