Automobiles are the machines we use to move around. The first cars were built by Nikolaus Otto, and later Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz invented petrol-driven engines. Production of automobiles in the United States began in the 1890s, when Henry Ford pioneered assembly line production, where workers perform a single task while parts of the car move along a conveyor belt. By the end of the 1920s, the Ford Motor Company had produced 15 million cars.
Car body types
There are a number of car body types. While the A-body and the B-body are the most common, other types of car bodies are available. A-bodies were used for full-size vehicles until the mid-’60s, when the B-body became the standard. The A-body was later revived as the standard for mid-size cars. By the 1970s, GM had adopted a four-code system, and some cars changed their body types from their original ones.
Brakes
Brakes on automobiles are the means for stopping a car or truck. They are usually drum-shaped components that rotate in order to stop the vehicle. These are connected to the axle and wheel by a rotor. They are either made of cast iron or of reinforced carbon-carbon. Some automobile brakes also use ceramic matrix or composite materials, such as carbon fiber. The brake lining is made of material that resists heat and has a high friction characteristic.
Suspension system
The basic purpose of a car’s suspension system is to give the vehicle flexibility while keeping the wheels in contact with the ground. Different designs and configurations have been developed over the years. Some of these systems incorporate coil springs, while others are more complex.
Alternative power systems
Currently, most automobiles are powered by internal combustion engines, which contribute to air pollution and global warming. However, some automakers are developing alternative power systems, such as hydrogen and electric vehicles. Other research is focused on fuel cells and other alternative fuel technologies, such as compressed air or liquid nitrogen.
Entry-level positions in automotive engineering
Entry-level positions in automotive engineering can be obtained through a variety of routes. These include positions at automotive companies, management positions in consulting firms, and sales positions at automobile manufacturers. With the right education, experience, and connections, you can even go into higher-level management positions. Additionally, you can teach automotive engineering at a college or university. For the most part, an entry-level position in this field will require you to be a problem-solver with excellent leadership and management skills. Furthermore, you’ll be expected to be able to multi-task and learn new things.