Estimating the Dynamic Characteristics of Road Vehicles Using Vibration Response Data

A developed and well-maintained road network is imperative for the distribution of freight in the modern world. During transportation, both passengers and products are subjected to dynamic motion due to the irregular nature of pavement surfaces. This dynamic interaction is difficult to accurately predict due to the random and nonstationary nature of pavements and the complicated (and often nonlinear) dynamic characteristics of vehicles. Accurately characterising the dynamic motion generated by vehicles during transport would provide significant benefits to numerous fields. One field of interest is in the development of protective packaging systems to prevent, or minimise, product damage occurring during the distribution phase. Often, the level of packaging used is far greater than required, resulting in excessive waste which is of significant environmental concern. Another is in evaluating the performance of heavy vehicles to prevent and minimise pavement damage. As a heavy vehicle passes over a pavement, dynamic forces are exerted onto the pavement and induce damage, resulting in rougher roads. The maximum allowable loads of heavy vehicles is constantly increasing, further emphasising the importance of designing suspension systems which are considered road-friendly. For both fields it is important to establish accurate estimates of the dynamic characteristics, namely the Frequency Response Function (FRF), of vehicles.