Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering
Engines, transmissions, electric and hybrid drivetrains, braking, and suspension compared as energy-conversion systems.
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Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering
September 8, 2026
Lab
Robot reducers: planetary, strain-wave and cycloidal mechanisms
Compare three mechanisms and connect speed, torque and inertia with selection criteria beyond backlash.
Fundamentals · 5 min Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering September 4, 2026Braking Systems Primer — Disc, Drum, Regeneration, and Brake-by-Wire
Braking is the job of turning kinetic energy into heat or electricity to stop a car. This article covers disc and drum friction and heat dissipation, hydraulic circuits and ABS/ESC, regenerative blending in EVs and HVs, and the state of brake-by-wire, with math and diagrams.
Fundamentals · 7 min Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering September 4, 2026EV Powertrains — Motor, Inverter, and Reduction Gear
An EV converts battery DC into three-phase motor power, then sends electromagnetic torque through a reducer and differential to the wheels. This guide compares PMSM and induction motors, regeneration, thermal design, and current integrated platforms.
Fundamentals · 4 min Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering September 4, 2026Hybrid Systems — Power Split, Regeneration, and Control
A hybrid coordinates an engine and electric motor through series, parallel, or power-split paths. Using Toyota THS planetary gearing as an example, this guide explains SOC management, regeneration, thermal limits, and control with equations and diagrams.
Fundamentals · 4 min Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering September 4, 2026Suspension Primer — From Springs and Dampers to Geometry and Active Control
Suspension is the mechanism that uses springs and dampers to balance ride comfort with handling stability. This article covers the quarter-car model's basic equations, geometry differences among MacPherson strut, double wishbone, and multi-link designs, active/adaptive damping such as MagneRide and Porsche Active Ride, and the relationship to weight transfer under braking, with math and diagrams.
Fundamentals · 9 min Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering September 4, 2026Transmissions — Comparing MT, AT, CVT, and DCT
A transmission matches engine or motor speed and torque to the wheels. This guide compares MT, torque-converter AT, CVT, and DCT mechanisms, losses, shift quality, and control, then explains why EVs often use a single reduction gear.
Fundamentals · 4 min
Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering
September 3, 2026
Diesel Engines — Compression Ignition, Torque, and Aftertreatment
Diesel-cycle thermodynamics, common-rail injection, torque and fuel consumption, DPF/SCR aftertreatment, current equipment examples, electrification, and safety.
Fundamentals · 3 min Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering September 3, 2026Gas Turbines — Brayton Cycle and Combined-Cycle Power
A gas turbine compresses air, burns fuel continuously, and expands the hot gas through turbine stages. This guide covers the Brayton cycle, aircraft and power-generation variants, GTCC, and hydrogen pathways with equations and diagrams.
Fundamentals · 4 min
Powertrain & Mechanical Engineering
September 3, 2026
Gasoline Engines — Spark Ignition, Efficiency, and Electrification
A practical introduction to four-stroke gasoline engines: Otto-cycle thermodynamics, torque and fuel economy, emissions control, current products, and electrification.
Fundamentals · 3 min