The module presents and examines automotive fluid power components and systems in terms of their graphical symbols, layout, specific features, construction and operation. Students learn how to identify and interpret fluid power circuits, comprehend and explain their purpose in relation with their constitutive components. Aim of the course is to acquaint students with methods for the analysis and critical evaluation of fluid power components and systems specific to automotive applications.

Upon completion of this module students should be able to identify the main fluid power components, their specific function and operation, to interpret correctly their purpose within a fluid power system and to determine and contrast from a technical point of view the use of a component or of a whole system in relation to its end use.

Awareness of concepts covered in Physics, Fluid Mechanics, 3D Modelling.

Students attend lectures where they are exposed to the principles of operation of single components and of complete fluid power systems. They also participate to classroom work where they apply what they have learned from lectures and where actual systems are reviewed. In mandatory laboratory hours they acquire a direct experience with components and real systems.
The programme addresses the analysis of flow generation units, control and utilisation of hydraulic power and of auxiliary components, the analysis of automotive systems and an introduction to the working fluids classification and characteristics:
The graphical language of Fluid Power (ISO 1219 Standard).
Positive displacement Pumps and Motors: their classification, ideal and real characteristics, instantaneous flow rate and torque, flow rate oscillations and pressure ripple, volumetric and mechanical-hydraulic efficiencies, flow and torque losses models. Means of displacement variation control.
Fluid Power valves (GRC): on-off and proportional directional control valves; flow and pressure control valves; ideal and real performance characteristics.
Accumulators: types and their dimensioning criteria.
Flow Generation units (GA): constant and variable flow rate; constant and approximate pressure, open and closed circuits; ideal and real performance characteristics.
Hydraulic power steering systems: mechanical position feedback; functioning principles; analysis of sections of the rotating directional control valve; limitation of reactivity.
Electrohydraulic braking systems: from the ABS 2S to ABS 8. The ESP integration for lateral stability.
ICE lubrication systems: scopes, wet and dry sump solutions; oil path and pressure distribution inside the crankshaft; linear slipper and journal bearings: load capacity and through flow; cooling jets; lash adjusters; lubricating pumps: types and drives; chambers filling factor, back flow at pump outlet; thermostatic valve.
Working fluid: ISO classification; physical properties (density, dynamic and kinematic viscosity), bulk modulus; contamination and filtration, temperature control; aeration.

Six sessions of laboratory work are carried out in teams and topics are selected from the following:
•Dismantling and analysis of components: some components used in vehicles are described and illustrated (pumps, linear actuators, directional, pressure and flow control valves).
•Pumps, motors and linear actuators: various volumetric pumps (external and internal gear, piston and vane) and motors of different manufacturers are disassembled, analysed and contrasted to understand and appraise their peculiarities and mode of operation.
•Steering servo systems: some steering servo systems used for hydrostatic steering (power steering) in vehicles are examined.
•Electro-hydraulic braking systems: the components present in a braking system (Bosch, Nissin-Honda) are examined and
commented (brake booster, tandem master cylinder, ABS module, ESP/VDC function).
•Simulation: briefly introducing a simulation environment (AMESim), problems in modelling and simulation of simple components and systems are presented. Students have the opportunity to perform simulations to gain direct experience of the approach and gain perception of the involved potentials.
A written report about one of the laboratory topics must be prepared and presented at the examination.

Will be made available only to enrolled students at the Didactic Web site of the Politecnico.
The entire content of slides used in lectures is also made available in printed form:
Nervegna, N., Rundo, M.: Automotive Fluid Power Systems. Politeko, Torino
For additional insight into specific topics reference is made to the following material (in Italian):
Nervegna, N.: Oleodinamica e pneumatica: Sistemi. Vol. 1, Politeko, Torino
Nervegna, N.: Oleodinamica e pneumatica: Componenti. Vol. 2, Politeko, Torino
Nervegna, N.: Oleodinamica e pneumatica: Esercitazioni. Vol. 3, Politeko, Torino
Gilardino, L.: Esercizi di Oleodinamica

While the module is ongoing, Home Works (4 to six) will be progressively proposed on the specific didactic web portal of the Politecnico. These Home works should be downloaded and solved individually, according to explicit rules, by all students. The purpose of these home works is twofold: a self assessment of acquired knowledge and competence; a training route toward the final written test. When successfully registering the exam, each student must present the complete set of his own home works.
At the end of the module the final exam is grounded on a two hours written test involving practical numerical evaluations on a proposed problem as well as questions on concepts and principles exposed during the lectures.
For those that reach in the written test marks in the range:
- 0 to 14/30 the exam is failed
- 15 to 20/30 the oral examination is mandatory
- 21 to 27/30 the oral examination is optional
- 28 to 30/30 the mark is final and the exam is passed
The oral examination focuses on lectures, classroom work, laboratory topics, written test and home works.