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The present work describes the use of computer simulation supported by experimental data on the analysis process of a tractor and trailer with regard to comfort and vibration behavior. This paper discusses the approach used to develop and validate an ADAMS multibody model to simulate ride. After being validated the model was used to check improvements in ride quality by changing some vehicle parameters. Some changes on the first prototype were guided by these results. In order to follow a trend at DaimlerChrysler group, which is to use more computer simulations during the development phase of new vehicles, the procedure described above was used and presented good results. A reduction was obtained in the development time and costs by decreasing the number of experimental tests.

1 The present work describes the modeling and analysis processes of a medium sized truck manufactured in Brazil with regard to comfort behavior. The vehicle model includes Hotchkiss suspensions front and rear with shackle and with a double stage with bump stops at the rear. It is also included frame flexibility in ADAMS, the frame characteristics were imported from a Finite Element Analysis model. Nonlinear shock absorber curves are also represented for the vehicle and cab suspensions. Viscoelastic bushings for cab and powertrain suspension are also included. Random track profile is generated as input and vehicle comfort is described in terms of the ISO 2631-85 Standard. The effect on vehicle comfort of changing a design parameter can be predicted in the model and verified experimentally.

The present work describes the modeling and analysis processes of a medium sized truck manufactured in Brazil with regard to comfort behavior. The vehicle model includes Hotchkiss suspensions front and rear with shackle and with a double stage with bump stops at the rear. It is also included frame flexibility in ADAMS in an approximate manner based on a Finite Element Analysis of the frame. Nonlinear shock absorber curves are also represented for the vehicle and cab suspensions. Viscoelastic bushings for cab and powertrain suspension are also included. Random track profile is generated as input and vehicle comfort is described in terms of the ISO 2631-85 Standard. The effect on vehicle comfort of changing a design parameter can be predicted in the model and verified experimentally.