FALL 2014: MSNE 616 - Automotive Engineering: Materials and Dynamics

College: School of Engineering
Department: Materials Science and NanoEngineering

 

MSNE 616 - AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING: MATERIALS AND DYNAMICS Credits: Hours Variable

Discussion of the engineering and materials technology that are involved in modern automotive design. Topics include: chassis design and construction; composite design and fabrication; aerodynamics and ground effects; suspension dynamics; performance technology. External expert speakers will provide a real-world perspective. Course will only be offered with sufficient demand. Check with the instructor. Instructor permission required

 

Faculty	Email	Telephone	Location	Time
Andrew Barron	arb@rice.edu	713-348-5610	TBA	TBA

Course Description

Handouts and Links

Presentations

 

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MSNE 616: Automotive Engineering, Materials and Dynamics

Discussion of the engineering and materials technology that is involved in modern automotive design. Topics include: chassis design and construction; composite design and fabrication; aerodynamics and ground effects; suspension dynamics; performance technology. External expert speakers will provide a real-world perspective. Not offered every year. Instructor(s): Barron. Time: TBA.

The grade will be based on a combination of the following:

1. Two exams. A mid term (25%) and a final (50%).
2. Each student gives a presentation on a specific topic (25%).

In addition there will be several opportunities for real-world experience including:

1. Actual practice - Porsche Club Solo
2. Oct 23 track day.

Potential topics for presentation

Each student will give one of the class sessions on the topic of choice. The Powerpoint presentation will then be available (with corrections) on the web for the class and Rice SAE.

Each case we need (a) what they are, (b) history, (c) the theory, (d) practice.

1.  Front spoilers
2.  Rear spoilers - Gerney flaps
3.  Wings
4.  Front splitters
5.  Brake compounds
6.  Superchargers
7.  Cooling ducting
8.   NACA ducts
9.  Suspension braces
10. Rear diffusers

Classroom topics will encompass the following:

1. Engineering of handling

1.1. Tire characteristics

1.1.1. Slip angle
1.1.2. Grip
1.1.3. Tire profile versus performance
1.1.4. Calculate appropriate grip required for specific car weight
1.1.5. Construction

1.2. Weight Distribution and Dynamics

1.2.1. Roll center
1.2.2. Sway bars

1.3. Suspension

1.3.1. Bushings
1.3.2. Springs and shocks - spring rates
1.3.3. Types of front suspension
1.3.4. Front versus rear
1.3.5. Live axle rear suspension
1.3.6. Independent rear suspension

1.4. Brakes

2. Construction

2.1. Chassis design

2.1.1. Ladder
2.1.2. Tube
2.1.3. Back-bone
2.1.4. Monocoque

2.2. Body work

2.2.1. Composite
2.2.2. Carbon-carbon

3. Power

3.1. Fuel

3.2. Forced induction

3.2.1. Supercharger
3.2.2. Turbo

3.3. Lubrication

4. Aerodynamics

4.1. Drag coefficient

4.2. Cooling

4.2.1. Cooling ducting
4.2.2. NACA ducts

4.3. Wings and spoilers

4.3.1. Front spoilers
4.3.2. Rear spoilers - Gerney flaps
4.3.3. Wings
4.3.4. Front splitters
4.3.5. Rear diffusers

5. Safety

5.1. Safety cages
5.2. Fire
5.3. Driver

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HANDOUTS

Mathematics for Automotive Engineering

Circle

Sway Bar

LINKS

http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk/JohnsonMatthey/page13.htm

 

Barron Group Home Page