Automotive Engineering I – Longitudinal Dynamics of Vehicles

At the beginning of the first part of the three basis lectures "Automotive Engineering I – III" the meaning of the motor vehicle for the modern passenger and freight traffic compared to other transport systems is discussed. Main point is the longitudinal dynamic of motor vehicles. It concerns the components and parameters, which have influence over "driving" and "braking" of motor vehicles.

They are for example:

• Power and energy requirements to cover traction resistance ( rolling-, air-, acceleration- and gradient resistance)
• Selection and rating of various drive systems concerning operating performance, efficiency and environmental impact
• Functional description and rating of various longitudinal components such as clutch, gearbox differential and brake
• Driving performance of motor vehicles (e.g. power based acceleration capability, influence of the gear ratios on maximum speed and fuel consumption)
• Driving limits (e.g. adherence based acceleration, gradient and braking capability)