MEC8024 : Vehicle Dynamics
MEC8024 : Vehicle Dynamics
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Francis Franklin
- Lecturer: Dr Barry Gallacher
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Minimum English Language to IELTS 6.0 or Pearsons 54 or equivalent. Satisfy progression or admissions requirement for entry to Stage 4 of CEng-accredited MEng Honours or MSc degree programme (or EU Bologna-compliant equivalent) by satisfactory completion of Stage 3 or Bachelor degree equivalent at NQF Level 6 normally with three years of prior study related to this topic
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
Transportation of goods and people is a critical part of modern infrastructure. Modern mechanical engineers need to understand vehicle drive systems and how the complexities of transport infrastructure impact vehicle behaviour. This module focuses on two aspects of this:
• Applying mechanical principles to a range of drive systems, assemblies and components.
• A focus on railway vehicles and infrastructure, and some of the very real problems faced by track maintainers and train operators.
Outline Of Syllabus
The syllabus is structured into three main areas:
1. Lectures on the mechanics of drive systems
Lectures on dynamics, control and modelling of vehicle and drive systems, covering subjects such as free and forced vibration of car suspension or engine mounts. The Newton-Euler method is used, along with matrix methods and modal coupling.
2. Lectures on trains, track, and train-track interaction
The railway system is designed for fast transport of people and high value goods, and for transport of heavy goods too such as coal and iron ore, often over very long distances and sometimes in trains that are three kilometres long. Delays cost money and derailments can be very expensive. These lectures look at calculations for gradient, and the hunting behaviour of solid-axle conical wheels.
3. Simulation Coursework
The students will use simulation software to study railway vehicle stability and passenger comfort, and research methods for quantifying these for the purpose of optimizing railway vehicle design.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On completion of this module, the student will:
• [M6] Have a good knowledge of the railway vehicle-track system and understand the importance of using a systems approach when seeking to optimise what is in practice a complex system.
Intended Skill Outcomes
On completion of this module, the student will:
• [M1] Be able to apply core mechanical engineering theory, such as the Newton-Euler method, to solving vehicle dynamics problems with multiple degrees of freedom and subject to inertial forces and applied (external) forces.
• [M3,M4] Be able to apply appropriate computational techniques to the analysis of vehicle dynamics data with awareness of the limitations of the data; and couple this with techniques adapted from the technical literature.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | End of Semester Examination. |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 7:00 | 7:00 | Formative (pass/fail) online computer assessment. |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 25 | 1:00 | 25:00 | Lectures |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Target non-timetable hours to complete coursework assignment submission |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Computer cluster sessions |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Tutorials |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Recommended revision for exams, assuming prior regular independent study throughout teaching |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Recommended regular personal study throughout teaching period to follow up taught classes |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures, supported by tutorials and cluster sessions, convey the underlying engineering science and the approaches required to apply this to vehicle drives and dynamics problems and guidance of data analysis and interpretation. The wider engineering context is discussed in detail for the special case of the railway system.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 60 | N/A |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Report | 2 | M | 40 | Assignment - Maximum 20 hours. |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
Description | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|
Digital Examination | M | Online computer assessment with Feedback |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written examination and the online computer assessment test the understanding of the mathematical and engineering theory presented in lectures and through further reading.
The coursework challenges the students to research and apply methods for analysing complex data in order to optimise vehicle stability and passenger comfort.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC8024's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MEC8024's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Resit:
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.