This paper presents a validation method of vehicle suspension models to improve the accuracy of vehicle simulation model and a prediction method of vehicle handling characteristics. Suspension model validation was performed by comparing the simulation results of front and rear suspension model to the suspension quasi-static test results about wheel alignment characteristics like toe, camber, caster, roll steer, lateral force compliance steer and ride rate etc., and the procedure is shown. Suspension test results have been obtained by using suspension parameter measuring machine. For the predictions of handling maneuvers, total vehicle model is built by combining of these validated front and rear suspension models and numerical tire model based on the rig test.
Suspension modeling and handling maneuver simulations are performed using general purpose dynamics and kinematics analysis code DADS.
Using this validated vehicle model, three major types of vehicle handling maneuvers which are the sweep steer for the steady-state response within a wide range of vehicle operating conditions and the step steer for the transient handling responses were studied.
Finally, comparisions between predictions of handling simulation and vehicle field test results are shown.