AUTOMOBILE VEHICLE
An automobile vehicle is a wheeled self-propelled vehicle, powered with the aid of a motor. It is a complex machine that consists of several components working in conjunction with one another to provide an efficient, safe and effective means of conveying passengers and goods from one point to another.
Automobile vehicles are mainly classified according to the following criteria; purpose, drive type, fuel type, weight and degree of automation.
Automobiles are classified according to their purpose as passenger, commercial, off-road, racing and recreational vehicles.
They are also classified according to the type of drive transmission or more specifically according to their drive train type whether as real wheel, front wheel, all wheel or four wheels drive.
Automobile vehicles are also classified according to the fuel the engine derives its energy or power from. Automobile vehicles are powered by a variety of fuels such as gasoline or petrol, diesel, electric, hydrogen, bio-fuels, mixed hybrid and so on.
Automobile vehicles are also classified according to their weight. They are described as a light vehicle when their gross vehicle weight ratio is less than 2500kg, they are described as medium if their gross weight ratio is between 2500kg and 75000kg and heavy when their gross vehicle weight ratio is greater than 7500kg.
Automobile vehicles are also classified according to their level of automation. An automobile is considered to be manual if it has a manual transmission. They are considered to be automatic if it has an automatic transmission. While they are considered to be semi-autonomous if it has some autonomous features but still requires input from the driver. Autonomous vehicles however do not require any input from the driver.
The typical automobile vehicle consists of the following components; chassis and body, power train, suspension and steering, braking system, electrical system, and others.
The chassis and body consist of the frame, which is the structural foundation of the vehicle and it provides support for the engine, transmission, suspension and the body. The body is the outer shell of the vehicle comprising the hood, doors and roof. While the chassis, includes the frame, suspension, steering and braking system.
The power train consists essentially of the engine, transmission, driveshaft, differentials and the axle. The drive train is the power train without the engine. The engine produces the power and the drive train elements work together to transfer the power from the engine to the road wheels.
The suspension system comprises of springs and shock absorbers connecting the road wheels to the frame. It absorbs vibrations and dissipates the excess energy stored in the spring as heat and noise thus ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
The steering system consists of the steering column, steering gear and linkages. The steering system enables the driver to control the direction of the vehicle.
The braking system comprises of the brake pedal, master cylinder, brake lines and brake calipers/wheel cylinders. They work together to slow or stop the vehicle.
The electrical system consists of the battery, alternator, starter motor and wirings. The function of the electrical system is to start the engine, charge the battery and provide electric power for the lamps, air conditioner, electronics and other electrical devices.
The other minor but important automobile system are the exhaust, cooling, fuel, lubrication, hydraulic and safety system.
Automobile vehicles offer a lot of advantages over other means of transportation.it is comparatively cheaper to run and maintain and offers immense economic and social benefit to the human society.
On the other hand its initial cost outlay, operational and maintenance cost is prohibitive. Its use has had a serve impact on our environment as automobile vehicles emit greenhouse gases and noise resulting in air and noise pollution. Also the widespread use of automobiles has resulted in traffic congestion and safety concern.
Nevertheless automobile vehicles have found widespread adoption as a mode of transportation for humans, goods and services.
The future of automobiles revolves round the following trends and developments; electrification and hybridization, autonomous vehicles, connectivity and smart technologies, sustainable and shared mobility.
The future of automobile vehicles is autonomous, and it will be impractical and uneconomic for most people to own one, because of the sheer sophistication of the technology and operational know how required to put one on the road.
In fact the way we use automobiles today will radically pave way to the aircraft ownership model today where there will few owners with a majority patronizing a shared and centralized ownership model that will ensure the effective deployment of a modern automobile network.
SOURCES;
(1) Automotive technology: principles, diagnosis and service by James D. Halderman.
(2) Automobile engineering by David A. Corolla.
(3) Light and heavy vehicle technology by M.J Nunnery.
(4) Aerodynamics of road vehicles by Wolf-Heinrich Huncho.
(5) Electric and hybrid vehicles: Design, theory and applications by Mehrdad Ehsani, Yimin Gao and Ali-Emadi.