Evaluating the applicability of analytical methods to the analysis of fuel efficiency of cars
The development of analytical methods for calculating the fuel consumption of vehicles in accordance with normative regimes and cycles is an important problem. Solving this problem will significantly reduce the cost of material and financial resources at the decisionmaking stage. The results of simulation using the software package GT-SUITE and tests of a light commercial vehicle in its main road cycle are presented. The applied test equipment and instrumentation are described. The simulation results are validated by comparing them with the results of the tests. Relationships for the fuel consumption when driving at a constant speed on various gears are deduced. The comparison of the data on the fuel consumption at a constant speed in the main road cycle proved acceptable convergence of the simulation and test results. It is concluded that this method is practical and can be used by engineers in the development departments of automotive companies when designing vehicles.