Course in Kinematics of Track-Type Undercarriages
Online 300-hour course in the kinematics of track-type undercarriages. 6 modules covering ISO 16754 (ground contact pressure of tracked machines), ISO 6165 (types of earth-moving machinery) and RecurDyn. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the track undercarriage as a meshing and rolling mechanism.
Calculate the kinematics of the meshing between chain and drive sprocket.
Model the dynamics of steering through speed differences between tracks.
Estimate loads and stresses in track links, rollers and idler wheels.
Apply track-terrain interaction models and contact pressure.
Relate undercarriage design to wear and maintenance.
Carry out the kinematic analysis of a specific track undercarriage.
Who it's for
- Undercarriage design engineer who wishes to specialise in Kinematics of Track-Type Undercarriages.
- Tracked vehicle dynamics engineer who wishes to specialise in Kinematics of Track-Type Undercarriages.
- Multibody simulation engineer who wishes to specialise in Kinematics of Track-Type Undercarriages.
- Construction machinery product engineer who wishes to specialise in Kinematics of Track-Type Undercarriages.
- Maintenance technician for tracked machinery who wishes to specialise in Kinematics of Track-Type Undercarriages.
- Researcher in terramechanics who wishes to specialise in Kinematics of Track-Type Undercarriages.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to join construction machinery manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ISO 16754 (ground contact pressure of tracked machines)
- ISO 6165 (types of earth-moving machinery)
- ISO 6746-1 (definitions of machine dimensions)
- ISO 6016 (methods for measuring masses)
- ISO 5010 (steering systems for wheeled and tracked machinery)
- ISO 6014 (determination of travel speed)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Components and their kinematic function1.2Drive sprocket, idler, rollers and track chain1.3Track pitch and meshing with the drive sprocket1.4Ground-contact section and upper section1.5Track tension and its role1.6Degrees of freedom of the assembly1.7Rigid, semi-rigid and bar suspension1.8Bogies and their effect on terrain adaptation1.9Terminology and nomenclature1.10Workshop: identifying components and movements
2.1Relationship between drive sprocket speed and forward speed2.2Effective pitch and its variation with wear2.3Tooth jumping phenomenon2.4Interference caused by chain elongation2.5Load distribution among rollers2.6Pressure distribution on the ground2.7Internal losses of the undercarriage2.8Undercarriage efficiency and its measurement2.9Effect of mud and dirt2.10Practice: calculating speeds and effective pitch
3.1Steering through speed difference between tracks3.2Pivot turning and its stresses3.3Steering resistance and its origin3.4Torque required to steer and its distribution3.5Lateral sliding of track shoes3.6Wear associated with steering3.7Steering on slopes and in curves3.8Steering control in hydrostatic machines3.9Comparison with wheeled steering3.10Practice: analysis of stresses during a turn
4.1Chain tension during travel and pushing4.2Loads on pins and bushes4.3Loads on rollers and shafts4.4Impact loads on rocky terrain4.5Component fatigue4.6Effect of tensioning on loads4.7Loads during descent and braking4.8Experimental measurement of stresses4.9Modelling the undercarriage for calculation4.10Practice: estimating chain tension
5.1Mean pressure and actual pressure distribution5.2Sinkage and motion resistance5.3Available traction and slip5.4Track shoes: width, grousers and self-cleaning5.5Soft, rocky and abrasive terrains5.6Ground compaction caused by passage5.7Effect of shoe width on steering5.8Shoe selection by application5.9Design trade-offs5.10Practice: shoe selection for two terrains
6.1Design criteria for the track undercarriage6.2Materials and treatments for components6.3Pin lubrication and sealing6.4Life and wear prediction6.5Maintenance derived from kinematics6.6Diagnosis of kinematic problems6.7Rubber tracks versus steel tracks6.8Common design and operating errors6.9Trends in track undercarriages6.10Final project: kinematic analysis of a track undercarriage
How you'll learn
Fully 100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is RecurDyn, MSC Adams, MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS Mechanical, Python (NumPy), in free, academic or evaluation versions. The case studies are based on real procedures for multibody modelling of a track undercarriage, measurement of contact pressures and footprint, and analysis of wear from chain-drive sprocket meshing. Assessment is continuous across each module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Analyse the track undercarriage as a meshing and rolling mechanism.
Calculate the kinematics of the meshing between chain and drive sprocket.
Model the dynamics of steering through speed differences between tracks.
Estimate loads and stresses in track links, rollers and idler wheels.
Apply track-terrain interaction models and contact pressure.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The course uses RecurDyn, MSC Adams, MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS Mechanical, Python (NumPy). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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