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2025-2026 / MECA0041-1

Internal combustion engine

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Duration

Part 1 Fundamental aspects : 15h Th, 15h Pr, 1d FW, 15h Proj.
Part 2 Application to propulsion : 10h Th, 10h Pr, 10h Proj., 0,5d FW

Number of credits

 Master Msc. in Energy Engineering, professional focus in Energy Conversion5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Mechanical Engineering, professional focus in sustainable automotive engineering5 crédits 
 Certificate in sustainable automotive engineering (non organisé en 2025-2026)5 crédits 

Lecturer

Part 1 Fundamental aspects : Marc Nélis
Part 2 Application to propulsion : Marc Nélis

Coordinator

Marc Nélis

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Partim I:

CH1: Introduction, engine applications, design of engine parts

CH2: How does it work ? fundamentals

CH3: How to characterize engine performance ?

CH4: Engine internal flows, optimisation

CH5: Introduction to combustion in ICE for some fuels

CH6: Combustion phenomena (flame propagation, knock, CI)

CH7: Engine depollution, exhaust after treatment systems

Partim II:

CH1: The transport sector: market drivers, evolution of the powertrain

CH2: Alternative fuels and alternative powertrains, hydrogen combustion engine

CH3: Lubricants, engine lubrication and some mechanical aspects

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

CH1: Introduction, engine applications, design of engine parts

CH2: How does it work ? fundamentals

CH3: How to characterize engine performance ?

CH4: Engine internal flows, optimisation

CH5: Introduction to combustion in ICE for some fuels

CH6: Combustion phenomena (flame propagation, knock, CI)

CH7: Engine depollution, exhaust after treatment systems

Part 2 Application to propulsion

CH1: The transport sector: market drivers, evolution of the powertrain

CH2: Alternative fuels and alternative powertrains, hydrogen combustion engine

CH3: Lubricants, engine lubrication and some mechanical aspects

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.2, IV.9 of the MSc in mechanical engineering.<br /><br /> Study and modelling of the phenomena leading to the conversion of the chemical energy contained in the fuel into the mechanical energy at the crankshaft outlet of different types of internal combustion engines, in order to get a better understanding for the design (sizing) and/or for an optimal utilization (energy conservation and emissions reduction). Description of the main components of an internal combustion engine.<br /><br /> Knowledge of current developments in powertrain technologies

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Study and modelling of the phenomena leading to the conversion of the chemical energy contained in the fuel into the mechanical energy at the crankshaft outlet of different types of internal combustion engines, in order to get a better understanding for the design (sizing) and/or for an optimal utilization (energy conservation and emissions reduction). Description of the main components of an internal combustion engine.

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Knowledge of current developments in powertrain technologies

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Fundamentals in thermodynamics, interest for internal combustion engines

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Fundamentals in thermodynamics

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Great interest for internal combustion engines

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Two guided exercise sessions are organised.
Two laboratory sessions:
-  Dismantling and reassembly of an engine
-  Description of workshops, engine test bench and chassis dyno (or company)

One homework: Analysis of technological developments related to engine efficiency and introduction of their influence in the CO2 calculation on a driving cycle. (This is to analyze the effect of an engine improvement and not to develop a driving cycle calculation)

Optional: TP Lab at the Francorchamps center with the possibility of using a 4-gas analyzer, CNG vehicle, description of the engine bench, OBD and electric vehicles.

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

2 guided exercise sessions are organised.

Plus two laboratory sessions:

-  Dismantling and reassembly of an engine
-  Description of workshops, engine test bench and chassis dyno (or company)

Part 2 Application to propulsion

TP Lab at the Francorchamps center with the possibility of using a 4-gas analyzer, CNG vehicle, description of the engine bench, OBD and electric vehicles.

Analysis of technological developments related to engine efficiency and introduction of their influence in the CO2 calculation on a driving cycle.

(This is to analyze the effect of an engine improvement and not to develop a driving cycle calculation which is part of the performance course ! )

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

The course consists of an oral presentation illustrated by diagrams, graphics and videos.

2 sessions of theoretical exercices, 2 laboratories, 1 simulation project, 1 visit (optional)

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Face-to-face course


Further information:

The course consists of an oral presentation illustrated by diagrams, graphics and videos.

Course delivered during the 2nd semester.

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Face-to-face course


Further information:

The course consists of an oral presentation illustrated by diagrams, graphics and videos.

Course given during the 2nd semester.

Recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège


Further information:

- 7 chapters available on MyULIEGE for MECA0041-partim I

- 3 additional chapters for transport MECA0041-partim II

- Heywood J.B., Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New-York (USA), 1988

- Ferguson C.R. and Kirkpatrick A.T., Internal Combustion Engines, 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons, New-York (USA), 2001

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège


Further information:

- 7 chapters available on MyULIEGE (MECA0041)

- Note: 3 additional chapters for transport only

- Heywood J.B., Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New-York (USA), 1988

- Ferguson C.R. and Kirkpatrick A.T., Internal Combustion Engines, 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons, New-York (USA), 2001

Part 2 Application to propulsion

- 3 chapters available on MyULIEGE (MECA0041)
- Heywood J.B., Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New-York (USA), 1988 - Ferguson C.R. and Kirkpatrick A.T., Internal Combustion Engines, 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons, New-York (USA), 2001

Assessment methods and criteria

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report


Further information:

General understanding is required, which will be assessed during an oral exam if fewer than 11 people are enrolled, or a written exam if more than 10 are enrolled.

If oral exam: (< 11 students)
Discussions will be held on the main aspects of operation and emissions.

If written exam: (> 10 students)
This will consist of three illustrated questions requiring short answers on the most important aspects: combustion, emissions, operating principles and mechanical aspects. Some questions may also involve basic concepts explained in the form of mathematical formulas.

The questionnaire is written in English, answers are expected in English or French.

+ Written works - reports associated to TP from partim I and II

Additional information:
A general understanding is required which will be assessed by the relevance of the choice of the technical improvement chosen, the quality of the analysis carried out and the analysis of the results obtained using the calculation tools made available.

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report


Further information:

General understanding is required, which will be assessed during an oral exam if fewer than 11 people are enrolled, or a written exam if more than 10 are enrolled.

If oral exam: (< 11 students)

Discussions will be held on the main aspects of operation and emissions.

If written exam: (> 10 students)

This will consist of three illustrated questions requiring short answers on the most important aspects: combustion, emissions, operating principles and mechanical aspects.

Some questions may also involve basic concepts explained in the form of mathematical formulas.

The questionnaire is written in English. Answers are expected in English or French.

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Written work / report


Further information:

Any session :

- In-person: written evaluation ( report of TP )

Additional information:

A general understanding is required which will be assessed by the relevance of the choice of the technical improvement chosen, the quality of the analysis carried out and the analysis of the results obtained using the calculation tools made available.

Work placement(s)

An optional visit of an automotive training centre

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Visit of a training center is possible (optional)

Part 2 Application to propulsion

An optional visit of an automotive training centre

Organizational remarks

The course is given during the 2nd quadrimester on Wednesday afternoon.

It begins with the presentation of the general schedule which includes:

- the dates of the 7 lessons, the 2 exercices and the 2 laboratory sessions for partim I.

- the dates of the 3 lessons for partim II.

The first laboratory session will consist of dismantling and reassembling an internal combustion engine available in the laboratory (B49). A second session will be dedicated to measuring performance and emissions using the engine test bench. During the visit, optional, the issue of engine emissions will be raised again.

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

The course is given during the 2nd quadrimester on Wednesday afternoon.

It begins with the presentation of the general schedule which includes the dates of the 7 lessons, the 2 calculations works and the 2 laboratory sessions.

The first laboratory session will consist of dismantling and reassembling an internal combustion engine available in the laboratory (B49)

A second session will be dedicated to measuring performance and emissions using the engine test bench.

During the visit, optional, the issue of engine emissions will be raised again.

Part 2 Application to propulsion

The lecture is given during the second quadrimester

Contacts

Marc NELIS

ULiege / Technifutur Francorchamps

marc.nelis@uliege.be / marc.nelis@technifutur.be

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Marc NELIS

ULiege / Technifutur Francorchamps

marc.nelis@uliege.be / marc.nelis@technifutur.be

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Marc NELIS

ULiege / Technifutur Francorchamps

marc.nelis@uliege.be / marc.nelis@technifutur.be

Association of one or more MOOCs