Automotive Engineering Technology: Core Concepts
Unit Outlines

Automotive Engineering Technology: Core Concepts

AI Generated Intermediate 60 hours 10 topics

Learning Objectives

5 objectives
  • Understand the fundamental principles and history of automotive engineering technology.
  • Analyze various vehicle powertrains and propulsion systems, including emerging technologies.
  • Examine vehicle chassis, suspension design, and vehicle dynamics to optimize performance and safety.
  • Explore automotive electrical systems, materials, manufacturing processes, and safety ergonomics.
  • Evaluate engine performance, emissions control, and design aesthetics integrating functionality.

Content Outline

Preview

Unit 3577: Automotive Engineering Technology

1. Introduction to Automotive Engineering Technology

  • Overview of automotive engineering technology
  • Historical development and milestones
  • Importance in modern transportation and industry
  • Key principles and interdisciplinary nature

2. Vehicle Powertrains and Propulsion Systems

  • Types of powertrains
    • Internal combustion engines (ICE): gasoline and diesel
    • Electric motors and battery systems
    • Hybrid systems: series, parallel, and plug-in hybrids
  • Comparative analysis of powertrain efficiency and applications
  • Emerging propulsion technologies: fuel cells, alternative fuels

3. Automotive Chassis and Suspension Design

  • Fundamentals of automotive chassis design
    • Frame types: ladder, unibody, space frame
  • Suspension system types and components
    • Independent vs. dependent suspension
    • Springs, dampers, anti-roll bars
  • Impact on vehicle handling, ride comfort, and safety
  • Design considerations for durability and weight optimization

4. Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems

  • Vehicle electrical architecture
    • Wiring harnesses and power distribution
  • Sensors and actuators in vehicles
  • Control units and embedded systems
    • Engine control units (ECUs), transmission control
  • Communication networks: CAN, LIN, FlexRay
  • Role of electronics in safety and efficiency

5. Vehicle Dynamics and Control

  • Fundamental concepts of vehicle dynamics
    • Acceleration, braking, steering forces
    • Weight transfer and center of gravity
  • Stability and traction control systems
  • Anti-lock braking systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

6. Automotive Materials and Manufacturing Processes

  • Overview of materials used
    • Metals: steel, aluminum, magnesium
    • Polymers and composites
  • Manufacturing processes
    • Casting, forging, welding, stamping
  • Impact of material selection on performance, weight, and cost
  • Innovations in lightweight and high-strength materials

7. Automotive Safety and Ergonomics

  • Vehicle safety features
    • Passive safety: airbags, seat belts, crumple zones
    • Active safety systems
  • Crashworthiness and testing methods
  • Human factors and ergonomics in vehicle design
    • Driver comfort, interface design, visibility
  • Regulatory standards and compliance

8. Automotive Engine Performance and Emissions

  • Engine performance parameters
    • Power, torque, fuel consumption
  • Emission types and sources
  • Emission control technologies
    • Catalytic converters, EGR, particulate filters
  • Strategies for improving fuel efficiency
  • Environmental regulations and impact mitigation

9. Automotive Design and Styling

  • Principles of automotive design
  • Styling trends and consumer preferences
  • Aerodynamics and its effect on performance and efficiency
  • Balancing aesthetics with functionality
  • CAD tools and modeling techniques

10. Emerging Technologies in Automotive Engineering

  • Autonomous vehicles: levels of automation, sensors, and AI
  • Connected vehicle systems and IoT integration
  • Alternative fuels and energy storage solutions
  • Future trends and challenges in automotive engineering
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Quick Information

Unit Automotive Engineering Technology: Core Concepts
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration60 hours
Topics10
CreatedJul 20, 2026
GeneratedJul 20, 2026 14:08

Prerequisites

  • Basic physics and mechanics
  • Fundamentals of electrical circuits
  • Introductory knowledge of materials science

Recommended Resources

  • Heisler, H., "Advanced Vehicle Technology", 2nd Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002.
  • Gillespie, T.D., "Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics", SAE International, 1992.
  • Bosch, R., "Automotive Handbook", 10th Edition, Robert Bosch GmbH, 2018.
  • Rajput, R.K., "Automobile Engineering", Laxmi Publications, 2014.
  • SAE International Technical Papers and Journals.
  • Online resource: Society of Automotive Engineers (https://www.sae.org/).

Unit Topics

10
Introduction to Automotive Engineering Technology
An overview of the field of automotive engineering technology, including its history, importance, an...
Vehicle Powertrains and Propulsion Systems
Understanding the different types of powertrains and propulsion systems used in vehicles, including...
Automotive Chassis and Suspension Design
Exploring the design principles and components of automotive chassis and suspension systems for opti...
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
Studying the electrical and electronic systems in vehicles, including wiring, sensors, control units...
Vehicle Dynamics and Control
Analyzing the factors affecting vehicle dynamics such as acceleration, braking, and steering, and th...
Automotive Materials and Manufacturing Processes
Investigating the materials used in automotive construction, manufacturing processes like welding an...
Automotive Safety and Ergonomics
Exploring safety features in vehicles, crashworthiness, human factors, and ergonomics considerations...
Automotive Engine Performance and Emissions
Examining engine performance parameters, emission control technologies, and strategies for improving...
Automotive Design and Styling
Discussing the principles of automotive design, styling trends, aerodynamics, and the integration of...
Emerging Technologies in Automotive Engineering
Exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology, such as autonomous vehicles, connected s...