MAE 476 - Automobile Dynamics

Fundamentals of automobile power train performance. Dynamics of straight-line motion including acceleration and braking. Fundamentals of suspension design, operation, and application to automobile dynamics including geometry, kinematic motion, anti-roll and Z bars, springs and shock absorbers. Static analysis of automobile weight, balance, and load transfer and application to cornering. Tire characteristics and effects of suspension geometry on lateral cornering forces. Steady state cornering dynamics including suspension motion. Transient cornering dynamics including nonlinear shock absorbers. Some laboratory exercises utilizing the Legends race car. (SI)

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: MAE 232.

Credits: 3