This paper presents a visual simulation method for vehicle ride comfort evaluation. First, a 3D vehicle virtual prototyping model is built using ADAMS. With totally 596 degrees of freedom, this model incorporates every major factor that influences the vehicle ride comfort. Based on the virtual model, time domain simulations on random road inputs are further carried out and the vehicle dynamic characteristic parameters are obtained. Then, referencing a real proving ground, a ride comfort testing graphics database that contains road surfaces, rivers, grass, houses, trees, cordilleras and so on, is developed.
After setting and programming resources such as graphic frame buffer, channel, scene, light, camera facility, a virtual proving ground that is able to simulate the real world, real color, and light is established. Finally, OpenGVS SDK program tool is used to call virtual proving ground and vehicle model database. When the model is running on the virtual road it can show the vertical, lateral and pitching movements of the vehicle body and driver, as well as the rotation movements of the four wheels. All these movement rules are decided by model analysis data, so that the vibrating displacement of vehicle can be represented as visual image and displayed on the computer screen. When using computer external input devices, such as mouse, keyboard etc. to control the proving ground, fast and real-time response can be achieved.
The significance of this research is in the better understanding of the ride and comfort of vehicle and further optimization of vehicle design during research and development(R & D) or concept development stage. In the mean time, the vehicle test process can be played back at no additional cost. Comparing with the traditional vehicle R & D processing, the virtual test can minimize the cost, help us catch the opportunities and win today and future.