Analysis of the dynamic behavior of an electric vehicle using an equivalent roll stiffness model

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis and simulation of the dynamic behavior of an electric vehicle. Governing dynamic equations are formulated and a threedimensional prototype is built, which allows the collection of data on mass and inertia of its components. All these variables are implemented in a Multibody System (MBS) model. This model is analyzed by using SimMechanics, a tool for MBS analysis. Some of the results of this analysis are used as an input to simulate the suspension system in detail. The main contribution of this paper is the proposal, once validated the model, of a modification in the distribution of mass of the vehicle which improves its dynamic performance. Moreover, due to the integration of this model in MATLAB/Simulink environment, it is possible to add control systems properly, such as electronic stability control and autonomous control. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013.