Mar 14, 2025  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Academic Catalog-June Update 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Academic Catalog-June Update [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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MEC 4675 - Vehicle Dynamics

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course covers the application of engineering mechanics to the design of road vehicles. Topics include pneumatic tires, load transfer, acceleration, braking, performance limits, suspension and steering, and handling and response. (prereq: MEC 2030 , MEC 3320 ) (quarter system prereq: ME 230, ME 3005)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Simulate acceleration and braking performance of common vehicles
  • Model the normal road loads acting on vehicles
  • Model and simulate suspension forces due to road inputs and steady state cornering forces
  • Design and simulate common suspension and steering geometries
  • Apply tire properties to vehicle performance

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Mechanics of materials
  • Kinematics
  • Dynamics of systems

Course Topics
  • Introduction to modeling and dynamic loads
  • Power and traction limited acceleration models
  • Braking performance, forces, and systems
  • Road loads, aerodynamic drag, and rolling resistance
  • Ride and suspension models
  • Steady-state cornering, forces, and suspension effects
  • Analysis of common suspensions
  • Analysis of common steering systems
  • Properties and construction of tires
  • Safety ratings and roll-over propensity

Coordinator
Dr. Nebojsa Sebastijanovic



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