Vehicle technology
Vehicle technology is a field of mechanical engineering . The course usually takes place independently at universities of applied sciences or as a specialization at universities as part of general mechanical engineering. While vehicle construction deals with the production of (motor) vehicles and traffic technology deals mainly with the control of traffic flows, vehicle technology deals with the comprehensive consideration of the conception, construction, simulation and operation of the entire vehicle system and its individual components.
vehicles
Vehicle technology is most likely associated with passenger cars in general. However, it deals with all vehicles and machines, even if they are track-guided or not powered by prime movers:
- Cycles
- Motorcycles
- Passenger cars
- Commercial vehicles (for transporting people and goods)
- Rail vehicles (track-guided vehicles)
- Work machines , i. d. R. self-propelled, e.g. B. for agriculture or forestry
- pendant
The subject of vehicle technology, like general mechanical engineering, is based on natural sciences such as mathematics, physics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, as well as classical mechanical engineering subjects such as technical mechanics, materials science, electrical engineering and design theory (or machine elements). The basic knowledge is supplemented by IT and programming knowledge, driving dynamics, business administration, control and production technology.
On a technical level, the vehicle technician stands out from the mechanical engineer, for example, through his knowledge of chassis technology, engine and drive technology, body design and construction, active and passive vehicle safety (legal framework and structural integration on the vehicle), assistance systems, vehicle simulation and technical acoustics. Different specializations and deepenings are conceivable.
Professional activity in the field of vehicle technology
Vehicle technology engineers usually work for vehicle manufacturers ( OEMs ), suppliers, engineering service providers , in the public service or in the testing and expert area (e.g. as testing engineers or aaSoP ). They are often involved in construction (engines, bodies, etc.), in trials (test benches, road tests, component testing) or in technical sales. Management activities are also common.
Apprenticeship in Austria
Motor vehicle technician is a recognized apprenticeship in Austria. The modular apprenticeship in automotive engineering replaced the previous apprenticeship in automotive engineering of the same name. The modular training includes the compulsory two-year training in the basic module automotive technology and one and a half year training in one of the main modules:
- Passenger car technology
- Commercial vehicle technology
- Motorcycle technology
To further deepen the training, another main module or one of the six-month special modules can be chosen:
- System electronics
- High-voltage drives
Each main module can be combined with any other main module or the special modules.
Duration of the apprenticeship:
- 3.5 years: basic module + one main module
- 4 years: basic module + one main module + special module
- 4 years: basic module + two main modules
See also
literature
- Hans-Hermann Braess, Ulrich Seiffert: Vieweg manual automotive technology: (ATZ / MTZ specialist book) . 7th edition. Springer Vieweg, 2013, ISBN 978-3-658-01690-6 .
