Comfort and Vibration Study of a Tractor and Trailer Combination Using Simulation and Experimental Approaches: the Jumping Ride Behavior

The present work describes the use of computer simulation supported by experimental data on the analysis process of a tractor and trailer with regard to comfort and vibration behavior.

This paper discusses the approach used to develop and validate an ADAMS multibody model to simulate ride. After being validated the model was used to check improvements in ride quality by changing some vehicle parameters. Some changes on the first prototype were guided by these results.

In order to follow a trend at DaimlerChrysler group, which is to use more computer simulations during the development phase of new vehicles, the procedure described above was used and presented good results. A reduction was obtained in the development time and costs by decreasing the number of experimental tests.