Experiential Learning in Vehicle Dynamics Education via a Scaled Experimental Platform: Handling Performance Analysis

This paper explores experiential learning in high education in Automotive Engineering by using scaled experimental platforms. A set of student-center laboratory activities has been established with a pedagogical approach based on Kolb’s experiential learning theory. The chosen topic to be educated on is road vehicle dynamic performance focused on automotive standards and real-world problems in the automotive industry. Implementing experiential learning in a road vehicle dynamic curriculum is a considerable challenge due to university laboratories’ safety, cost, and space restrictions. This paper presents the adoption process of a scaled model experiment for vehicle handling tests that can be integrated with current university infrastructures. A go-kart vehicle has been equipped with a measurements unit to perform road tests by students in a secured space at the main campus parking lot. The scaled experiments provide a learning environment with concrete experiments for experiential learning. Furthermore, students can practice industry-level standards with scaled experiments.