Combining virtual simulation and physical vehicle test data to optimize durability testing

摘要

This paper describes an ongoing project to model a vehicle on a computer with a multibody dynamics simulation software package and to merge that work with physical proving ground and laboratory tests in order to shorten vehicle development time. The intention is to mirror as closely as possible the behaviour of a physical vehicle in order to assist in determining its durability characteristics under varying road conditions. This modelling work is important because, if done with sufficient fidelity, it can be used in order to assess vehicle responses by using different suspension components or payloads. Also, potential issues associated with vehicle structure, suspension components or pay-load positioning can be observed on a computer prior to performing physical tests. The process has the potential to reduce vehicle development cost and time. The virtual dynamic vehicle model has been created by using Automatic dynamic analysis of mechanical systems (ADAMS) software package. The calculated outputs from the model are being compared to force and displacement data collected from actual vehicle on-road testing or a servo-hydraulic road test simulator (RTS). The virtual model can be adjusted until the calculated responses are in close agreement with those of the physical vehicle, thus linking the virtual and real-world results.