Automotive Technology

This is the first comprehensive book on the autonomous vehicles as a part of the smart transportation systems. It was written by scientists and engineers who had been actively contributing to the development of technical knowledge in this field. The authors tried to cover both the theoretical background and the multitude of practical issues related to either commercially-available or laboratory-validated vehicular technologies. The book will be invaluable not only for engineers directly concerned with the development of autonomous vehicles, but also to those who are interested in various fields that overlap with these specific topics: power engineering, electrical drives, control systems, sensors and actuators and artificial intelligence. Technical executives concerned with intelligent transportation systems will also find it timely and important.

Written for students and practicing engineers working in automotive engineering, this book provides a fundamental yet comprehensive understanding of chassis systems and requires little prior knowledge on the part of the reader. It presents the material in a practical and realistic manner, using reverse engineering as a basis for examples to reinforce understanding of the topics. The specifications and characteristics of vehicles currently on the market are used to exemplify the theory's application, and care is taken to connect the various topics covered, so as to clearly demonstrate their interrelationships. The book opens with a chapter on basic vehicle mechanics, which include the forces acting on a vehicle in motion, assuming a rigid body. It then proceeds to a chapter on steering systems, which provides readers with a firm understanding of the principles and forces involved under static and dynamic loading. The next chapter focuses on vehicle dynamics by considering suspension systems--tyres, linkages, springs, dampers etc. The chapter on chassis structures and materials includes analysis tools (typically, finite element analysis) and design features that are used to reduce mass and increase occupant safety in modern vehicles. The final chapter on Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) includes a basic overview of acoustic and vibration theory and makes use of extensive research investigations and practical experience as a means of addressing NVH issues. In all subject areas the authors take into account the latest trends, anticipating the move towards electric vehicles, on-board diagnostic monitoring, active systems and performance optimisation. The book features a number of worked examples and case studies based on recent research projects. All students, including those on Master's level degree courses in Automotive Engineering, and professionals in industry who want to gain a better understanding of vehicle chassis engineering, will benefit from this book.

The control of the longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics of two and four-wheeled vehicles, both of conventional type as well as fully-electric, is important not only for general safety of vehicular traffic in general, but also for future automated driving. Sliding Mode Control of Vehicular Dynamics provides an overview of this important topic. Topics covered include an introduction to sliding mode control; longitudinal vehicle dynamics control via sliding modes generation; sliding mode control of traction and braking in two-wheeled vehicles; lateral vehicle dynamics control via sliding modes generation; stability control of heavy vehicles; sliding mode approach in semi-active suspension control; and observer-based parameter identification for vehicle dynamics assessment. Each chapter introduces the problem formulation and a general overview of its physical aspects, provides a survey of the relevant literature on the topic, and reports on the authors' contributions to solving the control problem. The book is essential reading for researchers involved in vehicle control, from both industry and academia, as well as advanced students.

The latest developments in the field of hybrid electric vehicles Hybrid Electric Vehicles provides an introduction to hybrid vehicles, which include purely electric, hybrid electric, hybrid hydraulic, fuel cell vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric, and off-road hybrid vehicular systems. It focuses on the power and propulsion systems for these vehicles, including issues related to power and energy management. Other topics covered include hybrid vs. pure electric, HEV system architecture (including plug-in & charging control and hydraulic), off-road and other industrial utility vehicles, safety and EMC, storage technologies, vehicular power and energy management, diagnostics and prognostics, and electromechanical vibration issues. Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Second Edition is a comprehensively updated new edition with four new chapters covering recent advances in hybrid vehicle technology. New areas covered include battery modelling, charger design, and wireless charging. Substantial details have also been included on the architecture of hybrid excavators in the chapter related to special hybrid vehicles. Also included is a chapter providing an overview of hybrid vehicle technology, which offers a perspective on the current debate on sustainability and the environmental impact of hybrid and electric vehicle technology. Completely updated with new chapters Covers recent developments, breakthroughs, and technologies, including new drive topologies Explains HEV fundamentals and applications Offers a holistic perspective on vehicle electrification Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Principles and Applications with Practical Perspectives, Second Edition is a great resource for researchers and practitioners in the automotive industry, as well as for graduate students in automotive engineering.

This textbook will help you learn all the skills you need to pass all Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems courses and qualifications. As electrical and electronic systems become increasingly more complex and fundamental to the workings of modern vehicles, understanding these systems is essential for automotive technicians. For students new to the subject, this book will help to develop this knowledge, but will also assist experienced technicians in keeping up with recent technological advances. This new edition includes information on developments in pass-through technology, multiplexing, and engine control systems. In full colour and covering the latest course specifications, this is the guide that no student enrolled on an automotive maintenance and repair course should be without. Designed to make learning easier, this book contains: Photographs, flow charts, quick reference tables, overview descriptions and step-by-step instructions. Case studies to help you put the principles covered into a real-life context. Useful margin features throughout, including definitions, key facts and 'safety first' considerations.