THE CAPABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT OF VDANL AND TWOPAS FOR ANALYZING VEHICLE PERFORMANCE ON UPGRADES AND DOWNGRADES WITHIN IHSDM

This report documents the results and recommendations for defining and analyzing "Vehicle Performance on Upgrades and Downgrades" on two lane rural roads. The contract objective was to develop functional requirements (and identify gaps) to enhance the capability of the Interactive Highway Safety Design Model (IHSDM) in evaluating vehicle operations on upgrades and downgrades, and to provide outputs useful for evaluating grade steepness and the location and design of climbing lanes and emergency escape ramps. The analysis procedures involve the use of two simulation programs: VDANL, a vehicle dynamics simulation; and TWOPAS, a traffic flow simulation. This report includes recommendations for the best approach for applying both VDANL and TWOPAS, the planned improvements to the programs, and data collection and research needed for software enhancement, calibration, verification and validation. Case studies of an example upgrade and downgrade are also included to help support the recommended enhancements.

[1]  A. May,et al.  CAPACITY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE OF TWO-LANE HIGHWAYS , 1999 .

[2]  Paul S. Fancher,et al.  A factbook of the mechanical properties of the components for single-unit and articulated heavy trucks. Phase I. Final report , 1986 .

[3]  David H. Klyde,et al.  Vehicle dynamic stability and rollover , 1992 .

[4]  Gary J. Heydinger,et al.  Powertrain and Brake Modeling of the 1994 Ford Taurus for the National Advanced Driving Simulator , 1998 .

[5]  Kay Fitzpatrick,et al.  DETERMINATION OF STOPPING SIGHT DISTANCES , 1997 .

[6]  Andrew J Ballard.  CURRENT STATE OF TRUCK ESCAPE-RAMP TECHNOLOGY , 1983 .

[7]  W A Johnson,et al.  Feasibility of a grade severity rating system , 1980 .

[8]  Jeffrey P. Chrstos,et al.  Evaluation of VDANL and VDM RoAD for Predicting the Vehicle Dynamics of a 1994 Ford Taurus , 1997 .

[9]  Paul S. Fancher.  Retarders for heavy vehicles: phase II field evaluations. Final report , 1982 .

[10]  Jeffrey P. Chrstos,et al.  APPLYING VEHICLE DYNAMICS ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION TO ROADWAY AND ROADSIDE STUDIES. , 1998 .

[11]  D R Kobett,et al.  Grade effects on traffic flow stability and capacity , 1978 .

[12]  Richard W. Radlinski.  Braking Performance of Heavy U.S. Vehicles , 1987 .

[13]  Russell W. Zub.  A computer program (VEHSIM) for vehicle fuel economy and performance simulation (automobiles and light trucks). Volume 1. Description and analysis , 1981 .

[14]  R Povel,et al.  Engine Braking Systems and Retarders - An Overview from an European Standpoint , 1992 .

[15]  R A Krammes.  INTERACTIVE HIGHWAY SAFETY DESIGN MODEL: A BRIEF OVERVIEW , 1999 .

[16]  P Fancher,et al.  THE INFLUENCE OF BRAKING STRATEGY ON BRAKE TEMPERATURES IN MOUNTAIN DESCENTS. SPECIAL TASK , 1992 .

[17]  A Werner,et al.  EFFECT OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON HIGHWAY CAPACITY , 1975 .

[18]  J L Botha,et al.  A DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK FOR THE EVALUATION OF CLIMBING LANES ON TWO-LANE TWO-WAY RURAL ROADS: RESEARCH SUMMARY. FINAL REPORT , 1980 .

[19]  A D May,et al.  A decision-making framework for the evaluation of climbing lanes on two-lane, two-way rural roads , 1983 .

[20]  M A Flick.  EFFECT OF BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ON BRAKING PERFORMANCE , 1988 .

[21]  Walter A. Johnson,et al.  A Downhill Grade Severity Rating System , 1981 .

[22]  J. K. Hedrick,et al.  Automotive Powertrain Modeling for Control , 1989 .

[23]  Paul S. Fancher,et al.  TORQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE BRAKES , 1975 .

[24]  Parmeet S. Grover.  Modeling of Rolling Resistance Test Data , 1998 .

[25]  John C Glennon,et al.  HIGHWAY CURVE DESIGN FOR SAFE VEHICLE OPERATIONS , 1972 .

[26]  J. K. Hedrick,et al.  Modeling and Validation of Automotive Engines for Control Algorithm Development , 1992 .

[27]  S. C. Davis.  Transportation Energy Databook: Edition 17 , 1997 .

[28]  Parmeet S. Grover,et al.  New Parameters for Comparing Tire Rolling Resistance , 1999 .

[29]  B L Bowman,et al.  GRADE SEVERITY RATING SYSTEM (GSRS) - USERS MANUAL , 1989 .

[30]  A Werner.  Effect of recreational vehicles on highway capacity: thesis , 1974 .

[31]  Richard E. Buck.  A Computer Program (HEVSIM) for Heavy Duty Vehicle Fuel Economy and Performance Simulation: Volume I: Description and Analysis , 1981 .

[32]  Theodore J. Rosenthal,et al.  A Vehicle Dynamics Tire Model for Both Pavement and Off-Road Conditions , 1997 .

[33]  Walter A. Johnson,et al.  THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A PROTOTYPE GRADE SEVERITY RATING SYSTEM , 1982 .

[34]  Farzad Samie,et al.  Approaches to the Thermal Modeling of Disc Brakes , 1988 .