In order to understand completely the topics related to the course,
a good background in terms of: Fluid-dynamics, Technical Termodynamics
and Flow Machinery is requested.
The course of teaching is structured in two different units. In the first one the student has the possibility
to improve his knowledge about internal combustion engines. In the second part, topics related to vehicle
aerodynamics are analyzed in detail.
Internal Combustion Engines: Thermodynamic Cycles, mixture replacement for two
and four stroke engines, variable phase systems, ram effect, turbocharging,
carburator-injection systems for Otto engines, fuel supply and combustion for
Diesel engines, emissions, hybrid power units.
Vehicle Aerodynamics:
terminology; the importance of drag (performance and fuel consumption); brief historical review; flow phenomena related to vehicles aerodynamics; basics of fluid mechanics; flow visualization; road testing; wind-tunnel classification; wind-tunnel blockage corrections; simulation of the moving ground in wind tunnels; computer simulation – the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the role of turbulence modelling; flow models review (RANS, LES, hybrid RANS-LES); solution methods – the finite volume method;
high-performance cars: aerodynamics and performance; front spoilers, airdams, splitters; rear spoilers; wings (basics, multi-elements, end-plates, installation); ground effect (underbody aerodynamics); examples and CFD applications.
The teaching activities are composed by lessons and
tutorials; all the resources needed for different
activities during the course are provided by the teacher.
The final examination is composed by two oral tests, one for the internal combustion engines part and the other for the vehicle aerodynamics part.
The oral tests are based on applications and questions on all course aspects.
In case of instructions from the competent authority regarding the containment and management of the epidemiological emergency, the teaching may undergo changes with respect to what is stated in the syllabus to bring the course and exams in line with the provisions.