Three-Dimensional Dynamic Analysis of Two Front-Wheel and One Rear-Caster Vehicle and Human During Turning Using Multibody Dynamics Analysis Software

Abstract

We constructed the model of three-wheeled PMV (Personal Mobility Vehicle) with two front-wheel and one rear-caster. By changing the vehicle velocity or road gradient, we considered the safety position of driver and luggage. We found that the vehicle can run safely when the position of the center of gravity (COG) of the model is set from 200~300 [mm] behind from the front wheel. When COG is behind from this area, tire idling may be occurred during traveling on the uphill road. Likewise, when COG is ahead from this area, turnover may be occurred during traveling on the uphill road. Also, we found that the speed of the velocity should be reduced to at least 2 [km/h] when the vehicle is turning on more than 5 degrees gradient road.