The use of Simulink and SimMechanics in the development of vehicle test systems

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The use of Simulink and SimMechanics in the
development of vehicle test systems
Andrew Plummer Instron Ltd, UK andrew_plummer_at_ins
tron.com
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Materials component testing machines
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Overview

• Hydraulic catapult for vehicle crash testing
• Control using an inverse dynamic model
• Full vehicle test rigs for road/track simulation
• Modelling for performance verification
• Real-time models for control

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Crash testing catapult
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(No Transcript)
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Modelling system dynamicsForward model
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Calculating command signal
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Calculating command signal
Target acceleration
Valve command signal
Inverse Dynamic Model
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Results
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Full vehicle test rigs
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F1 track simulationTo minimise lap time by
assessing alternative designs and set-ups.
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Test rig control concept
Car and rig Up to 28 hydraulic actuators

Control System
Valve drives
Standard digital controller (8800)

• Specialised control functions
• via Simulink Real-Time Code

Sensors
Virtual systems, e.g. aero model
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Performance simulation - Simulink and
SimMechanics
Car and rig
Control System
Hydraulic system SIMULINK MODEL
Valve drives
Standard digital controller SIMULINK MODEL
Rig mechanics SimMECHANICS MODEL

• Specialised control functions
• SIMULINK MODEL

Sensors
Car mechanics SimMECHANICS MODEL
Virtual systems, e.g. aero model
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Results
Control performance
Kinematics - e.g. joint angles
Forces (joints, actuators etc.)
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Benefits of simulation

• Obtaining mechanical design information
• loads, displacements (clashes)
• System performance prediction
• comparison with specification
• perform virtual acceptance tests
• assess and refine controller, hydraulic and
  mechanical design
• Avoid expensive re-work !!

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Advantages of Simulink for rig simulation

• Control system and mechanical multi-body
  simulation in a unified environment
• Increased simulation speed
• Some parts of control system already designed
  using Simulink ready for code-generation