2. Automotive systems today are a vital part of life all
over the world, either by helping to produce, harvest
and move food to distribution centers, by moving
workers into the economic machine, or simply
improving the quality of life by extending the range of
movement of populations. To better understand the
automotive system in special the common automobile,
we can better understand physics, mechanics,
chemistry, and how they apply in our lives
AUTOMATIVE SYSTEM
3.
4. The engine is the vehicle’s main source of
power. This is where chemical energy is
converted into mechanical energy. The most
popular type of engine is referred to as the
Internal Combustion Engine. This engine burns
an air/fuel mixture inside itself in order to drive a
series of pistons and connecting rods that in turn
rotate a crankshaft providing us with a continuous
rotating motion with which to drive the vehicle
and other components. The engine also
incorporates others systems, including the
lubrication system and the cooling system, all
working efficiently together. The cooling system
maintains the engine at an ideal operating
temperature while the lubrication system ensures
that all the moving parts are kept well oiled in
order to provide a long serviceable life.
5. The fuel systems job it is to store and
supply fuel to the engine. Early vehicle fuel
systems were completely mechanical
systems delivering fuel through the use of
a mechanical fuel pump and using a
carburetor to atomize and mix the fuel with
air. Most of the system today is either
electronically controlled and/or monitored.
The fuel system may also include the
Evaporative Emission System where by
raw fuel vapours that would otherwise be
vented to the atmosphere are stored and
then drawn in and burned in the engine
under normal operating conditions.
6. The electrical system provides the
voltage necessary to operate the many
electrical components on the vehicle such
as the vehicle’s lighting system. The main
source of power for the electrical system is
the battery. The electrical system also
includes the starting system and the
charging system. The starting system uses
a high output electric motor to start the
engine turning fast enough for the fuel and
ignition system to take over. The charging
system consists of a large battery charger
called an alternator which is powered by
the engine through the use of a drive belt.
7. The exhaust system moves the
burnt exhaust fumes safely and
quietly away from the passenger
compartment. The exhaust system
consists of a series of pipes which
interconnect and direct the burned
gases to the tail pipe at the rear of
the vehicle. This system also
provides some emission control by
means of the catalytic converter
where any unburned gases leaving
the engine are burned before
leaving the exhaust system.
8. The braking system allows the
vehicle to be brought to a stop
safely. The braking system
includes both a mechanical and
hydraulic system. The hydraulic
brake system is the primary
braking system while the
mechanical brake system is used
mostly as a supplementary system
as well as for emergencies. Most
modern brake systems include
some form of a brake assist often
referred to as “power brakes.”
9. The frame and body provide a
foundation on which to build
the vehicle. Traditionally the
body and frame were built
separately then brought
together only in the later stages
of assembly. Today’s vehicles
incorporate a unitized body,
where the body and frame are
built together in order to reduce
weight and increase passenger
safety and comfort.