Automotive Design and Aerodynamics Internship Program
in MECHANICALAbout this course
Automotive Design & Aerodynamics Internship Program: 6-Week Structured Learning and Experience
Introduction
Automotive Design and Aerodynamics are central to creating efficient, aesthetic, and high-performance vehicles. This internship offers a hands-on journey through key aspects such as body styling, drag coefficient, airflow analysis, ergonomic layouts, and aerodynamic simulation. Participants will sketch concept vehicles, analyze airflow, use simulation tools, and explore sustainable design practices.
This program is ideal for aspiring automotive designers, mechanical engineers, and vehicle enthusiasts eager to explore design innovation and aerodynamic efficiency in automotive engineering.
Program Highlights
Week 1: Foundations of Automotive Design
· Introduction to Automotive Design
• Task: Research and write a report on the evolution and importance of automotive design.
• Outcome: A 500-word report covering historical trends, design milestones, and industry impact.
· Fundamentals of Vehicle Aerodynamics
• Task: Create a presentation on drag, lift, downforce, and airflow principles.
• Outcome: A 5-slide presentation with diagrams and basic aerodynamic explanations.
· Key Components of Vehicle Body Design
• Task: Identify and describe major components of a vehicle body.
• Outcome: Illustrated report with labeled diagrams and functional descriptions.
Week 2: Understanding Vehicle Form and Flow
· Understanding Drag Coefficient
• Task: Write an explanatory note on drag coefficient and fuel efficiency.
• Outcome: A 300-word explanation with real-vehicle examples and values.
· Sketching Automotive Concepts
• Task: Create 3 concept sketches (side view) of car designs.
• Outcome: 3 hand-drawn or digital sketches with brief design rationale.
· Study of Vehicle Proportions
• Task: Analyze car proportions across SUV, sedan, and hatchback.
• Outcome: Comparison chart with dimension ratios and design interpretation.
Week 3: Materials and Testing
· Materials Used in Automotive Body Design
• Task: Research and compare materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, and steel.
• Outcome: A 500-word report on material properties and aerodynamic relevance.
· Basics of Wind Tunnel Testing
• Task: Create a poster/infographic explaining wind tunnel operation.
• Outcome: Visual infographic showing testing setup and airflow analysis.
· Role of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Task: Write an introductory report on CFD in design.
• Outcome: 400-word report with CFD visuals (images or references).
Week 4: Aerodynamic Design Applications
· Aerodynamic Elements in Car Design
• Task: Describe aerodynamic add-ons (spoilers, diffusers, air dams, etc.).
• Outcome: Poster or presentation with labeled visuals and functional summaries.
· Aerodynamic Design Case Study
• Task: Analyze the aerodynamic design of a real-world car.
• Outcome: 600-word case study with images and aerodynamic breakdown.
· Introduction to Automotive CAD Software
• Task: Explore one automotive design software and create a walkthrough.
• Outcome: 5-page illustrated guide or screencast demonstrating features.
Week 5: Ergonomics, Sustainability & Simulation
· Design a Concept Car (Initial Sketch)
• Task: Create a detailed sketch of an original concept vehicle.
• Outcome: One labeled sketch with aerodynamic notes and design philosophy.
· Study of Underbody Aerodynamics
• Task: Research and report on underbody airflow strategies.
• Outcome: 400-word report with example diagrams.
· Sustainability in Automotive Design
• Task: Report on green materials and sustainable design practices.
• Outcome: A 500-word report covering environmental impacts and trends.
· Ergonomics in Vehicle Design
• Task: Examine driver/passenger ergonomics and interior layouts.
• Outcome: 2-page document with layout diagrams and comfort analysis.
Week 6: Advanced Analysis and Final Concept
· Simulation of Airflow Using Online Tools
• Task: Use a basic online CFD tool to analyze airflow over a car model.
• Outcome: Simulation screenshots with a 250-word analysis of airflow behavior.
· Design Evaluation: Sports Car vs. SUV
• Task: Compare aerodynamic design between a sports car and an SUV.
• Outcome: Comparison table + 300-word summary with technical and visual analysis.
· Collaborative Design Review
• Task: Simulate team-based design feedback through peer review.
• Outcome: Peer feedback form + 1-page reflection on revisions or takeaways.
· Final Project: Complete Concept Vehicle
• Task: Design a 3-view concept car (front, side, top) with aerodynamic rationale.
• Outcome: Portfolio submission with labeled views and 500-word design explanation.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of this internship, participants will:
· Understand core principles of vehicle design and aerodynamics.
· Create original automotive sketches with proportion and function in mind.
· Analyze airflow through both theoretical and simulation-based tools.
· Explore material selection and sustainable practices in modern vehicle design.
· Utilize basic CAD tools for design layout and visualization.
· Present a complete conceptual vehicle design integrating aerodynamic strategies.
Requirements
Laptop
Internet Connection
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To understand the evolution and significance of automotive design and how it influences both aesthetics and functionality in the automobile industry.
To gain a foundational understanding of the aerodynamic principles applied to automotive design and how they influence performance, stability, and fuel efficiency.
To identify and understand the major components of a vehicle’s external body and their contribution to design, safety, and aerodynamics.
To explore the concept of drag coefficient and how it is used to assess and improve the aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles.
To develop creativity and visual communication skills by producing concept sketches that demonstrate basic form, proportion, and inspiration in vehicle design.
To understand how different vehicle categories (SUV, sedan, hatchback) vary in size and design proportions and how these proportions affect aesthetics, functionality, and aerodynamics.
To explore various materials used in car body manufacturing and compare their strength, weight, cost, and aerodynamic implications.
To visualize and understand how wind tunnel testing is used to study vehicle aerodynamics and improve design features.
To introduce students to the concept of CFD and its importance in modern aerodynamic analysis of vehicles.
To explore and understand the function and design of aerodynamic components that enhance vehicle performance.
To examine and understand real-world aerodynamic strategies used by modern vehicle manufacturers to improve performance and efficiency.
To explore and become familiar with a professional-grade automotive CAD tool used for vehicle modeling and design.
To encourage creative thinking and apply aerodynamic principles in designing an original car concept.
To understand the critical role of underbody design in reducing drag and improving vehicle stability.
To explore environmentally responsible design practices and innovations in the automotive industry.
To understand how ergonomics impacts the design of vehicle interiors, focusing on user comfort, control placement, and spatial layout.
To visualize and interpret airflow patterns around a car model using a basic CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulator.
To develop comparative analysis skills by evaluating aerodynamic trade-offs between two distinct vehicle types.
To simulate a real-world collaborative design process by providing and receiving constructive feedback on design work.
To integrate all learning into a cohesive final design of an original concept vehicle with attention to aerodynamics and aesthetics.
