Applied Brake Controls Test Track Experience: ABS, TCS, and ESC
Take notes. Take a spin. Repeat. Six classroom modules (2 each for ABS, TCS and ESC!) are paired with six driving modules on a real-world ice and snow development test track in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There's no better way to reinforce classroom learning than by grabbing the steering wheel. All of the driving exercises have been specifically developed so that anyone can hop in the car and immediately link what you have just learned in the classroom. As an added benefit an SAE Instructor will be riding along side you in the passenger seat to encourage, coach and answer any questions that you may have regarding the learnings in real time.
Experience the vehicle dynamic enhancements afforded by anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control (TCS), and electronic stability control (ESC) with this highly interactive two-day course. Designed to get you out of the classroom and on to the test track, a total of six 60-minute structured learning experiences behind the wheel will vividly illustrate the benefits, limitations, and ultimate compromises that must be made when designing and implementing modern brake control systems.
Vehicles used for demonstration will be capable of allowing participants to directly compare their best-unassisted driving performance to the enhanced vehicle dynamics provided with the systems fully enabled. The course concludes with a brief exposure to the complex interactions between these technologies on a specially-prepared low-coefficient handling course. Detailed course notes and illustrations are provided for on-the-job reference. In order to cover all content and provide effective driving exercises, this course requires eight hours of instructional contact per day versus SAE's normal 6.5 per day.
The course has been approved by the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) for 16 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Upon completion of this course, accredited reconstructionists should mail a copy of their course certificate of achievement and the $5 participant CEU fee to ACTAR, PO Box 1493, North Platte, NE 69103.
What Will You Learn
- Define the trade-offs between ABS stability, ABS steerability, and vehicle stopping distance
- Analyze the compromises made during ABS transitions and split-coefficient deceleration
- Explain the benefits and limitations of engine-only TCS, brake-only TCS, and full-function TCS
- Evaluate the effectiveness of engine-only TCS, brake-only TCS, and full-function TCS
- Interpret ESC metrics and assess overall system performance
- Experience moding interactions between ABS, TCS, and ESC
Is This Course For You
This course has been developed for engineers involved in all fields related to the design or development of vehicle dynamics, vehicle braking systems, powertrain systems, chassis systems, or suspension systems. Due to the in-depth discussion of real-world system limitations and compromises, it may also be of interest to those in accident reconstruction and product litigation. In addition, this course can be valuable to those with component design responsibilities in brake, chassis, suspension, or tire disciplines.
Individuals new to the field of brake control systems will benefit the most from the material; this course is not intended for individuals with significant pre-existing experience in brake control systems. In addition, please note that because of proprietary considerations this class does not provide details of algorithm design, algorithm performance, or algorithm application. Instead, the course places strong emphasis on vehicle dynamic responses to typical brake control interventions.