Road Vehicle Dynamics Fundamentals and Modeling

In striving for optimal comfort and safety conditions in road vehicles, today’s electronically controlled components provide a range of new options. These are developed and tested using computer simulations in software in the loop or hardware in the loop environments—an advancement that requires the modern automotive engineer to be able to build basic simulation models, handle higher level models, and operate simulation tools effectively. Combining the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics with the basics of computer simulated modeling, Road Vehicle Dynamics: Fundamentals and Modeling Aspects draws on lecture notes from undergraduate and graduate courses given by the author, as well as industry seminars and symposiums, to provide practical insight on the subject. Requiring only a first course in dynamics and programming language as a prerequisite, this highly accessible book offers end-of-chapter exercises to reinforce concepts as well as programming examples and results using MATLAB®. The book uses SI-units throughout, and begins with an introduction and overview of units and quantities, terminology and definitions, multibody dynamics, and equations of motion. It then discusses the road, highlighting both deterministic and stochastic road models; tire handling including contact calculation, longitudinal and lateral forces, vertical axis torques, and measurement and modeling techniques; and drive train components and concepts such as transmission, clutch, and power source. Later chapters discuss suspension systems, including a dynamic model of rack-and-pinion steering as well as double-wishbone suspension systems; force elements such as springs, anti-roll bars, and hydro-mounts; and vehicle dynamics in vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions using a simple model approach to examine the effects of nonlinear, dynamic, and active force elements. Highlighting useable knowledge, the book concludes with a three-dimensional vehicle model and typical results of standard driving maneuvers.

IntroductionUnits and QuantitiesTerminologyDefinitionsMultibody Dynamics tailored to Ground VehiclesA Quarter Car ModelExercises RoadModeling Aspects Deterministic ProfilesRandom Profiles Exercises TireIntroduction Contact Geometry Steady State Forces and Torques Combined Forces Bore Torque Different Influences on Tire Forces and Torques First Order Tire Dynamics Exercises Drive TrainComponents and Concepts Wheel and Tire Differentials Transmission Clutch Power Sources Exercises Suspension SystemPurpose and Components Some Examples Steering Systems Kinematics of a Double Wishbone Suspension ExercisesForce ElementsStandard Force Elements Dynamic Force Elements ExercisesVertical DynamicsGoals From Complex to Simple Models Basic Tuning Optimal Damping Practical Aspects Nonlinear Suspension Forces Sky Hook Damper Exercises Longitudinal DynamicsDynamic Wheel Loads Maximum Acceleration Driving and Braking Drive and Brake Pitch Exercises Lateral Dynamics Kinematic Approach Steady State Cornering Simple Handling Model Mechatronic Systems Exercises Driving Behavior of Single Vehicles Three-Dimensional Vehicle Model Driver Model Standard Driving Maneuvers Coach with Different Loading Conditions Different Rear Axle Concepts for a Passenger Car Exercises Bibliography Index

Georg Rill is with the University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg, Germany.