93743 - VEHICLE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN M

Learning outcomes

Lectures aim at technically describing the overall layout, architecture and main functional systems of an Electric Vehicle (EV). The goal is the transmission of an integrated approach to the comprehension and design synthesis of EVs. Main contents are: definition of the architecture of a vehicle; Design activity flow: task clarification, conceptual design, embodiment design, detail design; historical evolution; graphic representation systems; body work (Body in White; Body Side; Fenders; Roof assembly; Front frame; Rear frame; compartment floor; closed bodies; spider, coupe and cabrio); body components (outer body components, weather strips, glass and mirrors, movable parts, windshield wiper, vehicle lighting and signalling); body interiors (restraint systems - safety belts; restraint system -- air-bag; dashboard cockpit - dashboard - console; interior trims; seats; air conditioning system).

Course contents

• Fundamentals of the systematic approach to engineering design and project management;
• Design activity flow: product planning and task clarification
  
• Design activity flow: conceptual design
• Design activity flow: embodiment design
• Design activity flow: detail design;
• Fundamentals of Ergonomics and Packaging
• Fundamentals of Climatic comfort
• Fundamentals of Noise, Vibration, Harshness
• Fundamentals of Structural Integrity
• Fundamentals of Passive safety
• Introduction to body work (Body in White; Body Side; Fenders; Roof assembly; Front frame; Rear frame; compartment floor; closed bodies; spider, coupe and cabrio).
• Introduction to body components (outer body components, weather strips, glass and mirrors, movable parts, windshield wiper, vehicle lighting and signalling).
• Introduction to body interiors (restraint systems - safety belts; restraint system -- air-bag; dashboard cockpit - dashboard - console; interior trims; seats; air conditioning system).

Readings/Bibliography

1. G. Pahl, W. Beitz, J. Feldhusen, K.H. Grote, "Engineering Design: a systematic approach", Springer.
2. L. Morello, L.R. Rossini, G. Pia, A. Tonoli, "The Automotive Body" - Volume II: System Design, Springer.
3. L. Morello, L.R. Rossini, G. Pia, A. Tonoli, "The Automotive Body" - Volume I: Components Design, Springer.

Teaching methods

Lessons take place in the classroom, and a personal computer will be used by the instructor to show PowerPoint presentations and engineering models. Teaching methods include:

• theoretical lectures;
• team working: students are grouped in teams of 4/5 people and asked to autonomously develop a vehicle system conceptual design project; 

The educational material is uploaded before each lecture on the University online platform.

Attendance is strongly recommended for better learning of concepts and methodologies, but does not affect the final evaluation process.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of two parts:

1. Team project presentation and discussion (grade on 30 points); project deliverables are: a team speech of 15 minutes, a technical report.
   
2. Single oral test about the course contents (grade +3 - 14 points)

Teaching tools

Slides and audio-visual supports will be used throughout the course.

Class notes will be distributed to the students through the University online platform before each lecture.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Leali