Title: Derivation of a multi-body model of an articulated vehicle

Authors: Scott B. Zagorski

Addresses: Vehicle Dynamics Division, SEA, Ltd., 7001 Buffalo Parkway, Columbus, Ohio, 43229, USA

Abstract: In this research, a five degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics bicycle model is developed for a double tractor-trailer vehicle. Lagrange's equations are used to develop the equations of motion. Due to their complexity, the equations are symbolically derived using Maple. The equations are linearised and placed in state-space form; and, are numerically simulated using Matlab. Validation with TruckSim demonstrates the model's performance. At low forward speeds, the model closely represents the motions of the non-linear reference. As speed is increased, the model over-predicts the response, but the trends are similar. The differences are more pronounced with a heavy load condition. The model can be used to perform parametric stability studies and full numerical simulations, whereby state trajectories can be investigated at low lateral acceleration levels.

Keywords: bicycle model; vehicle dynamics; dynamics of multi-body articulated vehicles; Lagrange's energy equation; classical dynamics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVP.2019.098993

International Journal of Vehicle Performance, 2019 Vol.5 No.2, pp.129 - 164

Received: 25 Feb 2017
Accepted: 25 Jul 2017
Published online: 12 Apr 2019 *

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