What are the best methods for optimizing vehicle dynamics performance over the product lifecycle?

Vehicle dynamics performance is a key factor in the design, development, and evaluation of automotive products. It affects the safety, comfort, efficiency, and handling of vehicles, as well as the satisfaction of customers and regulators. However, optimizing vehicle dynamics performance is not a straightforward task, as it involves multiple trade-offs, constraints, and uncertainties over the product lifecycle. In this article, we will explore some of the best methods for achieving optimal vehicle dynamics performance from the concept stage to the end-of-life stage.

1 Concept stage

At the concept stage, the main goal is to define the target vehicle dynamics performance and the key design parameters that influence it, such as the vehicle architecture, layout, mass, aerodynamics, suspension, steering, brakes, tires, and powertrain. To optimize performance at this stage, you can use benchmarking to compare the target performance with existing or competing products and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, simulation can be used to predict and analyze vehicle dynamics behavior and performance under different scenarios and conditions. Lastly, optimization involves applying algorithms and methods to find the optimal values or ranges of design parameters that maximize or minimize a certain objective function or criterion like fuel consumption, ride comfort, or stability.

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2 Design stage

At the design stage, the main goal is to refine and validate the vehicle dynamics performance and the design parameters based on more detailed and realistic data and models. This includes geometry, materials, components, subsystems, and systems of the vehicle. To optimize the vehicle dynamics performance, you can use testing, calibration, and sensitivity analysis. Testing involves experiments and measurements on prototypes, rigs, or test tracks to evaluate and verify the vehicle dynamics performance. Calibration involves adjusting and tuning the design parameters or control strategies of the vehicle dynamics systems. Sensitivity analysis assesses the impact of variations or uncertainties in the design parameters or external factors on the vehicle dynamics performance. All of these methods can help you achieve the desired performance and balance.

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Satish Bhagwat

Consultant, Mentor & Coach
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Actual duty cycle data acquisition, benchmarking with present products & maximizing / optimising key performance parameters for particular customer application ( Decide Must be & Attractive quality parameters) Also DFA, DFM & DFS are very important & must be done meticulously through CFT approach keeping overall product life cycle cost in mind.

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3 Production stage

At the production stage, the main objective is to guarantee consistency and quality of the vehicle dynamics performance and design parameters across the manufactured units. To accomplish this, you can monitor, inspect, and test the vehicles or their components at different stages of production. Optimizing the vehicle dynamics performance at this stage involves numerous methods such as statistical process control, quality function deployment, and fault detection and diagnosis. Statistical process control involves using statistical techniques and tools to measure and control the variation and quality of the output. Quality function deployment is a way to convert customer requirements and expectations into technical specifications and quality standards for the vehicle dynamics performance and design parameters. Fault detection and diagnosis detects and identifies any faults or defects in the vehicle dynamics systems or components that may affect performance or safety of vehicles.

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Satish Bhagwat

Consultant, Mentor & Coach
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Focus on consistency by way of focus on component quality & build quality. Invest in right toolings, equipments & skills essential for critical performance parameters.

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4 Use stage

At the use stage, the main goal is to maintain and enhance the vehicle dynamics performance and the design parameters throughout the service life of the vehicles. To optimize this performance, customer satisfaction surveys can be used to collect and analyze feedback and opinions on vehicle dynamics. Remote monitoring and diagnostics, using sensors, communication, and data analysis, can also be used to monitor and diagnose the vehicle dynamics performance in real time. Finally, software updates and upgrades can be provided to improve or modify the performance or functionality of the vehicles. By utilizing these methods, you can provide feedback, support, and service to customers and users of the vehicles to ensure their satisfaction and loyalty levels.

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Satish Bhagwat

Consultant, Mentor & Coach
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Ensuring compliance to maintenance schedules along with focus on right facility, skills & parts. Also on-going modifications in product for chronic field issues.

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Latado J.

EMEA Inventory Coordinator | Operations | Supply Chain
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I would see replacing concrete roads with a more sustainable element, while also making it digital, going a long way on expanding vehicle performance and durability. But also to manage accidents or automatically/remotely intercepting fugitives, possibly controlling and reducing the amount of animals that gets killed on highways too. These two features would make for big, positive changes.

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5 End-of-life stage

At the end-of-life stage, the main goal is to dispose or recycle vehicles or their components in a safe and environmentally friendly way. This may involve assessing the residual value, recyclability, and environmental impact. To optimize the vehicle dynamics performance, you can use life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of vehicles or their components over their entire life cycle from raw materials to disposal. Additionally, design for disassembly allows you to design vehicles or components in a way that facilitates their disassembly and separation into reusable or recyclable parts or materials. Furthermore, applying the principles and practices of circular economy can reduce waste and emissions while increasing resource efficiency and value of the vehicles or their components.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best methods for optimizing vehicle dynamics performance over the product lifecycle?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Concept stage

2 Design stage

3 Production stage

4 Use stage

5 End-of-life stage

6 Here’s what else to consider

Automotive Engineering

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What are the best methods for optimizing vehicle dynamics performance over the product lifecycle?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Concept stage

2 Design stage

3 Production stage

4 Use stage

5 End-of-life stage

6 Here’s what else to consider

Automotive Engineering

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