URAP

Dynamic Terrain and Vehicle Simulator: A Comprehensive Nonplanar Dynamics Platform

Francesco Borrelli, Professor  
Mechanical Engineering  

Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.

Design and development of a nonplanar vehicle dynamics simulator capable of accurately modeling and analyzing the behavior of vehicles on variable road surface geometries and conditions. The simulator will allow users to customize both the terrain properties and the vehicle configuration.

Key features include:
1. Road Surface Customization: Users can define road geometries, including slopes, curves, and uneven terrains, while specifying surface properties such as friction and roughness.
2. Vehicle Configuration: Users can adjust vehicle parameters, including the number of wheels, dimensions, weight distribution, and drivetrain configurations.
3. Physics-Based Modeling: The simulator will incorporate realistic physics models to account for tire-road interactions, suspension dynamics, and vehicle stability on challenging terrains.
4. Real-Time Visualization: The system will provide real-time feedback and visualization of vehicle behavior, allowing users to study performance and identify potential design or operational challenges.

Role: Tasks:
• Design and implement modules for vehicle dynamics and terrain customization.
• Develop algorithms for realistic physics-based simulations.
• Test and debug the simulator for accuracy and reliability.
• Document code and present project progress.

Learning Outcomes:
• Gain experience with programming.
• Understand vehicle dynamics and terrain effects on performance.
• Enhance problem-solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Develop communication skills through documentation and presentations.

Qualifications: Solid background in Python programming is required. Students should also have a strong foundation in linear algebra, calculus, and dynamics.

Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Shengfan Cao, Graduate Student

Hours: 9-11 hrs

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