Ackermann steering geometry course in practice
Online course of 300 hours in Ackermann steering geometry in practice. 6 modules covering steering geometry, tyre behaviour, adjustment on racing vehicles, on-track handling effects and kinematic simulation, with ISO 8855, SAE J670, OptimumG OptimumKinematics and an assigned technical tutor.
Ackermann steering geometry course in practice — studying from the United Kingdom
The UK automotive industry is a significant contributor to manufacturing, with major plants in the West Midlands, the North East and the South West, and a strong presence of global brands and specialist engineering firms. Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan Sunderland, Toyota Burnaston and Mini Oxford shape demand for engineers in vehicle design, powertrain, body engineering and production. Motorsport engineering is concentrated around Silverstone, Northamptonshire and the Oxfordshire and Midlands area, where Formula One teams and endurance racing operations employ large numbers of specialists. Engineers in this sector work on product development, testing and supply chain management.
Fees for the United Kingdom: £619 (Pound sterling), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United Kingdom
Typical roles
Questions from the United Kingdom
Which UK bodies are relevant to automotive engineering qualifications and professional registration?
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) are established UK bodies in this field, and the Engineering Council regulates chartered and incorporated engineer titles. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by these bodies, so they do not automatically provide professional registration. Ask IMechE or the Engineering Council how your study would be assessed for registration.
How are automotive and motorsport qualifications viewed by UK employers?
UK car manufacturers, suppliers and motorsport teams typically assess candidates on practical capability, project evidence and experience. A private qualification can demonstrate specialist study, but employers decide how much weight to give it. Building a portfolio of relevant technical projects alongside your study will strengthen your position with UK employers.
Is it realistic to study automotive engineering online while working in the UK, and does my employer need to fund it?
Online study means you can fit learning around work without relocating or needing a student visa. Fees can be paid in instalments, and some employers offer sponsorship for job-related training, which is a common arrangement in general terms but depends on your employer's policy. Your assigned technical tutor can help you plan your workload. Confirm the time commitment and fee schedule before enrolling.
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 Ackermann principle and its geometric variants.
Relate steering geometry to how the tyre works.
Adjust steering geometry on different types of vehicle.
Measure and correct bump steer.
Analyse the effect of Ackermann on understeer and rotation.
Simulate steering kinematics with specialised software.
Propose geometry changes justified with data.
Who it's for
- Suspension engineers.
- Vehicle dynamics engineers.
- Alignment technicians.
- Motor sport mechanics who want to understand the geometry behind their adjustments.
- Track engineers.
- Chassis designers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter competition motor sport.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
- SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
- ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving)
- UNECE Regulation No. 79 (steering equipment)
- ISO 7401 (lateral transient response)
- Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical regulations for competition cars)
- OptimumG OptimumKinematics
- Lotus Suspension Analysis
- MATLAB
- SolidWorks
6 modules
1.1Ackermann principle and turning radius1.2Inner versus outer wheel angle1.3Steering trapezoid and steering arms1.4Parallel steer and anti-Ackermann1.5Ackermann percentage and its calculation1.6Steering ratio1.7Caster, kingpin inclination and scrub radius1.8Effect of track width and wheelbase1.9Historical origin and use in motor sport1.10Practical: geometric calculation of the Ackermann percentage
2.1Slip angle at each wheel2.2Lateral force versus slip angle2.3Lateral load transfer in corners2.4Dynamic Ackermann with loaded wheels2.5Effect on temperature and wear2.6Inner wheel scrub in slow corners2.7Behaviour in fast corners2.8Peak slip angle according to vertical load2.9Reading tread temperatures2.10Lab: simulation of slip angles per wheel
3.1Rod end position on the steering arms3.2Steering rack height and position3.3Bump steer and its correction with shims3.4Ackermann adjustment on karts3.5Ackermann adjustment on single-seaters3.6Limitations on production touring cars3.7Measurement with lasers and turn plates3.8Assembly tolerances and free play3.9Safety checks after adjustment3.10Workshop: measuring and correcting bump steer
4.1Understeer in slow corners4.2Car rotation on corner entry4.3Stability in high-speed corners4.4Steering effort and feedback4.5Interaction with the limited-slip differential4.6Interaction with static camber4.7Steering angle telemetry indicators4.8Comparative runs in a test session4.9Common mistakes when interpreting results4.10Case study: changing Ackermann on a slow circuit
5.1Modelling suspension and steering hardpoints5.2Wheel angle versus steering wheel angle curves5.3Target-based trapezoid optimisation5.4Tolerance sensitivity study5.5Validating the model against real measurements5.6Comparison of alternative designs5.7Spreadsheet for quick estimates5.8Typical kinematic modelling errors5.9Geometry results report5.10Practical: steering model in OptimumKinematics
6.1Selection of the vehicle and track layout6.2Measurement of the current geometry6.3Proposal of a new geometry6.4Kinematic simulation of the change6.5On-track test plan6.6Analysis of results and conclusions6.7Associated bump steer study6.8Adjustment recommendations by circuit6.9Report 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. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OptimumG OptimumKinematics, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MATLAB and SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for measuring steering geometry, correcting bump steer and comparing configurations on track. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 8855; SAE J670; ISO 4138; UNECE Regulation No. 79; ISO 7401; Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code.
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.
- 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 OptimumG OptimumKinematics, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MATLAB and SolidWorks, 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, an internet connection 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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