Abstract

In this study, a finite element model of a typical highway bus is developed with ANSYS, and is used to demonstrate its effectiveness in evaluating its dynamic performance in ride, handling and longitudinal modes. The number of degrees of freedom (DOF) of the developed highway bus model is 1848, and the model is validated by static weight balance check and frequency analysis. The major challenge and effort in this investigation was in the implementation of tire mechanics. Both linear and nonlinear tire models are incorporated in the FEM model in this study. Transient analyses have been carried out using mode superposition method. As such, determination of frequency range is essential, and the first twenty-two natural modes of the given bus are identified to be important in which the highest natural frequency is found to be 20.976 Hz. Ride quality of the bus model has been evaluated under two road surface irregularities (half sinusoidal and random input). The effects of the nonlinear tire model and the corresponding linear tire model on simulation results are investigated using different amplitudes of half sinusoidal input.