The Vehicle Dynamics and NVH module provides students with an in-depth understanding, enabling critical evaluation and complex modelling of important systems related to all 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. Students will use appropriate software to model and investigate complex and advanced dynamics and handling performance analysis of a vehicle. They will get a chance to read and analyse current research papers and journal articles within vehicle dynamics and automotive acoustics to develop critical analysis, evaluation and enable them to and present their findings.

The following topics give an indication of the content 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 review within Vehicle dynamics and performance

A 3000-word individual report weighted at 50%, assessing learning outcomes 2, 3, and 4. Report to include a technical literature review, and Vehicle Dynamics modelling and simulations. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M2, M3, M4

A 2-hour examination weighted at 50%, assessing learning outcome 1. Meeting AHEP4 Outcomes: M1, M2

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 40% 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, research seminar/guidance session and guided independent learning opportunities.

Students will also be supported through Blackboard VLE and use of university library.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of complex Vehicle Dynamics and NVH processes, considering range of areas around ride, handling, performance, tyres and traction, braking, NVH and vibration, and suspension design and analysis. (AHEP 4: M1, M2)

Analysis,

Learning,

Knowledge and Understanding,
Application

2. Critically evaluate vehicle dynamics and handling using appropriate and latest techniques to achieve reliable results and compare with published data. (AHEP 4: M1, M2, M3, M4)

Analysis,

Reflection

Problem Solving,
Knowledge and Understanding,
Application

3. Communicate the full investigation process, from research, simulation and results analysis in written form at an appropriate technical level. (AHEP 4: M1, M2, M3, M4)

Communication

Reflection

Problem Solving

4. Critically review and evaluate the research article within Vehicle dynamics area. (AHEP 4: M4)

Knowledge and Understanding,
Application,
Communication

Reflection

Blackboard VLE
Library facilities

MATLAB/Simulink Package or equivalent

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

Standard office software

Wong, J. Y., (2022). Theory of Ground Vehicles. 5th Ed. John Wiley & Sons.

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 Fieldhouse, J. D., (2018). Automotive Chassis Engineering. Springer.

Blundell, M., (2015). The Multi-body Approach to Vehicle Dynamics.2nd Ed. Elsevier.
Gillespie, T. D., (1992). Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics. SAE.

Jazar, R. N., (2019). Advanced Vehicle Dynamics. Springer.
Pacejka, H. B., (2012). Tire and Vehicle Dynamics. 3rd Ed. Elsevier.
Pauwelussen, J. P., (2015). Essentials of Vehicle Dynamics. Butterworth-Heinemann.

This module provides detailed study of the Vehicle Dynamics and NVH. It enables you to consider how such systems can be used to solve real-life problems in Automotive sector. Design and Analysis Case studies will be considered, and the applications of different systems implementation technologies will be discussed. Software based modelling and simulation techniques to enable the creation of complex vehicle dynamics systems will be studied. The module will also provide study skills for reviewing technical articles in the area of Vehicle Dynamics and NVH. Industry standard software will be used for detailed analysis and complex modelling and simulations during this module.¿