School of Engineering
Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Learning
outcomes/objectives
Content
Automotive Engineering
ME329
6
20 points
ME217 and XE220 or equivalent
Double module delivered over two semesters
To provide a firm foundation in engine design methods and techniques through the
introduction of the fundamentals of conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer as
applied to engineering devices and to illustrate the strategies used to meet the needs of
particular engine design goals.
On successful completion of the module the student will be able to:
 Assess the suitability of the different combustion systems employed in Internal
Combustion Engines by reference to their fundamental operating principles, and explain the
factors affecting their performance.
 Understand and apply the methods and techniques used in the engine design process.
 Design the major components of a reciprocating internal combustion engine.
 Critically assess the approach required to achieve an optimal engine design.
 Appreciate the principles of modern automotive engine management.
 Analyse heat transfer problems involving conduction and convection by application of
the concept of thermal resistance.
 Select the appropriate heat exchanger type for an application and evaluate its
performance by applying the concepts of Log Mean Temperature Difference and Heat
Exchanger Effectiveness (NTU).
Reciprocating IC Engine Principles
Air standard cycles. Otto, Diesel and Dual cycles. Comparison between ideal and actual
thermodynamic cycles. Engine performance predictions using air cycle analysis.
Engine Performance
Engine performance parameters and their interrelationship: Torque, power and efficiency
relationships. Air capacity and performance factors including the use of variable valve timing,
and turbo/super charging for two and four-stroke reciprocating engines. Methods for
controlling exhaust gas emissions. Engine modelling.
Engine Design
Configuration selection (engine type, firing order, hybrid systems). Lubrication systems and
bearings. Vibration (torsional, principle modes and imbalance forces). Piston design
(configuration, thermal requirements, material selection and piston rings). Camshaft, follower,
rocker arm and push rod design, springs and retainers. Materials selection. Forces,
deflections and frequencies. Principles of ignition systems, principles of fuel injection
systems, ignition system optimisation.
Cooling Systems
Conduction: Analytic and numerical methods for solution of conduction problems.
Convection: Laminar and turbulent forced convection thermal boundary layers. Engineering
relationships. Natural convection parameters and engineering relationships. Heat
Exchangers: Secondary surfaces. Effectiveness-Ntu relationships. Heat exchanger types.
Radiator design.
Teaching and learning
strategies
Learning support
JL/CG
Lectures, tutorials, specialist laboratories and case studies.
General laboratory facilities including an engine test cell, air conditioning rig, and a variety of
heat exchanger types.
Specialist engine test cells of ICEG and ISSP including optical engines equipped for LDA and
PDA and firing engines with advanced control systems and emissions monitoring.
Indicative reading:
Stone, R., (1999), Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines 3rd Ed., Pub. MacMillan
Press Ltd, UK, ISBN 0-333-74013-0
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Assessment tasks
Brief description of
module content and/or
aims (maximum 80
words)
Area examination board
to which module relates
Module team/authors/
coordinator
Semester offered
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this
version
Version number
Replacement for
previous module
Field for which module
is acceptable and
status in that field
Course(s) for which
module is acceptable
and status in course
School home
External examiner
JL/CG
2
Çengel, Y.A., (1997), Introduction to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer Int. Ed., Pub.
McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-114109-X.
Internet and Library (catalogue Sections 621.402 and 621.43).
Examination (50%), Coursework (50%)
This module provides an in-depth examination of the design of internal combustion engines.
It examines the constraints on the design of an engine using the principles of engineering
science. Common engine systems are examined to illustrate the application of these design
principles.
Mechanical Engineering
Dr D J Mason, Dr P A Howson, Prof M Heikal
1
February 2005
February 2005
February 2005
1.0
ME303, ME309, ME318 (parts of)
NA
MEng/BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering (compulsory)
Engineering
Dr Y. Hardalupas
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