SC4210 Vehicle mechatronics

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Topics: Automotive sensors, steering, braking, suspension systems

In modern cars, electronic components, hence mechatronic components and systems are more and more embedded in the vehicle, especially in the areas of entertainment, driving comfort, engine management and active safety. Currently about 30% of the cost of a car can be contributed to electronic components and it is expected that this trend will continue in the years to come, since the car manufacturers are further improving the functionality of these systems.

The introduction of electronic stability programs (ESP) has greatly contributed to road safety and more cars will be equipped with ESP and more advanced ESP systems are being developed. Besides safety, electronics can also contribute to influencing the driving behaviour of the vehicle, creating an even stronger brand identity (e.g., safety, fun to drive, etc.). In order to accomplish this, new control architectures need to be developed such as Global Chassis Control.

It may be clear that by introducing electronics in vehicles it is paramount to focus on the robustness and reliability of embedded mechatronic components and systems.

The Vehicle Mechatronics course will focus on this trend with special attention to the integration of the electrical and mechanical domains (mechatronics) and the control aspects of the vehicle and its sub-systems. The following car systems will be reviewed; steering, braking, suspension, engine & powertrain and tires. Special focus will be given to sensors & sensor networks and actuators (e.g., drive-by-wire) within these respective systems. In the design of new vehicle control architectures such as global chassis control, a proper understanding of vehicle dynamics, robustness aspects such as fail safe and fault tolerant behaviour and the mathematical modelling and simulation (e.g., Matlab/Simulink) of the vehicle, its components and the controller shall be addressed.

Teachers

E.G.M. Holweg

Last modified: 2023-11-03

Details

Credits: 4 EC
Period: 0/0/4/0 (not running)