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CourseOff-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery Applications open

4×4 Suspension Kinematics Course

Online 300 h course in 4×4 suspension kinematics. 6 modules covering ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary), SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology) and MSC Adams Car. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain suspension as a multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism.

02

Analyse suspension geometry using graphical and analytical methods.

03

Obtain camber, toe and roll centre curves.

04

Measure suspension geometry on a real vehicle.

05

Build multibody models of 4×4 suspensions.

06

Evaluate the effect of height and articulation modifications.

07

Design a suspension that meets type-approval requirements.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Vehicle dynamics engineer wishing to specialise in 4×4 suspension kinematics.
  • Suspension designer wishing to specialise in 4×4 suspension kinematics.
  • 4×4 chassis engineer wishing to specialise in 4×4 suspension kinematics.
  • Modification homologation technician wishing to specialise in 4×4 suspension kinematics.
  • Multibody simulation engineer wishing to specialise in 4×4 suspension kinematics.
  • Off-road vehicle preparer wishing to specialise in 4×4 suspension kinematics.
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the automotive industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving test)
  • ISO 7401 (transient lateral response tests)
  • UNECE Regulation No. 79 (steering equipment)
  • Regulation (EU) 2018/858 (type-approval of motor vehicles)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Degrees of freedom of the assembly
  2. 1.2Links, ball joints and constraints
  3. 1.3Suspension types in 4x4 vehicles
  4. 1.4Rigid versus independent axle
  5. 1.5Useful travel and total travel
  6. 1.6Axle articulation and crossing
  7. 1.7Kinematic parameters to study
  8. 1.8Available analysis tools
  9. 1.9Conventions and reference systems
  10. 1.10Workshop: kinematic layout of a suspension
  1. 2.1Instantaneous centres of rotation
  2. 2.2Graphical plotting of motion
  3. 2.3Velocity polygon
  4. 2.4Analytical solution of a four-bar linkage
  5. 2.5Five-bar suspension
  6. 2.6Panhard rod and Watt linkage
  7. 2.7Lateral axle movement
  8. 2.8Verification of results
  9. 2.9Admissible simplifications
  10. 2.10Practice: solving a real mechanism
  1. 3.1Camber versus travel curve
  2. 3.2Toe curve
  3. 3.3Track variation with travel
  4. 3.4Wheelbase variation
  5. 3.5Roll centre and its migration
  6. 3.6Caster curve
  7. 3.7Bump steer along travel
  8. 3.8Interpreting each curve
  9. 3.9Reasonable objectives by use
  10. 3.10Practice: obtaining the curves of a vehicle
  1. 4.1Tooling for measuring travel
  2. 4.2Angle measurement with the vehicle raised
  3. 4.3Full travel sweep
  4. 4.4Interference measurement
  5. 4.5Bump stop checks
  6. 4.6Measuring play and its effect
  7. 4.7Repeatability of measurements
  8. 4.8Data recording
  9. 4.9Comparison with the model
  10. 4.10Practice: complete kinematic sweep
  1. 5.1Modelling in multibody software
  2. 5.2Definition of joints and constraints
  3. 5.3Model validation with measurements
  4. 5.4Sensitivity analysis of points
  5. 5.5Optimisation of mounting point positions
  6. 5.6Simulation of crossing and articulation
  7. 5.7Interference detection in simulation
  8. 5.8Model documentation
  9. 5.9Limitations of simulation
  10. 5.10Practice: validated model of a suspension
  1. 6.1Lift and kinematic degradation
  2. 6.2Arm and mounting point correction
  3. 6.3Correction kits and their evaluation
  4. 6.4Design of a new suspension
  5. 6.5Trade-off between kinematics and strength
  6. 6.6Effect on transmission and steering
  7. 6.7Verification and type-approval
  8. 6.8Common errors in modification
  9. 6.9Real cases analysed
  10. 6.10Final project: kinematic study of a 4x4 suspension
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MSC Adams Car, OptimumKinematics, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MATLAB, SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for measuring geometry on the vehicle, axle articulation rigs and track dynamics tests. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with a track record in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, ciber-OT, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Lift and kinematic degradation

Explain suspension as a multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism.

Arm and mounting point correction

Analyse suspension geometry using graphical and analytical methods.

Correction kits and their evaluation

Obtain camber, toe and roll centre curves.

Design of a new suspension

Measure suspension geometry on a real vehicle.

Trade-off between kinematics and strength

Build multibody models of 4×4 suspensions.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Vehicle dynamics engineerSuspension designer4×4 chassis engineerModification homologation technicianMultibody simulation engineerOff-road vehicle preparer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulation texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.

The course uses MSC Adams Car, OptimumKinematics, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MATLAB and SolidWorks. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry of Education qualification.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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