LAB 1
FAKULTI TEKNOLOGI & KEJURUTERAAN
MEKANIKAL
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
BMKA 3223 VEHICLE DYNAMICS (DINAMIK KENDERAAN)
LAB SHEET 1
MEASUREMENT OF VEHICLE CENTER OF GRAVITY
Learning LO2 Construct mathematical model using the computer software in
Outcome (LO):
modelling vehicle dynamics.
Program PO4 Ability to plan and conduct experimental investigations of broadly-
Outcome:
defined problems, using data from relevant sources.
Synopsis: In order to enhance the student learning and understanding of dynamic systems
of vehicle, several parameters such as wheelbase, track width and center of
gravity will be determined.
Related Lecture’s 1. Introduction of Vehicle Dynamics (Chapter 1)
Topic:
Prepared by: Ts Mohd Hafizi Bin Abdul Rahman Date: 24 Oct 2024
Approved by Dr Mohamad Haidir Bin Maslan Date
LM/SLM/HOD
QMS : REVISION RECORDS
Date
Revisio Approved by
Description (DD/MM/YY Prepared by :
n No LM/SLM/HOD:
)
1.0 THEORY
In a vehicle, the center of gravity (CG) greatly affects vehicle handling at high speeds, especially on
jumps and turns. The lower and more stable the center of gravity, the less likely it is that the vehicle
will flip or go off the course. The higher chassis components are above the axles, the higher center of
gravity and the more unstable vehicle becomes. Higher center gravity may cause the vehicle harder
to control and may flip more easily at high speeds.
Center of gravity is not important only for cars and trucks. It applies to boats and aircraft too. Too
much weight to the front or rear or to one side can make the vehicle unstable. Where components
such as batteries, motors, and servos are placed or how they are distributed throughout the vehicle
as well as the overall shape and placement of wings can affect the center of gravity.
Figure 1: Static loads on level ground
Figure 2: Static loads on grades
Figure 1 shows the diagram of static loads on level ground. Figure 2 shows the diagram of static
loads on grades. Note that Fz1 , Fz2 , Fz1‘ and Fz2’ are the measured forces using weighing scale at
front and rear axles, respectively. Based on these figures, the equations of axle loads of front and
rear axles are derived:
a) Static loads on level ground
∑ F z=0
2 F z 1+ 2 F z 2−mg=0
∑ M y =0
−2 F z 1 a1+ 2 F z 2 a 2=0
mg a2 mg a1
F z 1= ∧F z 2=
2(a 1+ a2 ) 2 (a1 +a 2)
Let a 1+ a2=l
mg a2 mg a1
F z 1= ∧F z 2=
2l 2l
The vehicle weight, mg = 2(Fz1+Fz2), hence
2(F z 1 + F z 2 )a2 2 ( F z 1 + F z 2 ) a1
F z 1= ∧F z 2= (1)
2l 2l
b) Static loads on grade
∑ F z=0
2 F z 1 ' +2 F z 2 '−mg=0
∑ M y =0
−2 F z 1 ' ( a1 cos ∅ −( h−R ) sin ∅ ) + 2 F z 2 ' ( a2 cos ∅ + ( h−R ) sin ∅ )=0
h=R+ 2 ( Fz1'
mg )
l−a2 cot ∅ (2)
2.0 EQUIPMENTS/ EXPERIMENT APPARATUS/ CONSUMABLE MATERIALS
Equipment involved is as follows:
Table 1: Equipment list
Equipment Quantity
(a) Weighing scale 4
(wireless)
(b) Scale indicator 1
(c) Billet leveler 4
(d) Car 1
(e) Hydraulic jack 1
(e) Linear / angle
measuring tools where
appropriate
3.0 PROCEDURES/ METHODOLOGY
i. Measure the length of wheelbase and track width of the car.
ii. Measure the height of weighing scale slot to ground at 4 points.
iii. Put the weighing scale under the wheel, one each. Use hydraulic jack to complete this
process. The car should be static on level ground.
iv. Read the total weight of the car from the scale indicator.
v. Read the scale indicator to measure the front axle load. Add up the front right and left wheel
load.
vi. Calculate the distance from rear axle to the center of gravity using Equation 1. Determine
also the distance of the center of gravity to the front axle.
vii. Decide which axle you want to raise - front or rear. Use the leveler to raise the front or rear
axle.
viii. Measure the raise height and determine the inclination angle.
ix. Read the scale indicator to measure the raised axle load. Add up the right and left wheel
load.
x. Calculate the height of center of gravity using Equation 2.
Figure 3: Car on level ground
Figure 4: Car on raised front height
4.0 RESULTS
Measure and calculate the followings:
a) Wheelbase, l
b) Front axle load on level ground, Fz1
c) Front axle load on grades, Fz1’
d) Elevation angle,
e) Weight car, mg
f) Distance from rear axle to center of gravity, a2
g) Height of center of gravity, h
h) Determine the center of gravity position of the car.
5.0 DISCUSSION
a) Discuss the value of load for each tyre when car is on level ground and when inclined.
b) Discuss what effect it has when the inclined angle is increased towards the axle load and the centre
of gravity value. (You need to compare the results from other groups to answer this)
6.0 CONCLUSION
Provide your conclusion base on your study.
7.0 OTHERS
The report must be prepared as APPENDIX.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Your response to each task will be graded separately based on the checklist attached. To obtain
maximum marks, ensure that your response addresses each of the tasks in the question accordingly.
Assessment checklist for Lab Activity 1
Assessment tasks Mark LO PO C/P/A level
allocation
Procedure (Ability to choose a lab 10 LO2 PO4 P1 - Perception
equipment)
Work Process (Ability to construct 20 LO2 PO4 P2 - Set
and understand the activity)
Work Process (Ability to show 20 LO2 PO4 P3 – Guided
data ) Response
Outcome (Results and Discussion) 35 LO2 PO4 P4 – Mechanism
Outcome (Conclusion) 15 LO2 PO4 P5 - Complex
Overt Response
TOTAL 100
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION
1. Answer in ENGLISH .
2. Must include list of references.
3. Submit your assignment ONCE only by group in a SINGLE file.
4. Submit your assignment ONLINE (U-learn).
5. Submission date: A week after the lab session
6. This lab report/activity accounts for 5% of the total marks for the course.
APPENDIX
LAB 1
FAKULTI TEKNOLOGI & KEJURUTERAAN
MEKANIKAL
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
BMKA 3223 VEHICLE DYNAMICS (DINAMIK KENDERAAN)
LAB REPORT 1
MEASUREMENT OF VEHICLE CENTER OF GRAVITY
INSTRUCTOR’S NAME TS. MOHD HAFIZI BIN ABDUL RAHMAN
STUDENT’S NAME MATRIX NO:
S1.
S2.
S3.
S4.
S5.
ASSESSEMENT RUBRICS
ASSESSMENT MARK GIVEN MARKS
TASK/ITEMS ALLOCATION S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
1. Procedure (Ability to 10
choose a lab
equipment)
2. Work Process (Ability 20
to construct and
understanding activity)
3. Work Process (Ability 20
to show data )
4. Outcome (Results ) 35
5. Outcome (Discussion 15
and Conclusion)
TOTAL MARKS 100
Approved By: ………………………………………………..…..
(Instructor’s Signature & Stamp)
Date: …………………………………………….........
PROCEDURE
- THEORY
WORK PROCESS – (ABILITY TO CONSTURCT & UNDERSTAND ACTIVITY)
- PROCEDURE
WORK PROCESS – (ABILITY TO SHOW DATA)
- RESULT DATA
OUTCOME (RESULTS & DISCUSSION)
- CALCULATION
- Answer discussion questions
OUTCOME (CONCLUSION)
