MSc Motorsport Engineering

This module explores material, component, and structural responses to medium to high impact events in this module. Dive into crashworthiness design, testing, and modelling for motorsport and automotive vehicles, with a focus on using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to predict crash effects. The module establishes the theory behind explicit numerical modelling to assess the validity of numerical results.

By the end of this module, you'll exhibit a profound and methodical grasp of material behaviour, explicit FEM, and the design, manufacture, and testing of impact-resistant vehicles and structures. Your ability to select, evaluate, and justify manufacturing processes aligned with your design criteria will be evident. Additionally, you'll be able to critically appraise design concepts, handling incomplete or contradictory data with expertise.

Focusing on ground vehicle aerodynamics, this module navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of aerodynamic design, which combines physical insights, experimental methods, and computational simulations. By immersing you in applied aerodynamics for ground vehicle design, this module bridges theory and practice in an emerging field.

Upon completing this module, you will possess a comprehensive understanding of advanced vehicle aerodynamics and its practical applications. You will acquire a solid grasp of experimental techniques used to evaluate and investigate the aerodynamic performance of ground vehicles. The module goes beyond theory, requiring you to review and analyse research papers related to vehicle aerodynamics. This not only cultivates your analytical skills but also hones your ability to synthesise complex information into coherent written reports.

This module is designed for postgraduate study and professional application. You’ll delve into the intricacies of race car performance, applying advanced computational and analytical methods to optimise racing outcomes.

By the end of this module, you will possess a profound understanding of race car performance synthesis. You’ll expertly select and apply suitable computational and analytical techniques for assessing race car performance. Additionally, you’ll create intricate computer simulations of race car lap times, utilising both technical information and wider literature to support your analysis of design parameters' impact on various racing formulas.

This module is designed to equip you with the essential management skills and knowledge necessary for success in the engineering industry. The focus lies on key areas such as project management, leadership, team building, motivation, and legal considerations. While the automotive and motorsports sectors are emphasised, the knowledge and skills gained are widely applicable across the broader engineering landscape.

Upon completion of this module, you will possess a comprehensive understanding of management practices vital in engineering contexts. You will develop a systematic comprehension of the prerequisites for crafting a successful business plan within engineering domains. Additionally, you will master the skill of presenting compelling business plans to potential stakeholders. This involves proposing well-reasoned strategies for organizations seeking industry funding.

This module will give you a thorough understanding of the relevant theoretical and practical considerations associated with optimising motorsport vehicle performance. You will learn to apply advanced vehicle dynamic analysis techniques such as the derivative method, learn how to optimise suspension using advanced software methods and then verify your solution on our four-post rig.

In this module, you’ll gain profound insights into advanced electric vehicle propulsion technology. You’ll explore electric vehicle architectures, propulsion systems, and associated electronics through analysis, simulation, and control.

By the end of this module, you’ll gain the ability to appraise and compare electric vehicle architectures, evaluate propulsion options, and assess energy storage systems. Additionally, you’ll gain advanced knowledge of controllers, inverters, and electronic subsystems while considering safety measures. Furthermore, you’ll learn to analyse energy provision, sources, and grid composition using life cycle assessment, keeping you at the forefront of electric vehicle advancements.

The Dissertation (core, triple credit) is an individual project on a topic from mechanical engineering, offering an opportunity to specialise in a particular area of your choice. In addition to developing a high level of expertise in a particular area of mechanical engineering, including use of industry-standard software and/or experimental work, the module will also provide you with research skills, planning techniques, project management. Whilst a wide range of industry-sponsored projects are available (e.g. Far-Axon, Clayex/Dymola, Tranquillity Aerospace, Norbar, etc.), students are also able undertake their own projects in the UK and abroad, to work in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation.