Course Description

16 Hours

The Military Vehicle Technology & Mobility (Introduction) course provides students with an introduction into the engineering science and technology used in the design of modern military combat and logistic vehicles.

You will learn about the key technologies and trade-offs underpinning military vehicle mobility and future technological developments. Learn through highly informative presentations and videos, and confirm your new knowledge through a series of carefully crafted quizzes.

This course is ideally suited for requirement developers, project managers and sales & marketing staff who are looking for a strong information based course about what makes military vehicles tick and covering the latest military vehicle technology developments.

As part of the course you receive an e-copy of the course folder, course presentation slides, lesson transcripts, audio files and course readings.

Course Instructor

Expert in Military Vehicle Technology

Mark has over 25 years’ experience working on complex projects as a senior professional engineer and project manager. Over the years, he has worked on many large defence major capital acquisition programs both in US, Australia, Middle-east and Europe. In recent years, he has focused on developing a market-leading Institute of Technology and has developed a broad range of niche education and training courses specialising in systems engineering and military vehicle technology. Mark holds an honours degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science (Defence Technology).

Mark Eggler

Expert Instructor

Course curriculum

16 Lessons

  • 01

    Welcome

  • 02

    Student Resources

    • Course Training Folder

    • List of Acronyms

    • List of Symbols
  • 03

    Module 1 Historical Overview & Introduction to Land Vehicles (3 Hrs)

    • Video 1.0 (E) - Getting Started

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Module 1 - Readings

    • Transcript - Module 1

    • Audio Lesson 1

    • 1.1 Early Military Vehicle Development

    • 1.2 First Tracked Vehicles

    • Video 1.1 (E) - Early History

    • 1.3 Post WWI Fighting Vehicles

    • 1.4 WWII Fighting Vehicles

    • 1.5 Modern Era Fighting Vehicles

    • Video 1.1 (E) - Tanks (The History)

    • Video 1.2 (D) - The Largest Tanks Ever Designed

    • Quiz 1 - Lesson 1

    • Audio Lesson 2

    • 2.0 Introduction and Scope

    • Video 2.1 (E) - Intro to Military Land Vehicles

    • 2.1 Definitions and Constraints

    • 2.2 Design Requirements

    • 2.3 Terminology

    • Video 2.2.1 (E) - About Vehicle CoG

    • 2.4 Vehicle Geometry

    • Video 2.2. (E) - Vehicle Geometry/ Interferences

    • Quiz 2 - Lesson 2

    • Audio Lesson 3

    • 3.1 Axles Configurations

    • 3.2 Obstacles

    • 3.3 Coordinate Reference System and Weight Balance

    • Video -2.3 (E) - Weight Balance Demo

    • 3.4. Course Study Areas I

    • 3.5 Course Study Areas II

    • 3.6 Vehicles Types – Armoured Vehicles

    • 3.7 Vehicles Types – Logistic Vehicles

    • Quiz 3 - Lesson 3
  • 04

    Module 2 Fighting Vehicle Design (1 hr)

    • Module 2 - Readings

    • Module 2 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 4

    • 4.0 Introduction and Scope

    • Video 3.1 (E) - Development of Puma IFV

    • 4.1 Design Balance

    • 4.2 Critical Dimensions – Vehicle Width and Height

    • 4.3 Critical Dimensions – Turret Ring Diameter

    • 4.4 Critical Dimensions – L over C and Pitch Ratios

    • 4.5 Design Problems and Trade-Offs

    • Audio 1.1 (E) - Fighting vehicle developments (Interview with Christopher Foss)

    • Video 3.3 (E) - Megafactories - M1 Abrams Tank (Part 1)

    • 4.6 End Fighting Vehicle Design

    • Quiz 4 - Lesson 4
  • 05

    Module 3 Logistic Vehicle Design (1 hr)

    • Module 3 - Readings

    • Module 3 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 7

    • 7.0 Introduction and Scope

    • Video 4.1. (E) - Logistics Vehicle Design Intro Video

    • 7.1 Historical Overview

    • 7.2 Common Design Considerations

    • 7.3 Chassis & Sub-frames

    • 7.4 Load Sharing Suspensions

    • 7.5 Towing Issues and Couplings

    • Video 4.2. (E) - Truck and Trailer vs 60 Degree Slope

    • Video 4.3. (E) - Truck and Trailer vs Water Obstacle

    • 7.6 Tray-type Logistics Vehicles

    • Video 4.4. (E) - Tatra Tray Vehicle Mobility Demonstration

    • 7.7 End

    • Quiz 7 - Lesson 7
  • 06

    Module 4 Engine Technology (2 hrs)

    • Module 4 Readings

    • Module 4 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 9

    • 9.0 Introduction and Scope

    • 9.1 Internal Combustion Engine Overview and Requirements

    • 9.2 Engine Anatomy and Configurations

    • Video 5.1 (E) - Engine Configurations

    • 9.3 Fuel Consumption and Performance Indicators

    • Video 5.2 (E) - SI 4 Stroke Engine Basic Principles

    • 9.4 Spark Ignition Engines

    • Video 5.3 (E) - CI 4 Stroke Engine Basic Principles

    • 9.5 Compression Ignition Engines

    • Quiz 9 - Lesson 9

    • Audio Lesson 10

    • 10.1 Euro 4 and 5 Engines and Pollution Reduction

    • 10.2 MTU Examples

    • 10.3 Boosting Performance – Superchargers

    • Video 5.4 (E) - How a Turbocharger Works

    • 10.4 Boosting Performance – Turbochargers

    • 10.5 Gas Turbines

    • Video 5.5 (E) - AGT 1500 Gas Turbine

    • 10.6 Future Developments and Conclusion

    • Quiz 10 - Lesson 10
  • 07

    Module 5 Transmissions & Driveline Technology (2 hrs)

    • Module 5 - Readings

    • Module 5 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 11

    • 11.0 Introduction and Scope

    • 11.1 Requirements, Components and Configurations

    • 11.2 Gear Matching and Final Drive Ratio

    • 11.3 Power Take-up Components – Dry Plate Friction Clutches

    • Video 6.1. (E) - How a Clutch Works

    • 11.4 Power Take-up Components – Torque Converter

    • Video 6.2. (E) - Torque Converter

    • Video 6.3. (E) - Torque Converter Operation

    • Quiz 11 - Lesson 11

    • Audio Lesson 12

    • 12.1 Transmissions – Manual (Layshaft)

    • Video 6.4. (E) - Gear Ratio

    • Video 6.5. (E) - Gearbox Operation

    • 12.2 Transmissions – Dual Clutch

    • Video 6.6. (E) - Dual Clutch Transmission

    • 12.3 Transmissions – Automatic (Epicyclic)

    • Video 6.7. (E) - Planetary Gearing

    • Video 6.8. (E) - Automatic Transmissions

    • 12.4 Transmissions – Semi-automatic

    • Video 6.8.1. (E) - Semi-automatic Transmissions

    • 12.5 Transmissions – Continuously Variable

    • Video 6.9. (E) - How a CVT Works and its Operation

    • 12.6 Transmissions – Zeroshift and Future Development

    • Video 6.10. (E) - Zeroshift

    • 12.7 Hybrid Electric Drives

    • 12.8 Final Drive and Differential

    • Video 6.11. (E) - RWD Final Drive

    • Video 6.12. (E) - How a Differential Works and Types of Differentials

    • Video 6.13. (E) - ZF Hybrid Vector Differential

    • 12.9 Propeller Shafts and Connecting Joints

    • Video 6.14. (E) - Hookes-Cardon Joint

    • 12.10 End Transmissions and Drivelines

    • Quiz 12 - Lesson 12
  • 08

    Module 6 Tracks and Running Gear (1 hr)

    • Module 6 - Readings

    • Module 6 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 13

    • 13.0 Introduction and Scope

    • 13.1 Fundamental Requirements and Performance Metrics

    • 13.2 Road Wheels

    • 13.3 Track Functional Requirements and Track Types

    • 13.4 Single Pin Tracks

    • 13.5 Double Pin Tracks

    • 13.6 Track Design Issues

    • 13.7 General Issues with Track Selection

    • 13.8 Rubber Band Tracks

    • Video 7.1. (E) - Rubber Band Tracks and Running Gear

    • 13.9 End Tracks and Running Gear

    • Quiz 13 - Lesson 13
  • 09

    Module 7 Automotive Performance (2 hrs)

    • Module 7 Reading List

    • Module 7 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 16

    • 16.0 Introduction and Scope

    • Video 8.1 (E) - Automotive Performance Introduction

    • 16.1 Automotive Performance

    • 16.2 Rolling Resistance

    • 16.3 Aerodynamic Resistance

    • 16.4 Gradient Resistance and Road Load

    • Quiz 16 - Lesson 16

    • 17.0. Audio Lesson 17

    • 17.1 Normal Force, Adhesion Force and Tractive Effort

    • 17.2 Constant Power Concept

    • 17.3 Gearing Requirements

    • 17.4 Tractive Effort, Overall Gear Ratio & Road Power

    • 17.5 Example and Tractive Effort Model

    • 17.6 End Automotive Performance

    • Quiz 17 - Lesson 17
  • 10

    Module 9 Tyre Technology (1 hr)

    • Module 9 Reading List

    • Module 9 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 20

    • 20.0 Tyres – Introduction and Scope

    • 20.1 Rims and Tyre Construction

    • Video 10.1. (E) - Types of Wheels and Design Requirements of Tyres

    • Video 10.2. (E) - Rim Sizes and Designations

    • Video 10.3. (E) - Tyre Construction

    • 20.2 Tyre Types

    • Video 10.4. (E) - Cross Ply Tyres

    • Video 10.5. (E) - Radial Ply Tyres

    • Video 10.6. (E) - Radial Ply Tyres – Design Characteristics

    • 20.3 Tread Patterns.pdf

    • 20.4 Runflat Tyres and Split Rims

    • Video 10.7. (E) - Hutchinson Runflat Tyres

    • 20.5 New Tyre Developments

    • 20.6 CTIS – Tyre Pressure and Components

    • 20.7 CTIS – Benefits

    • 20.8 End Tyre Technology

    • Quiz 20 - Lesson 20
  • 11

    Module 10 Wheeled Vehicle Steering and Vehicle Handling (1 hr)

    • Module 10 Reading List

    • Module 10 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 22

    • 22.0 Wheeled Vehicle Steering – Introduction and Scope

    • 22.1 Articulated Steering

    • 22.2 Skid and Wagon Steering

    • 22.3 Ackermann Steering

    • 22.4 Steering Geometry and Caster

    • 22.5 Camber and King-pin Axis Inclination

    • 22.6 Vehicle Handling – Introduction and Scope

    • Video 11.1. (E) - Vehicle Handling Introduction

    • 22.7 Low Speed Turning – Ackermann Angle

    • 22.8 Bicycle Handling Model and Neutral Steer Point

    • 22.9 Factors Affecting Vehicle Handling

    • Quiz 22 - Lesson 22

    • 22.10 End
  • 12

    Module 11 Suspensions, Ride & Vibration (2 hrs)

    • Module 11 - Readings

    • Module 11 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 24

    • 24.0 Suspensions - Introduction and Scope

    • 24.1 Suspension Requirements

    • Video 12.1. (E) - Springs and Shock Absorbers

    • 24.2 Springs and Shock Absorbers

    • Video 12.2. (E) - Suspension Systems Introduction

    • 24.3 Tracked Vehicle Suspensions

    • 24.4 Wheeled Vehicle Suspensions I

    • Video 12.3. (E) - Independent Suspensions

    • 24.5 Wheeled Vehicle Suspensions II

    • 24.6 Future Developments

    • Quiz 24 - Lesson 24

    • Audio Lesson 25

    • 25.1 Ride & Vibration - Introduction and Scope

    • 25.2 Ride Concepts and Vibration

    • Video 12.4. (E) - Ride Basics

    • 25.3 Vehicle Dynamic Response and Natural Frequency

    • 25.4 Damped Vibration and Resonance

    • Video 12.5. (E) - Damped Vibration

    • Video 12.6. (E) - Resonance Effects

    • 25.5 Quarter Car Model and Vibration Isolation

    • Video 12.7. (E) - Dynamic Response

    • 25.6 Human Response to Vibration

    • 25.7 End

    • Quiz 25 - Part A

    • Quiz 25 - Part B
  • 13

    Module 12 Vehicle Mobility (1 hr)

    • Module 12 - Readings

    • Module 12 - Transcript

    • Audio Lesson 27

    • 27.0 Vehicle Mobility-Introduction and Scope

    • 27.1 Mobility Categories and Soil Properties

    • 27.2 Traction and Drawbar Pull

    • 27.3 Ground Pressure Relationships

    • 27.4 Vehicle Cone Index and Vehicle Limiting Cone Index

    • 27.5 NATO Reference Mobility Model

    • 27.6 Work by Wong

    • Video 13.1. (E) - Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (Darpa)

    • 27.7 Tyres vs Tracks and Tracked Vehicle Design Principles

    • 27.8 End

    • Quiz 27 - Lesson 27
  • 14

    Course Survey and Feedback

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    • Additonal Comments