Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Introduction to Vehicle Dynamics

Packt via Coursera

Go to class Write review

Details

Go to class

Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

8 weeks, 2 hours a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates – 40% Off

One plan covers every Professional Certificate on Coursera.

Unlock All Certificates

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Explore the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and gain the skills to analyze and optimize vehicle performance, handling, and safety. This course introduces the vehicle as a system, detailing the driver-vehicle relationship, and explaining how dynamics influence real-world applications from everyday cars to high-performance racing vehicles. You’ll develop a strong foundation in physics, mechanics, and tire behavior to understand the forces acting on vehicles under various conditions. The course begins with vehicle engineering basics, including weight distribution, degrees of freedom, and suspension principles. You’ll study stationary and dynamic loads, learn how tires generate forces, and examine traction, rolling resistance, and slip ratios. With these fundamentals, the course builds toward driving and braking dynamics, demonstrating how engine torque, braking systems, and friction interact to control motion. Next, the curriculum explores suspension design, wheel location, and key suspension parameters, before diving into cornering and ride dynamics. You’ll analyze steering geometry, slip angles, high-speed turning, and roll mechanisms. Each module combines theoretical insights with practical examples, helping you connect classroom concepts to real vehicles and performance testing scenarios. Ideal for automotive engineers, motorsport enthusiasts, and students of mechanical engineering, this intermediate-level course assumes basic physics and mathematics knowledge. It benefits anyone seeking to understand vehicle behavior, improve handling, or optimize designs for safety and performance. By the end of the course, you will be able to analyze vehicle loads, design suspension systems, evaluate tire performance, and apply cornering and ride dynamics principles to improve vehicle handling and stability.

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module, we will introduce the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and their significance in both racing and everyday vehicles. You will explore the vehicle as a system and understand the driver-vehicle relationship. The module also covers approaches to studying vehicle dynamics and the scope of its domains.

Vehicle Engineering Basics

In this module, we will cover the core engineering principles underlying vehicle dynamics. You will learn how systems like chassis, tires, and suspension influence vehicle behavior. The module also explores weight distribution, vehicle architecture, motion analysis, and fundamental physics concepts.

Loads on Vehicles

In this module, we will explore how forces act on vehicles both at rest and in motion. You will understand how dynamic loads arise from acceleration, braking, and turning. The module emphasizes how proper load management affects vehicle stability and handling.

Mechanics of Tire

In this module, we will examine the mechanics of tires and their essential role in vehicle performance. You will learn about tire construction, rubber behavior, and the contact patch forces that generate traction. The module also explores rolling resistance, heat, wear, and tire pressure effects.

Driving and Braking Dynamics

In this module, we will explore driving and braking dynamics, focusing on the interaction between tires, traction, and engine power. You will understand how forces at the tire-road interface affect acceleration and deceleration. The module also covers anti-lock braking systems and advanced braking control.

Suspension Design

In this module, we will dive into suspension systems and their influence on ride and handling. You will learn about wheel location, spring-damper parameters, and geometry that affect stability. The module also examines camber, caster, and toe angles to optimize vehicle dynamics.

Cornering Dynamics

In this module, we will explore cornering dynamics and how vehicles respond to turning forces. You will understand slip angles, tire moments, and the mechanics of high-speed cornering. The module also examines vehicle roll and the impact of suspension and aerodynamics on handling.

Ride Dynamics

In this module, we will cover ride dynamics and how vehicles interact with road surfaces. You will learn how suspension and damping influence comfort and stability. The module emphasizes balancing ride quality with handling and overall vehicle performance.