Introduction

Automotive engineering is at the forefront of innovation, blending mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to design and manufacture vehicles that meet modern demands for efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. This course offers an in-depth look at the fundamental principles, advanced technologies, and design methodologies involved in automotive engineering. Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of vehicle dynamics, powertrain design, materials selection, aerodynamics, and future technologies in the automotive sector.

The course also highlights the integration of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technologies, and Industry 4.0 solutions within the automotive design process. By focusing on both traditional vehicle engineering and cutting-edge developments, this course prepares engineers to meet the evolving challenges of the automotive industry.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the core principles of automotive engineering and vehicle design.
2. Gain insights into the complete vehicle design process from concept to production.
3. Analyze the mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems of modern vehicles.
4. Learn the key components of powertrain systems, including engines, transmissions, and electric drivetrains.
5. Explore the role of aerodynamics and materials in vehicle design for fuel efficiency, safety, and performance.
6. Investigate modern vehicle safety features, including crashworthiness, active safety systems, and autonomous driving technologies.
7. Understand the design considerations for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid powertrains.
8. Develop skills in utilizing simulation tools and digital modeling in the design process.
9. Learn about the latest advancements in automotive manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0 integration.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Automotive Engineers and Design Engineers working in vehicle development, powertrain design, or systems integration.
• Mechanical Engineers and Electronics Engineers interested in expanding their knowledge into the automotive domain.
• Vehicle Designers and Product Development Engineers looking to understand the design principles behind modern vehicles.
• Manufacturing Engineers and Production Managers working with automotive assembly lines or vehicle production.
• R&D Engineers focused on innovation in powertrains, electrification, or autonomous technologies.
• Students and Graduates aiming for careers in automotive engineering or vehicle design.
• Technicians involved in the maintenance or repair of automotive systems.
• Environmental Engineers seeking to explore sustainable vehicle design and alternative powertrains.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Automotive Engineering and Design Principles

• Morning Session:

  1. Overview of Automotive Engineering: Key Disciplines and Areas of Focus (Mechanical, Electrical, Software)
  2. Evolution of Automotive Design: From Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Autonomous Cars
  3. Vehicle Architecture and the Integrated Design Approach
  4. Basic Vehicle Dynamics: Handling, Stability, and Performance Parameters

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Vehicle Layouts: Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and Electric Powertrains
  2. Safety and Regulatory Standards: Crashworthiness, Pedestrian Safety, and Global Safety Regulations
  3. Introduction to CAD Software in Automotive Design: Digital Modeling and Simulation Tools
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Introduction to CAD Software for Automotive Design and Basic Modeling

Day 2: Powertrain Systems and Energy Efficiency

• Morning Session:

  1. Powertrain Components: Engine, Transmission, Differential, and Drivetrain Systems
  2. Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Fundamentals: Working Principles, Fuel Systems, and Emissions
  3. Transmission Systems: Manual, Automatic, Dual-Clutch, and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs)
  4. Electric and Hybrid Powertrains: Principles of EV Powertrains, Battery Technologies, and Charging Infrastructure

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Thermal Management in Powertrains: Cooling Systems for Engines and Electric Motors
  2. Regenerative Braking Systems in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
  3. Transmission and Drivetrain Design for Fuel Efficiency and Performance
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Evaluating Powertrain Efficiency and Performance in Simulation Software

Day 3: Vehicle Design, Aerodynamics, and Materials Selection

• Morning Session:

  1. Vehicle Design Process: Concept Development, Prototyping, and Testing
  2. Role of Aerodynamics in Vehicle Design: Drag Coefficient, Lift, and Downforce
  3. Materials Selection for Automotive Design: Steel, Aluminum, Composites, and Lightweight Materials
  4. Understanding the Impact of Weight on Performance, Efficiency, and Safety

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Structural Design and Crashworthiness: Crumple Zones, Roll Cages, and Safety Cell Design
  2. Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, and Lightweighting Strategies
  3. Sustainability in Automotive Design: Recycling, Eco-Friendly Materials, and Energy-Efficient Production
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Aerodynamic Simulation of a Vehicle Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software

Day 4: Automotive Safety Systems and Autonomous Driving

• Morning Session:

  1. Passive Safety Systems: Airbags, Seatbelts, Crumple Zones, and Collision Safety
  2. Active Safety Systems: Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane-Assist Technologies
  3. Autonomous Driving Technologies: Sensors, LIDAR, Cameras, and Vehicle Control Systems
  4. Key Challenges in Autonomous Vehicle Design: Software, Testing, and Regulation

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication: Enabling Autonomous Driving and Smart Cities
  2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Algorithms, Machine Learning, and Sensor Fusion
  3. Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Challenges of Autonomous Vehicles
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Designing an Autonomous Vehicle System Using Simulation Tools

Day 5: Future Trends in Automotive Engineering and Design

• Morning Session:

  1. Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: The Future of Transportation and the Global Shift to EVs
  2. The Role of Industry 4.0 in Automotive Manufacturing: Smart Factories, IoT, and Automation
  3. Vehicle Connectivity and Infotainment Systems: Over-the-Air Updates, Connectivity Protocols, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
  4. Emerging Materials in Automotive Design: Graphene, Carbon Fiber, and Nanomaterials

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Sustainable Vehicle Design: Energy Efficiency, Emission Reductions, and Green Manufacturing
  2. Smart Manufacturing Technologies: Robotics, AI, and Digital Twins in Automotive Production
  3. Industry Collaborations and Innovation in Automotive Design: Partnerships in EV Development, Autonomous Technologies, and Sustainability
  4. Final Project: Designing a Concept Vehicle with Integrated EV Powertrain, Autonomous Features, and Advanced Safety Systems

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Automotive Engineering and Design. This certification will validate their expertise in automotive design principles, powertrain systems, advanced safety technologies, and the latest trends in vehicle electrification and autonomous driving.

Participants who demonstrate proficiency in hands-on exercises, simulations, and the final project will be awarded a Certification of Excellence in Automotive Engineering and Design.