Modal analysis course on motorcycle chassis
Online course of 300 hours in modal analysis of motorcycle chassis: 6 modules covering chassis vibration, numerical and experimental modal analysis, correlation and updating, and design applications, with an assigned technical tutor.
Modal analysis course on motorcycle chassis — studying from Malta
Malta has a strong culture of two-wheeled transport, with scooters and motorcycles widely used given the island's dense traffic and limited parking. This has created a steady market for dealerships, workshops and parts suppliers serving riders. Engineers interested in 2-wheelers can find roles in servicing, technical support and the importation of vehicles and components. Opportunities also arise in electric scooter and light mobility, which are gaining attention in urban policy discussions.
Fees for Malta: €644 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Does a SEIUM qualification count for regulated vehicle engineering in Malta?
Vehicle type approval and homologation in Malta follow EU frameworks administered through the Transport Malta authority. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private and not official state degrees or accredited by any national body. Whether they are recognised for particular roles is decided by employers or the relevant body, so it is worth confirming before enrolling.
What career opportunities for 2-wheeler engineers exist in Malta?
Malta has a small market for motorcycles and two-wheelers, mainly through dealerships, importers, servicing and parts supply. Opportunities are limited compared with larger countries, so many professionals work in adjacent areas such as electronics or design. Employers decide how much value they place on a private online qualification, so direct conversations with them are advisable.
Is the programme workload manageable alongside work, and is employer funding possible?
The programmes are fully online and taught in English. Hours range from 300 for specialist courses to 1,900 for master's programmes, so choose according to the time you can commit. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship is possible, and each student has an assigned technical tutor for guidance.
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 vibration theory applied to motorcycle chassis.
Carry out numerical modal analyses using finite elements.
Perform experimental modal tests with an impact hammer and shaker.
Correlate results using the MAC criterion.
Update numerical models with experimental data.
Apply the results to structural redesign.
Develop a complete modal analysis project.
Who it's for
- NVH engineers working on two-wheelers.
- Structural analysis engineers who want to master dynamic behaviour.
- Test engineers running vibration and modal tests.
- Chassis engineers.
- Instrumentation technicians.
- Simulation engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join motorcycle manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ISO 7626-1:2011 (measurement of mechanical mobility, basic concepts)
- ISO 7626-2:2015 (excitation with a single shaker)
- ISO 7626-5 (impact excitation)
- ISO 16063-21 (calibration of vibration transducers)
- ISO 2041:2018 (vibration vocabulary)
- ISO 18431-1 (vibration signal processing)
- ISO 5349-1:2001 (hand-arm vibration)
- Simcenter Testlab
- Ansys Mechanical
- MATLAB
- Dewesoft
- Abaqus
6 modules
1.1Single-degree-of-freedom systems1.2Multi-degree-of-freedom systems1.3Natural frequencies and mode shapes1.4Structural damping and its measurement1.5Engine and road excitation1.6Resonance and its dangers1.7Vibration at the handlebar and footpegs1.8Typical modes of a motorcycle chassis1.9Relationship between modes and dynamic behaviour1.10Practical exercise: frequency calculation for a mass-spring system
2.1Finite element model for modal analysis2.2Mass and stiffness in the model2.3Free and fixed boundary conditions2.4Mode extraction2.5Modal participation factors2.6Visualisation of mode shapes2.7Influence of the engine as a mass2.8Sensitivity to design changes2.9Common errors in modal models2.10Lab: modes of a twin-spar chassis
3.1Instrumentation: accelerometers and impact hammer3.2Excitation with an electrodynamic shaker3.3Frequency response functions3.4Coherence and measurement quality3.5Suspending the structure3.6Measurement point grid3.7Estimation of modal parameters3.8Accelerometer calibration3.9Operational modal analysis3.10Workshop: impact test on a swingarm
4.1Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC)4.2Frequency comparison4.3Mode pairing4.4Model updating4.5Sources of discrepancy4.6Bolted joint models4.7Validation of the updated model4.8Use in subsequent design4.9Correlation report4.10Case study: correlation of a subframe
5.1Decoupling modes from excitations5.2Stiffness and modes in stability5.3Dynamic vibration absorbers5.4Flexible engine mounts5.5Reducing handlebar vibration5.6Rider comfort5.7Vibration fatigue5.8Structural modifications and their prediction5.9Analysis of real cases5.10Practical exercise: modification to shift a mode
6.1Selection of the chassis or component6.2Finite element model6.3Numerical modal analysis6.4Experimental test plan6.5Testing and processing6.6Numerical-experimental mode correlation6.7Improvement proposal6.8Conclusions of the modal analysis6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final 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. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it is compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Simcenter Testlab, Ansys Mechanical, MATLAB, Dewesoft and Abaqus, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: impact testing on a swingarm, modal analysis of a chassis and numerical-experimental MAC correlation. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Standards covered: ISO 7626-1:2011, ISO 7626-2:2015, ISO 7626-5, ISO 16063-21, ISO 2041:2018, ISO 18431-1, ISO 5349-1:2001.
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
- No prior qualification 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 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Simcenter Testlab, Ansys Mechanical, MATLAB, Dewesoft, Abaqus, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, 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.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme 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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