I developed a MATLAB simulation of Formula 1 vehicle dynamics using the kinematic bicycle model to predict yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and vehicle trajectory under varying driving conditions.
The model solves systems of ordinary differential equations using both Euler and fourth-order Runge-Kutta (RK4) integration methods. Simulations were run across different vehicle speeds, tire cornering stiffness values, mass distributions, center of gravity locations, and road conditions, including low-friction winter scenarios. A grid-independence study was performed to validate numerical accuracy.
Vehicle stability was evaluated through time-domain response and eigenvalue analysis, allowing stability thresholds to be identified for different configurations. This project strengthened my skills in dynamic system modelling, numerical methods, and MATLAB programming, with direct relevance to motorsport handling, vehicle safety, and autonomous control systems.