Development and verification of a virtual prototype of a vehicle

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Methods of mathematical modelling are widely used in vehicle development. In order to study vehicle dynamics, stability and handling, as well as to accelerate and to reduce the cost of on-board software development, it is necessary to build a digital twin which contains description of special motion of a vehicle with models of units and subsystems as parts of the vehicle. AIMS: Development and verification of a virtual prototype of a vehicle. METHODS: Development of the virtual prototype and vehicle modelling were done in the MATLAB/Simulink software package. Main derivation of the equations necessary to build the models of vehicle’s units and subsystems is given. Verification testing was conducted using special measuring equipment. RESULTS: The vehicle virtual prototype containing description of combined dynamics of bodyframe, transmission elements, suspension and wheels was developed. Comparison of results of field and virtual testing was made in order to confirm operability and adequacy of the virtual prototype. Main graphs showing dynamics of real and virtual vehicles are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Practical value of development and study lies in ability of using a virtual prototype in vehicle dynamic studies and development of on-board control systems.