Electrical Learning Pack One

Body Design and Construction

Relay Learning Pack

Battery Learning Pack

Suspension System

Wheels and Tyres

Engineering Tools

Properties of Metals

SAKER assignment

SAKER ASSIGNMENT


What is Global Warming?

Global warming is a worldwide problem. People everywhere in the world are affected by it. Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming).

Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases that trap heat and light from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere which in turn increases the earth’s temperature (http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215471/global_warming.htm).

Impact on Australasia

Global warming is affecting Australasia in a major way. It has been observed by experts that global warming is causing the polar ice caps to melt which means that sea levels are rising. In the pacific islands, there are many low lying islands and people living on these islands are worried that that their small islands are going to be swallowed up by the rising sea levels in the near future. Many of these islanders are preparing to leave their low lying islands when the sea levels are too high for them to live safely on the islands.

Experts believe that the climate change will also cause more extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and storms. This will have a major impact on New Zealand’s farming industry as droughts and floods will obviously affect livestock and this in turn will affect farmer’s incomes and livelihoods.

In Australia, fire fighters are concerned about the effects of climate change on the frequency and intensity of bushfires under even a "low global warming" scenario (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_global_warming_on_Australia).

Limitations of the Internal Combustion Engine

The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel, (generally fossil fuel) occurs with an oxidizer (usually air) in a combustion chamber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine).

The main limitations on fuels are that it must be easily transportable through the fuel system to the combustion chamber, and that the fuel releases sufficient energy in the form of heat upon combustion to make practical use of the engine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine). Because internal combustion engines burn fossil fuel, it obviously produces pollution which is one of it’s other limitations.

Alternative Fuels

Recently, there have been debates in regards to what other alternative fuel sources would be more efficient and environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. Hydrogen is one of the most popular alternative fuels. It is virtually pollutant free as no greenhouse gases are emitted because there is no carbon in the fuel.

SAKER

Another alternative is the electric battery vehicle which is also virtually pollutant free as it is powered by a battery pack rather than burning fuel. One of the major advantages of this type of vehicle is that most of the batteries are recyclable which means that old batteries become less of a disposal problem.

Another advantage of battery-powered engines is the lower cost of fuel. With fuel costs rising, a lot of people have been considering purchasing this type of vehicle. Not only will they be helping the environment by driving a non-pollutant car but they will also be saving money on the cost of fuel.

The electric battery vehicle, however does not come without it’s drawbacks. One of the major disadvantage of battery-powered vehicles over a gas-powered vehicle is the time it takes to recharge the battery. A fully charged electric vehicle can travel a lot further than an internal combustion vehicle on a full tank of gas, however it still needs to be recharged when the battery has run flat. This means that one would not be able to use their electric vehicle for several hours compared to an internal combustion vehicle which can be filled up with gas and be useable straight away.

The advancement in technology will hopefully decrease the time it takes for electric vehicle batteries to charge so will be much better in the long run as opposed to the internal combustion engine.

Conclusion

The internal combustion vehicle has been around for centuries and is currently the most used type of vehicle in the world, however the pollution that it emits has contributed a lot to global warming which has lead people to consider sustainable, more environmentally friendly alternatives.

One of the more advanced types of vehicles on the market is the electric battery vehicle which does not release any pollutant gases into the environment. This will definitely help reduce the effects of global warming however with the high price tag it may be a while before the electric car becomes the norm.

REFERENCES

http://www.altfuels.org/backgrnd/altftype/hydrogen.html

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/vehicles/electric-car-battery3.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming

http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215471/global_warming.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_global_warming_on_Australia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine

Two Stroke Engines

Spark Ignition System

How Does A Turbocharger Work?

Petrol Electronic Fuel Injection

LUBRICATION TEST PART 1

LUBRICATION TEST PART 2

Compression Testing

What is a compression test?

A compression test is done to tell you whether your engine has good compression. An engine is essentially a self-powered air pump, so it needs good compression to run efficiently, cleanly and to start easily.
As a rule, most engines should have 140 to 160 lbs. of cranking compression with no more than 10% difference between any of the cylinders.

Low compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve. Low compression in two adjacent cylinders typically means you have a bad head gasket. Low compression in all cylinders would tell you the rings and cylinders are worn and the engine needs to be overhauled.

How to do a compression test?

Step 1: Remove the air cleaner to have access to the spark plugs as if you were going to change them.

Step 2: Remove all of the spark plugs.

Step 3: Disable the fuel system and block open the throttle.

Step 4: Install the tester in the first cylinder's spark plug hole.

Step 5: Crank the motor, and read the gauge.

Part One: Dry Test

When doing a dry test, there are 2 things we are looking for:

1. Does the cylinder have OVER 100 PSI... this is the minimum compression needed to fire most gasoline today. The manufacturers minimum specification for compression can be found in the repair manual.

2. Comparison to the other cylinders. The difference between the lowest cylinder and the highest cylinder should be less then 15%. For most engines that's a difference of under 30 PSI.

Now complete this step for all cylinders, and write down the number you get as you go.If your compression numbers are over 120 PSI, and the difference between the high and low numbers is under 30, your likely OK.

Part two: Wet test

You will need to run the test again but this time, add a tablespoon of oil to each cylinder before the test. This is called a wet compression test. Run the test on all cylinders in the same order as before, and compare the numbers. Did the very lowest cylinders come up? If so, this indicates poor piston ring seal and a worn engine. If not, a very low cylinder is probably caused by a valve train issue. ( burnt or sticking valve)

Step 6: Re-install the plugs and wires.

References
http://autos.yahoo.com/maintain/repairqa/engine/ques056_1.html
http://www.diy-auto-repair.com/compressiontest.html

Technical Drawing

MONEY! Workshop Management

How to jack up a car safely

1. Find a level place for jacking.

2. Put the transmission in Park or shift into a gear. Firmly set the parking brake. Turn off the engine.

3. Before getting out the jack, consult your owner's manual for the location of your car's jacking points.

4. Follow any special jacking instructions for your car.

5. Inspect the areas where you'll be placing the jack and its base.

6. Even with the parking brake on and the transmission in Park or in gear, the car might still roll when one of its wheels is jacked off the ground. To prevent this, put a chock, a large rock, a large piece of wood, a cement block, under the opposite wheel diagonally from the one you intend to jack.

7. Get out the jack and jacking tools.

8. When you are ready to jack up the car, raise the jack until its head firmly engages its jacking point. To make using a jack safer, it is wise to always use axle stands as well so once the car has been jacked up, you will need to put the axle stands underneath the car to make it more stable.

9. When changing a tire, loosen all the wheel's nuts while the tire is still on the ground. Even when you do jack up the car, the tire should be only two to three inches off the ground.


10. Lower the jack the same way you raised it, either by pumping or rotating its handle.
 
References
 
http://www.automobilesbook.com/10-steps-to-jack-up-a-car.php
 
http://www.theymightberacing.com/Images/Corolla/RearStruts/011.jpg
 

Identify Components

The Cooling System

Sustainability Activity

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engine-powered equipment such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

A toxic condition that results from inhaling and absorbing carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin and displaces oxygen in the blood.

How does it affect us as humans?

Carbon monoxide affects healthy and unhealthy people. Increased levels of carbon monoxide reduce the amount of oxygen carried by haemoglobin around the body in red blood cells. The result is that vital organs, such as the brain, nervous tissues and the heart, do not receive enough oxygen to work.

Health & Safety

During semester one, we learnt about health & safety in the automotive industry and how important it is to know how to keep yourself self while working on cars. Below is an assignment writing piece I submitted as part of the course.


When working on vehicles, health and safety procedures should always be practiced to make sure that the mechanic is safe from any hazards. Personal protective equipment should also be worn at all times to protect the mechanic from any dangers such as falling objects, fire and hazardous chemicals.

Health and safety is a very important part of mechanical engineering as there can be a lot of hazards involved when working on vehicles. Small things such as keeping long hair tied back can save your life. If long hair gets caught in a moving engine, this can be life threatening. Another important thing to make sure you do when working underneath a vehicle is to use a jack with axle stands. Using a jack by itself can be dangerous as it is not sufficient enough to support the vehicle. A mechanic should never go underneath a car supported by a jack alone (http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-use-a-car-jack).

Another important aspect of working safely on vehicles is wearing the correct safety gear. Mechanics should always wear safety boots which have a steel cap so if something heavy falls onto your feet, the steel cap on the boot will protect the person's feet. Mechanic's should also make sure that they wear protective glasses when welding as fire sparks can get into the eyes and ear muffs to protect the ears when using loud equipment. The type of clothes you wear is also very important. Mechanic's need to make sure that their overalls is made from a good material that is very hard to catch on fire.

Fire is obviously very dangerous so mechanic's need to be aware of fire safety at all times. Mechanic's should know how to use a fire extinguisher in case something catches on fire. Also if your clothes catch on fire, you should stop, lie down and roll around on the floor to try and put the fire out.

Knowing how to handle hazardous chemicals is another very important safety point when working on vehicles. Labels should always be checked properly to make sure that you are using the correct chemicals and also every chemical container must have a warning label (http://blog.envirosafetyproducts.com/Portals/61146/images/simpons-toxic-labels1.gif
). Also if working on your vehicle at home, hazardous chemicals should be kept well away from children, in a high locked cupboard to reduce the chance of them drinking it accidentally.

The combination of knowing health and safety procedures, wearing the correct personal protective equipment, knowing about fire safety and knowing how to handle hazardous chemicals will save a person's life in an emergency. If these procedures are not followed, injury or even death can occur.

References

1. http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-use-a-car-jack
2. http://blog.envirosafetyproducts.com/Portals/61146/images/simpons-toxic-labels1.gif

Engine Components & Functions

Spark Plug: Ignites the fuel air mixture in the cylinder

Inlet Valve: Opens at the correct time to allow fresh fuel to get into chamber then closes

Exhaust Valve: Opens at the correct time to allow the exhaust gasses out

Piston: Pushes air. Its purpose is to transfer force from expanding gas in the cylinder to the crankshaft via piston rod and connecting rod

Gudeon Pin: Connects the piston to the connecting rod

Flywheel: Heavy wheel attached to rotating shaft to smooth out delivery of power from a motor to a machine

Piston compression rings: Forms a gas tight in the cylinder

Oil control ring: Controls the oil. Guarantees low friction and low consumption during operation


Crankshaft: Moves piston up and down via the crankshaft, transfers power to flywheel

Cambelt: Physical link between crankshaft and camshaft

Camshaft: Holds valves rockers in place,open and close valves, turns the pullies

Sump: Holds the oil

Oil strainer: Removes larger particles of carbon from the lubrication system

Petrol fuel injector: Sprays fuel into the inlet manifold mixes with the air.then into the cylinders. Injectors are a solenoid operated valve which deliver fuel in a form of atomised spray

Ignition coil: Provides high intensity sparks at the spark plugs to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber

Water pump: Circulates coolant around the engine

Cylinder liner: Cast iron liners are used in aluminium blocks. Some blocks dont need liners. Makes hard surface made up of heat resistant materials                  

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

THE GOOD

1) 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid

The Civic Hybrid is living proof that environmentalism and style can go hand in hand.

Power at the Pump: The benefits of the refined gasoline-electric powertrain on the Civic Hybrid are never more evident than when you watch those little numbers adding up at the pump.


Help Clear the Air: The air also benefits with the Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)[2] rating, which is the most stringent emission standard achieved by a gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S.

2) Mitsubishi Galant

The Mitsubishi Galant is an all-round good everyday car. It isn't a gas guzzler, parts are always readily available and you can always find cheap parts from the car wreckers.

The newer models have a very sleek, sophisticated design and the older models have an easy to do up design which is is why a lot of youngsters like to do this car up.

THE BAD

1) Hummer SUV

The hummer is a gas guzzler and is so big, it takes up too much space on the roads.

The hummer is very expensive. They are currently selling on Trademe for over $100K.

One problem with the hummer is that they roll over more easily than lower vehicles. In recent years Consumer Reports magazine found several SUVs unacceptable because they roll over too easily. Also, they are big and stiff, and they have high bumpers, so when they hit another car, the other car and its passengers can be severely damaged. Big, heavy SUVs like the hummer can damage cars badly when they hit them.

2) Mercedes-Benz GL 550

Another gas guzzler.

In the GL 550, a 5.5-liter V8 engine produces 382 horsepower, and the cavernous interior makes room for up to seven passengers. Even with an efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, this big ute manages only 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway — that's 14 mpg combined. Think that's bad? Check out the price tag. The GL 550 will set you back $82,850.

THE UGLY

1) Fiat Multipla

The Italians, makers of the most beautiful cars in the world, must occasionally have bad days too.

And one of the worst days in the history of that land was when the styling for the Multipla was approved.

It just came wrapped in sheetmetal that resembled nothing less than a tumor growing on the face of some poor unwitting car.

This is definitely one of the most ugliest cars I have ever seen.


2) Honda Element

This car won an Uglycar of the Year award in 2003 and I can definitely see why it won.

What's up with the different coloured panels? It looks like it's been in a car accident and someone couldn't be bothered painting the whole car the same colour and as for the shape - It's one of the most ugliest car shapes I have seen.




References:
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveonaCar/gm-halts-hummer-production.aspx
http://www.ridelust.com/the-15-ugliest-cars-ever-made/
www.associatedcontent.com/.../just_how_bad_is_the_hummer_suv.html
http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybrid/
http://www.edmunds.com/mitsubishi/galant/review.html
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=1102065
http://www.uglycars.fws1.com/

The Four Stroke Engine Cycle