Fundamentals of Automotive All-Wheel Drive Systems e-Seminar

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This e-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 used 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.

Based on the popular classroom seminar, the four and a half hour course is divided into eight modules accompanied by a handbook. It is an excellent follow-up to SAE's A Familiarization of Drivetrain Components e-Seminar (which is designed for those who have limited experience with the total drivetrain).

Major topics include:

• All-Wheel Drive Systems Overview[Total Run Time: 52 minutes]
  • Explain the differences between understeer, oversteer, and neutral steer vehicle dynamics behavior
  • Compare and contrast front-wheel drive based versus rear-wheel drive based powertrain architectures
  • Discuss the history of all-wheel drive systems
  • Identify the need for differentials in a vehicle
  • Calculate percent grade and understand it's importance
• Part-Time Systems [Total Run Time: 47 minutes]
  • Explain the powerflow of a transfer case in all part-time modes
  • Articulate the need and benefit of auxiliary axle disconnects
  • Describe the history and evolution of disconnect systems
• Full-Time Systems [Total Run Time: 11 minutes]
  • Explain the powerflow of a full-time transfer case
  • Explain the powerflow of an on-demand transfer case
  • Identify the difference between a transfer case and power transfer unit
• Transfer Case Design [Total Run Time: 34 minutes]
  • Identify typical transfer case design parameters
  • Recognize the operation of chain drive systems
  • Explain the need for lubrication pumps
  • Identify the components and function of manual versus electric shift systems
  • Assess the powerflow of low range
  • Compare the differences between a "simple" and "complex" power transfer unit
• Couplers [Total Run Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes]
  • Name the difference between a coupler and torque biasing device
  • Explain the operating differences between active and passive systems
  • Articulate the function difference between speed sensing and torque sensing devices
  • Discuss the many different actuation types and methods in use today
  • Explain the influence on vehicle dynamics behavior of different devices and implementations
  • Compare and contrast the performance of different devices in many different vehicle situations
• Vehicle NVH [Total Run Time: 10 minutes]
  • List the elements that cause noise, vibration, and harshness
  • Analyze system ratio and its affect on overall design considerations
  • Predict chassis interaction to all-wheel drive system implementation
• Emerging Technologies[Total Run Time: 22 minutes]
  • Explain the basic function of a twin coupling approach
  • List performance benefits achievable with independent wheel control
  • Discuss the history and current status of torque vectoring systems
  • Identify some current implementation methods of electrified all-wheel drive
• All-Wheel Drive Interactions/New Developments [Total Run Time: 19 minutes]
  • Explain torque split ratio and its influence on vehicle behavior
  • Describe the tire friction circle and its relationship to lateral and longitudinal acceleration
  • Discuss the history and function of ER and MR fluids

About the Instructor: Joseph Palazzolo
Joe Palazzolo is employed as Chief Engineer – 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.

Is this e-Seminar for You?
This e-Seminar was designed for engineers (working with passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs) who need to master AWD components and their functions and effects. 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 e-seminar.

About e-Seminars
SAE "e-Seminars" are electronically delivered seminars featuring full-motion video illustrated with synchronized presentation slides. e-Seminars are based on some of SAE's most highly attended and rated classroom seminars.

Convenient & Portable Learning
Convenient and portable, SAE e-Seminars offer a new way to receive the same instruction as live classroom learning without the expense of travel and time away from the workplace. Using a laptop or PC with an Internet connection, you can view individual modules at your own pace, at times convenient to you. You can even e-mail your questions to SAE for instructor reply.

• 365 days of access (from date of purchase) to the 4.5 hour course
• Links to streaming video modules
• Course Handbook (downloadable, .pdf's, subject to DRM)
• Online Pre-test (self-test, immediate results)
• Online Post-test (submit to SAE)
• 0.5 CEUs*/Certificate of Achievement (with satisfactory post-test score)

Equipment Requirements

• Windows 2000, XP, 7 (Not currently supported by Windows Vista)
• Pentium III PC
• Minimum 128 MB RAM; recommended 256 MB RAM
• Internet Explorer 6.0 & above browser (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Unix/Linus based browsers are not currently supported)
• Adobe Flash Player 8.0 & above
• Broadband-128Kbps and above
• 1024 X 768 Screen Resolution
• Sound Card/Speakers

Available in Single-User packages. Quantity discounts for three or more students and Site License options also are available - complete a Corporate Learning Solutions Request Form for a quote.

For more detail, email CustomerService@sae.org; or call
1-877-606-7323 (U.S. and Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside US and Canada).