Development and Deployment of Virtual Kinematics and Compliance Test System

Designing and improving vehicle dynamics attributes has become significantly important in commercial vehicle development. Upfront simulation of vehicle dynamics characteristics early in development offers huge time and cost advantages over complete dependency on tuning with physical vehicles. Importantly, it enables robust design by optimizing vehicle systems for the targeted performance.

For high-fidelity simulation of vehicle dynamics behaviors, the significance of proper kinematic and compliance (K&C) parameters can’t be overstated. Generally, these parameters are measured using physical K&C test rig. A K&C rig for commercial vehicle testing costs several hundred million rupees and takes a few years to set up. In the absence of physical rig, a virtual K&C measurement methodology is developed using Simscape Multibody™ and other toolboxes of MATLAB^® and Simulink^®.

The virtual K&C system comprises of three modules, one each for vehicle, rig, and control and are interfaced to function as a measurement rig. The model comprises of rigid bodies, flexible members, a 3D kinematic chain, joints, and a hydraulic system. The parameterized modelling enables swift change of vehicle configurations. Comparison of parameters predicted with measured values resulted in high correlation, and thus, increased engineering confidence.

In this presentation, you will learn how this work resulted in lean and cost-efficient vehicle dynamics simulation, investigation of numerous combinations, and optimized design for one of major running vehicle development program.