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Postgraduate DiplomaRestoration & Classics Applications open

Diploma in Traction Models for Sand and Mud

Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in traction models for sand and mud: 8 modules covering traction fundamentals, semi-empirical and empirical mobility models, specific modelling of sand and mud, numerical simulation and application to vehicle design and control, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration800 hours · 6–8 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the fundamentals of traction on deformable terrain.

02

Apply semi-empirical wheel-soil interaction models.

03

Use empirical mobility models.

04

Model traction on sand and mud.

05

Carry out DEM and multibody numerical simulations.

06

Apply the models to vehicle design and control.

07

Validate models with experimental data.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Off-road vehicle dynamics engineers
  • Terramechanics specialists
  • Simulation engineers
  • Traction control engineers
  • Mobility researchers
  • Agricultural machinery engineers
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to move into off-road vehicles
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ASABE S296.5 (general terminology for traction of agricultural traction and transport devices)
  • ASABE S313.3 (soil cone penetrometer)
  • ASABE EP542 (procedures for using and reporting data obtained with the soil cone penetrometer)
  • ISTVS standards (terminology and test methods for terrain-vehicle systems)
  • OECD Code 2 (standard code for the official testing of agricultural and forestry tractor performance)
  • MATLAB
  • Altair EDEM
  • Project Chrono
  • MSC Adams
Syllabus

8 modules

  1. 1.1Traction coefficient and slip
  2. 1.2Gross and net thrust
  3. 1.3Rolling resistance on deformable terrain
  4. 1.4Tractive efficiency
  5. 1.5Dynamic load transfer
  6. 1.6Traction on sand versus mud
  7. 1.7Terrain and vehicle variables
  8. 1.8Reference experimental data
  9. 1.9Limitations of the models
  10. 1.10Workshop: traction versus slip curve
  1. 2.1Bekker's pressure-sinkage equation
  2. 2.2The Reece model
  3. 2.3Wong's theory for wheels and tracks
  4. 2.4The Janosi-Hanamoto relationship
  5. 2.5Bevameter parameters
  6. 2.6Models for deformable tyres
  7. 2.7Multi-pass models
  8. 2.8Parameter calibration
  9. 2.9Comparison with measurements
  10. 2.10Practical: implementing the Bekker model in MATLAB
  1. 3.1Cone index and mobility number
  2. 3.2WES models and their evolution
  3. 3.3The Brixius model
  4. 3.4Dimensional models
  5. 3.5Application to agricultural machinery
  6. 3.6Application to military and rescue vehicles
  7. 3.7Advantages and limitations
  8. 3.8Test databases
  9. 3.9Cross-validation
  10. 3.10Case study: predicting traction with the Brixius model
  1. 4.1Frictional behaviour of sand
  2. 4.2Dry and wet sand
  3. 4.3Dunes and sand slopes
  4. 4.4Berm formation and digging
  5. 4.5Influence of tyre width
  6. 4.6Optimum inflation pressure
  7. 4.7Wheelspin and bogging down
  8. 4.8Recovery of stuck vehicles
  9. 4.9Desert test data
  10. 4.10Laboratory: simulation of traction on a dune
  1. 5.1Saturated cohesive soils
  2. 5.2Adhesion and suction effect
  3. 5.3Slip and build-up in the tread
  4. 5.4Mud over a firm base
  5. 5.5Loss of lateral steering
  6. 5.6Influence of the tyre tread pattern
  7. 5.7Traction with chains and tracks
  8. 5.8Driving strategies
  9. 5.9Mud test data
  10. 5.10Practical: analysis of a drawbar pull test in mud
  1. 6.1Discrete elements with EDEM
  2. 6.2SPH particles and meshless methods
  3. 6.3Finite element modelling of soil
  4. 6.4Multibody simulation with Project Chrono
  5. 6.5Tyre-soil coupling
  6. 6.6Computational cost and simplifications
  7. 6.7Particle calibration
  8. 6.8Experimental validation
  9. 6.9Use in vehicle design
  10. 6.10Laboratory: DEM simulation of a wheel in sand
  1. 7.1Tyre and pressure selection
  2. 7.2Torque distribution between axles
  3. 7.3Traction control on soft terrain
  4. 7.4Terrain modes in modern vehicles
  5. 7.5Real-time grip estimation
  6. 7.6Central tyre inflation systems
  7. 7.7Weight optimisation
  8. 7.8Decision support tools
  9. 7.9Integration into driving simulators
  10. 7.10Case study: traction control strategy for mud
  1. 8.1Definition of the vehicle and terrain
  2. 8.2Model selection
  3. 8.3Obtaining parameters
  4. 8.4Model implementation
  5. 8.5Scenario simulation
  6. 8.6Comparison with data
  7. 8.7Design proposals
  8. 8.8Conclusions
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training 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 can be combined with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB, Altair EDEM, Project Chrono and MSC Adams, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for drawbar pull tests on sandy and clay soils, DEM simulation of wheel-soil interaction and calibration of Bekker models with a bevameter. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrated project.

Standards covered: ASABE S296.5, ASABE S313.3, ASABE EP542, ISTVS standards, OECD Code 2.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ASABE S296.5, S313.3 and EP542 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MATLAB, Altair EDEM, Project Chrono and MSC Adams, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:A complete traction modelling project for a defined vehicle and terrain, validated against data, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Vehicle and terrain definition
Define the vehicle and the sand or mud terrain to be studied.
Model selection and parameters
Choose a semi-empirical, empirical or numerical model and obtain its parameters.
Model implementation
Implement the model in MATLAB or a DEM/multibody environment.
Scenario simulation and validation
Simulate operating scenarios and compare the results with test data.
Final project
Present design proposals and conclusions in a full modelling report.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Off-road vehicle dynamics engineerTerramechanics specialistSimulation engineerTraction control engineerMobility researcherAgricultural machinery engineer
Admissions & scholarships

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.

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FAQ

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 MATLAB, Altair EDEM, Project Chrono and MSC Adams, 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), 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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