Study Programmes 2015-2016
MECA0063-1  
Vehicle Architecture
Duration :
30h Th, 30h Proj.
Number of credits :
Master in mechanical engineering (120 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Pierre Duysinx
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
This lecture aims at introducing and discussing:
  • The general layout of a vehicle
  • The major components and subsystems of the vehicle
  • The functionnal and manufacturing considerations that intrervenes
  • The modern design methodologies and tools: optimization, concurrent engineering, integrated design...
The outline of the lecture is:
  • General architecture of the vehicle
  • The car body and the chassis
  • Vehicle dynamics in turn: low speed turn, steady state cornering, stability
  • The suspension systems: types, design, suspension elements
  • The braking system
  • The transmission systems: transmission, gear boxes, clutches, differential, driveshafts...
  • Elements of vehicle aerodynamics
  • Elements of vehicle crashworthiness
  • Design methodologies: multdisciplinary optimisation, concurrent engineering, DFX...
Learning outcomes of the course :
  • Study of the general layout of a vehicle and the technology of the major subsystems and components.
  • Learn some of the design tools and methodologies for vehicle design
  • To be able to use modern CAE tools to investigate a problem from automotive engineering
  • To be able to present orally and clearly some results about a complex design problem.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Basic mechanics, Machine design, Machine vibrations, Finite Element method, Cinematics and Dynamics of Mechanisms.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
  • Computer exercices (Matlab, CATIA, SAMCEF, BOSS QUATTRO)
  • Mini project using structural and multidisciplinary optimization
  • Visit of a car manufactory
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
The lecture are given during second quadrimester i.e. from February to May.
13 lectures (2 hours) + one mini project + one visit of a plant
Recommended or required readings :
Copy of the slides (in French).

References books:
  • J. Happian-Smith (ed.) "An Introduction to Modern Vehicle Design". Butterworth Heinemann. 2002.
  • W. Milliken & D. Milliken. « Race Car Vehicle Dynamics », 1995, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • R. Bosch. « Automotive Handbook». 5th edition. 2002. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • J. Reimpell, H. Stoll, J. Betzler. «The automotive chassis: engineering principles ». 2nd edition. 2001, SAE.
  • H. Heisler. « Vehicle and Engine Technology ». 2nd edition. SAE, 1999.
Assessment methods and criteria :
  • Oral exam on theoretical matters
  • Presentation of the mini project
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
None
Contacts :
Pierre Duysinx,
LTAS - Automtotive Engineering
Institute of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, Building B52
Chemin des chevreuils, 1, 4000 Liège
Téléphone : +32 4 366 9194,
Fax : +32 4 366 9159,
Email : P.Duysinx@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Course web site
Course web site