Development of Coupled Torsion Beam Axle Dynamic Model Based on Beam Elements

Abstract

This study investigates a multibody dynamic model for predicting changes in dynamic responses based on the hardpoints and torsion beam properties of a coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA). This model applies beam elements to torsion beams that experience large deformations, and it applies rigid bodies to other parts such as the spring mount, trailing arm, and knuckle. For beam element modeling, the Timoshenko beam theory is used. The performance of this model was evaluated through a roll simulation and virtual testing lab (VTL), and it was compared to a flexible body CTBA model and validated. The validation results showed that the two models’ output errors were within 3% and 10% in the two test modes, respectively. This confirms that accuracy of the beam element based CTBA model is as high as that of the flexible body CTBA model. In addition, an effect analysis based on the design of the experiments (DOE) was performed on the hardpoints and torsion beam properties of the CTBA as an application case for the beam element based CTBA model. These application cases show that a beam element based CTBA model can be easily used to perform experiments for predicting system performance according to changes in hardpoints and torsion beam properties even when the shape of the CTBA is not determined.