COURSE DESCRIPTION CARD - SYLLABUS
Course name Vehicle dynamics fundamentals and control
Course
Field of studyMechanical Engineering (Erasmus Plus) Year/Semester
Area of study (specialization)- 2/3
Level of study Profile of study
Form of study Course offered in
english
Requirements
Number of hours
Lecture0 Laboratory classes15 Projects/seminars0
Tutorials0 Other (e.g. online)0
Number of credit points6
Lecturers
Responsible for the course/lecturer:
[Link].D. (Eng) . Grzegorz Ślaski
E-mail: [Link]@[Link]
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Piotrowo Street, 3, room 716
61-138 Poznan, Poland
Ph: + 48 61-665 22 22 Responsible for the course/lecturer:
Prerequisites
Knowledge: Basic knowledge of mathematics and technical mechanics.
Skills: The student Is able use the languages: native and international at a level sufficient to enable
understanding of technical texts. Is able to obtain information from the literature, internet, databases
and other sources. Can integrate the information to interpret and learn from them, create and justify
opinions. The student is able to use learned mathematical and physical theories to build and analyze of
simple mathematical models of vehicle dynamics.
1
Social competences: The student is creative and consistent in the implementation of tasks, shows
independence in solving problems, acquiring and improving the acquired knowledge and skills.
Understands the need and knows the possibilities of lifelong learning..
Course objective
The aim of the course is to present knowledge about the mechanics of vehicle motion and to provide
the ability to interpret the relationship between the excitations and vehicle motion and their
performance with the use of simulation tools. The scope of knowledge includes issues discussing the
relationship between the design parameters and the dynamic properties of the vehicle in the areas of
acceleration ability, energy consumption, braking, curve driving ability, issues of vertical dynamics -
safety and comfort when exposed to vibrations from road kinematic [Link] course is designed
also to provide the students with knowledge of the wide use of mechatronics to control vehicle
dynamics - propulsion (automatic gearboxes, traction control systems), braking (ABS systems in
hydraulic and pneumatic brake systems), steering and stability (ESP system) and vertical dynamics
(controlled suspensions). For each of the systems, the processes subjected to control, the control
methods and the practical technical solutions of mechatronic vehicle dynamics control systems are
discussed. The method and problems of vehicle dynamics modelling and control are illustrated through
the analysis of simulation models of the controlled systems and processes.
Course-related learning outcomes
Knowledge
1. knows the basic mechatronic control systems of vehicle dynamics, their purpose, construction,
possibilities and limitations [K_W06, K_W16, K_W23]
2. knows the basic issues related to the physics of controlled processes and their models in relation to
commonly used mechatronic control systems in vehicles [K_W06, K_W11]
Skills
1. can define the structure and construction of individual components of mechatronic vehicle dynamics
control systems and indicate their possibilities and limitations [K_U34]
2. has the skills allowing the use of computer science tools in conducting simulations and obtaining and
integrating information in the design of mechatronic control systems for vehicle dynamics [K_U08,
K_U28]
Social competences
1. is aware of the importance of mechatronic vehicle dynamics control systems for increasing the level
of safety and is aware of the possibilities and limitations of control systems used in motor vehicles
[K_K07]
2. Is aware of the importance and understanding of non-technical aspects and effects of engineering
activities, including its impact on the environment and the related responsibility for decisions [K_K02]
Methods for verifying learning outcomes and assessment criteria
Learning outcomes presented above are verified as follows:
2
Laboratory: assessment is based on reports on the exercises [Link] criteria: the
correctness of the construction of models/test performed (50% of the assessment) and interpretation
of model structure, vehicle dynamics and control idea desctiptions, conclusions (50% of the
assessment).
Rating scale: below 50% - 2.0, from 50% - 3.0, from 60% - 3.5, from 70% - 4.0, from 80% - 4.5, from 90% -
5.0.
Programme content
LABORATORIES:
Laboratory 1 - introduction to the environment of simulation, longitudinal vehicle dynamics modelling
To acquaint students with the simulation environment, the way of entering data, presenting the results,
building and modifying models (Matlab/ Simulink).
Laboratory 2 - longitudinal dynamics and cruise control system modelling
Analysis of the vehicle longitudinal velocity control process and the impact of its parameters on quality
of automatic velocity control.
Laboratory 3 - modelling braking process, functioning of the ABS system
Discussion of the dynamics model of the braking process and the implemented method of control of this
process. Analysis of the control process and the impact on it of modification of environmental
parameters as well as the actuating system and the vehicle parameters.
Laboratory 4 - Gear shifting process in the automatic transmission
Discussion of the model of the dynamics of the car propulsion process, including the control of gear
shifting. Discussion of the control model with the definition of the map of gear shifting and the effects
achieved in the efficiency and the performance.
Laboratory 5 - Modeling of steady and transient curvilinear motion
Steady-state model with two degrees of freedom. The setting up of tire cornerring stiffness to obtain the
desired handling characteristics. Determination of the maximum driving speed in a turn.
Laboratory 6 - Directional stability control
Discussion of the car lateral dynamics model with the implementation of the vehicle directional stability
(yaw dynamics control, ESP) control. The study of the basic quantities defining the lateral dynamics of a
car equipped with and wihout ESP system.
Laboratory 7 - Vertical dynamics control - semi-active suspensions
Vehicle vertical dynamics model (quarter car model). Kinematic and force excitations of suspensions.
The role and evaluation criteria of suspensions in the area of vertical dynamics in terms of safety and
3
driving comfort. Influence of damping and suspension stiffness. Dynamic characteristics of the
suspensions. Suspension damping control - adaptive and semi-active. Sensors and actuators in
controlled suspensions (including shock absorbers with adjustable damping - with bypass valves and
magnetorheological).
Teaching methods
Laboratory exercises with the use of Matlab / Simulink or SciLab/Xcos systems.
Bibliography
Basic
1. Jazar, Reza N. : Vehicle Dynamics Theory and Application, Springer 2017
2. Rill G.: Rod Vehicle Dynamics - Fundamentals and Modeling, CRC Press, 2011
3. Abe M.: Vehicle Handling Dynamics - Theory and Application, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2015
4. Reif, K.: Automotive Mechatronics Automotive Networking, Driving Stability Systems, Electronics,
Springer 2015
Additional
1. Ślaski G.: Studium projektowania zawieszeń samochodowych o zmiennym tłumieniu, Wydawnictwo
Politechniki Poznańskiej, Rozprawy. Nr 481. ISSN 0551-6528, Poznań 2012
2. Bosch Automotive Handbook ?8th edition, Bentley Publishers, 2010
3. Rajamani R.: Vehicle Dynamics and Control, Springer 2012
4. Savaresi S., Poussot-Vassal Ch.,Spelta C. Sename O., Dugard L. :Semi-Active Suspension Control
Design for Vehicles, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2010
Breakdown of average student's workload
Hours ECTS
Total workload 60 6,0
Classes requiring direct contact with the teacher 30 3,0
Student's own work (literature studies, preparation for 30 3,0
workshops, project preparation) 1
1
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