Automotive Engineering MSc

Birmingham City University

This module will provide you with a rigorous grounding in industrial standard design, analysis, and simulation capability, and you will become competent and skilled in the use of advanced computer modelling and simulation techniques. You will critically appraise the use of new and emerging technologies and their impact on the design and manufacture of components; model and analyse vibrations in solids; build simulation models for the purposes of the control of dynamic systems; and develop and evaluate linear dynamic models of automotive and mechanical components.

In this module you will analyse, model, and simulate state of the art alternative power units, including dual fuel and hybrid systems. You will apply a variety of techniques to design controllers that meet required emissions regulation, fuel economy, and performance standards. In particular, you will explore the potential for the application of modern controllers to coordinate and control auxiliary power and the associated subsystems. You will conduct independent research into a current industry problem, reporting your research findings and solutions.

This module will provide you with an understanding of the fundamental concepts that underpin continuum mechanics, with a focus on the analysis techniques employed on the more common components and structures. You will use advanced failure analysis techniques to determine and analyse stresses and deformations in complex engineering components, and you will consider how this is applied for design assurance purposes. You will also develop an understanding of the behaviour of solids under two or three dimensional stress fields, and the limitations imposed by assumptions and boundary conditions.

In this module you will utilise mathematical concepts such as transform calculus and matrix theory to model systems, using both the transfer function and state-space paradigms. You will then use time and frequency response methods to design controllers for linear systems, applying pole placement techniques using both input-output and state-feedback approaches. You will then extend these to observer design and LQR optimisation. Studying in this module will involve traditional lectures and tutorials, and you will also use industry-standard software for problem-solving within a coursework-based assessment.

You will undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project, exploring an area of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide on your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. Your topic must be aligned to the programme you are studying and informed by the research strategy of your school. You should also consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development. You are expected to work independently but will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area.

The module aims to provide you with a foundation for academic research skills employed in all modules, but particularly the Masters dissertation. This will enhance your learning experience, so your research is both industry-relevant and academically valuable. You will learn to evaluate the conceptual nature of research philosophies and methods, appraise existing literature to develop a literature review using appropriate research methods and techniques, design a poster presentation which outlines integrated and analysed data using appropriate research methods and techniques, and make critical judgements on the applicability of appropriate professional skills and research ethics within a given research context.

In this module you will have the opportunity to design light duty and autonomous vehicles using modelling, simulation, and design of control features within an appropriate software environment. You will analyse and evaluate hybrid-electric vehicle architectures, synthesise alternative vehicle models for motion and stability control, apply a variety of techniques for the control of and car models, and design robust optimum controllers for the purposes of ABS and traction control.