Methodology for bus structure torsion stiffness and natural vibration frequency prediction based on a dimensional analysis approach

Abstract

Engineering bus design requires testing of bus structures prototypes in order to guarantee a certain level of strength and an appropriate static and dynamic behavior of the bus superstructure when exposed to road loads. However, experimental testing of real bus structures is very expensive as it requires expensive resources and space. If testing is done on a scale bus model the previous required expenses are considerably reduced. Therefore, a novel methodology based on dimensional analysis applied to bus structure prediction to evaluate the bus structure static and dynamic performance is proposed. The static performance is evaluated attending to torsion stiffness and the dynamic in terms of the natural vibration frequencies and rollover threshold. A scale bus has been manufactured and dimensionless parameters have been defined in order to project the results obtained in the scale bus model to a larger model. Validation of the proposed methodology has been carried out under experimental and finite element analysis.

The Usage of Alternative Materials to Optimize Bus Frame Structure

“…The modal analysis was conducted with the aim to obtain structural resonance frequencies, and spatial characterization of vibration patterns, referred to as normal mode frequencies and shapes, respectively [39]. The identification of natural mode frequencies and shapes, is also important to avoid resonance and to improve dynamic parameters (noise and vibration) [40]. Furthermore, analysis of the natural vibration frequency and dynamic mode of the frame, is an important process to ensure both vehicle performance, and the safety and comfort of the passenger and driver [41][42][43].…”