Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
i. Define vehicle dynamics and its importance in automotive engineering through the principles of Newtonian mechanics as they apply to vehicles.
ii. Understand how vehicles respond to driver inputs such as steering, acceleration, and braking, through analysis of the effects of weight transfer on vehicle behaviour.
iii. Articulate vehicle stability, its importance in dynamics conditions, and analyse factors influencing it (e.g., load distribution and aerodynamics).
iv. Understand the principles of cornering and lateral dynamics and explain the impact of different factors on cornering performance.
v. Use mathematical models (e.g., tire models, vehicle dynamics equations) to analyse and predict vehicle behaviour.
vi. Apply simulation tools to study and optimize vehicle dynamics.
Indicative Module Content:
Key topics covered include longitudinal vehicle dynamics, cruise control, adaptive cruise control, ride dynamics, suspension design (both passive and active), nonholonomic dynamics of rolling, kinematic and dynamic bicycle models for automobile steering, lane-keeping control, motion planning for automated vehicles, and an exploration of longitudinal and lateral tire models affecting vehicle handling. Participants will gain comprehensive insights into the intricate dynamics and control systems that govern road vehicles in various operational scenarios.