1. Congress has mandated the average fuel economy for passenger cars sold in the United States to be 35 miles per gallon beginning in 2020. In Europe, the goal is 47 miles per gallon by 2012. In each case, identify the major factors spurring legislative action, including, as appropriate, technical, economic, societal, and political factors. Analyze the disparity between these goals. Comment on their likely effectiveness in achieving the respective legislative aims. Report your findings in a PowerPoint presentation.
2. Automotive gas turbines have been under development for decades but have not been commonly used in automobiles. Yet helicopters routinely use gas turbines. Explore why different types of engines are used in these respective applications. Compare selection factors such as performance, power-to-weight ratio, space requirements, fuel availability, and environmental impact. Summarize your findings in a report with at least three references.