Engine System & Performance Course | IIT Guwahati NPTEL | Prof. Pranab K. Mondal
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 315 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Heart of Machinery: A Deep Dive into Engine System and Performance
For engineers and automotive enthusiasts, the internal combustion engine represents a pinnacle of mechanical ingenuity. Understanding its intricate systems and optimizing its performance is crucial for innovation in automotive, power generation, and propulsion industries. A new, comprehensive course from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, available through NPTEL, offers a structured pathway to this expertise.
Taught by Prof. Pranab K. Mondal, an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, this 12-week program is designed to transform your theoretical knowledge into practical, analytical skills for engine design and evaluation.
About the Instructor: Prof. Pranab K. Mondal
Prof. Mondal brings a wealth of academic and research excellence to this course. With a Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur and extensive teaching experience at IIT Guwahati, he has instructed core subjects like Fluid Mechanics, Applied Thermodynamics, and Experimental Methods. His principal research in Microfluidics, covering multiphase transport and electrokinetics, informs a detailed and precise teaching methodology. As a prolific author with over 140 publications, his insights bridge fundamental theory and cutting-edge application.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for a wide audience seeking to solidify or expand their knowledge of engine technology:
- Students: Undergraduate students (5th semester onwards) and postgraduate students specializing in Mechanical, Automobile, Thermal, Chemical, or Electrical/Power Engineering.
- Industry Professionals: Personnel in automobile manufacturing, power plants, and allied industries.
- Academics: Faculty members looking to enhance their curriculum or knowledge base.
Course Prerequisites & Industry Support
To get the most from this course, a foundational understanding of IC Engines, Thermodynamics, and Digital Circuits is recommended. NPTEL provides excellent prerequisite courses, linked in the course description.
The curriculum is developed with strong industry relevance, receiving support from major sectors like Power Plants and Automobile Industries, ensuring the skills you learn are directly applicable in the professional world.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is structured to build knowledge progressively, from fundamental concepts to advanced performance analysis.
| Week | Focus Area | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-3 | Engine System Fundamentals | Engine classification, nomenclature, basic cycles, component design & materials, and introduction to hybrid engine technology. |
| Weeks 4-7 | Energy Transfer & Modern Management | Energy transfer mechanisms, in-depth study of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), sensors, actuators, electronic ignition, and fuel-injection systems. |
| Weeks 8-12 | Engine Performance & Analysis | Performance parameters & measurement, SI/CI engine performance curves, superchargers & turbochargers, engine heat balance, speed control (governors), and recent pollution-control technologies. |
What You Will Learn: Core Competencies
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and describe the function of all critical components in an internal combustion engine system.
- Understand the working principles of modern hybrid engine arrangements.
- Analyze the role and operation of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and its subsystems.
- Define, measure, and calculate key engine performance parameters like power, torque, efficiency, and fuel consumption.
- Interpret engine performance maps and characteristics for both Spark Ignition (SI) and Compression Ignition (CI) engines.
- Evaluate technologies like turbochargers and superchargers for performance enhancement.
- Conduct basic engine heat balance analyses and understand modern speed control mechanisms.
Essential Reference Books
The course content is supported by seminal texts in the field, including:
- Heywood J. B., "Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals"
- Ferguson & Kirkpatrick, "Internal Combustion Engines"
- Stone, Richard, "Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines"
- Heisler H., "Advanced Engine Technology"
Conclusion: Your Pathway to Engine Expertise
The "Engine System and Performance" course is more than just an academic module; it's a comprehensive toolkit for anyone serious about automotive or power systems engineering. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Pranab K. Mondal from IIT Guwahati, you will gain the analytical prowess and systematic understanding needed to tackle real-world challenges in engine design, optimization, and performance evaluation. Whether you're a student building your career or a professional aiming to upskill, this 12-week journey will provide the depth and clarity required to excel in the dynamic field of engine technology.
Enroll today and start engineering the future of propulsion.
Enroll Now →