Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody Model

This study investigates the dynamic behavior of a recently developed counterbalance forklift truck. The final objective is creating virtual testing tools based on numerical multibody models to evaluate the dynamic stresses experienced by the forklift family of interest during a reference operating c...

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Main Authors: Alberto Martini, Giovanni Paolo Bonelli, Alessandro Rivola
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-05-01
Series:Machines
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/8/2/26
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author Alberto Martini
Giovanni Paolo Bonelli
Alessandro Rivola
author_facet Alberto Martini
Giovanni Paolo Bonelli
Alessandro Rivola
author_sort Alberto Martini
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the dynamic behavior of a recently developed counterbalance forklift truck. The final objective is creating virtual testing tools based on numerical multibody models to evaluate the dynamic stresses experienced by the forklift family of interest during a reference operating cycle, defined by the manufacturer’s testing protocols. This work aims at defining sufficiently accurate and easy-to-implement modelling approaches and validation procedures. It focuses on a specific test, namely the passage of a speed-bump-like obstacle at high velocity, which represents one of the most severe conditions within the reference cycle. Indeed, unlike most of the other wheeled vehicles, forklifts typically do not have advanced suspension systems and their dynamic response is significantly affected by ground irregularities. To this end, a preliminary model of the complete forklift, featuring rigid bodies and a simplified tire–ground contact model, is implemented with a commercial software. Experimental tests are conducted on the forklift to measure the vehicle vibrations when running on the obstacle, for model validation purposes. After model updating, the results provided by the numerical simulations match the experimental data satisfactorily. Hence, the modelling and validation strategies are proven viable and effective.
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spelling doaj.art-917e2764406e4a8bab97f2644c0d4bfb2023-11-20T00:27:39ZengMDPI AGMachines2075-17022020-05-01822610.3390/machines8020026Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody ModelAlberto Martini0Giovanni Paolo Bonelli1Alessandro Rivola2DIN—Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, ItalyL.T.E. Lift Truck Equipment SpA, 44020 Ferrara, ItalyDIN—Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, ItalyThis study investigates the dynamic behavior of a recently developed counterbalance forklift truck. The final objective is creating virtual testing tools based on numerical multibody models to evaluate the dynamic stresses experienced by the forklift family of interest during a reference operating cycle, defined by the manufacturer’s testing protocols. This work aims at defining sufficiently accurate and easy-to-implement modelling approaches and validation procedures. It focuses on a specific test, namely the passage of a speed-bump-like obstacle at high velocity, which represents one of the most severe conditions within the reference cycle. Indeed, unlike most of the other wheeled vehicles, forklifts typically do not have advanced suspension systems and their dynamic response is significantly affected by ground irregularities. To this end, a preliminary model of the complete forklift, featuring rigid bodies and a simplified tire–ground contact model, is implemented with a commercial software. Experimental tests are conducted on the forklift to measure the vehicle vibrations when running on the obstacle, for model validation purposes. After model updating, the results provided by the numerical simulations match the experimental data satisfactorily. Hence, the modelling and validation strategies are proven viable and effective.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/8/2/26vehicle dynamicsmultibody modeltire–ground interactionmodel validation
spellingShingle Alberto Martini
Giovanni Paolo Bonelli
Alessandro Rivola
Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody Model
Machines
vehicle dynamics
multibody model
tire–ground interaction
model validation
title Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody Model
title_full Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody Model
title_fullStr Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody Model
title_full_unstemmed Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody Model
title_short Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody Model
title_sort virtual testing of counterbalance forklift trucks implementation and experimental validation of a numerical multibody model
topic vehicle dynamics
multibody model
tire–ground interaction
model validation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/8/2/26
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