The course mainly deals with road vehicles. First a general description of the most common road vehicles such as personal cars and trucks is given. Then the history of road vehicles is presented. Thereafter, a number of definitions regularly used to define road vehicles are explained. The connection between vehicle properties and the requirements from different users and applications are explained. The course also contains an overview of vehicle safety & safety issues and a deeper discussion on the impact on the environment. How to dimension brake and chassis/suspension is taught after which propulsion systems, e.g. engine, transmission and hybrid systems are dealt with in detail. Electrical vehicles will also be discussed. Finally an account is made on contemporary and future vehicles and alternative transport systems.
The course contains lectures, seminars, exercises and laboratory exercises. Normally an industry representative will give an invited lecture.
