Introduction to Automotive engineering - Performance

Automotive Design is driven by the targets set for performance. Understanding these performance metrics and characteristics is a very important part of the overall Vehicle design process. This course aims to provide an idea of each of these specific areas of performance related to the Typical IC (internal combustion) engine Vehicle.

Topics coveredMechanism of Acceleration of the VehicleBasic working principles of IC engineTraction and Power limited accelerationLimits of Top speedRelations between tractive force and engine torqueNeed for a transmission Factors which affect Vehicle HandlingImportance of the TireStiff vs Soft suspensionWhat is Road holding and GripTypes of tests performed for handlingSteering performance Basic Physics of BrakingWorking mechanism of a Brake systemStopping distance derivedSlip ratio and its affectsAnti lock braking system workingRelations between Braking and Handling behaviorWhat are vibrations,Difference between Ride and NVHTypes of sources, pathsTypes of Noise Basic Concepts of VibrationsSensitive touch points related to NVHHow NVH performance is evaluated. Different aspects of Vehicle DurabilityImportance of Material properties to strengthBending and Torsional stiffnessTrade off of strength vs WeightConsiderations for Design for durability in Vehicle design processFlow of energy in an engineTypes of lossesRelative Contribution of those lossesSpecific Fuel ConsumptionWhat is Thermal efficiency and ways to improve itAffect of Driving patterns and environmentWays to improve Vehicle Fuel efficiencyThe course is designed to be Beginner friendly and consists of minimal Math with a "First Principles" approach. If you are a student, engineer working in Automotive industry or an enthusiast wanting to learn about Automobiles this course will give you a Holistic understanding of Performance Criteria which matters and build a conceptual intuitive understanding of underlying principles.

This course doesn't deal in-depth in any of the area only deals with "what matters". This course may not be for you if you are looking for a highly analytical approach. This course is suitable for you if already know some basics of cars but want to know the engineering connections in performance.

Knowledge compiled in the course is partly academic and partly related to my experiences and learning throughout my working stint at an Automotive manufacturer as a mechanical design engineer.