In this module you will be developing your knowledge and skills around automotive powerplants, with a focus on internal combustion engines before branching out into new and emerging technologies around alternative fuels and powerplant systems. Investigations into new simulation techniques, the adoption of new materials and other improvements will show you how these processes have led to a significant improvement in engine performance. You will be inspecting the engine design techniques and associated technology which has led to these advancements and discovering how new hybrid and electrical powertrains are taking this further.

You will be reflecting on the emergence of both new engine technologies and powertrain developments from advanced concepts for performance and emission enhancement as well as looking at how these systems, both traditional and innovative, are managed and controlled. As automation and connected systems develop and become increasingly complex, you will be seeing how these integrate with powerplant and drive systems to provide a complete system approach.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including:
• Lectures
• Tutorials, PC based labs and workshop-based sessions.
• Student centred learning – to include research, computer based simulation and tutorial questions.

Blair, G. P., (1996) Design and Simulation of Two-Stroke Engines SAE International

Blair, G. P., (1999) Design and Simulation of Four-Stroke Engines SAE International

Ehsani, M., Gao, Y., Longo, S. and Ebrahimi, K., (2018) Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles 3rd Ed. CRC Press

Ferguson, C. R. and Kirkpatrick, A. T., (2015) Internal Combustion Engines: Applied Thermosciences 3rd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell

Heisler, H., (1995) Vehicle and Engine Technology 2nd Ed. Butterworth-Heinemann

Heywood, J. B., (1989) Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals McGraw-Hill Edu.

Stone, R., (2012) Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines 4th Ed. Palgrave Macmillan

PC Suite, Excel, CAD package (CREO), Ricardo WAVE software, MATLAB/Simulink software, Automotive Workshop facilities.

1. Research and evaluate the fundamental design of major engine components. (AHEP 3:SM7M, G1)

2. Analyse powertrain support systems including cooling, lubrication, induction and fuelling methods to construct relationships between the performance of each individual system and the interaction between systems. (AHEP 3: SM7M, EA6M, EA5m, EA7M,D9M, G1)

3. Assess and appraise current research in the field of new powertrain systems and concepts. (AHEP 3: SM8M,EA5m, EL11M, G1)

4. Apply and evaluate computational analysis techniques to solve design, flow and cooling problems in various powertrain systems. (AHEP 3: SM7M, EA6M, EA5m, EA7M,D9M, P10m, G1)

Assignment 50% - involving a written report on the process and results of a Computational Analysis of an Engine System will assess LO 2, LO 3 and LO4. Meeting AHEP 3 Outcomes SM7M, EA6M, EA5m, EA7M, D9M, EL11M, P10m, G1.

Examination 50% - Assessing LO 1, LO 2 and LO 3. Meeting AHEP 3 Outcomes SM7M, EA6M, EA5m, EA7M, D9M, EL11M, G1.

Practice formative class tests will be undertaken during the module and formative guidance and feedback will be provided in tutorial sessions within the class.