AUTOMOBILE PT – I (ANSWERS)

SECTION A
A1)
i)
The type of drive system used in rear-engine vehicles is rear-wheel drive (RWD). In this
configuration, the engine is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and the power is transmitted to the
rear wheels through a driveshaft. This layout is commonly found in sports cars and performance
vehicles, as it provides a number of advantages, including:
•Improved weight distribution: RWD vehicles have a more balanced weight distribution, with the
majority of the weight located over the rear wheels. This can improve handling and
stability, especially at high speeds.
•Better traction: RWD vehicles tend to have better traction than front-wheel drive (FWD)
vehicles, especially in slippery conditions. This is because the rear wheels are able to push the car
forward, while the front wheels are primarily responsible for steering.
•Simplified drivetrain: RWD drivetrains are typically simpler and lighter than FWD
drivetrains. This can reduce weight and improve fuel economy.
•Examples of vehicles that use rear-wheel drive include:
•Sports cars: Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan GT-R
•Performance sedans: BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
•Pickup trucks: Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado
•Muscle cars: Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang

ii)The type of superstructure used defines the type of vehicle that can be used for. An automobile
body type suitable for carrying both passenger and luggage is the station wagon.
O •Station wagons are a versatile type of vehicle that combines the passenger capacity of a sedan with
p the cargo space of an SUV. They typically have a long, rectangular roofline that extends over the
e rear passenger compartment, creating a large amount of space for luggage. Station wagons are also
often equipped with folding rear seats, which can further increase cargo space when needed.
n
s 1. Here are some examples of popular station wagons are
Subaru Outback
BMW 5 Series Touring
i
Audi A4 All road
n Volvo V90

a
iii)Yes, the term "chassis" refers to the basic framework of a vehicle that supports all the other
components, including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, and body. It is essentially
n the skeleton of the vehicle.
e
w To make a chassis mobile, you would need to add the following components:

w 1. Engine: The engine is the power source that provides the energy to move the vehicle. It converts
i chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy.
n 2. Transmission: The transmission transfers power from the engine to the drivetrain. It also controls
the speed and torque of the wheels.
d
o
w
 3. Drivetrain: The drivetrain consists of the driveshaft, differential, and axles. It transmits power from
the transmission to the wheels.
4. Suspension: The suspension system absorbs bumps and vibrations, providing a smooth ride and
keeping the wheels in contact with the road.
5. Wheels and tires: The wheels and tires are the parts of the vehicle that make contact with the road.
They provide traction and allow the vehicle to move.

A2)
i) Yes, F1 cars possess significantly less drag compared to ordinary cars. This is due to a number of
factors, including:
•Aerodynamic design: F1 cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, with a focus on
minimizing drag. They have a sleek, low-profile body, smooth surfaces, and carefully designed
O wings and spoilers that help to reduce air resistance.
p •Lightweight materials: F1 cars are made from lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber, which
e helps to reduce their overall weight. This, in turn, reduces drag, as there is less mass for the air to
n push against.
s
•High-speed operation: F1 cars operate at very high speeds, which creates a vacuum effect that
i helps to suck the car down to the ground and reduces drag.
n
ii)Yes, a car can be designed to have zero downforce. This is typically done by shaping the car's
a body to minimize the amount of air that flows over and under it. For example, a car with a flat
bottom and a rounded roof will have less downforce than a car with a spoiler and a diffuser.
n
e Key technical points:
w • Downforce is the force that pushes a car down onto the road. It is generated by the car's shape and
by the air flowing over it.
w • A car with zero downforce will be less stable at high speeds and more difficult to steer.
i
• Cars with zero downforce are not practical for everyday use, but they can be used in certain racing
n
applications.
d
o Additional details:
• The amount of downforce generated by a car can be controlled by using aerodynamic devices, such
w
as spoilers and diffusers.
• Downforce is important for race cars because it helps them to corner faster and maintain control at
high speeds.
• Cars with too much downforce can be difficult to drive in a straight line and may experience
overheating problems.
 iii)

A3
i) No, not all parts of an engine need lubrication. The timing belt does not require lubrication as it is
a non-metallic component made of rubber or reinforced rubber. It is designed to withstand the high
temperatures and stresses of engine operation without the need for lubrication.
Here's a breakdown of lubrication requirements for the listed components:
• Crank Shaft: Yes, the crankshaft requires lubrication to reduce friction and wear between the
crankshaft bearings and the connecting rods.
• Cam Shaft: Yes, the camshaft requires lubrication to reduce friction and wear between the camshaft
bearings and the valve lifters.
• Piston: Yes, the piston and piston rings require lubrication to reduce friction and wear between the
piston and the cylinder walls.
• Cylinder: Yes, the cylinder walls require lubrication to reduce friction and wear between the piston
rings and the cylinder walls.
• Cylinder head: Yes, the cylinder head requires lubrication to reduce friction and wear between the
camshaft bearings and the rocker arms.
• Inlet Valves and Outlet Valves: Yes, the inlet valves and outlet valves require lubrication to reduce
friction and wear between the valve stems and the valve guides.

ii) a) High-performance engines:

For high-performance engines, a dry sump lubrication system is generally considered the most
suitable option.
• Enhanced oil cooling: By separating the oil reservoir from the engine sump, the oil is less exposed
to engine heat, promoting better cooling and maintaining optimal oil viscosity under demanding
conditions.
• Reduced oil starvation: The pressurized oil supply ensures a consistent flow of lubricant to all
critical engine components, even at high engine speeds and varying load conditions, minimizing the
risk of oil starvation.
• Improved engine performance: Effective oil circulation and cooling contribute to reduced friction
and wear, leading to enhanced engine performance and durability.
 b) 2-stroke engines:
In 2-stroke engines, a total loss lubrication system, also known as pre-mix lubrication, is
commonly employed. This system involves mixing a predetermined amount of oil with the fuel
before it enters the engine.
• Simplicity and cost-effectiveness: The pre-mix system is relatively simple and cost-effective to
implement, making it suitable for various 2-stroke applications.
• Direct lubrication: The oil-fuel mixture directly lubricates the moving parts as it passes through
the engine, ensuring adequate lubrication even at high operating speeds.
• Adequate for 2-stroke engine design: The design of 2-stroke engines, with their open crankcase
and direct oil-fuel lubrication, aligns well with the total loss system.

iii)
Radiator systems are indeed commonly found in four-wheeled vehicles, but two-wheelers employ
different cooling mechanisms to effectively dissipate the heat generated by their engines. The
primary cooling method for two-wheelers is air cooling, which utilizes the natural airflow
surrounding the vehicle to cool the engine.
Air cooling in two-wheelers typically involves the following components:
1.Fins: Engine components like the cylinder head, cylinder barrel, and crankcase are equipped with
extended fins that increase the surface area exposed to the air, promoting heat dissipation.
2.Shroud: A shroud or air duct is often present to direct the airflow around the engine, ensuring
maximum cooling efficiency.
3.Fan: In some cases, a fan is employed to augment the airflow, especially at low speeds or in stop-
and-go traffic conditions.

SECTION B

B1)
i) Yes, fuel injection is done in SI engines. Fuel injection is the process of spraying fuel into the
engine's intake manifold, where it is mixed with air and then ignited by a spark plug. This is in
contrast to carburetors, which use a vacuum to draw fuel from a bowl into the intake manifold.

Necessity of fuel injection in SI engines:

• Better fuel economy: Fuel injection systems can deliver fuel more precisely than carburetors,
which can improve fuel economy by up to 15%.
• Reduced emissions: Fuel injection systems can help to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants,
such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.
• Improved performance: Fuel injection systems can help to improve engine performance by
delivering the right amount of fuel at the right time.

Advantages of fuel injection over carburetors:

• More precise fuel metering: Fuel injection systems can deliver fuel more precisely than
carburetors, which can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
• Better cold-starting: Fuel injection systems can help engines to start more easily in cold weather.
• Lower maintenance: Fuel injection systems require less maintenance than carburetors.
iii) Yes, the use of multiple injectors is recommended for SI engines. It can have a significant effect
on both emissions and power output.
Advantages of multiple injectors:
•Improved fuel atomization: Multiple injectors can help to atomize fuel more effectively, which
can improve combustion and reduce emissions.
•Reduced knock: Multiple injectors can help to reduce knock, which can improve engine power
and efficiency.
•More precise fuel metering: Multiple injectors can help to deliver fuel more precisely, which can
improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

B2)i)
• Both turbochargers and superchargers are devices designed to increase the performance of
an internal combustion engine by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
The car with the turbocharger will climb the hill more easily than the car with the
supercharger.
• This is because turbochargers are more efficient at producing boost at low altitudes, which is
what is needed for hill climbing.
• Turbochargers are preferred over superchargers, as they increase fuel economy, and reduce
waste gas emission.
• Turbochargers use the exhaust gases from an engine to spin a turbine.
• The turbine is connected to a compressor, which forces air into the engine.
• The increased air pressure allows the engine to burn more fuel, which produces more power.

ii)
• The air speed at the inlet of the engine will be higher than the air speed after the
supercharger. This is because the supercharger compresses the air, which increases its
density but decreases its velocity.
• In the case of a supercharger, the air enters the supercharger at a relatively low velocity and
pressure. The supercharger then compresses the air, which increases its pressure but
decreases its velocity. The air then leaves the supercharger and enters the engine at a higher
pressure but lower velocity than it entered the supercharger.

The reason for this decrease in velocity is that the supercharger does not add any energy to
the air. The energy that is used to compress the air comes from the engine crankshaft. This
means that the work that is done on the air by the supercharger is equal to the decrease in
kinetic energy of the air.
iii)
Yes, superchargers can be used in petrol engines. In fact, superchargers were one of the first forced
induction systems used in petrol engines, and they are still used today in some high-
performance applications.
1. Here are some of the benefits of using a supercharger in a petrol engine:
Increased power output
Improved throttle response
Wider torque band
2. Here are some of the drawbacks of using a supercharger in a petrol engine:
Increased fuel consumption
Increased heat generation
Increased complexity and cost

B3)
ii)
The reduction of sulphur content in emissions is crucial for environmental protection due to its
detrimental effects on human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Here's a detailed explanation of
why sulphur reduction is particularly important:

1. Acid Rain Formation: Sulphur dioxide (SO2), a primary sulphur emission, is a major precursor
to acid rain. When SO2 reacts with atmospheric water, it forms sulphuric acid, which falls as acid
rain, causing widespread damage to forests, lakes, and aquatic life. Acid rain can also accelerate the
corrosion of buildings and monuments.

2. Respiratory Illnesses: Sulphur dioxide can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing,
wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to SO2 can lead to chronic respiratory
problems, such as bronchitis and asthma.

3. Particulate Matter Formation: Sulphur dioxide can contribute to the formation of particulate
matter (PM), a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. PM can penetrate deep into
the lungs, causing respiratory problems, heart disease, and even premature death.

4. Visibility Impairment: Sulphur dioxide can scatter sunlight, leading to haze and reduced
visibility. This can affect air quality and limit outdoor activities, especially for people with
respiratory conditions.
iii)The catalysts in catalytic converters cause oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions. These
reduce harmful emissions.
Platinum and rhodium take part in the reduction reactions. These reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx)
in exhaust. They do this by removing nitrogen atoms from nitrogen oxide molecules (NO and
NO2). This means the free oxygen atoms form oxygen gas (O2).
• Nitrogen oxide to nitrogen and oxygen
• Oxidization of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide
• Oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water

SECTION C

C1)
i)
Scooter-type vehicles typically employ a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to transfer
power from the engine to the rear wheel. Unlike conventional gearboxes with fixed gear ratios,
CVTs offer a seamless and continuously variable range of gear ratios, providing smooth and
efficient power delivery across the speed range
Power Transmission:
•The engine's power is initially transferred to the primary pulley, typically connected to the engine
crankshaft.

•The belt or chain connects the primary pulley to the secondary pulley, which is connected to the
rear wheel.

•As the engine RPM increases, the primary pulley expands, while the secondary pulley contracts,
maintaining a constant belt or chain tension.

•This continuous adjustment of pulley diameters ensures a smooth and uninterrupted transfer of
power to the rear wheel.

ii) Advantages of Synchromesh Gearboxes:

•Smoother gear changes: Synchromesh gearboxes make it much easier to shift gears smoothly and
without grinding. This is because the cone clutches synchronize the gears before they are meshed,
so there is no need to force the gears together.
•Reduced wear and tear: Synchromesh gearboxes help to reduce wear and tear on the gears by
synchronizing them before they are meshed. This helps to prevent damage to the teeth of the gears.

•Easier to use: Synchromesh gearboxes are much easier to use than sliding mesh gearboxes
because there is no need to double-clutch or to match the engine RPM to the road speed. This
makes them more user-friendly for drivers of all skill levels.

•Durability: Less prone to wear and tear due to the smoother engagement process.
Driver Comfort: Provides a more comfortable driving experience due to the smoother gear
changes.
C2)
i)No, it is not a right practice to keep your leg on the clutch pedal while driving.
This habit can lead to several adverse consequences, including:
Premature Clutch Wear
Unintentional Gear Disengagement
Increased Fatigue
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Potential Damage to Synchronizers
Distraction and Reduced Driving Control
keeping your leg on the clutch pedal while driving is a bad habit that can lead to various problems.
It's crucial to develop the habit of lifting your foot off the clutch pedal completely when not
changing gears to ensure smooth operation, protect your vehicle's components, and
enhance driving safety.

ii)Changing gears without pressing the clutch pedal is a dangerous practice that can damage the
transmission and other components of the vehicle. Here's what happens when you change gears
without using the clutch.

Gear Grinding

Loss of Power and Jerking

Damage to Drivetrain Components

Reduced Lifespan of Transmission

changing gears without pressing the clutch pedal is a dangerous and damaging practice that should
never be attempted. It is essential to use the clutch properly to ensure smooth gear changes, protect
the vehicle's transmission, and maintain safe driving habits.

C3)
i)The term "clutch bite" is significant and widely used in driving instruction because it refers to the
specific point in the clutch pedal's travel where the clutch starts to engage and transmit power from
the engine to the transmission. This point is crucial for smooth and controlled gear changes, as it
allows the driver to gradually release the clutch pedal while simultaneously applying the accelerator
pedal, ensuring a seamless transition between gears.

Understanding and mastering the clutch bite is essential for new drivers, as it helps them avoid
abrupt gear changes, stalling the engine, or damaging the transmission. Driving instructors
emphasize the importance of finding the clutch bite point through practice and developing a feel for
the clutch pedal's engagement.
ii)Yes, the increased friction surface area in a multi-plate clutch does lead to increased energy loss
compared to a single-plate clutch. This is because friction generates heat, and the larger the friction
surface area, the more heat is generated. This heat energy is lost to the surrounding environment,
which represents a decrease in the overall efficiency of the clutch. the benefits of increased torque
capacity, smoother engagement, compact design, and improved heat dissipation outweigh this
drawback, making them a preferred choice for various applications.
multi-plate clutches are widely used for several reasons:
Increased Torque Capacity
Smooth Engagement
Compact Design
Heat Dissipation