Topics

Vehicle Dynamics is the in depth study, critical evaluation and complex modelling of important systems of all the ground vehicles. It deals with all very important systems of any vehicle including but not limited to Suspension system design and ride comfort analysis, Steering system and handling performance, Braking design and performance, Tyre design and modelling, load transfer and acceleration performance. This module will be run in 12 weeks and students will go through formal assessment process and that is consisting of formal written examination, Matlab/Simulink based coursework assignment where they would to present complex and advanced dynamic and handling performance analysis of passenger vehicle in term of formal report. They will get a chance to go through latest research articles within Vehicle dynamics to critical evaluate and review those articles and present their review findings in term of formal report and assessed seminars. Following topics will be covered during 12 weeks delivery time of this module.
• Introduction of Vehicle Dynamics
• Tyre Basics and Tyre Modelling
• Traction and Acceleration Performance
• Braking Design and Performance
• Noise, Vibration and Harshness Analysis
• Suspension System Design and Ride Analysis
• Steering System, Handling performance and Load (weight) transfer
• Introduction to Multi-body Dynamics (MBD) and Multi-body Simulation (MBS).
• Introduction to Matlab/Simulink for Vehicle dynamics applications
• Matlab/Simulink – Tutorials and Exercises
• Introduction to Research Paper Study within Vehicle dynamics and performance

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, research seminar and guided independent learning opportunities.

• Gillespie, T. D., 1992. Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics. SAE.
• Blundell, M., 2014. The Multi-body Approach to Vehicle Dynamics. Elsevier.
• Wong, J. Y. 2001. Theory of Ground Vehicles. John Wiley & Sons.
• Jazar, R. N., 2007. Vehicle Dynamics, Theory & Applications. Springer.
• Pacejka, H. B., 2010. Tire and Vehicle Dynamics. Elsevier.
• Heisler, H. 2002. Advanced Vehicle Technology. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford.
• Dixon, J. C., 1991. Tires, Suspension and Handling. Cambridge University Press.
• Bastow. D., 2004. Car Suspension and Handling. SAE International.
• Pauwelussen, J.P., 2014. Essentials of Vehicle Dynamics. Butterworth-Heinemann.


The module tutor will direct the student to the latest academic research papers for each area of Vehicle dynamics study

Technical manuals for equipment used

MATLAB/Simulink Package, Finite element-based software (ABAQUS, ANSYS) capable of doing Tyre, Structural and Handling Analysis, CAD Package – CREO and Workshop and Testing facilities.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of complex Vehicle handling performance, Advanced suspension design and critical analysis, complex ride analysis and Braking performance, Traction performance and Tyre design and analysis process (AHEP 3: SM7M, EA6M, EA7M, G1)

2. Critically evaluate vehicle handling and tyre modelling problem using appropriate and latest techniques to achieve reliable results and compare with published data (AHEP 3:SM7M, EA6M, EA7M, G1)

3. Communicate the investigation process and analysis results in a manner commensurate with of a professional engineer (AHEP 3: SM7M, EA6M, EA7M, G1)

4. Critically review and evaluate the research articles within Vehicle dynamics area and write formal review report and present in formal assessed seminar (AHEP 3: SM7M, EA6M, EA7M, G1)

2hr Examination (50% covering learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3) Meeting AHEP Outcomes SM7M, EA6M

Two coursework components during the module (50% covering learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4) Meeting AHEP Outcomes SM7M, EA6M, EA7M, G1.

Practice formative class tests will be undertaken during the module and formative guidance and feedback will be provided in tutorial sessions within the class.