Dynamic Modeling and Characteristic Analysis of Articulated Steering Vehicles

Featured Application The model and analysis results established in this paper can be used for dynamic analyses of the autonomous driving control of articulated steering vehicles, as well as for the design of hybrid or pure electric power articulated steering vehicles. Articulated steering vehicles (ASVs), with brilliant maneuverability and efficiency, are being widely applied in mining, construction, agriculture, and forestry. However, their special structures result in them having complex dynamic characteristics, but there are no reliable models for further research. This study established a simulation platform with the dynamic model of ASVs, where the subsystems of the power train, steering systems, tires, and frames were also included. The dynamic model was validated with field test data of typical working cycles, in which the focus was on longitudinal and lateral motions and the characteristics of steering and power train systems. Then, the distribution of hydraulic and drive power was revealed using the simulation platform and test data. For a load-haul-dump (LHD) vehicle with a 6 m(3) capacity, the maximum power of the system was about 289 kW; the power of the motor accounted for the majority of the power at the beginning stage of loading, being about 74%, and then the hydraulic power dominated in the later stage of loading. During the transport stage, the power of the motor accounted for about 79% of the total power. Finally, the influence of the dynamic parameters on lateral and longitudinal motions was analyzed based on the validated platform.