UNIT I Classification of vehicles – drives - general layout. Engine - Diesel and Petrol and hybrid engines. Evolution of electronics in automobiles – emission laws – introduction to Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V standards – Equivalent Bharat Standards. Charging systems: Working and design of charging circuit diagram– Alternators – Requirements of starting system - Starter motors and starter circuits.
Classification of Vehicles 1. Classification Based on Purpose: Passenger Vehicles: These vehicles are designed to transport passengers and include examples like buses, cars, and passenger trains. Goods Vehicles: These automobiles are primarily used for the transportation of goods and include vehicles such as goods lorries and goods carriers. Special Purpose Vehicles: This category encompasses vehicles with unique functions, including ambulances, fire engines, and military vehicles.
2. Classification Based on Fuel Used: Petrol Engine Vehicles: This group comprises automobiles powered by petrol engines, including scooters, cars, and motorcycles. Diesel Engine Vehicles: These are vehicles powered by diesel engines, such as trucks, buses, and tractors. Gas Vehicles: This category includes vehicles that use gas turbines as a power source, such as turbine-powered cars. Electric Vehicles: These automobiles rely on electricity as their power source, like electric cars and electric buses. Steam Engine Vehicles: Vehicles in this category are powered by steam engines and include steamboats, steam locomotives, and steam wagons.
3. Classification Based on Load Capacity: Light Duty Vehicles: These are compact motor vehicles such as cars, jeeps, scooters, and motorcycles. Heavy Duty Vehicles : These larger and bulkier motor vehicles include buses, trucks, and tractors . 4. Classification Based on Drive of the Vehicles: Left-Hand Drive: These vehicles have the steering wheel on the left-hand side. Right-Hand Drive: Vehicles with the steering wheel on the right-hand side.
5. Classification Based on Number of Wheels and Axles: Two-Wheele rs: This includes motorcycles and scooters. Three-Wheelers: Examples are tempo and auto-rickshaws. Four-Wheelers: These are standard vehicles like cars, jeeps, buses, and trucks. Six-Wheelers: Buses and trucks in this category have six tires, with four of them carried on the rear wheels for additional support. Six Axle Wheelers: Examples include vehicles like Dodge with ten tires.
6. Classification Based on Type of Transmission: Automatic Transmission Vehicles: These automobiles are capable of changing gear ratios automatically, such as automatic transmission cars. Manual Transmission Vehicles: This category includes vehicles where gear ratios must be changed manually. Semi-Automatic Transmission Vehicles: These vehicles enable manual gear changing with a clutch pedal . 7. Classification Based on Suspension System Used: Conventional Suspension: This type uses leaf springs. Independent Suspension: Examples include coil springs, torsion bars, and pneumatic suspension.
Requirements of Automobile: Lightweight Design: The body should be constructed with materials and techniques that minimise its weight, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and overall performance. Simplified Components: To enhance durability and ease of maintenance, the body should consist of a minimal number of components, reducing potential points of failure. Longevity: The body should exhibit a long fatigue life, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of everyday use and maintain structural integrity over time. Uniform Load Distribution: It should be designed to evenly distribute loads, optimising stability and safety. Passenger and Luggage Space : Sufficient room should be allocated for passengers and their belongings, guaranteeing comfort and practicality.
Engine and Suspension Accessibility: Easy access to the engine and suspension components should be provided for simplified maintenance and repairs. Vibration Reduction: Minimizing vibrations during vehicle operation is essential to enhance ride comfort and reduce wear and tear on components. Aerodynamic Efficiency: The body should be streamlined to minimise air resistance, which aids in fuel efficiency and overall performance. Cost-Effective Manufacturing: The manufacturing process should be cost-efficient and straightforward to keep the vehicle's production economical. Clear Visibility: The body design should allow for unobstructed all-round vision through well-placed glass areas, enhancing safety. Aesthetic Appeal: An attractive shape and colour should be incorporated to make the vehicle visually appealing and marketable.
Advantages Convenience of Transportation. Time Efficiency. Enhanced Mobility. Comfort and Convenience. Family Accessibility. Economic Opportunities. Business Growth. Efficient Goods Transport. Travel Freedom. Recreational Opportunities. Traffic Congestion. Air Pollution. Noise Pollution. Fuel Costs. Maintenance Expenses. Parking Issues. Safety Risks. Dependency on Fossil Fuels. Environmental Impact. Contributing to Urban Sprawl. Disadvantages
General Layout of an Automobile
Components of automobile and their functions:
Drives
Drivetrain The drive train of a vehicle refers to the group of components that act to deliver power to the driving wheels of a vehicle. The power to run a vehicle starts in the crankshaft. It is then delivered to the clutch, via the flywheel (in a manual transmission), or to a torque -converter (in an automatic). Power then goes to the transmission, where it is redirected to the drive shaft (also called prop shaft, driveline or propeller shaft). The drive shaft directs the power to the drive axle, which contains both a final drive gear, and a differential. The final drive gear connects the drive shaft to the differential, which then directs power to each wheel. The most common types of drivetrains are front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
Front-wheel drive The majority of vehicles on the road today are powered by front-wheel drive systems. In this system, the front wheels provide the power. All of the drivetrain components are located in the front of the vehicle which increases traction in the front wheels. Vehicles with front-wheel drive are typically lighter, helping to improve gas mileage.
Rear-wheel drive A rear-wheel drive system relies on the rear wheels to deliver the power. Commonly found on trucks and performance vehicles, RWD gives needed traction with heavy loads and optimal handling on performance cars.
Four-wheel drive A four-wheel drive system features two driveshafts and a transfer case to deliver power to all four wheels. Today’s 4WD systems are either full-time or part-time. In a full-time system, the vehicle automatically switches between two-wheel and four-wheel drive while a part-time system requires the driver to manually engage the four-wheel drive system. 4WD shines in heavy snow and off-road situations.
AWD Independent is when the wheels are driven but not dependent on a trans-axle. Tesla’s vehicles (Model S and Model X) are so far the only ones to use such a system. (Picture below is a Model S Tesla Drivetrain)
All-wheel drive AWD delivers power to all four wheels. Most all-wheel drive systems are always on, using sensors to determine which wheel needs power. However, be aware that systems vary and some all-wheel drive setups stay in two-wheel drive most of the time and only go into all-wheel drive mode when the sensors detect the vehicle is losing traction.