- Student Records
Programme & Unit Catalogues


ME50351: Vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Mandatory extra work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To give the student an appreciation of factors affecting vehicle dynamics, including ride comfort and handling and vehicle aerodynamics.

Learning Outcomes:
After successfully completing this unit the student will be able to:
* Describe and analyse the engineering dynamics of a vehicle system including the operation of the vehicle suspension and predict vehicle ride behaviour and steady state handling performance.
* Select suspension elements to satisfy a performance specification.
* Explain the physical principles of road vehicle aerodynamic design.

Skills:
Numeracy; problem solving; working independently; working in a group.

Content:
Disturbance and sensitivity.
Basic suspension systems.
System frequencies - bounce, pitch and roll.
Tyre behaviour.
Front/rear suspensions - Springs and dampers.
Roll centres.
Load Transfer. Steady State handling characteristics.
Motorcycle Dynamics
Active Suspensions
Electronic Stability Control
Aerodynamic Design for reduced drag and ground effect.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

ME50351 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* 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.