Vehicle Dynamics
Vehicle Dynamics research investigates the physical behaviour of ground vehicles in motion — encompassing how forces, torques, and inertia interact to govern ride, handling, stability, and performance. This domain bridges classical mechanics with modern computational modelling to predict and optimize how a vehicle responds to driver inputs, road disturbances, and environmental conditions. Researchers study multi-body kinematics, tire–road contact mechanics, suspension geometry, and aerodynamic loads. The work spans linear and nonlinear dynamic regimes, from low-speed maneouvering to high-speed cornering instability. Advances in this field directly enable safer vehicle architectures, higher-fidelity simulation tools, and the physical understanding required for robust autonomous and semi-autonomous system design.
- Nonlinear tire modelling and contact mechanics
- Multi-body dynamics and co-simulation frameworks
- Chassis roll, pitch, and yaw stability analysis
- Ride–handling compromise optimisation
- Electric powertrain torque vectoring dynamics
- Aerodynamic downforce and drag trade-offs