FSAE Race Car Suspension Performance Simulation And Analysis

Based on the classic theory of multi-body system dynamics, a virtual prototype of the Formula SAE race car was established and analyzed under the ADAMS/Car-the most advanced mechanical system simulation software in the world. This paper also introduced the concept, evaluation index, evaluation method and the present status of vehicle handling stability in detail.At first the Formula SAE race car front suspension and rear suspension model were built in the module of ADAMS/Car in the paper and then based on the suspensions, the full vehicle assembly was built, including front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, engine, front wheel, rear wheel and body subsystems. Then the virtual model was verified be consistent to the actual race car. The parallel travel simulation of front suspension was performed. Then the front wheel alignment parameters were optimized by using ADAMS/Insight module. Through the webpage of ADAMS/Insight the data of kingpin inclination, caster, camber and the toe angle were optimized. Also camber and toe of the rear suspension which may affect on handling stability were discussed in order to study the rule of vehicle parameters affecting on transient response. Then an improved scheme was given. In contrast with the primary one, six typical handling stability simulations were carried on.Another key point of this paper was that we used the different control method, defined the corresponding controlled variable, established the control file and the simulation test condition, and made the movement of dynamics vehicle according to the country standard. Regarding the driver-vehicle-road system experiment, we used the closed-loop control method which ADAMS provides, imitated the driver operation which adopted the feedback from vehicle.