Model Validation of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu for the National Advanced Driving Simulator

This paper presents an evaluation of a complete vehicle dynamics model for a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu to be used for the National Advanced Driving Simulator. Vehicle handling, braking and powertrain dynamics are evaluated and simulation results are compared with experimental field-testing. NADSdyna, the National Advanced Driving Simulator vehicle dynamics software, is used. The Malibu evaluation covers vehicle directional dynamics that include steady state, transient frequency response, and vehicle longitudinal dynamics composed of acceleration and braking.

Also, analyses of the effects of modified tire parameters on vehicle dynamics response is performed. The effects of wind gusts generated by a tractor-trailer and a bus on the Malibu vehicle directional dynamics are analyzed. For the steering system feel, we compare the handwheel torque feedback with the measured data during both high-speed dynamics and in the very low speed tire stick-slip regime.