Automotive

A car's electronics can be regarded as the 'brains' that control almost all of its vital functions. Designing these systems is the reposnisbilty of an electronics engineer - and it's a complicated task!

The brake system must provide the driver with a safe, predictable way of stopping the vehicle.

The interior of a vehicle must cocoon the driver and passengers and provide them with a comfortable, safe environment.

Modern cars have a heating and ventilation system and most also benefit from air conditioning. These keep the driver and passengers comfortable, but also contibute to their safety.

Suspension engineers design the system that ensures the car provides a comfortable ride for the passengers and also enables the driver to control the vehicle safely.

The powertrain is the system that provides the vehicle's motive power and the flexibility for it to run at different speeds. It is made up of the engine and the gearbox.

Steering engineers design the systems that enable the driver to guide their vehicle through today's increasingly heavy traffic.

Aerodynamics is the ability of a vehicle to cut its way though the air with minimum resistance. Engineers who have received special training in this field will make sure that the vehicle travels aerodynamically, taking into account the work of other engineers working in such areas as engine or brake cooling and interior ventilation.

Rally cars are a test bed for future engineering.

The body structure gives the "style" to a vehicle but also acts as the platform from which all other components are hung.

Fuel systems engineers must provide a safe method of storing the vehicles fuel and distributing it to the engine in the qulality required to meet the vehicle's running requirement.