A co-simulation environment for high-fidelity virtual prototyping of vehicle systems. (1st January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Datar, Makarand; Stanciulescu, Ilinca; Negrut, Dan
• Is Part Of: International journal of vehicle systems modelling and testing. Volume 7:Number 1(2012)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2012-01-01
• Subjects: co-simulation -- vehicle dynamics -- powertrain model -- tyre model; Motor vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; Motor vehicles -- Testing -- Periodicals; Motor vehicles -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; 629.2310151
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-6436

Abstract

Computer simulation is being increasingly used for virtual prototyping of ground vehicles ahead of building actual hardware prototypes. This paper describes a methodology to co-simulate, with high fidelity and in one computational framework, all of the main vehicle subsystems for improved engineering design. The approach leverages the capabilities of three software packages (ADAMS, PSAT, FTire) to simulate vehicle kinematics/dynamics, powertrain dynamics, and tyre-terrain contact in one unified environment. As a result, information about forces in vehicle components, driver comfort, maximum cornering speed, fuel efficiency and engine emission details can all be obtained at the same time. This data is relevant when used for comparing competing designs that draw on different values of vehicle parameters (inertia, material, suspension properties, stiffness), powertrain system settings for conventional, hybrid, or fuel cell topologies, and tyre-terrain interface parameters (road profile, tyre pressure, tread). A generic sedan and US army's high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), both with conventional powertrain systems, are used to demonstrate the proposed simulation framework.