Computational and Experimental Investigation on Dynamics of Electric Braking Systems

Electro-pneumatic (EP) components are frequently used in brake systems of commercial vehicles. The simulation of EP brake systems is of great importance in order to understand their dynamics for developing a control logic being robust but fulfilling the modern functional demands. On the other hand, the simulation aids the design of EP components being able to execute the commands of a precision control. The paper presents a flexible computational simulation tool being applied in industrial research and development related to complex mechatronics in brake systems for commercial vehicles. The Electric Braking System (EBS) case study presented herein comprises an air supply unit, an EBS modulator, piping, a diaphragm brake chamber, and the connected brake mechanism. The simulation environment is AMESim® 3.0. Considering the complexity of the EP components and the related phenomena, special models have been elaborated for the solenoid valves, piping, and the diaphragm brake chamber. The simulation results show good agreement with measurement data. The comparative numerical and experimental study confirmed that the simulation tool can be effectively used in design, research and development of EP brake systems.