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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


ME30067 Vehicle dynamics

Credits: 6
Level: Honours
Semester: 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Before taking this unit you must take ME30033
Aims: To give the student an appreciation of factors affecting vehicle dynamics, including ride comfort and handling.
Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* Describe and analyse the operation of a vehicle suspension and predict vehicle ride behaviour and steady state handling performance.
* Explain the physical principles of road vehicle aerodynamic design.
Skills:
Numeracy; problem solving; working independently.
Content:

* Disturbance and sensitivity.
* Basic suspension systems.
* System frequencies - bounce, pitch and roll.
* Tyre behaviour. Front/rear suspensions - Springs and dampers.
* Roll centre.
* Load Transfer. Steady state handling characteristics.
* Drag & Lift.
* Economy & Performance. Aerodynamic Design.