Abstract
In this paper a multibody motorscooter model, set up for the dynamic simulation of the roller test bench with obstacles, is presented. Such test is aimed at verifying the reliability of the whole scooter. The model describes the real system by rigid bodies interconnected by kinematic joints and compliance elements, such as spring-dampers and bushings. The comfort 2D tyre model, supplied by Pirelli S.p.A., was implemented in the model in order to simulate the vertical and longitudinal tyre forces. The numerical model was validated on the basis of a set of experimental data, achieved by an instrumented motorscooter; the suspensions (i.e. front fork and rear spring-damper) deflections and the hub vertical accelerations were acquired, by a PC based data acquisition system, for different test conditions. The comparison between test data and simulation results showed a fairly good agreement between the numerical model and the real system behaviour and made it possible the primary aspects of test dynamics to be highlighted. The effect of rigid body assumption is finally discussed, by replacing the rigid front with a flexible body.