Postgraduate Diploma in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime. 8 modules covering ISO 8855:2011 vehicle dynamics, vocabulary, SAE J670 Vehicle Dynamics Terminology and MATLAB/Simulink. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime — studying from New Zealand
New Zealand has a modest automotive industry, with most vehicle engineering centred on aftermarket parts, commercial vehicle body building, and the import and distribution of vehicles. Motorsport is a significant sector, with Hamilton and the Waikato region hosting a dense cluster of racing teams and engineering firms, and the Motorsport New Zealand body governing the national championships. Automotive engineers commonly work for importers, dealer networks, fleet operators and specialist fabrication businesses, and the sector also serves the country's large agricultural vehicle market.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$3,550 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is automotive engineering a regulated title in New Zealand, and which bodies matter here?
The title Chartered Professional Engineer is regulated and administered by Engineering New Zealand, which sets competence standards for registration. Vehicle standards and certification in New Zealand are overseen by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by a national body, so recognition by employers or Engineering New Zealand is not something SEIUM can promise.
What kinds of automotive and motorsport employers hire engineers in New Zealand?
New Zealand's automotive sector includes vehicle importers, workshops and fleet operators, motorsport teams and specialist fabrication and engineering firms, along with companies supplying parts and servicing. Roles often reward hands-on experience and clear technical reporting. A private qualification can support an application, but whether an employer values it is their decision and cannot be assumed.
How much time does a programme need, and can an employer help fund it?
Specialist courses take about 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours, all online in English with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Choose a pace you can sustain alongside work, and check with your employer early about any funding or study leave arrangements.
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
Formulate point-mass models to estimate lap time.
Build g-g-V diagrams from vehicle parameters.
Implement a 3DOF model with load transfer and tyre.
Solve minimum-time trajectory problems with optimal control.
Correlate simulated results with real telemetry.
Quantify sensitivities to mass, power and aerodynamics.
Communicate performance recommendations based on simulation.
Who it's for
- Vehicle simulation engineer who wants to specialise in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime.
- Performance engineer who wants to specialise in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime.
- Vehicle dynamics engineer who wants to specialise in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime.
- Race data analyst who wants to specialise in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime.
- Strategy engineer who wants to specialise in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime.
- Simulation tools developer who wants to specialise in 1D/3DOF Vehicle Models for Laptime.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter single-seater competition.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8855:2011 vehicle dynamics, vocabulary
- SAE J670 Vehicle Dynamics Terminology
- FIA Formula One Technical Regulations
- ISO 4138 steady-state circular test
- ISO 7401 lateral transient response
- ISO 3888-1 double lane change
- ISO 8608 road profiles
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Breakdown of lap time by sector1.2Grip limit and friction ellipse1.3Power-limited longitudinal acceleration1.4Tyre-limited lateral acceleration1.5Influence of aerodynamic load on speed1.6Drag and top speed1.7Mass, inertia and power-to-weight ratio1.8Classic sensitivities: mass, power, downforce1.9Apex points and minimum corner speed1.10Workshop: manual calculation of a simplified lap
2.1Point-mass model assumptions2.2Track curvature profile2.3Maximum permissible speed from curvature2.4Forward integration under acceleration2.5Backward integration under braking2.6Speed envelope and crossover points2.7Spatial discretisation and mesh step2.8Convergence and numerical errors2.9Validation against telemetry data2.10Practice: quasi-static simulator in Python
3.1Building the g-g diagram at fixed speed3.2Speed dependence of the envelope3.3Effect of load transfer3.4Traction and slip limitation3.5Three-dimensional g-g-V surface3.6Envelope generation by optimisation3.7Efficient table interpolation3.8Comparison of envelopes between set-ups3.9Reading envelopes with real data3.10Laboratory: generating a g-g-V map
4.1Degrees of freedom: longitudinal, lateral and yaw4.2Bicycle model and two-track model4.3Equilibrium equations in vehicle axes4.4Lateral and longitudinal load transfer4.5Understeer gradient and stability4.6Linearisation and modal analysis in yaw4.7Transient response to changes of direction4.8Time integration and numerical stiffness4.9Contrast between 3DOF and quasi-static models4.10Practice: 3DOF model in Simulink
5.1Pacejka magic formula and coefficients5.2Vertical load and coefficient sensitivity5.3Curve fitting to test-bench data5.4Engine torque map and gear ratios5.5Transmission and differential losses5.6Brake modelling and brake distribution5.7Hybrid systems and energy management5.8Tyre temperature and degradation5.9Limitations of simplified rubber models5.10Workshop: tuning a tyre model
6.1Ideal racing line and minimum curvature6.2Minimum-time optimal control formulation6.3Direct collocation methods6.4Track and vehicle constraints6.5Use of CasADi and IPOPT6.6Solver initialisation and robustness6.7Comparison with the driver's line6.8Effect of trajectory on sensitivities6.9Parameter sensitivity analysis6.10Case study: optimal lap on an urban circuit
7.1Aligning simulated and measured data7.2Lap distance and position correction7.3Correlation metrics by sector7.4Parameter calibration by least squares7.5Sensitivity studies for set-up7.6Estimating the effect of aerodynamic upgrades7.7Consumption strategy simulation7.8Communicating results to the technical team7.9Model version management7.10Case study: wing decision for a fast circuit
8.1Definition of the vehicle and target circuit8.2Compilation of parameters and assumptions8.3Implementation of the 1D quasi-static model8.4Implementation of the transient 3DOF model8.5Correlation with reference telemetry8.6Sensitivity study and recommendations8.7Analysis of result uncertainty8.8Technical documentation of the model8.9Report 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. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, Python with NumPy and CasADi, OptimumLap, ChassisSim, IPG CarMaker, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real lap-simulation procedures on circuits of different types, correlation with telemetry data from a flying lap, and set-up sensitivity studies prior to the event. Assessment is continuous per 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.
Formulate point-mass models to estimate lap time.
Build g-g-V diagrams from vehicle parameters.
Implement a 3DOF model with load transfer and tyre.
Solve minimum-time trajectory problems with optimal control.
Correlate simulated results with real telemetry.
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.
- Spanish language level sufficient to follow the reading of 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 consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with MATLAB/Simulink, Python with NumPy and CasADi, OptimumLap, ChassisSim, IPG CarMaker. 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 qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or diploma in the same area can be credited towards the higher programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
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