Module overview
This module will first be offered in 2021/22.
This module introduces students to the design of safe and eco-friendly vehicles for road transportation in the twenty-first century. Different aspects of design and operation of modern automobile systems will be discussed, including vehicle performance, handling, and ride.
Linked modules
Pre-Requisite: FEEG2002
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify, classify and describe the performance of different typologies of suspension systems through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques. (Contributing to AHEP LOs: EA1b, EA2).
- Analyse and assess quantitatively vehicle performance, handling, and ride. (Contributing to AHEP LOs: SM3b, EA3b).
- Understanding of, and an ability to apply an integrated systems approach in the functional design of gear trains and gearboxes. (Contributing to AHEP LOs: EA4b)
- Work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain and quantify the effect of this on design, ability to work with technical uncertainty. (Contributing to AHEP LOs:D3b, P8)
- Use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies in automotive chassis and powertrain design.(Contributing to AHEP LOs: EA5m)
- Apply quantitative and computational methods to assess performance and stability of road vehicles. to design improvements, using advanced problem solving skills to establish rigorous and creative solutions, that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem, including production, operation, maintenance and disposal. (Contributing to AHEP LOs:EA1b, EA3b, D4)
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Clutches, torque converters, and differentials (Contributing to AHEP LOs: SM1b, SM2b)
- Understanding the contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied: engineering principles of road vehicle dynamics (Contributing to AHEP LOs: SM1b, SM2b, EA1b, P1, P2)
- The common typologies of suspensions and steering systems.(Contributing to AHEP LOs: SM1b, SM2b)
- Gears and bearings (Contributing to AHEP LOs:SM1b, SM2b)
- Different typologies of traditional and hybrid powertrains and their underlying engineering principles. (Contributing to AHEP LOs:SM1b, SM2b, SM3b)
- Manual and automatic gearboxes. (Contributing to AHEP LOs: SM1b, SM2b)
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Listening, identifying learning needs, evaluating sources and data, interpretation of data, problem solving, problem analysis. (Contributing to AHEP LO: G1)
Syllabus
Automotive Chassis
An introduction to vehicle dynamics and automotive chassis, including
- Tyres characteristics and performance
- Vehicle performance: traction & braking
- Handling and stability: steady cornering, lateral dynamics & stability
- Road holding and comfort: suspensions, chassis vibration isolation
Powertrain
An introduction to automotive powertrain, including
- Engine vibrations
- Clutches
- Torque Converters
- Gears & Bearings
- Gear trains and planetary gear trains
- Manual and automated gearboxes, CVT
- Differential gearboxes
- An overview of Hybrid Electric Vehicles & powertrain
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures including examples and guest lectures
- Demonstrations and video material when appropriate
- Solutions to assigned problems
Learning activities include
- Individual reading of background material and course texts.
- Work on examples, solutions provided.
- Coursework assignments: to solve a design problem and produce a short report.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 111 |
| Teaching | 39 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
G. Rill (2011). Road Vehicle Dynamics: Fundamentals and Modelling. CRC Press.
T. Gillespie (1992). Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics. SAE International.
M. Guiggiani:. The Science of Vehicle Dynamics. Springer.
J.E. Shigley, J.J. Uicker (1995). Theory of machines and mechanisms.
Naunheimer, H., Bertsche, B., Ryborz, J., Novak, W (2014). Automotive Transmissions: Fundamentals, Selection, Design and Application..
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External