History and Traditions
The Department of Engines, Automotive Engineering and Transport is the successor to the 1941 Department of Internal Combustion Engines and Transport Equipment established at the Higher Technical Institute in Sofia.
For more than 75 years the department has been training highly qualified personnel for the automotive industry and automotive transport.
Educational Activities
The faculty members of the department participate in the education of students from:
- The Faculty of Transport,
- The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
- The Faculty of German Engineering Education and Industrial Management,
- The Faculty of English Engineering Education,
- The Faculty of Computer Systems and Control.
The department conducts active research activities in the field of internal combustion engines, automobiles, tractors, carriages, as well as the management and organization of road transport. This activity contributes to the continuous improvement of the qualifications of the teaching staff.
Scientific research and laboratory base
The department carries out:
- traffic observations in Sofia and the region;
- modeling of human behavior in choosing a mode of transport according to economic conditions;
- measurements of external noise from various vehicles;
- testing of shock absorbers to evaluate the quality of different manufacturers;
- research on fuel mixtures, ride smoothness, controllability, and stability of the vehicle.
Laboratory exercises and scientific research are conducted using modern cars, engines, and components, employing modern measuring equipment:
- 3D stand for checking and adjusting wheel alignment angles;
- balancing optimization systems for car wheels;
- smoke meters and gas analyzers;
- shock absorber testing stand;
- control systems for gasoline and diesel fuel systems;
- system for determining the parameters of the combustion process and the dynamics of heat release;
- comprehensive road tests for "path-speed-acceleration", fuel economy and braking properties;
- dynamometer carts for traction and lateral drag.
Also studied are modern gas systems.
Student projects and achievements
On the territory of the department, cars are created for the competitions "Shell Eco Marathon" and "Formula Student".
The car with hydrogen cell, developed by the department team, occupies fourth place at the competition in London in 2016.
Implementation of graduates
Graduates of the department find professional employment in:
- the automotive administration of the Ministry of Transport;
- insurance companies;
- companies that are official importers of automobiles;
- firms for service and garage equipment;
- accredited testing laboratories;
- automotive racing clubs and carriers' associations;
- vocational training centers and related higher education institutions.
The Department of Engines, Automotive Engineering and Transport continues to be a leading center for training and scientific research in the field of automotive engineering, combining tradition, innovation and practical orientation.
