Vehicle Dynamics Modelling and Simulation
About this Course
Vehicle Dynamics Modelling and Simulation

This course includes
Vehicle Dynamics is the study of vehicle motion, tasked with exploring the behaviour of a vehicle in response to driver inputs and those of the environment. The theory of vehicle dynamics and its application underpins the development of race cars, contributing extensively to their design and subsequent operation.
With track-testing subject to regulatory and financial constraints, motorsport teams across the globe rely heavily on vehicle dynamics simulations to study and optimise the performance of race cars.
This course provides a detailed overview of vehicle dynamics theory, and its subsequent application through dynamical system models built using MATLAB/Simulink. An extensive selection of case-studies have been explored, covering the full range of responses; tyre dynamics, lateral dynamics, longitudinal dynamics, vertical/ride dynamics, and suspension considerations.
Those who enrol onto the course will learn how each of the system models are derived, built, and applied, through a series of demonstrations and practical assignments.
Duration & Difficulty
- 65 Lessons
- Advanced Difficulty
- Approximate time required to complete course: 12 hours
- Introduction to Vehicle Dynamics
- Tyre Dynamics Lateral Dynamics (+ Assignment)
- Longitudinal Dynamics (+ Assignment)
- Vehicle Suspension
- Vertical Dynamics (+ Assignment)
- Vehicle Dynamics in the Automotive Industry
- Final Assignment – Suspension Shaker Rig
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics theory
- Develop skills in the Modelling & Simulation of dynamical systems
- Use the techniques and methods acquired during this course to create vehicle system models within the MATLAB/Simulink environment
- Learn how to analyse the dynamic response of a race car through simulations conducted within the MATLAB/Simulink environment
- Demonstrate knowledge of the overall Modelling & Simulation landscape within Automotive/Motorsport Vehicle Dynamics
- You are a student or professional with an interest in Vehicle Dynamics
- You want to start a career in Vehicle Dynamics
- You have an interest in Modelling and Simulation
- You want to develop skills in MATLAB/Simulink
Vehicle Dynamics Simulation and Modelling course involves the use of industry-leading Matlab and Simulink.
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Your Course Instructor

Javier Sistiaga
- Chassis & Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
Javi has a breadth of experience, spanning both Motorsport and Automotive domains. Whilst the majority of Javi’s career has been spent at Applus+ IDIADA developing 4-wheeled vehicles for global markets, he also has significant experience in the design and production of motorbikes. Javi has studied in both Spain and the UK, obtaining an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and an MSc in Motorsport Engineering from Oxford Brookes. In between the courses, Javi, co-founded BASS Racing – a motorbike team building on previous experience acquired through the university’s MotoStudent project.
Upon graduating from Oxford Brookes, Javi went straight to MotoGP, working as a Project Engineer for KTM. From here, Javi returned to Spain with IDIADA, carrying out a variety of roles related to Vehicle Dynamics & Simulation. In recent times, Javi has delivered courses at UPC and extended his expertise in Multi-Body Simulation to cover the Renewable Energy industry.



Course curriculum
Javi tells us about his course
A conversation with Javier Sistiaga (full version)
Introduction
Vehicle Dynamics Basics
Review of Physics Principles
MATLAB/Simulink
Module Summary
How do tyres work? Introduction
How do tyres work? Lateral dynamics
How do tyres work? Longitudinal dynamics
How do tyres work? Combined forces
Tyre modelling: Linear tyre model
Tyre modelling: Pacejka tyre model
Tyre modelling: Other tyre models
Tyre characterization
Magic Formula in MATLAB/Simulink
Module Summary
Introduction
Low speed cornering
The bicycle model
MATLAB/Simulink modelling
Steady state response: Understeer and Oversteer
Steady state response: Critical and Characteristic speed
Steady state reponse: Neutral Steer point
Transient reponse
Transient response: Step response
Transient response: Frequency response
Module Summary
Introduction
Braking performance. Equations of motion
Braking performance. Load transfer
Braking performance. Maximum deceleration
Braking performance. Brake balance
Braking performance. Brake model
Braking performance. MATLAB/Simulink modelling
Driving performance. Equations of motion
Driving performance. Load transfer
Driving performance. Powertrain model
Driving performance. MATLAB/Simulink modelling
Module Summary
Introduction
Suspension role
Sprung and unsprung mass
Suspension components. Springs
Suspension components. Dampers
Suspension components. Installation ratio
Suspension components. Other components
Module Summary
Introduction
The power of isolation
Quarter car model: Equations of motion
Quarter car model: Natural frequency and damping ratio
Quarter car model: MATLAB/Simulink modelling
4-DOF model: Equations of motion
4-DOF model: Ride frequency ratio
4-DOF model: MATLAB/Simulink modelling
Out of plane model: Roll centre and load transfer
Out of plane model: Equations of motion
Out of plane model: Equations of motion summary
Module Summary
Module Introduction
Introduction
Parametric models
Multi-body software
Vehicle development
Module Summary
Modelling a Suspension Shaker Rig
Lifetime access
€199.95
Access Duration: Lifetime ⓘ
Duration for which video lessons, downloadables, quizzes and assignments will be made available from the time of enrolment.
Mode of Delivery: Online ⓘ
Lessons are managed by experienced course leaders leveraging online means.
E-mail support ⓘ
We provide support throughout the duration of the course.
Certification ⓘ
A certificate will be awarded upon course completion so you can share your achievement with your network.
Interact with instructor ⓘ
Network with motorsport engineering professionals and receive the advice you are looking for.
Assignment ⓘ
Impress your course leaders by excelling at the challenges they present to you.
Watch lessons in any order ⓘ
Start from the beginning or the end - you choose!
Assignment feedback ⓘ
Receive feedback from our course leaders so you can understand areas of improvement.
Videocall with instructor ⓘ
Network with motorsport engineering professionals and receive the advice you are looking for.
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FAQ
Every course page has a section called “This course is for you if…”, detailing who the course is designed for. If you are unsure about a specific course, please get in touch with us at info@motorsportengineer.net and we will be happy to provide further guidance.
Every course page has a section describing the syllabus. Furthermore, the detailed curriculum is also publicly available. Courses last between 8 to 20 hours, including guided lectures and individual work. Also, our courses are totally flexible and you can progress at your own pace.
Our courses can be accessed, depending on the price plan acquired, going from 2 months to lifetime access . This guarantees flexibility to the needs of every student.
If you are a group of students interested in one or more courses please contact us at info@motorsportengineer.net.
Networking is key for finding your way into any industry, and motorsport is not different. For this reason, we think that having the possibility to interact directly with instructors is vital. We have created a number of tools that will allow you to speak directly with our instructors during of the course through the platform.
Keep in mind that interesting questions will make you stand out!
Job hunting can be a stressful process filled with uncertainty. We offer a CV review process that is based on years of experience working in Formula 1 and other motorsport categories and recruiting the best talent for some of the greatest brands in the industry.
This is a private service offered on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in this, please send us an email to info@motorsportengineer.net mentioning our CV review service and we will get back to you with all the information.
This is one of the most common questions we receive at our inbox.
There is not an answer that fits every single case, but here are some tips you can follow to achieve your goal.
1. Complete the Introductory Course available for free in our platform. It will give you a general idea of the motorsport industry.
2. Read our blog article 5 things every aspiring Formula 1 engineer should know.
3. Browse our Motorsport Academy for a course that catches your attention on the topic that you want to specialise in.
4. Feel free to contact us at info@motorsportengineer.net should you require further assistance.