This module can be taken as a Short Course for Credit or a Standalone Short Course.

Please go to the 'Upgrade to a professional qualification' section for more information.

The key vehicle dynamic requirements for a vehicle are for an acceptable ride quality and safe handling. This module addresses both of these from a hands-on and theoretical stand point. Testing is conducted on both our Four Post and Quarter Car rigs to assess ride quality and reinforce the ride lectures. For handling, the testing of tyres and the steering of a tracked vehicle are undertaken.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • Please enquire for course dates
  • Duration10 days
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • Cost£4,700 - Short Course for Credit fee

    £3,850 - Standalone Short Course fee

Course structure

The first week of the module is principally the lectures and demonstrations, while the second week develops the material further and includes the experimental investigations.

What you will learn

On completion you should be able to:

  • describe the elements and systems that form the vehicle chassis and give typical examples for military and civilian vehicles,
  • demonstrate using simplified vehicle dynamic models a fundamental understanding of ride and handling,
  • evaluate the performance of suspension systems and components for tracked and wheeled vehicles both theoretically and experimentally,
  • demonstrate an understanding of the practical issues involved in the design of military and civilian vehicles when considering the ride and handling,
  • critically evaluate proposed chassis designs and modifications in relation to ride and handling.

Core content

Ride:

  • human response to vibration (HRV),
  • terrain modelling,
  • suspension types, selection and design for military vehicles,
  • modelling, simulation and testing of suspension systems and components, this includes transient, frequency random response,
  • spring and damper types, selection and characteristics,
  • effects of noise.

Handling:

  • tyres for military and civilian vehicles and their behaviour,
  • wheeled and tracked vehicles at low and high speed including steady state and transient response.

Vehicle testing:

The course includes laboratories and demonstrations on single wheel station rigs (active and/or passive), tyre testing, suspension testing using a four post facility, steering of tracked vehicle at low speed and tours of our extensive vehicle and exhibit halls.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

When taken as a Short Course for Credit, 20 credit points can be put towards the Military Vehicle Technology MSc.

Find out more about short course credit points.

Who should attend

This course is aimed at young engineers who are starting a career in the motor industry and managers who need to have an appreciation of vehicle dynamics, and have an appropriate degree or experience.

Accreditation

Accredited by IMechE.

Speakers

  • Dr David Purdy
  • Mr Dave Simner

Location and travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.

Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.

All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.

For further location and travel details

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

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Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.