Dynamic Analysis of a Utility Car Driven by “In-Wheel” Engines

The paper describes the studies that have been developed at the Università Politecnica delle Marche in order to identify the vertical dynamics of a research prototype of a utility car. The vehicle is driven by two “in wheel” engines that are arranged in the rear axle: such kind of innovative actuation is characterized by obvious benefits, especially in the drive-by-wire context, but the introduction of heavy unsuspended masses needs a deep investigation of vehicle dynamics. Therefore a complex multibody analysis has been undertaken in order to assess both the resulting dynamic behaviour of the chassis, that affects passengers’ comfort and vehicle stability, and the level of vibrations induced on motors’ parts, e.g. the permanent magnets that are glued onto the spinning rotor.