advancedVehicle Dynamics

Vehicle Dynamics & Setup

Understand the physics behind how your car behaves and learn to make setup changes that improve handling. Covers weight transfer theory, suspension fundamentals, alignment science, tire dynamics, and practical setup methodology.

4 hours25 lessons0 enrolled

Premium Feature

All Courses

Access the full course catalog with Premium. Free users can take the first 2 courses.

Upgrade to Premium$19/mo or $149/yr

Course Outline

Module 1: Weight Transfer Basics

The physics of load transfer and its effect on grip.

Module 2: Suspension Fundamentals

Springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars: what they do and how they interact.

Module 3: Alignment & Tire Science

Camber, toe, caster, and how tires generate grip.

Module 4: Making Setup Changes

A systematic approach to improving your car.

Module 5: Aerodynamics and Downforce

Aerodynamics and Downforce — added in the Phase 12 curriculum expansion.

Module 6: Mechanical Systems

Mechanical Systems — added in the Phase 12 curriculum expansion.

Sources

The Racing and High-Performance Tire Paul Haney
Chassis Engineering Adams
Fundamentals of vehicle dynamics Gillespie T. D. Thomas D.
Tire Grip and Slip Angle
Car Suspension
Car Suspension Repair, Maintenance and Modification (Julian Spender)(p. 9, 11)
Analysis Techniques for Racecar Data Acquisition (Jorge Sergers)(p. 12, 13)
Generalized Vehicle Dynamics (Daniel Williams)(p. 161)
The Science of Vehicle Dynamics (Massimo Guiggiani)(p. 175)
Vehicle Dynamics (Theory and Apllication) (Reza N. Jazar)(p. 58)
How to Build a Car (Adrian Newey)(p. 147)
The Multibody Systems Approach to Vehicle Dynamics (Michael Blundell, Damian Harty)(p. 155)
Ultimate Speed Secrets - Ross Bentley(p. 38, 56, 61, 66, 68, 77, 94, 283)
Performance-Driving-Illustrated-Ross-Bentley(p. 10)
Inner Speed Secrets - Ross Bentley(p. 25)
PCA_SEM_HPDE_Handbook_rev-B_2016(p. 3, 7, 8, 12)
HPDE Curriculum Guide (2021)(p. 42)
High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) Techniques by Skill Level(p. 10, 11, 12, 26, 34, 35, 62)
HPDE_Verbatim_Master_Compilation(p. 189, 191, 255, 366)
The HPDE 1st Timer's Guide - Ross Bentley(p. 7)
Anatomy of a Corner - Dave Lowum(p. 5, 6, 7)
Unofficial SuperMiata Guide (2018)(p. 12)
Miata Alignment Specs(p. 1, 3)

Skills You'll Learn

This course covers 10 progression outcomes across 1 skill category. Complete the course to advance your progression tracker.

Weight Transfer and Car Control

Recognize significant understeer and regain control by smoothly reducing throttle and/or opening steering
Recognize significant oversteer and regain control by maintaining or adding throttle and/or counter-steering
Explain which inputs cause weight to transfer forward/rearward and how it affects car balance
Sense side loads through the seat during cornering and know if the load is steady or changing
Use small throttle changes to adjust the balance and direction of the car in a turn (throttle steer)
...and 5 more →