3728. Investigation on the Mass Properties of Cars

Paper

Abstract

The knowledge of the mass properties (center off gravity location and inertia tensor) of cars is crucial for the analysis of their dynamic performances. The measurement of such properties is not always performed and their value is estimated by 3D models off some empirical formula. In this paper, the mass properties off cars are investigated by analyzing the measurements performed at tthe Politecnico di Milano. The measurements have been realized by the InTenso+ test rig off the Politecnico di Milano in the period from 2000 to 2018. The test rig is basically a multi-bar pendulum carrying the body under investigation and oscillating from well-known initial conditions. By means of a proper mathematical procedure, the mass properties of the body are accurately measured in a very short testing time.The obtained measures are statistically analyzed and correlations are found with easily accessible vehicle data. On the basis of such correlations, formulae are proposed to have a quick and reasonable estimation of the most relevant mass parameters (center of gravity, heights and diagonal terms of the inertia tensor) of any vehicle.