Mass properties of cars—An investigation

In this paper the measurements of the mass properties (centre of gravity location and inertia tensor) of cars performed at the Politecnico di Milano (Technical University of Milan) are collected and employed to derive analytical formulae for the estimation of such parameters. The formulae are based on easily accessible vehicle data and can be actually used to get a prompt and reasonable estimation of the mass properties of any vehicle. The formulae are derived and tested by means of the measurements performed by using the InTenso+ test rig of the Politecnico di Milano considering cars from 2000 to 2016. The test rig is basically a multi-bar pendulums carrying the body under investigation and oscillating from well-known initial conditions. By means of a proper mathematical procedure, the mass properties of the body are accurately measured in a very short testing time.