Hill ascent confidence model and simulator for trailer trucks

Abstract

This master thesis reports on the research of simulating hill ascensions on winter roads. By utilizing Python and Excel a simple prototype simulation was created. This simulation shows the velocity changes during the ascension, with different variables such as: initial velocity, gear, weight distribution, environment etc. The variables used are mostly based on real life measurements, with a few exceptions where educated guesses where taken. The results of the simulation shows clearly how the different variables impact the simulation. These results reflect the expected outcome and statements from other research papers. Additionally these results also proves the hypothesis: It is not only the physical aspects of a hill ascension that needs to be taken into consideration, but also how the driver is driving. Especially when it comes to what gear is being used and the impact of a gear change during the ascension. Further validation of the accuracy cannot be taken before proper experiments and potential tuning are completed.