The Role of Multibody Systems Analysis in Vehicle Design

• M. V. BLUNDELL ^[1] ; B. D. A. PHILLIPS ^[1] ; A. MACKIE ^[1]
  1. [1] Coventry University

     Coventry University

     Reino Unido

     
• Localización: Journal of Engineering Design, ISSN 0954-4828, Vol. 7, Nº. 4, 1996, págs. 377-396
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This paper outlines the use of multibody systems analysis as a tool for vehicle designers. The way in which the ADAMS program is used to model and simulate the performance of automotive suspension systems together with the forces and moments occurring at the tyre/road contact patch is described followed by an account of the full vehicle modelling requirements to predict handling characteristics. For suspension systems the level of modelling complexity and simulations which may be performed in support of a new vehicle design are discussed. The methods used to model experimental tyre force and moment data are described followed by an outline of some of the simulations performed to predict the handling performance of the full vehicle. Vehicle handling simulations have been carried out using data for a large saloon vehicle and compared with results obtained during instrumented testing on the proving ground. Initial comparisons for extreme manoeuvres indicate that relatively simple suspension and tyre models can provide good agreement, negating the need for the time consuming chasing of detailed data typically involved in vehicle simulation. This paper concludes by describing the use of ADAMS to model and simulate the performance of an anti-lock braking system ( ABS). A study has been carried out based on a single wheel model and dynamic simulations which incorporate a braking algorithm representing the ABS system. Tyre testing was carried out to establish the relationship between tyre braking force and wheel slip. As braking torque is applied to the wheel, slip increases until the wheel is locked and skidding occurs. The simulation results presented here demonstrate how an ABS algorithm can be incorporated into a vehicle model in order to avoid wheel lock during a severe braking manoeuvre.