The possibilities and challenges of adding a rider model to the motorcycle dynamics simulation were investigated for the future planning of a full virtual test.
The human model was added to a multi-body dynamics model that reproduces the equations of motion of a motorcycle, called the 10 degrees of freedom (10-DoF) model. The human model is composed from multiple masses and joints, and the steering angle can be controlled by determining the angle of the arms and shoulder. To study the effect of this model, three distinct simulations were carried out: ‘the eigenvalue analysis’, ‘the steady-state circular test simulation’ and ‘the slalom running simulation’.
In the eigenvalue analysis, the eigenvalues of the wobble mode shifted to a stable side in the root locus when both hands were fixed on the handlebars.
As a result of the slalom running simulation, the response of the handlebar control through the human model produced a more convex trajectory than a direct control of the steering angle.
For a full virtual test in the future, the human model have some effects to the vibration and trajectory modes of a running simulation. Hence, depending on the purpose of the simulation, the parameters of the human model should be calibrated to fit that purpose.