Title: Computer modelling and analysis of performance of a road simulator

Authors: Sachin A. Gore, Bohdan T. Kulakowski, John F. Gardner

Addresses: Computer Applications Engineer, Quality and Process Leadership, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI 48121, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA

Abstract: This paper describes the development of a computer model of a road simulator, and the use of this model to perform frequency response based controller tuning of the road simulator|s hydraulic actuators. In order for a road simulator to effectively serve as a substitute for road tests, it must be able to accurately reproduce a desired road profile. When the system controller was first tuned using conventional tuning rules, the simulator was unable to meet the desired performance objectives. The computer model was developed so that a more fundamental control analysis could be performed on the system and its components. Ultimately, the model was used to develop a better procedure for determining the appropriate controller gains required to achieve the desired performance goals.

Keywords: controller tuning; four post simulator; heavy vehicle testing; road simulators; heavy vehicles; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.1999.054634

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 1999 Vol.6 No.1/2/3/4, pp.209 - 220

Published online: 18 Jun 2013 *

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