AE 352

PERFORMANCE AND TESTING OF AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES

UNIT I

Vehicle Performance Estimation & Prediction: Aerodynamic drag, methods of estimation of resistance to motion, power requirement for propulsion, Power plant characteristics & transmission related requirements, arrangement of power train, vehicle controls, vehicle acceleration, maximum speed, and gradiability drive systems comparison, hill climbing, handling and ride characteristics on different road surfaces.  Effect of pressure, temperature and humidity on power output.

UNIT II

Vehicle Transmission Performance: Characteristics & features of friction clutches, mechanical gear transmission & Epicyclic gear boxes.

UNIT III

Operational Performance : Engine performance & operating characteristics, Operation at full load and part load conditions, fuel economy, effect of vehicle condition, tyre and road condition, traffic condition and driving habits on fuel economy, vehicle safety.

UNIT IV

Control Systems: Braking arrangements & Characteristics, weight transfer, steering arrangements, rigid & independent suspension, roll centre, torsion bar, stabilizer, radius bar.

UNIT V

Vehicle Performance Testing: Laboratory Testing – Testing of major components of vehicle like clutch, suspension, braking, steering etc., Engine testing – noise, vibrations, emission, power & fuel consumption, Vehicle testing on chassis dynamometers, Road and Track Testing, Initial inspection, running in and durability, extensive driving, maximum speed & acceleration, Brake testing on the road, Hill climbing, handling & ride characteristics on different road surfaces, ride comfort.  Corrosion testing, fault finding tests.

Suggested Reading

1. 1.Gousha H. M., “Engine Performance Diagnosis & Tune Up Shop Manual"
2. 2.J. G. Giles, “Vehicle Operation & Performance”.
3. 3.W. H. Crouse & D. L. Anglin, “Motor Vehicle Inspection”.
4. 4.SAE Transactions Papers – 831814 / 820346 / 820367 / 820371 / 820375
5. 5.CIRT & VRDE Manuals