Title: Predicting the ride behaviour of a suspended agricultural tractor

Authors: T.J. Lehtonen, M. Juhala

Addresses: Laboratory of Automotive Engineering, Helsinki University of Technology (TKK), P.O. Box 4300, FIN 02015 TKK, Finland. ' Laboratory of Automotive Engineering, Helsinki University of Technology (TKK), P.O. Box 4300, FIN 02015 TKK, Finland

Abstract: This paper describes the development of an independent front axle suspension on a validated MBS (MultiBody System) model of an agricultural tractor. Comparison simulations are performed with different front axles. The aim of the front suspension was to improve both the driving performance of the tractor and the driver|s comfort. The MBS model has been built using commercial MSC.ADAMS software from the MSC Company. The virtually prototyped front axle suspension is described. Simulations have been executed on different test tracks and the results are analysed according to the standards. The results show clearly that the driver|s riding comfort can be improved considerably in a tractor equipped with a front axle suspension, even though the driver|s seat is positioned above the nonsuspended rear axle of the tractor.

Keywords: tractor suspension; vehicle suspensions; multibody dynamics; simulation; tractor tyres; vibration reduction; front axle suspension; ride behaviour; agricultural tractors; modelling; virtual prototype; ride comfort; vehicle testing; vehicle handling; ride performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2005.008576

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2005 Vol.1 No.1/2/3, pp.131 - 142

Published online: 04 Jan 2006 *

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