K.S.

RANGASAMY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, TIRUCHENGODE - 637 215

(Autonomous)
B.E. / B.TECH. END SEMESTER EXAMINATION NOVEMBER / DECEMBER - 2015
10 MC 712 AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY
(Answer Key)
1.

(a) Mention the importance of aerodynamics in automobiles.

(5)
Aerodynamics: Study of forces generated by the motion of air on moving bodies. (1M)
Front end: Frontal pressures, pressure difference, minimize frontal area, reduce Cd (1M)
Scoops Increase cooling, increase flow rate of air (1M)
Rear end: Rear vacuum, flow detachment, turbulence (1M)
Wings Produce downforce, reduce drag (1M)
(b) Explain about the water cooling system used in engines with neat sketch.
(10)
(Diagram: 5 Marks, Explanation: 5 Marks)
Liquid coolants pass through special water
galleries in the engine castings, to cool the
engine.
Liquid cooling systems often consist of:
Pump/s to push the coolant through the
system
Engine coolant galleries
Thermostat to allow a cold engine to
quickly reach operating temperatures
A cooling device may be used to cool
down the hot coolant
(c) Write the components of an engine.
(5)
Cylinder Head: Valves, Spark plug, Injector, Manifolds, Carburettor, Catalytis convertor, Silencer,
Cam shaft (2M)
Cylinder Block: Piston, Connecting rod, Piston pin, Line (1M)
Crankcase: Crankshaft, Oil pump, Stainer (1M)
Other accessories: Alternator, Starter motor, Water pump (1M)
(OR)
2.

(a)

Discuss in detail about three-way catalytic converter.

(7)

(Diagram: 3 M)
A three-way catalytic converter has three simultaneous functions: (1M)
Reduction of nitrogen oxides into elemental nitrogen and oxygen. (NOx Nx + Ox) (1M)
Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. (CO + O2 CO2) (1M)
Oxidation of hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. (CxH4x + 2xO2 xCO2 + 2xH2O)
(1M)
(b) Mention the constructional details of an automotive chassis.
(10)
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(Diagram: 5 M, Explanation: 5 M)

(c) List the functions of turbo charging.

(3)
Increasing the density of inducted charge/air by using a compressor which gets its power from
exhaust driven turbine. (1M)
The turbocharger consists of a compressor assembly, exhaust gas turbine assembly, and a
pump and bearing casing. (1M)
The compressor assembly is made up of a housing which directs air flow and a compressor
wheel (impeller). (1M)
3. (a) Explain the construction, operation and maintenance of a lead acid
(8)
battery.

(Diagram: 3 M, Explanation: 5 M)

(b) State the functions of regulators and cut outs.

(4)
Regulator: It controls the generator output according to the need. It controls the current or voltage.
(2M)
Cut outs: It is used to control the flow of current between generator and battery. It acts as circuit
breaker.(2M)
(c) Discuss in detail about working of alternator with neat sketch.
(10)

(Diagram: 4M, Explanation: 3M)

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4.

(a)

(OR)
Discuss in detail about magneto coil ignition systems.

(8)

(Diagram: 4M, Explanation: 4M)

(b) Outline about lighting system used in automobiles.

(4)
The lighting system of an automobile comprises of various lighting and signaling devices or
components fixed to the front, sides and rear of the vehicle. (1M)
Automobile lighting system has multiple uses and functions, which are:
It provides illumination for the driver of a vehicle to drive safely in dark. (1M)
Secondly, automobile lights enhance the visibility of an automobile. (1M)
Thirdly, automobile lights act as the warning signals. They showcase information about the
presence, position, size, speed and direction of an automotive. (1M)
(c) Discuss about the working of diesel fuel injection system with neat
(8)
sketch.

(Diagram: 3M, Explanation: 5M)

5.

(a)

Explain the working of a differential with a simple sketch.

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(8)

(Diagram: 3 M, Explanation: 5M)

Drive shaft spins the Pinion gear.
Pinion gear turns the larger ring gear to produce gear reduction.
Ring gear attached to differential case; hence it rotates with the ring
gear.
Differential case spins the sun gears which are attached to the axles.
Axles transfer the power to the wheels.

(b) Describe the working of a torque converter with a simple sketch.

(Diagram: 3 M, Explanation: 5M)

(8)

A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling.

There is no direct mechanical link between the
input (engine flywheel) and the output
(transmission input shaft).
The impeller (pump of the torque converter)
forces fluid through the turbine, which forces
the turbine to turn. The turbine is splined to the
transmission input shaft

(c) Explain the term Hotchkiss drive.

(4)
This is the simples and widely used type of rear axle drive. (1M)
In this case the springs besides taking weight of the body also take the torque reaction, driving
thrust and side thrust. (1M)
The propeller shaft is provided with two universal joints also a sliding joint. (1M)
The spring is fixed rigidly in the middle to the rear axle. (1M)
The front end of the spring is fixed rigidly on the frame while the rear end is supported in the
shackle. (1M)
(OR)
6. (a) Mention the functions of propeller shaft and slip joint.
(4)
Function of Propeller shaft (2M)
To transmit power from the gear box to final drive without any slip.
To transmit power at required angle.
Function of Slip joint (2M)
The function of a slip joint is to accommodate the propeller shaft length variations, when a
vehicle is moving over a bump or bit.
(b) Explain the working of a single plate clutch with neat sketch.
(8)
(Diagram: 4M, Explanation: 4M)

(c)

Explain the working of sliding mesh gear box with neat sketch.
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(8)

(Diagram: 4 M, Explanation: 4M)

7.

(a) Explain the working of air braking system with a sketch.

(Diagram: 4 M, Explanation: 4M)

(b) Discuss in detail about power steering system with neat sketch.
(Diagram: 4M, Explanation: 4M)

(c)

Mention the various types of suspension system.

(8)

(8)

(4)

Dependent (1M)
Semi dependent (1M)
Independent suspension system Macpherson Strut, Double wishbone, Trailing arm, Swing axle,
Semi trailing arm, Multi-link (2M)
(OR)
8.

(a)

What is castor, camber and king pin inclination with respect to wheel
(8)
geometry?
Camber: The camber angle is the angle, as viewed from the front of the car, between the plane of
the front wheels and a vertical plane, and is called positive when the top of the wheels leans
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outward from the body of the car. A slight positive camber reduces the cornering power at the
front and normally results in an understeering car. (3M)
Caster: Castor angle also introduces a self-centering torque when the car is traveling forward.
This is achieved by the positive offset shown in the diagram where the contact of the tire on the
road trails behind the king pin axis. (3M)
King pin inclination: King pin inclination is the transverse angle of the swivel axis of the front wheel
and its stub axle. The effect of the inclination is usually discussed in terms of the king pin offset
which determines the self centering torque when the steering is turned for cornering. (2M)
(b) Explain the working of hydraulic braking system of an automobile.
(8)
(Diagram: 4 M, Explanation: 4M)

(c) Mention the different types of front axles used in automobiles.

Front axle: Dead front axle and live front axle. (2M)
Stub axle: Elliot, Reversed Elliot, Lamoine and Reversed Lemoine. (2M)
9.

(a)

State the important properties of ethanol.

Explain the different method of using alcohol in diesel engines with neat
sketches.
(Diagram: 3M, Explanation: 5M)

(8)

Solution/Emulsion
Fumigation
Dual Injection
Spark Ignition
Ignition Improvers
Surface Ignition

(c) Explain any one method of using hydrogen in SI engine.

( Diagram: 4M, Explanation: 4M)

10.

(4)

Cetane number 8 (1M)

Viscosity 0.83cP (1M)
Oxygen content 35% (1M)
Carbon/Hydrogen ratio 0.27 (1M)

(b)

(4)

(a)

(OR)
Explain the term surface ignition.
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(8)

(4)

Surface ignition occurs when the temperature of the air-fuel mixture adjacent to a hot surface
exceeds its self-ignition limit. (1M)
The hot surface, assisted ignition concept is commonly applied to overcome the low temperature
starting problem in diesel engines. (1M)
Introducing extremely low cetane fuels like ethanol, require an extended application of the hot
surface as continuous ignition assistance. (1M)
The function of the hot surface is to provide favorable local ignition condition, followed by flame
propagating through the fuel air mixture to establish a stable diffusion flame. (1M)
(b) Discuss the limitations of vegetable oil as fuels for CI engine.
(8)
( 8 points, each 1M)
Vegetable oil has slightly lower calorific value than diesel oil. (1M)
Vegetable oil has cetane number about 35 to 40 depending on composition whereas diesel
fuels have a cetane number around 45. (1M)
The high viscosity of vegetable oils leads to pumping and atomization problems in the normal
diesel fuel injection system, which creates filter plugging and cold starting. (1M)
High carbon residue causes heavy smoke emission and carbon deposition on the injection
nozzle tips and in the combustion chamber. (1M)
There are also problems of incompatibility with engine lubricants. (1M)
The poor volatility makes vegetable oil difficult to vaporize and ignite. (1M)
This leads to thermal cracking resulting in the heavy smoke emission and carbon deposits in
the combustion chamber. (1M)
Vegetable oil dilutes the lubricant oil and forms sludges on all parts of engine, which come in
contact with lubricating oil. (1M)
(c) Explain the modifications required in diesel engine for running LPG as a
(10)
fuel.

Compression Ratio: A typical diesel engine has a compression ratio of between 16 and 18 to 1.
CNG usually works best between 10 and 12; so new or modified pistons are required, with an
appropriately shaped combustion chamber to allow proper air-fuel mixing. (2M)
Spark Plugs: Diesels dont have spark plugs; instead they have diesel fuel injectors. A diesel
conversion replaces the injector with a spark plug and may also require an insert to go through the
valve cover depending on the engine. Spark plug wear is a common problem, and the high
compression ratio and use of gaseous fuel requires higher spark voltage than a petrol car. (2M)
Valves: Natural Gas is a dry fuel so valve seats in a converted engine need to be hardened to
prevent abnormal wear. Older engines need valve guide seals to prevent engine vacuum from
drawing oil into the combustion chamber. (1M)
Thermal Issues: Spark ignited engines run hotter than diesels. Such engines may require
upgraded thermal management components, including larger oil coolers, larger radiators, and heat
shields around exhaust components. (1M)
Catalytic Converter: A catalyst will generally be required to meet emission regulations. The
exception is lean-burn engines, which, if carefully engineered, can meet certain emissions targets
without a converter. (1M)
Engine Management System: Your choice will depend on the exhaust emissions requirements,
efficiency targets, durability expectations, technology level of the vehicle and peripheral device
control requirements such as cruise control, power take-off, automatic transmissions etc. (1M)

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