Investigation on the mass properties of cars

The knowledge of the mass properties (centre of gravity location and inertia tensor) of cars is crucial for the analysis of their dynamic performances. The measurement of such properties is not always performed and their value is estimated by 3D models of some empirical formula. In this paper, the mass properties of cars are investigated by analysing the measurements performed at the Politecnico di Milano. The measurements have been realized by the InTenso+ test rig of the Politecnico di Milano in the period from 2000 to 2018. 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. The obtained measures are statistically analysed and correlations are found with easily accessible vehicle data. On the basis of such correlations, formulae are proposed to have a quick and reasonable estimation of the most relevant mass parameters (centre of gravity height and diagonal terms of the inertia tensor) of any vehicle.