Virtual Prototyping of a Two Wheeled Vehicle

The virtual protoype of a two wheeled vehicle (Piaggio Liberty 150 4T) was realized in order to simulate the behavior of a scooter during some codified maneuvres. A virtual driver was realized to conduct the virtual prototype. The obtained results were compared with the data acquired with the instrumented vehicle during the same maneuvres. In addition to the usual instrumentation (speed sensor, inertial sensor, linear and angular transducers) a load cell was installed under the saddle to measure the forces and torques applied by the driver. All the data were evaluated in order to define the real driving style. These data were used to enhance the virtual driver that conducts the virtual prototype as a human driver conducts the real vehicle.