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Vehicle Dynamics and Simulation

Terminology
- CG
- wheelbase
- track
- Ride height
- static weight distribution
- weight transfer
- sprung/unsprung mass
- axis/coordinate system
- forces on a vehicle
- slip angle
- tyre characteristics
- friction circle (Excel model)
- steer characteristics
- Ackermann (Excel model)
Steady State Handling
- understeer/oversteer
- yaw gain (Excel model - benchmarking vehicle DNA)
- understeer gradient, K and stability margin
Lateral load transfer
- CG migration effect
- Tyre friction vs FZ
- (Excel model)
- (analysis using ADAMS/View model)
Longitudinal load transfer
- weight split and CG height (trade-off long and lat performance)
- traction/power limited accel vs. Weight split and CG height
- (Excel model and ADAMS/View model)
Note: Excel and ADAMS models will be used for understanding/outlining the role of the relevant variables for each case and analyse possible trade-offs.
All Excel models are made in class, directly based on the theory and formulas given in class. All ADAMS/ViewModels are passed on to students already made.
Marks: Exam 50% - Assignent 50%. About the exam: All questions taken directly from VD notes, Formulae handed out in the exam.
Vehicle design mass/inertia relationship:
- packaging and wheelbase
- Dynamic Index (Excel model)
Tyre characteristics
- tyre friction coeff. vs. Lateral acceleration
Tyre modelling pacejka
Slip angle
Slip ratio
Friction circle
FZ vs. tyre deflection
Stiffness
Camber effect
(Excel model)
Feeding back road test data to determine tyre grip
Suspension : introduction
requirements
design considerations
terminology
kinematics/geometry
steering axis
kingpin inclination
castor/castor trail
camber
scrub radius
toe-in
bump steer
bump-camber
motion ratio
2
Suspension: Anti-pitch geometry
anti-dive
anti-squat
(Excel model)
Suspension: Lateral weight transfer anti-roll geometry
roll centre
lateral weight transfer model
(Excel model and ADAMS/View model)
Suspension: design
- The Understeer Budget concept
- Equating all suspension characteristics.
- Tyres (how to use the model optimize to weight split)
- Requirements (Wheel travel, Wheel rate, roll rate, anti-pitch, anti-roll, deg/G)
- springs (suspension stiffness split (for neutral steering), ARB, etc.
- (Excel model)
Damping
Initial setup ( damping ratio vs. wheel vertical speed), low and high
speed damping, motion ratio.
Suspension components
- packaging considerations
- uprights (packaging)
- rockers (kinematics considerations)
- wishbones
- Load cases (worst case scenario and fatigue loads Excel model and
ADAMS/View model)
- applying load cases results to FEA boundary conditions.
- S-N curve
- Steering kinematics (ADAMS/View model)
Gear selection calculations
defining and optimizing calculations
referred inertias
tractive effort/ road loads
constant torque curves
analysis of force-velocity graph
fuel consumption
(Excel model)
Brake proportioning and adhesion utilisation
(Excel model)
Brake system design
(Excel model)
Chassis
- stiffness requirements
- Packaging
- Fabrication type of chassis
- torsional stiffness
- FEA boundary conditions (considerations and effects on results)
- Development method identifying weak areas with FEA
Aerodynamics
Drag and downforce: effect on vehicle balance, cornering
and braking/traction (Excel model)
Determining Cd, Cr and engine torque curve from road tests
(Excel model)
Laptime simulator
(excel model) simple model for analysis of trade-offs and
initial setup
Sensitivity analysis