Dynamical analysis of series hybrid electric vehicle powertrain with torsional vibration: Antimonotonicity and coexisting attractors

Abstract In this paper, nonlinear dynamics of the torsional vibrations of the Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV) powertrain are explored. The mathematical equation of the SHEV is obtained by considering both internal and external excitations. We examine the effects of rotational speed, load fluctuation, and road fluctuation on the dynamics of the proposed model. Preliminary analysis based on Hamiltonian energy shows that there is sufficient energy to maintain continuous oscillation behaviors. Our study shows that the interaction between internal and external perturbations originates an important set of phenomena, including chaos, when varying system parameters. More interestingly, the exciting phenomenon of multistability is investigated for the first time on the proposed SHEV model. Furthermore, when increasing excitation force amplitude in some specific regions, an interesting scenario of antimonotonicity is found.