Diploma in Soil Simulation and Tyre Contact
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in soil simulation and tyre contact for off-road vehicles, structured in 8 modules covering soil mechanics, classical terramechanics, tyre mechanics, numerical interaction methods, full-vehicle simulation, experimental validation and optimisation, 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
Characterise soils and the properties relevant to mobility.
Apply terramechanics models to estimate traction and resistance.
Model tyre behaviour on deformable terrain.
Simulate soil–tyre interaction using numerical methods.
Integrate soil models into full-vehicle simulation.
Validate models through experimental testing.
Optimise tyres and pressures for specific terrains.
Who it's for
- Vehicle dynamics engineers working on off-road mobility.
- Simulation engineers using DEM and FEM.
- Terramechanics researchers.
- Tyre engineers.
- Agricultural machinery engineers concerned with traction and compaction.
- Off-road competition engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter off-road motorsport.
What you'll work with
- ASTM D3080 (direct shear test of soils)
- ISO 17892 (geotechnical laboratory testing)
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics)
- ISO 28580 (tyre rolling resistance)
- SAE J2047 (tyre force measurement)
- ISO 14688-1 (identification and classification of soil)
- EDEM
- Abaqus
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Chrono
- Adams Car
8 modules
1.1Soil classification and particle size distribution1.2Cohesion, internal friction and density1.3Moisture content and Atterberg limits1.4Behaviour of sands, clays and silts1.5Snow and frozen ground1.6Bearing capacity and compressibility1.7Penetration and shear tests1.8Bevameter and Bekker parameters1.9Spatial variability of terrain1.10Lab: direct shear test
2.1Bekker pressure–sinkage model2.2Janosi–Hanamoto shear stress model2.3Rolling resistance on soft terrain2.4Drawbar pull and slip2.5Wong model for rigid wheels2.6Mobility indices and cone index2.7Dynamic and multi-pass sinkage2.8Wheels versus tracks2.9Limitations of semi-empirical models2.10Practical: calculating traction on dry sand
3.1Tyre structure and stiffnesses3.2Contact patch and inflation pressure3.3Tyre deformation on soft terrain3.4Longitudinal and lateral forces3.5The Pacejka model and its parameters3.6Tyre models for deformable terrain3.7Effect of temperature and wear3.8Off-road and competition tyres3.9Tyre testing on a rig3.10Workshop: fitting Pacejka curves to test data
4.1Finite element method for soils4.2Discrete element method (DEM)4.3Meshless methods and SPH4.4Coupling tyre and soil models4.5Soil constitutive models4.6Calibrating particle parameters4.7Computational cost and simplifications4.8Validation against testing4.9Comparison of methods4.10Lab: DEM simulation of a wheel on sand
5.1Multibody vehicle models5.2Integrating the soil model5.3Simulating traction on slopes5.4Mobility on sand, mud and snow5.5Traction control strategies5.6Variable inflation pressures5.7Off-road competition scenarios5.8Post-processing and results analysis5.9Correlation with telemetry data5.10Practical: simulating a dune climb
6.1Single-wheel test rigs6.2Controlled soil bins6.3Force and sinkage instrumentation6.4Measuring slip6.5Field tests with a vehicle6.6Repeatability and soil preparation6.7Uncertainty analysis6.8Comparing simulation and testing6.9Validation report6.10Case study: validating a sand model
7.1Tyre selection for rally raids7.2Optimum inflation pressure by terrain7.3Wheel design for planetary rovers7.4Agricultural machinery and soil compaction7.5Rescue vehicles on soft terrain7.6Multi-objective optimisation of traction and consumption7.7Design of experiments7.8Engineering decision tools7.9Technical recommendations for drivers7.10Workshop: pressure optimisation for a mixed stage
8.1Defining the problem and terrain8.2Soil characterisation8.3Tyre model8.4Selecting the numerical method8.5Simulation and sensitivity analysis8.6Validation plan8.7Technical recommendations for the competition team8.8Results 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 it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is EDEM, Abaqus, MATLAB/Simulink, Chrono and Adams Car, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: single-wheel tests in a soil bin, DEM simulations of traction on sand, and field tests with an instrumented vehicle. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ASTM D3080, ISO 17892, ISO 8855, ISO 28580, SAE J2047, ISO 14688-1.
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 EDEM, Abaqus, MATLAB/Simulink, Chrono and Adams Car, 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 is required.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
Related programmes
Diploma in Anticorrosion Treatments for Structures
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in anticorrosion treatments for structures. 8 modules covering corrosion mechanisms, surface preparation, conversion and metallic coatings, protective paint systems, cavity…
Diploma in Locking Differential Design
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in locking differential design. 8 modules covering differential types, bevel and hypoid gears, locking mechanisms and actuation, calculation to ISO…
Diploma in T3 and T4 Vehicle Adaptation
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in T3 and T4 vehicle adaptation for rally raid. 8 modules covering FIA categories, safety structures, engine and transmission, suspension…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships