MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
MCH4214 Vehicle Aerodynamics Fall 3 0 3 6
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Dr. Öğr. Üyesi ÖZCAN HÜSEYİN GÜNHAN
Recommended Optional Program Components: NONE
Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is to equip the student with the fundamental concepts of vehicle aerodynamics. At the end of the course students will gain an understanding of external vehicle shapes that reduce drag and internal flow arrangements that increase human comfort.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
I.Describe how boundary layer and flow separation affect vehicle aerodynamics
II. Identify components of drag force acting on a vehicle
III. Explain how positive and negative lift are generated on passenger and formula cars
IV. Explain effects of car aerodynamics on economy, performance and road holding of vehicles
V. Explain the effect of rear end shape on drag of passenger cars
VI. Identify basic drag reducing features of trucks
VII. Explain the differences between ducted and unducted radiator systems
VIII. Explain how internal air flows (heating, air-conditioning) are considered in vehicle design
IX. Identify basic features of wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics in vehicle design
X. Solve flow over a wing by CFD

Course Content

Basics of aerodynamics, Aerodynamic forces and moments, Drag and Lift, Aerodynamic Design of Family Cars, Aerodynamic Design of Family Cars, Commercial Vehicles (Trucks and buses, Racing Vehicles, Internal flows, Cooling of engine and transmission, Internal Comfort (Ventilation and Air Conditioning), Wind Tunnel Testing, Computational Fluid Dynamics in Vehicle Design, CFD analysis of flow over a wing

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Basics of aerodynamics
2) Aerodynamic forces and moments, Drag and Lift
3) Aerodynamic Design of Family Cars
4) Aerodynamic Design of Family Cars (Continued)
5) Aerodynamics of Commercial Vehicles (Trucks and buses)
6) Aerodynamics of Racing Vehicles
7) Racing Vehicles (Continued)
8) Midterm exam
9) Internal flows, Cooling of engine and transmission
10) Cooling of engine and transmission (Continued)
11) Internal Comfort (Heating/ Ventilation/ Air conditioning)
12) Wind Tunnel Testing
13) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in Vehicle Design
14) CFD analysis of flow over a wing

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Barnard, R.H., 1996. Road Vehicle Aerodynamic Design, An Introduction, Addison Wesley Longman Limited.
References: 1) Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Bentley Publishers, 1995
2) Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles, Hucho, W.H., Butterworth, 1988.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 10 % 0
Application 4 % 0
Quizzes 2 % 20
Homework Assignments 2 % 10
Midterms 1 % 30
Final 1 % 40
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Workload
Course Hours 10 30
Application 4 12
Study Hours Out of Class 12 48
Homework Assignments 3 12
Midterms 2 10
Final 3 15
Total Workload 127

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Build up a body of knowledge in mathematics, science and Mechatronics Engineering subjects; use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve complex engineering problems. 4
2) Identify, formulate, and solve complex Mechatronics Engineering problems; select and apply proper modeling and analysis methods for this purpose. 4
3) Design complex Mechatronic systems, processes, devices or products under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; apply modern design methods for this purpose. 4
4) Devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for solving complex problems in Mechatronics Engineering practice; employ information technologies effectively. 3
5) Design and conduct numerical or pysical experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for investigating the complex problems specific to Mechatronics Engineering. 3
6) Cooperate efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; and show self-reliance when working on Mechatronics-related problems. 4
7) Ability to communicate effectively in English and Turkish (if he/she is a Turkish citizen), both orally and in writing. Write and understand reports, prepare design and production reports, deliver effective presentations, give and receive clear and understandable instructions. 4
8) Recognize the need for life-long learning; show ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continuously educate oneself. 2
9) Develop an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility, and behave accordingly. Be informed about the standards used in Mechatronics Engineering applications. 1
10) Learn about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; develop an awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development. 2
11) Acquire knowledge about the effects of practices of Mechatronics Engineering on health, environment, security in universal and social scope, and the contemporary problems of Mechatronics engineering; is aware of the legal consequences of Mechatronics engineering solutions.