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Postgraduate DiplomaOff-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery Applications open

Postgraduate Diploma in Mixed-Terrain Dynamics and Control

Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in Mixed-Terrain Dynamics and Control. 8 modules covering ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary), ISO 3888-2 (obstacle avoidance manoeuvre) and MATLAB/Simulink. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain wheel-terrain interaction using terramechanics models.

02

Analyse longitudinal dynamics in traction and braking.

03

Evaluate lateral dynamics and rollover risk.

04

Design suspension for mixed terrain.

05

Model and simulate the vehicle on different terrains.

06

Design traction control strategies.

07

Plan validation tests on track.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Vehicle dynamics engineer who wants to specialise in Mixed-Terrain Dynamics and Control.
  • Traction control engineer who wants to specialise in Mixed-Terrain Dynamics and Control.
  • Simulation engineer who wants to specialise in Mixed-Terrain Dynamics and Control.
  • Vehicle test technician who wants to specialise in Mixed-Terrain Dynamics and Control.
  • Off-road vehicle engineer who wants to specialise in Mixed-Terrain Dynamics and Control.
  • Terramechanics researcher who wants to specialise in Mixed-Terrain Dynamics and Control.
  • Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter the automotive sector.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary)
  • ISO 3888-2 (obstacle avoidance manoeuvre)
  • ISO 7401 (transient lateral response)
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving)
  • SAE J2180 (tilt-table test of rollover threshold)
  • ISTVS standards (terrain-vehicle systems)
Syllabus

8 modules · 800 h

  1. 1.1Terramechanics and the Bekker model
  2. 1.2Soil cohesion and angle of internal friction
  3. 1.3Rolling resistance on soft soil
  4. 1.4Slip and traction effort
  5. 1.5Wong model for tyres
  6. 1.6Tyre pressure and contact patch
  7. 1.7Mud, sand, rock and snow
  8. 1.8Cone index and mobility
  9. 1.9Grip on mixed surfaces
  10. 1.10Practical: traction in sand using the Bekker model
  1. 2.1Traction equations and resistances
  2. 2.2Load transfer on slopes
  3. 2.3Climbing capacity and limiting angles
  4. 2.4Gear ratios and transfer case
  5. 2.5Open and self-locking differentials
  6. 2.6Differential locks
  7. 2.7Downhill descent control
  8. 2.8Permanent and selectable all-wheel drive
  9. 2.9Torque split between axles
  10. 2.10Workshop: calculating the maximum climbable gradient
  1. 3.1Bicycle model and understeer
  2. 3.2Off-road tyre force curves
  3. 3.3Static stability factor SSF
  4. 3.4Dynamic rollover on uneven terrain
  5. 3.5Stability on lateral slopes
  6. 3.6Lateral load transfer
  7. 3.7Height of the centre of gravity
  8. 3.8Disconnectable anti-roll bars
  9. 3.9Rollover risk indicators
  10. 3.10Case study: lateral stability of a loaded 4×4
  1. 4.1Articulation and axle travel
  2. 4.2Solid axle versus independent suspension
  3. 4.3Bypass and reservoir dampers
  4. 4.4Progressive springs and bump stops
  5. 4.5Ride frequencies and comfort
  6. 4.6Response to potholes and jumps
  7. 4.7Adjustable air suspension
  8. 4.8Semi-active skyhook control
  9. 4.9Compression and rebound tuning
  10. 4.10Laboratory: travel analysis using recorded data
  1. 5.1Multibody models in Adams or CarSim
  2. 5.2Pacejka and FTire tyre models
  3. 5.3Generating terrain profiles
  4. 5.4Axle crossing and obstacles
  5. 5.5Co-simulation with Simulink
  6. 5.6Deformable soil models
  7. 5.7Validation with field data
  8. 5.8Parametric sensitivity
  9. 5.9Real-time simulation and HIL
  10. 5.10Practical: multibody model of an axle crossing
  1. 6.1Selective wheel braking control
  2. 6.2ESC adapted for off-road vehicles
  3. 6.3Selectable terrain modes
  4. 6.4Slip and speed estimation
  5. 6.5Torque control in electric traction
  6. 6.6Torque vectoring between wheels
  7. 6.7Low-speed crawl control
  8. 6.8Friction coefficient estimation
  9. 6.9Calibration by terrain type
  10. 6.10Workshop: traction controller in Simulink
  1. 7.1Designing off-road test tracks
  2. 7.2GPS, IMU and potentiometer instrumentation
  3. 7.3RTI articulation tests
  4. 7.4Gradient and wading tests
  5. 7.5Durability on terrain
  6. 7.6Acquisition data analysis
  7. 7.7Simulation-test correlation
  8. 7.8Subjective driver assessment
  9. 7.9Civil and military test standards
  10. 7.10Case study: test plan for mixed terrain
  1. 8.1Vehicle definition and use
  2. 8.2Characterisation of target terrains
  3. 8.3Vehicle dynamic model
  4. 8.4Suspension design
  5. 8.5Traction control strategy
  6. 8.6Scenario simulation
  7. 8.7Validation plan
  8. 8.8Results analysis
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final review with the tutor
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, making it easy to combine with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, Adams Car, CarSim, Python (NumPy), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real test procedures: tilt-table trials, traction tests on different soils, and data logging on a mixed-terrain track. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditation-ready laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test 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 careers in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

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

Vehicle definition and use

Explain wheel-terrain interaction using terramechanics models.

Characterisation of target terrains

Analyse longitudinal dynamics in traction and braking.

Vehicle dynamic model

Evaluate lateral dynamics and rollover risk.

Suspension design

Design suspension for mixed terrain.

Traction control strategy

Model and simulate the vehicle on different terrains.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Vehicle dynamics engineerTraction control engineerSimulation engineerVehicle test technicianOff-road vehicle engineerTerramechanics researcher
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is 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.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

The programme works with MATLAB/Simulink, Adams Car, CarSim, Python (NumPy). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

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

Yes. Modules passed in a course or diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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