In thermodynamics, Gibbs free energy (often referred to simply as Gibbs energy, symbolized as G) is a thermodynamic potential that quantifies the maximum non-pressure-volume work achievable by a thermodynamically isolated system at constant temperature and pressure. It also serves as a criterion for processes, including chemical reactions, that can occur under these conditions. What is…
Solar energy refers to any form of energy produced by the sun. It is generated through the process of nuclear fusion that occurs within the sun. Solar radiation, also called electromagnetic radiation, is the light emitted by the sun due to nuclear fusion. Although every location on Earth receives sunlight throughout the year. The intensity…
Welcome to “Car Assembly Process 101,” where we delve into the fascinating world of how cars are built, piece by piece, into the marvels of engineering we see on the roads today. The car assembly process is a complex process that relies on a reliable supply chain to ensure uninterrupted production. This process involves the…
Automotive design is a creative process that defines the physical appearance of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Automotive designers are responsible for styling a vehicle’s interior and exterior. You might love or hate the design of a car, but there is no doubt that car design plays a big role in the development of…
Car wind noise can be heard inside of your vehicle while driving on the highway and is the audible result of high-pressure air attempting to escape as you accelerate. This whooshing sound, high-pitched, enters through the smallest gaps or openings in the vehicle’s exterior. In automotive design, as with other design fields, variations and uncertainties…
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a specialized area of fluid mechanics that utilizes numerical methods and computational algorithms to investigate and resolve challenges related to fluid flows. By leveraging computers, CFD analyzes the movement of fluids (both liquids and gases) and their interaction with various surfaces under specific boundary conditions. High-speed supercomputers are often necessary…
A planetary gear system also known as an Epicyclic gearing or planetary gearing consists of spur gears arranged in an epicyclic configuration. In this setup, a central gear, known as the sun gear, acts as the input and drives the system. Multiple “driven” gears, or planets, orbiting the sun gear within a gearbox. These planets mesh with…
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are driven by both an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, utilizing energy stored in batteries. Unlike fully electric vehicles and Plug in Hybrids (PHEVs), HEVs cannot be directly plugged in to charge their batteries. Instead, the battery is recharged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion…
Have you ever wondered how a conventional powertrain makes your car move? Today, we’re diving into the world of conventional powertrains, the beating heart of most vehicles on the road. In a conventional powertrain, an internal combustion engine (ICE), transforms the stored energy from gasoline or diesel fuel into kinetic energy within the engine. This…
Alright, so let’s talk about vehicle performance and driveability! Many young car owners struggle with the misconception that modifying a car doesn’t affect its driveability. But what exactly is driveability? And how does it differ from vehicle performance? When we talk about vehicle performance, we’re talking about how well a car can do its thing,…