Half-car model, finite element analysis and active control for vibrations of a truck concrete mixer

Abstract

This research focuses on the dynamic effect of vibrations caused by concrete mixer on the driver or passenger. The complete model for the concrete mixer is studied using finite element modelling technique through CATIA software. The most stringent vibrational mode on the passenger is the first mode at 73 rad/s (11.7 Hz), the second mode was found at 389 rad/s (62 Hz) and the third one at around 1,237 rad/s (197 Hz). The same system is simulated using MATLAB software based on half-car model and the same results with the same mode has been found which proves that the studied model is correct and representative. The integral force feedback (IFF) control technique is implemented here to damp and control the oscillations of the passenger's seat. IFF proved very high authority and robustness besides to its simplicity of use and implementation.