Fundamentals of Automotive All-Wheel Drive Systems

I.D. #

C0305

Duration

1 Day

This seminar provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and evolution of passenger car and light truck 4x4/all-wheel drive (AWD) systems including the nomenclature utilized to describe these systems. Basic power transfer unit and transfer case design parameters, component application to system function, the future of AWD systems, and emerging technologies that may enable future systems are covered.

This course is an excellent follow-up to the "A Familiarization of Drivetrain Components" seminar (which is designed for those who have limited experience with the total drivetrain).

Learning Objectives

By attending this seminar, you will be able to:

Identify front wheel drive and rear wheel drive vehicle architectures
Identify part time, full time, and on demand all-wheel drive systems
Explain the benefits of all-wheel drive over two-wheel drive
Quantify all wheel drive traction and mobility benefits
Describe auxiliary axle disconnect systems
Explain basic vehicle dynamics performance and the effect of AWD on performance
Identify couplers vs. biasing devices and their basic function
Describe the differences between mechanical and electrical implementation in AWD systems
Describe basic control strategies and logic
Discuss advanced propulsion concepts and systems

Who Should Attend

This seminar is designed for engineers (working with passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs) who need to master AWD componentry, and the function and effect of those components. Engineers new to the 4WD/AWD field, as well as managers, marketing personnel, purchasing professionals and others interested in all-wheel drive fundamentals will benefit from this seminar.

Prerequisites

A technical background in any discipline is beneficial, although not required.

Seminar Content

Front wheel drive and rear wheel drive vehicle architectures
- Engine layout ż Transverse vs. longitudinal
- Transmission layout ż Transaxle vs. longitudinal
- Axle layout ż Independent vs. beam
- Powerflow ż typical power transmission arrangements
Part time, full time, and on demand all wheel drive systems
- Modes of operation
- Performance benefits
- Usage profiles
- Twin systems
Benefits of all-wheel drive as compared to two-wheel drive
- Performance
- Weight
- Packaging
Quantifying all-wheel drive traction and mobility benefits
- Vehicle dynamics
- Stability Acceleration
Auxiliary axle disconnect systems
- Function
- Design
Basic vehicle dynamics performance and the effect of AWD on performance
- Oversteer
- Understeer
- Neutralsteer
- Traction Effects
- Stability Effects
Couplers vs. biasing devices
- Functions of couplers
- Functions of biasing devices
- Typesżmechanical, electrical, speed sensing, torque sensing
Mechanical vs. electrical implementation in AWD systems
- Active control
- Passive control
Effects of AWD driveline configuration on NVH and weight
- Consequences of axle ratio selection
- Halfshaft and propshaft options
Basic control strategies and logic
Advanced propulsion concepts and systems
- Active differentials
- Independent wheel control
- Hybrid electric all-wheel drive

Instructor(s):

Joseph Palazzolo

Joe Palazzolo is employed as Chief Engineer ż Geared Products at GKN Driveline Torque Technology Group where he manages the mechanical design and development of new automotive gearboxes, torque transfer devices, concepts, and integration into production applications. His prior professional experience includes all-wheel systems design and development, power transfer unit and transfer case design, and torque management device development at Visteon Corporation, Warn Industries, and Ford Motor Company.

Mr. Palazzolo is an ASE certified Master Technician, chaired the SAE All-Wheel Drive Standards Committee, and has been an active SAE member since 1990. He is a past recipient of the SAE Forest R. McFarland Award for distinction in professional development and education (2007) and also achieved the SAE Master Instructor designation (2010).

Mr. Palazzolo is the award winning author of High-Performance Differentials, Axles & Drivelines. He has designed, built, campaigned and supported various race cars and teams for both professional and amateur racing organizations. His scope of work has been entire vehicle inclusive but also focused on competitive, high-performance drivetrain systems. He holds a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cleveland State University and a Masters degree in Automotive Engineering from Lawrence Technological University. He has received numerous patents for his work and creativity in advancing mobility systems.

Testimonial

"Although a complex topic, this seminar provided a one day overview of many of the latest devices in the automotive drivetrain arena that are currently in the market."
Steven J. Wesolowski
Director of Global Strategies
Dana Corporation

"The course content exceeded my expectations and left me much more confident in my understanding of driveline systems."
Mark Schulte
Senior Sales Engineer
Stoneridge, Inc.

"A good introduction to all-wheel-drive systems with good balance between theory and real-world experience."
Chris Teslak
Technical Specialist
Ford Motor Company

"This course saves at least several days to learn driveline technologies compared to self-desk research. In today's world where time is so valuable, the price of class is well worth it."
Sam Liang
Consultant
Global Insight

"A great overview of the AWD market and the systems and devices that are utilized."
Michael F. Chmelko
Account Manager
Hilite International

Also available as an SAe-Learning program delivered online!
Fundamentals of Automotive All-Wheel Drive Systems e-Seminar

Fees:

$765

SAE Members*:

$605 - $685

* The appropriate SAE Member discount will be applied through the Registration process. Discounts vary according to level of membership: Elite Member 20%; Premium Member 15%; Classic Member 10%

CEU