Andrea Meneghin

Handling analysis of a two-wheeled vehicle using MSC.ADAMS/motorcycle

In this article, the results of a virtual analysis of a two-wheeled vehicle are described. A virtual prototype of a Piaggio Liberty 150 4T was built to evaluate the handling behavior during some codified maneuvers. The activity was done with the cooperation of Piaggio & C. SpA and MSC Software. The multibody model was built using MSC.Adams/Motorcycle. It reproduces the original vehicle (geometry, inertia, and spring/damper coefficients) and is fully parametrized. The actions between ground and tires are calculated with the ‘Magic Formula’. The multibody model, controlled applying a steering torque to the handlebar, was tested during some maneuvers (turn, ISO lane change, ‘Figure 8’), and the results were compared with the experimental data acquired with an instrumented vehicle during the same maneuvers. Signal comparison gave a good agreement except for the differences due to the input forces: the multibody model is controlled only with the steering torque, but body movements and feet and hand pressures are applied to the instrumented vehicle.

Introducing wireless charging facilities for electric vehicles: the case study of Firenze

In a World with an increasing population and related mobility needs, a traditional internal combustion engine based mobility paradigm cannot be considered the only possible solution. This is particularly true for cities full of masterpieces and historical buildings as Firenze, used as case study. Specifically it combines very high mobility needs for tourists and inhabitants with a very high sensitivity to air pollution problems for its artistic heritage. However, the autonomy of the available vehicles is still an issue to be exceeded for a large electric mobility implementation. Within this paper, a structured method to implement static and dynamic wireless charging systems in urban mobility will be presented. The parametric nature of the model is a fundamental feature of the methodology, because makes it easy to be used as a framework for feasibility analysis: the developed analysis could be easily applied also to other cities because the required input are quite easy to be obtained.

Implementing electric mobility new business model in future scenario: the electric park and ride system

Within the last years, under the push of the most important institutions, new models of private and public transport systems have been studied in order to reduce polluting impact of petroleum-based public and private mobility. EU focuses its attention especially on electric mobility, which seems the best solution in terms of economic and environmental sustainability. Following this idea, new business models are requested for major actors of urban transport system. This paper focuses on the development of a simulation approach to check the model economic feasibility and to verify how the proposed electric mobility system can be applied in a real contest. The business model chosen is the one where PTP (public transport provider) acts as CPM (charging point manager) with a CSP (charging system provider) and ancillary services. In particular, an electric park and ride (eP+R) that provides new electric mobility services has been modeled. The system has been tested through a specific simulation tool and the analysis has been based on real data that represents the current transport system of Florence (Italy).

Evaluation of Loads on a Hypercompressor Plunger in Service Conditions

The plunger is a very critical component for the operation of hyper-compressors. To achieve long packing ring life it is necessary to select very hard materials for the plunger. As a consequence of the special materials used, the plunger is very brittle. To guarantee safe operation it is necessary to have perfect alignment to avoid bending stress that could cause plunger failure. The effects of the whole system, including packing rings and supporting crossheads were analyzed using a multi-body dynamic simulation to determine the maximum loads acting on the plunger. This analysis verified the viability of this critical component during abnormal machine operating conditions.Copyright

Experimental Analysis of the Handling Behaviour of a Two-Wheeled Vehicle

An experimental analysis of the handling behaviour of a two-wheeled vehicle was realized in order to define and quantify the most important forces and torques needed to drive the vehicle, and to find the driving method applied by the driver. To acquire all the data, a scooter was instrumented and tested under some codified maneuvers. In addition to the usual instrumentation (speed sensor, inertial sensor, linear and angular transducers) a load cell was installed under the saddle to measure the forces and torques applied by the driver. The experimental analysis was focused on the interaction between the driver and the vehicle. The main signals, quantifying the driver actions, were obtained via the load cell and the steering axis. These data were analyzed in order to verify that the most common two-wheeled vehicle driving method, known as counter-steering, is not sufficient to explain the handling behaviour but it has to be taken into account with the torso movement and the driver position. For each tested maneuver an explanation of the driving method is given, supplied by the time history data.