Effect of Drivetrain Configuration on Handling Characteristics of Tadpole Type Three-Wheeler

Abstract

The world’s first automobile built by Karl Benz was powered by a single-cylinder four-stroke engine which was placed at the rear part of the three-wheeled chassis. Since then, the automobile industry has drastically evolved, especially four wheelers. Nowadays, three-wheelers are gaining popularity as they are more fuel efficient than four-wheelers while being more stable than twowheelers. The inherent cost advantages of a threewheeler also make them more affordable. Autorickshaws, having delta configuration, are extensively utilized in several Asian countries like India, Indonesia, Pakistan and others. But they are risky during braking in a turn due to a single front wheel. Alternatively, a tadpole type three-wheeler is safer in braking in a turn and provides better steering control. This three-wheeler configuration also provides better aerodynamic design. They have been recently adopted in European countries for personal mobility and logistics. Therefore, the paper analyses the stability of a Tadpole type three-wheeler based on various standard simulation tests such as Constant Radius test, Acceleration test and Double Lane Change test. These tests provide various results such as Steering Angle, Understeer behaviour and Longitudinal Acceleration where information regarding handling characteristics can be studied. A comparison between Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive configuration is carried out to arrive at a conclusion for selecting the right drivetrain configuration. In order to achieve this, a Multibody Dynamics model is created using MSC Adams Car by assembling the various subsystems namely Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body, Powertrain and Tires. Simulation results have been compared with existing literature for the verification of the model.