The aim of this work is to analyse the effect of suspensions and racetrack three-dimensional features on the minimum-time performance of a full dynamic multibody model of a sports motorcycle. The optimal-control minimum-lap-time problem is solved with indirect methods on both a twodimensional and a three-dimensional track model, and the results are compared. The effects of suspensions is also analysed.
The correlation between the modal properties and the comfort characteristics of a utility, step-through frame bicycle are investigated. In-plane modal testing of the vehicle is carried out both without and with the rider, and the major differences between the results obtained with the two conditions are highlighted. In order to have an insight into the contribution of the various bicycle components to the transmission of vibrations, the frequency response functions (FRFs) between the main interface points in the vehicle structure are measured and studied. Finally, the modal characteristics are compared with road tests data, emphasizing the relationship between the in-plane vibration modes and the main peaks in the acceleration power spectral densities (PSDs) measured on the road.
Vibrations of two typical bicycles are measured by means of road tests in bicycle lanes. The analysis of experimental results in terms of power spectral density (PSD) of the acceleration components shows that most of the energy associated to bicycle vibrations is concentrated in a low frequency band (<30 Hz). Since piezoelectric cantilever harvesters achieve the best performance in resonance and the resonant frequency is well above 30 Hz, specific tuning strategies are adopted. A novel mathematical model for simulating the electro-mechanical behaviour of a piezoelectric harvester equipped with an auxiliary oscillator is proposed. Calculated results show the potentialities of this tuning device in terms of generated voltage and stress inside the piezoelectric layer. Prototypes of harvesters equipped with auxiliary oscillators are built and tested in the laboratory obtaining the frequency response function (FRF) of generated voltage. Finally, the average electric power generated by these harvesters (which are assumed to be interfaced to an electronic load by a power management unit based on synchronous rectifying technique) is simulated by using the measured FRFs and PSDs of bicycle vibrations.
The effect of engine spin direction on the dynamics of powered two wheelers is investigated in terms of steady state points (equilibria), vibration modes (stability), manoeuvre time (performance/manoeuvrability) and handling. The goal is to assess and quantify the advantage sometimes claimed for the 'counter-rotating' engine configuration, where the engine spins in the opposite direction with respect to wheels, against the 'conventional' configuration, where the engine spins in the same direction of wheels.
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