Unit 1 : Introduction and Drive Train Introduction : Current scenario in Indian auto/ancillary industries, vehicle specifications and classification. Chassis and Frames : Types of chassis layout with reference to power plant locations and drive, various types of frames, constructional details. Drive Train : Types of transmission system, necessity and selection of clutch, necessity of gear box and different types, fluid flywheel, torque convertor, continuous variable transmission, overdrive, propeller shaft, final drive and differential. (Chapters - 1 and 2) Unit 2 : Axles, Wheels and Tyres, Steering System Axles : Purpose, requirement and types of front and rear axle, loads acting on rear axles. Wheels and tyres : Wheel construction, alloy wheel, wheel balancing, type of tyres, tyre construction, tyre materials, factors affecting tyre life. Steering system : Steering mechanism, steering geometry, cornering force, slip angle, scrub radius, steering characteristics, steering linkages and gearbox, power steering, collapsible steering, reversibility of steering, four wheel steering, wheel alignment. (Chapters - 3 and 4) Unit 3 : Suspension and Brake System Suspension : Types of suspension linkages, types of suspension springs - leaf, coil, air springs, hydro gas, rubber suspension, interconnected suspension, self levelling suspension (active suspension), shock absorbers (hydraulic and air). Brake systems : Drum, disc, mechanical, hydraulic, air brakes, vacuum, power assisted brakes, hand brake, ABS, EBD. (Chapters - 5 and 6) Unit 4 : Vehicle Performance and Safety Vehicle performance : Parameters, vehicle resistances, traction and tractive effort, power requirement for propulsion, road performance curves (numericals), stability of vehicles, vehicle testing on chassis dynamometer. Vehicle safety : Types of active and passive safety, vehicle interior and ergonomics, NVH in automobiles. (Chpter - 7) Unit 5 : Electrical System and Vehicle Maintenance Batteries : Principles and construction of lead-acid battery, characteristics of battery, rating capacity and efficiency of batteries, various tests on battery condition, charging methods, introduction to lithium batteries. Electrical system and accessories : Insulated and earth return systems, positive and negative earth systems, electrical fuel pump, speedometer, fuel, oil and temperature gauges, horn, wiper system, automotive sensors and actuators, electronic control unit/module. Maintenance : Types of vehicle maintenance, servicing/overhauling of clutch, gear box, propeller shaft, differential, axles, steering system, suspension system, break system, electrical system. (Chapters - 8, 9 and 10) Unit 6 : Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles Introduction : Concept and environmental importance of EVs, HEVs and solar vehicles. Electric vehicles : Layout, construction and working. Hybrid electric vehicles : Types, layout, hybridization factor, plug in hybrid electric vehicles, fuel efficiency analysis. Challenges and future scope of EVs and HEVs. (Chapter - 11)
