Historical and societal influences

Students Learn About:

historical development of various engineered products
the effects of engineered products on peoples’ lives and living standards
the environmental implications of the engineered product

Students Learn To:

recount the historical development of the engineered products
describe the effects of various engineered products on people’s lives
identify the social and environmental implications of engineered products

historical development of various engineered products

The development of the car is a highly detailed topic. It is also of particular interest to young people as they approach driving age. For these reasons we will have a brief look at some of the main engineering advances in the automobile over the last century since the development of the first car, built by Gotlieb Daimler.

Ford Model T (1908 - 1927)

This is the car that made the United States automotive industry. Prior to the Model T the motor car was a mode of transport for only the very rich. The T Model was the first car to be mass-produced using the production line method. It was simple and cheap. For the first time a car was within the price range of the general public. Model Ts were all painted black as that was the quickest paint to dry. Its simple motor was a 4 cylinder, 2.9 litre unit with a one piece block. The car was fitted with a two speed gearbox (plus reverse) operated by a pedal change; the brake pedal acted on the transmission. Its top speed was 64km/h.

Austin 7 (1922 - 1939)

This is Britain's Model T; an affordable small car that was the saviour of the Austin Motor Company. This small car originally had a 696cc engine but in 1924 this was upgraded to a 747cc, four-cylinder motor with a three speed gearbox and four wheel brakes. With a low price and four seats, it was a car for the masses and the first of the baby cars that spelt the end for cycle cars. Its top speed was 70-80km/h.

Volkswagen Beetle (1938 - 1980)

One of the most recognised cars ever, «The Beetle" was Adolf Hitler's dream of a people's car, which every family could own. Because of its high cost and the post- WWII inflation, this was impossible. It did, however, become an extremely popular car all over the world. A very reliable (but noisy) flat four, air cooled motor endowed the car with longevity and durability. Poor interior space for adults and a swing axle rear suspension were design faults, but it still became the most popular car ever sold.

Citroen DS19 (1955 - 1975)

This was one of the most revolutionary cars ever seen, when released in 1955. Even today it still has impressive credentials. The odd body shape was quite aerodynamic and the ride and handling were outstanding because of hydro-pneumatic suspension, and its pressurised braking system. Despite its excellent and innovative features, many were frightened off by the complexity. Its strange looks apparently turned some people off it; nevertheless, in France it was supremely popular.

BMC Mini (1959 - 2000)

The Mini Minor was one of the most influential car designs conceived this century. The British Motor Corporation (BMC) was on a winner with the Mini and had the motoring world at its feet. In nine years, however, BMC had collapsed, but the Mini survived until 2000; produced by other companies. The masterstroke by the Mini's designer, Alec Issigonis, was to turn the motor through 90° and place it across the car. He then placed the gearbox in the sump which produced a very compact gearbox/motor unit. He also used a relatively long wheelbase (distance between wheel centres) within a small overall length, which placed a wheel at each corner. With the motor mounted transversely, interior space was maximised in a small car that traditionally would have offered poor interior room.

BMC followed the Mini with the slightly larger, very successful, 1100 and the considerably larger 1800. Both of these cars proved the soundness of the transverse engine for larger cars. These three cars were also revolutionary in terms of suspension, using the Hydrolastic system that provided ride and handling superior to many larger and more expensive cars.

Range Rover (1970 - 1996)

Some may consider this a questionable inclusion. But the Range Rover was the first off-road vehicle to be designed with the luxury on road user in mind. When released in 1971 it featured full coil spring suspension and constant four wheel drive, these and other features allowed it to become popular with users who cared little for off-road ability.. It would take competitors around almost 20 years to match this. Nowadays the trend started by the Range Rover sees road vehicles with either four wheel drive or two wheel drive mirroring the style of the off road four wheel drive wagon.

the effects of engineered products on peoples’ lives and living standards

The car was first resisted by society; many saw no advantage over the horse and cart.
Early cars were slow, noisy and expensive.
Model T Ford, 1908 introduces the production line method of manufacture this makes cars cheap and available to many. In UK the Austin 7 had a similar effect, from 1922
Development of four-wheel brakes on in the mid to late 1920s starts to make the car a much safer travel option.
Cheap cars after WWII get people on the road. For vast countries like the USA and Australia the car becomes an important link to rural areas.
1959 saw the arrival of the Mini - large impact on car design - plenty of room in a small cheap car and its diminutive utilitarian style suited swinging sixties image.
Improvements in handling and braking continue to occur. Innovative suspension systems and disc brakes improved dynamic safety.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s safety became a big issue - makers advertise car safety, e.g. Volvo rested all its marketing on this point. In 1970 the
Victorian state government became the first government to regulate seatbelts as law for front passengers. By 1972 all cars sold in Australia must have seatbelts in the front and the rear.
By the 1970s the car became a status symbol so big cars were seen as better but the energy crisis during the 1970s saw a resurgence in small cars.
During the 1980s and 1990s there is a progressive increase in the integration of computer systems into cars. This improved reliability, efficiency, emissions and safety.
Pollution concerns - In the first decade of the 21st century car makers introduce more efficient petrol and diesel engines to address pollution and sustainability targets. Hydrid cars have been tested but have been slow gaining any market place traction.
Finally, the car has many negative impacts - pollution, injury and death - often seen as necessary evil. However it has also been a liberator and a massive part of modern culture.
A car is usually the most complex piece of engineering the average person will ever own.

the environmental implications of the engineered product

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