Differential-algebraic Equations in Vehicle System Dynamics

Abstract

The multibody system approach provides an efficient tool for the analysis of mechanical systems arising in vehicle dynamics. The computer-aided formalisms generate the equations of motion as a system of differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). A short review of their solution theory and of the implications for the numerical integration is presented. The available integr. methods are describ. and a method for the computation of consistent initial values is introduced. The investigation of a wheelset moving on a rail track demonstrates the advantages of the DAE-formulation in railway vehicle dynamics. Thus an alternative to the usual state space form approach is provided for this class of problems. The computation of static equilibrium solutions of the wheelset yields consistent initial values and allows an analysis of wheel and rail design. Finally, a numerical integration determines the limit cycle behaviour of the wheelset in accordance with measurement on a hardware model.