MECHENG 458 Automotive Engineering a systems-based course on the functional performance,

efficiency and design of motor vehicles.

Objective
The course is focused on the design and characterization of road vehicles through their functional
performance and the performance of the major vehicle subsystems. It follows a Systems Engineering
framework, commonly used in the design and manufacture of complex products. In this approach, the
technology used to implement a function (e.g. braking) is considered apart from the function itself. In
this way, new and alternative technologies fit seamlessly into the same functional performance
framework e.g. we can compare electro-mechanical brake-by-wire systems alongside traditional
hydraulic braking systems and contrast various attributes for performance, cost, assembly, reliability etc.
The course focuses on the performance and efficiency of the major automotive systems: (a) powertrain
and braking systems to characterize straight line performance and economy; (b) cornering performance
and stability, as determined by the tires, steering and suspension; (c) vertical dynamics, where tires and
suspension influence ride comfort and isolation from road roughness. In all three cases the course
introduces relevant system models and simulation, with emphasis on simple models and their
connection to both the real vehicle and higher fidelity simulations from commercial software. Other
important themes are the associated noise and vibration phenomena, design optimization, and the
tradeoffs between competing design concepts.
Topics (a detailed schedule of classes will be provided separately)
0. Introduction and overview
1. Straight-line performance and economy design concepts, performance criteria, road loads,
matching transmissions to power source, test procedures, real-world driving behavior.
2. Braking systems performance criteria, apportioning, friction utilization, antilock braking.
3. Noise and vibration in powertrains vibration sources, engine balance, driveline vibrations.
4. Lateral vehicle control steady-state and transient phenomena, understeer and oversteer,
vehicle and driver models
5. Ride Comfort: characterizing road surfaces and the isolation properties of a vehicle suspension.
6. Electronic control in automotive engineering including an overview of drive-by-wire, hybrid
powertrains, chassis control systems and active safety.
Class Hours
3 hours per week, Wednesday and Friday 10.00-11.30 am, Chrysler Room 151.
Assessment
There are 5 homework assignments (25%), a mid-term examination (25%) and a final examination
(40%). In addition there is a simulation and design case study (10%) which may be carried out
individually or in small groups.

Textbook
The course does not have a single core text. Below are three key references, including [1] which is
available online.
1. Automotive Engineering Fundamentals by Stone, Richard; Ball, Jeffrey K. (2004) Society of
Automotive Engineers, Inc.
http://www.knovel.com.proxy.lib.umich.edu/web/portal/basic_search/display?_EXT_KNOVEL_
DISPLAY_bookid=2659
2. An introduction to modern vehicle design Edited by Happian-Smith, J. (2004). Warrendale, PA:
SAE International.
3. Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics by Gillespie, T. D. (1992) Warrendale, PA: Society of
Automotive Engineers.

Tim Gordon (Instructor, Winter 2013)