This course will present an introduction to vehicle dynamics from a vehicle system perspective. The theory and applications are associated with the interaction and performance balance between the powertrain, brakes, steering, suspensions and wheel and tire vehicle subsystems.  The role that vehicle dynamics can and should play in effective automotive chassis development and the information and technology flow from vehicle system to subsystem to piece-part is integrated into the presentation. Governing equations of motion are developed and solved for both steady and transient conditions. Manual and computer techniques for analysis and evaluation are presented. Vehicle system dynamic performance in the areas of drive-off, braking, directional control and rollover is emphasized. The dynamics of the powertrain, brakes, steering, suspension and wheel and tire subsystems and their interactions are examined along with the important role of structure and structural parameters related to vehicle dynamics. Physical experiments, applicable to vehicle dynamics are also introduced.

Participants will receive the Bosch Automotive Handbook and The Automotive Chassis: Engineering Principles by Reimpell, Stoll and Betzler.

This course has been approved by the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) for 18 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Upon completion of this course, accredited reconstructionists should mail a copy of their course certificate of achievement and the $5 participant CEU fee to ACTAR, PO Box 1493, North Platte, NE 69103.

• Summarize how vehicle dynamics is related to the voice of the customer
• Identify important vehicle system parameters useful for effective application of vehicle dynamics to chassis development
• List and explain parameters that effect vehicle performance relative to drive-off, braking, directional control and rollover
• Identify physical measurements needed to effectively apply vehicle dynamics to passenger cars and light trucks
• Define the value of vehicle dynamics simulation in the development and evaluation of vehicles
• Explain the balance required between ride, directional control and rollover and the essential process for this balance to be obtained for marketplace vehicles

John A. Peterson is a vehicle dynamics and controls engineer at FOX Factory. Before FOX Factory, John spent time at Pratt Miller Engineering where one of his projects was migrating testing and development of control algorithms for vehicle handling to driver-in-the-loop simulation. Prior to Pratt Miller, John was a Technical Specialist (Vehicle Dynamics and Controls) at BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems where he developed control algorithms for active vehicle systems to influence vehicle handling and performance. His experience also includes a role at Meritor as controls manager in the Mechatronics, Controls, and Software group. In these roles, John developed control algorithms from first principles, tested them in simulation on the desktop as well as in motion simulators, and validated them in-vehicle. In several instances, these algorithms have made it to serial production.

His educational background includes a B.Sc. in Manufacturing Engineering from Brigham Young University, an MSc. in Body Structures and Vehicle Dynamics from Kettering University, and a MSc. in Dynamic Systems and Control from Oakland University.