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Module Catalogue

ES2D3-15 Motor Vehicle Technology

Department
School of Engineering
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Howard Neal
Credit value
15
Module duration
11 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

ES2D3-15 Motor Vehicle Technology

Module web page

Module aims

To provide an understanding of the core concepts of motor vehicle technology.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Motor Vehicle evolution
Motor Vehicle layout
Motor Vehicle structure
Motor Vehicle efficiency and dynamics

Introduction to the internal-combustion engine
Exhaust systems, silencers and catalytic converters
Supercharging and turbocharging (forced induction)
Engine management
Vehicle emissions

Introduction to transmission systems
The gearbox and gear ratios
Different types of gears and gearboxes
Drive configuration
Propeller shafts and drive shafts
Final-drive systems
Four-wheel drive systems

Introduction to chassis systems
Directional control and stability
Steering systems
Suspension systems
Springs and dampers
Wheels and tyres
Braking principles
Braking systems

Introduction to vehicle electric, safety and comfort systems
Wiring diagrams
Battery, charging and starting systems
Lighting systems
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Passenger safety and restraint systems

Introduction to electric, hybrid and alternative fuels
New and emerging vehicle technology.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Evaluate the evolution of the motor vehicle and new and emerging technology.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the fundamental principles of motor vehicle layout and structure.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of engines and engine technology, alternative fuels, transmission and chassis systems.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of vehicle electric, safety and comfort systems.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the role of ethics in automotive engineering and ISO26262.
  • Demonstrate improved skills of research and information gathering
  • Demonstrate presentation and time management skills.

Indicative reading list

"Fundamentals of Motor Vehicle Technology Book 1 Sixth Edition"
Authors: Alma Hilier & Nelson Thornes
Publisher: Nelson Thornes; 2 edition (17 Mar 2012)
ISBN-10: 1408515180 ISBN-13: 978-1408515181

"Fundamentals of Motorsport Engineering",
Author: Josh Smith
Publisher: Nelson Thornes (26 April 2013)
ISBN-10: 1408518082 ISBN-13: 978-1408518083

Subject specific skills

Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature, other information sources including appropriate codes of practice and industry standards.

Transferable skills

Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.
Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 28 sessions of 1 hour (19%)
Seminars 1 session of 2 hours (1%)
External visits 5 sessions of 1 hour (3%)
Other activity 2 hours (1%)
Private study 113 hours (75%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

Self-study 113 hrs

Other activity description

2 x 1 hr revision class

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Group Written Report (15 pages) 30% No

Group Written Report, Including peer assessment
Group Oral Presentation 10% No

Group Oral Presentation, including peer assessment
ASSIGNMENT 60% No

ASSIGNMENT
Feedback on assessment

Formative and summative feedback provided via marksheets for assessed coursework.
Cohort level exam feedback provided via examiner’s report and model solutions to examination papers.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 2 of UESA-H335 BEng Automotive Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H336 MEng Automotive Engineering

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 2 of UESA-H315 BEng Mechanical Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H316 MEng Mechanical Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H605 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering

This module is Option list A for:

  • Year 2 of UESA-H63W BEng Electronic Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H113 BEng Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-HN15 BEng Engineering Business Management
  • Year 2 of UESA-HH75 BEng Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-HH35 BEng Systems Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H112 BSc Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-HN11 BSc Engineering and Business Studies
  • Year 2 of UESA-H63X MEng Electronic Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H114 MEng Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-HH76 MEng Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H316 MEng Mechanical Engineering
  • UESA-HH31 MEng Systems Engineering
    • Year 2 of HH31 Systems Engineering
    • Year 2 of HH35 Systems Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H605 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H606 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng