Diploma in Multi-Axle Dynamics for Extreme Terrain
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in multi-axle dynamics for extreme terrain: 8 modules covering multi-axle architectures, power transmission, suspension and articulation, multi-axle steering, extreme-terrain mobility, stability and rollover, and modelling and simulation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Compare multi-axle vehicle architectures.
Design multi-axle power transmission systems.
Analyse suspension and articulation on uneven terrain.
Calculate multi-axle steering geometries.
Assess mobility on extreme terrain.
Analyse stability and rollover risk.
Simulate the dynamic behaviour of multi-axle vehicles.
Who it's for
- Vehicle dynamics engineers.
- Special-purpose vehicle engineers.
- Driveline and transmission engineers.
- Off-road test engineers.
- Multibody simulation analysts.
- Emergency vehicle engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the special and emergency vehicle sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8855 (road vehicle dynamics and road-holding vocabulary)
- SAE J2180 (tilt-table procedure for measuring static rollover threshold)
- UNECE Regulation No. 111 (rollover stability of tank vehicles)
- ISO 5010 (steering requirements for earth-moving machinery)
- ISO 3471 (roll-over protective structures, ROPS)
- ISO 16231-2 (stability of self-propelled agricultural machinery)
- MSC Adams
- Simcenter Amesim
- Project Chrono
- MATLAB/Simulink
8 modules
1.16×6 and 8×8 configurations1.2Axle spacing1.3Multiple steered axles1.4Articulated vehicles1.5Wheels versus tracks1.6Load distribution per axle1.7Weight and total footprint1.8Mission requirements1.9Reference vehicles1.10Case study: comparing two 8×8 architectures
2.1Transfer cases2.2Inter-axle differentials2.3Differential locks2.4H-drive transmission2.5In-hub electric motors2.6Parasitic power circulation2.7Wheel-end reduction gears2.8Electronic traction management2.9Driveline efficiency2.10Practical: calculating torque distribution in a 6×6
3.1Bogies and walking beams3.2Independent suspension3.3Hydropneumatic suspension3.4Chassis articulation3.5Axle crossing3.6Load distribution on uneven terrain3.7Wheel travel and bump stops3.8Ride-height control3.9Component fatigue3.10Workshop: articulation analysis in an axle-crossing manoeuvre
4.1Multi-axle Ackermann geometry4.2Instantaneous centre of rotation4.3All-wheel steering4.4Skid steering4.5Articulated steering4.6Turning radius4.7Tyre wear during turning4.8Power steering systems4.9Electronic steering control4.10Laboratory: turning geometry of an 8×8
5.1Soft soils and sinkage5.2Central tyre inflation5.3Longitudinal gradients5.4Vertical obstacles5.5Trench crossing5.6Fording5.7Snow and ice5.8Rock and rough terrain5.9Mobility indices5.10Practical: obstacle-crossing test
6.1Centre of gravity6.2Static lateral stability6.3Static stability factor6.4Side slopes6.5Tilt-table testing6.6Dynamic rollover6.7Shifting loads6.8Electronic stability control6.9Protective structures6.10Case study: rollover threshold of a rescue vehicle
7.1Multibody models7.2Tyre models on terrain7.3Deformable terrain7.4System co-simulation7.5Traction control in simulation7.6Validation against tests7.7Sensitivity analysis7.8Design optimisation7.9Real-time simulation7.10Laboratory: simulating a 6×6 on a side slope
8.1Mission definition8.2Vehicle architecture8.3Transmission8.4Suspension and steering8.5Mobility analysis8.6Stability analysis8.7Simulation8.8Technical report8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MSC Adams, Simcenter Amesim, Project Chrono and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: tilt-table stability testing, obstacle and trench crossing, and traction measurement with different locking configurations. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 8855, SAE J2180, UNECE Regulation No. 111, ISO 5010, ISO 3471, ISO 16231-2.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with MSC Adams, Simcenter Amesim, Project Chrono and MATLAB/Simulink, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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