Multi-body dynamic modelling of commercial vehicles

The creation and development of multi-body dynamic analysis models for commercial vehicles are described. A TCS programme was the ideal solution for carrying out this work, enabling the TCS Associate to draw on the company´s wealth of experience in practical testing and vehicle dynamic behaviour and the theoretical knowledge of the University´s Mechanisms and Machines Research Group. This TCS Programme was set up to combine academic knowledge in controls and simulation methods with Leyland Product Development´s practical knowledge in vehicle engineering. The aim of the programme was to demonstrate how realistic models of commercial vehicle steering and suspension systems can be built and simulated using ADAMS (Automated Design and Analysis of Mechanical Systems), to reveal their dynamic characteristics.