Applied Brake Controls Test Track Experience: ABS, TCS, and ESC C0610

Take notes.  Take a spin.  Repeat.  Six classroom modules (2 each for ABS, TCS and ESC!) are paired with six driving modules on a real-world ice and snow development test track in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  There's no better way to reinforce classroom learning than by grabbing the steering wheel.  All of the driving exercises have been specifically developed so that anyone can hop in the car and immediately link what you have just learned in the classroom.  As an added benefit an SAE Instructor will be riding along side you in the passenger seat to encourage, coach and answer any questions that you may have regarding the learnings in real time.  

Experience the vehicle dynamic enhancements afforded by anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control (TCS), and electronic stability control (ESC) with this highly interactive two-day seminar.  Designed to get you out of the classroom and on to the test track, a total of six 60-minute structured learning experiences behind the wheel will vividly illustrate the benefits, limitations, and ultimate compromises that must be made when designing and implementing modern brake control systems.

Vehicles used for demonstration will be capable of allowing attendees to directly compare their best-unassisted driving performance to the enhanced vehicle dynamics provided with the systems fully enabled.  The seminar concludes with a brief exposure to the complex interactions between these technologies on a specially-prepared low-coefficient handling course.  Detailed course notes and illustrations are provided for on-the-job reference.  In order to cover all content and provide effective driving exercises, this course requires eight hours of instructional contact per day versus SAE's normal 6.5 per day.

Learning Objectives

By attending this seminar, you will be able to:

• Define the trade-offs between ABS stability, ABS steerability, and vehicle stopping distance
• Analyze the compromises made during ABS transitions and split-coefficient deceleration
• Explain the benefits and limitations of engine-only TCS, brake-only TCS, and full-function TCS
• Evaluate the effectiveness of engine-only TCS, brake-only TCS, and full-function TCS
• Interpret ESC metrics and assess overall system performance
• Experience moding interactions between ABS, TCS, and ESC

Who Should Attend

This course has been developed for engineers involved in all fields related to the design or development of vehicle dynamics, vehicle braking systems, powertrain systems, chassis systems, or suspension systems. Due to the in-depth discussion of real-world system limitations and compromises, it may also be of interest to those in accident reconstruction and product litigation. In addition, this course can be valuable to those with component design responsibilities in brake, chassis, suspension, or tire disciplines.

Individuals new to the field of brake control systems will benefit most from the material; this course is not intended for individuals with significant pre-existing experience in brake control systems. In addition, please note that because of proprietary considerations this class does not provide details of algorithm design, algorithm performance, or algorithm application. Instead, the course places strong emphasis on vehicle dynamic responses to typical brake control interventions.

Prerequisites

***Please be advised that this course involves one or more of the following: driving and/or riding in a vehicle; participating in a vehicle demonstration; and/or taking part in an offsite tour using outside transportation. You will be required to sign a waiver on-site and produce a valid driver’s license from your state/country of residence.***

Testimonials

"This seminar was extremely well presented. The vehicle dynamic driving characteristics were well presented both on track and off."
Jeffery R. Wingfield
Mechanical Engineer
Crane Engineering

 

"This course is the quickest most concentrated way to learn chassis control systems while applying classroom to the vehicle evaluation."
Jason Musson
Project Engineer
FT Techno of America

 

"Excellent opportunity to learn and sense the influence of applied brake and engine controls."
Jeff Laya
Safety Supervisor
Ford Motor Company

 

"Great learning experience. Perfect mix of theoretical and practical activities."
Rodrigo Gonzalez
Mechanical Engineer
Armor Holdings

 

You must complete all course contact hours and successfully pass the learning assessment to obtain CEUs.