Automotive Engineering

Road Vehicles:

The characteristics of ground vehicle may be described in terms of

a- Performance (Traction, acceleration, brake, maximum speed)

b- Handling (Steering)

c- Ride (Comfort, suspension, vibration, noise)

a- Performance:
Is the ability of the vehicle to accelerate, to develop drawbar pull, to overcome obstacles and to decelerate.

b- Handling:
Is the response of the vehicle to driver’s commands.

c- Ride:
Is the effect of surface irregularities, vibration, and noise on passengers and goods.

+ Fuel consumption, pollution, service, spar parts, Management cost, operation life, safety, price

Theory of ground vehicle

The theory of ground vehicle is concerned with the study of performance, handling and ride, and their relation with the design of ground vehicles under various operation environments.

The behavior of a ground vehicle represents the results of the interaction between the driver, the vehicle and the environment.  

Automobile Systems and Components

Performance:

Engine:
Fuel system, ignition system, inlet system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, charging system, starting system, emission control system, engine management system.

Power train:
Clutch, gearbox (transmission), propeller shaft, deferential, axle, wheels and tires.

Car body:
Mass, weight distribution, CG, shape, aerodynamics, roll center.

Tire:
Tire radius, rolling resistance, radial and lateral stiffness.

Brake system:
Brake force distribution, stopping time, skid, slip, radial and lateral stiffness.

Car:
Maximum  speed, maximum gradient and acceleration, stopping time and distance, Fuel consumption.

Handling and stability:

Steering system:
Steering wheel, steering column, gears, linkages and other components.  

Stability system:

Electronic stability control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

Ride:

Suspension system:
Springs, shock absorber, anti-roll bar.

Brake:

Braking system:
Brake pedal, hydraulic system, wheel brake, booster, hand brake, brake valves, ABS.

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Automotive_Systems

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_dynamics