CHENNAI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

COURSE TITLE

: AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING

FACULTY

: P.SHANMUGASELVAM

BRANCH

: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SEMESTER

: VI

Two Marks Questions & Answers

Unit-1
1. What is meant by self-propelled vehicle?
A vehicle producing power within itself for its propulsion is known as self
propelled vehicle.
2. List the manufacturers of automobile products in India. (API)
(a) Premier Automobiles Ltd., Mumbai
(b) Hindustan Motors Ltd., Kolcutta
(c) Standard Motor Products of India Ltd., Chennai
3. State the major types of automobiles according to the fuel used.
(a) Petrol vehicles
(b) Diesel vehicles
(c )Gas vehicles
(d) Electric vehicle
(e) Solar vehicle
4. Mention any four requirements of an automobile.
(a) It should develop power by itself
(b) The rate of power development must be easily controlled
(c) There should be an arrangement to transmit the power developed to the wheels.
(d) An arrangement must exist to continue and discontinue power flow to the wheels.
5. What is meant by the term chassis?
It is the main structure of a vehicle which is used to the complex vehicle except the body.
A vehicle without body is called a chassis.

6. What are the functions of frames in automobiles?

(a) To form the base for mounting engine and transmission system
(b) To accommodate suspension system
(c) To carry the other parts of the vehicle and its passengers
(d) To resist the effect of centrifugal forces when cornering a curve.
7. Classify frames.
(a) Conventional frame construction
(b) Semi-integral frame construction
(c) Integral or frameless construction
8. What is the role of body in automobiles?
Body is the super-structure for all vehicles. It may either be constructed separately and
bolted to the chassis or manufactured integral with the chassis (i.e. frameless
construction)
9. Define cross wind force.
Cross wind force is acting in the lateral direction, on the side of the vehicle. This is
formed by the asymmetric flow of air around the vehicle body.
10. Classify IC engines based on number of cylinders.
(a) Single cylinder engine
(b) Multi cylinder engine
11. What is the purpose of a thermostat in an engine cooling system?
A thermostat valve is used in the water-cooling system to regulate the circulation of
water in system to maintain the normal working temperature of the engine parts during
the different operating conditions.
12. State any four functions of lubrication.
(a) It reduces friction between moving parts.
(b) It reduces wear and tear of the moving parts
(c) It minimizes power loss due to friction
(d) It provides cooling effect:- During circulation it carries heat from the hot moving
parts and delivers it to the surrounding through crankcase.
13. Name any eight air pollutants.
(a) Carbon monoxide
(b) Oxides of nitrogen
(c) Hydrocarbons
(d) Photochemical smog
(e) Smoke
(f) Lead
(g) Particulate
(h) Sulphur oxide

14. What is the term catalytic converter?

The term Catalytic converters cover the stainless steel box mounted in the exhaust
system.
15. How does oxidation catalyst differ from reduction catalyst?
Oxidation catalyst adds oxygen with pollution and hydrogen catalyst reduces oxygen
but the same time, the hydrogen will be increased.
16. What are the uses of sensors?
They detect a mechanical condition (movement or position) ,chemical state, or
temperature conditioning and change it into a central processor called microprocessor or
microcomputer ( a small version of a computer).
17. List out the various sensors used in engine management system.
(a) Temperature sensors
(b) Engine position sensor
(c) Coolant temperature sensor
(d) Intake air temperature sensor
(e) Knock sensor
18. What are the sources of air pollution by petrol engine?
(a) Exhaust emissions through tail pipe
(b) Evaporative losses through carburetor, and
(c) Crank case blow by.
19. Where are bumpers provided?
Bumpers are provided at the front and rear end of the car. These are used to protect the
front end and rear end of the car from damage in case of the light collisions.
20. What is meant by drag force?
Force of air drag is acting in the direction of vehicle motion with the wind acting
along the longitudinal direction axis. This force is also called air resistance.

Unit-2
1. What are the functions of carburetor?
(a) It atomizes and vaporizes the fuel
(b) It supplies a fine spray of petrol
(c) It produces a homogeneous mixture
(d) It prepares a mixture of petrol and air in correct proportions.
2. What is the function of float chamber?
In the float chamber, a constant level of petrol is maintained by the float and a
needle valve. The float chamber is ventilated to atmosphere. This is used to
maintain atmospheric pressure inside the chamber.
3. Mention the different circuits involved in solex carburetor.
(a) Float circuit
(b) Starting circuit
(c) Idle and low speed circuit
(d) Normal running circuit.
(e) Acceleration circuit
4. State the important units of electronic fuel injection system.
(a)Fuel delivery system
(b)Air induction system
(c) Sensors and air flow control system
(d) Electronic control unit
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of ECU.
Advantages:
(a) A very high quality fuel distribution is obtained. Therefore, higher compression
ratios can be adopted without any danger of detonation occurring.
(b) Increased volumetric efficiency and hence increased power and torque.
Disadvantages:
(a) Initials cost is very high.
(b) More complicated mechanism because of electronic system injection nozzle,
and fuel injection pump.
6. List any two batteries used in automobiles
(a) Lead acid battery
(b) Alkaline battery
7. Describe the battery efficiency.
It is the ability of a battery delivers current. It depends on temperature and rate of
discharge.

8. Define battery life.

The duration of battery is upto the discard from starting of operation in any places.
9. List the factors affecting the battery life.
(a) Electrolyte level
(b) Overcharging
(c) Corrosion
(d) Sulphation
(e) Mounting etc.
10. What is the function of a cars generator?
Generator is a device which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. When it
is rotated, it generates electricity by electro mechanical induction. It supplies electricity to
the car.
11. What is the purpose of cut-out relay?
It prevents the reverse flow of current from the battery to the generator.
12. What is the function of starting motor?
Starting motor is also called as cranking motor. Cranking the engine means to rotate
the crankshaft by applying torque on it so that the piston may get reciprocating motion.
13. List the various types of lights.
(a) Head lights
(b) Parking lights
(c )Stop lights
(d ) Directional-signal lights (e) Blinker lights (f) Backup lights
14. What are the types of ignition system?
(a) Coil ignition system or battery ignition system
(b) Magneto ignition system
(c ) Electronic ignition system (d) Transistorised ignition system
15. State the advantages and disadvantages of battery ignition system.
Advantages:
It provides better sparks at low speeds of the engine during starting and idling due
to availability of maximum current throughout the engine speed range.
The initial cost is low compared with magneto ignition system
The maintenance cost is negligible except battery.
Spark efficiency remains unaffected by various positions of the timing control
mechanism.
Disadvantages:
Frequent battery down occurs when the engine is not in use continuously. This
causes starting trouble.

 The weight is greater than magneto ignition system.

Wiring mechanism is more complicated.
16. What are the factors to be considered for comparing magneto and coil ignition
system?
Simplicity
Cost
Starting and low speed operations
Strength of spark at high speeds
Dependence on battery and charging dynamo.
17. What is reluctor or armature?
A star shaped rotor called reluctor or armature is mounted on the distributor
shaft which modulates the flux density in the coil and due to the consequent
changes in the flux voltage induced in the coil.
18. State the advantages of transistorized ignition system.
It increases the life of contact breaker points
It gives higher ignition voltage
It gives longer duration of spark
Less maintenance
It has very accurate control of timing
19. What is carburetor?
The carburetor is a device used for atomizing and vaporizing the fuel and
mixing it with the air in varying proportions to suit the changing operating conditions of
vehicle engines.
20. What does the mixing chamber do?
The mixing chamber has two butterfly valves. One is to allow air into the mixing
chamber and known as choke valve. The other is to allow air-fuel mixture to the engine
and known as throttle valve.

Unit-3
1. What are the functions of clutch?
To permit engagement or disengagement of a gear when the vehicle is stationary
and the engine is running.
To transmit the engine power to the rear wheels smoothly without shocks to the
transmission system while the vehicle is in motion.
To permit the encaging of gears when the vehicle is in motion without damaging
the gear wheels.
2. Why multi-plate clutches are used in automobiles?
As compared to single plate clutch, these are smoother and easier to operate due to
their assembly of friction surfaces contact.
3. Compare the advantages of multi-plate clutches over single plate clutches.
Increased torque transmission capacity.
The diameter is reduced as it has more friction surface with reduces the size of
the clutch assembly.
Highly reliable
Suitable for heavy vehicles.
4. What is the special springs used in diaphragm clutch?
Belleville springs
5. How is dog and spline clutch disengaged?
The sleeve is moved back on the splined shaft to have no contact with the driving
shaft.
6. What do you mean by fluid flywheel?
The member which couples the driving member with driven member through a media
of fluid is known as fluid coupling.
7. What is the function of a gear box?
Gear box is a speed and torque changing device.
8. List out the various resistance to motion.
(a) Air resistance
(b) Gradient resistances
(c) Miscellaneous resistance
9. What is double clutching technique used?

Even though there is no measure to allow easy meshing of gears, double clutching
technique must be acquired for shifting gears properly.
10. What is the function of Synchromesh unit in a gear box?
To simply the operations of changing gears without the occurrence of clashes and their
consequent damage, a synchromesh gear box is used in different types of motor vehicles.
11. What is the function of a synchronizer in a gear box?
The synchronizer helps to synchronize the speeds of the two gears to be engaged
without necessary of faster running gear to slow down.
12. Write down the methods of operating automatic gear box.
(a) Hydramatic transmission
(b)Torque converter transmission
13. State the phenomenon of torque multiplication.
Then the oil is thrown back by the impeller into the turbine at the outer edge
continuously. The repeated pushing of the turbine blades makes the torque on the turbine
to increase called phenomenon of torque multiplication.
14. What is an overdrive? Where it is exactly located?
Overdrive is a device which is used to step up the gear ratio in the car.It is mounted in
between transmission and propeller shaft.
15. What are the advantages of overdrives?
(a) It allows a lower engine speed to maintain the car at highway speed.
(b) This system saves fuel.
(c) Wear on the engine and accessories are reduced.
16. State the various functions of propeller shaft.
(a)It transmits rotary motion of the gearbox output shaft to the differential and then
through the axle shafts to the wheels.
(b)It transmits motion at an angle which is varying frequently
(c )It allows some changes in length between gear box and rear axle.
17. What are the basic functions of differential unit?
(a) Straight ahead travel
(b) Turning
(c) One wheel on a muddy surface
18. List down the types of live rear axles.
(a) Semi-floating
(b) Three-quarter floating
(c ) Full-floating
19. Mention any four requirements of a clutch.

(a) Transmission of torque

(b) Gradual engagement
(c ) Vibration damping
(d) Size of the clutch
20. What is the purpose of using springs in a disc clutch plate?
The springs are provided to withstand the shock and torsional effects during operation of
the clutch, hence known as torsion springs.

Unit-4
1. Classify wheels.
Disc wheel
Wire wheel
Split wheel
Light alloy wheel
2. Write down the types of tread patterns in tyres.
Rib pattern
Lug pattern
Rib-and-lug pattern
Block pattern
3. What is meant by the term tread?
The tread is an external rubber layer preventing the carcass from wear and external
damage which are produced by the road surface.
4. Name the various materials used in manufacturing of tyres.
Nylon
Terylene
Rubber
Glass fibre
Steel
5. What are the inspecting methods used in tyres?
Visual inspection
Thorough inspection
6. Mention the various causes of tyre wear.
Incorrect inflation
Incorrect caster, camber or toe-in
Excessive road speed
Worn out kingpins
Presence of air
7. List out the various factors to be maintained in tyres.
Proper inflation

 Running a flat tyre

Extra casing and inner tube
Alignment of wheels
8. How is cross ply are designated?
A cross ply tyre is not designated by alphabetical letters to indicate the cross-ply.
9. Define tube vulcanizing.
The process of repairing a punctured tube is known as tube vulcanizing.
10. What is meant by camel block?
Fresh tread material known as camel block is placed around the tread and put in
retreading machine and clamped.
11. How steering geometry is defined?
Steering geometry is the angular representation and obtaining relationship between
the front wheels.
12. Define camber and caster.
Camber:
When the front of the vehicle is viewed, the angle between the centre line of the tyre and
the vertical line is called as camber.
Caster:
Tilting of kingpin axis either forward or backward from the vertical line is known as
caster.
13. What is kingpin inclination?
The angle between the vertical line and centre of the or steering axle when viewing is
carried out from the front of the vehicle is called as king pin inclination.
14. What are the principles of suspension system?
The weight of the wheels
Reduction of rolling or pitching of the body to a minimum design and attachment
of the springs.
Absorbing satisfactorily larger and also the smaller road impacts with the help of
a single springing device.
15. Classify suspension system.
Front end suspension system- Independent front suspension
-Rigid axle front suspension
Rear end suspension-Longitudinal leaf spring rear suspension
Transverse leaf spring rear suspension
Coil spring rear end suspension
16. State the purposes of a master cylinder.
The required hydraulic pressure is built up to operate the system.

 It maintains a constant volume of fluid in the system.

To bleed or force air out of the brake line and wheel cylinder,a pump is used.
17. What are the advantages of grilling brakes?
They can easily be adjusted without jacking up the vehicle.
The driver effort can be minimized.
It uses a mechanical comparator.
It provides a self-centering effort.
18. State pascals law.
It states that the total pressure acting on the transmission system is equal to the sum of
pressures acting in all directions without any losses.
19. What are the purposes of shock absorbers?
To control the vibrations on springs
To provide comfortable ride
To act flexible and to be rigid enough.
To resist the unnecessary motion of the spring.
20. What is meant by torsion bar?
A torsion bar is a steel bar which is operated by both twisting and absorbing shear
stress only.

Unit-5
1. What are the alternative fuels available?
Natural gas, LPG, Biodiesel, Gasohol, hydrogen, electricity and fuel cells.
2. List down the properties of alternate fuels.
Energy density
Volatility
Octane number
Cetane number
Heat of vaporization
Flame speed
Flash point
Flammability
3. What is the composition of natural gas?
Natural is at least 88% with the balance being higher weight hydrocarbons.
4. What is meant by reformulated and oxygenated gasoline?
The petroleum industry is beginning to market gasoline formulations that emit less
hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and toxics than conventional
gasoline. These new gasoline is called as reformulated and oxygenated gasoline.
5. Write down the components of LPG equipment.
LPG fuel tank
Vaporizer
Fuel metering
6. How is biodiesel prepared?
The majority of biodiesel is made from soybean or canola oils,but it is also made from
waste stream sources such as used cooking oils or animal fats.
7. What is meant by transesterification?
Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils by converting the triglyceride oils to methyl(or
ethyl)esters with a process known as transesterification.
8. Define the process of electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a process in which the hydrogen and oxygen in water can be dissociated
by electric current.
9. What are the advantages and limitations of alcohols are engine fuel?
Advantages:
Low emissions of ozone-forming hydrocarbons and toxics.
It can be made from renewable sources.
It can be domestically produced.
Disadvantages:
Fuel cost is high
Vehicle range is less
10. What are the advantages of electricity as fuels in automobiles?
Advantages
Potential for zero vehicle emissions is possible
Power plant emissions control is easier.
It can recharge at night when power demand is low.
Disadvantages:
Current technology is limited
It has higher vehicle cost, lower range, and performance.
It has less convenient refueling
11. Mention the limitations of electric vehicles.
Less initial torque
More expensive
The performance is poor
Less variety of vehicles available in market.
12. What is a turbo alternator?
If a turbine engine is directly coupled to a generator, it is often called turbo
generator or turbo alternator.
13. What are the objectives of hybrid electric vehicles?
Maximise fuel economy
Minimise emissions
Minimise propulsion system cost to keep the vehicles affordable to the
consumer market.
Do all of the above while maintaining or improving on acceptable
performance.
14. List the various control strategies in hybrid system.

 Mechanical control
Electrical control
15. What is meant by fuel cell how it works?
A fuel cell produces electricity directly from the reaction between hydrogen (derived
from a hydrogen-containing fuel or produced from the electrolysis of water) and oxygen
16.Write down the parts of a fuel cell.
Membrane electrode assembly
Catalyst
Hardware
16. State the applications of hybrid vehicles.
Consumer applications
Bus applications
Heavy duty truck applications
17. What is meant by reversible fuel cell?
Some fuel cells can be run in reverse under certain conditions which produces hydrogen
via electrolysis.
18. List down the vehicles that use electricity as fuel.
GM EVI
Toyota RA V-4 Electric vehicle
19. Define volatility.
Volatility indicates a fuels ability to vaporize under different temperatures and pressures.
20. What are the disadvantages of electricity as fuels in automobiles?
Disadvantages:
Current technology is limited
It has higher vehicle cost, lower range, and performance.
It has less convenient refueling