MECHANICS OF VEHICLES & MACHINES - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module provides an introduction to the mechanics of vehicles and machines with special emphasis on automotive components. The module will start with the discussion of the fundamental theories of kinematics and kinetics, which will provide the basis for the investigation of the motion of vehicles and will allow the definition of desired and undesired vehicle behaviour. Following the discussion of vehicle dynamics, the main vehicle components and systems will be investigated to appreciate their functions and limitations.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

GRUBER Patrick (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Kinematics of machines

• Kinematic analysis techniques of planar linkages and mechanisms


• Slider-crank mechanism


• Four-bar linkage mechanism

• Force and acceleration of linkages and mechanisms


• Method of work and energy

• Tyre characteristics


• Development of bicycle model for evaluation of dynamic vehicle response


• Concepts of vehicle understeer and oversteer


• Concept of weight transfer with focus on vehicle dynamics performance

• Chassis design principles


• Configuration of suspension, steering and damping systems


• Brake system design and modern chassis control systems such as ABS, Electronic stability control.

• Internal combustion engines and their performance and efficiency characteristics.


• Design of transmissions, differentials and drive train joints


• Powertrain configurations including FWD, RWD and AWD

• Balancing of rotating masses


• Static and dynamic balance

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of scientific principles, methodologies and mathematics methods as well as the ability to describe particular systems and processes in the final examination. The coursework allows students to demonstrate that they can solve kinematics/kinetics problems, and independently research and comment critically on design solutions found in industry.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Coursework       [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 5]


• Examination      [Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Module aims

• a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the importance of individual components and systems of modern road vehicles
• a knowledge of the design of modern chassis, suspension and powertrain components
• an understanding of the energy efficiency characteristics and constraints of modern powertrain solutions
• a knowledge of basic calculation techniques relating to vehicle dynamics
• a comprehensive knowledge of the methods of investigating the motion of machines with and without reference to forces and masses
• an understanding of balancing of rotating masses

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Introduce the design and analysis principles of mechanisms and vehicles through theory with worked examples. This is delivered principally through lectures, captured content and tutorial classes, and includes an independently conducted coursework involving a study of fundamental kinematics/kinetics problems and a review of advances in vehicle design.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures and captured content


• Tutorials (in groups)


• Coursework

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG2095

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.