Simulation and test on virtual prototype of heavy-duty truck with full-floating cab and air suspension

Based on multi-body dynamic method, a rigid-flexible coupling model of a heavy-duty truck with full-floating cab mount system, air suspension system with four airbags and taper-leaf-spring system was built. Some simulation calculations were performed in ADAMS software environment to analyze ride comfort on B-class road surface and steady-state steering characteristic with full load. Validity of the model was verified by comparing the simulation results with experiment data. The results show that the rigid-elastic coupling model established in this paper is accurate. So it is feasible to analyze and optimize the dynamic performance of a heavy-duty truck using virtual prototyping technology in production R&D stage.