This module covers the fundamental concepts and principles of vehicle dynamics including traction and braking, tyre design and modelling, suspension and ride analysis, load transfer and handling.

The effect that design choices have on the handling of the vehicle is also considered. The key performance indicators for vehicle dynamics and stability are discussed and evaluated.

The following topics will be covered in this module:

• Introduction to Vehicle Dynamics
• Tyre Design Basics
• Tyre Modelling and Analysis
• Traction and Acceleration Performance
• Braking Performance and Analysis
• Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
• Suspension and Ride Analysis
• Steering, Handling and Load Transfer
• Introduction to multi-body dynamics
• Vehicle dynamics modelling using MATLAB/Simulink

A 2000 words report based on MATLAB/Simulink based dynamics simulations, weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: C2, C3, C4



A 2-hour online examination (computer-based) weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes of 1 and 3. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: C1, C3



Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 40% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 30% unless otherwise stated.

This module will enable students to gain deep understanding, advanced knowledge, critical, analytical and evaluation skills for problems solving and create solutions through a variety of activities, including formal lectures, laboratories-based activities, tutorials and software-based sessions and guided independent learning opportunities.

1. Understand the parameters that can influence and affect the vehicle dynamics and handling. (AHEP 4: C1, C2)

Learning,
Knowledge and Understanding¿



2. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate vehicle handling, isolation and tyre modelling problem using appropriate techniques to achieve reliable results and compare with published or reliable source data. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C3)

Analysis¿
Problem Solving

¿

3. Communicate the knowledge and understanding of various vehicle dynamics systems including braking, suspension, handling, ride, traction and tyre, and Noise Vibration and Harshness within an automotive field. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C3)

Analysis¿
Problem Solving
Communication
Application¿



4. Critically analyse the vehicle dynamics system and share the findings through formal reports. (AHEP 4: C2, C3)

Analysis
Application¿¿

Arenas, J. P. and Crocker, J. (2021). Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control. 5th Ed. Wiley.



Balkwill, J., (2018). Performance Vehicle Dynamics, Engineering and Applications. Butterworth-Heinemann.



Barton, D. C. and Fieldhourse, J. D., (2018). Automotive Chassis Engineering. Springer.



Bastow, D., (2004). Car Suspension and Handling. SAE International.



Crolla, D. A., (2009). Automotive Engineering – Powertrain, Chassis system and Vehicle Body. Elsevier.



Dixon, J. C., (1991). Tires, Suspension and Handling. Cambridge University Press.



Gillespie, T. D., (1992). Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics. SAE.


Jazar, R. N., (2015). Vehicle Dynamics, Theory & Applications. Springer.



Wong, J. Y., (2022). Theory of Ground Vehicles. John Wiley & Sons.



Zuijdijk, J., (2013) Vehicle Dynamics and Damping, Author House ISBN 147724736X

Blackboard VLE
Library facilities

MATLAB/Simulink Package

Finite element-based software (ABAQUS, ANSYS) capable of doing Tyre, Structural and Handling Analysis, Workshop and Testing facilities.
Standard office software

This module provides detailed study of the Vehicle Dynamics and Its Handling process; and how this study can be used to solve real-life problems in Automotive sector. Design and analysis case studies and design problems will be considered, and the applications of different systems implementation technologies will be discussed. Software based modelling and simulation techniques to create complex vehicle dynamics systems will be studied. Industry standard software will be used for detailed analysis and complex modelling and simulations during this module.¿