VERTICAL DYNAMICS OF BAJAJ REAR ENGINE AUTO-RICKSHAW

Abstract

Parameters affecting the vertical dynamics of road vehicles i.e. mass and inertia properties of the sprung and unsprung masses, suspension characteristics, tyre characteristics and frame flexibilities have been measured by conducting various tests in the laboratory on the Bajaj-rear engine auto-rickshaw. Two models i.e. six-degrees of freedom model and seven degrees of freedom model have been• developed for vertical dynamic evaluation of the three- wheeled vehicles. Equations of motion for both the models have been generated from the multibody system (MBS) approach. A software package has been developed for the solution of second order simultaneous linear differential equations from the fourth order classical Runge-Kutta method. Results obtained for the seven degrees of freedom and 6 degrees of freedom model have been presented and compared at vehicle speed of 40 Kmph. Maximum vertical acceleration values of sprung and unsprung masses in the speed range 10-80 Kmph have been presented.The effects of frame flexibility on sprung and unsprung mass accelerations & displacements have been presented. The effect of . frame flexibility in the accelerations and displacements of sprung and unsprung masses have been presented.