Next generation 3D vehicle dynamics test system – Software and control concept

Abstract

Vehicle developers face steadily decreasing development times and increasing system complexity. New control concepts like integrated vehicle dynamics control aiming to improve handling quality and ride comfort usually influence longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics at the same time. Therefore, holistic 3D vehicle dynamics and the accompanied research become more important. New tools and test methods are required to support and accelerate the research and development process.

Today, two main possibilities exist to design, optimize and test the holistic 3D dynamics of a vehicle. One is through CAE and simulation, based on design data or results from component and subsystem test benches. The other is through track testing. Both possibilities are state of the art within the vehicle dynamics development process. With a new vehicle dynamics test system, the so called Handling Roadway (HRW) that will become available in 2018, IVK/FKFS will supply an alternative to track testing when it comes to evaluation of 3D dynamics of the real vehicle. The new HRW will enable a realistic overall vehicle response to control and disturbance input, featuring the well-known advantages of a fully controlled test bench environment. The new test system will be described in the next chapter.

The intended role of the HRW in the development process is to provide an additional link between simulation and road testing as indicated in Figure 1. While driving simulators allow human-in-the-loop testing within a safe and fully controlled environment, the HRW will now allow full vehicle testing under these conditions.