Vehicular Systems

Definition

» Vehicular Systems are a collection of separate systems that allow the machine to move through its environment safely and efficiently.

Components of a Vehicular System

» Propulsion Systems» Guidance Systems» Control Systems» Suspension Systems» Structural Systems» Support Systems

Propulsion Systems

» Definition - The component of a vehicular system that produces the power needed to move a vehicle.» Two types

» Engine - Device that converts heat energy into mechanical energy.

» Motor - Produces mechanical energy by converting electrical energy.

Engines

» Piston Engines - An engine that produces heat by compressing and igniting a mixture of air and fuel.

» Jet Engine - An engine that uses spinning turbines to compress air

» Rocket Engines - An engine that produces thrust by expelling hot gases from a rear nozzle.

Motors

» Motors use either direct electricity or energy stored in batteries. » Ex. Golf Carts, Bumper cars, light rail

trains, and electric cars.

Guidance Systems

» Definition - System that provides the information required to make a vehicle follow a particular path or perform a certain task. » Ex. Street signs, road maps, radio

detecting and ranging screens (Radar), airport runway lights.

Guidance Systems

» Navigation - the act of guiding a vehicle. Usually referring to a ship or airplane. » Must know location, direction and speed. » Compass was the first device to determine

direction.» GPS Systems of today can determine location,

direction and speed.

Control Systems

» Used to control a vehicles direction and speed» Steering wheels, flight sticks and pedals, hand

controllers are all control systems.

» Different vehicles have different abilities regarding the number of directions in which they can be controlled

Control Systems

» Degree of Freedom - The number of changes in direction a vehicle is allowed. (Forward/Reverse, Right/Left, Up/Down)» Ex. Train - 1 degree of freedom

Helicopter - 3 degrees of freedom

Suspension Systems

» Definition - The vehicle system that supports or suspends the vehicle in or on its given environment, providing a method to smooth the ride for passengers and cargo.

» Ex. Cars and trucks use tires, springs and shocks to provide a comfortable ride.

Other Suspension systems

» Trains use trucks or bogies that are positioned at the front and rear of the railroad car.

» Magnetic Levitation vehicles are suspended from a guide way by a magnetic field.

Structural Systems

» The part of the vehicle that holds other vehicular systems and the loads they will carry.

» Protects passengers from the environment or hazards of travel.» Ex. Rain, Hail, Heat or Cold, Accidents

Structural Systems

» Made up of a frame and body. » Usually made of steel or other

metal alloys» Plastics and composite materials

have also been used to save weight and enhance appearance.

Support Systems

» Definition – The external operations and facilities that maintain transportation systems.» Ex. Roadways, Airports, Harbors,

Maintenance, Rest stops, etc.» Support systems include all the parts

of society devoted to sustaining transportation technology and the ability of people to use it.