Vehicle Dynamics for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks

This course will present an introduction to vehicle dynamics from a vehicle system perspective. The theory and applications are associated with the interaction and performance balance between the powertrain, brakes, steering, suspensions and wheel and tire vehicle subsystems.  The role that vehicle dynamics can and should play in effective automotive chassis development and the information and technology flow from vehicle system to subsystem to piece-part is integrated into the presentation. Governing equations of motion are developed and solved for both steady and transient conditions. Manual and computer techniques for analysis and evaluation are presented. Vehicle system dynamic performance in the areas of drive-off, braking, directional control and rollover is emphasized. The dynamics of the powertrain, brakes, steering, suspension and wheel and tire subsystems and their interactions are examined along with the important role of structure and structural parameters related to vehicle dynamics. Physical experiments, applicable to vehicle dynamics are also introduced.

Participants will receive the Bosch Automotive Handbook and The Automotive Chassis: Engineering Principles by Reimpell, Stoll and Betzler.

This course has been approved by the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) for 18 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.