Master’s in Axles, Differentials and Torque Vectoring 4×4/6×6/8×8 Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in axles, differentials and torque vectoring engineering for 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles, structured in 12 modules covering multi-axle drive architectures, gears and axles, differentials, final drives and portal axles, multi-axle traction dynamics, mechatronic torque vectoring, traction and stability control, axle electrification, simulation, multi-axle steering and reliability, with an assigned technical tutor.
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
Select 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 drive architectures.
Calculate axle and differential gears to ISO standards.
Compare open, limited-slip and active differentials.
Analyse the dynamics of multi-axle drive vehicles.
Design torque vectoring strategies.
Validate axles through simulation and rig testing.
Plan driveline maintenance.
Who it's for
- Transmission engineers.
- Axle and differential engineers.
- Traction control engineers.
- Special-vehicle dynamics engineers.
- Mechatronic systems calibration engineers.
- Driveline validation engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the commercial vehicle industry.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6336 (load capacity of spur and helical gears)
- ISO 10300 (load capacity of bevel gears)
- ISO 1328-1 (gear accuracy)
- UNECE Regulation No. 13 (braking)
- UNECE Regulation No. 79 (steering equipment)
- ANSI/AGMA 2003 (bevel gear rating)
- ISO 26262 (functional safety)
- KISSsoft
- Romax
- MATLAB/Simulink
- MSC Adams
12 modules · 1900 h
1.14×4, 6×6 and 8×8 configurations1.2Permanent and selectable drive1.3H-drive versus I-drive driveline1.4Rigid and independent axles1.5Bogies and tandem axles1.6Articulated-chassis vehicles1.7Transfer cases and power dividers1.8Torque distribution between axles1.9All-terrain trucks and airport vehicles1.10Case study: architecture of a 6×6 wildland fire truck
2.1Hypoid final drive gears2.2Spiral bevel gears2.3Planetary gear trains in axles2.4Load capacity to ISO 63362.5Bevel gear capacity to ISO 103002.6Gear lubrication2.7Tapered roller bearings2.8Preload and adjustment2.9Steels and surface treatments2.10Lab: calculation of a bevel gear pair
3.1Open differential operation3.2Mechanical differential lock3.3Pneumatic and electric locking3.4Torsen gear differentials3.5Plate-type limited-slip differentials3.6Viscous couplings between axles3.7Electronically controlled clutches3.8Torque bias ratio3.9Comparison of solutions3.10Practical: modelling a Torsen differential
4.1Hub planetary reduction units4.2Portal axles4.3Fully floating axles4.4Loads on the axle4.5Steering axles with hub reduction4.6Constant-velocity joints in steering axles4.7Axle-integrated brakes4.8Hub sealing and oil seals4.9Final drive maintenance4.10Workshop: disassembly of a hub reduction unit
5.1Torsional wind-up between axles5.2Parasitic power circulation5.3Load distribution per axle5.4Influence of the tyre5.5Cornering behaviour5.6Drag losses5.7Traction tests5.8Driveline simulation5.9Overall driveline efficiency5.10Case study: torsional wind-up in an 8×8
6.1Side-to-side torque distribution clutches6.2Control units6.3Twin-clutch systems6.4Actively controlled differentials6.5In-wheel motors6.6Brake-based torque vectoring6.7Distribution algorithms6.8Sensors required for control6.9Effect on stability6.10Lab: torque vectoring in Simulink
7.1ABS on multi-axle vehicles7.2Traction control7.3Stability control7.4Hill descent control7.5Friction estimation7.6Control logic7.7Calibration of traction systems7.8Validation on low-friction surfaces7.9Regulatory stability requirements7.10Practical: traction control calibration
8.1Motors per axle8.2In-wheel motors8.3Independent wheel control8.4Regeneration per axle8.5Mechanical integration in the chassis8.6Cooling of axle motors8.7Energy efficiency of electric traction8.8Costs of axle electrification8.9Trends in electric axles8.10Case study: electric 6×6 with independent axles
9.1Multibody driveline models9.2Hardware-in-the-loop control testing9.3Axle test rigs9.4Gear durability9.5Noise and vibration9.6Field data9.7Test-to-model correlation9.8Fatigue of shafts and gears9.9Validation plan9.10Lab: differential test rig
10.1Steering on several axles10.2Multi-axle Ackermann geometry10.3Skid steering10.4Active rear-axle steering10.5Multi-axle hydraulic steering10.6Controlled electro-hydraulic steering10.7Turning radius10.8Regulatory steering requirements10.9Steering control10.10Practical: steering geometry of an 8×8
11.1Lubricants and service intervals11.2Wear mechanisms11.3Failure modes11.4Failure analysis11.5Inspection of backlash and wear11.6Oil analysis11.7Seals and gaskets11.8Maintenance planning11.9Life-cycle costs11.10Case study: failure of a ring gear
12.1Definition of vehicle and mission12.2Drive architecture12.3Gear calculation12.4Differential selection12.5Torque distribution strategy12.6Vehicle dynamics simulation12.7Vehicle validation plan12.8Cost analysis12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
The programme is taught 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is KISSsoft, Romax, MATLAB/Simulink and MSC Adams, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for differential rig testing, traction control calibration and multi-axle vehicle simulation. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 6336; ISO 10300; ISO 1328-1; UNECE Regulation No. 13; UNECE Regulation No. 79; ANSI/AGMA 2003; ISO 26262.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
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 totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with KISSsoft, Romax, MATLAB/Simulink and MSC Adams, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the programme software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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