Numerical Simulation of a Motorcycle-rider System with Laser Sensor for Collision Avoidance

The paper illustrates the research outcomes of the integration of sensor system and control logic into a multibody simulation environment for motorcycle accidental dynamics analysis. One of the main objectives is to propose feasible scenarios for intelligent collision avoidance scheme for powered two wheeler (PTW) systems. A multibody model of a motorcycle that comprises a simplified model of the rider is studied with a conceptual virtual laser sensor placed on the front fork and beaming forward. The sensor is modelled as a device that is able to detect objects within its beam that is characterized by sweeping, beaming and sampling parameters. The virtual environment is populated with moving obstacles placed along the nominal trajectory of the motorcycle. Several control logics are then investigated, from a simple warning system that will result in an action taken by the rider, towards an automatic collision avoidance manoeuvre system that includes controlled steering and braking compatible with the model dynamics and limitations. It is necessary to take into account the fact that the active control system may introduce additional discomfort to the rider due to the sense of limiting his control of the vehicle. Through virtual prototyping techniques which involves a complex model of the motorcycle and the behaviour of the rider, a conceptual study is conducted in order to demonstrate that a proper sensor system together with an active control scheme could, in principle, help the rider to take appropriate actions to avoid the crash against an obstacle or reduce the energy of the impact. Moreover this method is used also to investigate realistic motorcycle manoeuvres especially when the accident is unavoidable leading to a pre-crash scenario that is suitable for a more viable crash and postcrash simulation. This work has been developed within the framework of the EC Marie Curie project MYMOSA which focuses on the research of the integration of active safety systems in motorcycles to reduce the fatalities and injuries on European roads.