Dynamic Simulation of Construction Machinery: Towards an Operator Model

In dynamic simulation of complete wheel loaders, one interesting aspect, specific for the working task, is the momentary power distribution between drive train and hydraulics, which is balanced by the operator. This paper presents the initial results to a simulation model of a human operator. Rather than letting the operator model follow a pre-defined path with control inputs at given points, it follows a collection of general rules that together describe the machine’s working cycle in a generic way. The advantage of this is that the working task description and the operator model itself are independent of the machine’s technical parameters. Complete sub-system characteristics can thus be changed without compromising the relevance and validity of the simulation. Ultimately, this can be used to assess a machine’s total performance, fuel efficiency, and operability already in the concept phase of the product development process.