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Programme & Unit Catalogues


ME50351: Vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics

[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
ME50351 Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations)
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.

Programme 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 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • 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.