New Virtual Methodology for Analysis of Vehicle Cabin Using 1-D Elements 2016-28-0240

The cabin or cab is an enclosed space where the driver and co-driver are seated. Structural parameters such as modal and stiffness characteristics are of key importance for its durability study and driver’s comfort. The desired strength and stiffness value of the cabin have to be met at the development phase itself.

In developing new cabin models numerical simulations are used for estimating vehicle performance to reduce the development cycle. But, the conventional method of modeling the cabin using 2-d elements and performing subsequent iteration steps to arrive at the desired stiffness and strength value will be cumbersome and time consuming. Thus, a methodology of FE modeling of the truck cabin using 1-D elements has been proposed in this paper which will reduce the analysis time of successive iterations.

For this purpose an existing proven driver’s cabin is modeled using 1-D elements. The 1-D cabin should have similar dynamic and static behavior as that of conventionally modeled cabin. For that purpose, basic inertia parameters are identified that could represent 2-d elements’ actual behaviors in all the aspects. It takes fewer iteration steps to obtain equivalent stiffness for each section. Along with sectional properties, modeling of joints will complete the stiffness matrix. While obtaining sectional and joint stiffness, correction factors are calculated which acts as constants for controlling respective stiffness. Using these factors, new cabins of varied dimensions can be modeled that meets all the requirements of bench marked proven cabin.