Hi everyone and welcome to my second blog post!
This semester’s inquiry question is “why/how have cars evolved over time?” To further investigate this subject, I plan to look into three subcategory questions. What materials are used in the manufacture of modern automobiles? What materials were used in the production of vintage cars? Then compare the two and identify the differences. This will help me understand why cars’ interiors and exteriors have evolved, and it may have a connection to why the design has changed. My final sub-question, which connects everything, is “What is the history of automotive engineering?” Here i am trying to find out the engines, chassis in a car, and all the interior machinery and how it has developed.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/automotive-industry
https://opentextbooks.clemson.edu/sts1010fidlerfall2021/chapter/the-evolution-of-automobiles/
This should help others comprehend why automobiles have evolved and made it easier for people to get around. Also, to determine whether autos are now more environmentally sustainable or even more harmful to the environment. With having this knowledge other can think a little before buying any new car.
Hi Dara, this project sounds super interesting!
It’s really interesting and beneficial to acknowledge and compare the changes made in society as it evolves and this could help give you background information on so many things. I agree that there can be a debate of sustainability versus harmfulness of cars, so one thing I’d suggest is for you to contact an expert, someone you may know that has a good experience with cars. This could be one of your relatives, or a teacher or even someone you don’t know that well. Getting advice from this expert will help you learn so many things that you wouldn’t be able to learn through just a book.
Other than that here are some links that could help you:
https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/automobiles
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/historyofcars.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riLPAD2vMXE&t=3s
Best of luck! -Laura
Hey Dara! thank you so much for sharing your process, I especially love how you create presumptions and theories using your own knowledge of cars into creating the steps for your research!
I truly would have never thought of approaching the materials side of things as a guide for the evolution of cars however that is genius! From my very limited knowledge of cars, I understand that one of the most coveted materials for car exteriors and interiors is carbon fibre! I myself love the way it looks but there seems to be a huge technical value to the material as well. Maybe looking into both the technicality of materials as well as their aesthetic could be one of your comparisons when you are doing your research? Especially since you mention the evolution of a cars design, this direction may help you find a trend in the new culture of cars.
Here are some sources that delve deep into carbon fibre and the culture around it:
https://www.continentalautosports.com/ferrari-information/carbon-fiber-cars/#:~:text=Carbon%20fiber%20is%20a%20stronger,of%20racing%20at%20high%20speeds.
https://knaufautomotive.com/carbon-fiber-kevlar-graphene-modern-materials-used-in-the-automotive-industry/
(also introduces other popular materials used in cars currently)
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-12691062
(this one is especially interesting as it shows the evolution of carbon fibre and its usages throughout the automotive industry)
Hope they help!
Sanam M.