1st Edition

Road Vehicle Dynamics Fundamentals and Modeling

By Georg Rill Copyright 2012
    362 Pages 209 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    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.

    Introduction
    Units and Quantities
    Terminology
    Definitions
    Multibody Dynamics tailored to Ground Vehicles
    A Quarter Car Model
    Exercises

    Road
    Modeling Aspects
    Deterministic Profiles
    Random Profiles
    Exercises 

    Tire
    Introduction
    Contact Geometry
    Steady State Forces and Torques
    Combined Forces
    Bore Torque
    Different Influences on Tire Forces and Torques
    First Order Tire Dynamics
    Exercises

    Drive Train
    Components and Concepts
    Wheel and Tire
    Differentials
    Transmission
    Clutch
    Power Sources
    Exercises

    Suspension System
    Purpose and Components
    Some Examples
    Steering Systems
    Kinematics of a Double Wishbone Suspension
    Exercises

    Force Elements
    Standard Force Elements
    Dynamic Force Elements
    Exercises

    Vertical Dynamics
    Goals
    From Complex to Simple Models
    Basic Tuning
    Optimal Damping
    Practical Aspects
    Nonlinear Suspension Forces
    Sky Hook Damper
    Exercises

    Longitudinal Dynamics
    Dynamic 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

    Biography

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

    "As expected in a text, the volume is filled with equations, MATLAB® listings, figures and tables. It goes from rather simple concepts, say linear analysis, to sophisticated treatments, like non-linear vibrations. I liked this book, meant for undergraduates… I would recommend it as the most useful reference."
    Noise Control Engineering Journal, January – February 2015