Unit 3579: Automotive Engineering Technology

1. Introduction to Automotive Engineering Technology

• Overview of automotive engineering technology
• Historical development and milestones in automotive engineering
• Importance and impact on the automotive industry
• Roles and responsibilities of automotive engineers in vehicle design and development

2. Automotive Tools and Equipment

• Overview of common automotive tools and their purposes
  • Hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers)
  • Power tools
• Diagnostic tools and technologies
  • On-board diagnostics (OBD) systems
  • Scan tools and code readers
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software in automotive engineering
• Emerging technologies: 3D printing and rapid prototyping
• Specialized equipment for testing and repair

3. Vehicle Systems and Components

• Engine systems
  • Types of engines (internal combustion, electric, hybrid)
  • Key engine components and their functions
• Transmission systems
  • Manual vs. automatic transmissions
  • Gearbox components and operation
• Suspension systems
  • Types of suspension
  • Role in ride comfort and vehicle handling
• Braking systems
  • Hydraulic brakes, disc brakes, drum brakes
  • Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
• Electrical systems
  • Battery, alternator, starter motor
  • Wiring, sensors, and control units

4. Automotive Testing and Diagnostics

• Importance of testing and diagnostics in vehicle maintenance
• Performance testing
  • Engine performance metrics
  • Fuel efficiency tests
• Emissions testing
  • Regulatory standards
  • Testing procedures
• Diagnostic tools and software
  • Reading fault codes
  • Real-time data analysis
• Troubleshooting common automotive problems

5. Materials and Manufacturing Processes in Automotive Engineering

• Materials used in automotive components
  • Metals (steel, aluminum, magnesium)
  • Plastics and composites
  • Properties and suitability for different applications
• Manufacturing processes
  • Casting, forging, stamping
  • Welding and joining techniques
  • Injection molding for plastics
  • Additive manufacturing (3D printing)

6. Vehicle Design and Aerodynamics

• Principles of vehicle design
  • Aesthetics, functionality, ergonomics
• Aerodynamics fundamentals
  • Streamlining and drag reduction
  • Lift and downforce
• Impact of aerodynamics on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency
• Safety considerations in design
• Wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

7. Automotive Safety Systems

• Overview of modern safety technologies
• Passive safety systems
  • Airbags, seat belts, crumple zones
• Active safety systems
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Collision avoidance and driver assistance systems

8. Sustainable Automotive Technologies

• Environmental impact of traditional vehicles
• Electric vehicles (EVs)
  • Types and technology overview
• Hybrid vehicles
  • Series, parallel, and plug-in hybrids
• Alternative fuels
  • Hydrogen fuel cells
  • Biofuels
• Eco-friendly design and manufacturing practices
• Future trends in sustainable automotive engineering