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LP10502: Motorsport chassis technology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Mechanical Engineering (administered by the Learning Partnerships Office)
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1 at Wiltshire College
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW100
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
The aims of this unit are to develop the understanding of the various chassis systems present on a competition vehicle, analyse the requirements and interactions of various systems present in competition vehicles, evaluate performance enhancing systems present on a modern competition vehicle and demonstrate the ability to select tyres based on event conditions.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit students should be able to:
* Understand the requirements for the chassis in a competition vehicle;
* Understand the characteristics of competition vehicle suspension and steering systems;
* Understand the characteristics of competition vehicles braking system;
* Explain the significance of tyre choice on vehicle performance;
* Evaluate the use of performance enhancing systems.

Skills:
During the unit students should gain the following skills:
Intellectual:
* Improving own learning and performance (F,A)
* Applying theory to practice (T, F, A)
* Gathering and processing technical information (A).
* Formulating outcomes (A).
* Making and defending decisions (A).
Professional:
* Making written and verbal presentations (A)
* Communicating professionally, using different formats (T, F, A)
* Working in an independent and autonomous way (F, A)
* Making choices within given constraints (F,A)
* Representing the interests of an organisation (A).
* Facilitation and negotiation (A).
Practical:
* Prioritising time and tasks (F)
* Self organisation and management (F)
* Implement set up changes (T,A)
* Investigation of various vehicle systems (T/A)
* Design improvements to a vehicles suspension systems (T,A)
* Design improvements to a vehicles steering system (T,A)
Key:
* Writing reports (A)
* Ability to apply theory into practice (T,F,A)
* Problem solving skills (T,F,A)
* Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (A)
* Working effectively as a team and group (T,F)
* Applying numerical techniques (T, A).

Content:
During the unit students should gain the following skills:
* Chassis design, construction and material selection
* Chassis strength, stiffness and safety
* Competition suspension design
* Roll centre location and control
* Suspension geometry and steering alignment
* Spring / damper system, significance of sprung and unsprung weight
* Competition vehicle braking system layout and components
* Tyre construction, compound types and tread design
* Compare the characteristics of a range of current racing tyres
* Select a tyre for optimum vehicle performance
* Traction control and stability control systems
* Review current regulations regarding performance enhancing systems.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

LP10502 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Programmes administered by the Learning Partnerships Office
  • UEME-WFF46 : FdSc Motorsport Engineering (Full-time at Wiltshire College) - Year 1

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.