2013 Professional Development Seminars - 30

vehicle dynamics & chassis

•	 Define the dynamics of various truck sub-systems and components that
include tires, steering system, and truck suspensions
•	 Identify how sub-systems or components interact with other subsystems to effect truck dynamics
•	 Describe some of the contemporary issues in heavy truck dynamics
•	 Assess and evaluate selected research topics you may want to consider
for the sub-systems and components that you work with
Who Should Attend
This seminar will benefit design, manufacturing, and customer support
engineers in the heavy truck industry, most notably the original equipment
manufacturers and their suppliers. Managers and marketing staff, as
well as individuals in government agencies and educators in academic
institutions that have a need for understanding heavy truck dynamics will
also benefit from attending this seminar.
Topical Outline
DAY ONE
•	 Course Introduction
•	 What is Vehicle Dynamics
•	 Course Outline
•	 Tire Dynamics
•	 Tire Mechanics
•	 Tire Dynamics
•	 Tire Operating Conditions
•	 Steering System
•	 Steering Mechanism
•	 Forces and Moments
•	 Steering Vibrations
•	 Steering Effects
•	 Maneuverability
DAY TWO
•	 Suspension Dynamics and Kinematics
•	 Introduction to Suspension Systems
•	 Spring Elements
•	 Damper Elements
•	 Advanced Suspensions
•	 Heavy Truck Dynamics
•	 Dynamics Basics
•	 Center of Gravity (CG) Calculations
•	 Roll Dynamics
•	 Load Transfer
•	 Aerodynamics Loads
•	 Frame Dynamics
DAY THREE
•	 Vibration Sources
•	 Road Roughness
•	 Tire and Wheel Assembly
•	 Engine & Transmission
•	 Drive line Excitation
•	 Truck Frame Dynamics
•	 Cab Suspension Dynamics
•	 Vehicle Dynamic Elements
•	 Suspension Dynamics
•	 Nonlinearities in Suspension
•	 Resonance of Axle Hop
•	 Bounce and Pitch of Rigid Body
•	 Roll Response
•	 Frame Bending
•	 Cab Mounting System
•	 Position of Fifth Wheel
•	 Driver’s Seat
•	 Loading
•	 Trailer Effects
•	 Perception of Ride
•	 Human Body Response to Vehicle Vibrations
•	 Case Studies: Contemporary Topics in Heavy Truck Dynamics

30

•	 CASE 1: Practical Evaluation of Truck Suspension Kinematics and
Dynamics
•	 CASE 2: Dynamic Influence of Frame Stiffness on Heavy Truck
Ride
•	 CASE 3: Effect of Panhard Rod Cab Suspensions on Heavy Truck
Ride Measurements
•	 CASE 4: Simulation Analysis of Suspension and Driveline Dynamic
Coupling and their effect on Truck Ride
Instructor: Mehdi Ahmadian
Mehdi Ahmadian, Ph.D. is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia
Tech, where he is also the Director of the Center for Vehicle Systems
and Safety (CVeSS) and the Railway Technologies Laboratory (RTL). He
is the founding director of CVeSS, RTL, Virginia Institute for Performance
Engineering and Research, and the Advanced Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory.
Dr. Ahmadian has authored more than 200 technical publications and has
made more than 130 technical presentations in topics related to advanced
technologies for ground vehicles. He holds six U.S. patents and has edited
four technical volumes. Dr. Ahmadian is a member of SAE International and
is the recipient of the 2008 Forest R. McFarland Award for outstanding
contributions to the SAE Engineering Meetings Board. Dr. Ahmadian’s
research interests include vehicle dynamics and control, advanced
suspensions, biodynamics, ride engineering, tire dynamics, advanced
materials for improving vehicle performance, and vehicle noise and
vibration assessment. Dr. Ahmadian has over 20 years of industrial and
academic experience, working in research, development, and engineering
of various systems for ground vehicles, air vehicles, and water vessels for
both civilian and military applications.
Testimonials
“This course offered excellent information and insight into
Heavy Trucks and their sub-systems.”
Enrique Bonugli
Test Engineer
Biodynamic Research Corporation
“Good theoretical start to understanding the Heavy Truck industry.”
Martin Garcia
Senior Engineer
Quest Engineering
“The Fundamentals of Heavy Truck Dynamics course offered by SAE is a
great tool for engineers trying to get into the heavy truck world as well as a
good refresher for those who have been in the industry for some time.”
Shawn Bozarth
Project Engineer
Hendrickson
Fees – List: $1,625 • SAE Members – Classic: $1,465 •
Premium: $1,375 • Elite: $1,295
2.0 CEUs

www.sae.org/congress/seminars • 1-877-606-7323 (U.S. & Canada) or 1-724-776-4970
http://www.sae.org/congress/seminars
2013 Professional Development Seminars

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