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2026-2027 / 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 Conversion (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription)5 crédits 
 Master of Science in Energy Engineering, professional focus5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Mechanical Engineering, professional focus in sustainable automotive engineering5 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, AF mixing and turbulency

CH5: Introduction to combustion in ICE for some fuels

CH6: Abnormal combustion (flame propagation, knock, CI noise)

CH7: Engine depollution, the causes and exhaust after treatment systems



PARTIM II

CH 1: Environmental aspects, engine developments, and the introduction of alternative fuels

CH 2: Lubricants, engine lubrication, and some mechanical aspects

CH 3: Hydrogen in internal combustion engines: the influence of its properties on operation and design. (Discussion based on a review of fundamental knowledge in the context of fuel/energy carrier change)

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, AF mixing and turbulency

CH5: Introduction to combustion in ICE for some fuels

CH6: Abnormal combustion (flame propagation, knock, CI noise)

CH7: Engine depollution, the causes and exhaust after treatment systems

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Chapter 1: Environmental aspects, engine developments, and the introduction of alternative fuels

Chapter 2: Lubricants, engine lubrication, and some mechanical aspects

Chapter 3: Hydrogen in internal combustion engines: the influence of its properties on operation and design. (Discussion based on a review of fundamental knowledge in the context of fuel/energy carrier change)

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.2, IV.9 of the MSc in mechanical engineering.

Description and understanding of the phenomena related to the conversion of fuel calorific value into mechanical energy by different types of engines, with a view to their optimal design and/or use from a mechanical, energy, and environmental perspective. Description and role of the main parts.

Knowledge of current developments in powertrain technologies

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Description and understanding of the phenomena related to the conversion of fuel calorific value into mechanical energy by different types of engines, with a view to their optimal design and/or use from a mechanical, energy, and environmental perspective. Description and role of the main parts.

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Knowledge of current developments in powertrain technologies

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Fundamentals in mechanics and thermodynamics

Great interest for internal combustion engines

Part 1 Fundamental aspects

Fundamentals in mechanics and thermodynamics

Part 2 Application to propulsion

Great interest for internal combustion engines

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

PARTIM I:

Two 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)

PARTIM II:

Practical work lab at the Technifutur Francorchamps Center with access to a 4-gas analyzer, gasoline/CNG vehicles, OBD diag testers, hybrid vehicles/parts and if possible a demo of the engine test bench.

Calculation of dynamic forces acting on the crank rod mechanism, lubrication check.

Calculation of the influence of engine efficiency on CO2 emissions during a driving cycle.

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

Practical work lab at the Technifutur Francorchamps Center with access to a 4-gas analyzer, gasoline/CNG vehicles, OBD diag testers, hybrid vehicles/parts and if possible a demo of the engine test bench.

Calculation of dynamic forces acting on the crank rod mechanism, lubrication check.

Calculation of the influence of engine efficiency on CO2 emissions during a driving cycle.

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.

Course delivered during the 2nd semester.

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.

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:

Two scenarios: The student has chosen 5 ECTS credits; there will be a single assessment for the course.

The student has chosen only Part II (Transportation); in this case, a general understanding is required and will be assessed through a lab report. The student may choose to develop a mechanical study or a CO2 analysis of different technologies. The student has access to calculation tools that they can use or modify.

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 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 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