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Course on Traction Models in Mud and Sand

Online 300-hour course on traction models in mud and sand. 6 modules covering ASTM D2487 (Unified Soil Classification System), ISO 17892 (geotechnical laboratory testing) and MATLAB. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
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

Distinguish the behaviour of cohesive mud and frictional sand.

02

Apply traction models to cohesive soils.

03

Apply traction models to frictional soils.

04

Obtain terrain parameters through field and laboratory testing.

05

Validate the models with measurements on a real machine.

06

Use the models to predict mobility and traction.

07

Develop a traction model applied as a final project.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Terramechanics engineer who wishes to specialise in traction models in mud and sand.
  • Off-road vehicle dynamics engineer who wishes to specialise in traction models in mud and sand.
  • Researcher in wheel-soil interaction who wishes to specialise in traction models in mud and sand.
  • Mobility testing engineer who wishes to specialise in traction models in mud and sand.
  • Simulation engineer who wishes to specialise in traction models in mud and sand.
  • Geotechnical engineer in mobility applications who wishes to specialise in traction models in mud and sand.
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to join off-road vehicle manufacturers.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ASTM D2487 (Unified Soil Classification System)
  • ISO 17892 (geotechnical laboratory testing)
  • ASTM D3080 (direct shear test)
  • ASABE S313 (cone penetrometer for soils)
  • ASABE S296 (traction terminology)
  • EN ISO 22476 (geotechnical field testing)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Mud behaviour under shear
  2. 1.2Sand behaviour under sinkage
  3. 1.3Cohesion versus internal friction
  4. 1.4Moisture and its decisive role
  5. 1.5Why general rules fail
  6. 1.6Available traction on each soil
  7. 1.7Resistance to motion on each soil
  8. 1.8Operator experience versus the model
  9. 1.9Terminology and units
  10. 1.10Workshop: characterisation of two soils
  1. 2.1Traction equation with cohesion
  2. 2.2Shear stress versus displacement
  3. 2.3Effect of tread on soil shear
  4. 2.4Sinkage and compaction resistance
  5. 2.5Adhesion and bogging
  6. 2.6Model for tracks in mud
  7. 2.7Model for wheels in mud
  8. 2.8Required parameters and how to obtain them
  9. 2.9Limits of validity of the model
  10. 2.10Practice: traction calculation in mud
  1. 3.1Traction equation with friction
  2. 3.2Effect of contact pressure
  3. 3.3Sinkage in loose sand
  4. 3.4Flotation and its calculation
  5. 3.5Bulldozing resistance
  6. 3.6Effect of sand density
  7. 3.7Model for wheels in sand
  8. 3.8Model for tracks in sand
  9. 3.9Parameters and their measurement
  10. 3.10Practice: traction calculation in sand
  1. 4.1Cone penetrometer
  2. 4.2Plate loading test and bevameter
  3. 4.3In situ direct shear test
  4. 4.4Moisture and density measurement
  5. 4.5Spatial variability of the terrain
  6. 4.6Number of tests required
  7. 4.7Statistical treatment of data
  8. 4.8Common sources of error
  9. 4.9Terrain databases
  10. 4.10Practice: characterisation campaign
  1. 5.1Drawbar pull test
  2. 5.2Measurement of slip and speed
  3. 5.3Minimum required instrumentation
  4. 5.4Model versus measurement comparison
  5. 5.5Adjusting parameters to the real case
  6. 5.6Result uncertainty
  7. 5.7When the model is not valid
  8. 5.8Test documentation
  9. 5.9Technical validation report
  10. 5.10Practice: validating your own model
  1. 6.1Sizing the undercarriage
  2. 6.2Choosing tyres or tracks
  3. 6.3Performance prediction in a project
  4. 6.4Route and access planning
  5. 6.5Design of acceptance tests
  6. 6.6Use in simulation and training
  7. 6.7Communicating results to the client
  8. 6.8Common application errors
  9. 6.9Documented real cases
  10. 6.10Final project: traction study in mud and sand
Methodology, software & labs

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 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, Python (NumPy, SciPy), Project Chrono, PLAXIS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for soil shear and penetration testing, model validation with an instrumented machine, and fitting of Bekker and Wong parameters. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.

Laboratories suitable for accreditation(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:faculty with experience in formation, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible delivery(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with OT cybersecurity, 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.

Sizing the undercarriage

Distinguish the behaviour of cohesive mud and frictional sand.

Choosing tyres or tracks

Apply traction models to cohesive soils.

Performance prediction in a project

Apply traction models to frictional soils.

Route and access planning

Obtain terrain parameters through field and laboratory testing.

Design of acceptance tests

Validate the models with measurements on a real machine.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Terramechanics engineerOff-road vehicle dynamics engineerResearcher in wheel-soil interactionMobility testing engineerSimulation engineerGeotechnical engineer in mobility applications
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

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

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

The programme uses MATLAB, Python (NumPy, SciPy), Project Chrono and PLAXIS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An in-house SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative 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 recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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