With over a trillion miles driven annually, automobiles have become the primary means of transportation for American families. Today, passenger cars are used by more than 1.4 billion people worldwide, with about a quarter of them being owned and used in the United States. In fact, half of the world’s cars are manufactured by foreign manufacturers, meaning that there is always a new design to choose from. Manufacturers can divide the market into several small segments, introducing new models more frequently and creating more competition.
Transmissions
Transmissions in automobiles are systems that convert combustion power into physical momentum. They are similar to bicycle gear shifters, but are mounted directly on the engine. The engine rotates the input shaft, which is paired with an output shaft that can be adjusted to change the speed of the car. The transmission is a complex system, but the basics are simple. Learn about it in this article. This article is a quick overview of transmissions and what they do.
Driveshaft
The driveshaft in an automobile is the main mechanical link between the engine and the wheels. The shaft has to be balanced and straight, as vibration can damage the components attached to it. The engine, for example, is a high-speed component, and a shaft with excessive vibration will damage it. The shafts of cars and trucks are made of metal and are connected with universal joints. This connection is made by yoke-type universal joints or splined expansion joints.
Engines
In automobiles, engines are divided into two main types: piston and rotary. Piston engines are less efficient, are complex, and heavy. Piston engines also lack the necessary oil lubrication for the moving parts. They lubricate themselves by mixing two to four percent oil with petrol, which reduces the longevity of the engine. In contrast, rotary engines have no moving parts and are much more durable than piston engines.
Body designs
Automotive engineers are constantly challenged with developing vehicles with new safety and aesthetic standards. With consumer preferences ever-changing, body systems design is also affected by these changes. In the past, manufacturers focused on developing cars in a linear fashion, but today, they’re refocusing on more integrated approaches. A systems-driven approach to automotive body engineering helps designers meet these demands by bringing together all aspects of a car’s design. It also makes it easy to trace requirements through the design process.
Air bags
An airbag is a safety device in automobiles designed to absorb energy caused by an accident. The airbag is inflated when the car decelerates rapidly. In a head-on crash, the ball inside the airbag moves forward and triggers an electrical circuit. If an airbag is deployed, the driver will feel immediate comfort and relief. During a car accident, an air bag can save many lives. It can save yours, too!
Vibrations
The effects of vibrations in cars are still unclear, but new research indicates that drivers experience a broad range of vibrations, from low to high-frequency ones. Some research suggests that higher-frequency vibrations could make drivers more alert, while others believe that lower-frequency ones can increase sleepiness. In the same study, Japanese researchers found that whole-body vibrations in trains led to increased drowsiness and fatigue. They also found that gentle vibrations in the car seat were able to lull drivers to sleep within 15 minutes.
Alternative power systems
Currently, most automobiles on the road are powered by internal combustion engines, which are notorious for causing air pollution and contributing to climate change and global warming. As oil prices continue to rise and environmental laws become stricter, the research and development of alternative power systems for automobiles is increasing. Hydrogen and electric vehicles are among the alternatives being developed. But they each face certain hurdles, such as the storage of the batteries. So, how can we go about solving these issues?
