Gillespie, Thomas D. : University of Michigan and Director of the Great Lakes Center
Thomas D. Gillespie, Ph.D., a Research Scientist at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute,
has taught courses on vehicle dynamics and automotive engineering at the University of Michigan. He also teaches
vehicle dynamics courses at automotive manufacturers and suppliers. In 1987-88, he served on the White House staff
as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of Science and Technology Policy. He later served as a consultant to the
White House and chaired the Interagency Task Force to develop a National Action Plan on Advanced Superconductivity
Research and Development. He is currently the Director of the Great Lakes Center for Truck Transportation Research.
Summary
The first book providing comprehensive coverage of vehicle dynamics in a single volume Fundamentals of Vehicle
Dynamics provides a foundation of engineering principles and analytical methods to explain the performance of an
automotive vehicle, with chapters focusing on: Acceleration performance; Braking performance; Aerodynamics and
rolling resistance; Ride; Tires; Steady-state cornering; Suspensions; Steering systems; and Rollover. Acceleration,
braking, turning, and ride are among the most fundamental properties of a motor vehicle. To understand the vehicle
as a system, it is necessary to acquire a knowledge of all these modes. Motion is the common denominator of all
these modes; thus, the study of this field is denoted as vehicle dynamics. Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics introduces
the basic mechanics governing vehicle performance, and familiarizes the reader with analytical methods and terminology.
This book attempts to find a middle ground by balancing engineering principles and equations of use to every
automotive engineer with practical explanations of the mechanics involved, so that those without a formal engineering
degree can still comprehend and use most of the principles discussed. Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics provides
thorough coverage of these subjects: Fundamental Approach to Modeling; Power-Limited Acceleration; Braking Forces;Anti-Lock
Brake Systems; Aerodynamics; Rolling Resistance; Vehicle Response Properties; High-Speed Cornering; Independent
Suspensions; Front Wheel Geometry; Transient Rollover; Dynamic Axle Loads; Traction-Limited Acceleration; Tire-Road
Friction; Rear-Wheel Lockup; Drag; Total Road Loads; Vibration; Solid Axles; Roll Center Analysis; Front Wheel
Drive; Tire Construction. Either as an introductory text or a practical professional overview, Fundamentals of
Vehicle Dynamics is an ideal reference on the forces and factors affecting the movements of a vehicle - accelerating,
braking, ride, and turning.