2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
MECH5185M Automotive Chassis Engineering
15 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Dr Kris Kubiak
Email: K.Kubiak@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
Students enrolling on this module should have a good understanding of basic solid mechanics, including construction of free body diagrams, application of Newton’s laws of motion and simple stress analysis such as bending of beams. It would also be highly advantageous if they had previously studied mechanical vibration theory including multi degree–of-freedom systems, transmissibility, modal analysis etc.This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module takes a detailed approach to the design, construction, and operation of a road vehicle except for the motive power unit and transmission. Included in this definition are therefore the body structure and materials, suspension and steering systems, occupant safety and ergonomics, and vehicle refinement i.e. lack of noise, vibration & harshness (NVH).Objectives
On completion of this module, students will be able to:- describe the components and systems which are associated with a vehicle chassis structure;
- apply the principles of engineering science to the design and analysis of suspension and steering systems together with their components;
- state the fundamentals of acoustics and be able to apply these to the analysis and solution of chassis borne noise and vibration phenomena;
- categorise the various designs of chassis structure;
- evaluate chassis performance through application of appropriate analysis techniques.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes :
1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the main types of suspension systems used in automotive chassis engineering and how these affect vehicle performance.
2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of steering systems used in automotive vehicles and of the important parameters associated with these systems
3. Evaluate different types of structures and materials used in automotive vehicles including consideration of safety under impact and long-term durability
4. Determine the important sources of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in automotive vehicles and be able to compare and apply different techniques to mitigate NVH issues
5. Demonstrate the ability to access a variety of sources in order to gain an in-depth knowledge of some important aspect of automotive chassis engineering not covered in the lecture course
6. Demonstrate the ability to reverse engineer the important parameters of a vehicle chassis from a limited and incomplete data set and to draw conclusions about the expected performance of the vehicle.
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 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)
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
10. Problem solving & analytical skills, Critical thinking, Integrated problem solving, Managing Uncertainty, Ambiguity and Risk
Information Searching
Syllabus
Suspension systems and components: Introduction to vehicle suspensions, suspension types, suspension components and their charactyeristics, design and selection springs, anti roll bars, dampers, bushes, kinematic and force analysis, antisquat and antidive geometries and vehicle ride quality analysis.
Steering systems: review of designs, system geometry and kinematics, bump, roll and compliance steer, forces-stationary and moving vehicles, four wheel steer.
Noise Vibration harshness (NVH): fundamentals of acoustics, subjective response to noise, automotive vibration-sources, modelling and control, automotive noise-sources, criteria and control.
Chassis structure: review of vehicle structures, analysis of car body structures, safety under impact.
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 | 30 | 1.00 | 30.00 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Private study hours | 115.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
There are tutorial sessions for each topic in which students will work on tutorial questions individually or in a group and their learning progress will be assessed during these sessions. They will also have the opportunity to receive feedback from their peers as well as the lecturer during these tutorials.Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 13/09/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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