Dynamics modeling and analysis of a four-wheel independent motor-drive virtual-track train

Abstract

Due to urbanisation and the economic challenges of traffic, it is urgently necessary to develop an environmentally friendly virtual-track train with suitable speed, high load capacity and low construction cost in China. To guide the design and evaluate this train’s dynamic behaviour, a spatial-dynamics model has been developed based on the dynamics theory and tyre-road interaction. The proposed dynamics model comprises mechanical vehicle systems, traction and braking characteristics and tyre-road dynamic interactions. The coupling effects amongst those systems of virtual track train are derived theoretically for the first time. The nonlinear characteristics of the tyre are modelled by the transit tyre-magic formula with consideration of road irregularities. Based on a designed PID controller and the comprehensive dynamics model, the dynamic performance of the system can be revealed considering motion coupling effects and complicated excitations, especially under traction and braking conditions. The dynamic responses of whole virtual track train can be obtained by numerical integration under different conditions. The vibration characteristics of such train are assessed under running at a constant speed and during the traction/braking process. The results show that the vibrations of the vehicle system are significantly influenced by road irregularities, especially at high speed ranges. The motions and vibrations of different components are intensive coupled, which should not to be neglected in the dynamics assessment of the virtual track train. Besides, the dynamics model can also be applied to dynamics-related assessment (fatigue, strength and some damage conditions, et al.) and parameter optimisation of the virtual-track train.