gele_lijn (2K)

Course Content

Structure

CarEcology comprises 6 compulsory taught modules covering the core areas of the discipline plus an individual research thesis. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, case studies, group work, group and individual projects, visits and guest lectures.

Modules

The taught modules (40 ECTS) are:

Module 1: Developing engine technologies (6 ECTS) more information>

Developing engine technologies

  1. Introduction to the engine
  2. Engine theory in a pil
  3. Combustion of the fuel-air mixture
  4. Engine components and mechanical parts
  5. Fuels and fuel systems
  6. Facts about emissions from motor vehicles
  7. Exhaust systems

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Module 2: Energy efficient design of powertrain and body (6 ECTS) more information>

Energy efficient design of powertrain and body

  1. Steering systems
    1. Review of designs
    2. Handling requirements and Regulations
    3. Steering geometry and kinematics
    4. Bump, Roll and Compliance steer
    5. Forces in Stationary and moving vehicles
    6. Four Wheel Steering (4WS)
  2. Suspension systems
    1. Review of suspension types
    2. Suspension components
    3. Suspension kinematic and Force analysis
    4. Anti Squat and anti Dive Geometries
    5. Vehicle ride analysis
    6. Controllable suspensions
  3. CAD/CAM/CAE software
    1. Computer Aided Design (CAD)
    2. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
    3. Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
  4. Deceleration behaviour
    1. Braking of road vehicles
    2. Friction, materials, brake design analysis
    3. Braking distribution and adhesion utilization
    4. Braking proportioning
    5. Passenger brake systems and braking for articulated vehicles
    6. ABS for cars trucks and buses, Retarders, Air braking systems, Traction control systems, Electronic Braking systems
    7. Case studies
  5. Road loads
    1. Road loads due to aerodynamic forces
    2. Aerodynamic design of vehicles
    3. Load transfer due to cornering
    4. Roll over stability
    5. Vehicle mechanics
    6. Forces, aerodynamic, rolling resistance, Limiting frictional force available
  6. Automotive noise sources control and criteria
    1. Engine noise
    2. Transmission noise
    3. Intake and exhaust noise
    4. Aerodynamic noise
    5. Tire noise
    6. General noise and control technologies
    7. Noise criteria
  7. Acceleration behaviour
    1. Tractive resistance and tires properties
    2. Engine characteristics
    3. Transmission characteristics
    4. Traction and power limited calculations
    5. Fuel economy calculations, fuels consumption calculations, fuel consumption analysis, examples
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Module 3: Alternative drive systems (6 ECTS) more information>

Alternative drive systems

  1. In Vehicle Networks: CAN, Flexray,…
  2. Environmental sensing and lighting
  3. Electrical machines in vehicles

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Module 4: Green fuels (6 ECTS) more information>

Green fuels

  1. Why are we looking for alternative fuels and drive systems?
  2. Biofuels in liquid form
  3. The use of hydrogen and fuel cells as an alternative fuel
  4. The use of the gas fuels LPG, LNG, CNG as alternative fuels
  5. Classification and methods of production of second generation
  6. The effects of biodiesel on diesel engines
  7. The effects of ethanol on spark ignition engines

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Module 5: Trends in vehicle electronics (6 ECTS) more information>

Trends in vehicle electronics

  1. Automotive Electronic Architecture and applications
  2. Fuel Control System
  3. Automotive microprocessors
  4. Power electronics

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Module 6: Communication and management for engineers (10 ECTS) more information>

Communication and management for engineers

  1. Communication Skills
  2. Human Resources Management
  3. Industrial management
  4. Project Management

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Research Thesis

In addition, students must undertake a research thesis (20 ECTS), in which they examine in detail a key issue in automotive engineering.

One of the opportunities is the Formula Student, a contest that dares students from around the world to design and build a single-seat racing car, which is then put to the test at the famous Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom. The KdG Racing Team consists of 20 students in Automotive Engineering Electro Mechanics and Electronics-ICT. The assignment of their Master's thesis: "Design, test, build and prepare an open racing car for a recreational autocross or sprint car racing driver. Any car manufacturer should be able to build this car in a series of a 1000 pieces per year, of which a single piece can cost a maximum of 25 000 dollars."

Assessment

Assessment is through individual and group assignments, laboratory reports, written examinations, and continuous coursework, as well as the individual research project (thesis and presentation).

Funded By

Socrates (12K)

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Enrollment

postit (28K)