Modeling, validation and energy flow analysis of a wheel loader

Abstract

This paper presents a wheel loader simulation model, validation results and energy flow analysis. The developed simulation model will facilitate the performance evaluation and optimization process in the development stage of a prototype wheel loader. The wheel loader simulation model consists of mechanical and hydraulic powertrain model, multi-body dynamic model and working part dynamic model. The multi-body dynamic model is simplified since the effect of pitch and roll motion of the wheel loader on the energy flow of the powertrain and hydraulic actuator systems is insignificant, a simplified planar model for the dynamic vehicle is good enough for the objective of this study. Every component is modeled and integrated in a simulation package developed using Matlab/Simulink. The simulation model has been validated using experiment data and the validation results show that it effectively represents the actual dynamic characteristic of the target wheel loader. The verified simulation model will be used as a virtual platform to evaluate the performance of alternative powertrain models such as a dual-clutch transmission and hydrostatic transmission. An advanced control system can also be implemented and evaluated using the virtual platform.