The modelling and simulation of vehicle handling Part 2: Vehicle modelling

Abstract

This is the second in a series of four papers looking at the application of computer-based analysis methods to model vehicles and simulate vehicle handling. The material contained in these papers is based on a study carried out in order to investigate the influence of suspension and tyre modelling on the outputs predicted by vehicle handling simulations. The papers deal with analysis methods, vehicle modelling, tyre modelling and handling simulation. In this paper the methods used to model the vehicle systems relevant to handling simulations using a multi-body systems analysis computer program are described, with the emphasis placed mainly on the modelling of suspension systems. A range of full vehicle models, which use simplified representations of the suspension system, are also described as these models form the basis of a set of comparisons described in Part 4 of this series. Modelling of other vehicle systems such as the steering system and roll bars is also discussed. Tyre modelling is a large topic and as such is covered separately in Part 3 of this series of papers. All of the examples used to illustrate the concepts explained throughout this series of papers have been generated using the ADAMS (Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems) program.