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Programme & Unit Catalogues


ME50349: Engine and powertrain technologies

[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Credits: 12 [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 240
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CW 50%, EX 50%
Assessment Detail:
  • Presentation (CW 2%)
  • Review Paper (CW 18%)
  • Final Report (CW 30%)
  • Examination (EX 50%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Description: Aims:

* To examine the technology, operation and application of IC engines and to analyse the criteria governing IC engine design, performance, combustion and emissions.
* 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.
* To provide an appreciation of experimental and analytical methods and procedures relevant to engine and vehicle development.

Learning Outcomes:
After successfully completing this unit a student will be able to:
* Discuss the parameters that define IC engine performance.
* Identify the distinct operating characteristics of different classifications of IC engines.
* Describe the thermodynamic and mechanical constraints governing engine design.
* Explain the environmental issues concerning future IC engine development.
* Identify 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
* Numeracy
* working independently
* written communication and writing for publication
* working as part of a group.

Content:
Thermodynamic and mechanical principles; combustion and fuels; spark and compression ignition engines; fuelling systems; induction, in-cylinder and exhaust processes; emission formation and reduction/prevention; automotive emission legislation; case studies; introduction to IC engine simulation techniques. Technology implications of developing alternative automotive propulsion systems; IC engine emission characteristics and emission reduction developments. Use of alternative fuels, technological and resource implications: GTL, BTL, biofuels, Hydrogen. Alternative automotive powertrains including regenerative and hybrid systems. The global and legislative perspective on transport issues. Environmental aspects and the use of natural resources.

Programme availability:

ME50349 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • TEME-AFM31 : MSc Automotive Engineering with Electric Propulsion

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.