Truck Ride Improvement Using Analytical and Optimization Methods

A two-tier approach is applied to the analysis of a cab-over-engine tractor. A detailed three-dimensional finite element model was developed and verified with data acquired from road input. In addition, a simpler two-dimensional model was developed and used with an optimization technique to develop alternative designs. The root-mean-square accelerations of the driver in the vertical and fore-aft directions were used as performance measures. The proposed designs were then evaluated using the detailed finite element model, and additional improvements were suggested. This approach led to a modification of the cab mounting system which resulted in a predicted 44 percent reduction in the fore-aft rms acceleration from an initial design.