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Simulations and Experiments in the Design of Transport Vehicles: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 4082

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ján Dižo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Transport and Handling Machines, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Žilina, Slovakia
Interests: theory of transport means; vehicle dynamics; multibody system modeling; mechanical engineering; design of transport means; operational properties of transport means; analysis of rail and road vehicles’ properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Alyona Lovska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Transport and Handling Machines, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Žilina, Slovakia
Interests: wagon; strength; dynamics; loading of construction; railway and ferry-boat transportation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Miroslav Blatnický

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Transport and Handling Machines, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Žilina, Slovakia
Interests: theory of transport mean; structural analysis of transport mean; modeling and simulation; theory and application of computational methods; mobile work machine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

We are pleased to announce this Special Issue of Applied Sciences entitled “Simulations and Experiments in the Design of Transport Vehicles: 2nd Edition”.

The first edition of this Special Issue had a considerable impact on the scientific community and provided an excellent opportunity to share the latest results of researchers and scholars in the field of simulation computations and experimental tests of transport vehicles.

Transport vehicles are an important means of transporting passengers and goods across the world, and are inseparable part of the transprort infrastructure, regardless of whether they are land transport vehicles or other means of transport that move through the air or water.

Safe and reliable transport operations can be guaranteed only through the use of state-of-the-art, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly transport vehicles. Presently, such transport vehicles cannot be designed without undertaking simulation methods that provide an effective and relatively rapid way of designing and predicting the dynamic properties of these vehicles. Virtual modelling cannot, however, be the only method used to verify the performance of transport vehicles and their dynamics. Experiments are also very important for researchers and scientists, whether conducted directly through the creation of a real product and putting it into operation or by conducting laboratory tests, in which life-size or scale models of transport vehicles can be evaluated.

Dynamic analysis represents a vital strategy for establishing the optimal properties of transport vehicles and ascertaining that their operational safety and the comfort of passengers are ensured. The application of autonomous systems, neural networks, and artificial intelligence in the design and analysis of the dynamics of transport vehicles is vital to achieving this goal. We intend for this Special Issue to present the latest research findings of simulations and experiments related to the design and dynamic analysis of transport vehicles, and for it to be a significant opportunity to share such knowledge, both with other scientific experts and the broader public.

Dr. Ján Dižo
Prof. Dr. Alyona Lovska
Dr. Miroslav Blatnický
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • advanced methods in the design of transport vehicles
  • new trends in computational methods
  • simulation computations
  • experiments—laboratory vs. real operation
  • transport vehicles
  • dynamics of transport vehicles
  • track irregularities
  • multibody dynamics
  • finite element methods
  • artificial intelligence
  • virtual reality
  • neural networks in transport vehicles
  • digital twins in transport means analysis

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1678 KB  
Article
Experimental Validation of a Longitudinal Vehicle Model for an Agricultural Vehicle Using Coast-Down Testing and Diagnostic Data
by Ugnė Koletė Medževeprytė, Rolandas Makaras, Vaidas Lukoševičius and Algirdas Laskys
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041814 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Accurate modelling of agricultural vehicles is essential for optimizing drivetrain performance and energy efficiency, particularly as hybrid systems become more prevalent in sustainable farming. This study presents an experimental validation of a vehicle physical model using the Claas Xerion 3800 tractor. Coast-down tests [...] Read more.
Accurate modelling of agricultural vehicles is essential for optimizing drivetrain performance and energy efficiency, particularly as hybrid systems become more prevalent in sustainable farming. This study presents an experimental validation of a vehicle physical model using the Claas Xerion 3800 tractor. Coast-down tests were conducted to determine the rolling resistance coefficient, while GPS and diagnostic data were used to capture real-world vehicle dynamics and fuel consumption. The rolling resistance coefficient was calculated using two-stage aggregation method of multiple run data, yielding a statistically robust result. Simulation outputs showed close agreement with measured longitudinal responses, including vehicle acceleration, traction force, and fuel usage, with a 2.1% deviation in total fuel consumption. These findings demonstrate that the proposed modelling approach reliably replicates the vehicle’s macroscopic longitudinal dynamics and support its application in drivetrain optimization, hybrid system integration, and energy-efficient vehicle design studies. The validated framework contributes to the development of context-aware simulations capable of reflecting real-world off-road conditions and operational variability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulations and Experiments in the Design of Transport Vehicles: 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 1784 KB  
Article
Multi-Stage Topology Optimization for Structural Redesign of Railway Motor Bogie Frames
by Alessio Cascino, Enrico Meli and Andrea Rindi
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020973 - 18 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 394
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive structural optimization workflow for a railway motor bogie frame, aimed at developing an innovative and lightweight design compliant with the reference European standards. The methodology integrates a two-stage topology optimization process, supported by an extensive numerical simulation campaign [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive structural optimization workflow for a railway motor bogie frame, aimed at developing an innovative and lightweight design compliant with the reference European standards. The methodology integrates a two-stage topology optimization process, supported by an extensive numerical simulation campaign and a dedicated sensitivity analysis to identify the most critical load scenarios. In the first optimization stage, a global evaluation of the frame performance revealed that increasing the number of optimization parameters leads to a rise of approximately 50% in solver iterations. Symmetry constraints proved essential for simplifying both the optimization and the subsequent geometric reconstruction. The minimum feasible feature dimension strongly affected the final solution, modifying the material distribution and enabling a mass reduction of about 18%. The second optimization stage, focused on the cross beams, highlighted the relevance of manufacturing constraints in guiding the solver toward practical configurations. Static and fatigue assessments confirmed stress distributions consistent with the original frame, providing designers with a reliable basis for future material upgrades. Finally, the dynamic analysis showed a first natural frequency above 60 Hz, with variations in the first eigenvalue within 1% and preservation of the local flexural mode shape, ensuring full compatibility with the original frame interfaces and enabling seamless replacement with the optimized configuration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulations and Experiments in the Design of Transport Vehicles: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2324 KB  
Article
High-Fidelity Finite Element Modelling (FEM) and Dynamic Analysis of a Hybrid Aluminium–Honeycomb Railway Vehicle Carbody
by Alessio Cascino, Enrico Meli and Andrea Rindi
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010549 - 5 Jan 2026
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 568
Abstract
This study presents the development and high-fidelity finite element modelling of an innovative hybrid railway carbody structure, designed to achieve a substantial reduction in mass while maintaining the required mechanical performance under service conditions. The proposed concept integrates a traditional aluminium frame with [...] Read more.
This study presents the development and high-fidelity finite element modelling of an innovative hybrid railway carbody structure, designed to achieve a substantial reduction in mass while maintaining the required mechanical performance under service conditions. The proposed concept integrates a traditional aluminium frame with an advanced honeycomb sandwich panel, joined through adhesive bonding to ensure structural continuity, compensate for thermal effects, and minimize over constraining stresses. Detailed numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate both the static and dynamic behaviour of the structure under the most demanding load cases prescribed by standards. Modal analysis showed excellent agreement with the original carbody, with variations in the first natural frequency about 3%, while a change in the nature of the corresponding eigenvector was observed. Static simulations under maximum vertical loading confirmed comparable stiffness and stress distributions. Localised stress peaks increased by approximately 19%; the corresponding material utilization factor remained below unity, demonstrating that the structure operates safely within its allowable limits. The introduction of the sandwich panel enabled a mass saving of approximately 60% in the replaced components, corresponding to 3.9% if referred to the whole structure. The results validate the structural feasibility and mechanical reliability of the proposed hybrid concept, laying the foundations for the subsequent experimental phase and for refining its predictive accuracy and industrial applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulations and Experiments in the Design of Transport Vehicles: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3497 KB  
Article
Numerical Stability and Handling Studies of Three-Wheeled Vehicles Using ADAMS/Car
by Katarzyna Stańko-Pająk, Jarosław Seńko, Radosław Nowak, Maciej Rymuszka, Dariusz Danielewicz and Kamil Jóźwik
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010098 - 22 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 852
Abstract
Three-wheeled vehicles are gaining popularity in European and Asian cities due to their low cost, stability, maneuverability, and compact size. Among these, tilting vehicles facilitate cornering, maintain stability, and reduce centrifugal forces. This study investigates a delta-configured, three-wheeled tilting vehicle designed for people [...] Read more.
Three-wheeled vehicles are gaining popularity in European and Asian cities due to their low cost, stability, maneuverability, and compact size. Among these, tilting vehicles facilitate cornering, maintain stability, and reduce centrifugal forces. This study investigates a delta-configured, three-wheeled tilting vehicle designed for people with reduced mobility. Vehicle dynamics were analyzed using ADAMS/Car simulations, including steady-state cornering and single-lane change tests, focusing on body motion and forces in suspension and steering systems. Results show that tilting of the body significantly enhances cornering safety compared to non-tilting three-wheelers, providing insights for designing efficient urban vehicles for diverse user groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulations and Experiments in the Design of Transport Vehicles: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 4265 KB  
Article
Research on Dynamic Loads Acting on a Vehicle Caused by the Road Profile with Different Surfaces
by Marcin Mieteń, Jarosław Seńko, Jacek Caban, Krzysztof Szcześniak and Marcin Walkiewicz
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13106; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413106 - 12 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 636
Abstract
Dynamic loads on a vehicle’s running gear generated when driving over uneven roads or surfaces have a destructive effect on its components and, consequently, on the vehicle’s reliability. Special vehicles, especially off-road vehicles, are operated differently from traditional vehicles. Deformable surfaces can induce [...] Read more.
Dynamic loads on a vehicle’s running gear generated when driving over uneven roads or surfaces have a destructive effect on its components and, consequently, on the vehicle’s reliability. Special vehicles, especially off-road vehicles, are operated differently from traditional vehicles. Deformable surfaces can induce significant dynamic loads on vehicle running gear components even at low speeds, significantly limiting safe driving speeds. This article presents experimental vehicle tests conducted on four test track sections at three predefined vehicle speeds (10, 20, and 30 km/h). The experimental results demonstrate a clear dependence of dynamic loads on the off-road vehicle’s speed on dirt surfaces. Differences were observed between the measurement sections, suggesting that standard road profile metrics (e.g., RMS (Root Mean Square) profile height change) do not fully predict actual loads, requiring continuous monitoring of vehicle operating conditions. Compared to paved roads, where loads are more predictable, ground surfaces generate unique vibration patterns even at low driving speeds. RMS values for the measurement sections ranged from 0.02 to 0.06 m. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt test methods to specific ground conditions, with driving speed as a key research parameter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulations and Experiments in the Design of Transport Vehicles: 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 3801 KB  
Article
The Dynamic Behavior of Heavy Vehicles in Cornering Actions: An Assessment of the Problem
by Francisco Castro, Francisco Queirós de Melo, David Faria, Nuno Viriato Ramos, Pedro M. G. P. Moreira and Mário Augusto Pires Vaz
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 11959; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152211959 - 11 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 904
Abstract
Road accidents cause 1.3 million deaths annually, motivating the United Nations (UN) to develop a strategy seeking to halve this number by 2030. Portugal, with 60 deaths per million inhabitants in 2022, ranks sixth in European Union (EU) road fatalities, although these numbers [...] Read more.
Road accidents cause 1.3 million deaths annually, motivating the United Nations (UN) to develop a strategy seeking to halve this number by 2030. Portugal, with 60 deaths per million inhabitants in 2022, ranks sixth in European Union (EU) road fatalities, although these numbers have been decreasing since 2010. Rollover accidents account for 33% of traffic fatalities in the U.S.; yet, only 3% of crashes involve rollover accidents. These are particularly dangerous and mainly involve medium-to-large-sized vehicles having high centers of gravity (CoG), such as SUVs and heavy vehicles. On the other hand, bus accidents make up only 2% of EU road deaths, often involving vulnerable road users. Road forensic investigations rely on CoG positioning data for accurate accident reconstructions, using key equations for calculating skid and overturning speed limits. To complement the already existing equations, and by using a rigid body system, an equation for the evaluation of the overturning velocity in a curved trajectory is developed and proposed, considering the suspension stiffness properties of a vehicle. Finally, a real-world accident investigation involving a bus overturning is presented, and the method that was developed is applied. The developed formulation showed good results compared to the ones that were obtained during the forensic investigation and reduced the error from 5% to 2% compared to the existing equations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulations and Experiments in the Design of Transport Vehicles: 2nd Edition)
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