This paper deals with numerical models developed in order to simulate the vibrational and postural comfort of car occupants. The proposed models have been based on different mathematical approaches: the first is a multibody dynamics model and the second is a finite elements model. Both models have been validated by means of static and dynamic experimental tests on vehicles using appropriate test rigs. The authors focus on the advantages and disadvantages of each model in order to have useful information about which approach has to be used to predict objectively the comfort of driver and passengers.
The formulation of the dynamic equations of motion proposed by Udwadia-Kalaba is discussed from the point of view of numerical efficiency. Since this formulation requires the computation of a pseudoinverse matrix, it is investigated the influence of the method of pseudoinverse computation on the dynamic simulation of an overconstrained linkage. Finally, it has been proposed a new 1 dynamic equation which explicitly computes accelerations also in the case of mathematical models with rank deficient Jacobian and mass matrices.
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