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CourseElectromobility, Batteries & Hydrogen Enrolment open

Course in Longitudinal Dynamics on Dunes and Loose Sand

300-hour online course in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand. 6 modules covering ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary), SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology) and MATLAB/Simulink. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeHybrid
LanguageEnglish / Spanish
Start datesOctober / March
LocationEurope (Madrid)
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

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

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the phenomena of sinkage, resistance and traction in loose sand.

02

Build a longitudinal vehicle model on deformable terrain.

03

Adjust tyre pressures to maximise flotation.

04

Select gear ratios and engine speed for dune driving.

05

Apply safe driving techniques on ascents, descents and crests.

06

Record and analyse test data in sand.

07

Design a test protocol for a vehicle on dunes.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Vehicle dynamics engineer wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
  • Rally raid competition engineer wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
  • Sand driving instructor wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
  • Off-road vehicle preparer wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
  • Terramechanics researcher wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
  • Competition data engineer wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter off-road competition.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • ASABE S296 (traction terminology)
  • ISO 28580 (tyre rolling resistance)
  • ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration)
  • Annex J of the FIA International Sporting Code (Cross-Country vehicles)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Resistance to motion in sand
  2. 1.2Sinkage and bulldozing
  3. 1.3Available traction and its limit
  4. 1.4Importance of inertia
  5. 1.5Why momentum is lost on a dune
  6. 1.6Differences between dry and wet sand
  7. 1.7Sand temperature and density
  8. 1.8Dune slope and its face
  9. 1.9Terminology and quantities
  10. 1.10Workshop: force balance on an ascent
  1. 2.1Forces along the longitudinal axis
  2. 2.2Engine torque and wheel torque
  3. 2.3Traction distribution between axles
  4. 2.4Load transfer under acceleration
  5. 2.5Aerodynamic drag at high speed
  6. 2.6Gradient resistance
  7. 2.7Equation of motion and its solution
  8. 2.8Power required versus power available
  9. 2.9Simple spreadsheet simulation
  10. 2.10Practical: longitudinal model of a vehicle
  1. 3.1Contact patch and flotation
  2. 3.2Reduced pressure: the real effect
  3. 3.3Tread suitable for sand
  4. 3.4Risk of tyre derimming
  5. 3.5Permissible speed at low pressure
  6. 3.6Tyre temperature
  7. 3.7Re-inflation and on-board equipment
  8. 3.8Footprint test in sand
  9. 3.9Practical adjustment criteria
  10. 3.10Practical: pressure test in sand
  1. 4.1Ratios and maintaining engine speed
  2. 4.2Torque converter and clutch in sand
  3. 4.3Gear changes and loss of momentum
  4. 4.4Locking and torque distribution
  5. 4.5Useful torque curve for sand
  6. 4.6Power loss from temperature and altitude
  7. 4.7Cooling under sustained load
  8. 4.8Air filtration in sand
  9. 4.9Fuel consumption on this terrain
  10. 4.10Practical: choosing ratios for dunes
  1. 5.1Reading the dune and choosing a line
  2. 5.2Maintaining momentum
  3. 5.3Ascent, crest and descent
  4. 5.4Cut-off crest and risk of falling
  5. 5.5Turning on a slope and lateral rollover
  6. 5.6Getting stuck: what to do and what not to do
  7. 5.7Recovery with sand ladders and with a recovery strap
  8. 5.8Safe recovery between vehicles
  9. 5.9Minimum on-board equipment
  10. 5.10Practical: operating protocols
  1. 6.1Sand test plan
  2. 6.2Useful data channels
  3. 6.3Measuring real speed and wheelspin
  4. 6.4Comparing configurations
  5. 6.5Validating the model with data
  6. 6.6Honest interpretation of results
  7. 6.7Test documentation
  8. 6.8Common errors in sand
  9. 6.9Documented real-world cases
  10. 6.10Final project: longitudinal dynamics study on dunes
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 timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it possible to combine with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, MSC Adams Car, MoTeC i2 Pro, Python (pandas), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for acceleration and braking tests in sand, comparison of tyre pressures on dunes, and acquisition of wheelspin and speed data. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience 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 cyber-security, 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.

Sand test plan

Explain the phenomena of sinkage, resistance and traction in loose sand.

Useful data channels

Build a longitudinal vehicle model on deformable terrain.

Real speed and wheelspin measurement

Adjust tyre pressures to maximise flotation.

Comparing configurations

Select gear ratios and engine speed for dune driving.

Validating the model with data

Apply safe driving techniques on ascents, descents and crests.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Vehicle dynamics engineerRally raid competition engineerSand driving instructorOff-road vehicle preparerTerramechanics researcherCompetition data engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient 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.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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

The programme uses MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, MSC Adams Car, MoTeC i2 Pro, Python (pandas). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

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

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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