MSc Racing Engine Systems

In this module, dive into the intricacies of powertrain systems, from energy flow to hybrid solutions. Topics covered include modelling, optimization, and control, enhancing your ability to assess and improve powertrain performance for real-world driving conditions.

By the end of this module, you'll grasp vehicle standards for fuel efficiency and emissions, mastering methodologies for hybrid powertrain modelling and analysis. Additionally, you’ll evaluate engine-driveline combos, analyse hybrid/electric powertrain features, and scrutinise energy storage systems for automotive use.

This module is designed to equip you with the essential management skills and knowledge necessary for success in the engineering industry. The focus lies on key areas such as project management, leadership, team building, motivation, and legal considerations. While the automotive and motorsports sectors are emphasised, the knowledge and skills gained are widely applicable across the broader engineering landscape.

Upon completion of this module, you will possess a comprehensive understanding of management practices vital in engineering contexts. You will develop a systematic comprehension of the prerequisites for crafting a successful business plan within engineering domains. Additionally, you will master the skill of presenting compelling business plans to potential stakeholders. This involves proposing well-reasoned strategies for organizations seeking industry funding.

In this module, you'll delve into the intricate world of fatigue and fracture analysis. You'll learn to predict failure conditions, estimate component life, and enhance designs' resistance against such failures. From establishing fatigue strength-life relationships to conducting advanced fatigue analyses using FEM, you'll gain the skills to assess components under various loading scenarios. With a focus on safety and reliability, you'll also explore fracture prediction for cracked components and develop strategies to bolster designs against fractures.

By the end of this module, you'll possess the skills to establish fatigue strength-life relationships tailored to different surface finishes, loading scenarios, sizes, and notch sensitivities.

This module deals with advanced racing engine design subjects. Students will be given a thorough understanding of the relevant theoretical and practical considerations associated with the design and functioning of a racing engine, energy recovery and storage systems specific to racing applications. Students will learn to perform advanced design analyses using various tools for selecting and optimising the performance of racing engines. Practical analyses will be carried out using advanced analysis tools relevant to the Racing Engine Industry. The content covered in this module will focus on design principles relevant to components, systems, and system integration for optimising the performance of the racing power unit.

This module focuses on electric drives within automotive powertrains. It provides a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects related to the design and operation of Electric Drives. You’ll delve into control strategies, hardware design, and control implementation in the context of electric powertrains.

By the end of this module, you will be adept at evaluating design methods and component selection for various Electric Drive systems. You’ll conduct comprehensive thermal analyses of both electrical and mechanical systems, effectively addressing design conflicts and constraints. Also, you’ll critically assess design methodologies and their practical application in automotive Electric Drives.

This module deals with advanced racing engine design subjects. This module will enable the students to gain thorough understanding of the relevant theoretical and practical considerations associated with the design, performance, regulatory requirements and functioning of a power unit specific to racing applications. The central theme of this module is aimed at principles for designing and optimising thermal systems of the racing engine. Students will learn to perform analyses using various tools for selecting and optimising the performance of racing engines.

The Dissertation (core, triple credit) is an individual project on a topic from mechanical engineering, offering an opportunity to specialise in a particular area of your choice. In addition to developing a high level of expertise in a particular area of mechanical engineering, including use of industry-standard software and/or experimental work, the module will also provide you with research skills, planning techniques, project management. Whilst a wide range of industry-sponsored projects are available (e.g. Far-Axon, Clayex/Dymola, Tranquillity Aerospace, Norbar, etc.), students are also able undertake their own projects in the UK and abroad, to work in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation.