Vehicle Dynamics Analysis and Optimization of Electric All-Terrain Vehicle

A Vehicle Dynamics Analysis of an electric All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is conducted and presented in the following paper. Vehicle performance is analyzed, shortcomings are identified and solutions to optimize the vehicle design are implemented. These optimizations are tested and results are compared with the pre-existing models and validated by conducting physical trials on the actual model. The virtual tests are carried out using Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) tool- MSC ADAMS. The results obtained from the tests have been put forth in theoretical as well as graphical manner to get a clearer view.

This research involved a thorough study of Lateral and Longitudinal Dynamics of the ATV. Trends in dynamic parameters like the ride quality, pitch response, roll stability, yaw response, camber gain and other important parameters of the vehicle have been studied and its correlation with the feedback obtained from the driver is established. Key features of the vehicle that influence these parameters are defined. These key features are then optimized to improve the ride comfort, handling behavior and overall stability of the vehicle. The test results of simulated runs are backed by the strong analytical and mathematical derivations which have been mentioned in depth in the following paper. The research is concluded with an overall optimization of the vehicle in the fields studied.