AdvancedTopic 85 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
Automotive engineering
Powertrain, chassis, safety and electronics of vehicles.
In depth
Vehicle systems: powertrain, transmission, chassis (suspension, steering, brakes), body, electrical/electronic architecture (ECUs, CAN), safety (airbags, ABS, ESC, ADAS), NVH and emissions. Design balances performance, efficiency, safety, cost and regulations; increasingly software-defined.
Key points
- Vehicle dynamics
- Crashworthiness
- Homologation
ExampleAn electronic stability control system uses wheel-speed, yaw-rate and steering sensors to brake individual wheels.
What is Automotive engineering?
Powertrain, chassis, safety and electronics of vehicles.
Why is it important to understand automotive engineering?
Automotive engineering combines powertrain, chassis, safety and electronics, so vehicles are complex systems that engineers must integrate.
What does a powertrain include?
The engine or motor, transmission, driveline and the systems that deliver torque to the wheels.
Why is a vehicle a good example of mechatronics?
It combines mechanical structure, electrical power, electronic control and software in one product that must work reliably.
How is Automotive engineering used in practice?
Typical applications include designing a suspension for ride comfort and handling, developing a braking system that meets stopping distance rules and integrating a crash structure with airbags and sensors.
What should I learn before Automotive engineering?
Study "Rocket propulsion" first (topic 84 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Automotive engineering?
Vehicle dynamics. Crashworthiness. Homologation.
Can you give an example of Automotive engineering?
An electronic stability control system uses wheel-speed, yaw-rate and steering sensors to brake individual wheels.
What comes after Automotive engineering?
The next topic is "Electric and hybrid powertrains", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Automotive engineering?
It is classed as Advanced in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 85 of 102). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems.