Automotive Electrical system Q&A Unit - 2

STARTING SYSTEM

2 Marks
1. Define Electric Current
The flow of free electron or the charges, in the conductor is called as electric current. The unit of
electric current is ampere (A) and is denoted by the letter (I). One ampere of current is said to
flow at 628 x 106 electrons in one second.
2. Define electric voltage.
The force which tends to move free electrons in a conductor or circuit from one place to
another place is called voltage (or) electromotive force (or) potential differential. The unit of
voltage is volt (V).
3. Define electric resistance.
The property of material to oppose the flow of electric current is called resistance. The unit of
resistance is ohms (Ω).
4. State ohm’s law.
At constant temperature, the current flows through a conductor are directly proportional to the
applied voltage (V) across the conductor.
5. Define electromagnetism.

By nature some materials possess the property of attracting iron materials. This property is
called magnetism. If this is done by means of electric current, it is called Electro magnetism.
6. Define Magnetic field.

The region around a magnet or the space around a current carrying conductor occupied by the
imaginary lines of forces, it is called magnetic field.
7. Define magnetic flux.
The total number of lines existing in a magnetic field is called magnetic flux. The unit is weber
(web) and it is represented by φ (phi) 1ωb = 108 lines.
8. Define magnetic flux density.
The density of flux is the magnetic flux per unit area taken perpendicular to the direction of the
magnetic flux.
9. What is starting motor?
The internal combustion engine is not capable of self starting. The automotive engines are
cranked by means of a powerful electric motor. This motor is known as cranking / starting
motor.

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Automotive Electrical system Q&A Unit - 2

10. Define the principle of motor.

When a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, which experiences a force
tending to move it.
11. What is the need for the starter motor?
 It is an electric motor which can deliver high horse power for a short duration.
 Its main purpose is to rotate crankshaft in order to start the engine.
12. What are the functions of the solenoid switch?
A solenoid switch performs two functions in the cranking circuit. It closes the circuit between
the battery and the motor, and in addition the solenoid plunger shifts the motor drive
mechanism into mesh with the ring gear.
13. What is the advantage of the self starter?
We can start the small and stationary engines by moving them with handle but in order to start
a heavy engine, more energy is needed. With a self – starter this can be easily achieved.
14. Name the main parts of the starter motor.
a. Armature, b. Pole shoe, c. field coil, d. Brush,
e. Bendix pinion, f. Return spring and g. Compression spring
15. List the various starter motor drive mechanisms.
 Bendix drive mechanism
 Folo-thru drive mechanism
 Over running clutch drive mechanism
 Barrel type drive
 Friction clutch type drive
 Dyer drive
 Axial or sliding armature
16. What are the types of field coils used in starting motor?
 Series
 Shunt and
 Compound

14 Marks
1. Mention the purpose and need for the self starter with aid of a starting circuit
2. Explain the construction and working principle of a starter motor with a neat sketch.
3. Explain the construction and working principle of solenoid switch.
4. Explain Bendix drive mechanism with a neat sketch.
5. Explain axial drive mechanism with a neat sketch.
6. Explain over running clutch drive mechanism with a neat sketch.
7. Explain Folo-thru drive mechanism with a neat sketch.

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