Automotive Materials and Design Engineering
About the Program
The automotive system of the twenty-first century is poised to advance at a rapid pace with greater emphasis on lightweight structures, high efficiency powertrains, intelligent control systems, lower emissions, robust design and manufacturing, as well as improved comfort and safety. This certificate program gives an opportunity for automotive engineers to learn to about lightweight materials, advancements in ergonomic and structural design, vehicle dynamics and control, and advanced manufacturing techniques (12 credit hours).
The certificate can be completed entirely on campus, entirely online, or through a combination of on-campus and online courses.
Course Descriptions
Please choose four courses to complete the required 12 credit hours.
Overview of drive characteristics, capabilities, and limitations. Human variability and driver demographics, driver performance measurements. Driver information processing models, driver errors and response time. Driver sensory capabilities: vision, audition, and other inputs. Vehicle controls and displays. Driver anthropometry, biomechanical considerations. (3 credits)
This course provides a systems approach to the design of automotive chassis and body components and examines the influence of their design on the overall structural performance of the automobile. Design issues related to structural rigidity, ride comfort, safety and crashworthiness, durability and assembly are covered. Applications of advanced materials and joining techniques are discussed. Analytical tools used in automotive structural design are also discussed. (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce the applications of finite element method in automotive structure design. It includes specific design examples of vehicle NVH and durability with commercial pre-processor and FEA solver. The course also provides theoretical knowledge of FEA and vehicle design. (3 credits)
Introduction to static and dynamic stability characteristics of vehicles. Study on directional vehicle responses and stability in small disturbance maneuver. Design, numerical simulation, and analysis of vehicle control systems (ABS, active suspension, and yaw stability). (3 credits)
This course aims to provide knowledge on vehicle crash mechanics, structural design to improve crashworthiness and crash energy management. Finite element techniques for vehicle crash analysis are also covered.
This course will address the design issues and manufacturing considerations for various lightweight automotive structural materials. Design issues will include stiffness, fatigue, vibrations, dent resistance, crush resistance, etc. Methods of producing lightweight automotive structures are discussed. Design for manufacturing, assembly, disassembly and recycling are emphasized. (3 credits)
Vehicle package specifications related to exterior and interior design reference points, dimensions and curb loadings. Benchmarking package studies, ergonomic tools and design practices used in the automobile industry. Driver positioning considerations; seat height, heel points, hip points, steering wheel location, seat pan, and back angles. Pedal design issues, gear shift positioning. Visibility of instrument panel space. Armrest and console design considerations. Principles and considerations in selecting and location types and characteristics of controls and displays on instrument panels, doors, consoles, and headers. Engine compartment packaging issues. Perception of interior spaciousness and visibility of the road over cowl and hood. (3 credits)
A treatment of the response, ride, and maneuvering of motor vehicles. Road loads, suspension systems, mechanics of pneumatic tires. (3 credits)
Fundamentals of acoustical waves, sound propagation and intensity, instruments for vibration and noise, HVAC system noise, automobile and aircraft noise, noise control techniques. Graduate standing or special permission. (3 credits)
Mechanical behavior of materials are covered in relation to their structures, deformation characteristics and failure mechanisms. Means of improving strength, fracture toughness and other mechanical properties are discussed. Environmental effects on mechanical behavior are also included. The emphasis is on metals; however, polymers and ceramics are also covered.
This course will consider four different aspects of composite materials; namely, materials, mechanics, manufacturing and design. Recent developments on fiber reinforced plastics and metals will be covered. Fundamental analytical concepts on micro and macro mechanics will be emphasized to create a better understanding of the design principles of composite materials.
Learning Goals and Outcomes
- Students will be able to describe the integration of design, manufacturing and new technology applications in the automotive industry.
- Students will be able to evaluate automotive manufacturing techniques and designs.
- Students will be prepared to apply knowledge of automotive materials and structural design in the field.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
AENG 545 Fall
AENG 550 Fall
AENG 551 Winter
AENG 555 Winter
AENG 586 Fall
IMSE 593 Various semesters
ME 543 Fall
ME 545 Winter
ME 584 Winter
ME 587 Various semesters