Title: Target cascading in vehicle redesign: a class VI truck study

Authors: H.M. Kim, M. Kokkolaras, L.S. Louca, G.J. Delagrammatikas, N.F. Michelena, Z.S. Filipi, P.Y. Papalambros, J.L. Stein, D.N. Assanis

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2250 G.G. Brown Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA

Abstract: The analytical target cascading process is applied to the redesign of a U.S. class VI truck. Necessary simulation and analysis models for predicting vehicle dynamics, powertrain, and suspension behaviour are developed. Vehicle design targets that include improved fuel economy, ride quality, driveability, and performance metrics are translated into system design specifications, and a consistent final design is obtained. Trade-offs between conflicting targets are identified. The study illustrates how the analytical target cascading process can reduce vehicle design cycle time while ensuring physical prototype matching, and how costly design iterations late in the development process can be avoided.

Keywords: design optimization; hierarchical modelling; target cascading; target setting; truck simulation; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2002.002010

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2002 Vol.29 No.3, pp.199-225

Published online: 15 Aug 2003 *

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