Two-Degree-of-Freedom Vehicle Model

The two-degree-of-freedom vehicle model serves as an introductory MATLAB implementation that helps beginners understand both vehicle dynamics and programming fundamentals. This simplified model captures essential vehicle behaviors by simulating longitudinal motion (forward velocity) and lateral motion (sideslip angle) as separate input parameters. Through implementing this model, newcomers can practice defining differential equations using MATLAB's ODE solvers, creating visualization plots for motion trajectories, and analyzing vehicle stability characteristics. The implementation typically involves setting up state-space equations for vehicle dynamics, where key functions like ode45 handle numerical integration while plot functions display the vehicle's path and attitude changes. This foundational exercise helps learners comprehend fundamental automotive kinematics and dynamics principles while developing practical MATLAB skills for more advanced automotive engineering applications.