The Fundamentals of Automotive All-Wheel Drive System PD730556

Topics: Powertrain & Propulsion

This eLearning course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and evolution of passenger car and light truck 4x4/all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including the nomenclature utilized to describe these systems. It covers basic power transfer unit and transfer case design parameters, component application to system function, the future of AWD systems, and emerging technologies that may enable future systems.

Based on the popular classroom course, this eight-module course includes the instructor's insights and industry experience, including answers to participant questions. To engage the learner and ensure that the objectives are met, interactions, knowledge checks, and summaries have been added. A downloadable course handbook is also included.

The course has been approved by the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) for 6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Upon completion of this course, accredited reconstructionists should mail a copy of their course certificate of achievement and the $5 participant CEU fee to ACTAR, PO Box 1493, North Platte, NE 69103.

Objectives

By participating in this eLearning course, you'll be able to:

  • Identify front wheel drive and rear wheel drive vehicle architectures
  • Identify part time, full time, and eLearning all-wheel drive systems
  • Explain the benefits of all-wheel drive over two-wheel drive
  • Quantify all-wheel drive traction and mobility benefits
  • Describe auxiliary axle disconnect systems
  • Explain basic vehicle dynamics performance and the effect of AWD on performance
  • Identify couplers vs. biasing devices and their basic function
  • Describe the differences between mechanical and electrical implementation in AWD systems
  • Describe basic control strategies and logic
  • Discuss advanced propulsion concepts and systems

Materials Provided

  • 90 days of online single-user access (from date of purchase) to the six hour presentation
  • Eight video modules (see Topics/Outline tab)
  • Integrated knowledge checks to reinforce key concepts
  • Course handbook (downloadable, .pdf's)
  • Online learning assessment (a passing score of 70% or higher is required))
  • Follow-up to your content questions
  • 0.6 CEUs*/Certificate of Achievement (upon completion of all course content and a score of 70% or higher on the learning assessment)

*SAE International is authorized by IACET to offer CEUs for this course.

Is this On Demand Course for You?

This course is designed for engineers (working with passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs) who need to master AWD componentry, and the function and effect of those components. Engineers new to the 4WD/AWD field, as well as managers, marketing personnel, purchasing professionals and others interested in all-wheel drive fundamentals will benefit from this seminar.

This course is the equivalent to Fundamentals of Automotive All-Wheel Drive Systems seminar and satisfies a requirement in the Transmission/Drivetrain Certificate Program. It is an excellent follow-up to the A Familiarization of Drivetrain Components seminar or on-demand course (which is designed for those who have limited experience with the total drivetrain).

Have colleagues who need this course? See Special Offers to the right.

Click on the Requirements tab to make sure you are properly equipped to interact with this course.

For More Details

Email CustomerService@sae.org, or call 1-877-606-7323 (U.S. and Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside US and Canada).

  • Windows or macOS
  • Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari (Other OSs and browsers including mobile devices are not supported by may work)
  • Broadband-3Mbps minimum

Joe Palazzolo
Joe Palazzolo

Joe Palazzolo is Director of Business Development and Electrified Product Strategy at Dana Incorporated’s Light Vehicle Drive System business where he is responsible for managing business development for electrified systems and guiding the strategy for electrified products. Previously, Joe was at GKN Automotive where he held roles of increasing responsibility, including chief engineer for geared products. Prior to that, he was a development engineer and technical fellow at other automotive suppliers.

Mr. Palazzolo holds more than a dozen patents and is an award-winning author of two books, High-Performance Differentials, Axles & Drivelines and How to Rebuild the Ford 8.8 and 9-inch Axles. He also wrote three chapters in the Automotive Engineering Encyclopedia. He maintains the ASE certified Master Technician and Undercar Specialist certifications, has chaired the SAE All-Wheel Drive Standards Committee, and has been an active SAE member since 1990. Mr. Palazzolo was a recipient of the SAE Forest R. McFarland Award for distinction in professional development and education in 2007. In 2010, he achieved the SAE Master Instructor designation and continues to maintain this in his three seminars, which he has been teaching globally since 1999. In 2013, he reached the SAE Fellow membership grade which recognizes his technical and professional accomplishments to the industry.

He has designed, built, campaigned, and supported various race cars and teams for both professional and amateur racing organizations. His scope of work has been inclusive of the entire vehicle but also focused on competitive, high-performance drivetrain systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cleveland State University and a master’s degree in Automotive Engineering from Lawrence Technological University. He has received numerous patents for his work and creativity in advancing mobility systems.


Access Period: 90 Days      CEUs: 0.6

Duration: 6 Hours
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