3DOF Vehicle Dynamics Model for Fuel Consumption Estimation

The dynamic model is built in Siemens Simcenter Amesim platform and simulates the performances on track of JUNO, a low energy demanding Urban Concept vehicle to take part in the Shell Eco-Marathon competition, in which the goal is to achieve the lowest fuel consumption in covering some laps of a racetrack, with limitations on the maximum race time. The model starts with the longitudinal dynamics, analysing all the factors that characterize the vehicle’s forward resistance, like aerodynamic forces, altimetry changes and rolling resistance. To improve the correlation between simulation and track performances, the model has been updated with the implementation of a Single-Track Model, including vehicle rotation around its roll axis, and a 3D representation of the racetrack, with an automatic trajectory following control implemented. This is crucial to characterise the vehicle’s lateral dynamics, which cannot be neglected in simulating its performances on track. Analysis of suspension geometry, vehicle mass distribution and tire characteristics are made to properly define the parameters of the model, which is used for the optimal race strategy model. The model has been validated by analysis of performance data obtained by the properly made telemetry system during the 2023 competition, and it predicts with good accuracy the fuel consumption obtained.