Vehicle Dynamics & Powertrain Flashcards
6 cards from real CAE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Vehicle Dynamics & Powertrain flashcards as text
What is the Otto cycle in internal combustion engines?
Answer: A four-stroke thermodynamic cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust) used in spark-ignition engines
The Otto cycle describes the idealized thermodynamic process in gasoline engines: intake of air-fuel mixture, compression, combustion/power stroke, and exhaust of burned gases.
What is the purpose of a catalytic converter in a vehicle's exhaust system?
Answer: To chemically convert harmful pollutants (CO, HC, NOx) into less harmful emissions (CO2, H2O, N2)
Catalytic converters use precious metal catalysts (platinum, palladium, rhodium) to facilitate chemical reactions that convert carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances.
What does the term 'torque' mean in automotive engineering?
Answer: A rotational force measured in pound-feet or Newton-meters that indicates an engine's ability to do work
Torque is the twisting force produced by an engine's crankshaft. Higher torque at lower RPMs provides better acceleration and pulling power, which is why it's critical for towing and performance.
What is regenerative braking in hybrid and electric vehicles?
Answer: A system that converts kinetic energy during braking back into electrical energy stored in the battery
Regenerative braking uses the electric motor as a generator during deceleration, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that recharges the battery, improving overall vehicle efficiency.
What is the function of a differential in a vehicle drivetrain?
Answer: To allow the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns while transmitting power from the driveshaft
During turns, the outer wheel travels a greater distance than the inner wheel. The differential allows this speed difference while evenly distributing engine torque to both drive wheels.
What is the compression ratio of an engine and why does it matter?
Answer: The ratio of cylinder volume at BDC to TDC, affecting power output and fuel efficiency
Higher compression ratios extract more energy from fuel, improving thermal efficiency and power output. However, too-high compression can cause engine knock in gasoline engines.