Automotive and Motorsport Engineering MEng

In this key first year module you will gain fundamental knowledge and practical techniques in Engineering Mathematics to deal with analytical modules in the subsequent years of your course. Amongst the subjects you will study will be: functions, linear mathematics, calculus and numerical techniques to solve real world engineering problems.

You will learn how a number of manufacturing processes are applied for the production of engineered products. You will benefit from deeper appreciation of some of the processes through the use of hand tools, general engineering workshop machine tools, metal joining equipment, measuring and diagnostic equipment, basic circuit design and build of PCBs where you will develop some basic skills. You will learn fundamental electrical engineering concepts and apply them practically in measurement and sensing systems. You will cover conceptual models of diagnostic processes and support this learning through practical challenges in the effective use of measuring and diagnostic equipment.

In this module you will have the opportunity to demonstrate a range of knowledge and understanding of the basic engineering principles that support the operation of engineering systems through theoretical and practical application. As you progress through the module you will demonstrate critical, creative and innovative thinking through the understanding of the basics of forces, energy, power and stress analysis. You will apply your knowledge and adopt a structured approach to investigate simple static, dynamic and fluidic problems through practical experimentation to further understand the scientific relationships that underpin such systems.

An ever-increasing number of mechatronic systems are finding their way into our daily lives. Mechatronic systems combine mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. This module provides you with the knowledge to select electrical and electronic devices as driving elements and measuring instruments for electromechanical systems. You will be introduced to electric motors and electronic measurement methods and learn techniques for capturing the data obtained by electronic measuring instruments, particularly in computer-based data acquisition.

This module provides you with an appreciation of the broad role of the engineer and technologist in society, including responsibilities, ethical behaviour, and contribution to the business team. It will introduce you to the personal skills required to succeed as both students and professional engineers and in addition, it aims to give you a foundation in basic programming. Engineers from all areas are required to have practical programming skills to support and develop their professional activities, throughout their career; this module aims to provide you with the foundation for this development. The module integrates the development of personal and professional skills alongside a solid grounding in the appreciation and practice of programming. Skills related to study techniques; communication skills (including report writing and oral presentations), problem solving, research, and working to objectives are developed, in both individual and team working situations. An introduction to Individual Learning Plans (ILP) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is provided, CV preparation and planning for your career are developed.

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of material behaviour in conventional and bio-engineering environments and to develop your ability to analyse solid objects subjected to static loads in the light of this knowledge. You will learn to understand and explain the behaviour of materials at a microscopic level and appreciate the relationship between this scale of behaviour and the properties of bulk material. You will cover the classical techniques of stress and strain analysis that allow component behaviour to be related to material behaviour. Your understanding will allow you to select appropriate material and component characteristics for particular operating conditions in conventional and bio inspired applications.

In this module you will focus on Engineering Design understood as a set of tools and methodologies required to integrate mechanical and electrical elements of the design process into a cohesive functional product. The majority of products such as automotive, home appliances and hand tools represent design challenges that require both mechanical and electrical elements. The module will inspire your creativity and encourage you to develop and use your analytical abilities and knowledge in engineering and science. You will find out that Engineering Design is a complex process that always requires methodical and iterative approaches. You will uncover the importance of information resources and computer-aided design tools that exist to support modern design engineers. In addition to the technical competences, you will develop your sense of responsibility as a future practising engineer and the professional work ethics.

In this module you will be introduced to the essential principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, and their applications in thermo-fluids engineering systems. You will learn about the laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, combustion process, refrigerators, turbomachines, heat exchangers, fluid conveyance and flow control systems. This module will equip you to design, analyse and predict the performance of thermo-fluids engineering systems.

In this module you will be introduced to the major classes of manufacturing systems, from jobbing to mass production with consideration of relevant production technology issues and requirements for systems from design through to production and control. You will focus on the interface between product development stages from design, to manufacturing and inspection, and the dependency to each other. The implications for product specification and design are considered and reinforced through your study of examples involving a practical problem-based approach. Emphasis will be given to aspects such as, design to production along with quantity forecasting implications and the significance of inspection and quality within a production system.

In this module you will learn about automotive propulsion systems and the engineering principles governing the operation of automotive powertrain units. You will consider both the traditional internal combustion (IC) engine powertrain and electrified automotive powertrains as well as power drivetrain systems. For IC engines you will study a range of fundamentals and be introduced to engine testing methods. For electrified powertrains you will cover: pure electric and hybrid electric and fuel cell systems, including: powertrain components, their characterisation, interconnection, and their control.

In this module you will be introduced to concepts, standards, techniques, software and systems for project management, quality management and production management, making reference to relevant ISO standards. You will cover case material relevant to manufacturing and service industries and gain experience of practical application. On completion you will be in a strong position to apply these key industry standard practices to projects in your role as a graduate engineer.

In this module you will discover the principles behind Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This is increasingly becoming an integral part of the design process and has recently been linked to optimisation methods within many commercial computer packages. You will develop the understanding of the theoretical foundations and limitations of these methods for their effective application in practical contexts. In addition, you will gain an invaluable experience of using state-of-the-art commercial software of this type to equip you with the skills of carrying out accurate and cost effective finite element and optimisation analyses.

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to study and investigate a specific engineering topic in-depth. The aim of this module is give you the skills and experience to carry out an engineering project and introduce you to the process that would typically take place in a professional engineering environment. You will undertake and execute a project on a topic appropriate to your study pathway. You will be allocated a project supervisor(s) who will direct you through the process of project planning, undertaking background research and carrying out the technical aspects of the project to a satisfactory conclusion. Your project will be an in-depth study of an engineering problem and may be either academic or industry-based. You will have the opportunity to either select a project defined by a tutor, or to propose your own project idea. The project work will extend your knowledge and capabilities in the specific field associated with the project topic and allow you to demonstrate your initiative, commitment, and engineering capability to a professional standard.

This module will let you develop knowledge and understanding of dynamic systems related vibration and its analysis and control in machine systems. The module uses selected topics to give you an understanding of the analytical tools applied to vibration in mechanical systems and the ability to synthesise and analyse complex mechanisms. The module focuses on mathematical models of physical systems which are key elements in the design and analysis of control systems through theory and practical examples. Mathematical and analysis packages are used extensively throughout the module.

The module uses selected topics to give you an advanced understanding of the theory and analytical tools that can be applied to dynamic mechanical systems. You will develop the ability to develop models and analyse complex systems using commercial software packages and to specify appropriate optimisation and mitigation techniques. The module further provides, through theory and practical examples, the means to quantify and solve realistic problems. Laboratory testing of a practical system will be used to provide data to validate models. Fundamentals of acoustics are covered including sound sources and propagation and mitigation of noise. Measurement techniques form part of the investigative nature of the subject and general empirical methodology. Mathematical analysis packages are used extensively throughout the module.

Fluid dynamic forces acting on a fluid handling system affect the performance effectiveness of the system. This module considers an advanced study of fluid flows relevant to industrial fluid handling systems such as vehicles, turbomachines and pipeline systems. Modern vehicles will be studied to highlight the subtle design features being employed to reduce drag, provide deliberate vortices, or create a predictable down-force on the vehicles. The design features related to turbomachines and the pipelines are also discussed in detail. Additionally, the module considers an optimised design for various systems considered including engine cooling systems, in-car air conditioning, turbo-machines and piping systems. We will introduce you to an appropriate commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package and its use for design of an optimised system.

In this module, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate a wide range of knowledge and understanding of design processes and methodologies in a challenging design-oriented group project. In this collaborative setting, you will develop innovative design solutions which are compatible with clearly identified business and commercial objectives. You will be required to engage in an in-depth study of an engineering problem set in a business context, requiring application and integration of knowledge and skills acquired up to and including the fifth year of the MEng programme. You will demonstrate critical, creative and innovative thinking and adopt a structured approach to design specification and the development of commercially appropriate solutions. You will apply advanced techniques for modelling and give consideration to innovative materials and manufacturing processes. You will work to the highest professional standards in project management and practice effective communication skills in all aspects of the project execution.

This module aims to develop your understanding of the strategic aspects of programme and project management and its role in adding competitive advantage to an organisation. The module enables you to gain a firm grounding in the principles, processes, tools and techniques that underpin programme and project management. It also aids you to develop a systematic understanding of the purposes and uses of financial information, together with the ability to use quantitative skills to improve performance management and decision making within an organisation. Emphasis is placed upon the need for competence in project planning and control. Team-working, communication and risk management skills are developed by means of group activity. Extensive use is made of project management and simulation software.

This module will enable you to understand the operating principles of a wide range of automotive chassis systems. The basic elements of a variety of braking, steering, and suspension systems are studied in depth to evaluate their kinematic and dynamic characteristics. Their design features are investigated to establish how they currently satisfy the appropriate automotive regulations. The influence of X-by-wire regarding vehicle development and future legislation is considered with regard to safety, ethical issues and advanced vehicle control. Wheel and tyre design are studied to establish features such as slip characteristics, construction, and deformation during steady state and transient cornering. The normal operating forces at the tyre/road interface are considered to establish the safe operating boundaries of a vehicle. Traditional and modern suspension systems are studied for commercial vehicles, high volume production cars and high performance cars. Comfort and ride characteristics are related to wheel loads and differing road features.