- Academic Registry
Programme & Unit Catalogues


ME50351: Vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics

[Page last updated: 15 October 2020]

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2020/1
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
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:
ME50351 Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
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
  • TEME-AFM31 : MSc Automotive Engineering with Electric Propulsion

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2020/21.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.