2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MECH5065M Vehicle Dynamics and Design

15 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Saikat Dutta
Email: S.Dutta@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

UG Mechanical Engineering or similar

Module replaces

MECH3470 on MSc programme

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module introduces the principles of vehicle design, modelling and analysis techniques, using computer tools to model the behaviour of a road vehicle such as longitudinal motion, ride, and handling, enabling the understanding of the forces which govern the vehicle performances.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Understand the principles that underpin the process of vehicle modelling.
- Critically assess the ride performance of the vehicle.
- Critically assess the handling behaviour of the vehicle.
- Describe the importance of design influence on vehicle performance.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Apply the knowledge of multi-DoF vibration to vehicle modelling.
2. Analyse the vehicle’s acceleration and deceleration performance, considering powertrain elements, traction, and braking system characteristics.
3. Critically analyse vehicle ride performance and influence of suspension design.
4. Construct a vehicle handling model of a road vehicle to analyse different behaviours such as steady state cornering, straight line stability and transient response.
5. Develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the vehicle handling performance, along with the ability to identify the parameters that can influence vehicle handling.
6. Understand and apply knowledge to develop simulation model, conduct laboratory experiments and interpret data.
Upon successful completion of this module the following Engineering Council Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP) learning outcome descriptors (fourth edition) are satisfied:

7. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering. (M1)
8. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M2)
9. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M3)
10. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems. (M4)

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

* Problem solving & analytical skills
* Digital proficiency and productivity
* Systems thinking
* Information Searching
* Critical thinking
* Programming

Syllabus

Acceleration and deceleration behaviour:
• Longitudinal motion equations
• Powertrain elements, tractive forces, and fuel economy
• Brake system components and their characteristics
• Braking forces, brake factor and efficiency

Vehicle Dynamics:
• Reference frames, vehicle equations of motion
• Steady state cornering, understeer and oversteer.
• Vehicle stability
• Design influence on vehicle handling
• Vehicle ride performance
• Design influence on ride: springs and dampers
• Tyre mechanics and modelling
• Active vehicle dynamics control systems

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

2 x Coursework
1 x In-person closed book exam

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Practical	1	2.00	2.00
Seminar	6	1.00	6.00
Independent online learning hours			6.00
Private study hours			114.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will receive feedback during the tutorial sessions.
Assessments will be assessed and returned with feedback.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 07/06/2024 15:34:33

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