Final Assessment –100% Portfolio

The assignment will examine appropriate engineering materials and their selection, including suitable electronic circuits and components for appropriate motorsport utilisation and replacement. Work submitted may include evidence in a range of formats including written, schematic diagrams and appropriate mathematical formulae. Word count equivalent to 4000 words, learning outcomes 1-5.

The aim of this module is to investigate a number of major scientific and engineering principles that underpin the skill sets required to succeed in the Motorsport engineering industry. The module will provide you with an overview of engineering science, physics and electrical fundamentals. You will also be introduced to Engineering Design material selection and failure principles through CAD design.
The module is divided into 2 subset categories encompassing Materials and Electrical/Electronic Basics:
1. Materials
1.1 Selection of Materials – To include types of materials, alloys, metals and composites
1.2 Properties and Requirements – Physical and chemical properties, metallurgy and composition, component requirements and material constraints.
1.3 Material Engineering – Casting, forming and shaping. The machining or rapid prototype/manufacture of components. Joining of materials such as welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding and mechanical joints.
1.4 Failure Analysis – Mathematical analysis of materials and forces applied to motorsport components. Life cycles of components and the need for component age databases. Motorsport vehicle constraints including physical and technical regulation constraints.
2. Electrical/Electronic Fundamentals
2.1 Electricity basics – Electrical flow, voltage, amps and resistance, motorsport wiring essentials and conductivity. Identification of circuits and systems within wiring diagrams
2.2 Sensors – Engine, drivetrain and vehicle sensors including operation, voltage traces, measurements and testing procedures for diagnosis and failure.
2.3 Actuators – Engine and drivetrain actuation including operation, voltage traces, measurements and testing procedures for diagnosis and failure.
2.4 Engine Management Systems – Basics of Input and output signals, internal mapping strategies such as RAM/ROM/EPROM and associated look up tables of both major and compensatory maps.

2.4 Analysis Controls and Post-processing: selection of the solution algorithm, discretisation methods and how to control the analysis output, the plotting of vector and contours plots, section slices, particle tracks, graphs, manipulation of post and graph registers. Basics of vehicle aerodynamics.

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download containing topic information, example questions and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE known as the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS), individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by staff through video input. Study is by independent learning with tutor support of approximately 6 hours per module but students may access tutors whenever they choose within the working week 9-5 BST.

Computer with fast broadband connection
Range of resources located on the VLS
Library Services through Sconul access or e books

Bonnick, A.W.M., (2008) Automotive Science and Mathematics. Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann.
*Elmarakbi, A., (2013) Automotive Series: Advanced Composite Materials for Automotive Applications Structural Integrity and Crashworthiness. John Wiley & Sons.
Gao, L., (2011) Advances in Material Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. CH: Trans Tech Publications.
*Kalpakjian, S., Schmid, S. (2013) Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. 7th Ed. New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Ribbens, W.B., (2003) Understanding automotive electronics. Oxford: Newnes.
Ribbens, W.B., (2012) Understanding automotive electronics: an engineering perspective. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
*Subic, A., (2013) Advances in Engineering Materials, Product and Systems Design. Zurich: Trans Tech Publishers.
Tucker, N. and Lindsey, K., (2002) Introduction to Automotive Composites. Shrewsbury: iSmithers Rapra Publishing.
*Core texts, select at least 1

1) Demonstrate selection of appropriate materials, recognising material properties and justifying selection. Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis).
2) Determine the elements that control the useful life of components in motorsport and present using appropriate software. (Knowledge and Understanding, Application).
3) Define the methods by which electrical components convey information. (Knolwedge and Understanding).
4) Identify system requirements in terms of input, control and output stages of operation of an engine management system. (Application, Problem Solving).
5) Evaluate typical waveforms for sensors and actuators and identify incorrect outputs to determine system breakdown. (Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving).