From Lithium Batteries to Integrated Systems, New and Redesigned Courses Energize Automotive Engineering Education at U-M
In an era where the automotive industry is accelerating the development of advanced software, electrification, autonomous vehicles, and sustainability, the University of Michigan’s Mechanical Engineering Department is driving automotive engineering education innovation.
From lithium battery wizardry to integrated system mastery and dynamic vehicle advancements, the engineers of tomorrow are learning how to apply first principles to better redefine the roads ahead. First principles is a critical thinking technique that involves starting with fundamental truths and reasoning up to develop new solutions. In the automotive industry, first principles thinking are applied to design, production, and innovation.
“This blending of applying first principles is critical to the success of the automotive industry,” said Art Hyde, Honorific Director of Auto Program, Clinical Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering.
Responding to Industry Demands
Hyde notes there are three major industry challenges: 1. Electric Vehicles (EVs), 2. software-defined vehicles and 3. advanced driver assist systems. For EVs, it’s critical to improve cost, mileage range, thermal management, how to keep them cool, and recyclability. For software-defined vehicles, the goal is to learn how to seamlessly coordinate software and hardware verification and validation processes. For advanced driver assist systems, the key is to learn how to properly use sensors and cameras to help drivers operate a vehicle safely.
“We don’t need new principles or concepts,” Hyde said. “We need to apply the ones we have and improve the range of EVs and thermal management.”
In response to automotive industry challenges, Hyde has introduced a new course and reengineered two others.
MECHENG 599 Lithium Battery Engineering and Life Management is new and dives deep into the life and engineering of lithium batteries, the powerhouse of the electrified future. Students learn about battery design, lifecycle management, and sustainability, crafting the backbone of efficient electric vehicles. This isn’t just theory — it’s the igniting force of an industry pivoting toward a greener future.
Revamping AUTO 501 and ISD 541
AUTO 501: Integrated Vehicle Systems Design has been reengineered. Now, senior leaders from the automotive industry frequently visit the class, sharing their insights and expectations. Students gain a holistic perspective on how emerging technologies can be seamlessly integrated into vehicles. These real-world experiences dovetail with advanced class projects, making automotive engineering not only about design but also about designing for impact.
AUTO 541 Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics has also been reengineered. It joins the new wave with enhanced usage of CarSim, an industry-leading software that places students behind a virtual steering wheel. By fusing principles of physics with actual vehicle behavior, this revamped course focuses on practical improvements: What needs to change to boost performance? With a synthetic approach to dynamics, students are set to overhaul traditional paradigms.
“These classes, all taken together, are probably the strongest in the country,” Hyde said.
Powerhouse Partnership
Hyde is forging a strategic partnership with the University of Michigan Electrical Vehicle Center. This collaboration amplifies resources, providing students with unparalleled access to cutting-edge research and industry trends in electric mobility.
