Postgraduate Diploma in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows
Online 800 h postgraduate diploma in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows. 8 modules covering ISO 8855, SAE J670 and MF-Tyre/MF-Swift. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows — studying from Ireland
Ireland has a modest automotive footprint, with activity centred on component supply, automotive electronics, testing and aftermarket services rather than vehicle assembly. Motorsport and performance engineering are represented by teams, specialist workshops and engineering consultancies, often linked to the Irish motorsport community. Engineers in this area work on powertrain components, vehicle dynamics, sensor integration and testing for both established manufacturers and suppliers. Regulatory oversight for road vehicles comes from national and European type-approval bodies, while industry collaboration is coordinated through automotive and engineering associations.
Fees for Ireland: €1,790 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Which Irish bodies are relevant for recognising automotive engineering qualifications?
In Ireland, Engineers Ireland is the principal professional body for engineers and runs chartered engineer registration. Automotive vehicle standards and roadworthiness fall under the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Test system. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their recognition is for employers or the relevant body to decide. Confirm this with them before enrolling if it matters for your career.
Where do automotive and motorsport engineers typically work in Ireland, and do employers value online study?
Ireland has automotive supply chain and engineering activity, along with motorsport and vehicle-related design roles, though it is a smaller market than larger European countries. Employers usually weigh practical experience and proven skills heavily. An online private qualification can complement a CV, but whether it is valued depends on each employer, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
How do I fit this programme around work and what language level is needed?
Study is fully online and taught in English, so you need a good working command of English for technical reading and written assignments. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. Each student receives an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible, so raise that with your employer early.
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
Explain the physical adhesion mechanisms of the tyre.
Characterise the viscoelastic behaviour of compounds.
Build multi-layer thermal models of the tyre.
Fit mechanical models such as the Magic Formula.
Identify grip windows by temperature and pressure.
Plan tests and analyse tyre data.
Integrate thermo-mechanical models into vehicle simulation.
Who it's for
- Tyre engineer wishing to specialise in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows.
- Vehicle dynamics engineer wishing to specialise in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows.
- Simulation engineer wishing to specialise in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows.
- Performance engineer wishing to specialise in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows.
- Elastomer materials engineer wishing to specialise in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows.
- Tyre data analyst wishing to specialise in Thermo-Mechanical Models and Grip Windows.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter motorsport.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8855
- SAE J670
- SAE J2047
- ISO 28580
- UN ECE R30
- ISO 4000-1
- ETRTO Standards Manual
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Adhesion and hysteresis mechanisms1.2Asphalt roughness and macrotexture1.3Contact patch and pressure1.4Longitudinal and lateral slip1.5Friction coefficient and load1.6Influence of sliding speed1.7Effect of water and contamination1.8Evolution of track grip1.9Measuring asphalt roughness1.10Case study: grip analysis on different asphalts
2.1Viscoelastic behaviour of elastomers2.2Storage and loss moduli2.3Glass transition temperature2.4Time-temperature superposition principle2.5Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests2.6WLF equation and master curves2.7Racing compounds and fillers2.8Effect of thermal ageing2.9Graining and blistering2.10Laboratory: DMA curve analysis
3.1Heat sources: hysteresis and friction3.2Conduction through carcass and tread3.3Convection with air and rim3.4Brake heat transfer to the rim3.5Multi-layer temperature models3.6Surface versus internal temperature3.7Warm-up on the out-lap3.8Cooling under safety car3.9Validation with infrared sensors3.10Practice: three-layer thermal model
4.1Pacejka Magic Formula model4.2Brush models4.3Cornering and longitudinal stiffness4.4Self-aligning moment and pneumatic trail4.5Effect of camber and pressure4.6Relaxation length and transients4.7FTire and MF-Swift models4.8Parameter fitting with data4.9Coupling between thermal and mechanical models4.10Workshop: fitting the Magic Formula to test rig data
5.1Definition of the operating window5.2Grip as a function of temperature5.3Grip as a function of pressure5.4Windows by compound5.5Detection in telemetry5.6Under- and overheating5.7Warm-up strategies5.8Thermal balance between front and rear axles5.9Influence on car balance5.10Case study: window optimisation in qualifying
6.1Flat-belt test rigs6.2Traction and cornering tests6.3Competition TPMS sensors6.4Thermal imaging cameras on track6.5Wear and profile measurement6.6Supplier data and confidentiality6.7Quality of tyre data6.8Test planning6.9Correlation between test rig and track6.10Practice: analysis of infrared lap data
7.1Integration into vehicle models7.2Driver simulator with thermal model7.3Set-up sensitivity to grip7.4Stint simulation7.5Pressure optimisation7.6Impact on lap time7.7Real-time models7.8Model limitations7.9Knowledge management7.10Case study: stint simulation with a thermo-mechanical model
8.1Collection of tyre data8.2Fitting the mechanical model8.3Building the thermal model8.4Coupling both models8.5Identification of grip windows8.6Validation with track data8.7Stint simulation8.8Set-up recommendations8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MF-Tyre/MF-Swift, FTire, MATLAB, IPG CarMaker, MoTeC i2 Pro, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for flat-belt test rig trials, on-track infrared measurement and DMA analysis of compounds. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the physical adhesion mechanisms of the tyre.
Characterise the viscoelastic behaviour of compounds.
Build multi-layer thermal models of the tyre.
Fit mechanical models such as the Magic Formula.
Identify grip windows by temperature and pressure.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with MF-Tyre/MF-Swift, FTire, MATLAB, IPG CarMaker, MoTeC i2 Pro. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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