Current Courses being Taught:

Teaching activities include:

Advanced Vehicle Hardware-in-the-Loop Methods ACTIVITIES • This course trains students on component- and system-level evaluation of advanced vehicle hardware. Using comparisons between simulation and hardware, the students evaluate power input/output, cycle efficiencies, dynamic models, and other operating characteristics of advanced hybrid vehicle components including battery management systems, fuel cells, ultracapacitors, advanced combustion engines, and chassis dynamometers. Teaching is centered on laboratory experiences utilizing a one-of-a-kind data-exchange network connecting components in advanced research laboratories across campus into one “virtual vehicle”. This allows rapid prototyping and testing of new vehicle architectures and coordination strategies, a concept which is the focus of a competition-style final project.

Advanced Mechatronics • Using problem-based learning, taught methods of developing embedded systems using student-built robots as teaching platforms. Taught fabrication techniques of complex circuits, electromechanical systems, implementation aspects of control systems, and operating principles of DSPs.

Vehicle Dynamics • Taught analysis of vehicle chassis dynamics for steady-state and transient maneuvers, suspension systems, tire-road interaction, brake systems, driver-vehicle interaction, and vehicle control. Emphasis was given to practical understanding of vehicle design related to performance and stability including assumptions needed for modeling these systems.

Modeling of Dynamic Systems • Taught basic principles of modeling of translational and rotational mechanical systems, electrical circuits, and hydraulic / pneumatic systems with heavy emphasis on control-oriented modeling and analysis.