Experimental validation of a truck roll model using asynchronous measurements with low signal-to-noise ratios

There is a large body of literature on model validation, but there is no method available that can effectively use asynchronous repeated measurements with low signal-to-noise ratios. The aim of this paper is to present a novel frequency-domain model validation method, which is suitable for this type of measurements. The practical relevance of the validation problem is demonstrated by means of a 4-DOF roll model, representing the front dynamics of a tractor semi-trailer system (heavy-duty truck), which is confronted with a large set of measurement data obtained from various experimental driving tests. The validation method is successfully used. It is concluded that the roll model gives a reasonably accurate description of the front roll dynamics, although the model is relatively uncertain around the cabin resonance frequency. The proposed validation method is considered to be a valuable tool to objectively evaluate the quality of vehicle models.