Title: Development and validation of a modular simulation model for commercial vehicles

Authors: Willem-Jan Evers, Igo Besselink, Henk Nijmeijer, Albert Van der Knaap

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. ' Integrated Safety, TNO Automotive, 5700 AT Helmond, The Netherlands

Abstract: In this paper a modular truck semi-trailer model is developed in the multi-body toolbox SimMechanics, which is part of MATLAB/Simulink. It can be used to analyse a wide range of active control solutions (anywhere in the model), as well as the influence of passive vehicle modifications. As the model is modular, it is relatively easy (compared to conventional multi-body software packages) to modify or replace any of the components as well as the number and type of trailer axles. The model is validated using a wide range of measurement data obtained from measurements on a real air sprung tractor semi-trailer.

Keywords: truck model; simulation modules; SimMechanics; measurements; modular simulation; commercial vehicles; heavy vehicles; tractor semi-trailer models; trucks; active control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2009.023858

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2009 Vol.16 No.1/2, pp.132 - 153

Published online: 17 Mar 2009 *

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