2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MECH3470 Vehicle Design and Analysis
20 creditsClass Size: 200
Module manager: Dr Peter Brooks
Email: p.c.brooks@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Pre-requisites
MECH2610 | Engineering Mechanics |
MECH2620 | Vibration and Control |
Module replaces
MECH 3165This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:- explain the principles that underpin the process of vehicle modelling
- demonstrate an understanding of tyre behaviour and the generation of tyre-ground forces
- critically assess the acceleration behaviour of a road vehicle through consideration of its powertrain characteristics
- critically assess the deceleration behaviour of a road vehicle through consideration of its braking system characteristics
- understand the fundamentals of vehicle handling behaviour and relate these to the process of vehicle design.
Skills outcomes
- Specific skills in automotive engineering regarding vehicle mechanics, acceleration and deceleration behaviour and handling.
- Some of these skills are generic to other areas of mechanical engineering.
Syllabus
1 Vehicle mechanics:
- Modelling philosophy and coordinate systems
- Road surfaces and tyre-ground interaction
- Axle loads.
2 Acceleration behaviour:
- Powertrain elements and their characteristics
- Traction and power limited performance
- Fuel economy.
3 Deceleration behaviour:
- Brake system components and their characteristics
- Brake proportioning, efficiency and adhesion utilisation
- Governing standards and legislation.
4 Handling behaviour:
- Handling performance criteria
- The mathematical modelling of vehicle handling, straight line stability and cornering behaviour
- Practical suspension system design for handling and the trade-off with ride.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Example Class | 18 | 2.00 | 36.00 |
Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Class tests, exams and assessment | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
Lecture | 36 | 1.00 | 36.00 |
Tutorial | 6 | 1.00 | 6.00 |
Private study hours | 118.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 82.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
- Students are expected to read/revise material before and following lectures along with example sheets that are linked to each element of the module.- In addition, they are expected to complete the example MCQ tests that are issued 2 weeks in advance of the in-class tests. Worked solutions for the example MCQ tests are made available one week in advance of the in-class test.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Students receive feedback half way through and at the end of semester 1 from the results of the two in-class MCQ tests.- They can also obtain feedback on their understanding of key material through the example sheets, class based tutorials and assignment.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
In-course MCQ | Deceleration | 10.00 |
In-course MCQ | Acceleration | 10.00 |
Assignment | Handling | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 60.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 31/03/2016
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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