POWERTRAIN DESIGN AND CHASSIS ENGINEERING - 2025/6

Module Overview

Second year module for Automotive Engineering students.

POWERTRAIN DESIGN:

The fundamental concepts determining the performance of internal combustion (IC) engines are explained. The derivation of the governing equations is the starting point for describing the benefits, limits and design targets for downsizing of IC engines. The concept of turbo- and supercharging is introduced together with examples on matching of a turbo/supercharger with an engine. Hybrid and electric powertrains are introduced by describing how electrification of individual components can improve powertrain performance in terms of environmental impact, efficiency and driving characteristics.

CHASSIS ENGINEERING:

The structural requirements of vehicle chassis are introduced with respect to internal and external loads. Fundamental chassis design targets are described and the basic chassis structures and substructures are explained. Following the discussion of road loads, the underlying concepts of semi-active and active suspension systems are introduced and improvements in terms of comfort, ride and handling characteristics, together with limitations are explained. The concepts, aims and limitations of novel chassis control systems are presented.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

TIAN Guohong (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

ENG2095 Mechanics of Vehicles and Machines

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Powertrain design

• Internal combustion engines: performance characteristics and limits, indices and governing equations; IC engine working processes: working substance and fuel, gas exchange process, combustion process and heat transfer, pollutant formation and control


• Engine downsizing by maximising volumetric efficiency: supercharging and turbo-charging


• Introduction of advanced engine technologies: variable valve timing, direct injection


• Hybrid and electric powertrains: concept, components and performance characteristics

• Fundamentals of vehicle chassis


• Internal and external chassis loads: driving resistances, transfer of static and dynamic forces and torques from the suspension to the vehicle chassis


• Semi-active and fully active suspension systems


• Modern chassis control systems concepts

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of scientific principles, methodologies and mathematics methods as well as the ability to describe particular systems and processes in the final examination. The coursework element allows students to demonstrate that they can interpret a problem, develop design targets, and present and justify a solution clearly and accurately.

Summative assessment

• Coursework in Powertrain engineering      [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4]


• Coursework in Chassis engineering          [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4]

• Formative verbal feedback is given in tutorials


• Written feedback is given on the coursework assessment

Module aims

• an introduction to the fundamental characteristics of different powertrain and chassis design solutions found in modern and future vehicles;
• an understanding of the governing equations of internal combustion engine design and the principles of the electrification of the powertrain;
• an understanding of the loads experienced by chassis structures and possibilities to enhance driving experience (ride and handling) and comfort of a vehicle.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

introduce powertrain design and chassis engineering principles through theory with worked examples. This is delivered principally through lectures, tutorial classes and a coursework element involving basic powertrain and chassis design methodologies.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lecture in person


• Tutorial (in groups)


• Revision lectures


• Powertrain coursework submitted on SurreyLearn


• Chassis coursework submitted on SurreyLearn

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG2119

Other information

Employability

Provide real industry cases and examples; using industrial standard simulation software packages for simulation and authentic assessment that all improve students' employability in relevant industrial areas.

Digital capabilities

Using industrial standard software packages to develop models for the coursework that improve students' digital capabilities.

Sustainability

This module discusses alternative vehicle propulsion options including renewable fuels and electrification, all for the purpose of improving sustainability in the industry. This provides students important concept of sustainability. 

Resourceful and resilience

The open-ended coursework requires a certain degree of research capability which makes the students to become more resourceful and resilient.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.