Experiential Learning in Vehicle Dynamics Education

Engineering - Mechanical (56) This CCLI Phase 1 Exploratory Project is developing a framework for dynamic systems instruction that includes both a virtual simulation system and a motion platform system. Using authentic engineering scenarios, students are discovering the impact that configuration parameters have on an automobile. Guided inquiry modules in automobile vehicle dynamics are giving students the opportunity to see and experience the impact of their engineering decisions. The proposal is building on existing technology and simulation tools, including vehicle dynamics modeling and simulation, immersive and web-based visualization techniques, and motion-platform kinematics. Students, engineering faculty, and practicing automobile vehicle dynamics professionals are assessing the project's educational materials. Project results are being disseminated through conference workshops, journal articles, and web-based simulations. The project is also exposing high school students to inquiry-based experiences in modeling automobile dynamics using the developed pedagogical tools through summer workshops. The complexity of the dynamic vehicle simulation experiments are challenging students to understand and apply complex classroom theories to practical, hands-on, engineering systems and scenarios.