The Advanced Technology Demonstrator II is an enhanced military five-tonne truck. Fully independent suspension, anti-lock braking, traction control and automatic transmission are just some modifications made to improve the vehicle's performance. The objective of this study was to develop a computer model of the Advanced Technology Demonstrator II using the DADS simulation code. The model consisted of kinematic and control parts. The kinematic part ensured model assembly which provided proper motion between the bodies. This motion was achieved and presented through suspension and steering designs. The control part of the model regulated motion of the bodies. The anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (ATC), steering system control, regular brakes and regular traction are available control algorithms in the model. Analysis of the model focused on improvements made by implementing ABS and ATC. By controlling wheel slip near the peak of a u vs. wheel slip curve, braking manoeuvres with active ABS showed improvements in stopping distance and time. The operating wheel slip in the desired range during traction manoeuvres provided maximum traction effort. The model with ATC system active reached a desired velocity in a much shorter time-frame than the one equipped with the regular traction system. On low u surfaces, the advantage of ATC is even more emphasized. (Author/publisher).
Samenvatting