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CourseCivil, Rail & Smart Cities Enrolment open

Wheel-Soil Contact Simulation Software Course

Online 300 h course in wheel-soil contact simulation software. 6 modules covering ISTVS standards and definitions (terrain-vehicle systems), ASTM D2487 (soil classification, USCS) and EDEM. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeHybrid
LanguageEnglish / Spanish
Start datesOctober / March
LocationEurope (Madrid)
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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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 fundamentals of terramechanics and wheel-soil interaction.

02

Apply empirical and semi-empirical models such as those of Bekker and Wong.

03

Simulate contact using finite element and discrete element methods.

04

Characterise the soil properties required for simulation.

05

Use simulation to design tyres, tracks and traction systems.

06

Validate models with soil bin and field tests.

07

Develop a wheel-soil contact simulation study for a real case.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Terramechanics engineer who wants to specialise in wheel-soil contact simulation software.
  • Vehicle simulation engineer who wants to specialise in wheel-soil contact simulation software.
  • Tyre development engineer who wants to specialise in wheel-soil contact simulation software.
  • Researcher in soil-machine interaction who wants to specialise in wheel-soil contact simulation software.
  • Traction engineer who wants to specialise in wheel-soil contact simulation software.
  • Particle simulation consultant who wants to specialise in wheel-soil contact simulation software.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to join tyre manufacturers.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISTVS standards and definitions (terrain-vehicle systems)
  • ASTM D2487 (soil classification, USCS)
  • ISO 17892 (geotechnical laboratory testing)
  • ASTM D1557 (modified Proctor test)
  • ASTM D6951 (dynamic cone penetrometer)
  • ETRTO Standards Manual (tyres and rims)
  • ISO 4251 (tyres and rims for agricultural machinery)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Why simulate wheel-soil contact
  2. 1.2Quantities of interest: traction, sinkage and resistance
  3. 1.3Deformable soils versus firm ground
  4. 1.4Relevant soil parameters
  5. 1.5Classical empirical terramechanics models
  6. 1.6Finite element soil models
  7. 1.7Discrete particle methods
  8. 1.8Choosing a method according to the objective
  9. 1.9Computational cost of each approach
  10. 1.10Workshop: defining the scope of a study
  1. 2.1Pressure-sinkage relationship
  2. 2.2Cohesion and friction parameters
  3. 2.3Traction versus slip curves
  4. 2.4Rolling resistance on soft soil
  5. 2.5Rigid and deformable wheel models
  6. 2.6Track models and contact pressure
  7. 2.7Parameter fitting with plate tests
  8. 2.8Validity of the models and their limits
  9. 2.9Use in rapid sizing
  10. 2.10Practice: traction calculation with an empirical model
  1. 3.1Soil constitutive models
  2. 3.2Plasticity and failure criteria
  3. 3.3Large deformations and remeshing
  4. 3.4Particle methods and their calibration
  5. 3.5Fluid-particle interaction in mud
  6. 3.6Modelling the deformable tyre
  7. 3.7Coupling with the vehicle model
  8. 3.8Time step and stability
  9. 3.9Validation of the numerical model
  10. 3.10Practice: simulation of a wheel on soft soil
  1. 4.1Field tests: penetrometer and plate
  2. 4.2Shear and compression tests
  3. 4.3Moisture, density and their variability
  4. 4.4Spatial variability of the terrain
  5. 4.5Sample preparation and laboratory tests
  6. 4.6Obtaining the model parameters
  7. 4.7Parameter uncertainty
  8. 4.8Repeatability of tests
  9. 4.9Documentation of the characterisation
  10. 4.10Practice: obtaining parameters from test data
  1. 5.1Selection of tyres and pressures
  2. 5.2Track and shoe design
  3. 5.3Sizing the traction of a machine
  4. 5.4Assessment of mobility on terrain
  5. 5.5Reducing soil compaction
  6. 5.6Design of tillage tools
  7. 5.7Assessment of slopes and fording
  8. 5.8Comparison of configurations
  9. 5.9Communicating results to design
  10. 5.10Practice: comparison of two running gear configurations
  1. 6.1Traction tests in the field and on the test rig
  2. 6.2Correlation between simulation and test
  3. 6.3Sources of discrepancy and their hierarchy
  4. 6.4Available tools and their scope
  5. 6.5Cost of the simulation project
  6. 6.6Documentation and reproducibility
  7. 6.7Common errors in terramechanics simulation
  8. 6.8When a simple model is enough
  9. 6.9Evolution of the methods
  10. 6.10Final project: mobility study of a machine
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM Institute 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 the programme with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is EDEM, Project Chrono, Abaqus, MSC Adams, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for soil bin tests, field penetrometry measurement and traction tests on terrain. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-based final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored: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 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.

Traction tests in the field and on the test rig

Explain the fundamentals of terramechanics and wheel-soil interaction.

Correlation between simulation and test

Apply empirical and semi-empirical models such as those of Bekker and Wong.

Sources of discrepancy and their hierarchy

Simulate contact using finite element and discrete element methods.

Available tools and their scope

Characterise the soil properties required for simulation.

Cost of the simulation project

Use simulation to design tyres, tracks and traction systems.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Terramechanics engineerVehicle simulation engineerTyre development engineerResearcher in soil-machine interactionTraction engineerParticle simulation consultant
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.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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

You work with EDEM, Project Chrono, Abaqus, MSC Adams and MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

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

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.

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