Simulation and Control of Smart Strutures in Multibody Systems

This paper presents a methodology for the simulation of smart structures with piezoceramic patches by means of multibody dynamics. A theoretical background is mentioned adapting a modal multifield approach. Then a methodology for the control design is proposed. The methodology includes the optimisation of actuator placement, which is based on a modal representation of the elasticity. An application example illustrates the implemented process chain. This procedure constitutes a complex development environment for the simulation, optimisation and control design of elastic structures with active materials

Is Multibody Simulation Software Suitable for Mechatronic Systems?

This paper addressees the aspect of computer aided analysis and design of mechatronic systems with emphasis on their system dynamics and control. At first a rather general, however, perhaps also somewhat subjective definition of mechatronic systems is given. Focussing on ground vehicle systems (road, rail or aircraft on ground) the basic properties describing their system dynamics (handling, stability, vibrations) are characterized. The major mathematical models as well as analysis and design requirements are concluded from these properties. The main CAE tools under consideration are Multibody Systems (MBS) simulation, Finte Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer Aided Control Engineering (CACE). It is then argued that MBS is the proper choice for an integrating or synthesizing tool. However, the other CAE tools such as FEA, CACE, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and, last but not least, CAD (Computer Aided Design) are also needed. The paper therefore suggests using a connected “tool box” with MBS as the kernel and with bi-directional interfaces to and from the other CAE standard packages. The state-of-the-art of a tool chain is described and illustrated for a complex analysis and design issue of a “Mechatronic Train”

Reduction of Corrugation by Semi-Active Track

This article discusses possibilities for application of semi-active actuators to reduce rail and wheel wear. A simple model of a vehicle/track interaction is presented. The model is extended with a model of semi-active actuators. The feedback control law is proposed and optimised and the simulations are compared to the passive model

Modelling and Simulation of an Experimental Vehicle with Magnetorheological Dampers

Semi-active dampers with magnetorheological fluids are a well suited alternative for the classical hydraulic dampers with controllable orifice in many application areas including automotive. This paper proposes a model of the magnetorheological damper suitable for the simulation of vehicle dynamics. The model parameters are identified from the measurements performed with the hydraulic test rig. The model of the semi-active damper is applied to the 3D functional model (virtual prototype) of the LISA car which includes all its important features

Semi-Active Suspension Systems for Road and Off-Road Vehicles - an Overview

Road vehicles as well as off-road vehicles are subject to vibrations which can have severe effects on drivers, passengers and load. Ride quality is influenced by vehicle vibrations which may be induced by a variety of sources including roadway roughness or off-road terrain, or they may be internally generated forces produced by vehicle subsystem such as the powertrain. Both short but high vibration peaks and long-duration, high-frequency vibrations can cause discomfort, alertness problems, or in extreme cases health threat or even disorientation of passengers. Most ground vehicles are equipped with passive spring and damping devices which have reached a high level of sophistication. However, they can usually only be tuned to a good performance in a relatively small operational range (weight, speed, excitation level) or they perform only moderately well over a wide operational range. Semi-active suspension based on dampers, a concept also known as active damping, has reached production stage for luxury vehicles, trucks and trains. It has proven to be an effective way to cope with a number of conflicting requirements, especially comfort, ride handling, ground contact of the tyre, road-friendliness, and it works well for a wide range of applications and over a large operational range. The paper will give an overview of active damping techniques, present some state-of-the-art approaches for control and actuation, especially in coordination with other active chassis control approaches, and give examples of applications for ground vehicles

Is Multibody Simulation Software Suitable for Mechatronic Systems?

This paper addresses the aspects of computer aided analysis and design of mechatronic systems with emphasis on their system dynamics and control. At first a rather general, however, perhaps also somewhat subjective definition of mechatronic systems is given. Focussing on ground vehicle systems (road, rail or aircraft on ground) the basic properties describing their system dynamics (handling, stability, vibrations) are characterized. The major mathematical models as well as analysis and design requirements are concluded from these properties. The main CAE tools under consideration are Multibody Simulation (MBS), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer Aided Control Engineering (CACE). It is then argued that MBS is the proper choice for an integrating or synthesizing tool. However, the other CAE tools such as FEA, CACE, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and, last but not least CAD (Computer Aided Design) are also needed. The paper therefore suggests using a connected tool box with MBS as the kernel and with bi-directional interfaces to and from the other CAE standard packages. The state-of-the-art of such a tool chain is described and illustrated for a complex analysis and design issue of a Mechatronic Train

Methods for the virtual design of Mechatronic Railway Vehicles

The prime condition for the virtual design of mechatronic railway vehicles is a software environment comprising the different computational engineering tools being interconnected by efficient interfaces. The paper presents such an environment with a multibody system software in its centre and a couple of interfaces to other engineering software tools around. Especially in view of mechatronics, the different types of coupling to control engineering software are of interest. The simulation of railway vehicles calls for a specific module describing, besides others, the highly nonlinear contact between wheel and rail. The state-of-the-art of such a simulation tool chain is illustrated for the complex analysis and design issue of a Mechatronic Train

Multibody Simulation of Actively Controlled Carbody Flexibility

This paper presents a methodology to simulate smart structures with piezoceramic patches by means of multibody dynamics. Therefore the theoretical background is outlined adapting a modal multifield approach. Then the data preprocessing on base of a finite element modal analysis of the elastic structure is described. Finally, two application examples are exposed which deal with vehicle dynamics simulation scenarios. The presented process chain provides the framework for the more general objective, namely the development of a multibody dynamics environment, which enables the design, the optimisation, and verification of all vibration control elements

Simulation of an Integrated Mechatronic Train

This paper describes the modelling of an integrated mechatronic railway vehicle which results from the Mechatronic Train project. The vehicle model includes the use of some advanced control functions such as actively controlled independently rotating wheels and secondary suspension. Therefore an integrated approach for suspension, traction and steering control is needed