Programme And Module Handbook
 
Course Details in 2026/27 Session


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Module Title LH Powertrain and Vehicle Engineering
SchoolSchool of Engineering
Department Mechanical Engineering
Module Code 04 30340
Module Lead Panos Sphicas
Level Honours Level
Credits 20
Semester Semester 2
Pre-requisites LI Mechanics 2 - (04 23777) Mechanical Design A - (04 23808)
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Contact Hours Lecture-40 hours
Tutorial-10 hours
Guided independent study-150 hours
Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description The aim of the module is to introduce the processes and cycles involved in the design and development of the modern automotive vehicle and how they are facilitated by the organisation of the industry. The student will acquire a basic understanding of the dynamics of vehicle systems affecting acceleration, braking and vehicle ride, leading to the development and application of simple mathematical analysis and simulation techniques, and to the design and analysis of vehicle systems and components. The student will also acquire a basic understanding of the energy supply, design and analysis of vehicle powertrain systems, with emphasis on the practical design of components and whole systems. The module will also introduce advanced vehicle technology including hybrid and electrified vehicles.

SYLLABUS
The vehicle development process:
Organisation of the motor industry: OEMs, suppliers and inter-relationships
The vehicle design and development process
Examples of Product Development System

Vehicle Dynamics:
Vehicle external forces and axle loads
Vehicle acceleration performance including traction limits
Simulation of Vehicle acceleration performance
Vehicle braking, adhesion limits and braking efficiency
Noise, Vibration and Harshness in motor vehicles: Customer comfort and safety issues
Dynamic characteristics of vehicle subsystems: tyre, suspension, body structure
Analysis of vehicle ride: design considerations, ride modeling
Energy supply
Engine types and operation
Engine design and operating parameters
Drivetrains
Design analysis of major engine components

Transmission systems:
Gearboxes (manual, automatic)
Constant velocity joints
Final drives
Advanced vehicle technology including hybrid and electrified vehicles
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical and scientific principles necessary to underpin the dynamics of vehicle systems.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding to apply simple mathematical analysis and simulation techniques to the design and analysis of vehicle systems and components.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the design and analysis of vehicle powertrain systems with emphasis on practical design of components and whole systems.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the commercial and economic context of the engineering processes and cycles involved in the design and development of the modern automotive vehicle and the automotive industry.
  • Understand engineering principles and demonstrate the ability to apply them to analyse vehicle engineering processes.
  • Identify, classify and describe the performance of vehicle systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques.
  • Apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to mechanical and related engineering disciplines, to solve vehicle engineering problems.
Assessment 30340-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (75%)
30340-02 : Online Quiz : Coursework (25%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment:

In-semester assessment: 25%
Exam: 75%

Reassessment:

Centrally timetabled written unseen examination (75%)

Coursework (25%)

Pass marks can be carried forward.
Other Duplicate of Birmingham-based module 23806
Reading List