NG3S241 - Vehicle Dynamics 01 Apr 2025 - 30 Aug 2027 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG3S241
Module Title: Vehicle Dynamics
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Module Leader: Joao Ramos
Module Team: Alexandre Oleon
First Intended Intake: OCT 2020 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100190 - mechanical engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 30 Aug 2027

Module Aims

1. To provide students with the knowledge and analytical understanding of automotive vehicle dynamics.

2. To provide students with a knowledge of the operating principles of vehicle dynamics control.

Content Summary

• Fundamentals of kinematics and rigid body dynamics.

• Acceleration performance: vehicle external forces and axle loads, power limited acceleration, traction limited acceleration.

• Braking performance: basic equations, braking forces, anti-lock brake systems, tyre road friction, road loads.

• Ride: vehicle response properties, steady-state cornering, suspension mechanisms.

• Steering: linkages, forces, moments, rollover.

• Tyres: tyre construction, traction properties, cornering properties, aligning moment, combined braking and cornering.

• Vehicle dynamics control: static and dynamic stability, stability and control, from ABS to VDC and TVD, active steering systems,limitations of active vehicle dynamics control.

• Noise, Vibration and Harshness in automotive vehicles.

This module will facilitate the development of Personal Development Planning through the delivery of the key
skills identified below in the module.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Directed Study 76
Independent Study 76
Tutorial 24
Lecture 24
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Ability to identify, classify and describe vehicle performance through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques.
LO2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in automotive engineering disciplines and to apply mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of problems related to vehicle dynamics.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Critical review and analysis of one problem relating to vehicle 0 2000 40 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 Final examination 180 N/A 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1
Onsite Closed Book Examination 1

Reading List

Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and Control, Second Edition (Mechanical Engineering). Dean Karnopp. CRC Press (1992)

Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics. Thomas D. Gillespie. SAE International (1992).

Hillier's Fundamentals of Motor Vehicle Technology Book 1 (6 edition). V.A.W Hillier & Calex Ltd. OUP Oxford (2012)

Milliken, William F, and Douglas L Milliken. Race Car Vehicle Dynamics. Warrendale, PA: SAE International, 1995. (629.231 MIL at USW Library)