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Course in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics

Online course of 300 h in fundamentals of off-road vehicle dynamics. 6 modules with ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary), ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration) and MATLAB/Simulink. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.

Duration300 h
ModeHybrid
LanguageEnglish / Spanish
Start datesOctober / March
LocationEurope (Madrid)
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. 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 the particularities of dynamics off the asphalt.

02

Model longitudinal dynamics with traction and rolling resistance.

03

Analyse lateral dynamics and stability on uneven terrain.

04

Evaluate vertical dynamics and comfort according to ISO 2631-1.

05

Incorporate tyre–terrain interaction into the models.

06

Combine testing and simulation to validate behaviour.

07

Develop a dynamic model of an off-road vehicle in a final project.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Vehicle dynamics engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
  • Vehicle simulation engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
  • Off-road testing engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
  • Chassis engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
  • Mobility researcher who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
  • Product development engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the off-road vehicle manufacturing sector.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary)
  • ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration)
  • ISO 8608 (road and terrain profiles)
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular test)
  • ISO 3888-2 (obstacle avoidance manoeuvre)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • ISO 16231-2 (stability of self-propelled machinery)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1What changes compared with asphalt
  2. 1.2Reference systems and degrees of freedom
  3. 1.3Masses, inertias and centre of gravity
  4. 1.4Forces at the wheel–terrain contact
  5. 1.5Deformable terrain and variable grip
  6. 1.6Excitation from irregularities
  7. 1.7Quantities and units
  8. 1.8Models of varying levels of detail
  9. 1.9Available calculation tools
  10. 1.10Workshop: formulating a simple model
  1. 2.1Traction and resistance to motion
  2. 2.2Load transfer during acceleration
  3. 2.3Traction limit and wheelspin
  4. 2.4Braking and distribution between axles
  5. 2.5Gradient resistance
  6. 2.6Obstacle-crossing capability
  7. 2.7Required and available power
  8. 2.8Associated consumption
  9. 2.9Performance calculation
  10. 2.10Practice: longitudinal model of a vehicle
  1. 3.1Cornering at low and high speed
  2. 3.2Tyre slip and cornering stiffness
  3. 3.3Understeer and oversteer
  4. 3.4Lateral load transfer
  5. 3.5Roll and anti-roll stiffness
  6. 3.6Static and dynamic rollover
  7. 3.7Effect of centre-of-gravity height
  8. 3.8Cornering on deformable ground
  9. 3.9Stability under high load
  10. 3.10Practice: calculation of rollover limit
  1. 4.1Quarter-vehicle model
  2. 4.2Sprung-mass natural frequencies
  3. 4.3Unsprung mass and its effect
  4. 4.4Damping and its tuning
  5. 4.5Response to potholes and steps
  6. 4.6Comfort and operator exposure
  7. 4.7Cab and seat isolation
  8. 4.8Loss of wheel contact
  9. 4.9Comfort–control trade-off
  10. 4.10Practice: vertical response simulation
  1. 5.1Traction models on soft soil
  2. 5.2Sinkage and compaction resistance
  3. 5.3Effect of inflation pressure
  4. 5.4Tracks versus wheels
  5. 5.5Terrain variability
  6. 5.6Required soil parameters
  7. 5.7Model limitations
  8. 5.8Validation with field tests
  9. 5.9Prudent interpretation of results
  10. 5.10Practice: terrain–vehicle integration
  1. 6.1Basic test instrumentation
  2. 6.2Standardised test manoeuvres
  3. 6.3Multibody simulation of the vehicle
  4. 6.4Model calibration with data
  5. 6.5Sensitivity analysis
  6. 6.6Use of dynamics in design
  7. 6.7Use in driver training
  8. 6.8Common modelling errors
  9. 6.9Real cases analysed
  10. 6.10Final project: dynamics study of an off-road vehicle
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 possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, MSC Adams, IPG CarMaker, Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for loose-terrain traction tests, comfort measurement with accelerometers, and longitudinal and lateral dynamics simulation. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Accreditation-ready laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-driven 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:a safety-by-design approach, OT cybersecurity, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

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

Basic test instrumentation

Explain the particularities of dynamics off the asphalt.

Standardised test manoeuvres

Model longitudinal dynamics with traction and rolling resistance.

Multibody simulation of the vehicle

Analyse lateral dynamics and stability on uneven terrain.

Model calibration with data

Evaluate vertical dynamics and comfort according to ISO 2631-1.

Sensitivity analysis

Incorporate tyre–terrain interaction into the models.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Vehicle dynamics engineerVehicle simulation engineerOff-road test engineerChassis engineerMobility researcherProduct development engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

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

Ready to start?

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

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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

The course uses MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, MSC Adams, IPG CarMaker, Python. 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 integrating 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 recognition policy when you enrol.

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