Engineering
The Mechanics of a Variable-Geometry Turbocharger for Diesel Engines
Quick fact
A variable-geometry turbocharger uses adjustable vanes around the turbine wheel to change the exhaust gas flow area, allowing a single turbo to act like both a small and a large turbo, providing boost almost instantly and maintaining it throughout the rev range.
Why this is interesting
You step on the accelerator of a diesel truck and expect a surge of power. But if the turbo is too big, you wait; if it's too small, you hit a wall. What if the turbo itself could change shape to give you the best of both worlds?