Evaluation of Vehicular Discomfort Measures Produced by Speed Bumps Using Numerical Simulation

Abstract

In the design of automotive components the use of numerical simulations has contributed to reducing the design time, decreasing the prototypes costs and increasing reliability of the final product. However is necessary a investigation on human body vertical vibrations transmitted by different types of vehicle for the purpose of recognition the danger and guiding to eliminate of risks of discomfort theirs. This study, the object is to compare the discomfort levels of occupants when different vehicles (car, bike and bus) move over a speed bump. The results show that wheelbase, wheel size and vehicle weight can lead to different vehicular discomfort results. Results of the study demonstrated that heavy vehicles occupants (bus or truck) are subject to discomfort greater than occupants of light vehicles (cars and motorcycles) ones.