Using Dynamic Simulation in the Development of Construction Machinery

TL;DR

This paper discusses the use of dynamic simulation in developing construction machinery, highlighting challenges and potential solutions for improving system predictability and design optimization.

Contribution

It provides an overview of research on simulation-driven development for construction machinery, introducing the concept of 'operateability' and outlining future research directions.

Findings

Literature review of simulation in construction machinery

Introduction of 'operateability' as a key concept

Identification of challenges in system prediction and optimization

Abstract

As in the car industry for quite some time, dynamic simulation of complete vehicles is being practiced more and more in the development of off-road machinery. However, specific questions arise due not only to company structure and size, but especially to the type of product. Tightly coupled, non-linear subsystems of different domains make prediction and optimisation of the complete system's dynamic behaviour a challenge. Furthermore, the demand for versatile machines leads to sometimes contradictory target requirements and can turn the design process into a hunt for the least painful compromise. This can be avoided by profound system knowledge, assisted by simulation-driven product development. This paper gives an overview of joint research into this issue by Volvo Wheel Loaders and Linkoping University on that matter, lists the results of a related literature review and introduces the term "operateability". Rather than giving detailed answers, the problem space for ongoing and future research is examined and possible solutions are sketched.