Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics (R114) | 
 enlarge | Author: Thomas D. Gillespie
Publisher: SAE International
Category: Book
List Price: $79.95
Buy Used: $54.76
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Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 176208
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 519
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.8
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2
ISBN: 1560911999
Dewey Decimal Number: 629.2
EAN: 9781560911999
ASIN: 1560911999
Publication Date: March 1992
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Condition: Inventory subject to prior sale. Used items have varying degrees of wear, highlighting, etc. and may not include supplements such as infotrac or other web access codes. Expedited orders cannot be sent to PO Box. Sorry, not able to ship to APO, FPO, Alaska, and Hawaii.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Book Description
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; and 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Poor Engineering Book June 17, 2008
I first have to say I am surprised that I am the only one to give this book such a poor rating. From a "reading for leisure" standpoint, this book explains the basic concepts of vehicle dynamics pretty well; however, as a engineering book (from SAE no less), this is probably one of the worst books I have ever purchased in my entire educational and professional career.
As one of the reviews mentioned, the "unexplained 'magic numbers' in formulas" take time to get used to. I am not one to just accept formulas as is. As a graduate student, I like to know some thought behind the formulas I am using. In addition to the 'magic numbers', the author poorly explains many formulas. As an example, the author does not explain whether the sprung weight or total weight should be used when determining steady-state cornering. In all the formulas, the total weight is used; however, when determining changes due to body roll, only the sprung weight should be taking into account. Since unsprung weight only accounts for 5% of the total weight, maybe the author decided that was "close enough"; however, he should explain his reasoning in his assumptions. The author does this throughout the book.
This brings me to my next point: poor examples and very few examples. The review from the individual who said this book had great examples must have been a review for another book. I can count on one hand the number of examples in this entire book. The few examples that are used are grossly over-simplified and very poor in explaining the steps involved in finding a solution.
Additionally, the author rambles on too much. His wordy explainations could easily be condensed into fewer pages. As an engineer, I like conceptual explainations, but I don't like wasting my time either. One particular example that comes to mind is a formula written in paragraph form. Instead of just typing out the formula, the author takes a paragraph to write out the formula. After taking about 30 minutes of reading the paragraph and trying to find out the meaning of it (along with 2 other graduate students), I finally gave up.
 Good Solid Book January 22, 2008
This is an excellent book for the basics of vehicle dynamics. It covers the main topics in a straightforward, easy to understand way and has good examples. The only thing preventing a 5 star rating is that the book is a little dated having been written in the late 1980's. Some of the references therefore need to be updated.
 Great Introduction! May 19, 2007
Professor Gillispie did an outstanding job with this book. He provides a comprehensive introduction to the mechanics of tire forces, handling, ride-quality, noise, vibration, and durability. The level of detail is just right for those new to the field, or needing an occasional reference book. A judicious mix of theory and practice. Highly recommended.
Great Book March 8, 2007
If you are into equations, knock yourself out, this book has a lot of them, and for me, it explains them enough to understand them. I had to remember my days at the university, but it has definitely what I was looking for. I guess is a must for anyone trying to build a car seriously
Good Intro to Vehicle Dynamics April 21, 2006
Most dynamics books are kinda hard to read or dont give adequate examples/problems. I found this book to be useful and easy to read. It covers nearly every topic of the automobile from tires to ride and handling, braking conditions and aerodynamics. All pretty concise but worthwhile. The $100 or so will definitely be worth it. Makes a great reference book for any basic auto dynamics needs.
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