Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics and Modelling: A Practitioner's Guide to Automotive Systems

By Thalen R. Ashford

Ground vehicles are among the most dynamically complex engineered systems in everyday use - yet the principles governing their behaviour are knowable, derivable, and directly applicable by any engineer willing to build understanding in the right order.

This book builds that understanding from the ground up.

Beginning at the tyre-road contact interface and advancing through suspension mechanics, longitudinal and lateral dynamics, stability analysis, active chassis systems, and full-vehicle simulation, every concept is sequenced the way a vehicle dynamics engineer actually learns - each chapter standing on what came before, nothing introduced before it can be understood.

Every chapter contains fully worked numerical examples with complete parameter sets, tracked units, and physical interpretation of every result. Governing standards are cited throughout with version years. Design rules translate each derivation into an engineering decision. Practice problems at four difficulty tiers close each chapter, from routine calculations to open-ended design tasks.

Coverage includes:

Coordinate conventions and road surface modelling Tyre contact mechanics, longitudinal and lateral force models, and Formulas for combined slipDrivetrain dynamics: ICE, electric motor torque characteristics, and differential behaviourSuspension kinematics: roll centre construction, camber change, and Ackermann geometryVertical dynamics from quarter-car to full four-DOF modal analysisLongitudinal dynamics, brake force distribution, ABS logic, and anti-dive geometryLateral dynamics: the bicycle model, understeer gradient, and compliance steerVehicle stability: eigenvalue analysis, critical speed, phase portraits, and trailer stabilityElectronic stability control, traction control, lane keeping, and observer designAnd more.

For: Graduate students in mechanical and automotive engineering. Practising engineers in vehicle dynamics, chassis development, and ADAS systems. Self-study readers who need both the derivations and the calculations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H9SF1626
• ISBN13: 9798188309756
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 502 Pages
• Weight: 2.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 8.5" x 11.0"