Base Knowledge
Knowledge of Physics and Mathematics.
Teaching Methodologies
Theoretical classes provide a theoretical presentation of each topic.
Theoretical-practical classes complement the theoretical presentation and analyze best practices in safety, inspection, and damage assessment in the automotive sector.
Learning Results
» Knowledge of basic procedures for preventing workplace accidents in automotive repair services;
» Knowledge of the operation, diagnostic techniques, and repair techniques of active and passive safety systems in motor vehicles;
» Ability to perform technical inspections of vehicle condition;
» Ability to formulate kinematic conditions for the behavior of braking, suspension, and steering systems;
» Ability to perform an expert assessment based on the scientific reconstruction of an accident.
Program
MODULE 1 – Safety (18h)
Safety in automotive repair services: Risk assessment and prevention of workplace accidents; Firefighting methods and techniques. Operation, diagnosis, and repair techniques for active safety systems: Brake systems; Suspensions; Steering systems; Other active safety systems. Operation, diagnosis, and repair techniques for passive safety systems:
Chassis and body systems, retractable systems, seat belts; Airbags; Other passive safety systems. Operational analysis of passive safety systems: Active braking systems (ABS/EBS); Active stability systems (ESP/DSC); Traction control systems (ASR/TCS).
MODULE 2 – Mandatory Inspections (12h)
Legislation: Obtaining an inspector’s license; Access to inspection activities; Regulations (Technical Requirements for Category A and B centers); Inspection Deficiency Classification (Periodic/New Registrations/Extraordinary). Equipment: Function and operating principles of vehicle inspection equipment; Technical characteristics. Inspection Methods and Procedures: Types of deficiencies; Degrees of deficiencies; Inspection procedures for periodic inspections; Assignment of new and extraordinary registrations; Inspection methods and procedures.
MODULE 3 – Accident Investigation and Reconstruction (12h)
Claims: Definition of accidents and losses. Collision typologies; Insurance and auto accident management. Types of bodies; Tires; Accident evolution theory. Investigation: Role and profile of the investigator; Work tools; Behavioral techniques and code of conduct; Computer tools. Claim types: Bodily injury; Run-overs; Chain-saw collisions; Fraud. Road accident reconstruction: Vehicle mechanical factors; Safety systems; Road typology; Environmental factors; Costs; Accident scene investigation: Trace analysis; Brake track analysis and measurement methods; Sketching; Data classification and typologies; Testimony collection; Impact calculation and simulation software. Report preparation: Material damage; Agreement minutes; Data search and cross-referencing.
Curricular Unit Teachers
António Santos SimõesInternship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
a) Bibliografy:
» Gillespie, T. (2021). Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics. Revised Edition. ISBN: 978-1468601763;
» Martinez, H. (2002). Manual del Automóvil: Reparación y Mantenimiento. V Books, Madrid Espanha. ISBN: 978-8480552653;
» Bosch, R. (2022). Automotive Handbook 11th ed., Wiley. ISBN: 978-1-119-91191-3;
» Bosch, R. (2003). Conventional and Electronic Braking Systems. ISBN: 9780837604725;
» Bosch, R. (2005). Driving Stability systems. Bentley Publishers. ISBN: 9780837613512;
» Möller, D., Haas. R. (2019). Guide to Automotive Connectivity and Cybersecurity 1st ed., Springer. ISBN: 9783319735115;
» Strubel, D., Struggle, J. (2013). Automotive Accident Reconstuction 2nd ed. ISBN: 9780429074196;
» Heinz, B., Moser. A. (2014). Handbook of Acident Reconstruction. ISBN: 9781492328421.
b) Teaching resources used:
Slides prepared by teachers.
Double scissor lift; Electronic regloscope; Steering geometry machine; Gas analyzer; RPM sensor; Tire pressure gauge; Opacimeter; Photometric meter; Inclinometer; Electronic monitoring system.