Introduction to Automotive engineering

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 covered

Mechanism of Acceleration of the Vehicle
Basic working principles of IC engine
Traction and Power limited acceleration
Limits of Top speed
Relations between tractive force and engine torque
Need for a transmission
Factors which affect Vehicle Handling
Importance of the Tire
Stiff vs Soft suspension
What is Road holding and Grip
Types of tests performed for handling
Steering performance
Basic Physics of Braking
Working mechanism of a Brake system
Stopping distance derived
Slip ratio and its affects
Anti lock braking system working
Relations between Braking and Handling behavior
What are vibrations,
Difference between Ride and NVH
Types of sources, paths
Types of Noise
Basic Concepts of Vibrations
Sensitive touch points related to NVH
How NVH performance is evaluated?
Different aspects of Vehicle Durability
Importance of Material properties to strength
Bending and Torsional stiffness
Trade off of strength vs Weight
Considerations for Design for durability in Vehicle design process
Flow of energy in an engine
Types of losses
Relative Contribution of those losses
Specific Fuel Consumption
What is Thermal efficiency and ways to improve it
Affect of Driving patterns and environment
Ways to improve Vehicle Fuel efficiency

The 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 .

What's inside

Learning objectives

What is acceleration and top speed performance what limits it?
What is handling performance and what are the factors which contribute
What is braking performance and the importance of abs

What is nvh and ride vibrations, how are they dealt with
What do you mean by vehicle durability and aspects related to structural strength
What constitutes the factors affecting fuel economy of an ic engine vehicle?

What is acceleration and top speed performance what limits it?
What is handling performance and what are the factors which contribute
What is braking performance and the importance of abs
What is nvh and ride vibrations, how are they dealt with
What do you mean by vehicle durability and aspects related to structural strength
What constitutes the factors affecting fuel economy of an ic engine vehicle?

Syllabus

Tire Construction and Properties

Introduction

Introduction to Vehicle performance

Categorization of Performance

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Begins with the fundamentals of IC engines and gradually progresses to more complex concepts like NVH and durability, making it suitable for learners with varying levels of experience

Explores the trade-offs between strength and weight, which is a critical consideration in automotive design and engineering, and is highly relevant to industry practices

Examines the relationship between braking and handling behavior, which is essential for understanding vehicle dynamics and safety, and is highly relevant to industry practices

Covers topics such as slip ratio and its effects, which are important for understanding ABS and braking performance, and is highly relevant to industry practices

Presents a 'First Principles' approach with minimal math, which may not suit learners seeking a highly analytical and mathematical treatment of automotive engineering

Focuses on 'what matters' rather than in-depth analysis, which may not be suitable for learners seeking specialized knowledge in a particular area of automotive engineering

Reviews summary

Conceptual automotive performance overview

According to learners, this course provides a holistic overview of automotive performance, including acceleration, handling, braking, NVH, durability, and fuel economy. Students praise the clear explanations based on "first principles", making complex topics approachable and easy to follow, particularly for enthusiasts and beginners. The minimal math approach makes it highly accessible. Reviewers frequently highlight the instructor's industry background and passionate teaching style. While highly valued as a foundational course, some students with an engineering background note it lacks the deep analytical or quantitative detail needed for practical application or advanced study.

Knowledgeable with industry experience.

"The instructor's industry background is evident and adds credibility."

"The instructor's passion for the subject is clear."

"Instructor's explanations are top-notch."

Covers key performance areas well.

"A good introduction to the various aspects of vehicle performance. Covers acceleration, braking, handling, NVH, durability, and fuel economy."

"Covers a lot of ground effectively for an introductory course."

"Covers all the key areas clearly."

Concepts explained simply and effectively.

"The instructor does a fantastic job of explaining complex concepts using simple terms and real-world examples."

"The explanations are clear and based on first principles."

"The instructor simplifies complex topics effectively."

Builds intuitive understanding of principles.

"The 'first principles' approach is helpful for building foundational knowledge."

"demystifies complex automotive performance concepts."

"It helped solidify my understanding of the interconnectedness of different systems..."

Accessible overview with minimal math.

"This course is great for anyone who wants to get a holistic overview of automotive performance without getting bogged down in excessive math or overly complex theories."

"The lack of complex math was a huge plus for me. Highly accessible."

"It's perfect for car enthusiasts or engineering students needing a broad overview."

Not suited for deep quantitative analysis.

"For someone with an engineering background, it lacks the quantitative analysis I was hoping for."

"As an engineer, I need quantitative methods and equations, not just concepts."

"Expected slightly more technical depth even for an introduction... doesn't provide enough detail to understand the underlying physics or engineering trade-offs quantitatively."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Automotive engineering - Performance with these activities:

Review Basic Physics Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental physics principles, which are essential for grasping the concepts of acceleration, braking, and vehicle dynamics covered in the course.

Browse courses on Kinematics

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Review notes on kinematics and dynamics.
Solve practice problems related to forces and motion.
Watch introductory videos on energy and momentum.

Read 'Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine'

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Expand your knowledge of IC engines by studying a textbook that covers thermodynamics, combustion, and engine performance.

View Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal... on Amazon

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Read chapters related to engine thermodynamics and combustion.
Take notes on key concepts and equations.
Relate the book's content to the course material.

Read 'Race Car Vehicle Dynamics'

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Deepen your understanding of vehicle dynamics by studying a comprehensive text that covers tire behavior, suspension design, and handling characteristics.

View Race Car Vehicle Dynamics Workbook on Amazon

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Read chapters related to suspension and handling.
Take notes on key concepts and equations.
Relate the book's content to the course material.

Four other activities

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Calculate Stopping Distances

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Improve your understanding of braking performance by practicing calculations of stopping distances under various conditions.

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Review the equations for calculating stopping distance.
Solve practice problems with different initial speeds and friction coefficients.
Analyze the impact of weight transfer on stopping distance.

Create a Presentation on ABS

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Solidify your understanding of Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) by creating a presentation that explains its working principle, benefits, and limitations.

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Research the history and development of ABS.
Explain the working principle of ABS with diagrams.
Discuss the benefits of ABS in different driving conditions.
Present the limitations of ABS and potential drawbacks.

Simulate Vehicle Acceleration

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Apply your knowledge by creating a simulation of vehicle acceleration, taking into account factors such as engine torque, gear ratios, and aerodynamic drag.

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Choose a simulation environment (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
Model the engine torque curve and gear ratios.
Incorporate aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance.
Simulate acceleration runs and analyze the results.

Create a Data Visualization of Fuel Efficiency

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Analyze and visualize data related to vehicle fuel efficiency, exploring the impact of driving patterns and environmental factors.

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Gather data on fuel consumption for different driving conditions.
Choose a data visualization tool (e.g., Tableau, Python with Matplotlib).
Create visualizations that show the relationship between driving patterns and fuel efficiency.
Present your findings in a clear and concise manner.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Automotive engineering - Performance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Automotive Engineer

An Automotive Engineer designs, develops, and tests vehicles and their components, focusing on performance, safety, and efficiency. This course helps build a foundation in key performance metrics such as acceleration, braking, handling, and NVH. It is useful for aspiring Automotive Engineers because it covers the core principles of vehicle performance, helping to understand the connection between design and real world driving characteristics. The course's focus on the mechanism of acceleration, handling factors, and the physics of braking, gives an insight into the design considerations that engineers must make when creating new vehicles or refining existing designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

A Vehicle Dynamics Engineer specializes in how vehicles move and respond to driver inputs and road conditions. Understanding vehicle behavior is at the heart of this role, and this course may be useful in developing this understanding. Vehicle Dynamics Engineers work with factors such as handling, steering, and suspension, and this course helps one delve into these subjects, including discussions on tire properties, stiff versus soft suspension, and road holding. The course's material, which covers handling tests, steering performance, and the dynamic relations between braking and handling, is essential for this area.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Powertrain Engineer

A Powertrain Engineer focuses on the engine and transmission systems of vehicles, ensuring optimal power delivery and fuel efficiency. This course helps develop a foundation in the basic working principles of internal combustion engines and the need for transmissions. It is particularly useful because it covers the flow of energy in an engine, types of losses, and the relations between tractive force and engine torque. The course’s content on specific fuel consumption, improving thermal efficiency, and the impact of driving patterns is directly relevant for a Powertrain Engineer who aims to design efficient and high performance engine systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Powertrain Engineer

Test Engineer

A Test Engineer is involved in evaluating vehicle performance to ensure it meets design specifications. This course is very helpful for a Test Engineer as it provides an understanding of what performance parameters must be tested, covering aspects such as acceleration, top speed, handling, and braking. The course material, which includes discussions on types of tests performed for handling, braking system mechanics, and slip ratio, helps prepare a Test Engineer to effectively measure and analyze the performance of vehicles. Testing is an integral part of the work of a Test Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer

NVH Engineer

An NVH Engineer works to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness in vehicles. This course helps one develop a good foundation in the basic concepts of vibrations, types of noise, and how NVH performance is evaluated. It may be useful for someone seeking a career as an NVH Engineer as the course touches on the sources and paths of vibration, sensitive touch points, and materials for noise absorption. In this role, engineers need to understand the underlying causes of vibration and noise in vehicles, as well as methods for mitigating these problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for NVH Engineer

Automotive Design Engineer

An Automotive Design Engineer is involved in the creation of automotive parts, components, and systems, always focusing on performance and practicality. This course may be helpful in this role since it covers a wide range of topics related to vehicle performance, from acceleration and braking to handling and durability. The course material that explores the connection between design choices—such as suspension stiffness and tire properties—and vehicle performance would be of interest. The knowledge from this course about design considerations for durability, focusing on material properties and strength, would be valuable to an Automotive Design Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

A Mechanical Design Engineer designs mechanical components and systems; sometimes these are related to automotive. This course may be useful to a Mechanical Design Engineer who wishes to enter the automotive field, as it covers several relevant subjects. The course material on vehicle durability, the importance of material properties to strength, and the trade off between strength and weight, provides a foundation for designers. The course's coverage of bending and torsional stiffness may also be helpful, as these factors are essential to the design of robust automotive structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Design Engineer

Simulation Engineer

A Simulation Engineer uses computer models to analyze and predict how vehicles and their components will behave. This course may be helpful to someone seeking this role as it provides a broad understanding of vehicle performance areas. The knowledge from the course which includes acceleration, braking, handling, and NVH, informs the development of accurate simulation models. The course's content, such as the physics of braking and the factors affecting handling, helps the engineer ensure simulations are grounded in real world principles.

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Product Development Engineer

A Product Development Engineer is involved in taking a product from concept to market. This course may be useful for a Product Development Engineer working on automotive products, as it covers many aspects of vehicle performance and design. The course's content, which includes discussions on fuel efficiency, durability, and handling, helps engineers make informed decisions during the product development process. The focus of the course on the ‘what matters’ aspects of performance may be useful to a Product Development Engineer as it can guide the team to prioritize features and innovations.

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Automotive Technician

An automotive technician inspects, maintains, and repairs vehicles. While this course may not be directly related to repairing, it may be helpful to automotive technicians who want a deeper understanding of how vehicles work and perform. Gaining knowledge of braking systems, engine mechanics, and vehicle handling characteristics may be important to an Automotive Technician who wants to improve their expertise. The course material on vehicle performance and the underlying physics could help technicians diagnose complex issues and maintain today's more advanced automotive systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Technician

Technical Sales Representative

A Technical Sales Representative sells technical products, and they often need technical expertise. While a deep dive into the design of vehicles is not required, understanding vehicle performance, as covered in this course, could be useful. This course may be helpful because the material on acceleration, braking, handling, and fuel efficiency, helps a sales representative communicate the benefits of the products they're representing. The course’s focus on the 'what matters' aspects of vehicle performance allows someone in sales to talk about it with greater technical proficiency.

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Motorsports Engineer

A Motorsports Engineer works on high performance vehicles for racing, focusing on improving performance. This course may be useful for someone seeking a career in Motorsports Engineering. The course covers many aspects of performance that are essential for racing, such as acceleration, handling, braking, and aerodynamics. The course’s material on factors affecting traction, tire properties, and vehicle dynamics would be particularly relevant since these are critical when tuning a vehicle for a race. A Motorsports Engineer needs to understand the physics behind vehicle performance to optimize it for competition.

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Automotive Journalist

An Automotive Journalist writes about vehicles for various media outlets. This course, while not targeted at writing, may be useful for Automotive Journalists since it provides a background in the technical aspects of vehicle performance. The material on acceleration, braking, handling, and other topics can help a journalist get a deep technical understanding of the vehicles they review and write about. The course helps them to provide more informed reviews and stories. The ability to discuss performance characteristics in an informed manner is what separates a great journalist from a good one.

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Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and tests robots. Though this course is not directly related to robotics, a Robotics Engineer might see value in it. The course material on vehicle dynamics, motion control, and the physics of braking could be useful when developing autonomous systems and mobile robots. A better understanding of mechanical systems could be useful when creating robots that interact with the physical world. This course may appeal to Robotics Engineers who wish to have a deeper understanding of dynamic systems.

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Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer creates and designs products, sometimes for automotive applications. While this course does not focus directly on design, it may be helpful for an Industrial Designer looking to create automotive components or integrate with vehicles. The course's discussion on vehicle durability, material properties, and the trade off between strength and weight, may be relevant to the design of robust and efficient products. An Industrial Designer wants to be thorough in their designs, and understanding performance characteristics can help them create better products.

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Introduction to Automotive engineering - Performance

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Conceptual automotive performance overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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