Title: Comfort analysis of car occupants: comparison between multibody and finite element models

Authors: E. Pennestri, P.P. Valentini, L. Vita

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via del Politecnico, 1 00133 Rome, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via del Politecnico, 1 00133 Rome, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via del Politecnico, 1 00133 Rome, Italy

Abstract: This paper deals with numerical models developed in order to simulate the vibrational and postural comfort of car occupants. The proposed models have been based on different mathematical approaches: the first is a multibody dynamics model and the second is a finite elements model. Both models have been validated by means of static and dynamic experimental tests on vehicles using appropriate test rigs. The authors focus on the advantages and disadvantages of each model in order to have useful information about which approach has to be used to predict objectively the comfort of driver and passengers.

Keywords: multibody dynamics; FEM; finite element method; comfort analysis; car occupants; virtual dummy; simulation; modelling; vibrational comfort; postural comfort; vehicle vibration; vehicle testing; driver comfort; passenger comfort; ride comfort; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2005.008573

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2005 Vol.1 No.1/2/3, pp.68 - 78

Published online: 04 Jan 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article