WheelArch

This app supplies first-attempt definitions of the wheel arch of a vehicle and analyses the quarter car model.

This app takes some data from the user and attempts to give a visual representation of the space needed to design the wheel arches of a vehicle. The input data consists of the wheelbase, track, tire diameter, tire width, minimum steering radius, vehicle mass, longitudinal distances from front axle to center of gravity, fron seat row, rear seat row, and luggages.

In a detailed view, the app first calculates the maximum steering angle of the tires according to kinematic steering and considers a rotating axis offset from the midplane of the tire by a quarter of the width of the tire. Then, it plots the corresponding positions allowing the user to have better insight on the space required. This is what concerns the top view.

After that, the app quantifies the stiffness of the front and rear springs of the suspension system by considering the quarter car model and a default value of the frequency equal to 1.5 [Hz] (can be changed). Based on that, 6 different cases are further analysed to obtain the deflection:

Case A: Empty Vehicle (reference)

Case B: Driver Only

Case C: Driver with Front Passenger

Case D: Driver with Front Passenger and 1 Rear Passenger

Case E: Driver with Front Passenger and 2 Rear Passenger

Case F: Driver with Front Passenger and 3 Rear Passenger

From this analysis, the side view can be viewed giving the user a visual representation of the space needed by the tire.

Moreover, the app proceeds to analyze the 2 degrees of freedom quarter car model based on a certain road grade to be selected by the user and a certain velocity. An optimization of the damping coefficient for the damper in the model can also be done.