Vehicle Dynamics Course - Lecture 1 Notes

Introduction

• Course Duration: 35 hours
• Focus: Study vehicles in motion (Vehicle Dynamics)
• Lecture Goal: Motivate understanding of vehicle dynamics

Textbooks

1. JAL SP - Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics
2. Yawser, Yawser, Yawser - Vehicle Dynamics Theory and Applications (Springer)
3. Hands Pass - Car Tire and Vehicle Dynamics (Advanced)
4. Burn Ising - Chassis Handbook (Practical Data)

Lecture Format

• Primarily chalk and talk for derivations and board work
• Occasional PowerPoint for complicated figures
• Emphasis on allowing time for assimilation

Class Schedule

• Monday: 8:00 AM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM
• Wednesday: 2:00 PM

Components of Vehicle

• Power Module: Engine, transmission systems, axles
• Chassis Module: Suspension systems, steering system, tires, wheels
• Body Module: Comfort for passengers, goods carrying capacity

Fundamental Requirements of a Vehicle

1. Safety: Safe transport of people
2. Comfort: Comfortable travel for occupants
3. Economics: Economical operation and travel

Interaction with Driver

• Vehicle must respond promptly and effectively to driver inputs
• Study driver-vehicle interaction and vehicle response

Aspects Covered in the Course

1. Safety: Dynamics point of view, e.g., braking, turning
2. Comfort: Characterization, road interaction, comfort definition
3. Economics: Impact of subsystems like tires on vehicle motion

Comparison of Vehicles

• Study differences between Formula One cars and regular cars

Perspectives of Study

• Driver Input: Steering, acceleration, braking
• Vehicle Response: Movement, oscillations, etc.
• Effect on Occupants: Comfort levels, safety

Mathematical Models

• Concept: Vehicles represented by Newton-Euler differential equations
• Inputs: Driver inputs (steering, acceleration, braking)
• Outputs: Acceleration, velocity, braking distance
• Parameters: Mass, moment of inertia, damping, stiffness, compliance, general forces

Dynamics Classifications

• Longitudinal Dynamics: Directional motion (acceleration, braking)
• Lateral Dynamics: Side motion (turning, steering)
• Vertical Dynamics: Up/Down motion (going over bumps)

Standard Tests and Scenarios

• Double Lane Change: Maneuver test for overtaking vehicles
• Pulse Test: Sudden input to reveal vehicle dynamics
• Constant Radius Cornering: Understanding vehicle response on curves

Study Goals

• Key Questions: Braking distance, vehicle response under various inputs
• Comfort Assessment: Research-backed comfort level mapping

Forces and Behavior

• Traction and Grip: Tire-road interaction, forces during turns
• Aerodynamic Forces: Influence of vehicle design on dynamics
• Environmental Interaction: Study of vehicle body and environmental forces

Practical Understanding

• Physics: Importance of understanding physical behavior
• Model Complexity: Simple (mass-spring) to complex multi-degree models
• Oscillations and Load Shifts: Dynamics during turning, accelerating, etc.

Key Terminologies and Jargons

• Driving Dynamics: Straight-line tracking, maneuverability, self-steer behavior
• Comfort Dynamics: Factors affecting comfort, research on acceleration impacts
• Safety Dynamics: Conditions for safety during vehicle operations

Modes of Study

• Longitudinal Dynamics: Simple to complex models for studying straight-line motion
• Lateral Dynamics: Study and models for turning and steering behaviors
• Vertical Dynamics: Assessment of up-down motions due to road imperfections

Role of Mathematical Equations

• Simple Model Example: F = ma for basic acceleration/deceleration
• Complex Models: Including moments of inertia, multi-degree freedom

Final Thoughts

• Focus: Transformation of physical entities into mathematical representations
• Methodology: Utilize Newton-Euler equations and general forces for model development
• Jargons: Understand and use technical terminology for effective comprehension of vehicle dynamics