Vehicle architecture and components

Duration

30h Th, 30h Proj.

Number of credits

Lecturer

Pierre Duysinx, Pierre Duysinx

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit 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 
• The modern design methodologies and tools: optimization, concurrent engineering, integrated design...

• 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: architecture, composants, ABS
• The transmission systems: gear boxes, clutches, differential, driveshafts...
• Elements of vehicle aerodynamics
• Elements of vehicle crashworthiness
• Design methodologies: multdisciplinary optimisation, concurrent engineering, DFX...

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

• 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

• Homework ullustrating the different sections of the course.
• 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 Allée de la Découverte 13A, 4000 Liège Phone : +32 4 366 9194, Fax : +32 4 366 9159, Email : P.Duysinx@ulg.ac.be

Items online