Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics and Modelling: A Textbook for Engineers With Illustrations and Examples

Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling

Bruce P. Minaker, University of Windsor, Canada

An introduction to vehicle dynamics and the fundamentals of mathematical modeling

Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling is a student–focused textbook providing an introduction to vehicle dynamics, and covers the fundamentals of vehicle model development.  It illustrates the process for construction of a mathematical model through the application of the equations of motion.  The text describes techniques for solution of the model, and discusses the implications of the choice of method.  It demonstrates how to conduct an analysis and interpret the results, and provides a foundation for understanding and predicting vehicle behaviour as a consequence of the design parameters.

The book introduces the concept of multibody dynamics as applied to vehicles and provides insight into how vehicle dynamics concepts and tools are used in the automotive industry.  Modeling the pneumatic tire is also covered, along with methods for solving the suspension kinematics problem, and prediction of acceleration and braking performance.  A significant portion of the book is devoted to the classical linear dynamic models, and it includes the development of a method suitable for computer implementation, which can automatically generate and solve the linear equations of motion for large complex models.

Key features:

Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling is an ideal textbook for senior undergraduate and graduate courses on vehicle dynamics.

Dr Bruce P Minaker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive, & Materials Engineering at the University of Windsor.  His primary research interest is in modeling, simulation, and control of vehicle dynamics.  For several years he has been developing software to automatically generate the equations of motion of multibody systems, particularly for use in modeling vehicle dynamics.  A strong proponent of open source software; he makes all the code freely available for download.  He teaches a number of courses in related areas, including the senior vehicle design projects. Dr Minaker earned his graduate degrees at Queen′s University and his undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo.