Modeling the Influence of Internal Factors on Vehicular Mobility Performance

Authors

  • Aziz Mdimi University of Dar es Salaam
  • Geoffrey R. John University of Dar es Salaam
  • Cuthbert Mhilu University of Dar es Salaam
  • Joseph Kihedu University of Dar es Salaam
  • Hannibal Bwire University of Dar es Salaam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52339/tjet.v43i2.1016

Keywords:

Vehicular Mobility, Model Formulation, Performance Model, Wheel-road surface interaction, Road conditions

Abstract

Traffic mobility is significantly influenced by road conditions and the internal factors governing vehicular performance. Internal factors play a crucial role in vehicular mobility, influencing vehicles operate and performance. While existing vehicular mobility models primarily address external factors, external factors such as governor, engine, gear train and differential unit remain underexplored. This study formulates a comprehensive model to address this gap, focusing on the internal components that affect vehicular mobility. The proposed model employs both analytical and numerical methods to derive transfer functions for these subsystems using Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB), aiming to capture the dynamic behavior of vehicles under various conditions. The model was evaluated by examining vehicle transaction times across different road surface qualities, measured by the International Roughness Index (IRI) values of 3.5, 3.0, and 2.0, and tractive forces ranging from 4500 N to 17750 N, with applied pedal forces of 50 N, 100 N, 150 N and 200 N. Results indicated that higher tractive forces lead to reduced transaction times, with IRI values of 3.5 m/km showing a decrease from 122.0 seconds to 31.0 seconds as tractive forces increased from 4500 N to 17750 N. Similarly, for IRI values of 2.0 m/km, the transaction times reduced from 67.5 seconds to 7.5 seconds under the same conditions. The analysis further demonstrated that increased applied pedal forces correspond to higher tractive forces, thereby enhancing vehicular mobility and performance. These findings highlight the critical role of internal factors in optimizing vehicular mobility and performance, suggesting that internal subsystem dynamics should be integrated into future mobility models for more accurate and comprehensive assessments.

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Author Biographies

Geoffrey R. John, University of Dar es Salaam

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering Technology

Cuthbert Mhilu, University of Dar es Salaam

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering Technology

Joseph Kihedu, University of Dar es Salaam

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering Technology

Hannibal Bwire, University of Dar es Salaam

Department of Department of Transportation and Geotechnical Engineering, College of
Engineering and Technology

Additional Files

Published

2024-08-31

How to Cite

Mdimi, A., R. John, G., Mhilu, C., Kihedu, J., & Bwire, H. (2024). Modeling the Influence of Internal Factors on Vehicular Mobility Performance. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology, 43(2), 176 - 186. https://doi.org/10.52339/tjet.v43i2.1016
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