Handling Analysis of a Two-wheeled Vehicle using MSC.ADAMS/Motorcycle

Handling analysis of the two-wheeled vehicle using MSC.ADAMS/motorcycle Abstract In this paper, the result 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 behaviour during some codified manoeuvres. The activity was done with cooperation of Piaggio & C. SpA and MSC Software. The multybody model was built using MSC.Adams/Motorcycle. It reproduces the original vehicle (geometry, inertia, and spring/damper coefficient) and is fully parametrized. The actions between ground and tires are calculated with the “Magic Formulas”. The multibody model, controlled applying a steering torque to the handlebar, was tested during some manoeuvres (turn, ISO change lane, “Figure 8”), and the results were compared with experimental data acquired with an instrumented vehicle during same manoeuvres. Signal comparison gave a good agreement except for the difference due to the input forces: the multibody model is controlled only with steering torque, but movements an feet and hand pressures are applied to the instrumented vehicle.