Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
ME40047 Powertrain & transportation systems |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take ME30037 and take ME30217 |
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Aims:
* To introduce the students to the broader social and economic factors which govern the design and development of vehicles and transportation systems. * To provide a knowledge of alternative automotive powertrain systems and advanced engine developments. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * Identify and understand the different alternative automotive propulsion systems and their operating characteristics. * Describe the advanced IC engine developments taking place with regard to achieving lower fuel consumption and emissions. * Explain the impact of environmental and social issues on transport legislation and vehicle manufacture. Skills: Problem solving; written communication; working as part of a group; numeracy. Content: Technology implications of developing alternative automotive propulsion systems IC engine emission characteristics and emission reduction developments. Use of alternative fuels, technological and resource implications: Natural gas, Bio-gas, Methane, Hydrogen. Alternative automotive powertrains including regenerative and hybrid systems. The industrial base for vehicle manufacturing and the drivers for technological change. The global and legislative perspective on transport issues. Environmental aspects and the use of natural resources. Topics for self study that could be examined. |