Model Based Investigation of Truck Driving Behavior

In this contribution, a real-time capable truck dynamics model is presented, which contains several extensions to a standard vehicle dynamics model. Specific truck design features in the simulation of truck driving behavior are considered. The special features comprise models for a second rear axle, twin tires as well as an additional degree of freedom to represent torsional flexibility of the truck body. Moreover, it is possible to include elastically fixed loads on the truck, a driver's cabin, and a heavy engine moving relative to the truck body. For the simulation of vehicle trains, the model can be supplemented by a trailer, which is treated as a separate vehicle instance coupled to the towing vehicle. We describe driving maneuvers that should be investigated for the design of trucks and truck dynamics controllers, and demonstrate the influence of the additional truck model features for the analysis of some typical safety relevant driving situations.