Vehicle dynamics modelling for the National Advanced Driving Simulator

This paper provides an overview of the development of a vehicle dynamics simulation model for use on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) National Advanced Driving Simulator. The paper describes fundamental aspects of models used to represent rigid body chassis and suspension systems, powertrain, tyres, brakes, steering and aerodynamics. Representative data from laboratory measurements, instrumented field tests and simulation runs of a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport are presented to illustrate simulation development and validation efforts. A companion paper to this one also uses Jeep Cherokee data. Both papers highlight current capabilities and methodologies employed by two organizations that have worked, often collaboratively, to advance the state of the art of vehicle dynamics modelling and simulation validation. This paper features work done by NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center; the companion paper reports on work done by Systems Technology, Incorporated (STI).