MODELLING URBAN VEHICLE MOTION TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

A computer simulation method is presented that partially replaces road testing of engines and other components of the power-drive system of urban buses. To calibrate the model, experiments were performed in Warsaw (Poland) traffic using a digital data acquisition system. Analysis of the recorded data showed that two types of vehicle runs were representative of urban traffic; models of these runs were developed and verified. Specific performance criteria were selected for optimum matching of engines and power-transmission systems. A computational procedure is described, based on the models and criteria. Results of applying the simulation method to improving fuel economy and dynamics of a city bus are given. It was found that turbocharging improves both dynamics and fuel consumption more than increasing the number of cylinders. For both free-run and car-following types of bus operation, there are values of axle ratio that maximize the mean speed of the time-minimal run and minimize mean headway between the bus and its leader. For free motion, there is a range of axle ratios that affects vehicle dynamics only slightly but substantially affects fuel consumption. In car-following runs, fuel consumption is greatly affected by the driver's control actions.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Simulation Councils, Incorporated

    Box 2228
    La Jolla, CA  United States  92037
  • Authors:
    • Mazurek, S
    • Rudzinska, K
  • Publication Date: 1980-4

Media Info

  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: p. 117-124
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00392298
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-028 910
  • Files: HSL, USDOT
  • Created Date: Feb 28 1985 12:00AM