Major Components, Layouts And Drive Arrangements Flashcards
What is the purpose of a chassis
Solid structure on which are mounted vehicle component parts
What is a clutch?
Allows connection/disconnection of drive from the engine, to provide smoother gear changes
What is a gear box?
Houses gears and amplifies engine output to supply sufficient drive
Engine speeds remain within limits
Provides neutral and reverse
What is the front axles purpose?
Supports the weight of the vehicle
Accommodates the steering system
Carries the front wheels
What is the purpose of the rear axle?
Houses the final drive and differential- allowing the wheels to travel at different speeds
Supports weight of the vehicle and carries rear wheels
What is the propeller shaft?
Fitted to the rear wheel drive
Links gear box to the final drive unit
What is fitted to each end of the propeller shaft?
Universal joint - allows it to be transmitted through varying angles
What are the purpose of the wheels and tyres?
Inflated to sufficient pressure to support the load
Provide grip on road surfaces and help absorb road shocks
What are the 2 styles of front engines vehicles?
Transverse and in-line
What is a transaxle ?
Combined gearbox and axle
What are the benefits of a front engined vehicle
Large mass at the front of the vehicle gives driver protection from collision
Engine cooler is simpler
Better Cornering ability
What is the benefit of mid engined rear wheel drive?
Gives better handling and maximum traction due to good load distribution
More space in drivers compartment and provides good accessibility
What is a disadvantage of mid engine ?
Restricts passenger space In smaller cars
What advantage does rear engined wheel drive provide?
Gives better traction
What is a disadvantage of rear engined wheel drive ?
Have an adverse effect on handling
What are the 3 drive arrangements?
Front wheel drive
Rear wheel drive
Four wheel drive
What’s an advantage of FWD
Compactness of components
Simplifies the transmission, output shaft move in a similar direction to the wheels
What is the disadvantage of FWD
Driving wheels have less grip on road when accelerating or hill climbing
Advantages of Rear Wheel drive?
Spacing out of main components makes them more accessible
Load transfer from front to rear gives good traction when accelerating or Hill climbing
Disadvantages of rear wheel drive?
Intrusion of transmission components into passenger compartment
When wheels lose adhesion to road rear of vehicle moves sideways
Advantage of four wheel drive?
The sharing of loads between the four wheels reduces wheel spin
Having positive drive to each wheel makes this layout advantageous for off road driving
Characteristics of a petrol engine?
Fuel more volatile and cheaper Works on the Otto cycle Less compression Better torque at high speeds Runs hotter and less fuel efficient Cheaper to manufacture
Characteristics of a Diesel engine
Fuel less volatile but more expensive
Works on diesel cycle
Higher compression ratio and fuel pressure
Good torque at low speeds, pulling power
Runs cooler and more fuel efficient
Close to tolerances so more expensive to manufacture
Comparison between straight and v engines
Straight - taller and longer
V engine - shorter and longer
