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, 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, 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, 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.(Chapter-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, 9,10) 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)
