How can you gain vehicle dynamics experience as a student or intern?

Vehicle dynamics is the study of how a vehicle responds to external forces and inputs, such as aerodynamics, gravity, friction, steering, braking, and acceleration. It is a complex and multidisciplinary field that requires both theoretical and practical skills. If you are a student or intern who wants to pursue a career in vehicle dynamics, here are some ways you can gain valuable experience and knowledge.

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1 Join a student team

One of the best ways to learn vehicle dynamics is to join a student team that designs, builds, and tests a vehicle for a competition. There are many such teams in different universities and colleges, such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Formula Student, EcoCar, Solar Car, and more. These teams offer you the opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge to a real-world project, work with other students from different disciplines, and interact with industry mentors and sponsors. You will also learn how to use various tools and software for vehicle dynamics analysis, simulation, and testing.

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Dean D.

Shaping the Next Generation of Diesel Technicians
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Hands on experience in my opinion is the best way, you don’t know until you try. And with all of the older techs moving towards retirement it’s imperative that we have their knowledge. So remember that grumpy technician that always seems to be well grumpy or doesn’t seem to like you, get to know him and learn as much as possible

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Steven Price AAE, MIMI

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As a motor vehicle Lecturer for standards apprenticeship it is very important that I share my years of diagnostic skills with them as they learn from actual real life situation, different software usage ans just simple going back to basics also works,

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2 Take online courses

Another way to improve your vehicle dynamics skills is to take online courses that cover the fundamentals and advanced topics of the subject. There are many platforms that offer such courses, such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, and more. Some of the courses are free, while others require a fee or a subscription. You can choose the courses that suit your level and interest, and learn at your own pace. You will also get access to lectures, assignments, quizzes, and certificates that can enhance your resume and portfolio.

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Ashley Sook

labour sales record breaker workshop controller
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Continuous growth is what we all should strive for the person who stops learning stops living and just exists. Each day brings about a different challenge and a new result

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3 Read books and papers

A third way to gain vehicle dynamics experience is to read books and papers that provide comprehensive and in-depth information and insights on the topic. There are many books that cover the theory and practice of vehicle dynamics, such as Race Car Vehicle Dynamics by Milliken and Milliken, Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics by Gillespie, Vehicle Dynamics by Rajesh Rajamani, and more. You can also find papers that present the latest research and developments in vehicle dynamics, such as those published in journals like Vehicle System Dynamics, International Journal of Vehicle Design, and more. You can use these resources to deepen your understanding and broaden your perspective on vehicle dynamics.

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Michael ADEBAYO

Ingénieur PLM
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The school library remains a tangible source. There are always books about vehicle science, automobile engineering, transmission systems... The good news is that you could also borrow them for reading

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4 Do personal projects

A fourth way to gain vehicle dynamics experience is to do personal projects that challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge to a specific problem or goal. You can use your own vehicle or a model car as a testbed, and experiment with different aspects of vehicle dynamics, such as suspension, steering, braking, tires, aerodynamics, and more. You can also use software like MATLAB, Simulink, CarSim, ADAMS, and more to create and run vehicle dynamics models and simulations. You can document your projects and share them online or in your portfolio to showcase your abilities and achievements.

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Latado J.

EMEA Inventory Coordinator | Operations | Supply Chain
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A fancy project, sometimes seen on car ads, is to X-ray a moving vehicle and carry this to create a model on dynamics for a specific topic to be studied.

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Michael ADEBAYO

Ingénieur PLM
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When I was at the polytechnic, my first real experience with automobiles started during my first internship. I had the opportunity to dismantle and mount gearboxes and engines. This made me to learn a lot. Then at the university I used simulation softwares : MS Adams and Abaqus to to simulate the impact of vibration on components. I really gained much knowledge from these personal experiences

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5 Seek mentorship and feedback

A fifth way to gain vehicle dynamics experience is to seek mentorship and feedback from experts and peers who have more experience and knowledge in the field. You can find mentors and peers through your student team, online communities, professional networks, or events. You can ask them questions, seek advice, request feedback, and learn from their experiences and insights. You can also offer your help and support to others who are learning vehicle dynamics, and exchange ideas and opinions. You will benefit from the guidance, encouragement, and constructive criticism that can help you improve your skills and confidence.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you gain vehicle dynamics experience as a student or intern?

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1 Join a student team

2 Take online courses

3 Read books and papers

4 Do personal projects

5 Seek mentorship and feedback

6 Here’s what else to consider

Mechanics

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How can you gain vehicle dynamics experience as a student or intern?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Join a student team

2 Take online courses

3 Read books and papers

4 Do personal projects

5 Seek mentorship and feedback

6 Here’s what else to consider

Mechanics

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