Comprehensive Analysis of Minibuses Gravity Center: A Post-Production Review for Car Body Industry

Abstract

The center of gravity (CoG) on the minibus is one of the fundamental parameters that affect the operation of the vehicle to maintain traffic safety. CoG greatly affects vehicle maneuverability due to load transfer between the front and rear wheels, such as when turning, braking, and accelerating. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the operational safety of minibusses produced by the domestic car body industry. The case study was conducted on a minibus with a capacity of 30 passengers to be used in a mining area. Investigations on CoG were carried out based on the minibus specification data, especially the dimensions and forces acting on the wheels. Minibusses as test objects were categorized in two conditions, namely without passengers and with 30 passengers. The test results are expressed in a coordinate system (x, y, z) which represents the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical distances to the center of the front wheel axle. CoG coordinate values ​​without passengers are (2194.92; 7.11; 1327.97) mm and CoG coordinates with full passengers (30 people) are (2388.52; 13.04; 1251.72) mm. The test results show that the change in CoG at full load is not significant which indicates the minibus is safe when maneuvering under normal conditions.

Longitudinal Modeling of a Road Vehicle: 4-Wheel Traction

“…The movement of the vehicle is the result of the sum of all the forces and torques that act on the vehicle [32][33][34]. The vehicle's center of gravity (CG) allows the weight mass gravity (𝑚𝑔) to be active, depending on the angle of inclination (𝛽) the weight has the ability to pull the vehicle to the ground, as well as to pull back or forward [35,36]. The aerodynamic resistance slows the vehicle in terms of movement [37,38], regardless of whether it moves backward or forwards.…”

Effect of Electrode Diameter and Current on Dissimilar Metal Welding (Stainless Steel - Galvanized Steel) in Bus Body Construction: Microstructure and Properties Evaluation

“…This means the car or bus body building industry which specializes in the manufacturing of public passenger vehicle bodies needs greater attention. This is mostly related to the assurance of quality in the design and construction processes in order to guarantee the safety of passengers and also provide light weight [1], [2]. It is, however, important to note that the different kinds of materials usually applied to ensure safety and lightweight normally present challenges in the process of joining and welding [3].…”

Aerodynamic Characteristics of Ahmed Body with Inverted Airfoil Eppler 423 and Gurney Flap on Fastback Car

“…This type of car has the smallest wake area, as shown in Figure 1, giving this type of car the lowest drag coefficient [1]. It is expected that this type of car can be driven at a high speed and acceleration, with excellent fuel efficiency [2]. Many solutions have been proposed, such as modifying the exterior of the car to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the car's gliding state, turning stability, and energy savings [3].…”