Topics: Powertrain & Propulsion
Developing vehicles that achieve optimum fuel economy and acceleration performance is critical to the success of any automotive company, yet many practicing engineers have not received formal training on the broad range of factors which influence vehicle performance. This seminar provides this fundamental understanding through the development of mathematical models that describe the relevant physics and through the hands-on application of automotive test equipment. Attendees will also be introduced to software used to predict vehicle performance.
The course begins with a discussion of the road load forces that act on the automobile (aerodynamic, rolling resistance, and gravitational) followed by a review of pertinent engine characteristics. This background information is then used to show how appropriate gear ratios for a vehicle transmission are selected and to develop models for predicting acceleration performance and fuel economy. The models form the basis for the computer software used to predict vehicle performance. Participants will also use an in-vehicle accelerometer, GPS fifth-wheel, and an OBDII scanner to measure vehicle performance.
By attending this seminar, you will be able to:
As this seminar is designed for automotive engineers involved in the design and development of automotive powertrains (with special value for entry-level engineers and others seeking to develop a fundamental understanding), attendees should have a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, be able to apply Newton's second law of motion, and be familiar with spreadsheets and simple computer programming concepts.
"Very good introductory course on the parameters that effect vehicle performance and fuel economy and how to optimize them."
Brian Mace
Senior Engineer
Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
"This course greatly surpassed my expectations of what I would learn and bring back to work."
Harry Keller
Senior Engineer
Mack Trucks, Inc.
"Very good course on performance vs. fuel economy."
Chad Linn
Engineer, Parts Quality
Honda Manufacturing
"This seminar is so great and useful."
Kyung-Wan RHO
Manager of Transportation Energy Team
Korea Energy Management Corporation
"This is a good course for engineers which will be working on fuel economy. This course provides the physics behind modeling and integration. This should be required training for new engineers (instruction) and old pro's (refreshment)."
Jeffrey Wroblewski
Senior Fuel Economy Engineer
Volvo Group Truck Technology
"A highly recommended course for all powertrain engineers."
Chan Yi Yuen
Principal Engineer
ST Kinetics LTD
You must complete all course contact hours and successfully pass the learning assessment to obtain CEUs.
Dr. Craig J. Hoff is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University, teaching the areas of thermal and mechanical design, with applications in automotive engineering and biomedical engineering. His research interests include loop heat pipes, electronic and vehicle thermal management, and alternative automotive powertrains. Dr. Hoff is the faculty advisor to the Kettering Formula SAE racecar team and is the Chair of SAE International's Scholarship Committee. He is the co-author, with Dr. Gregory Davis, of the text Introduction to Automotive Powertrains.