Design Improvement of Frame Structure through MBD Simulations to Reduce Handle Bar Vibrations in 2-Wheeler (Scooters)

Harshness performance is a key aspect within ride comfort assessment for any vehicle. In this paper, by means of multibody dynamics simulation analysis, harshness performance of a scooter felt at the handle bar was examined. The term “Harshness” has been used here in analogy to excessive vibrations felt at handle bar. The vehicle was modeled in VI-Motorcycle & simulated on a virtual track. Accelerations were also measured on physical vehicle & FFT’s trend of the same were correlated through simulation. Various frame design proposals were simulated for harshness improvement & final frame configuration showing improvement considering design feasibility was proposed. Final configuration was also tested in a physical vehicle & performance improvement was validated. Details of modeling, physical testing, data analysis & suggested amendments are stated in relevant sections of this paper.