Vehicle dynamics as the second dynamics problem

Abstract

Solving the first dynamics problem - determination of a vehicle movement with known forces acting upon the vehicle - allows us to answer the question, "How do the vehicle running abilities vary while changing vehicle parameters and operational factors?" Thus, by solving the first dynamics problem, nobody can declare that the chosen parameters and characteristics of a vehicle and its systems are the best. In such conditions, researchers and designers have to rely on their own experience. Therefore, the problems connected with the development of advanced vehicles require another approach to study their running abilities. To overcome this situation, a new approach to the development of vehicle dynamics is proposed. The approach can be defined as "Second Dynamics Problem" - given the motion of a vehicle, calculate the total sum of forces acting on the vehicle. Here the vehicle forces are taken in aggregate with given kinematics, making the basis for synthesising control laws for vehicle units and systems, namely, what parameters and characteristics of a vehicle have to be maintained for best transport efficiency in various road conditions? The proposed trend is focused not only on analysis of an influence of the vehicle parameters and operational factors on the vehicle performance but also to search for the parameters and characteristics which provide a vehicle with the desired properties. In other words, we can say that the trend is based on synthesis of technical systems as a research method.