Dynamics of Machines & Vehicles (H7092)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

Topics include:

  • kinematic analysis in two and three dimensions
  • dynamic equations of motion for rigid bodies in two dimensions (applications toplane mechanisms)
  • equations of motion for a rigid-body in 3D
  • gyrodynamic effects on rotors
  • balancing of rotating and reciprocating machinery
  • response of linear SDOF systems to general loading (superposition)
  • discrete model types; model construction via Equilibrium/Alembert's Principle, virtual work, and Lagrange equations; discrete dynamic equations for linear MDOF systems
  • orthogonality relations for normal modes; principal coordinates
  • forced vibration analysis of systems with proportional damping
  • superposition principles and frequency response functions for damped 2-DOF systems
  • Rayleigh's principle
  • vehicle axes systems
  • basic tyre mechanics
  • vehicle traction: acceleration and braking
  • ride and handling principles
  • steering and steady-state cornering: stability and control of vehicle roll
  • crash dynamics.

Teaching

100%: Lecture

Assessment

20%: Coursework (Report)
80%: Examination (Unseen examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: