Automotive Technology

Syllabus

1. Introduction (4 hours)
   1. History and evolution of automobiles
   2. Classification of vehicles
   3. Overview of modern automotive systems
   4. Engine components, types, and configurations
   5. Operation of 2-stroke and 4-stroke cycle engines
   6. Comparison of air standard cycle, fuel air cycle and real cycle
   7. Comparison of SI and CI engines
2. Fuel Supply Systems (6 hours)
   1. Engine fuels, basic requirements of engine fuels
   2. Air-fuel mixture for different operating conditions
   3. Carburetor vs fuel injection system
   4. Electronic fuel injection system for SI engines: TBI, MPFI and GDI system
   5. Conventional vs modern diesel fuel injection systems
   6. Fuel filters, low pressure and high-pressure fuel pumps
   7. Diesel fuel injection systems
   8. Electronic diesel control system and common rail direct injection system
3. Ignition and Combustion (4 hours)
   1. Combustion in SI engine
   2. Spark ignition timing and spark advance
   3. Ignition systems: magneto, battery, electronic
   4. Phases of combustion in CI engine
   5. Combustion chamber design
   6. Engine knock and pre-ignition
4. Engine Cooling and Lubrication (3 hours)
   1. Overview of air and liquid cooling systems
   2. Consequences of engine overcooling and overheating
   3. Overview of engine lubrication system and types
   4. Engine oil and its grade
5. Transmission Systems (5 hours)
   1. Clutch, types and operation
   2. Gear box, types and operation
   3. Manual transmission
   4. Automatic transmission
   5. Continuous variable transmission (CVT), dual clutch transmission (DCT)
   6. Transfer case
   7. Torque converters
   8. Propeller shaft and universal joints
   9. Final drive, differential and axles
6. Suspension and Steering (4 hours)
   1. Purpose and functions of suspension system
   2. Types of springs used in suspension
   3. Types of suspension system
   4. Shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
   5. Basic principle of steering system
   6. Manual and power steering systems
   7. Steering geometry and its parameters
7. Braking Systems (4 hours)
   1. Mechanical and hydraulic braking system
   2. Disc vs drum brakes
   3. ABS and EBD systems
   4. Pneumatic braking system
8. Wheels and Tires (2 hours)
   1. Wheels and its types
   2. Tire construction, types and specifications, factors affecting tire life
   3. Tire characteristics and inflation
   4. Wheel alignment and wheel balancing
9. Vehicle Electrical Systems (4 hours)
   1. Automobile electrical system layout
   2. Automotive batteries
   3. Alternators and charging system
   4. Starter motors and starting system
   5. Lighting, instrumentation, and wiring harness
10. Emissions and Emission Control Systems (2 hours)
    1. Exhaust system
    2. Emission norms (EURO, BS-VI, EPA)
    3. Evaporative emission control system, catalytic converters, EGR, and DPF
11. Automotive Electronics (4 hours)
    1. Sensors, actuators and electronic control unit (ECU)
    2. CAN and LIN bus systems
    3. Engine management system (EMS)
    4. ADAS introduction
12. Trends in Automobiles (3 hours)
    1. EV architecture and motor types
    2. Batteries, BMS, and charging
    3. Series, parallel, and plug-in hybrids
    4. Autonomous vehicles
    5. AI and IoT in automobile technology
    6. Sustainable mobility

Practicals

1. Automobile component identification (physical/digital models)
2. Engine disassembly and component study
3. Fuel injectors and injection pump testing
4. Ignition circuit and ignition timing analysis
5. Inspection of cooling and lubrication systems
6. Gearbox disassembly and function testing
7. Demonstrating suspension setup and steering geometry and alignment
8. Disc and drum brake dismantling and assembling
9. Wheel alignment and wheel balancing
10. Lighting, charging and starting circuits analysis and diagnostic tools
11. Exhaust gas analysis and emission testing
12. Trouble codes and ECU diagnostics

Evaluation

Final exam questions cover all chapters. Approximate marks distribution (total 60 marks over 45 hours):

1. Introduction and Fuel Supply Systems: 10 marks
2. Ignition and Combustion, Engine Cooling and Lubrication: 10 marks
3. Transmission Systems: 10 marks
4. Suspension and Steering, Braking Systems: 10 marks
5. Wheels and Tires, Vehicle Electrical Systems, Emissions and Emission Control: 10 marks
6. Automotive Electronics and Trends in Automobiles: 10 marks